Christmas At The Archer's

[Stefan Archer]

It was his first summer outside of school, and well it was going to be the first Christmas that he would properly celebrate. Having decided weeks before, Stefan Archer had sent owls to his friends inviting them to this small event of sorts. He didn't know who would come but he would be happy with just one other person. Obviously he knew that it would be hard. He'd worked endlessly so that he could put together enough money to be able to pull this off. He'd done all sorts of tasks in the local town, even going so far as to do the paper route. A job usually done by young teens. Stefan however was no longer a young teen, he was fast approaching his nineteenth birthday, and therefore his final year of teenage hood. While the last two years had been a lot better, the teen was looking forward to closing the chapter on the teenage years and just moving on. Which was a long, arduous and sorrowful chapter. While Stefan had managed to turn his life around, it hadn't been easy. So much could still be seen in him. While he was gladly opening his arms to people he might've once run away from, it was a small improvement on how things had been. Stefan had worked hard to make himself better. He fought everyday to keep feelings at bay. Memories of horrible nightmarish situations he didn't want to revisit ever. This was going to be his way of thanking all those people who had stood by him, or helped him in any way. It wasn't too much but Stefan had given this his all. Having dug out the decorations from the previous years, he'd used magic to string up the tinsel, the tree with the few decorations he had. But he'd done a few other things which he found made his home feel much less dreary. That and he was sort of hopeful that those who knew of his situation, or how he'd come to live alone at his young age in a house such as his. There had been on small problem in the fact that Strfan still lack power. He had running water but his budget did not stretch as far as to give him any real power. Mostly he used magic to get things warm. Today, he had opted to go for what he heard was an Aussie tradition. A barbecue, one of the ones that was use once then throw away. He was sure his magic would help ensure it worked properly, but he was hoping nothing went truly wrong. Without any clear numbers on who to expect however the teen had just put the table out into the part of the front garden which was much more presentable. He was all in all pretty pleased with his work. He was sure that even if only one person came they would have a blast. Well, Stefan knew at least one person who would be sure to attend.

On the 25th of December, Stefan hadn't slept overly well. Not from any lack of trying but it appeared that his mind had decided he would relive every Christmas memory he had. Where all but two were horrible. It had left his brain feeling pretty scattered when he'd awoken drenched in sweat at three in the morning. But this early morning hadn't gone to waste. He had spent the first hour of him being awake visiting his mother's grave. Not the best way to start a Christmas but he was perfectly happy to. He took new flowers and spent a good few moments telling her about his plans. About how happy he was that he was doing this. That he wished she could be with them. That it wouldn't be Stefan alone with his friends and extended family. However after that, Stefan had gone home and began the final preparations. Most of which just included getting most of his stuff out from within the living area. He only took the things that made it look like it was his bedroom rather than a living area. Moving all of those items and roughly shoving them into his old bedroom and promptly locking the door behind him. The house looked a lot better than it had before. The kitchen looked as good as new as did the hallway. There was still a few lingering stains but those were barely visible. Several hours later the teen was lingering in the kitchen ready to get started on the cooking. He was moving the last few items outside, when there was the noise of someone apparating into the garden. He smiled to himself. The boy glanced around and noticed his cousin with his parents heading towards him. At this he smiled. Greeting them with a small smile, and letting his cousin hug him tightly. He knew his aunt and uncle were probably not staying but he was glad to see them. And for once, he was greeted with gifts. "I..." he started, "I didn't get you guys anything." he shied away from them but was greeted with smiles. Stefan had never gotten gifts from family. It was a nice change and he couldn't help but feel this was the beginning of a really good chapter.
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So this open, after I've posted as Tybalt it'll be officially open.
If your character is a friend of Stefan's or even Ty's they are more than welcome to join!

 

[Tybalt Archer]

Tybalt had been looking forward to his Christmas holidays since the start of the term. Well, really when things had started to get really hard the young Gryffindor had been sort of hopeful at the thought of the end of term. He and his family had Christmas traditions which had only been slightly altered since moving to New Zealand. For one thing they always spent the night before just the four of them. Opening gifts and celebrating and the next day was to spend with friends and family members that were slightly extended. That Christmas they'd been split of sorts. While Ty had been adamant about where he wanted to spend his day, his parents hadn't been so sure. It had been his mama who'd suggest that they briefly stop by leaving Ty with his cousin and then going off to the time with friends, and possibly the family back in Georgia. Tybalt honestly did mind what his family did. Just so long that he got to spend some of his time with his cousin. And who ever else would be going. Which was a sort of good occasion for the teen. He knew his cousin would look after him, he trusted in that but he was also hoping to see others. Spend some time with a large group of people who were technically friends. It definitely beat staying with his parents at some silly party surrounded by people he didn't know. Ty's parents had been very pleased with how the term had passed for the Gryffindor. He had gotten perfect grades, was on the quidditch team and had continued with the photography thing they'd always claimed had been silly. It was good and it didn't help that Ty had been on a high ever since the Yuleball and the amazing night he had spent with Bituin. He couldn't have imagined a more perfect night and she filled his thoughts so much now. He was so thankful that he'd had the chance to meet her, be rid of the silly fear of her sister. And dance with a truly beautiful girl. He had mustered the courage for a quick kiss but that was it. Hopefully she would be coming today. Stefan had told him that he could invite as many people as he wanted. Which had been perfect for the teen. Who had sent out invites to many people. Though he wasn't sure who else would attend. In any case the boy was sure he was in for a magical Christmas Day.

The sun was already pretty high in the sky, giving the day a nice warmth but not so overly hot that it wasn't nice. He was ready before the crack of dawn but had been made to wait until he could go. His mother being the witch had taken both his father and him on side along apparition to his cousin's house. It was in the middle of nowhere and was pretty pointless to drive. Upon arriving the youngest monochromatic gazes happily at the sight. A large table and many other things. Decorations. Without thinking about it, he ran to his cousin and wrapped his arms around the elder and then took them away so his parents could greet his cousin. The usual handshake from his dad and the usual but from his mama. Tybalt found it almost funny that Stefan was surprised about the gifts. Ty had bought his cousin a little something but left it with his parents to give to him. Soon after his parents left them. Apologizing but wishing them a good time. His parents said farewell to Stefan in the same way they had greeted him, but both Hugged Tybalt, both lightly kissing the boy on his head. With a resound snap his parents left. "Looks amazing Stef" Tybalt this little talent of giving people nicknames even if they didn't want them. He gave him a warm smile, helping carrying the last of what was needed through, and letting his cousin explain that the set up would be like a buffet. People would take bits and pieces of food from one table and sit down at the other. Simple. He didn't know how many would attend but was hopeful for some. Ever wanting to help Tybalt followed his cousin like a little puppy and helped with the cooking. Chatting away about the amazing time he'd had over the semester and the amazing yuleball he'd spent with Bituin.It was during the final preparations as Stefan had said people might arrive soon that the only other thing on the young boy's mind. Something he was thinking of more and more. "Do you think they can cure our eyesight?" Tybalt said, almost as if thinking out loud. "The healers. They are magic and we're the first of our family to ever have the option of asking. Do you think they could fix us?" it was an almost a childlike way of asking. Careful. While he hopes for a straight answer he was also hoping others would arrive soon. His cousin, Ty realized might not enjoy thinking about such things. He stopped what he was doing and waited for an answer. Knowing he would enjoy this day even if this question was not one thing that slightly brought down the day.
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[Bituin San Buenaventura]

Bituin woke up Christmas Day like it was any other day. And for her it was. She wasn't Christian so the religious holiday held no emotional tie to her. But she was feeling quite excited like any other child on Christmas morning, this Christmas. Mostly because she was going to get to see Tybalt Archer. She had a whirlwind of a night at the Yule Ball with him and it ended on an extremely happy note for both of them. She got her first kiss that night, from Tybalt. The girl even was invited to spend the Holiday at his cousin's house. That was why she was so nervous. Not only did she have to fly to the house, she had to make sure after flying she was still presentable enough to be in front of his family. Of course the night Tybalt had kissed her, her hair had been wild from running and she wasn't put together at all. And he had continued to call her beautiful that entire night. But this was different, this was his family, and his cousin wasn't going to feel the same about her as Tybalt did. The girl had her hair up in a pony tail with her natural waves flowing down her back. She put on muggle clothes as Tybalt had told her his cousin lived near a muggle town so she wasn't sure if muggles would be there or not. But she did through her Ravenclaw flying robe over her clothing. The girl was going to fly to the house, so she had studied maps of the area to find the best way around muggle prone areas as well as how to just get there. Grabbing her broom the girl left the empty room she shared with a few others in her year.

Leaving the castle wasn't very hard at all and her first stop outside of the castle was Dervish and Banges to pick up the present she had gotten for Tybalt. She came to the village of Brightstone right when holiday had started to pick out something for the boy. She was actually rather excited to give him the present. She placed the neatly wrapped gift along side the gift she had brought for Tybalt's older cousin, Stefan. She only felt it right to bring the host of the party a present as well. And though it was much simpler than Tybalt's she thought it would be a nice gift. Hoping on her broom the girl was glad that she had chosen to put her hair up in a ponytail. The wind seemed to be not strong but enough that if her hair had been down it would be completely crazy. After taking off it did not take her more than twenty minutes to reach the address Tybalt had given her. Landing was the tricky part, she didn't want anyone noticing her coming down on her broom.

Once she landed on the ground the girl brushed her self off and took off her flying cloak. Flipping her broom so the end was up in the air the girl went to the front door praying it was the right house. She would have no words to explain to a muggle why she was holding a broom, she would look like such a weirdo. Standing at the door Bituin bit her lip preparing herself to knock on the door. She wasn't sure why it was taking so much time to build up the courage to knock on a piece of wood. Raising her hand the girl knock and stood there awkwardly until someone opened the door and let her in.​

 

[Stefan Archer]

there was only ever one way that Stefan described his young cousin and that was a whirlwind. He was rash and at times hyper but Stefan enjoyed his company a lot. And he also didn't mind the extra pair of hands to help him out. He just continued what he was doing letting Tybalt talk away in the background as he helped him out just a little. Honestly, Stefan enjoyed hearing about Ty's adventures in school. They were so different from his own that he just wanted to congratulate his cousin on doing so well with himself. Which was a good thing. Stefan had been sure to set everything up in the backyard of his house. Which was larger than the front. The house was small and pretty compact, the edges of the garden pretty wild and unruly. There were flowers dotted around the place. Mostly like daisies that grew wildly on the garden, or well what he had been told were daisies. The back garden had a trimmed hedge and a fence which looked out over the New Zealand countryside. The next house was not for miles, and it was perfect for him to live in peace while also able to use magic at will. It had also unfortunately been perfect for his father. No nearby neighbours who would've called the police at the sounds of someone being beaten. That someone being him. Despite he obvious problems of the house, the elder of the Archers liked the house. He liked the simplicity and the comfort it gave him. While he had a lot of truly awful memories, the house had helped him and he would improve it until not one sign showed that anything bad had ever occurred. But for now he was satisfied that at least the rooms downstairs had nothing to show for that. The living area that he put himself up in was a room Stefan had rarely been allowed in, but it was of all the rooms the best looking. The windows that had been cracked had been the easiest to fix and while Stefan rarely spent his time on the sofa he was still happy to be staying in that room. The second level of the house was a slightly different matter. It was still a mess though only if a person entered the rooms. The usual blood stained the walls and carpet, though the bathroom, the only one in the house was looking pretty good. Needing a new paint layer but looking better than it once had. It was easy for Stefan to let his mind drift to other things as Tybalt talked. Easy and useful, though Stefan always remembered about 90% of what his cousin said. It was at the last question that Stefan stopped. He had thought about it, the meeting with Jeremy the healer had put the thought in his mind where he had never thought about it. Before he could reply Stefan heard the distinct knock on the door.

Curious as to why someone was knocking and not just walking through, with a flick of his wand Stefan left his cousin to look after the cooking food and walked through to the door. The house was pretty void of picture. He had a few of Kate and of other friends but there were none of his parents and none of him as a child. Those didn't exist really, very few and since most knew about Stefan's pretty awful childhood it would be understandable. He opened the door and was greeted by the sight of a small, young person at his door. One of Ty's friends. It was then it occurred to him who this person might just be. Stefan had finally finished growing, his thin frame was looking better than it once had, he now wore glasses as bought by his uncle, and in general looked a lot better than he ever had in school. He greeted the girl with a smile. "You must be Bituin!" he opened the door wide and motioned for her to come in. He then did not close the door behind her, just left it wide open. "I'm Stefan, Ty's cousin. Welcome!" Stefan was maybe not as friendly as his younger cousin but he was pretty friendly. He extended a hand to her to shake rather than anything else. This girl he didn't know. It was Ty's maybe, possible girlfriend, no one that Stefan knew personally. "Dump your stuff anywhere and come and join us out back. In saying that, I left Ty to the food I better go check he hasn't set it alight!" Stefan gave a light laugh. While his cousin had a strong southern accent, Stefan's accent was much more plain. More Kiwi, he spoke more quietly. But he walked back through the house, and out the back door in the kitchen. To where Thbalt was and where everything was set up. "There are no parents, it's just going to be us young people. Mostly. So you don't need to worry about impressing anyone. Ty's over there" Ty seemed to notice who had arrived as he left his post by the food which Stefan quickly went back to. "It's lovely to meet you Bituin." he called to her as he walked away a smile clear on his face. This would definitely be interesting.
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[Tara Sitara]

It had been an age since Tara had seen anyone from her school. she was currently spending her days waiting tables in a muggle cafe, it wasnt quite what she wanted to b doing but she had to make some money to support the family, and although she was able to return to india she had decided that she would rather stay in new zealand and not have to live a muggle life there. seven years of the school had given her enough of a taste of freedom to mean she knew she would be unhappy married off to a man she didnt know, and although she knew her parents had rather her done that they didnt mind too much that she did otherwise so long as they were supported. Each fortnight she would bring home her pay check take the money for her bills and rent of her small appartment out keep fifty dollers for food for herself and then send the rest back to india. this eaft her with a really small budget and nothing to go into savings, not that she minded. she knew she had a loan that mr and mrs gupta had given her to start the cafe and o her days off that is what she was doing looking for somewhere to make her business.
Today being christmas day meant that the shoppig center that the cafe was in was shut and therefore she had a day off. today she was not going in search of her own cafe. instead she was meating up with her friends. dressed in a pink indian dress she made her way towards stefans house. she had always warm a lot of indian clothing but since graduation she was wearing a lot more. she had always found it comfortable and she loved the variety of colours and textures of the materials. over her shoulder was a deep pink bag containing her wand, and a variety of small boxes and bags containing a variety of sweets and treats in there for christmas presents for Stefan and his other guests as although she didn't actually celebrate christmas herself, she knew the traditions around the event and knew that gifts were one of them. it had taken about half of her food ration fro three weeks to buy everything she needed for them she had then apparated to india where a lot of the ingredients were more plentiful. she had also treated herself to a new kameez with the leftover money which was now hanging neatly in her wardrobe.
it was a bit of a walk passing through brightstone and out the other since but she eventually ended up at the address of stefans house. she waited at the top of the steps hoping she didn't seem like she had just walked for an hour and a half she knocked on the door though seeing it was already open she bowed her head before crossing the thresh hold. "Merry Christmas Stefan" she salled making her way towards where she could hear the voices. "thank you for inviting me" she said as she entered the kitchen and saw that there were three people in there. Stefan, someone who looked like a younger stefan who she assumed was his cousin she had heard about but not met, and another girl who agin seemed younger. "hello everyone"[/b she said. "I'm Tara." she said bowing her head to each of them in a classic indian greeting.

 

[Tybalt Archer]

Tybalt did this thing where he rambled, he could talk and talk and talk to his hearts content, not even posing any questions, but despite how often his parents told him to not do that especially to his cousin who maybe wasn't so used to it, he did it anyway. Rather than just let things hang in the air he talked and talked. Not missing one little point in many points about how good his term had been, finally ending on the point of the young brunette girl that he had taken quiet the shine to. The girl who was almost constantly on his mind though he never figured that anyone could be on any one person's mind for such a long period of time. He had discovered it to be true. However through his ramblings the teen noticed that the house he remembered as being really run down and pretty horrible looking was changed. There was still the usual broken window on the upper floor of the house, that remained broken. It was a room that Ty had never been in, though he'd visited many times. Tybalt's parents, or well his mother had figured out for the most part that Stefan's childhood had not been the best. They'd made sure that Tybalt learned to restrain his mind on certain issues. Which was why Ty never brought it up. But he was glad that the house looked better even if it was without his help. Which he would've given had he not been in school. All in all Tybalt was impressed. Which was why he had ended up bringing the question of eye sight up. He had discovered ever since the Yuleball and ever since the last term, the young teen had become almost obsessed with the idea of being able to see what others could while be could not. Since it was Christmas, Tybalt had decided to wear his glasses, mostly as he hadn't wanted the bother of contacts, which could get fairly annoying. This suited him fine since his cousin also wore glasses. He heard the knocking at the door almost as soon as Ty thought that he cousin wouldn't reply to him. Maybe he would later when they were without company and could talk about such things. In any case, Tybalt went to doing as he'd been instructed when Stefan left. Watching the food as it cooked, or well as he was sure it was cooking. Tybalt was many things, he was good at many things but neither of those meant that he was a good cook.

Voices drifted into the garden and Tybalt looked round, at first not really noticing who it was. It was when he looked back that he noticed who it was. Joy erupted within him as he saw the face of the girl he'd spent the time he had alone with Stefan talking about. He waved at her before half running half skipping over to her just as his cousin went back over to the food. Without giving it any thought, the teen wrapped his arms around her and greeted her with a massive hug. "You made it!" he exclaimed with clear happiness in his voice as he pulled away from the hug. He wanted to kiss her there and then but with his cousin close by he didn't want to get laughed at. He didnmt think his cousin would but he could never know. "Happy Holidays!" he added brightly. He was pretty sure that B didn't really celebrate Christmas so he said that instead of merry Christmas, though Stefan had told him that while this was a Christmas celebration it wasn't religious, and more just friends spending time together. Tybalt took a few steps back from Bituin but gladly took her hand leading her away from the entrance to the kitchen, but then it occurred to him that she might want to see the house. At this however he heard another voice in the house. Tybalt looked round as a girl wearing an odd dress entered. He didn't know what kind of dress it was, but Ty thought it looked nice. It wasn't the traditional sort of clothing a person saw but Tybalt also didn't care. To him a person could wear whatever they want. It was obviously a friend of Stefan's since he didn't know her. He smiled at her as she greeted them. He took a few steps towards her, letting to of B'e hand and extending it to hers, Tara. "I'm Tybalt, or Ty, I'm his cousin." he introduced with a smile. "And don't believe what Stef tells you, I did most of the cooking!" he gave a light laugh as he spoke. He looked round to his cousin and then back at Tara, glancing also over to Bituin. "Why don't I show you round the house?" he wasn't sure if they'd want to, but it was worth asking. Maybe Stefan would want to spend a moment talking to his friend. He looked over at Bituin, "Come on," he gave her a warm smile, his eyes never leaving hers as he looked at her. Smiling happily as he headed back into the house.
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[Stefan Archer]

Stefan knew that his cousin was a little bit wild. He could that much by the way he approached the girl as Stefan walked slightly away. From what his cousin had said about the two of them they were maybe an item by weren't so sure. He found it fairly funny, and it did remind him about those first few times with Kate, where they had been close friends but never taking that extra step towards becoming an item. Stefan missed Kate a lot nowadays. Since she was off exploring the world, he'd found the past few months a little lonely. It was why he was glad to have Tybalt back and why he was more than happy to be doing this with his friends. He had invited Kate in his last letter, telling her what he was doing and she had responded in the affirmative, but he didn't know when she would be there. He hoped that she would join him this Christmas. He cared about all his friends but he missed Kate, his beautiful girlfriend, whom he loved with all his heart. Always would. He smiled at Tybalt as he spoke with his friend, stefan was soon back over at the food table. He had made quite a lot. Many sandwiches, and little things like that. A variety of options for meat eaters and non meat eaters. Things that he wasn't sure what they really were but had tried the. All the same. As he stood in front of the food vaguely aware that there seemed to be another voice, his mind cast back to the question that his cousin had asked him. Having always been against the idea of ever trying to fix his eye sight. Since he didn't ever want to see and then lose it again. But he would be willin to try now.

Looking round at the voice, who was greeting the few people who had already arrived. He smiled at Tara, having not seen her since graduation he was glad to see her once more. She was as ever in traditional dress of India, or that was what he believed. Stefan waved slightly at her as he began to make his way over to her. His cousin already introducing himself to her, as well as claiming that he had done all the cooking. "Bullshit, Ty" he said giving a light laugh. "That's complete bullshit and you know it" of course Stefan did not mean any harm by it. It was slightly strong words but that didn't matter. They were family and they were friends. Those things mattered less. He gave her a smile and then hugged his friend. "It's good to see you again Tara! Thanks for coming!" he released her and watched as his cousin pulled Bituin away from them and into the house. He wasn't sure if Tara would want to do that. He didn't know how much she knew about his upbringing. So, he wasn't going to force her to visit his home. "You don't have to follow them, it's not much, but it's the only home I've got. Feel free to cook with me." Stefan smiled at her and then walked back over to the food. He didn't mind what Tara ended up doing. He wouldn't mind her goin with his cousin, so he looked back at her. "My cousin resembles a hurricane, be prepared for that if you chose to take his tour."
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[Bituin San Buenaventura]

Bituin smiled politely as Stefan answered the door, she had honestly feared that it would be him. But he knew her name which made her blush a little. It meant Tybalt had told him about her, and while she heard about Stefan from Ty, she hadn't really thought he would talk about her. She was envious of their relationship even just as cousins to talk about those things. Bituin couldn't share her thoughts about Tybalt with anyone. After deciding to be more than friends with Tybalt but keeping it secret she hoped he wouldn't do anything rash like he usually seemed to do and say anything too much to someone. It was the last thing she needed was her sister finding out that her and Tybalt were close. She followed the older boy through the house as Tybalt pulled her along, thinking how lovely it seemed. Though she noticed a few corners that weren't fully cleaned and she shook her head, a boy living in a house alone, of course things weren't perfectly clean. "Happy Christmas Ty and to you too Stefan," the girl finally said as they arrived to the kitchen. The moment of just the three did not last very long as one of Stefan's friends appeared in the area. Looking at the girl she couldn't remember why she knew of her, and figured there might of been an article about her in the school's gossip magazine from when she first started school. Or perhaps she just looked like someone she knew, oddly enough it could be true. "I'm Bituin San Buenaventura," she said to the older girl.

"Did your cousin just swear?" The girl asked her Gryffindor friend. Her mind was actually quite shocked by the words the elder Archer used around them. She was only thirteen and she never paid much attention to things the older students said so she hadn't heard bad words very often. Shaking her head she followed along a smile on her face. Tybalt Archer was holing her hand again. It felt like a dream come true, she had missed the feeling of it since the Yule Ball. She was being shown all the rooms of the house and for once they were alone. "Wait a second," she said stopping the whirlwind that was Tybalt. She still had her bag in her hand and in it was a gift for Tybalt. Taking out the wrapped gift she had a smile on her face, she didn't care if he hadn't gotten her anything. Christmas wasn't her holiday, a present now would just seem selfish and not needed, but she wanted to fit into his world so she got him a present. "First I picked this up before I came here, I also have something for you cousin," the girl said mentioning the other box in her bag. She held out the wrapped present that was a polaroid camera, one that the muggles used to be so fascinated with, but it turned the pictures into moving ones like all wizard cameras. So they were like instant moving photos, which was really cool. She figured he like it enough to keep memories from. Plus she knew he liked photography. "Second," the girl said with a smile on her face before pulling the boy closer. Leaning closer Bituin left a kiss on Tybalt's lips. It was rather short, but she knew people might be wandering around the house, she didn't want anything to go wrong for them. A smile was on her face as she pulled back and looked into the bright eyes of her secret boyfriend. "Don't tell your cousin, but his present is just this muggle game, but every house needs a few board games I think," she said with a slightly quiet tone to Tybalt. It was true the present she had gotten Stefan was just a game called Monopoly.​

 

[Tara Sitara]

Tara felt a little odd to be in stefans house. it was even odder when she entered the kitchen and saw just stefan his cousin who soon introduced himself as Ty and a girl who, liked like Tys girlfrined, or future girlfriend. it was strange that Kate, her best friend and former dorm mate wast there. "It is nice to meet you Ty" she said shaking the younger boys hand "It is great to meet you too Bituin" she said after the girl introduced herself. she seemed friendly and she vaguely remembered seeing her around the corridors at school though she wouldn't have been able to say any more about her than that. Tara was a little surprised at what happened next. she had learned a long time ago that Stefan was not a big fan of physical contact, although she was the kind of girl who often hugged her friends in greeting Stefan had always been one to shy away until she had learned that it was better for him no to hug this is why she was surprised when she felt him wrap her arms around her in a hug. it wasn't anything more than friends of course and she felt herself tense slightly before giving him a quick hug in return and letting go before things became too uncomfortable. "thank you for inviting me." she said as stefan thanked her for coming.
she put her bag down on one of the chairs she could move it if she needed to but it as easier without it over her shoulder. it was then that Tybalt offered to show her around the house. she smiled kindly and shook her head chuckling slightly as she heard Stefans comment. "thank you cor the offer but i think that i will stay in the kitchen" she said thinking it would probably be better to let the two spend a little time together. she remembered her first boyfriend when she was in second year she loved spending time with him, even if they did fall out fairly often and looking back she saw how incompatible they were. at the time any minute she could have with him without his or her friends around was a minute she had been grateful for. besides she had always felt at home in kitchens. it was usually the room of the house that held the best memories, at home it was the social hub of the home. and since leaving she had spent so much time in kitchens that she always felt at home in one unconsciously stirring the contents of the saucepans, or tasting something to see if it was done. this she was currently restraining herself from doing.
once ty and and bituin had left she couldn't help herself and made her way over to the stove where there was a couple of saucepans cooking. she took the lid of the first and gave it a stir "it all smells so good in here" she said deciding that the contents was a meat so she couldn't taste but she did turn it down a smidgen to stop it sticking. "It has been so long. what have you been up to since graduation?" she asked before checking the next pot which contained some vegetables boiling away which she left. it wasn't that she was trying to be imposing in his kitchen, quite the opposite really tara was one of the least imposing people one could hope to find, it was more that that was what she did so often at home at work that it was instinctive to her like walking or talking, and she hardly knew she was doing it.

 

[Tybalt Archer]

Tybalt was very happy that she had come while they were supposed to be being a little more subtle, but Ty didn't think it mattered so much since they were in the company of people who wouldn't ever say anything, of course true to his promise Ty had left that little bit out of his story. Merely just stating that they had parted ways as friends, nothing more. Which might not be good for the sake of believing the story but he wasn't so bothered. Tybalt trusted his cousin with his life. He watched with a smile as his sort of girlfriend, secret girlfriend, introduced herself to the other person. He gave a laugh as his cousin called him in his lie. he then also laughed at B's reaction. "Yeah, he says its the only thing his father ever really taught him." he was smiling as he said this, and already taking her on his tour. Which made the teen smile just as he dragged her into the house. Showing her the cupboard under the stairs, the living area, which despite it lacking the usual mattress and such he still figured that it was obvious that there was someone living in it, or maybe he just thought that because he knew that someone was. He gave her a smile as he picked up several pictures of his cousin as a baby with his parents explaining that this was his cousin's home growing up. He pulled her upstairs, showing her the bathroom that they were to use, the study and then the master bedroom, leaving out the room that he was not suppose to go into. Which was good for him, he was curious about t, but not so much to go exploring. Ty went into long, and mostly made up stories about the people who had lived in the house. Making the house out to be haunted. Using the odd darker stains in the carpet and dents in walls to show his point. He did not once let go of her hand, and the smile never left his fast. He went back down the stairs and had been about to head back outside where his cousin and his friend were cooking, when B stopped him. He really wasn't surprised by this. The young monochromatic was always excited when he visited his cousin, it didn't help that this was ten times more interesting with the friends and the fact it lack his parents and his little sister. Though he loved her, he was enjoying the time away from her. He'd taught her much about flying but there was also quite a bit to go, so he was glad for a break from the lessons. This would be fun. It would be.

When she asked him to stop of course what he did was stop. He smiled at her and got the strongest urge to kiss her, but instead she pulled or a gift, which instantly made the teen blush. He had not actually planned gifts, so he didn't have any, he made a mental note to buy one for her for when they went back to school. He gave a smile as she also said she had one for Stefan, "You didn't have to, B!" he smiled at her, had been about to kiss her when she handed him the gift. He took it, looking down at the odd shaped present and then Very carefully took of the wrapping paper, proceeding to throwing it into the nearest room, which was the living room and turned the object over in his hands. He saw what it was and he looked back up at her. Sheer joy on his face. Before she could say anything else he raised the camera to her face and took a picture. Instantly taking the picture as it was printed. "And here I thought they stopped making these!" he said gleefully. "Thank you, it's amazing" the picture caught her smiling at him, "Beautiful" he was glad when she pulled him in and kissed him. He returned the kiss, he could not feel more joy in that moment. He half wanted to take a picture of them kissing but that would defeat the purpose of them keeping it a secret. He pulled away at the same time she did, though he hadn't wanted to. He looked to the second gift, and took it from her. Walking over to the little tree that his cousin had set up in the room. "I don't think this house has any. He'll love it. Though expect a gift in the post, and a thank you note. His parents are dead so he doesn't get gifts often." Tybalt said almost as a passing thought. Not meaning anything by it, just saying how it was. He looked back at her with a huge smile on his face, then went to his bag of belongings. He took out his old camera, switching the strap so that he could put his new camera around his neck. Then he turned back to her. Smiling as he walked over, closing the gap between them and kissing her on the lips. Putting his hand on her cheek as he did so. Breaking the kiss he met her eyes. "Thank you" he repeated. Then he smiled at her, as if planning something. He bent down and pretending to grab her legs before just planting a kiss and running of to the garden where his cousin and the other girl were. "She loved the house. I did too. It looks a lot better than how I left it back in September." he smiled as he looked round to Bituin. "So what have you cooked?" he asked his cousin with a smile. He was really happy and it was fairly easy to tell. He raised the camera and took a picture. Smiling as he did so.
​

 

[Stefan Archer]

Stefan was glad that at least one of his friends had turned up. He knew there was yet more time for others to appear. He hadn't really given anyone a specific time, just said, turn up whenever. He hadn't been fussed, because he knew that people would want to spend time with family members and not at some friend's house. Which was why, he hadn't been that surprised that Tara had turned up. He knew that she didn't celebrate Christmas, not in any way. He wasn't sure what she celebrated, the boy tried to pay attention to such things but he wasn't so gifted in his knowledge of other things. What he knew was limited, and while it had been fine for him for a long while it wouldn't be forever. He would be constantly trying to learn things about people, and about things of the world. There was a vast world and he really wanted to learn it all. Nothing else was really on his mind when he read books during his time off. His cousin was welcome company to. He laughed along with him, found that smiling and being in general came easier with him, even if he'd had a really awful night before. If he'd had a horrible time, and was feeling worse than he did on any usual day. Letting, Tybalt roam free in his home, with his whatever that girl was him, was fine with him. He could fix anything that was broken. Could help out with anything his cousin needed. In the same way, that if things were broken, Stefan wouldn't mind replacing them. Many things within his home could do with being replaced. He knew that much, but without the money nor the heart to replace them, they were not. He was glad that she turned down the offer, as he walked over the grass to the little area he had put aside for cooking. It was magically protected from bugs, though the garden only had a few he didn't want things ruined because of that. As Stefan looked over at his friend, a girl he'd known for years, he got the hint that maybe she was at home cooking. Stefan knew how to do it. He liked doing it but he very often doubted his own ability to do it well. "Help yourself, I can see you itching to help out." He gave her a smile.

Stefan didn't mind, this day was all about friends, and spending time together. Stefan had never had the opportunity to do such things growing up. Before hogwarts and then aside from the time in school he had rarely met up with friends. This was his way of doing something good and fun. He almost had the idea of doing it every year, depending on this year went. He glanced back to what he was doing, and thought about her question, it was really easy to answer. He hadn't been doing much. There wasn't much he could do with his grades, though he wasn't overly bothered. He was enjoying his time since school. Much more than he had enjoyed his time before he had been somewhat removed from the school, and living alone. The time with the foster family had been equally awful. For one thing, in either case he would've never been lucky to see so much food, that he would be allowed to eat. "Not much honestly. I didn't really get good grades, what with being out of school so often." He looked round at her, with a small smile. "Been spending my time cleaning up the house. Fixing all the things that were broken, repainting that sort of thing. It's a huge task, the house has seen much. And I've spent time with Ty's parents, they feel sort of bad about everything so they've been helping me out with getting running water and soon electricity" He looked up at the house in front of them. "What about you?" He asked her, they hadn't really kept in contact much. Stefan had found it hard to keep in contact with people. Apart from his girlfriend and an odd letter or two it had proved hard to keep in contact with anyone. it was hard since there was so much for him to do. So much ahead of him, as well as working for money. It kept him occupied and kept him from worrying too much about Kate. Then, he had an odd thought, he looked back to the pots, letting his mind think over things. "Say, Tara, if you were me, would you see if the healers could do anything about the eyesight?" Stefan always remembered that she had loved colour. It had been something he'd found grains of jealousy with. Just then, he saw his cousin run out the house and on to the grassy lawn. Grinning widely as he did so. "I'm not quite sure if they are dating, or if they are just friends. Young teen love" Stefan laughed as he spoke. Looking from Tara to his cousin. "I'm glad you both like it. And I'm more glad it has your seal of approval. Didn't I tell you I'd be fine without you" He gave a small smile, and then looked round to the food in front of him. "I've made lots. There is rice, vegetables, some chicken. Various cakes, some cold pasta salads. A bit of everything" He looked round at the people who were currently in his backyard. "Hope that suits folks, oh Ty," Stefan looked between the cakes, "I'm sorry cousin, but you can't eat that one, it has strawberry jam. I put a massive strawberry on the top so that you wouldn't eat it by accident. But still a bit early to eat."
​

 

[Bituin San Buenaventura]

The house tour had been nice, plus the girl enjoyed spending time seeing Tybalt so excited about something. Though she hadn't really been interested in seeing his cousin's house. It made her think about how far away her own house was and how it was nothing to compared to this. She hide her feelings well as Tybalt didn't seem to notice as he took her through the house. She found it interesting that he felt the need to show her what the cupboard under the stairs look like. That was something she'd probably never share to others if she gave a tour of this house. But it made Tybalt happy to show her round the house and it gave them time to connect alone before returning to his cousin and friend. She wondered if others were going to show up, like more of Stefan's friends and maybe some of Tybalt's friends as well. When she gave him his present he instantly put it to use and took a photo of her. She still found moving photographs to be new and odd to her and she was sure that when the flash went off she looked shocked. But she was glad he liked it and it hadn't been very much at all.

Bituin watched as Tybalt went and put the strap from his other camera onto the polaroid. He came back and gave her a kiss, it made her smile while also weak in the knees. She squinted her eyes at the smile he gave her afterwards. She thought he was going to try something funny which put on her guard and then he bent down towards her legs and she was about to jump away when he ended up kissing her and running away. "HEY!" She yelled chasing after Tybalt, a smile bright on her face. She caught up to him by the time he was near his cousin talking about the tour. Stopping next to him she nodded to what the older boy said. Looking around at the food that was laid out for them so was surprised how nice it all looked. She wondered exactly how much Tybalt helped out with the cooking, she wasn't sure she trusted his cooking. Bituin knew she was quickly falling for him and everything about him, but she knew he didn't pay attention to things for very long, she was sure anything burnt was probably his cooking. As she thought about this there was a small smile on her face as if she had a secret in her head. She looked up though when Stefan addressed his cousin. Looking over to the cake he was pointing out she wondered why Tybalt couldn't eat it. "What's wrong with strawberry jam?" The girl ask her secret boyfriend. She wanted to reach out and have him hold her hand again like he had throughout the entire house, and at the Yule Ball. But she couldn't, but still she was happy he had wanted her to still come to the gathering. She hoped by next Christmas they would be holding hands in public. She even made herself promise to get to that point with him, despite her awful sister.

 

[Tybalt Archer]

Tybalt hadn't been too bothered that just maybe Bituin would not be interested in the house that Ty was showing her. But it had been a good way to get some time alone, and Ty wanted that, considering that at least in his cousins house far away from others it was easy to just be able to kiss her in a little room apart from the rest. Easy enough. What was true, was that Tybalt who was currently running from B knew that come the school term he would really struggle to be able to not kiss her. To restrain himself from holding her hand, or letting his gaze linger on her too long. Which was not going to help him, or her pretend that they weren't dating all in all he figured that it just wouldn't be easy, that it was be hard, that he would hate it. But for the sake of them, and for Bituin's sister not finding out about them he was work hard to ensure their secret would be kept. Even if he was doing a god awful job so far. He was sure that his cousin might've figured it out. But then again he wouldn't jump to conclusions. Which was good. Tybalt stole a glance round to Bituin and smiled at her. The kind of smile that said, got you. He let his smile move to the other girl, Tara one of Stefan's friends. That he vaguely remembered from the graduation. All in all, a few people was good. Soon they would have more. He was sure. Maybe. Although it didnMt matter too much. Ty would be happy to spend time with his cousin, his girlfriend and Stefan's friend. Easy. Honestly as Stefan listed the food, Ty stepped forward and looked at it, at the same time as Stefan he noticed the one cake with the strawberry on top. He glared at his cousin for a few moments before nodding and stepping away. Not actually annoyed at all but pretending to be. He knew his allergy was something he had to watch. Although it was sort of more difficult for him since a lot of the time, specifically in cakes he wasn't very good at seeing if there was strawberry jam in the middle. Glancing round at Bituin he smiled slightly, realising then that maybe they should get to know each other a little better, though he didn't really mind. "I'm allergic to strawberries, strawberry jam, and just about anything with a little bit of Strawberry." he spoke with a tone of annoyance, which still seemed very friendly considering his southern accent.

"Always have been" Ty added, "But I'm always accidentally eating it, since people forget to say that there is strawberry jam in the middle of their cakes. And I can't always tell, cause cream and jam look the same to me." there had many incidents of him growing up where he had accidentally eaten strawberry jam and ended up in hospital. Not so much now, Ty was very careful and was sure to ask. He grinned at her, "Got any allergies, B?" he asked with a small smile, making it sound like he was wanting to know for everyone but really a good opportunity to learn something about his girlfriend. With that however, Ty was growing bored of being stationary. He wondered what they could do to pass the time. He suddenly had an idea, which he leaned over to his cousin to ask if they could. To do this the young boy, who had grown a lot during the last year was still only pushing 5' 4, where his cousin stood at just over 6" so he stood on the tips of his toes to ask. Getting a sort of nod in approval, Tybalt exclaimed his thanks and then ran into the house. Emerging a few moments later with the spare broom that Ty made a point of keeping at Stefan's, as well as the broom that Bituin had brought. "Come on, let's play!" he threw her broom at her before jumping on to his own and flying into the sky. It was a clear sky that day but the house was surrounded for the most part with trees, andir was protected from preying muggle eyes, they were completely safe to fly. He still had his camera around his neck and he quickly took a picture of the people below him, before turning the camera on himself and taking one of himself. He kept both pictures in his hands, flying down to let them both drop on to the table. As well as the camera. There would time for that later. Instead he picked up an apple and threw it up and caught it in the same hand. "what do you think we should play?" he said to Bituin, not really g img her much choice in the matter. If she wanted to talk to his cousin and his cousin's friend he wouldn't mind, but Ty wanted to have fun. And that rarely meant standing around talking.
​

 

[Tara Sitara]

Tara looked over to stefan when he said that he could help herself to helping out. she felt a little bad goe helping herself. "there isn't much that i can do. you have done an amazing job stefan" she said. he really had. and she knew that the offer she had made to him over a year ago sayig if she ever managed to open a cafe she would be more than happy to offer him a job if she wanted to/ "the house looks great Stefan." she said. she didn't know how it had looked bafore but she knew it looked good now. her own flat had furniiture purchaced second hand, usually slightly broken or tatty. her main table had one leg slightly shorter than the other so it was wedged up with a small pice of wood. . her walls were covered in pictures, both her own and others she had found around the place. it gave it more of a nomely feel and also covered the waterstains and the cracks in the wall. the only big advantage of the flat was a large window overlooking a park which is why she had picked that one in the end. "I have been working most of the time. after graduation i went to france working with the same people i worked for for a few years, then i came back here, working in a muggle restaurant and trying to find somewhere to open a cafe" she said informing him of her doings since graduation. her friends next question surprised Tara a little. he had been her first friend at the school after meeting on hr first full day in the school. "It is up to you in the end. do you want to get your eyes fixed?" she said. "maybe you could see the healers and see if they can do anything. getting information can't hurt can it?" she said she knew that she loved colours but different people had different thoughts, and maybe if stefan was used to black and white he would rather that. she was just thinking on what else to say when they were interrupted by the reappearance of Tybalt and Bituin
As the two younger people reappeared. she smiled. although she hadn't been told that they were dating she guessed they were or at least they wanted to be. ty asked what was for food and tara looked at the spread. some things she could eat somethings she would have to avoid. "It all looks delicious." she said though she did still think it was a little early to eat, she wondered if anyone else was coming, Kate, Sara maybe. she listened as Stefan informed Ty about some of the cakes having strawberries in, and then Ty say it was because he was allergic to strawberries. She didnt dislike strawberries as such, in fact they were rather nice but she certainly wasn't one to rave about them, she was more of mango person. thank goodness she hadn't put any strawberries in the sweets she had made for the gifts. she went over to her bag and took out three of the small wrapped parcels. "I got some christmas gifts for everyone. she said handing one to each of them.

 

[Bituin San Buenaventura]

Bituin was happy she was there, she was happy to be with Tybalt and learning more and more about him. Getting the chance to meet his cousin and his friend as well was something pretty neat. Both were people who she could look up too, they both graduated Hogwarts, both made it. She only had three and a half years left at the school, already being a third year. Now she also had her first boyfriend, though they weren't going to tell anyone. But she didn't think it meant that it was less real because no one else knew. It was just to keep her sister from coming at them once more. She finally found herself out of the eye of the bullying from her sister, Bituin did not really want to be back in the spot. But it didn't meant she didn't think about her sister still. "No, Josefina is the one with allergies," she told the people that were in her company. Looking over at Tybalt she wished they were in the same house so they could eat at the same table and so she could make sure he didn't eat strawberries. She wondered if Indiana knew about strawberries. Being friends with the other girl she planned on going back to the school and meeting up with the girl on the pitch during break. It would be a good chance to bring the allergy to the other girl. But she wondered what Indiana would think of her coming to Stefan's house today for the holiday that she didn't even celebrate. Bituin knew she was over analyzing everything about anything that happened around her.

When Tara came out with the Christmas gifts for all of them, she knew it must of been something general, there was no way the girl knew she was coming. Or anything she liked, but Bituin was still really just taking back by how nice the older girl was. "I really couldn't. I don't celebrate Christmas, I've never gotten a present before," she was literally stunned looking down at the gift all neatly wrapped up in her hands. It had really shocked her and just hit her heart in a good way. She hadn't come from the same background as most of the students at the school who were middle class or better. Growing up had been difficult and she never was given anything special just for her. Not until she came here to New Zealand and was given Ravenclaw, her amazing house and a bed of her own, apart from her sister for once in her life. Staring at the gift wrapping in front of her she realized how wonderful it really was, to be a witch; to have the opportunity to do something good. Bituin hoped one day her sister could also have this same understanding and change her personality around. They were given so much to be here, people they barely knew from home wanted to help them so much in their schooling. Those people actually gave the girls an allowance, as long as their grades were kept up they got money to help them along in this magical world from rich wizards and witches. Bituin knew it was more like a charity donation for those people, but she still owed her life here to them. That truly had been the first gift she had ever received. But it hadn't been nicely wrapped like this and given to her for unselfish reasons. "Thank you. Thank you so much, Tara," the girl said moving forward and hugging the girl.

Not long after the exchange Tybalt ran off into the house after having a whispered conversation with his cousin. He came back with her broom and another one for himself. He soon took off into the air waiting for her to follow. Flying seemed like the prefect thing to calm all the emotions inside of her right now. She was glad for the distraction and the chance to be a kid and play with Tybalt. She caught up to him where he was in the air. Hovering nearby she took a moment to get comfortable on her broom before replying. Of course it gave her time to think of a response, and realizing she needed to get back at him for being a trouble maker earlier. "I think," she said flying up next to him but facing the opposite way, "that I could make it to that tree and back to this one before you!" Bituin spoke gaining speed with every word she spoke. Right as she finished she took off having pointed out the farthest tree that was dead in front of her while speaking. The girl let out a laugh as her broom took off through the air. She didn't dare look behind her to see how far Tybalt was behind her. She didn't doubt that he was likelier to have the better broom and the ability to go faster, but she decided to use the head start as an advantage. Rounding the tree Bituin still seemed to be in the lead but she wasn't sure if she'd make it back to the tree they had been near first.​

late night writing ended with this 0.o

 

[Stefan Archer]

Smiling his thanks at his friend, Stefan nodded slightly. Tearing his gaze away from his home. It hadn't really become his home until recently. He had thought it would always just be his father's house. The place Stefan was allowed to live in, waiting for the day his father had enough and kicked him out. The day never really occurred. It had been upon his return that Stefan had felt like it was growing to be more and more like his home. A place he could be proud of. He would always be reminded of what had happened in it. The memories that lingered, forever going to be plaguing his mind as he fought for real control. For a quiet within his mind unbroken by the horrible memories of this house. He had good days and bad days. Some worse than others by a long shot, but Stefan was doing better. He was finding he had less and less bad days and more and more good days. Weeks varied, specifically around the times of really bad memories. Like the ones that had surprised him durig the night. A bad night yes, but it wouldn't stop him having a good day. Which was why he was happy his friends were around him. If he hadn't planned this, if no one had come the teen would've been left letting the thoughts plague his mind. Causing him to have a fairly terrible day sitting around watching the two or three home videos of his mother, father and him. None of which had any sound, the tapes too damaged and worn. But it made him happy anyway. It was something small, but considering the video was the first sort of concrete proof of his mum, and that once things had been ok was enough for him. He shaken from his thoughts when Tara spoke again, talking about what she had done recently. Which Stefan was all too happy to hear about. She was busy, that was for sure, he wondered what the cafe was like. If she enjoyed it, or if it was frustrating. A time in which she hadn't quite figured out what she wanted but was slowly working her way there. "I'm sure you'll figure everything out. Things will fall into place." Stefan was ever the optimist. He believed wholeheartedly in his friends, and he figured that they would managed everything that they wanted. Stefan figured he'd be the friend left behind. Left to just stumble along beside them. Not quite achieving much but what he managed being a success for him. Since Stefan couldn't imagine at this point working around others that he didn't know. There were too many variables. To many ways in which, he could have people setting off terrible memories, and panic attacks.

Stefan nodded as she spoke. Her thoughts seemed about right. It wouldn't hurt to ask. But he hardly wanted to get his or his cousin's hopes up for no reason. For nothing to happen. "I'd like to. I don't mind not seeing it, you know, but I just....I would like to stare into Kate's eyes and see them. Really see her, and her eyes which I imagine are beautiful. Just to see all her little adorable mannerisms without this stopping me. I know she's beautiful. But" he stopped. Unsure how to continue. He loved Kate, but he still didn't feel good enough for her. His eyesight being part of that. He would never be able to pick out the right clothes that suit her becaus he didn't know their colour and he didn't know what suited her. He'd never be able to tell her that she looked stunning in her favorite colour, or even know what her favorite colour was. "I think, I'd talk to someone, just for if ever me and Kate decide to have kids, I don't want to pass it on. I'd only pass it on to a boy, but I want the line to end with me." he glanced at Tara briefly before turning his gaze back to the food. "My father made me feel awful about it. Like I wasn't human or something. I don't want my kid to feel like that." Stefan muttered mostly to himself. He'd never put his kid down, but he didn't want his kid to feel bad about it. Never. It was as he muttered this, that Stefan came flying out the house. Closely followed by Bituin. The two of them stopped at them. He gave a warm smile to the. He nodded at the explanation for the Strawberries. Stefan didn't forget that Ty was allergic, Stefan just really enjoyed the taste of it. And he knew his cousin wouldn't mind if there was one thing he didn't eat. Stefan watched his cousin approach him and mutter in his ear. Stefan who had expected his cousin to run around like the inner five year old that he was, so he had cast the usual protections around the house. More so than usual, so he would let Ty do what he wanted. He was always glad for his cousin. The energy he had. He run into the house and exited a few minutes later. Shooting up into the air. Stefan shook his head and took the gift from Tara. Feeling really bad that he hadn't planned gifts. He had planned one for Kate. But that was Kate. "Tara, you shouldn't have. I didn't get you anything." Stefan grinned at his friend. "Thanks though. Now, any new people in your life?" he grinned at her. While it wasn't a Normal question for him to ask his friend, Stefan wasn't a normal person and he hadn't seen Tara in months. In that time anything could've happened.
​

This is awful. I'm sorry.

 

[Tybalt Archer]

Tybalt didn't mind his allergy, he had grown used to it, but it was true that he very often forgot to check if there were any in the food that he ate. Which was understandable to anyone who knew Ty. He was always running around, doing things. Moving, never really staying still, never quite paying attention to things that he should be. It didn't honestly matter. He always had his medicine in the case of a reaction near by. He even had one kept in Stefan's house. While he trusted his cousin, he didn't always check what he ate. Since it was Stef's house, Tybalt didn't exactly want to impose a no strawberries for anyone policy. he was just careful. Tybalt wondered briefly what Josefina was allergic to. Though it was a fleeting thought that matter little in the grander scheme of thing. He wasn't dating Josefina, he was dating B, and he didn't care at all for Josefina. Which was why he was happy to be with her. He didn't mind not knowing about that. But ever the curious Gryffindor, the boy just liked knowing things. He chose however to ignore this, and just move on. Speaking quietly to Stefan, he didn't want her to over hear. Ty was all about having fun and doing things that people might not expect him to. He was incredibly different to the little young Tybalt who had been quiet and didn't have much confidence in himself at all. He had only a little more now, but it was what made all the difference. What he needed to make all the difference, Of course his cousin agreed. It was merely a formality, Ty asking. This wasn't his house, he couldn't do what he wanted. His parents might've given into trouble for bothering Stef so much, but they had no idea. So what did it matter. He was glad to be here, and his parents were enjoying themselves somewhere else. He smiled to himself, before he had run into the house to grab both brooms. He didn't even have to time to notice that his cousin's friend was giving him something. He knew it was a little rude, so, he knew he'd apologize later, but for now, he just continued with his normal plan. Knowing his cousin would take the gift for him. He had run into the house, and within the kitchen cupboard was where the teen kept his broom. He had two. His home one, was one he kept for school, and this was an old spare one. He wasn't so afraid while with his cousin, he knew his cousin would catch him, there was no doubt about that. He was happy to be with him, around him. Just there with him.

Flying up into the air was as ever a freeing feeling. He could feel the wind against his face, feel the way the hot air, blew the messy strands of brown hair from his face. Pushing them back, and then as he came to a stop, letting almost all the strands fall back into his eyes, so he couldn't see a thing. Before he could say anything else, B challenged him to a race, to the tree in the distance, but as soon as it had been said, took off. He was now slightly behind. Muttering a small curse, Ty urged the broom forward, he had a strong desire to win, but where he was a Beater, and she a seeker, she had the advantage of being better with speed, where as he was much more suited to hitting and swinging. Easier stuff. He urged the broom on. He was merely metres away from her. Laughing as he did so. "Watch out, B, I'm going to win this" He was still behind her, but he was optimistic. He'd been teaching his little sister how to fly, and so this meant that he was moving slowly and not far off the ground. This time around he was excited to just get some speed, do normal flying things rather than boring training. Of course he loved watching his sister's face as she learned how to fly. The way she smiled and giggled as she got it. The way she didn't mind if she fell. It was good. It made him feel good about himself. He was helping another. Helping her. He urged the broom forward, but the head start for her, had really been good. He was only slightly behind her, but the broom he rode was slower, it didn't move as fast. It was older. It was second hand. He just hoped he'd be close enough that they might call it a draw. But, as the tree came approaching fast. He knew this was hers. and he didn't mind. In fact he found himself laughing from sheer joy. This was an incredibly. The blur of his girlfriend in front of them as they raced. He knew the game was lost, he was not as fast, she was clearly, to him the better player. He was happy about that. But, it didn't mean he gave up. He just kept pushing and pushing. Stopping at the tree was tricky. He stopped a bit beyond it, almost falling off the broom in the process. "I'm not so good with the whole stopping thing" He gave a laugh, as he went closer to her. "You totally just beat me. I expected no less." He stopped beside her. Then with a large smile on his face, "I'll race you back" And without another word, shot off, maybe this time, now he had the advantage he could win. But, since her broom was faster than his, he doubted it.
​

 

[Tara Sitara]

Tara was a little surprised at the reaction to the presents. she thought that was what everyone did for christmas. maybe she had got it wrong she had only really stared to celebrate christmas when she started Hogwarts and that was more because everyone else was than any particular loyalty to celebrate that specific holiday, however come Holi or Diwali and she would be celebrating spreading coloured powder lighting candles respectively. "I don't usually celebrate Christmas either as i am actually a hindu" she said to the girl who looked unsure, she hoped that the girl at least knew what a hindu was so she didn't have to explain too much. maybe she had got it wrong with the presents. maybe she shouldn't have made the sweets. she was a little surprised that the girl had never gotten a present before. she had had been rather poor growing up (and still was, as she refused to use the loan the guptas had given her for anything but a cafe) but even she had received gifts for her birthday or for celebrations, often colouring pencils, new paints, some new clothing or soapstone elephants which her brother liked carving. It isn't much, I just thought i should bring something. I hope that you like them" she told the girl giving her a hug back. Ty's response was almost the exact opposite. he rushed bast her hardly thanking her at all. she didn't mind this either. as she had already picked up he was a rather active boy so maybe giving him something when he was about to go flying wasn't a smart idea. "stefan you have given me something. you put on the party today. I don't need anything else" she said to her friend. what he had done organising the party and putting on the food was far more than the small gift she had given him so she knew he shouldn't worry, and anyway. she never expected gifts of people, it was against what she had been brought up with, giving was her goal not receiving.
soon the two younger teens were in the air leaving Tara alone with stefan again. As he had spoken before about colour and getting his vision fixed she had realised that it was more for kates sake than his own. "you know kate loves you for who you are. She knows about your vision. It is up to you if you want it fixing." she said. hoping she was saying the right thing. if she knew kate her best friend like she thought she would probably be saying the same things. "if you do have a son, you don't have to make him feel less than human because of it. you are not, he won't be. your dad made a choice on how to treat you. if you have the same choice to make it doesn't mean you have to have to take the same path" she said. the next question that came out of stefans house was an odd one. somehow not something she had expected stefan to ask. there were a lot of new people in her life, she had a new job and had a lot of new colleagues as well as customers but she knew what stefan meant. she had not made any close friends as working with muggles meant she always had to keep her guard up which she didn't like as as not to break the statute of secrecy also she had been out for diner with one of the man she worked with but it wasn't really a date and had stopped short when he had got a girlfriend "not really. Have you heard from kate at all?" she asked. she had not heard from her friend since just after graduation when her best friend had started her world trip she wondered if Stefan had had any contact with her or knew how she was.

 

[Bituin San Buenaventura]

Bituin was beaming as she pulled up next to tree long before Tybalt showed up. She had thought the extra time would give him the opportunity to catch up but it seemed the beater was actually quite slow as a flyer. She wondered what they did during the Gryffindor training practices, her teams beaters were always practicing their speed wanting to get to the bludger first and such. He flew past her and she watched as he almost fell head first towards the ground. Shaking her head as he finally made his way back her. "I thought you said you were going to win?" She asked with a laugh in her voice. She was rather enjoying flying around for fun. She hadn't ever really gotten on her broom outside of the quidditch pitch. Today had been the first day she did, and that was to come here. The girl had been nervous about it, flying across New Zealand and finding her way her. She hadn't gotten lost but she feared after having so much fun here she'd forget how to get herself back to the castle.

Smiling at Tybalt she wished they could be like how they were here, at school. But she feared her sister more than anything else in the world. She didn't want Josefina to go after Tybalt, but she felt bad about lying and saying Tybalt was just her friend and that was all she wanted. For that was not true at all, she wanted to spend everyday with the Gryffindor boy. Sit next to him in classes and go to the Rose garden together. Even go on the Brightstone visits together and go to the cafe for lunch or something. But for the moment while they learned more about each other and actually do become friends, no one could know about her feelings, besides Tybalt. Suddenly he took off back towards where they had come from and she decided to give the slow flyer a good head start. She realized after chasing the snitch around the pitch that she had become very good at making her frame small on the broom and flying very fast. Of course she was surprised that the broom Tybalt had was so slow. Taking off Bituin followed Tybalt's trail trying to catch up to him.​