Daddy Dearest

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Athena couldn't believe that a month of school had already passed by. She was settling into her role as one of the school prefects rather nicely, enjoying the increased awareness that people now had of her. She still didn't talk to very many people, a combination of her quiet nature and disgust of most non-pureblood people. Still, she was adjusting to her OWL year quite well even if she wasn't pleased at all with the amount of work they were being given. With some free time on her hands, the blonde headed for the owlery. She had a letter for her that she'd kept tucked into her Defense textbook that she needed to send to her dad. She had told him that she would write to him at some point during the year.

Spoiler: Letter

Dad,

You won't believe what I discovered when I returned to school? Hades and Kaia are prefects as well! I was so pleased when I found that out. The other Slytherin prefect is this guy named Zayne. Kaia hangs out with him a lot - he's a pureblood don't worry. Oh, and Sergei and Uncle Benjamin's daughter both ended up in Slytherin, of course. So, I'll be keeping an eye on them.

I've been really busy with classes. Since it is our OWL year, the professors have been giving us essays and all sorts of assignments.

How is the family? I miss you all! I still say that you should have homeschooled me, Dad. I think I could learn from you far more than I can learn from some of these professors. Professor Styx is good and Professors Black and Hensel seem ok, but you know...

XO,

Athena

P.S. Do you think I could get my own owl? Please? I hate having to use the school one : (

The note was short, and Athena was sure there was much more she should have mentioned, but she had written it during her Transfiguration class. Attaching it to one of the school owls, a fast looking one with brown spots across its head, Athena watched it soar away. Turning on her heel, the blonde left the owlery quickly.

 

[Axel Zhefarovich]

Axel Zhefarovich looked up and saw that there was an owl with a message coming his way. He was out on the porch, waiting for Greylin to show up for their date. Another one. He was getting a little tired of her already, but he would deal. She was easy, and that was enough for him for right now. He did not want anything more. Boy would she hate it. After he took the parchment from the owl, he saw that it was from his daughter. He would be a little late, due to the request. So he cancelled on Greylin, glad that his daughter saved him from the date, and he went to get her an owl from his sister. He did not expect a discount because he owned the store, before he took the owl home and went to his room where he would write out a response. Axel was never the most reliable for writing letters. Sure, he wrote to Kamaria and Leviathan, but it was never that often. After he finished, he attached the letter to the new male owl, and sent him on his way to the school, to his little Slytherin Prefect.​

Dearest Athena,

Oh did they become prefects? I wish I could say that I am surprised, but I'm not. Many in our family had some sort of great honor. Kaia hangs around a boy, I bet her father would love to hear about that. Not that I talk to Hades that much anymore. That's my girl. Sergei, he was unexpected, as was Alaska, but I'm sure they will make excellent Slytherins.

Those OWLs were nightmares. I remember them when I was in school. I am sure that Kalif isn't letting you all up either is he. My brother, I will never see why he challenges students so much. Just do your best, and you will make me proud.

The family is still in chaos, but calming down as we are getting used to being ruled without Father around. You will get a better education where you are at. You'll be taught properly on the holidays, though, in subjects that they don't allow at that mudblood ridden school.

Sincerely,
- Axel

P.S: This would be your new owl. He's a good one, trust me.​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Athena was quite pleased when an owl landed in front of her as she was walking out of the Great Hall that morning. She had almost tripped over it, stopping only when she had glanced down and caught her name on the envelope. A smile crossed her face as she recognized her father’s writing. The teenager had bent down, picking up the letter and slipping it into her pocket before she used her pointer finger to gently brush the beautiful owl’s feathers. The girl did not recognize the owl as one of her father’s which could only mean one thing: it was hers! The grin on her face broadened, the Slytherin forgetting that she was in a room full of other students, most of whom she didn’t like. The Slytherin pulled out her wand and used it to summon over a piece of bread from the Hufflepuff table, a scowl crossing her face only when a Hufflepuff let out an exclamation. Her silver eyes quickly returned to the owl, softening as she looked at him and broke off a piece of bread. With a gentle nudge, the owl took off, probably for the owlery.

Several weeks later, Athena headed up the steps to the owlery to send her father a reply. She had been busy with lessons and prefect duty. Moving through the room, Athena headed straight for the back and looked up. Her owl had roosted there since he had come, choosing the highest, furthest perch to rest. Making a little noise, Athena waited for the owl to come down. It took its time but eventually appeared ready for take-off. Attaching the note to its leg, Athena watched as it opened its wings and set sail.

Spoiler: Letter

Dad,
Thank you for the owl. He is quite handsome. I’ve decided to name him Altair after this star I learned about in Astronomy. It means “flying eagle.” I know he’s not an eagle, but I like the name anyway.

Please don’t tell Hades. Kaia would be so mad at me, and they’re just friends. It’s nothing. Honest. While I was out the other day in the village, this odd fifth year tried to talk to me. I barely know him outside of class and it was just really, really weird.

Uncle Kalif definitely doesn’t go easy on any of us, especially not the family. I think he’s giving us more work than any of my other professors. Yea, I’m trying to remember to do my homework all the time. Thankfully we don’t have to take exams until the end of the year though, so I’ll be able to enjoy the holidays and my birthday and those lessons you’re talking about. I can’t wait. It’s weird with Grandfather not around, and I’ll be 16 soon and don’t want to miss out on anything. I’m glad that things with the family aren’t chaos anymore though. Hopefully, we get word from grandfather soon. I think that’ll make everyone happy.

Sincerely,
Athena

As the owl disappeared from view, the girl bit her lip. She wondered if she should have even included that bit about her walk in the park and Warren bothering her. Sometimes, her dad could be overprotective and she didn't want him getting the wrong idea. It was too late to do anything about it though and she sighed, leaving the owlery.

 

[Axel Zhefarovich]

Dearest Athena,

If you were to ask for something, I would of course supply you with an animal that has not been used by a mudblood. Altair is a good name. You must love astronomy. Never got into it, and don't know who has. You are a bright one.

All right, I promise I won't tell Hades. Yeah, they are just friends, I'll have to see that to believe it. He tried to talk to you? What was he trying to say to my little girl? I know I can't do anything to him from here, but Hades there will take care of him, I'm sure, if he wanted to do any harm to you at least.

I figured my older brother would pull a stunt like that. He knows what to expect of you, while he doesn't care as much from the other students. Just do your best, and you will be rewarded, even when you come home. The OWLs were difficult for me. However hate to break it to you, the NEWTs will be even worse. Don't take all of the classes you are enrolled in right now. Kamaria did that, and I don't know how much stress she went through with that. Your birthday, I'll have to plan something good for that then. I got a word from Kalif though, he will be doing your tattoo since Father has not made an appearance yet. I doubt you will have it easy either, and neither will Hades. I wish he would hurry and return.

Sincerely,
- Axel​

Out of Character:

Didn't feel like RPing the RP.

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Out of Character:

That's ok.

Athena hadn’t had much time lately. It seemed that every time she turned around, the professors were handing out another assignment, an essay to write or a chart to complete. She couldn’t understand how they expected her to study at all if they kept piling on the work. It was becoming extremely overwhelming. Lying on her stomach, her feet crossed in mid-air, Athena was on her bed, finally having the opportunity to read her father’s letter. It had been nearly a week since he had sent it and she still hadn’t read it. Ripping the letter open, the Slytherin girl read the letter quickly, a smile on her face as her father declared her bright. It was not something she was used to hearing at all.

Her smile dropped as she realized she probably shouldn’t have mentioned the whole Warren thing. Not that she cared if Hades had a talk with him. She just didn’t want her father to think that she couldn’t take care of herself or that she made a habit of hanging around non-pureblood people. Making a face as her father declared the NEWTs were worse, Athena rolled over onto her back to finish reading. Her heart nearly stopped as she read the last few lines. Her silver eyes darkened slightly as she re-read the lines and then sat up quickly. She wanted to show Hades and ask if he knew but it was already well past curfew. She’d just have to wait until morning to show him.

Some weeks later, Athena finally made her way to the owlery, quickly sending Altair off with a reply for her dad. Her letter made it sound as if she was brave and not concerned at all that Kalif would be tattooing her. That couldn’t be further from the truth though. She knew it was going to her like a b!#(&.

Spoiler: Note

Dad,

OWLs will be the death of me, I think. Kara and Levi and you weren’t kidding when you said how difficult it would be. I don’t think I’ve ever studied so much in my life. I can’t wait to drop some of these classes. I just have to see which ones I think will be useful for me in the future.

It was nothing really. He was trying to make conversation, I guess. I had nothing to say to him though. I’ll go to Hades if I need him, but he did nothing.

I expected that it would either be Uncle Kalif or Uncle Benji or you who did the tattoos, if anyone was allowed to do them. Don’t worry Dad. I’m ready for it. I can’t wait to get the family tattoo.

Athena

 

[Axel Zhefarovich]

Dearest Athena

We normally do not joke about that. Leviathan didn't do as well as Kamaria did, though Kamaria sacrificed herself to get straight Outstandings. Don't do that to yourself. Be sure to try in the classes that you care the most about. Those that will benefit you in the future as well. That is most important. Making sure no one is harming my baby girl. You are the youngest pure-blood I have. Thus very important, you deserve the best treatment.

Benjamen and I don't have the Patriarch training to do that. Lucky for Kalif though. I hope that it didn't hurt as bad. So sorry I have been slow with writing. I've been...busy more or less. Father returned and, to say the least, he wasn't pleased when he saw that we allowed Kaleb to marry a half-breed even if she passed the trials. That and how we've been distracted by another woman. Benjamen and I are fighting over her, but...anyway, Ariah had her baby. It is a girl, and they named her Andromeda Nylora. She is beautiful. Levi can't stop showing her off to everyone. I've been helping them out as well.

Sincerely,
- Axel​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Athena had read her father's letter when he had sent it, but she had been unable to reply, in too much pain to do little more than trudge to her classes and back to lay in misery on her bed. She hadn't really done more than scan the letter but she knew about her niece, the small note from Levi with pictures attached making it clear that she was an aunt. Knowing that her father was just as bad as she was about writing, Athena didn't feel too badly about not writing back soon. There were things she couldn't share with her father any way, like her boyfriend and the fact that she had almost died and thought she was going crazy. Those were just not good to mention.

As she re-read the note, Athena frowned. She remembered reading about her grandfather but not the next bits. And she especially didn't remember reading about a lady. The frown deepened. Athena knew that there father had to be lonely. He had six children and no wife. Athena liked it that way though. She didn't want some woman to come and take her dad away from her. Athena needed him, now more than ever.

Spoiler: letter

Father,

I hope you are well. Levi has sent me photos of Andromeda and she is very adorable. I can't wait to hold her. I'm sure Ariah and Levi must be happy for your help. We all know how grumpy Levi can get, and if he isn't sleeping, I can only imagine how dreadful he has been. I'm glad you have something to take up your time. Maybe grandfather will stop being mad if he sees how much work you're putting into caring for the newest pureblood in the family. Speaking of, this woman sounds like trouble. You should just let Uncle Benji have her and be done with it. She can't be worth all that and I don't want grandfather to hurt you.

My tattoo is fine now. I don't even feel any pain anymore. It was pretty unbearable for a while though. But, whatevs. I like having it. It reminds the others that I'm a pureblood, which the school obviously needs. Someone tried to spread a rumor that I was hanging around with dirty blood which is NOT true. Matthew is a pureblood. I only hang around purebloods.

I'm definitely taking your advice and dropping some of my classes. There are a couple of professors here that I can't believe are professors. The way they talk about muggles you would think they'd just leave and go live with them. It's disgusting. I have to go do my Herbology homework. Talk to you soon!

Athena

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[Axel Zhefarovich]

Dearest Athena,

Good luck trying to hold her. From what I've seen, Leviathan does not even want to part with her. Ariah is having issues, but I think it is just a phase. I do expect more grandchildren from the two of them, but not from you and Kamaria. I'd prefer you two to stay away from boys. You two better stay pure, and you know what I mean. For some reason, I'm not sure he cares that much about Andromeda. There's something off about him, and I don't know what it is. Haha, trust me darling, this woman named Ivy is a lot better than the woman I was seeing named Greylin. She knows how to have a good time, and taught me not to be so uptight. Plus, Benjamen won't be taking anything from me. The Patriarch already did his dues and now paying attention to Danielle.

That is very good to hear. I bet you were strong and did not even shed a tear. I've not heard about a single Zhefarovich, male or female otherwise, shed tears over that tattoo. From what I heard rumors of, the tattoo also imprints on your spine and shoulder blades, but we can't prove that. Probably what it feels like. Good, you hanging around pure-bloods would be better for your future.

What classes are you planning on dropping, and some of the professors? I only ask since I heard Leviathan and Kamaria complain about a few. Ugh, that does sound disgusting. Prodan was once like that, but we finally converted him fully to hate them, and he is like a true Zhefarovich now. About time. Though didn't plan on him leaving his wife, but guess that's a bonus.

Keep up with the good work.

Sincerely,
- Axel​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Athena had read over the note from her father several times, blushing each time she read the line about being pure. She was so not going to talk with her father about that, but she was pure. Matthew was really sweet and gentle, and Athena hoped that they would be able to spend a lot of time together in the summer. She just wasn’t sure how she was going to be able to do it. She was fairly certain that her father would want to know who she was going off to hang out with and she could only use her other family members as excuses so much. The Slytherin didn’t have much time and figured she could likely wait a few days and hand deliver the message to her father, but she figured that it would be good to send him something now. She had quickly scribbled the note during her breakfast and had raced up to the owlery to send the letter before she sat in her Divination OWL.

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Hi Dad!

I don’t have much time. I have my Divination OWL scheduled this morning and I want to get some last minute studying in before I take it, but I had something to ask you. Can I please, please, please go to Levi’s house for a few days? I want to see the baby. Oh, and will Ivy be at the house when I get there? I’d love to meet her if she means so much to you.

I’m not sure which classes I’ll be dropping yet. Probably the ones that I don’t do well in for my OWLs. That’ll help me make my decision. I’m glad Uncle Prodan is doing the right thing now. Maybe we’ll be able to spend more time with him now.

Gotta go! By the time you get this, I’ll probably be home or just about to come home!
Bye!

Athena

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[Axel Zhefarovich]

Out of Character:

Set now in the new year

Dearest Athena,

Funniest letter came in from my oldest brother today. You caught a room on fire, over some boy that broke your heart? I understand the consequences that Kalif had given you, with the warning over your prefect status. However what I really want to know would be two words: His name.

I'm not happy to hear about this.

Sincerely,
- Axel​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Even though it had been some time since her uncle had warned her that he was going to notify her father about what had transpired during the first week of the semester, Athena knew that something was coming. She dreaded breakfast when the majority of the owls showed up with notes from their parents. Every time she heard a howler, she feared that she would be next but she knew that it wasn't really her father's style to send howlers. What would come would be far worse. As she sat eating breakfast one morning, the letter finally came. Athena recognized her father's writing and her hands shook as she opened the letter and read.

Athena knew better than to wait long on sending a reply. She was half surprised that he hadn't come to the school himself, and wondered fearfully if he would be waiting in Brightstone for her this weekend when they were allowed to head to the small village.

Daddy,

I'm really, really sorry. I know that what I did was very wrong.
His name is Matthew Mercer, but please don't do anything to him. I'm over it already, and it's his family who are the stupid ones. Well, he is too but not as stupid as his aunt.

Please don't be mad,
Athena

 

[Axel Zhefarovich]

Dearest Athena

Sorry it took me a while to get back to you. I went hunting. Let's just say, that boy won't be bothering you anymore. Or his family. Your daddy took care of it.

Next time you want a boyfriend, bring him home first, so I can approve or disapprove. Right now, you need to be focusing on your grades, and not on the boys, is that clear? I don't want to have to hear about you getting hurt again. My purest children deserve much better than that. I still love you and are very proud of you, of course.

Sincerely,
- Axel​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Athena had waited and waited for a reply, and she had eventually begun to relax, thinking that there would not be another response from her father. As she sat eating breakfast several long weeks later, she knew that her small measure of relaxation had been silly. Her heart rate spiked as she slipped a finger under the envelope and ripped it open.

After reading, Athena had sat numbly processing the information. It had been several long days before she had been able to manage a reply and when she did, it was the briefest note she had ever sent to her father. She didn't know what else to say though.

Daddy,

I understand.

Love you too,

Athena