Closed I'm slipping under.....

“To Julie,” Tristan said softly. He sipped at the firewhiskey, leaving half for later. It was nice to hear Eliza laugh. While things weren’t back to normal and never would be, it was a relief that others could find slivers of happiness right now.

Tristan hated funerals. Even though he was surrounded by people he loved. They labeled it a celebration of life, but that was to make the survivors feel better. Fielding constant condolences, memories, and questions drained him. He honestly would prefer to crawl into a dark room and be alone.

Nodding to the trio, he excused himself. He found an empty spot at the dinner table next to Brunhilde. The wooden chair creaked under his weight. Daisy and Lief were in conversation with Anders, their son, who was grown and just as pale and taciturn as his father.

Brunhilde leaned in. Her once blonde hair was overcome with streaks of silver and white and her features were sharp and severe as ever. After her divorce from Grezhen Varius, she’d kept to herself, visiting once or twice every few years, and never remarried. Tristan suspected she was happier that way. Not unlike-

“I saw him at the service,” Brunhilde nearly whispered. “He was trying not to be noticed. Disillusionment Charm, I believe. He must be slipping up in his old age.”

Tristan drank the rest of his firewhiskey at the mention of his father. In all honesty, he hadn’t thought of or wanted to think of the man since Julie’s death. Another in the family must have invited him because Tristan certainly hadn’t. What was he supposed to be, touched?

Like Tristan, Brunhilde had her grievances with their father, though not as extensive. She at least still had sight in both eyes. Lief had an easier relationship with Valcan, although it wasn’t warm. Sumner was much younger than the rest and never raised by his father, and shielded from the atrocities of the past. Valcan’s love for his children was cold and fickle. The only one he’d ever truly adored was Sammael, his nephew and adoptive son, now dead and buried.

In the beginning, Julie had urged Tristan to reconcile with his father, but over time, she’d come to accept that they would never cure something that was rotten from the start. The idea of the man lurking about made him uncomfortable. Again, Tristan wished he was able to grieve in solitude.
 
Teuila took Eliza’s glass, surprised, careful to balance her plate. She couldn’t help laughing along with her sister-in-law; it was contagious. It definitely helped to lighten the somber mood.

Feeling a twinge of sadness for Tristan as he peeled away from them, Teuila turned to Erik and Eliza. “Sumner and Lily have been attracting a small crowd- why don’t we join them?” This would also give her an excuse to sit down and eat. Her third child- unannounced to everyone other than Christian as of yet- made her ravenous.
 
Erik beamed. “That’s more like it.” He pulled his sister in for a side hug. “I wonder what Evan and Elijah are getting up to.” Erik wouldn’t be half-surprised if their younger siblings had snuck out to a bar with Andromeda, Aurora, and some other cousins of-age. He couldn’t blame them one bit.

Erik noticed that most of the non-family guests had trickled out; even Phyllis. Thank Merlin for that. “I agree, Sumner and Lily usually carry the party.”

Grabbing Eliza by the wrist, he pulled her gently across the room. Teuila occupied one of the chairs and attacked her plate of food. Making just enough space for Eliza, Erik sat on the couch and squeezed in next to Sumner, kissing him on the cheek with a loud smacking noise. Ever since Lily had revealed, under the influence, that Sumner kissed a few boys during his time at Hogwarts New Zealand, this was how he always greeted his uncle.

Sefina laughed at Erik and he gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Is that cookie for me, sweetie?” he asked. All seriousness now, Sefina shook her head and jammed the rest of the cookie in her mouth. “Guess not!” Erik pouted.
 
Wiping at her eyes with a meaty fist, Olivia pulled away from Christian. The sound of shattering glass wouldn’t surprise any of the Drage family. Even at a funeral. Olivia, Christian, and other quiet family members were never in the thick of it, but they certainly didn’t discourage it.

Olivia finished straightening the lilies and pulled back. The house wasn’t quite an indoor garden, but it was close. Satisfied, she wandered over to the table of food and snatched up two butter tarts and a Nanaimo bar. Not seeing the need for a plate, she held them all in one hand.

Although she was large-framed, she had a talent for making herself nearly invisible. No magic required. She passed family and friends to the sliding door.

There was a roaring fire in the pit outside. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she noticed Lydia, curled up in a chair and holding a bottle of spirits.

Sighing, Olivia occupied the chair next to her sister. “I hope you’re not drinking on an empty stomach.” She handed her younger sister one of the butter tarts. And then, without asking, she took one of the glasses on the side table.
 
Lydia accepted the butter tart gratefully. Being upset, she hadn’t eaten anything all day, but she wasn’t about to admit that to her older sister. She bit into the crumbly crust and cupped her hand quickly to contain the runny filling. It didn’t take long to wolf the pastry down. She eyed Olivia’s generous Nanaimo bar and resolved to grab one later.

“Do you think moving to New Zealand was a mistake?” Lydia asked. She hadn’t opened the bottle again, but it was tempting. All the heartache and disappointment of the past few years came crashing down on her. It would be easier, really, to return back to what she knew. They still hadn’t sold their mother’s farmhouse. Getting a job at MACUSA would be simple. Hell, she could even try for Auror this time, without Estrella in the way. Right now, Lydia felt that her life was at a dead-end, and her support system was shrinking.
 
Olivia leaned in towards the warmth of the fire. She looked at Lydia quizzically. Out of the four of them, Lydia was usually the best at being in control and pursuing what she wanted. Their mother had been so proud of Lydia’s near-perfect marks and work ethic that it made Olivia want to vomit.

Come to think of it, Lydia had been quite unlike herself for the past few months. She hadn’t started a job and stayed in the cottage more often than she ever had. And she didn’t pester her siblings nearly as much, which Olivia thought quite the improvement.

After a pause, Olivia responded, “Not really. I’ve been enjoying it.” It had been Olivia’s idea to move in the first place- Lydia, Seth, and Slade were the ones to tag along. Except Seth and Slade were all over the place, their work with dragons keeping them away from populated areas. Olivia’s homegrown herbology business was slowly, but surely taking off.

Olivia wondered if part of Lydia’s problem was that she didn’t know how to function in silence and quiet. Their mother had been horrendously bad at this, too. Existing in the moment was good enough for plants and creatures; witches and wizards could learn a thing or two from the natural world.

She raised the glass and sniffed at it, taking a sip. “I like the taste of this. What is it?” Olivia was more a fan of beer over liquor, but this one she could get used to.
 
Lydia nodded. “Lucky you. I’m- not. It just doesn’t feel right to me.” But I don’t know what’s right anymore, she thought to herself.

With a burst of mischief, she reached over and stole Olivia’s Nanaimo bar. Before her sister could grab it back, Lydia took a bite out of the dessert. The layers of chocolate, coconut, custard, and cracker were heaven on the tongue.

“Aquavit,” she replied, through a mouth full of the bar.
 
As Lily munched on her crackers, her stomach slowly began to settle down. She wasn't sure exactly who was aware of her condition at this point. Sumner and her plan was to announce over Christmas, but had sent an owl to Julie and Tristan to let them know first. She didn't know if the owl arrived before Julie passed away or not. She hoped it had, but there was no way she was going to ask Tristan about that right now.

The couple was soon joined by Erik and Trulia, with Eliza close behind. Someone had to have given the muggle gigglewater because she was unable to control herself from laughing. "Erik you are terrible!" she said to her nephew, knowing he was behind the gigglefit and because he planted a loud kiss on her husband's cheek. "Erik, you should go steal the whole plate of cookies and add a few butter tart for us women." Lily made a face hoping Erik would take the bait.
 
Eliza watched as her father went to join his siblings at the table set in the corner of the room. Daisy was easily one of her favorite aunts. She never judged her and her mother for being muggles unlike other members of the Drage family. Most were very welcoming, but there were those pure blooded mania hold outs from the late last century that had issue with them being different.

She allowed herself to be pulled along, barely able to contain her laughter as Erik directed her to the sofa beside Sumner. The kiss her brother planted on her uncle's cheek was just too much. She bent forward, laughing so hard she had tears running down her face. Words would not form any longer. The gigglewater made sure she did nothing but laugh, a release she really needed after the past few days.
 
Seth Drage leaned against the wall of the house with his rather large frame, while the family members talked and laughed. Seth bowed his head to the thought of his grandmother, how she died so suddenly. Muggles were so fragile, and he could not imagine how Tristan was feeling. He lost a daughter, and now, his beloved wife. Seth had a bottle of ever-changing flavor soda, since it was his go-to drink when he was sad. He did enjoy how all of his uncles and aunts were here, even if some of their ages were similar. Seth looked to Lydia who asked if moving to New Zealand was a mistake. He shook his head, “No, of course not.” He was biased though, since he met a girl here that was as large as the Drage family were. “And don’t talk with your mouth full, that is so rude,” Seth teased.​
 
Slade Drage had used a lot of his Scitorari connections to finally find someone that he had been looking for, for what felt like years. Since his family moved to New Zealand, it just made his job much easier. While he had spent some time away from his siblings, he did manage to find his grandfather. Well, not by blood, but to him, he was still family. He did resent his mom a bit from keeping them away from someone like his grandfather. Slade found the connection through someone named Benjamen and Sergei Zhefarovich, both of whom are related to the man he was seeking. After some convincing, long convincing the professor to actually come along to see the rest of his grandchildren, Slade finally got the approval. He waited for him to apparate to the appropriate location, since it had been a couple of weeks since Slade first ever found him. Once he arrived, Slade beamed, “Welcome! So, don’t worry about who all is here, okay? Just know that my brother and my sisters are here. And they will be surprised that you are here to see them!” Slade opened the door, and led the man to the room that was filled with laughter, and talking. He hated that this was a bad circumstance to bring everyone together, but Slade could not help it. “Hey guys, look who I finally found!” Slade tugged Professor Kalif Styx to the doorway, showing him off like a trophy he had found.​
 
Professor Kalif Styx was rather surprised when one of Estrella’s kids reached out to him. From the last few decades, he had stayed away, but kept Hades out to give him updates. So, Estrella’s death came as a shock for him, but after Jaken’s death, he only worried a bit over the four Drage children. Their last names changed ages ago, and since Jaken was only adopted, the surname change did not bother him all that much. What bothered him was how Estrella moved far away, and he had not been able to go out and see him because of his own responsibilities. Once he apparated to the place, after a portkey or two, he noticed that things were a little… Slade was suspicious since he was only telling half-truths. That much Kalif could tell. He had informed his wife of his location of course. As soon as he walked in, and Slade introduced him, Kalif immediately tensed up, almost like a statue. This wasn’t just Slade’s siblings. It was the whole damn Drage family! He glared at Slade before folding his arms across his chest. Why didn’t he just go into Slade’s mind to see the true purpose of this? ​
 
Josh turned to the opening of the door and looked to see who had arrived. He watched as Slade entered and proclaimed he found someone. Little was he prepared for the apperance of Kalif Styx. He was Estrella's former father in law, but what purpose did he have at Julie's funeral? This was nothing but good and he knew it. "Oh sh!t," he stated, not caring if the young children heard.
 
Lily heard the front door open and wat he's the antics of her nephew. What filled him in the room was the last person she ever expected to see again in her life. Professor Styx. Her former professor at Hogwarts New Zealand. The scariest man she ever came across and one man that had made her last year there memorable.

She and Sumner were busted making out in his dorm room one afternoon by the Headmistress. They ended up serving detention with Styx in the green house and their clothes ended up pretty ruined. She thought it would be hilarious to remind him of that night. Maybe it would break the tension for a moment, since suddenly the entire room was electric with it.

"Hey Professor," she said as she stood up by her chair, "you still being an arse to all your students?" She put her hand on her right hip with just enough attitude to be a full Drage, but a bit of her Potter light heartedness still showed through
 
Christian was sitting in the front room, engaged in a discussion with Carl Bennett about literature. The man was well-read. With his exposure to the magical world over the years, he had devoured an impressive amount of books authored by witches and wizards. They were debating about Important Modern Magical Discoveries when there was a stir in the next room. Excusing himself, Christian went to investigate.

There was Slade, one of Estrella’s twin boys, and a man, tall, pale, and very serious. Christian recognized him from somewhere, but couldn’t put the face to a name or remember where he had seen him.

Christian’s stomach bottomed out when he heard the word professor, putting two and two together. He hadn’t even spent a full year at Hogwarts, but he recognized the man now. Long ago, Christian had a deep conversation with Estrella about this man and why she had severed the connection with his family. At the time, she was trying to cheer him up and validate his decision to cut ties with the Dolohovs.

This was not good. Christian wanted to pull Slade aside and give him a tongue-lashing (and maybe a good thrashing, too) for interrupting the celebration. Today was supposed to be about memorializing Julie, not rekindling relationships with a person his mother likely had very good reason to disassociate from.

Christian was furious about the unwarranted distraction. Sighing, he slipped out of the house and through the back door, where Olivia, Lydia, Seth, and another unnamed woman had gathered around the fire. Christian assessed the situation. Surprisingly, Lydia was the one he had to worry about. She was clearly sauced. Usually, she was the one to have her head squarely on her shoulders.

Making sure the patio door was shut tightly behind him, Christian caught their attention. “I’m sorry to disturb you four- but Slade dragged in an uninvited guest.” He reached over and took the bottle away from Lydia. “Please try to keep your cool.” Christian grimaced. “It’s completely inappropriate, but I don’t think anyone here owns a Time Turner.”
 
Olivia laughed as Lydia stole away her dessert. “Thief!” Olivia shouted, although she wasn’t angry. She liked to see this more playful side of Lydia. Even if it was fueled by spirits.

“Oh, relax, quit showing off for your girlfriend,” Olivia joked to Seth. She grinned at Imogen. Olivia didn’t know her that well, but as an older sister, she was more than welcoming.

Olivia turned in her chair, feeling heat from the fire on her legs and icy cold air on her face as she looked at Christian. “What do you mean, an uninvited guest? Who?”

Olivia could tell that Christian was frustrated with Slade, but she had no idea why. Following Christian’s lead, Olivia snatched up Lydia’s full shot glass before she could notice.

@Seth Drage @Imogen Von Klampenverb-Popple
 
Sumner sat in his chair, nursing his drink as the room began to fill up. He dimly noted those around him as he stroked his fingers along the back of his wife's hand. Gone. She was gone. He mourned the woman who had shown him what a real mother was supposed to be like. He would miss her hugs, her cooking, and the way she would never hesitate to kick his arse should he put a toe out of line. His eyes trailed to his father and lingered there. What would he do now without her? His father was strong, one of the strongest men he knew. Yet...he turned his gaze on Lily, his wife of many years, and knew that no matter how strong he was....to lose her would be to lose himself.

He wished he could get up. Mingle. Speak with everyone there. Maybe once the shock had faded. Maybe once he could shove down deep the hurt he felt. His eyes flicked to the newest occupant in the room. Well well. Him. Here? He drained his drink and felt the faint stirrings of amusement as his wife rose and was her cheeky self. He waited to see how that played out.
 
Lydia snorted at Seth. She almost said, Hush, Mom, but despite her current state, she had enough wits about her to decide against it. The three glasses plus several swigs from the bottle of aquavit now raced through her head and torso. She leaned back in the deck chair, floating despite the fact that she was completely still and heavy as lead.

Then her uncle Christian joined them. He said something about Slade and an uninvited guest. Although Lydia was nowhere near sober, she could hear the anger in Christian’s voice. She didn’t like it.

While Lydia was protective over all three of her siblings, it was especially so with Slade. Unlike Seth, he’d been bullied badly at Ilvermorny. But what was she supposed to do, drunk as she was? She lifted her head, a mighty feat, and managed a loud, “Leave Slade alone!”

@Seth Drage
 
Erik loved the effects of the gigglewater on his sister. He loved to make her laugh. Really, he loved to make everyone laugh. The wizard had just helped himself to a glass of the liquor, nudging Sumner playfully, but hadn’t taken his first sip when Slade introduced a strange man. Erik had no idea who the hell he was, but he was always great at making new friends.

The man was quite handsome for his age, Erik thought. Like fine wine. He noted that Lily referred to him as a professor. Even better- a challenge! Erik then heard Josh cursing. This was going to be fun.

Rising from the couch, Erik threw up his arms. “Welcome!” he said with pomp. “Whoever you are to Julie- Mom to us- we’re very touched that you’ve come to pay your respects. Make yourself comfortable. Would you care for some gigglewater? Or firewhiskey, perhaps?”

@Professor Kalif Styx @Joshua Hanson @Lily Drage @Sumner Drage @Slade Drage
 
Teuila had no idea who the new visitor was. Despite the jokes and the banter, something was wrong with the energy in this room. She also noticed Christian slipping out the back door with a look of distress in his posture.

Placing her empty plate on a side table, she convinced Sefina and the other little ones to make for the guest room. This doubled as space for children to play and was filled with magical toys, art sets, and colorful books. Teuila picked up Sumner and Lily’s youngest ones, Axel and Artem, and sat them on the bed, opening a book. She started reading aloud and other children piled around them.

Teuila knew Christian’s family had a twisted history. She had learned worse about his mother’s side, the Dolohovs, but from the bits and pieces he’d relayed to her, the Drages were not innocent. Although she doubted anything bad would happen, her first instinct as a mother was to play it safe.
 
Seth flushed a fair bit when Olivia told him not to show off his girlfriend. The sisters were making him laugh despite the whole event, and then Christian came out. Of course, when Slade came around, he always had to have some sort of dramatic announcement. However, he narrowed his eyes when Christian seemed angry. His own feelings matched Lydia's. However, he did want to know who he dragged in. What sort of person would be uninvited to a funeral? "Imogen, please come with?" Seth wanted to see what Slade went and did. He opened the patio door and allowed her to walk through first before he did. He walked to the room where his aunts and uncles would be, before stopping short to see someone tall, pale, and lean. He had not seen him in years. All he knew was that his mom cut all ties with his father's family. Well, adopted, but still family nonetheless. "Grandfather, what brings you to grandmother Julie's funeral?" asked the dragonologist with utter confusion. ​
 
Kalif shifted his posture, still utterly tense over this situation. His onyx eyes loomed over as one that he recognized as Christian Drage-Dolohov (he knew the Dolohov appearance since one of his half-brother's were blood by that as well) slip out the back. He did not see Olivia, Lydia or Seth however. Instead, he saw former students of his, particular ones that gave him a headache. Mostly, he didn't like Sumner, but he knew why now. Before, he had no idea of his relation to Tristan, but it seemed all too obvious why Kalif just didn't like him. However, his eyes turned when Lily Potter, no, Drage, placed her hand on her hip and quipped. He cleared his throat and answered coolly, "Only to those that get on my nerves, Mrs. Drage." That subtle smirk did show on his lips, as if to say that he was not being too serious himself.​
​
Another Drage popped up, saying to make himself comfortable and offered him a drink. Kalif merely put his hand up to decline. That was the last thing he wanted. Laughing water did not sit well with him, and last time he got drunk, it was not a good outcome. He turned his head when he heard another voice, to see Seth and another he knew from her days at his school. His expression hardened when he found out why all these people were here. Kalif turned his attention to Slade and hissed, "This is your grandmother's funeral? You should know better than this, Slade. I am not family to these people." It was clear that he was not wanted here, and Kalif, by all means, did not want to be here at all.​
 
Slade was massively disappointed that he brought in the grandfather to a room full of not-siblings. Where the hell were they? Of course, patio! Well, that ruined the surprise. He was somewhat aware that Lily and Sumner had school with the man. He heard Joshua cuss, which Slade chuckled a little bit. The little ones were hurried from the room and Christian left in a huff. "Man, what crawled up his leg and bit him in the ass?" Slade asked, mostly to himself, while Lily and Kalif spoke to each other, even if it were just one sentence. Erik seemed to welcome him more than the others though. Slade smiled a fair bit, even if there was a bit of mischief to it, "This is Kalif Styx! He is the father of my father! Not by blood, mind you, but still! He doesn't have any relation to grandma, but my siblings and I have missed him terribly." Slade was only speaking for himself, but he assumed that his brother and sisters would feel the same, surely, right?​
​
Slade smirked when he heard Seth came in and asked, but Slade looked to Kalif as he started to scold him. He might not be family to the Drages, but damn it, Slade wanted him back in their lives. If he had to make a dramatic way to show it, so be it. Slade shrugged, "You may not be family to them, but you are family to us, grandfather. And I wanted you here so that should be enough." ​
 
Lily relaxed a bit as it seemed that Kalif Styx was not there to start up trouble with the family. She wouldn't have put it past him to try to take a low blow at the family during their time of mourning. Thankfully he seemed just as shocked at the situation as they all were. The scolding he gave Slade was a small reminder of her school days.

"Slade, if you want your grandfather here so badly, why don't you guide him to the patio. I feel he would be more comfortable being able to speak to you and your siblings privately. However i need to remind you, there is a reason your mom kept you from this man and his family. Be careful." She glanced at Sumner, knowing of the older generation gathered there, they were the younger couple and could easily tag along outside to maintain control
 
Erik grinned devilishly. One of the professors at Ilvermorny had insisted he was half-poltergeist. Since he didn’t remember his mother very well, he’d long since decided to own this title. The room was turning tense quickly and he knew there were several remedies. Laughter, food, and well, the third he wouldn’t mention.

“No? Well, you look just the sort of man to enjoy a butter tart. I’ll be delighted to grab you one.” Without waiting for an answer, Erik slipped out of the room. He had turned away from the group. He widened his eyes at Josh, who could still see his face, struggling not to burst out laughing at the argument that had erupted between Slade and his grandfather. Erik thought it was hilarious.

To be fair, Erik had very little context for the situation. He might have been a little more sensitive had he known anything about the history between the people in this house. Instead, he was blissfully ignorant, and quite enjoying himself at it.

Humming, Erik plated the nicest looking butter tart. He beamed at his father, who was silent. Erik tried not to shout, but he wasn’t the best at volume control. “Dad, are you going to get off your bum and welcome our very attractive guest? Sorry to say, he makes you look like an ogre.”

@Professor Kalif Styx @Joshua Hanson @Sumner Drage
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top