Not Again

[Devlin Howard]

It was a cool, windy night. The sun had long since disappeared over the horizon to be replaced by myriad of stars which illuminated the moonless sky. In front of a huge manor was a family of seven; Devlin, Chyou, and their children. It was a rare occasion for the Howard's. After a long time of little communication, with only brief meetings in the Scitorari headquarters, they would be seeing each other again. Devlin Howard had no idea why Donavon had decided to organize such a petty event as this ridiculous family reunion. Had he gotten soft after being a father? Perhaps Devlin should remind him again that he is a Howard and reunions like this was not their thing.

The Scitorari gritted his teeth as he rang the bell once again. This was certainly getting on his nerves. This was a waste of his time. He was not looking forward to seeing his siblings, especially that little pest, Dorothy. Was that pathetic waste of space still alive? He shouldn't have come. He should have ignored the invitation. What was he thinking when he told his family that they would be traveling to see his siblings? This was the stupidest thing that he ever did. He rang the bell again. Any second and he would blast the door to smithereens. "Damn Donavon. Is this his idea of a joke?"He cursed, shifting his daughter, Juno, in his arms to get his wand out. Donavon would have to find himself a new house. Devlin would not be held liable for the destruction of the property should the 'host' of the reunion not show up any moment now.

This probably a little lame​

 

[Kerryn Howard]

It's been years since little Kerryn get to meet her relatives and she had no idea why they were all invited here to the manor. She didn't get along to some of them, especially Dorothy. She found her rather dazed out and her breath smelled like alcohol which the young girl hated. That aunt of hers was a good for nothing woman, she had no idea how such a person exist in the family. On the other hand, Kerryn's mother has always been fond of Devlin and Chyou, therefore just Anna would come pay a visit to New Zealand from time to time. Because of the influence of Anna, Kerryn love toward the Jin Howard grew. Just when Kerryn's mind started to wander even more, the bell rang. The young girl stayed seated with her puzzle book, letting the elf open the door. The bell then started ringing one more time, the little girl sighed and stood up, walked toward the door, and opened it. Her eyes sparked at once when she saw her favorite cousins. "Uncle Devlin, aunt Chyou please do come in" Luna the elf rushed toward the front door apologizing for her being late.

 

[Donavon Howard]

The only reason why Donavon wanted the family to all be together is so that the kids know where the h3ll their chaotic genes came from. It's vital to know and to accept the fact that the Howard gangsters managed to make it alive to their adulthood with their hands and feet still attached to them. "My love are you alright?" Donavon asked Anna who was bed resting. Anna was pregnant and she hadn't been feeling alright the whole day, Donavon suggested her to stay in bed instead of joining the party. Quickly the man of three children got himself ready until the bell rang twice. That must be the impatient Devlin, Danton, Dakota, Danielle, and Dancel wont be bothered with ringing the bell more than once and as for Dorothy she'd press on it non stop and barge. "Devlin and Chyou" He greeted once he reach the first floor. Their children were like ghost and lost souls, they were all quiet and well behaved unlike his twins who inherit the rotten part of the Howards or perhaps Donavon didn't spend enough time with his niece and nephew to know what they're like. "Hello darlings" He squatted down and gave each one of them hugs and kisses. "And is this little Juno? Hello dear" Donavon had always been fatherly among all his siblings, he loved kids and he was good with them. "May I?" He asked Devlin if he could carry the baby Juno.

 

[Danton Howard]

A family reunion. How charming. Danton Howard hadn't seen his family since the wedding. It had been quiet, private, grim and totally loveless. He and Kay were husband and wife, yes, but theirs was a marriage of convenience. He had needed a wife, and Kay was willing. He didn't know if Kay loved him. He wasn't sure that he cared. Maybe in another world he could love her, perhaps. Sadly, it wasn't to be. He had grown.... well, not fond exactly, but he'd gotten used to her. She was jealous and over-the top, but he had become accustomed to her. He wasn't sure if she was coming to this little gathering of theirs, but he didn't really mind either way.

Upon arrival, Danton rang the bell, surprising himself by looking forward to seeing everyone. He'd come to appreciate the sane members of the family more. His twin was not one of them, though he loved Dani dearly. She tired him out sometimes. Donavon was far more steady, as was Devlin. Dorothy was a minx; the entire family, bar Danielle, agreed on that. The door was opened by an elf, and he walked in. A quick glance around let him see that Donavan, Devlin and their respective children were present. "Hello." he smiled. He wasn't a huge children enthusiast, and instead let Donavon do the cooing. He did, however, greet his brothers quite warmly. "It's good to see you two. I knew the girls couldn't have arrived yet; no sound of arguing." he smiled. "How is everyone?" he asked, including the children in the question.

 

[Danielle Raven]

Danielle wasn't entirely sure why she'd decided to come today. Maybe because she was sick of feeling unsure. She didn't know where she stood with Gabrian. At least with her family they were mostly reliable. Devlin would always seem sullen and distant to her. Donavan would always be her big brother; she did miss him, but he was a father now. He had little time for her now. Dorothy, of course was a type of ally, and she did feel a type of responsibility for her. Dancel, she barely knew and Danton. Well, Danton was her rock; her was her twin. She'd never lived life without him and wouldn't want to. In reality, she needed him. Where Danielle was volatile and fierce, Danton was controlled, tactful and coldly dangerous.

She knocked on the door, which was opened by the elf, who she ignored completely. She strode into the house, her heels click-clacking on the floor. She always wore heels; today with skinny jeans and a plain white blouse. Her hair was still short; it was easier for modelling. If they wanted a longer style, she could use a wig, or extensions. She entered, just in time to hear Danton's comment. "I shall pretend you mean only Dorothy." she smiled, hugging her twin. "Hello Donavon, Devlin, Chyou." she smiled coldly, waving her fingers at them. "The twins are about Hogwarts age now, aren't they?" she asked, referring to Don's kids. "And which House do you two wish to be placed in?" she asked, fairly sure of the answer. If they gave the wrong one; she'd make no effort to disguise her outrage.

 

[Kerryn Howard]

Seeing her father giving so much attention to the cousins, Kerryn felt an intense jealousy deep in her heart. Yes she loves the babies but she loves getting an exclusive amount of attention devoted only to her and her sister. Which was pretty much illogical and impractical to apply, but after all Kerryn was only eleven her heart wasn't much different than a four years old. "Colette!" She called her sister, she wasn't sure where her twin was. Or maybe she was out? While she called her sister out, more of her relatives started coming. Uncle Danton who looked cold and unhappy as usual and aunt Danielle who he found stunning. She saw them greet each other and aunt Danielle finally spoke to the twins. "Slytherin" Kerryn would be devastated if she got into any other house, the Howards were all Slytherin legacy.


I'll bring Dorothy out in a minute, I dont want to disrupt the peace yet

 

[Devlin Howard]

A series of profanities escaped his mouth as he waited for the door to be opened. Devlin Howard was not one to hold his tongue even in front of his children, a fact that would be usually frowned upon by other people. "This is ridiculous," He was about to blow the damn door into smithereens when it opened to reveal one of his nieces. He made no motion to withdraw his wand as he stared the girl down. Donavon had twins, and though he too had twins, it took him a few seconds to identify which one of Donavon's girls had greeted them. "Kerryn," He said flatly, finally withdrawing his wand.

He walked in. It seemed that he was the first among the siblings to arrive. "Where's your damn-" A familiar voice greeted him before he could even finish his sentence. "It about time that you show up, your servants are incompetent, especially that blasted elf," he shot a glare at the elf by the door. If it was theirs', it would have been punished right away. "Drop her and I'll kill you." He threatened as he gave his youngest daughter to his brother. Among them, Donavon had always been the fatherly kind. With the absence of their parents, he had to be. He was the oldest after all. When Devlin was young, he found this trait of Donavon's annoying. He, after all, was not one to respect authority. He didn't like being told what to do. It still annoyed him now, but not as much as it did before.

"Take a seat," he told his children. Devlin's children, unlike him and his siblings, were pretty much, well behaved. They weren't loud and raucous, which was good. He didn't want any young Dorothys in his house.

The sound of the door opening caught his attention. It was Danton. He hadn't seen the younger since the wedding. "Danton, good to know that you are still alive." He said as a way of greeting the younger. Devlin, while not particularly close with his younger siblings, had learned how to tolerate the younger Howard. Another knock was heard, it was Danielle, Danton's twin sister. Danielle was someone that he had not seen for a long time. As he was not one to meddle with his siblings' affairs, he was not updated with the happenings in her life. Unlike the males of the family, Danielle was not a Scitorari. He didn't even have any idea what job she had. If someone had told him, he had forgotten it by now. "Don't be stupid Danielle. Of course he meant you and Dorothy," he said, a smirk playing in his lips. "Speaking of which, you didn't invite her, did you?" He turned his attention back to Donavon. Out of all his siblings, it was Dorothy that he wanted to see the least.​

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[Donavon Howard]

It took them only several minutes before one of the siblings started to pin point flaws of each other. "You don't talk about my elf that way, shut your mouth" Donavon felt a connection to his elf, surprisingly he treated the poor creature well. Among them all, Donavon had one of the biggest hearts even if it is not even close to enough to people in general. The eldest of the siblings then took baby Juno in his arms, he knew how to carry a baby after all he had two princesses of his own. "Protective" his eye brows raised, Donavon didn't see that coming from his brother, especially not Devlin. "What have Chyou done to you?" back then Devlin had no heart, he barely take care of himself other people were rubbish to him. Juno was beautiful, she got her father's eyes and her mother's facial shape. Donavon cuddled with the baby a little bit longer before summoning the crib and placed her on it along with all the toys that Nicolette and Kerryn used to play with. "You mean our little Dorothy? She's still a Howard? You'll be lucky enough to see her walking at the right path" What he meant was that Dorothy is to be like her brothers, a Scitorari.

Seemed like Donavon payed too much attention to Devlin's little one, after realizing this he walk toward the cabinet and grabbed a bottle of whiskey. "A drink Danielle?" There was never too early for Danielle, she could drink all day if she could. Or at least that's what she used to do back when they were younger and a lot more unstable. "Is Kay coming?" Donavon had no idea what was going on with those two, he hadn't been in touch with them, he assumed they were doing great.


Please do godmode Kerryn n Colette

 

[Dorothy Howard]

Donavon decided to invite the Howards and the relatives out of the blue, what the h3ll really. If it wasn't for the sake of annoying her siblings, Dorothy wouldn't even consider to come. But man she couldn't miss the party, seeing the little brat's face being scared of her would be priceless. Dorothy missed the fights between Devlin and her, yes she had to recover from serious injuries but that was alright to her. Quickly Dorothy apparated to Donavon's place with a bottle of vodka on her right hand. She was on her way to be drunk, and Merlin knows how annoying she can be when alcohol works in her body. Impatiently Dorothy pressed the bell over and over again, 10 times if she wasn't mistaken. The little elf them came rushing, poor little thing having to open the door for Dorothy. "H3ll yeaaah! You're all here!" She said in a loud voice before sipping on her drink. "Hello Donavon, hello Danton, hello Dani" She walked toward her siblings as she pointed them with her finger. "Hello Devlin" She said in a lower tone. Dorothy poked the nose of her nephews and nieces one by one as she giggled "Hello brat, brat, brat, brat, midget brat, Donavon's brat, and her twin brat". The brunette walked away from them toward the couch and slam herself on it. She was too drunk to let a little bit of sanity appear in her brain. She was sure that one of her siblings can always give her a potion which would make her sober immediately, but meanwhile she just have to pamper her heavy head and let it rest for a little bit. "SHUT UUUPPP!" She shouted with her face covered with pillows after hearing one of the kids laugh.

 

[Danton Howard]

Devlin's comment prompted the corner of Danton's mouth to twitch in amusement; "Just about." he replied, looking at his brother without moving his head. Devlin, a family man. He'd never have guessed. Danielle's arrival made Danton smile; not a particularly wide one, but it was genuine. His twin was guaranteed to be entertaining at least.He laughed when she spoke about Dorothy. "Of course darling sister; you are the epitome of calm and serenity." Danton was one of the few people who could say things like that to Danielle without her blowing up in response. He was surprised she was in a relatively good mood. He knew work was going well for her, but as far as he understood things weren't exactly stable with her and the Italian.
The fact that Don had invited Dorothy didn't surprise him; she was their sister. He doubted Dancel would show up; the boy had disappeared off the face of the Earth. the question about Kay threw him slightly. "Honestly, I'm not sure. She's a bit unstable at the moment. She's pregnant." he explained. He hoped it would be a boy, and he would have a son to carry his name. Hopefully the child would take after his father rather than his overly emotional mother. "She changes her mind every five minutes about even the most trivial of things at the moment." It made sense; hormones had their part to play. He doubted she would come. In reality, he hadn't spoken to her about it, but he didn't want his siblings to know that.

Dorothy's arrival startled him. "Dorothy." he warned her as she approached Devlin. How she spoke to the children was totally inappropriate. "Dorothy these are your nieces and nephews. Behave yourself!" he barked, stepping forward. He couldn't believe she'd arrived drunk. It made him think of Dakota; Merlin help them if Dorothy had inherited her weakness for drink. He looked across at Donavon. He shouldn't really take charge when he was in Donavon's house, and bowed his head to his brother, hopefully ensuring that he hadn't insulted the elder Howard.

 

[Danielle Raven]

Danielle rolled her eyes at Devlin. "How very original of you." she replied. If her hair were still long she'd have flicked it, but contented herself with a small smile. Danton's comment was answered with a stuck out tongue. However much they might irritate her at times, she felt she may actually enjoy this visit. She couldn't help but notice Kerryn's jealousy while her Father played with the children. That type of jealousy was familiar for Dani; sharing her twin with Hayley, and now Kay. Sharing her big brother with his own children had even been difficult; Don had been more of a Father than her own Father had ever been. "No doubt you'll make us all very proud. I know your Father worships the very ground you two walk on." she smiled, surprising herself by wanting to comfort the child. Discovering that she had any sort of maternal instinct was a shock to Dani's system. Don's suggestion prompted her to frown prettily. "I think you're mistaking me with Dakota, Don. How is the drunken tart? Anyone heard from her this decade?" she asked, curious. She and Dakota had been close, but her sister had gone of the rails somewhat, and she hadn't heard from her. "Or Dancel for that matter. At times I wonder if he was a collective figment of our imagination and Dorothy never had a twin brother." She sank into a chair.

The peace and almost familial atmosphere was ruined with Dorothy's arrival. "Here we go." Danielle murmured as she stumbled in. "Hi Dor." she smiled tightly. Bl00dy wonderful, she was drunk. Danton's little speech certainly wouldn't help. He had no idea how to deal with their sister. She rose elegantly from her chair, and crossed the room in couple of steps. "Dorothy. Do you feel well? You could go and sleep in one of the rooms perhaps?" It wouldn't do to have the children see their aunt blind drunk. She wasn't even sure if they'd ever met her before. If not, this was one hell of a first impression. Devlin, at least, would not like the idea of his kids seeing this sort of behaviour.

 

[Devlin Howard]

"You can't tell me what I can and can't do Donavon, face it, your servants are useless." Devlin said sharply, glaring at his brother, as if daring him to say something back. "Protective? Don't be stupid Donavon. Must I remind you whom you are talking to?" His older brother was mistaken. This was not protectiveness that he was showing. His children were his own flesh and blood. They were his, only his. Donavon should know that Devlin was not one to give up any of his property. He was possessive, maybe too much that it was bordering on obsession already. These kids were his children and no one was and would ever be allowed to hurt them. He would make sure that those who dared to do so would be dead before they even realize what they did. Some would say that this was being protective, but it was not, and he would never let anyone tell him otherwise.

Devlin decided to ignore his younger sister's comment. He knew not how to deal with Danielle. He couldn't remember having any decent conversation with her. They were siblings yes, but blood ties weren't really important when it came to them. They might have lived under the same roof, but honestly, they were more like strangers, or at least, to him they were still strangers. He watched as Danielle talked to Donavon's daughter. Was Danielle even married? He couldn't remember attending her wedding if she was. Not that he cared, really. So long as he wouldn't shame their name, he didn't care what she does with her life. "Dakota? Probably dead. It would be better if she was in fact." Devlin answered and with his tone, it was as if he was merely talking about the weather instead of his own sister. He didn't care about Dakota. That drunken trash was not worst his time. She probably drink herself to death. "We never had a sister named Dorothy, Danielle." He was not one to wish, but he wished that was true. Out of all the Howards, it was Dorothy that he despised the most.

The news about Danton's wife being pregnant caught his attention. If his memory served him right, the woman's name was Kay. He didn't know anything about the woman. "Is this the part where I say congratulations?" He definitely became more sarcastic. Before he could say anything more, the almost peaceful atmosphere inside the house was broken. Who was that damned person that kept on ringing the bell? His question was answered by the familiar but definitely not welcomed voice of the person he wanted to see the least. Dorothy. Great, the flea was drunk, what did he expect? Of course she would be drunk. "Don't touch them" he warned the younger. If Donavon don't make a move and rid this stupid woman, he wouldn't be held liable for what would happen. Then Dorothy yelled. "You shut up you bloody pr@t!" His voice was louder than normal, but he was not shouting. If his siblings wouldn't do anything to get Dorothy out of his sight, he would take action. He might have grown up, he might have learned how to control his temper even just for a bit, but old habits are hard to die, and right now, all he wanted was to cover Dorothy's face with a pillow until she could no longer utter a word.​

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[Donavon Howard]

"That's such a good news Danton" Donavon pulled his brother into a hug, he was truly happy for his family who finally got themselves out of the stinking manor of their parents and have their own families. Classic Devlin who sneered at Danton for the news that's worth to be celebrated. "Right, sorry Danielle. If there's anything that you want to have then you just tell Luna" Donavon felt bad for mistaking Danielle to Dakota, it had been a while since he got to think of the past nor to meet his family, his old brain seemed to be working slower and it had been years since he had to have his focus shifted to the Howards. "Devlin don't say that" He said referring to Devlin wishing his sister dead. Devlin had always been the darkest from the family, his wife was not much a help, she too was dark. "Before the youngest in our family come, I'd like to remind you the importance of family. I'm aware that almost each one of us have a family of our own yet we ought to work as a team. I want my children, nieces, and nephews to know that they can always rely on each other no matter how cold this world can be. Therefore..." And Dorothy the trouble came, ringing the bell so many times that it sickened Donavon followed by his beautiful wooden door flung open, making a loud noise. "To family" He toasted a shot of vodka quietly to himself before having to deal with the brat. "Dorothy" He walked toward the girl who greeted the whole family. She then threw herself to his couch and shouted. Dear Merlin she was drunk! Donavon had always care for Dorothy no matter how loud or irritating she can be. She was the youngest of all and she received love from no one since she was a child. Perhaps this is the reason why Dancel decided to vanish out of sight. "Drink" He commanded, forcing Dorothy to drink a potion brewed by Anna herself to ease down the alcohol effect.

 

[Dorothy Howard]

Dorothy was having a bad day, she just lost her job and she needed more money. She knew that she can always owl her parents however that was the last thing that she wanted. One other thing that made her blue was the fact that Dancel had been gone for so long, she wasn't sure if he was still alive. Oh! Beside Dancel, Dorothy was jealous to the bones with the fact that his siblings were all happy, or at least that's what she thought. They all have their own family who loved them and their own brats. In the mind of Dorothy's, she had no one. She spent her days and night all on her own. The young woman was unhappy, she hated her life and she hated everyone around her, even her family. Just when Dorothy thought everything was perfect, Devlin shouted back at her. "You don't talk to me like that, dim blub!" She rose from her former position and took her wand out, just before she casted any spell at her brother, the eldest in the family came and forced her to drink. "What the h3ll Don..." She drank the potion that he had just given her. The young girl felt dizzy and fell asleep instantly.

 

[Danton Howard]

Danton was shocked by Dani's affection with the child. Could it be she was softening? Was this due to Gabrian? He felt as though he were watching a stranger as she spoke to the child. Devlin's comments were a bit harsh though. "Devlin, that's hardly fair. They are our sisters, whether we approve of them or not." He had never been particularly close to Dakota, or Dorothy for that matter. Danielle had been closer to Dorothy when they were younger; or rather, they had schemed together. Danton had only ever really been close with Danielle. He'd never felt the need to be close to anyone else. He cared for his family because it was what was proper, because it was a value Hayley had taught him.

He smiled as Donavon congratulated him, and returned the hug. "Thank you Don." In truth, he was looking forward to having a child. He doubted Kay would be a particularly loving mother, but he wanted his child to have what he never had; parents who cared. Even if he would have to carry the burden alone, who would make sure his child was cared for. He glared at Devlin as he commented. "No Devlin, you don't say congratulations. Any normal person would, but you-no." he replied, releasing Donavon and staring his brother down. Donavon's speech had no effect on him. He would make certain his child was not influenced by his psychotic brother. His child would be better than that, kinder than Danton. In reality, the only real role model he could see for his child was Hayley. He wanted his child to be like Hayley.

Dorothy ignored them all completely, pausing only to shout at Devlin. Danton rolled his eyes, and collapsed into a chair. There was no point with Dorothy, she never listened. He watched Danielle and Don approach her. Don's administrations seemed to calm her, and she was out like a light. "H3ll Donavon, you are ruthless." he smiled, shocked at his soft brother actually taking action. "She'll sleep for a few hours, and then she'll wake as angry as a goblin who's been short-changed." he commented, itching for a cigarette. This was a new habit of his. Bad for his health, he knew, and a practice that was common among muggles, but it was a great stress reliever.

 

[Danielle Raven]

Danielle was mildly amused by her family at times. Of course Devlin and Donavon would clash over something as stupid as a house elf. His comments about their sisters were startling though. "Shut up for Merlin's sake Devlin. Honestly, you sound like a spoilt eight year old at times." she replied, crossing her legs as she sat on the couch. Devlin needed to cope with the fact that not everyone had themselves together. He was hardly one to judge, with his freaky wife, and children who seemed to be living in a walking dream. They didn't even talk for Merlin's sake. Danton's admission shocked her though. "Dan!" she screeched, jumping to hug her twin. "I'll be an aunt! Merlin; why didn't you tell me?" she asked, hitting him lightly. "I shall of course be expecting to be Godmother." she laughed, delighted. "Shut up Devlin. Nobody wants to hear it. We were all happy for you when you had your kids. would it kill you to actually act like you give a d@amn every now and then?" she asked, exasperated by his comment, and sat back down.

Dorothy's behaviour was getting to her. She abandoned her efforts, and let Donavon handle it. "That should keep her quiet." she smirked. Idiot. She'd never understood why people would ruin their bodies with alcohol. She herself, would only ever indulge in a glass of wine with a meal, or perhaps after a particularly trying day. Then again, her body had to be in top shape for her to get work. Absent-mindedly, she fingered the end of the shorts she was wearing today. A gift from a designer who liked her. Idiot muggle thought she had the perfect look for his line, and seemed under the illusion that he could seduce her. As if.

 

[Hayley Huberta]

It had been a while since Hayley get to meet her cousins whom she had grown up with. She had been occupied with her antique items trading business, this forced her to leave England and travel all over Asia; Tibet, China, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, you name it. Donavon owled her an invitation of a rare family reunion, she had no idea that the Howard do such thing. Of course Hayley wouldn't miss such an opportunity, she had missed her cousin Danton very much. If only he wasn't her cousin, she would've married him in a heartbeat yet fate wasn't kind too her. He got married to a Scitorari and rumor has it that they were pregnant. Now look at Hayley, she had no baby not even a significant other. The girl with platinum blond hair sighed as she apparated to the designated address sent by Donavon. She knocked the door with her wand only to see her cousins murdering at each other, or was it the youngest of the family who once more stole all the attention all to herself, being a pain as usual. Without anymore delay, her blue eyes quickly look for Danton as her heart beat faster. "Danton" She walked toward him and touched his shoulder gently. "A little bird brought me a news regarding to Kay, congratulation" She faked smiled and hugged him tightly. She had missed him so much, his smell, his touch, his gentle voice, everything. Memories of him and her flooded her mind, perhaps she shouldn't have come in order to avoid all those sentimental flashbacks.