Start Her Up

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Athena entered the small wizarding shop, ready to give up on her search for the day. She’d been to several shops already and had even visited the shop in the Makutu Mall, hoping to find a dress to wear when she went out for her birthday. Athena hadn’t yet spotted the dress, but she was sure that she would know it when she saw it. At this time of day, the shops were all relatively empty, something she was taking full advantage of. The woman wasn’t a big fan of crowds and found it particularly difficult to hold her tongue when she was faced with annoying people. She knew that, in just a matter of days, the shops would be filled with people beginning to do their Christmas shopping. Athena had done some of that herself, sending each bag to her home with the flourish of a wand before moving on to the next shop. She was pretty glad that her father wasn’t home because she was sure that she had spent far too many galleons on this day. Still, she knew that her father wouldn’t deny her spending just a few more if it meant that she had found a dress to wear on her birthday. Pulling out a silver dress , Athena’s silver eyes lit up with delight as she turned the dress over. It was everything she had been looking for – short, sexy, backless –and Athena found herself smiling as she imagined herself in it.

Finding nothing else of interest, Athena headed for the changing room to try it on even though she knew that it was just right. She quickly changed, wishing that Elijah was here to let her know what he thought. She could always count on his honesty and he was pretty decent at helping her pick out outfits. Kamaria was pretty good too, but she never had much time these days. She was usually too busy with her boyfriend. As she pulled the dress on over her head, Athena thought about her own boyfriend. Declan had been being difficult of late. He’d been trying to pressure her to introduce him to her father, but Athena was far from ready for that. She knew her father and she knew that he would flip out if he found out that Athena was dating someone so much older than her even if he was a pureblood. Athena had laughed in his face when he’d stated that he could handle her father, and he hadn’t been too pleased by that. Pulling back the curtain, Athena walked towards the front of the store where a large mirror was placed right by the store’s window. She stood in front of it, looking at the dress from the front. It was gorgeous, hugging her curves in all the right places and making her eyes appear even more silver than usual. Before she could turn around to see how the dress looked from behind, Athena heard a gasp. She quickly glanced into the mirror, making eye contact with a shopkeeper through the mirror’s reflection. The woman’s eyes were wide as she stared at Athena’s back. Athena rolled her eyes at the woman as she turned to face her for a moment, eyes narrowing until the woman averted her gaze and pretended to straighten a shirt. Glancing at her own reflection, Athena took in the tattoo, easily recalling the pain she’d gone through to get it. It had been pure agony, the most painful thing that had ever happened to her. But, the sense of pride that she felt every time she looked at it made it worth it. She was a Zhefarovich.

 

[Drakon Katsaros]

Drakon Katsaros had a rough time adjusting to his new life. Traveling to New Zealand was rough for the Greek boy, and he figured that everything will adjust sooner or later. As he finally managed to join the Scitorari, he knew that he would make himself known one way or another. Everything around was buzzing with excitement. He heard so much about the Minister stepping down. If only he had the political views to run, he totally would. Drakon thought that he needed another decade or two of aging before he even stood a chance. Drakon walked along the street, shoving his hands into his pockets as he wondered around the area. He needed to find out where some of his relatives lived, but truth be told, none of them really mattered to Drakon. None of them joined the Scitorari like he did. None of them believed in the same thing as he did. Why should he even care about things like that? Siblings and family, all of that dragged him down. Everything did. The pure-blood looked about the area as he narrowed his eyes that resembled dark chocolate. Drakon cracked his neck a bit. Today was not going well. He recently quit his job in Europe after joining the Scitorari and telling his boss where to shove it. He was tired for working for that jerk. Drakon had enough, but now he needed another job, one that he did not want to work for someone that treated him like a kid. He certainly was no kid, and he knew better than to act like one too. Yet, often, Drakon did pitch tantrums that made parents never want kids again. He just never knew about that. Drakon thought that he was the best thing since sliced bread, and no one could tell him differently. Drakon let out a sigh as he thought about his life and what he was doing with it.

Since the male had nothing better to do, Drakon entered a shop that sold clothing. He needed to invest in a new leather jacket since this one was cracking since he wore it so much. Drakon ignored the shop assistant that greeted him. She was probably some sick mudblood, and he did not want that type of talk in his life. He looked through some of the jackets before something caught his eye. There was a reflection from the rack that he used at an angle to see some hot chick with a sexy dress near the front of the store. He slowly turned around and noticed one sure thing about her. The tattoo. Even he knew what that meant, after all, he heard tall tales of the legend. He put down the jacket and approached the slightly younger female with a cocky smirk across his face. This was just too interesting to pass up and he waited until she was definitely unaware of his presence near. He finally said, "So, I never thought I would find a Zhefarovich all the way down here." His Greek accent was extraordinarily heavy, and he had no idea if she would understand what he was saying or not. No one could really block out an accent, but at least it revealed where he came from. "Good, I thought there would be an abundance of mudbloods hanging around here." His words were cold when he thought of those from filthy blood, but he figured that since she came from where he thought, she would be one of the pure-blood ones. Chances were, she was, right?
​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Focusing her attention back on the dress, Athena was pleased with the length of the dress. It hit just below her behind, accentuating her legs. She smiled to herself, knowing that she had just the right pair of shoes for this dress. Athena was sold on it, especially glad that she’d been able to find it without help. She had just begun to look up to grab the attention of the shopkeeper so she could make the purchase and head home. The silver eyed girl couldn’t wait until her boyfriend saw what she looked like in this dress. Maybe then, his concerns about meeting her father would go away…at least for a little while. As the quiet in the shop was broken by a male voice, Athena’s eyes shifted over to its source. A man, tall, brunette, and wearing a leather jacket stood nearby wearing a smirk on his face. Clearly he knew what her tattoo signified. Her silver eyes quickly took him in, intrigued by what they saw. This was a man who obviously took care of himself and knew what looked good on him. It was also apparent that he had a rather high idea of himself. She could tell that just from his stance. The woman had been around enough people, men and women alike, to know arrogance when she saw it, especially since her own stance was quite similar. It took Athena a moment to comprehend his heavily accented words, but when she did, she nearly laughed out loud. “Then, you’ve obviously never been to New Zealand before. This area is crawling with my siblings, cousins, uncles. You name it, they are around” the young woman stated with an eye roll as she moved her gaze past him to search for the shop assistant once more. Athena never took notice of her own accent, though she knew that it was not as heavy as her father’s or anyone from his generation. She had lived in England for a bit before settling in New Zealand with her father, but she had still learned some of her father’s native tongue, mostly to please him and to put some distance between herself and her mother. Most of the Zhefaroviches still lived at the manor or in their native Bulgaria and many spoke the language. But, several, including Athena’s own family, had settled in New Zealand when their children had begun attending the local wizarding school. Athena sometimes felt that she couldn’t take a step without running into someone who was related to her. It was stifling sometimes, though at other times it was quite reassuring to know that a family member of some sort was nearby.

Pushing her hair off her shoulder so it cascaded down her back once more, Athena put her hands on her hips. “Don’t be mistaken though. There are plenty of those as well. Like her, for instance” she stated with a simple nod of her head as she gazed over his shoulder to the assistant who had finally reappeared. She had the look of someone with some degree of muggle blood. “Hey…I’d like to buy this. Same color, same size” she called out to the girl who glanced over and quickly nodded her head. She seemed eager to get Athena out of the shop. The blonde’s silver eyes narrowed as she stared at the woman’s back as she rushed around. Finally, Athena headed for the curtained dressing area once more. The walk took her towards the man who had stopped to speak with her. Nothing about him struck her as familiar. His accent was wrong for this part of the world, his style was even slightly different than the style of men here. Everything was just a little bit off. Pausing in front of him because she had nowhere else to go, Athena gestured to the space behind him. “Excuse me. You’re in the way” she stated coolly.

 

[Drakon Katsaros]

Drakon did not know if the young woman would respond to him, but since she was from a great family that should be honored, then she would be in good company that he was not a lowly mudblood or half-breed. He was a good, pure-blood male that was more than capable of sweeping girls off their feet. Somehow, some people just loved his arrogance and pompous attitude. It really made nights fun, but it probably would not work on this one. "Wow, never thought that I would see such a family outside of Bulgaria. I'm not from around here, obviously. At least there are some nobles around here then." The young Scitorari member was somewhat worried that he would have come to a country that did not have anyone that he could remotely talk to. He really cared about the company that he hung around. They could only be pure-bloods, and they were becoming so rare, it was almost like trying to find a bald eagle. But he would have to deal with it. He adjusted his leather jacket and he continued to look at the sexy Zhefarovich, not knowing her first name. First names were often not needed. Sometimes, he met women and never even knew their last name. He just labeled them by hair color.

Apparently, the assistant was one. He looked over his shoulder and almost hissed in disgust, but it was only slightly audible. "Disgusting. Completely disgusting." It was a shame since the assistant could have been a babe. But alas, the blood meant everything! No one could ever understand unless they were true to their pure-blood heritage. Drakon turned his attention back to the Zhefarovich, as she made sure that she got the dress that she wanted. That was good since she looked really good with it on. However, he remained where he was, observing what was going on around him. He had eyes everywhere he went. The Zhefarovich gestured to the space behind him, and said that he was in the way. He shrugged his shoulders before he said, "And?" He knew that she wanted him to move, but getting him to do something that someone told him to was like training a cat to play fetch. No, it was just not going to fly. He raised an eyebrow and his lips curled into a smirk, revealing that he knew just what he was doing. She was feisty. He liked that.​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Athena shook her head slightly, a smile on her face as the man hissed and spoke his disgust about the assistant. Many people in Athena’s family were very much like this man. They simply couldn’t stand the idea of being in the same room with mudbloods. Athena didn’t care as much so long as they knew their place. It was when they tried to associate with her as if they were on the same exact level that Athena grew miffed. The blonde could tell that the guy was checking her out and it neither bothered her nor pleased her. She was used to people looking at her, whether it was because of her eyes or her tattoo or her beauty. It was when he attempted to bait her that he really got Athena’s attention. She had a mild interest before when he had simply been standing there in his leather jacket. But, his expression as he waited for a response was incredibly attractive, the way his eyebrow flicked up ever so slightly. Too bad, it also revealed how much of a jerk he probably was. She had a boyfriend anyway, one who was very much exhausting her these days with how annoying he was being, but whom she loved nonetheless.

“Aaaaand…” she dragged out the word, her eyes narrowing as she stood her ground, “I want you to move.” Athena made her request plain. There was no thank you or please attached to her words this time. And, although her voice was as soft as ever, she spoke with an air of someone who expected to get her way. “So move” she added as if she was annoyed at having to wait. There was certainly plenty of room to walk elsewhere, but this was the quickest way and if he was going to be a jerk about it, Athena would play that game…and win. She was sure of it.

 

[Drakon Katsaros]

Drakon watched with extreme curiosity as it seemed that she was going to fall for his bait, to get her angry to see how feisty she could really be. He found that sexier than anything she was wearing, though he was sure that she would look better with everything off. However, it seemed as though she was not going to go around him at all. She wanted him to move, and he was too stubborn to let a little lady by. She dragged out the one word he said to her as she told him to move, and he raised an eyebrow once more, his smirk holding in place as if someone glued it there. He could be hit by a spell and he wouldn't even notice with how he was acting right now. Drakon wondered how long the ball would remain in the park before Athena took it and left the stadium, so to speak. "Yeah, I heard you the first time," spoke the Greek lad, arrogance hanging in the air as he spoke. Like hell he was going to move. He didn't move for people. People moved for him. He knew no other method of how to deal with a situation as delicate as this.

"You are aware that you can move around me, right? I mean, I shouldn't have to go out of my way just so you can save a few steps. After all, what is it in for me?" Though if he did move so that she could walk through, he could get a good look at what rests below her back, and above her long legs, but he thought that he could do that at any point right now. All he knew right now as that this seemed to be a really good game, and he was not about to lose to a woman. A Zhefarovich woman too. It would make the best victory.​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

As the man spoke, Athena couldn't believe how infuriating he was being. Her eyes narrowed as he continued to speak, each word confirming just how arrogant this man was. The former Slytherin had never been spoken to like this before. She was used to people, especially those who knew her family, behaving as if they were afraid of what might happen if they didn't obey her slightest command. Athena could feel her body tensing, her fingers curling into fists. "Of course I'm aware, but the easiest way is this way" she argued, waving her hand in his direction. The shopkeeper's assistant peered over at them as if she was unsure whether she should step in or not.

"Why does there need to be anything in it for you?" she added with disgust. She hated when people said things like that, though of course she also behaved that way. It was how she made most decisions in her life. Most of the time, when she didn't see the benefit for her, she didn't do it even if it would be beneficial for someone else. Athena gave the guy her best glare, refusing to back down and let him win. A moment later, though, the shopkeeper called out with hesitation'Miss...that'll be 13 galleons.' It would be foolish of her to keep holding her ground when her item was ready. Athena frowned, not pleased that she wouldn't be victorious this time. Finally, she took a step closer and jabbed the man's chest with her finger. "You are a jerk" she declared before turning to walk around the long way so she could pay for her item and get out.

ugh...so lame. Sorry.

 

[Drakon Katsaros]

Drakon was clearly testing her boundaries, and he was enjoying every moment he had. This was just too good. He watched as everything he said crawled under her skin. Obviously, she had no one speak to her like he had. Drakon could tell by that. She said that she was aware, but the easiest way was this way, which was in his direction. He shrugged his shoulders, obviously not caring in the least bit. He knew how big of a temper some of those family members could be, but it was definitely not her. "I'm not letting you take the easy way out. Just so you know." That was the key words that said that he was not moving, no matter what she said to him. He was stubborn.

She asked why there needed to be anything in it for him, and he gave a lazy shrug for an answer. Surely, she knew that this was how some people behaved. He needed to have something within for him if he was going to move from his place. He smirked and didn't vocalize his response to it. A shopkeeper interrupted their 'moment' of glaring with her obnoxious voice. It seemed as though she lost this match, as she gave in to go pay for the item. She jabbed him in the chest beforehand, and said that he was a jerk. Drakon laughed and said, "I would have said that I was an ass, but jerk is a bit more civil." She walked away from him and he couldn't resist calling out, "It burns you inside to have lost to a complete stranger, doesn't it, princess?" He laughed before he turned to start looking for another leather jacket. He needed one, bad.​

 

[Athena Zhefarovich]

Hearing him continue to talk even after she had walked past him irked Athena to no end. He was right about one thing. A slow burn began in her gut and her wand hand was itching with the desire to spin around and send a silencing charm towards the man. She had never met anyone who loved to hear his voice as much as this man so obviously did! He was right...and it infuriated her that this man was acting as if he knew her so well when he didn't even know her name. The only reason he even knew her surname was because he'd seen her tattoo. Taking a very deep breath, Athena forced her spine even more straight, standing to her full height of just over six feet with the heels she had on. Her eyes had darkened over the course of her conversation with the man, and as she forced herself to ignore him and continue forward, they remained a very dark color, a far cry from the silver eyes she'd walked in with.

Slapping the galleons onto the counter, Athena dared the cashier to say something, anything as she packed the dress into a bag. The woman appeared to know just how precarious the situation was, though, because she rushed to put the dress into a bag and handed it over with shaking hands. Athena snatched the bag and headed for the door, hoping that the man had slipped out. No such luck, though because she saw that he was still looking at jackets. At least he wasn't looking her way anymore. Pushing the door open with one hand, Athena took one last look at the man and couldn't help but call out to him. "Hey" she began, " You say you've heard of my family. I suggest you find out what happens to people who are in our way" she smirked at him. If he did know anything about her family, then he had heard at least one of the crazy stories. There were plenty out there. "You won't be as lucky next time I see you" she added before stepping out of the shop and apparating back to her home. As she walked up the walk to her home, Athena's eyes returned to their normal color and she relaxed some. Athena attended pureblood parties often enough, but that guy was not anyone she could recall. Doubting that he was even a pureblood, Athena tried her best to brush off the afternoon annoyance as she entered her home and headed to her room, thankfully avoiding her younger siblings as she did.</COLOR></FONT>

Fin​

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