It was warm in the Trishna house, but busy, and crowded. Muggle architecture and technology within the house meant no real room to expand rooms with spells and runes, and as such, twelve, or as it felt, thirty, of them felt a tad claustrophobic. Christmas dinner[1] had been fun, and the clearing up was monumental, but he was finding it quite enjoyable to muck in with them all. It was a far happier, kinder family than what faced him otherwise, and he found himself glad to see Sasha smiling and enjoying himself. Tapendra was perhaps the father Sasha desired, and Ignan felt like he had no claim to say otherwise, despite biology.

Finally, as things seemed to be settling down into the lark of resting bellies and accidental naps into the night, prodding Christmas presents under the tree for tomorrow, he found an excuse. With a nod and a well pointed catch of an eye with Sasha the two of them had found their way from the kitchen and out the back door into the dark.

Closing it behind them, Ignan shrugged his coat back around his shoulders and looked out into the dark back garden. He preferred this to the front door - no strange being that you rode in the belly of (he'd lately been informed that was a car) and it didn't look like he was trying to lure Sasha out into the street. Truth was, short of a bedroom and perhaps one of the bathrooms, this was one of the only places in the Trishna household that they'd be able to string a sentence together without being interrupted easily.

Moments like this, suddenly out in the cold from social situations reminded him of when it was the norm to smoke, to walk up a street from a pub after closing with a plume of smoke following from a pipe or a rolled cigarette. Instead in the cool, damp air, it was only the occasional exhalation that formed a vapour cloud.

"I hope your Christmas with the Trishna's has been enjoyable." Ignan began, shoving his hands into the pockets of the long, black coat which came down to his knees. Not quite as efficient at keeping the cold out than a robe, but helped him blend in.
"One hopes you haven't been studying too hard after your additional exams in the Muggle world?" He asked his son, "though I suppose with all the comings and goings and people it would be pretty hard, anyhow."

1.	How Many Are We Feeding Again?

Sasha nodded at the unspoken invitation and wrapped his hands around a fresh cup of coffee before following out onto the back stoop.  Dutifully, Baldur followed, anxious to get outside after having spent a long evening laying under the dinner table at Sasha's feet.  Later that evening, Sasha would sneak a few pieces of leftover goose for the dog - a simple, though belated reward for having ignored the array of aromas the whole evening.  For now, though, the dog seemed content to trot the backyard's perimeter, sniffing at strategic spots along the fence in his nightly patrol. 

Sasha leaned against the brick face of the house, looking over as he heard the man's comment.  He nodded.  "It has been enjoyable.  More so than I'd expected."  Not that he'd been expecting it to be unpleasant.  Truth be told, Sasha hadn't known what, exactly, to expect.  He knew the holidays would be different than they'd been before - for a variety of different reasons.  Some good, some not so good.  He'd be lying if he said he hadn't met the holidays with at least a little trepidation. 

And, it was awkward, sometimes.  The house was very full and quite small.  The den here was comfortable but still a fairly public space.  Sasha was used to a bit more privacy at home - in their three story family home, the whole expanse of the third floor, under the eaves, was his space.  Even at his first boarding school, his stepfather had ensured private accommodations.  Even the Hogwarts dorm had, at first, been a bit of a shock but even there he didn't have girls traipsing through or dropping in to play games. 

Despite the difference - or, maybe, even a little because of it - he was actually enjoying it more than he'd expected.  "It's very different than the holidays I'm used to.  More ... chaotic?"  He glanced over his shoulder at the closest window.  Despite the post-feast, full belly stupor, there were still plenty of voices and activity inside.  "I think I might actually miss it.  You know?" 

"One hopes you haven't been studying too hard after your additional exams in the Muggle world?  Though I suppose with all the comings and goings and people it would be pretty hard, anyhow."

Blushing, slightly, Sasha grinned and shook his head.  "I ... no.  I've hardly cracked a book that had no bearing on reality," he confessed.  "Other than some casual, extra-curricular stuff.  Nothing illegal, though," he quickly added.  Having, apparently, taken satisfactory account of every backyard infiltrator and escapee, Baldur trotted back towards them, greeting the Deputy Headmaster first. 

"After twenty-two exams in a week and a half, I decided I could be slothful for two weeks.  Luckily, if I slip in my resolve, there's definitely plenty of distractions." 

"Oh I think we can excuse you of that this Christmas." Ignan replied with a sense of humour reaching his voice. "Nothing Biladeau-Yukawa wouldn't approve of, taking it easy - reducing the stress. Though I'm sure given half the chance, most of the school would be down to see her for the same recommendation." The corners of his mouth turned, and he rolled his shoulders, pulling at his coat lapels to make it sit more comfortably before sliding his hands back into his pockets.

"And yes, hmph, leave the illegal up to me in future or something?" He nodded through the window to where Aileen and Tappy were lounging, conversing. "That way you get to keep your time with the likes of Tapendra, where I'd know you'll be looked after like one of his own." Ignan's gaze slid back to Sasha and then away into the darkness uncomfortably. Hell, it didn't suit him to express parental care. It was awkward. That feeling of responsibility had crept up on him over the past couple of months.

"I don't mean that in a negative way," The older wizard hastily explained, "Good Merlin, Christmas for me this year, other than this brief interlude of insanity, is rather run of the mill indeed. I wouldn't submit you to it - even Johann has the good sense to keep his head down and refuse invitations. Which reminds me, he was asking of your plans." He'd dared to look back at his son, though his expression conveyed a little of the guilt he felt that his cousin was to date the most welcoming towards Sasha's inclusion in the family tree.

The Ravenclaw ducked his head bashfully but pushed himself off the wall as the German Shepherd came trotting towards him with a soggy, slightly muddy tennis ball.  Sasha had long since grown accustomed to the unrelenting comments about his work- and class-load.  Whether from the counselor or Professor Trishna or Figaro by way of the Hogwarts Howler[1]  "She'd probably give me a dozen gold stars," Sasha commented, tossing the ball across the backyard for the dog. 

There were undertones in the professor's comments that, even beyond the obvious complication, gave Sasha reason to pause.  When the shepherd brought the ball back towards Sasha and dropped it at his feet, Sasha stared at the ball for several moments while his mind raced to figure out how to respond.  Sasha had never been very eloquent and there were times, like now, when he wished he had a better way with words. 

"I know.  Professor Tap-"  Sasha's eyes widened and he blushed and he quickly reached down to pluck the ball off the wet patio.  Between Abby and Georgiana, Sasha was surprised he hadn't made that mistake earlier.  "Professor Trishna has said as much.  I know I'd be happy here even though I know there really isn't room for more than a visit.  But, it's almost enough to know he feels that way?"  On a couple of occasions over the past few days, the thought of asking Professor Trishna to allow him to renovate the garage or even what space was underneath the eaves had crossed Sasha's mind.  But, he knew it wasn't his place to ask. 

"But - even with that, I'm still glad you're here."  He still wasn't entirely sure what role he hoped or wanted Professor Storm to fill - things were far too confusing to really make heads or tails of it.  But, he was fairly certain he didn't want either his relationship with Professor Trishna or Storm to be mutually exclusive of each other. 

"It'd be hard to explain why you're dragging along a student, anyway.  So, does that mean you won't be here tomorrow?" Sasha asked, looking up at Professor Storm. 

He smiled when Professor Storm spoke of Johann.  "My plans?  For the rest of the holidays?  Is he going to be around?  Mostly staying here, I suppose.  I'm going down to London for Raine's birthday.  I also have to meet with our lawyers at some point.  Which, actually ... you might be able to help with.  If you're willing." 

1.	House Points Heroes

"But - even with that, I'm still glad you're here."

The older man managed a thankful smile, thankful for the kind words and sentiment from the younger man.

"It'd be hard to explain why you're dragging along a student, anyway.  So, does that mean you won't be here tomorrow? My plans?  For the rest of the holidays?  Is he going to be around?  Mostly staying here, I suppose.  I'm going down to London for Raine's birthday.  I also have to meet with our lawyers at some point.  Which, actually ... you might be able to help with.  If you're willing."

"I don't think the invitation was extended to tomorrow, and I believe my presence is expected back at the school for Christmas dinner." Ignan explained softly, "I'm sure you wouldn't want to tolerate my company a second day running with all the pleasant Muggle distractions, or if you could, I'm not sure Harpur or the Trishnas could, and I'm not sure I'd be able to tolerate Oliver."

He paused a moment, listening to the strange voices and exclamations from within the property, and shook his head in amusement. He watched Baldur without seeking to interact with the dog, never being much of an animal person.

"Yes, as far as I know, Johann will be about this Christmas. I was hoping he might be working, keep him out of mischief. Do wish Raine a happy birthday from me… if appropriate." It would be odd to specifically owl her himself, after all. Creepy, even if he did hex her copiously during their regular private lessons.

"Lawyers?" Ignan asked, with an element of trepidation in his voice, "The Muggle sort, or the wizarding kind? Why, how might I be of assistance in that area?"

Though he knew better than to admit it, Sasha was a little relieved to hear Professor Storm would not be here tomorrow.  More for his own reasons than those the man probably assumed.  Sasha was slowly getting more comfortable and able to relax around the Defense professor but image was still very important.  This conversation was already skirting the line of feeling emotionally exposed and  Sasha had no idea what to expect from the next day. 

"I'm not sure I'd be able to tolerate Oliver."

Sasha grinned and nodded.  "I don't blame you," he admitted.  "I'm surprised the house is still standing." 

"I know it's not really my place, but I don't think you give Johann enough credit," Sasha admitted, quietly.  He was aware there was probably more to the story then he knew but everything he saw only made him respect his older cousin more.  Very quickly, Sasha had grown to think very highly of his cousin.  It had been a lucky day, indeed, when Johann had agreed to take him on as an intern.  Or, rather, the day when Johann had been surprised by a new intern, even if they'd gotten off to a rocky start. 

Sasha took a deep breath and reached down to pick up the tennis ball. "Muggle sort," he answered, tossing the ball across the yard.  The shepherd streaked off after it, this time returning to drop the ball at Professor Storm's feet.  Having noticed the trepidation in Professor Storm's voice, Sasha quickly added: "and, it's nothing ... big.  Just-" 

No broken sentences.  He knew that annoyed the professor.  "Well, I'm turning seventeen in February but, in the muggle world I won't really be an adult for another year.  It's not really a big deal, except I can't go back to my parents' house this summer.  I can't do it."  Being in that huge, empty house alone would have been unsettling enough without the flashbacks and memories.  He needed to put it behind him. 

"But I can't sell or buy anything until I'm an adult.  Professor McGonagall has offered to help me get emancipated but we need a letter from my 'school' saying I'm able to make those decisions.  The problem is, they already think I go to school in Switzerland and, well, Professor McGonagall doesn't speak German.  If you can, you know, write a letter from 'Appenzell school,' then I can take it to them.  That's all you have to do."

"Well, I'm turning seventeen in February but, in the muggle world I won't really be an adult for another year.  It's not really a big deal, except I can't go back to my parents' house this summer.  I can't do it. But I can't sell or buy anything until I'm an adult." Sasha explained, and Ignan lowered his head to listen intently.

"Professor McGonagall has offered to help me get emancipated but we need a letter from my 'school' saying I'm able to make those decisions.  The problem is, they already think I go to school in Switzerland and, well, Professor McGonagall doesn't speak German.  If you can, you know, write a letter from 'Appenzell school,' then I can take it to them.  That's all you have to do."

Ignan frowned a little at the request of forgery into the Muggle world.
"I see. Wouldn't those sorts of letters be... I don't know what the word is for it, written by machines, somewhat like the ones in this house." He inclined his head towards the back door of Tapendra's house thoughtfully.

"It is my understanding from talking with our Muggle Studies Professor, that the concept of a handwritten letter is now rather declining in popularity for formal documents at least. But - whatever the case, I am sure I could see to assist in some manner. Even if we have to write the thing and have Tapendra make the machine write it again." He shrugged and shook his head.

"Though Johann's rather adept at formal documents and legal matters than I am. You might be better asking him." Ignan suggested, "Not that I mean to shoulder the responsibility away from me. See, there, I give him credit for that." Father smirked at son.

"As for my reasonings for giving him less of late, well, he got into a spot of bother late November, early December. A little similar to the time he sought your hospitality, I understand, during the time you were away from the school. He lacks the common sense of others."

Baldur had brought back the tennis ball, and this time, Ignan stooped to throw it across the garden into the darkness.

With a restrained sigh, Sasha nodded his head.  Oddly enough, the Ravenclaw hadn't considered that complication until Professor Storm had mentioned it, but he was right.  They would be expecting it typed.  On formal letterhead.  And, was it really possible they'd be content making a decision based on letters alone?  What if they got suspicious and demanded appearances?  A visit to the school?   

"No.  You're right.  They would expect it typed.  It'd be just our luck they'd also want to video conference with the administration." 

Why, again, was confounding the lawyers not a good idea? 

"I'll ask Professor Trishna," Sasha confirmed, though he wasn't sure how that would go over.  Not given everything.  Professor Trishna had an uncanny knack for finding the logistical flaws in any number of circumstances. 

The Ravenclaw nodded, appreciative of the man's offer to help.  "I'm sure I'll figure something out.  I have a few months before it's really, you know, an issue." 

"As for my reasonings for giving him less of late, well, he got into a spot of bother late November, early December. A little similar to the time he sought your hospitality, I understand, during the time you were away from the school. He lacks the common sense of others."

Maybe Jacoba did have a point when she'd mentioned seeing a fair bit of family resemblance between Sasha and Johann.  There seemed to be a few about that thought Sasha similarly lacked common sense.  But, still, Sasha knew it wasn't his place to comment though he couldn't help but hope the same wouldn't happen to him if Professor Trishna did speak to him. 

A worry for another day. 

The Hogwarts Professor raised his hands to his mouth and blew through them to warm his fingers, watching Sasha as he explained yet more foreign Muggle words to some sort of conclusion.

"Well, if not that, I am sure I can assist with some sort of accommodation, this summer until you do come of age in both worlds. I've tended to go back to Germany to see family, take a holiday, but I have been thinking it is time to put down some permanent home here in Britain out of term time." It sounded so strange to declare it.

"For no matter more, perhaps, than convenience," Ignan clarified, "I don't tend to stay put over summer long, so you'd not be under my feet if I offered you a room." He cringed, "But if I was you, I wouldn't contemplate it. You should get away yourself, stop working so hard." The older wizard slipped his hands back into his pockets, and turned away from the shadowy garden.

"I almost forgot, I've left your Christmas present[1] for tomorrow with Tapendra. I anticipated it might look odd if there was one for you under the tree from me, what with Winifred Oliver in the house. She'd be convinced it was a trap to kill you. Either way, I would recommend discretion with it." Ignan gave a genuine smile.

"Getting cold out here," He concluded, "and I think you better go and spend some time with that Abigail girl. She looked mildly disappointed when she realised you were not heading out on your own."

Ignan reached for the back door handle, he had a feeling there was either a strong cup of tea, or something strong in this house with his name on, and it was about time to seek it out.

1.	Christmas Present (PDF) - wrapped in dark green paper with gold ribbon.

The surprise on Sasha's face was as prominent as it was genuine.  Professor Ignan Storm was offering him a place to stay for the summer.  Yes, in the back of his mind, the Ravenclaw was aware of that prominent mitigating circumstance that contributed to the offer but, still.  From a man who'd, until only a month before, seemed very distant and emotionally monotone, the offer was surprising.  And touching. 

It was a moment before Sasha remembered his manners.  "Thank you, sir," he offered, along with an awkward and still slightly confused grin.  Staying with Professor Trishna would, still, be Sasha's first choice.  But, if that weren't a possibility and things didn't work out the way he hoped, it was nice and reassuring to have something to fall back on.  And, admittedly, it wasn't an entirely disagreeable fallback plan. 

Then, his father suggested something that Sasha would have never considered for himself.  "Just ... leave?  Where would I go?  What would I do?"  Being idle, not having a concrete plan.  For weeks on end.  It was a thought that was about as foreign as the Ravenclaw might encounter.

"I almost forgot, I've left your Christmas present for tomorrow with Tapendra. I anticipated it might look odd if there was one for you under the tree from me, what with Winifred Oliver in the house. She'd be convinced it was a trap to kill you. Either way, I would recommend discretion with it."

Sasha returned the man's smile and nodded, appreciatively.  "Thank you, sir," he offered.  "You didn't have to, but I ... I actually have something for you, as well," he quickly added as the man turned for the door. 

"I didn't really know, you know, what was appropriate.  And, Professor Trishna's recommendation wasn't legal."  Even though, in the end, Sasha had taken the recommendation.  "I ... one moment."  Sasha hurried across the backyard, the shepherd falling in step behind him and returned a moment later with a small wooden crate and butcher-paper wrapped parcel[1], both baring the old Waldgraf family crest. 

Grateful the darkness hid the blush, slightly, Sasha handed the items over.  "Waldgraf was my mother's maiden name. Their...our estate was producing up until ten years ago or so.  I figured, since I didn't actually buy it, so it's not really illegal."  Legal or not, he'd already owned it.

1.	Ignan's Gift

Ignan was taken aback at the size of the gift, initially lost for words. They'd floundered for such a while that term to find their bearings in terms of how they were, he'd defaulted for a present relating to what tied them together. Sasha had... what looked like... done his homework with Tapendra presumably.

"Sasha, you didn't, you needn't have worried..." Perhaps there was something in that quirk of the way his son didn't complete sentences that was shared. It wasn't often Ignan was lost for words, yet continued to try and speak.

"Thank you. I hadn't expected you to think of me like that so soon." He confessed, humbled in the darkness of the back doorstep.

"Illegal? Oh, yes, the wine. No really that is terribly thoughtful of you. Thank you, thank you very much indeed." Ignan explained, still holding the crate. What was the usual thing to do here? Shake his hand? There was a moment's pause for thought as he set it down on the step, and extended a hand. Fathers and sons might share a hug, but they'd probably never want to do that, Ignan hardly did it to his closest relatives.

"I do hope you have a good day tomorrow, and do catch up with Johann. I'm away for a few days after Christmas to see everyone back home, otherwise I would come back and visit again. Anyhow, the rest of the evening still to come." He tilted his head to the door and stooped to pick up the crate again.

The Ravenclaw shrugged, awkwardly, turning his attention briefly towards the German Shepherd as the man stumbled over his words.  If he were being honest, he wasn't sure, himself, what he had intended the gift to represent.  That - the underlying message of any gift (and what he wanted it to be) had been the biggest challenge of this year's gift gather adventures.  It had been a bit of a puzzle, but a welcome puzzle.

Perhaps a reluctance to hug was another trait shared between father and son; it was certainly neither expected nor anticipated by the Ravenclaw.  It hadn't been commonplace in his own household and, while Sasha had come to appreciate the gesture from the likes of Professor Trishna and Abby, they were still awkward enough even with them. 

The offered handshake was as poignant and significant as Sasha would have hoped for.  With a genuine smile, Sasha shook the offered hand, firmly. 

"It was no trouble, sir," Sasha reassured the man.  "I appreciate you coming.  And, being here.  It-"  Worrying about the challenges of navigating new family this holiday had proven a welcome distraction from the other challenges and familial implications of Christmas. 

He nodded his head, carefully ignoring the well wishes for the following day in favor of the other comments.  "Indeed, sir." 

"I'll be in briefly.  Someone's overdue for supper." Sasha dipped his head in the dog's direction as the professor turned to head inside.