"Aunt Eleanor, are you sure you don't want to come with us?" asked Christian, standing before the fireplace, waiting for his mother to use the Floo Powder.
"For the hundredth time, I'm fine," she replied, putting down her cup of tea. She was used to the smell and even found it soothing. "And if you're worried about your Christmas present, I already gave it to your mother. You will receive it on Christmas Day."
Christian looked at her and suddenly said, "Who is it?"
"What does that mean?"
"I mean, who is the man that you're willing to abandon me for? When are you introducing him to me?"
Eleanor was speechless, and Tiara entered the room with a snicker, "I told you he would figure it out."
"So, I was right? I knew your behavior had been suspicious. I thought I was too stressed out and seeing things."
"He was only suspicious until you said anything." She stared at Tiara, but the latter just shrugged. Eleanor looked at her nephew, "I will introduce them when the time is right."
"That's fine, but do tell him my approval can be bought with material things," replied Christian with a smirk. Tiara walked before him since she had finally checked and did not forget anything. She checked his coat, "Should you add another layer? It's very cold."
"It's fine. I've enchanted my clothes with a Fire Charm to keep me warm," replied Christian.
"Great idea," Tiara praised before looking at his head; she frowned at his small curly hair that looked like macaroni. "Are you sure you don't want a haircut?"
"No, I look handsome," Christian swiftly replied. It had only been three months, and his hair was growing fast and strong. As fate would have it, Christian's barber also twisted hair, and he made sure it was neat and tight. Adding the magic potion to strengthen his roots, his hair was always shining.
"If you had allowed me to use the hair-growing potion, they would have been longer and better looking," Christian complained.
"Just because magic is easy to use does not mean you must rely on it for everything. There is beauty in appreciating the mundane and doing things with your bare hands instead of relying on the easy solution of magic.
"Tell me these words when I see you wash the dishes or clothes with your hands," replied Christian, rolling his eyes.
"Don't be snarky," said Tiara, pinching his face and ignoring his grimace. She handed him the Floo Powder, "You know what to do, right?"
Christian nodded. He waited until the flame turned green before walking in. Christian ensured he pronounced the name of his aunt's address clearly, and soon afterward, he found himself squeezing through what felt like a long tube. When everything stopped, he felt dizzy but remembered his mother was behind him, so he left the fireplace.
"Zed, mon chéri, tu es enfin arrivé (honey, you're finally here.)" A slightly plump woman with a long dress that can be described as ancient, dark skin as warm as chocolate, and a bun, waited before the fireplace with a brilliant smile; she had a cozy atmosphere around her that made people willing to trust and love her.
"Aunt Arielle, it's good to see you (French)," replied Christian as he hugged and kissed her on the cheek.
"New hair?" Arielle asked as she ran her finger through his tiny locks. "You look more handsome than ever."
"That's what I've been saying, but someone disagreed."
"Don't listen to your mother; you'll always be handsome no matter what you do."
Tiara left the fireplace and pretended she had not heard these words. She was used to these two ganging up on her every time they were together.
"Eleanor is not coming?" asked Arielle, still holding Christian in her embrace.
"New relationship."
"That's good news. She has been too focused on her career; it's time she settled down with somebody."
"I disagree," said Christian.
"And why is that?" The smile never left Arielle's face.
"What if she loves him more than me? My frail heart won't be able to accept such a blow."
"Look how adorable you are; I doubt she can love anyone more than you."
"You have a point," nodded Christian with a smug look. Then, his face changed to a 'frown,' and he said, "What if they have children? I'm used to being the only one in the family with all the love and attention. I don't think I want to share that with someone else; I get jealous easily, you know."
Arielle's body paused briefly, "Don't you want a little brother or sister to love and cherish? They will follow you everywhere."
"Hmm, now I'm conflicted," said Christian in a serious tone. "On one hand, I want someone to love, protect, and even mold into what I see fit. On the other hand, the selfish part is still wanting to be an only child."
Christian's eyes suddenly twinkled, "A better idea: Aunt Arielle should give me a cousin."
"Wh…what?"
"It's perfect. I will have someone to dote on while I remain an only child."
"Well, maybe later," she replied stiffly, and Christian looked at her oddly.
"Come," said Arielle. "I've prepared lunch already."
Arielle took Christian's coat while motioning for her sister to take him to the dining room. A few seconds later, everyone was seated, and Christian looked at everything with shining eyes. The table contained his favorite Haitian dishes: griot, bannan(plantain), pikliz, diri djon-djon(black rice), macaroni gratine, and chicken and sauce. He has traveled to a lot of places in the world but nothing beats traditional home meals.
"Didn't you do too much? It's barely past noon," asked Tiara.
"That's why Zed is so skinny; you don't feed him enough," rebutted Arielle. Meanwhile, Christian was already enjoying himself with a piece of chicken. After he swallowed, he asked, "Where is Uncle Sullivan?"
"He went out to buy something. He should be back in a few minutes," replied Arielle. And as soon as she finished her words, a sound echoed from the front door.
"Speaking of the devil."
A tall white man dressed in pants and a shirt walked in. He had a somewhat unkempt beard and a kind face, but the scar above his eyebrow made him more menacing and intimidating.
"Uncle Sullivan," said Christian, who stood up from his chair and shook his hand.
"Christian, you're here," Sullivan Smith said with a smile. "Your aunt has been talking about your arrival nonstop."
"Well, I'm here now and could not be happier."
Christian returned to his seat, and Sullivan sat next to his wife. He saluted Tiara before starting to eat as well.
"My mother once told me you were a police officer. I'm guessing that's not entirely the truth," said Christian.
"That's right. I'm an Auror."
"Auror? You guys are supposedly the elites tasked with hunting some of the most dangerous Dark Wizards."
"That's the job description."
"So, you must be a very skilled wizard?" asked Christian.
"I'd like to think so."
"Hmm, I don't see it," said Christian. "How about you show me how skilled you truly are?"
Sullivan laughed, "In your mother's letters, she claimed you were a magical prodigy. I also don't believe it."
Christian gasped and looked at him as if Sullivan had said the most blasphemous word a person could say. "No, I will not stand for this offense. After this meal, let's see who lives up to their reputation."
Sullivan did not immediately accept, but looked at Tiara.
"Go ahead, and don't take it easy on him; he's been too arrogant lately."
Christian gave an innocent smile, pretending she was not talking to him. Everyone laughed, and lunch continued for more than an hour. Finally, everyone headed to the back door to experience this battle between uncle and nephew.
"Are you ready?" asked Sullivan.
"Of course," replied Christian, holding his wand tightly. Despite his words, he would never underestimate someone who spent most of his time hunting dangerous and cunning wizards without morality or a sense of honor.
"Alright, let's begin."