8 Dec 2024, 01:49
Little Boys and Their Broken Toys
Aamon had settled himself in the library. His brothers had made his first months in Hogwarts as difficult as he could expect. This coupled with the strange, dark magic that compelled the misfits that pursued him and over time started to resemble him. he had concerns that he would survive the year. He felt that he needed to do a bit of research on his own. He had a unique vantage point, living among them. He understood the madness that brewed within his family line but he did not understand the perspective of others.
The Athanatos family was synonymous with power and with power came rebellion, jealousy and of course tragedy.
All of the guards died a few months after their arrest, before they could be tried. He was too young to understand any of this, but he knew that his father was concerned about the widow of one of the assailants as well as their son.
The Athanatos family was synonymous with power and with power came rebellion, jealousy and of course tragedy.
This was from before he was born. His older brother Vladimir was born and his mother died several months after he was born. Vladimir never knew his mother, but there were a lot of pictures of her throughout the estate. Their father never talked about her or exactly how she died but his brother had mentioned that she died from a 'terrible curse.'Athanatos Family Dedicates St. Mungo’s Hospital Wing in Loving Memory
By: Emily Tansworth, Special Correspondent
LONDON—The Athanatos family has once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to charitable causes with the opening of a wing dedicated to the care of the psychologically fragile at St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. Named in memory of Selene Athanatos, the late wife of family patriarch Thaddeus Athanatos, the Selene Athanatos Memorial Wing will provide specialized care for half-breeds and creatures often underserved by the magical healthcare system.
Selene’s untimely death, 18 months ago, following complications during the birth of her only son Vladimir, left a lasting impact on the magical community. Selene was beloved for her philanthropic works and compassion for magical creatures. She spent her life bridging the gap between wizards and magical sentient creatures. Although her passing was initially surrounded by rumors of foul play, no credible evidence of wrongdoing has ever surfaced. Her husband, Thaddeus has never been considered a suspect and has only emerged stronger in his dedication to helping those in need.
"This wing will stand as a testament to Selene's compassion and the family's enduring commitment to equality for all magical beings," Thaddeus said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony where he was accompanied by Selene's older sisters Matilda and Marion. Several notable Ministry officials and healers were in attendance to applaud the family's generous efforts.
And this is where things got a bit sticky. Mid 2000s, around the time he was born there was an incident at one of their storehouses. Apparently they had a few crooked guards that were selling Darkest Night and they were using components stolen from the Wiltshire Estate's storehouses.Athanatos Estate Theft Case Closed Without Arrests: "No Foul Play," Says Ministry
By: Leopold Hayes, Ministry Correspondent
The Ministry of Magic announced yesterday that the investigation into the high-profile theft at the Athanatos family’s Wiltshire estate has been officially closed, with no arrests made. Despite initial fears that valuable and dangerous magical items were stolen, officials have confirmed that nothing of significant threat to the public remains missing.
In a brief statement, Thaddeus Athanatos expressed his relief at the conclusion of the investigation. “We’re grateful to the Ministry for their thorough work and pleased to move forward,” he said.
This case has once again raised questions about the family's security measures, as well as reignited baseless rumors about the stolen items being connected to illegal potions. Nevertheless, the Athanatos family’s charitable efforts continue unabated, with Thaddeus pledging to expand their support for half-breeds in the coming year.
For the wizarding world, the Athanatos name remains synonymous with generosity, despite the occasional shadow cast by unfounded speculation.
All of the guards died a few months after their arrest, before they could be tried. He was too young to understand any of this, but he knew that his father was concerned about the widow of one of the assailants as well as their son.
There was a leak regarding Darkest Night, it was assumed to be from within the family and it plunged the entire clan into turmoil.Athanatos Family accused of Peddling Darkest Night
Recent reports have confirmed that the stolen wares from the Athanatos family’s Wiltshire estate include rare and highly regulated components associated with the production of the illegal potion known as Darkest Night. This potion, classified as dark magic, is infamous not only for its dangerously addictive properties and the inevitable toll it takes on physical and mental health but also for its sinister production process. Ingredients include human blood, bone, and other esoteric materials that are both difficult to procure and tightly controlled by magical authorities.
While the theft has prompted an investigation, allies of the Athanatos family have rushed to their defense. Supporters argue that the mere possession of these ingredients does not implicate the family in the illicit potion trade. They point out that many of the same rare components are integral to potions linked to divination, a cornerstone of the Athanatos family’s legacy and expertise.
Critics, however, remain skeptical. The Athanatos family’s vast wealth and influence have long been the subject of scrutiny, with detractors suggesting that their fortune owes more to clandestine dealings than to legitimate endeavors. “The line between rare potion-making and illegal activity is dangerously thin,” one anonymous source claimed. “It’s hard to believe that a family with such access and power wouldn’t be tempted to exploit it.”
The Athanatos family has yet to release an official statement regarding the stolen items or their potential use. However, with tensions rising amid accusations of corruption and criminality, this incident casts a shadow over a family already burdened by generations of secrets and controversy. Whether the theft is the work of opportunistic criminals or an attempt to expose something more sinister remains to be seen.
He sighed as he finished the article, in time to see one of his brothers approaching the table. He had recently been accosted by Percival Grey who was demanding answers he was only partially able to give. He was admittedly frustrated with his brothers, not just Pride but all of them. How was it that each of them seemed to find a unique means of pissing someone off?Athanatos Family Celebrates Decade of Philanthropy: A Legacy of Giving
By: Ophelia Larkspur, Lifestyle Editor
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Athanatos Charitable Foundation, established by Thaddeus Athanatos in honor of his late wife, Selene. While their marriage was brief and unexpected, her legacy lives on. The foundation has become a pillar of support for underprivileged and marginalized groups within the magical community, most notably half-breeds and magical creatures.
The annual gala held last evening was a dazzling affair, with numerous figures from the Ministry, Hogwarts, and the wider wizarding world in attendance. Thaddeus, looking as dignified as ever, gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on his wife’s legacy and the importance of giving back. Selene's family was not in attendance again this year.
Despite their celebrated philanthropy, rumors persist about the family’s alleged connections to dark dealings, such as the trade of Darkest Night. Thaddeus dismissed these claims in an exclusive interview with the Daily Prophet, stating, “Our focus has always been on bettering the community. Any accusations otherwise are simply unfounded.”
Rumors of a connection to Darkest Night surfaced after a theft of an Athanatos storehouse where it was rumored that several rare, necessary components for the highly addictive potion. Authorities have not pressed charges, citing a lack of evidence but opponents believe that the family has purchased their freedom. A wrongful death lawsuit involving the Booth family was resolved outside of court for an unnamed sum and since there has been close to no reported cases of Darkest Night on the street.
iNPC: Taylor Athanatos
8 Dec 2024, 03:00
Little Boys and Their Broken Toys
Gideon's entrance into the library was a calculated masterpiece of nonchalance, his footsteps soft and echoing on the worn wooden floor. His cherubic smile was in place, but a sharp gleam of something more showed through his light-colored eyes. Gideon had seen Winnie in the grounds, she was asking about Mathias, her cheeks flushed, her tone soft and desperate when she spoke his brother's name. That alone would send the thrill of dark amusement coursing along his spine.
She was so fixated on the details, she did not understand the grand game at play. He sent the girl off, giving the girl what she would have considered a bone. Matt was going to be displeased when he learns who sent her his way. But Mathias was not going to move against him, they both knew the game too well to ever come into direct conflict.
The same could not be said of dear Aamon.
The weakest link in the family chain sat hunched over a pile of articles and parchments, as if digging through the past could fortify his frail position. Gideon stopped behind Aamon's chair, resting his hand on the back lightly. The touch was light but full of unspoken weight.
"Ah, little brother," Gideon started, his voice light and pleasant. Between the two of them, Gideon looked younger with his full cheeks and bright eyes, his smaller stature and his stuffie that he carried under his left arm despite the fact that he was truly too old to be playing with toys. He looked to see if anyone was in earshot before he said more, the cadence of his voice carried the weight of a maturity that his appearance betrayed. "Still indulging your penchant for history, I see. Must be exhausting, carrying the weight of the family legacy on your shoulders."
She was so fixated on the details, she did not understand the grand game at play. He sent the girl off, giving the girl what she would have considered a bone. Matt was going to be displeased when he learns who sent her his way. But Mathias was not going to move against him, they both knew the game too well to ever come into direct conflict.
The same could not be said of dear Aamon.
The weakest link in the family chain sat hunched over a pile of articles and parchments, as if digging through the past could fortify his frail position. Gideon stopped behind Aamon's chair, resting his hand on the back lightly. The touch was light but full of unspoken weight.
"Ah, little brother," Gideon started, his voice light and pleasant. Between the two of them, Gideon looked younger with his full cheeks and bright eyes, his smaller stature and his stuffie that he carried under his left arm despite the fact that he was truly too old to be playing with toys. He looked to see if anyone was in earshot before he said more, the cadence of his voice carried the weight of a maturity that his appearance betrayed. "Still indulging your penchant for history, I see. Must be exhausting, carrying the weight of the family legacy on your shoulders."
8 Dec 2024, 03:10
Little Boys and Their Broken Toys
“Ah, little brother,” a voice announced with a cheer that made Aamon's skin crawl. He knew the voice to belong to one of his older brothers, Gideon. He found "Giddy" as he often liked to be called to be among the most unsettling of his siblings because of the duality of nature he witnessed in the teen. Gideon was 'different' in a number of ways from the rest of the family, because of this his seat at the family table was the most at peril of all of them. Gideon had Vladimir's eyes and blonde hair, but that was where the similarities ended. The shortest of the brothers by far, with softer, more rounded features, there were some in the extended family that had suggested that Gideon's parentage was a lie. Aamon agreed with that, but as far as he knew, Gideon was simply a genetic exception. Gideon got an array of less than desirable traits and he made-do with these traits one could argue, to the best of his capacity. A failure in terms of being an Athanatos, he had no discernable skill as a Seer or as a Legilimens. He was a wizard, but that was not a particularly high standard. His mother Matilda loved him best, loved him hardest, but he would never bring the Pride family the glory they sought with their blood and tears. “Still indulging your penchant for history, I see. Must be exhausting, carrying the weight of the family legacy on your shoulders.”
Aamon froze, his quill stilling mid-sentence. He turned to look at Gideon, the weariness in his mismatched eyes poorly masked by a weak attempt at indifference.
“What do you want, Gideon?” Aamon asked, his tone sharper than usual. Frustration bled into the edges of his words. He had not been sleeping well, not since he was nearly dragged to his death on the new moon.
Aamon froze, his quill stilling mid-sentence. He turned to look at Gideon, the weariness in his mismatched eyes poorly masked by a weak attempt at indifference.
“What do you want, Gideon?” Aamon asked, his tone sharper than usual. Frustration bled into the edges of his words. He had not been sleeping well, not since he was nearly dragged to his death on the new moon.
iNPC: Taylor Athanatos
8 Dec 2024, 03:27
Little Boys and Their Broken Toys
Gideon’s smile widened, his fingers drumming lightly against Aamon's chair. “Want? That’s a loaded question, isn’t it? But let’s start with what you want. Answers, maybe? A shred of clarity in all this chaos?” He gestured to the articles spread across the table. “It’s admirable, your dedication. Almost heroic. But also... predictable.”
He was stirring up some trouble, but that was part of the fun. The Athanatos boys, the favored ones that is, were playing a game of thrones among themselves and failing to look over that dear Giddy. He was favored, just not in the way that any of them were.
Vladimir was always the golden child. The son of the only woman his father truly loved. Vladimir had his mother's gift, a born Legilimens. The first Athanatos Legilimens in generations. Due to his birth order and bloodline favor both in terms of the heart as well as power, Vladimir was the obvious heir apparent. It was hell under the reckless child who wielded his power foolishly, selfishly and with little consideration for the consequences of his actions. They followed him because they had to, not because they wanted to. But when he grew sick, they celebrated even if none of them dared admit it.
Second in line was actually Aamon, while among the youngest of the brothers, he also had the Seer gift. They had confirmed this skill late, only about a year ago. The reason being the circumstances of his birth more than potential. His mother was nobody special to their father, but she was not seen as a "society-climbing miscreant" as he had heard his father reference his and Mathias' mother, Matilda. The powerful thing about being small and child-like is that people often underestimate his potential, he would hear things that should not be said. Things like how their father blamed their mother for the death of their father's first wife. How Mathias' birth was the result of trickery rather than intent, lust or even contract.
Third was Mathias for lack of a better option, but Gideon always believed that if their father became desperate enough he would consider Jurgen. Giddy was not even on the list. Perhaps it was bitterness that drove the Hufflepuff. The fact that he was always overlooked, never considered. But truth be told, he had no need for the seat of power among Seers. He had other ambitions.
He was stirring up some trouble, but that was part of the fun. The Athanatos boys, the favored ones that is, were playing a game of thrones among themselves and failing to look over that dear Giddy. He was favored, just not in the way that any of them were.
Vladimir was always the golden child. The son of the only woman his father truly loved. Vladimir had his mother's gift, a born Legilimens. The first Athanatos Legilimens in generations. Due to his birth order and bloodline favor both in terms of the heart as well as power, Vladimir was the obvious heir apparent. It was hell under the reckless child who wielded his power foolishly, selfishly and with little consideration for the consequences of his actions. They followed him because they had to, not because they wanted to. But when he grew sick, they celebrated even if none of them dared admit it.
Second in line was actually Aamon, while among the youngest of the brothers, he also had the Seer gift. They had confirmed this skill late, only about a year ago. The reason being the circumstances of his birth more than potential. His mother was nobody special to their father, but she was not seen as a "society-climbing miscreant" as he had heard his father reference his and Mathias' mother, Matilda. The powerful thing about being small and child-like is that people often underestimate his potential, he would hear things that should not be said. Things like how their father blamed their mother for the death of their father's first wife. How Mathias' birth was the result of trickery rather than intent, lust or even contract.
Third was Mathias for lack of a better option, but Gideon always believed that if their father became desperate enough he would consider Jurgen. Giddy was not even on the list. Perhaps it was bitterness that drove the Hufflepuff. The fact that he was always overlooked, never considered. But truth be told, he had no need for the seat of power among Seers. He had other ambitions.
8 Dec 2024, 15:39
Little Boys and Their Broken Toys
“Want? That’s a loaded question, isn’t it? But let’s start with what you want. Answers, maybe? A shred of clarity in all this chaos?” Gideon was up to something. The Hufflepuff gestured to the articles spread across the table. “It’s admirable, your dedication. Almost heroic. But also... predictable.” That being why Gideon knew to find the boy here rather than on the grounds with his friends or in the great hall or the corridors?
Aamon frowned, glancing down at the parchments before him. “Predictable? I’m just trying to understand.” He mumbled.
He had a dose of culture shock attending Hogwarts. His eldest brother went to great lengths to prepare him, stern statements about how people would target him, hate him and how he needed to discard his faith. Vladimir was bitter and to an extent Aamon thought he understood why. They had left him to die. That would have been enough to incite anyone's frustrations he reasoned, but in his short tenure as a student at Hogwarts he had come to conclude that there was more to it.
He thought he understood everything. He knew that some of what they did was terrible, but it seems that he was shielded from the worst of it. He looked over at Gideon as if he would give him the answers he needed.
Aamon frowned, glancing down at the parchments before him. “Predictable? I’m just trying to understand.” He mumbled.
He had a dose of culture shock attending Hogwarts. His eldest brother went to great lengths to prepare him, stern statements about how people would target him, hate him and how he needed to discard his faith. Vladimir was bitter and to an extent Aamon thought he understood why. They had left him to die. That would have been enough to incite anyone's frustrations he reasoned, but in his short tenure as a student at Hogwarts he had come to conclude that there was more to it.
He thought he understood everything. He knew that some of what they did was terrible, but it seems that he was shielded from the worst of it. He looked over at Gideon as if he would give him the answers he needed.
iNPC: Taylor Athanatos
8 Dec 2024, 15:57
Little Boys and Their Broken Toys
Aamon did not understand anything.
“Understand what?” Gideon leaned down slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. He looked over Aamon's annoyingly broad shoulder at what his brother was looking at. Articles about the times when things went wrong for the family, but Aamon was not looking back far enough. He needed to look back a few more years to find the heart of the present matter. “How our family manages to dance between glory and scandal without breaking a sweat? Or are you looking for something more personal? A clue, perhaps, about why you’re always the one scrambling to keep up?”
The jab landed. Gideon chuckled softly, circling the table like a predator stalking its prey. Aamon was predictable, a fun little plaything that had too much trust and too much faith. His wide eyes were honest and scared, they disgusted the badger. aamon was truly the weakest link and the weak should be culled.
“Don’t look so sour, Aamon. I’m here to help.” Gideon lied as he picked up one of the articles, skimming it with feigned interest. “Darkest Night, scandalous thefts, tragic deaths..." He waved his hand dismissively, as if he was mocking the writer. "Our family does have a certain flair for drama, doesn’t it? But digging into all this—” he waved the parchment carelessly, “—it’s like trying to fight a storm with a napkin. Futile.”
He looked around at the students in the library, some idly chatting in hushed tones as to avoid the wrath of the librarian. It seemed silly to hide oneself away in this room of tomes, to waste ones life filling their head with needless trivalies but here they were.... wasting time.
“Understand what?” Gideon leaned down slightly, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. He looked over Aamon's annoyingly broad shoulder at what his brother was looking at. Articles about the times when things went wrong for the family, but Aamon was not looking back far enough. He needed to look back a few more years to find the heart of the present matter. “How our family manages to dance between glory and scandal without breaking a sweat? Or are you looking for something more personal? A clue, perhaps, about why you’re always the one scrambling to keep up?”
The jab landed. Gideon chuckled softly, circling the table like a predator stalking its prey. Aamon was predictable, a fun little plaything that had too much trust and too much faith. His wide eyes were honest and scared, they disgusted the badger. aamon was truly the weakest link and the weak should be culled.
“Don’t look so sour, Aamon. I’m here to help.” Gideon lied as he picked up one of the articles, skimming it with feigned interest. “Darkest Night, scandalous thefts, tragic deaths..." He waved his hand dismissively, as if he was mocking the writer. "Our family does have a certain flair for drama, doesn’t it? But digging into all this—” he waved the parchment carelessly, “—it’s like trying to fight a storm with a napkin. Futile.”
He looked around at the students in the library, some idly chatting in hushed tones as to avoid the wrath of the librarian. It seemed silly to hide oneself away in this room of tomes, to waste ones life filling their head with needless trivalies but here they were.... wasting time.
8 Dec 2024, 16:05
Little Boys and Their Broken Toys
Gideon always unsettled Aamon. He was a few years younger and while he had heard rumors about his brother's cruel and volatile nature, they had were not reared side-by-side. Gideon was sent to Hogwarts when Aamon was 6 and prior to that while they spent their youth in the same estate, they had their own staff that attended to their needs. The staff that cared for Aamon made a point of keeping him away from his younger brother as much as possible. He had asked about his brother, as any child would, but he was often quickly and easily distracted by toys, lessons with his tutor or even a promised outing. It made his childhood lonely, but he had heard rumors now and then of staff suffering from 'suspicious accidents' and about pets that had gone missing.
In his limited encounters with Giddy, as he often liked to be called, he had found himself injured. Something was wrong with his hot cocoa one time. Another time, he had stumbled onto an unexpected next of spiders. While the spiders were technically harmless, his panic caused several injuries when he fell down the stairs. And then there was the time he nearly drowned in the family pool. Gideon was rough housing and he believed it was an accident, but their maid felt otherwise and demanded that Gideon no longer be left alone with Aamon. Aamon never knew what to think, but memories of the incident weighed on him.
Aamon set his quill down with deliberate precision, glaring at Gideon. “At least I’m trying to make sense of it, Gideon. You’re just here to mock me.”
In his limited encounters with Giddy, as he often liked to be called, he had found himself injured. Something was wrong with his hot cocoa one time. Another time, he had stumbled onto an unexpected next of spiders. While the spiders were technically harmless, his panic caused several injuries when he fell down the stairs. And then there was the time he nearly drowned in the family pool. Gideon was rough housing and he believed it was an accident, but their maid felt otherwise and demanded that Gideon no longer be left alone with Aamon. Aamon never knew what to think, but memories of the incident weighed on him.
Aamon set his quill down with deliberate precision, glaring at Gideon. “At least I’m trying to make sense of it, Gideon. You’re just here to mock me.”
iNPC: Taylor Athanatos
10 Dec 2024, 00:41
Little Boys and Their Broken Toys
“Mock you?” Gideon placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. “Perish the thought. I’m here because I’m concerned. You’re making waves, Aamon. Drawing attention. And not the good kind.”
This was true. For whatever reason people have been reaching out to members of the Athanatos family, Aamon included. Recently he was cornered in the dungeons by Percival Grey, a rival of sorts of both Vladimir and Mathias. Aamon could not help that the enemies of his brothers sought him out, saw him for what he was, the weakest link.
Gideon’s smile grew colder. “Those questions, this research for starters. You've been asking questions, haven't you? Have you been getting asked questions also? About our dear family, about Mathias. About you. Me?” He leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “Do you know what happens to Athanatos boys who can’t keep their mouths shut, Aamon? They don’t last long. Our family doesn’t tolerate weak links.”
“But don’t worry,” Gideon continued, his tone as smooth as silk but there was something sinister in those words. “I can help you fix this little... problem. We’ll talk. Somewhere private. The library isn’t exactly the place for the kind of conversation we need to have.”
This was true. For whatever reason people have been reaching out to members of the Athanatos family, Aamon included. Recently he was cornered in the dungeons by Percival Grey, a rival of sorts of both Vladimir and Mathias. Aamon could not help that the enemies of his brothers sought him out, saw him for what he was, the weakest link.
Gideon’s smile grew colder. “Those questions, this research for starters. You've been asking questions, haven't you? Have you been getting asked questions also? About our dear family, about Mathias. About you. Me?” He leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. “Do you know what happens to Athanatos boys who can’t keep their mouths shut, Aamon? They don’t last long. Our family doesn’t tolerate weak links.”
“But don’t worry,” Gideon continued, his tone as smooth as silk but there was something sinister in those words. “I can help you fix this little... problem. We’ll talk. Somewhere private. The library isn’t exactly the place for the kind of conversation we need to have.”