Kicking up a storm

[Jared Graas R4]

Jared smiled as he watched his brothers piling out of the room, after they had snuck in to tease him and in their own way reassure him one last time. And they surely had snuck in; Jared thought with some amusement, as the girls would all be furious to learn that they had came to see Jared without taking them along. It had been so easy to laugh and forget any troubles while his brothers had been there, bickering over whether Jared should wear the hat Gabriel had tossed on his head or not. But now that they were all gone again, the room felt silent and empty. He could almost physically feel nervousness rising up in his chest. Shoving his hands in the pockets of Gabriel’s jeans – a gesture mom would crinkle her nose at – Jared turned and stared at himself in the full-length mirror. He had worked for this day. Well, perhaps not work as he had been born with a talent for music. But he practiced and played daily, he worked on songs and words and matched them together only to pick them apart again when they didn’t reach the aim he had been hoping for. He hadn’t been just lying around hoping to discovered, because while he was born with an ear to listen to music, it had taken years of hard work and practicing to be able to actually play and sing and make it all work together. So in a way, he had been preparing for this day for as long as he could remember.

The offer had come in the start of summer. He’d give three concerts and let out a CD and a studio specialized for introducing new talent would organise and finance it. It had taken him agonising months and weeks to decide – he had once promised himself that he would wait with music until he had graduated from Hogwarts – and in the end still turned to his parents for advice. He would never forget the way his parents had glanced at each other and after Jared had answered that he would have the time for it, dad had grumbled if he couldn’t have let himself be discovered a year or two sooner so that he would have won the bet. Mom had playfully messed up his hair and asked for an autograph and dad had given one of his so rare crooked smiles that hade made Jared feel as if he could conquer the world. His sisters had cheered and his brothers had dragged him out for a night of celebration, which landed them all in detention, but it had all been worth it. He had had so few things to worry about himself that he hadn’t even entirely reached the nervousness phase until now.

“Jared!” the voice of his manager – would-be manager for a year if he didn’t fail today – called irritable, before he smacked the door open and glared at him. His manager tended to always glare at everyone, Jared noted absently, even as he pulled his hands from his pockets and turned. Without responding Jared turned to pick up his guitar. His fingers glided almost lovingly down the smooth wood of the guitar, before he slipped the wide leather strip over his neck and took a deep breath that sent a shudder through him. All his nerves were burning. Had Gabriel ever felt this nervous before a photo-shoot or a runway strut? Making a mental note to ask later, Jared travelled down the short corridor and was nearly pushed on stage by his manager when he dawdled for too long. Hopping over a bunch of wires – what exactly needed wire connection in the wizarding world anyway? – Jared walked over to the centre of the stage as he had been instructed before turning to peer at the audience.

It was far from the crowds of big concerts and events, which were to be expected as Jared didn’t represent any sort of a famous name yet. But the turn-up was better than he had even dared to expect. Jared let his eyes sweep over the crowd as he analyzed the faces turned to him as the spotlight singled him out. There surprisingly many people he knew there. Slytherins had come because he was a Graas, some Ravenclaws had showed up because he was a class-mate and a friend, and about half of those girls had probably showed up because his brothers did. Jared let his eyes glide further as they landed on his family who were quite at front but leaving plenty of space before the stage for a dance-floor or “screaming groupies” as Damon had put it. Mom was raising a glass of wine to her lips while leaning on dad, who had his arm around her. Rister had lifted Layla to sit on her shoulders and he and was teaching her to rock her head and arms in the air. Damon had pulled Ashlyn closer to him; his arm resting around her much like dad’s arm was resting around mom’s waist. Leandra was jabbing Keegan in the middle of his chest, obviously in some sort of a lecture the reasoning in was lost to everyone but herself, so Keegan was looking slightly distressed even as Alexis looked on with plain amusement. Morgana was seated on a high bar-stool, with Gabriel leaning his hands on the stool and Lita fiddling with Gabriel's hair, making some sort of braids? Gabriel gave Jared a quick thumbs-up, before making a gesture with one hand for Jared to push his hat on side-ways. Perhaps the hat would be useful later on, Jared mused even while following Gabriel’s silent hint almost reflexively, at least he could hide his face in it when he made a complete fool out of himself. He would have to look into possibilities of self-strangulation with a hat. He couldn’t get hardly get blood on Gabriel’s tight black jeans and the greyish stone-washed button-up shirt he wore along with his own worn hiking boots.

But his family couldn’t entirely help him now as Jared felt the cold grip of panic itself surround him. Staring in the expecting faces turned towards him, Jared couldn’t recall a single word or song he could sing or utter. All breath escaped his body with a loud woosh as Jared let his eyes slid shut. In retrospect, Jared mused, that was what saved him. His eyes closed, his fingers automatically searched for the comfort and answers that had always been there – the strings of his guitar. Once his fingers had found the first accord, they moved to the second and then the third and then the fourth and so on their volition, Jared merely opening his mouth to add the croo of his own voice to the melody unwinding itself. By the time he opened his eyes, he was too deep in the thrill of music to see the faces or feel any fear anymore. He sang and played without thinking, slipping from rock’n’roll to blues to jazz to pop to his own songs as he poured out a small part of himself with the music.

Jared wasn’t even aware of how much time had passed when he slowly started drifting back from the musical wonderland the guitar accords had sent him to. Judging by the clock he could faintly see at the other end of the room, Jared guessed about three hours, if not a bit more had passed. A suitable concert-time, he supposed. And Damon had been right about the groupies, who were jumping and screaming their throats hoarse before the stage and… when had he tossed his hat away into the crowd? And when had the buttons of his shirt came undone, even if Jared was feeling hot and sweaty? And judging by the smile of his manager’s face, even though he still managed to glare while smiling, he would get to give another concert and one he would hopefully remember. And his family was cheering at him. Apparently he had just kicked up a storm in the music world. And there were actually photographers from newspapers taking pictures of him for a reason other than being born a Graas. Not knowing what else to do with his emotions, Jared simply tossed his head back and laughed mirthfully.

[Layla Ellison]

It was incredibly obvious that the boys had crept away to visit their brother. All of them suddenly disappearing for such a length of time and then all returning together? It seemed that they had quite forgotten their discretion. But Layla merely smiled and ducked her head, hiding her amusement when Rister, Damon and Gabriel returned to the rest of the group. Ashlyn had promised that this would be a night to remember, because apparently the first concert for someone, whether they were watching or performing for the first time, was always an amazing experience. Behind the blonde hair that fell forward to cover her face, blue eyes gleamed hopefully as the wish for her cousin to give a concert came back to her mind. Alexis and Keegan had never given into her persuasions, had never had the time or interest for her while they still had their parents, but Ashlyn was more compassionate, had a greater understanding of the little Ravenclaw than her siblings did. They were a lot more similar. Alexis and Keegan had an understanding, a bond, between them that Layla couldn’t see anyone ever breaking through. It would be hard for them to ever be apart for longer than a few hours when they both thrived on the other’s company. Ashlyn disapproved, that much was obvious, but their cousin hadn’t been around long enough to know the reasons behind that dependency. Layla did. She should do, after being with them for eleven years. That was alright. The older girl – and Layla smiled at Ashlyn, happy as always with the visual reminder that she and Ashlyn were both the typical Ellison in looks – would demand an explanation soon enough; she didn’t have much patience when it came to the twins. Too frustrating and not loyal enough to anyone but each other; naturally it drove Ashlyn, with her old ideals about family and honour, insane.

“You okay?” Layla turned to see Lita lift a questioning eyebrow, laughing and nodding in response. Lita had taken a quicker liking to Layla than she had to Ashlyn, much to their amusement. Ashlyn certainly didn’t understand it – she was still unused to affection in any form to pick up on anything that couldn’t be explained logically and without emotional ties – and Lita wasn’t the type of person to explain it to anyone but Layla was used to watching, to reading between the lines. That had been the only way she had been able to get any information before living with Ashlyn because her mother had always tried so hard to protect her from anything and everything whereas Ashlyn never had anything but blunt honesty for topics that really mattered. It was very interesting to watch them though. The relationship between the Graas’ and Lita was an uncomplicated one except, perhaps, for Kris Graas. The younger generation, from Rister to Morgana, were Lita’s siblings in every way but blood and she was protective of them. Ashlyn was the first girl to break into that circle of friendship and Lita was naturally defensive, doubly so when it seemed that the others had accepted Ashlyn before she had proved herself, was Layla’s guess. Ashlyn was a possible threat to her brother’s heart, and Layla wasn’t. It was as simple as that. Ashlyn would realise that one day, even if that day was far away.

Oh, she felt so high up now. Layla giggled silently from her perch on Rister’s shoulders. Her instinctive silence hadn’t really stopped, which had caused a few crueller students to tease her mercilessly, but Layla could handle them. She would be strong. Like her brother, her sister, her cousin. A bit of bullying wouldn’t bother them so it wouldn’t bother her. With a slight smile, which had become her new way of showing her silent satisfaction and contentment with the world, Layla propped her chin on Rister’s head lightly and pulled her attention away from the stage long enough to look at the people surrounding her. Mr and Mrs Graas watching the stage with expressions that Layla couldn’t quite simplify into easy categories. Damon with his arm around Ashlyn, who appeared quite content to be held as she was neither complaining or jabbing Damon’s ribs with her elbow to make him release her. Leandra was talking to Keegan – perhaps berating or lecturing him about something – and Alexis, of course, was next to her twin and laughing to herself quietly as Keegan became more bewildered. Morgana was sitting in front of Gabriel, while Lita hovered behind them both as she braided Gabriel’s hair. A sign of anxiety? Possibly. It was Jared’s first concert after all and Layla already knew that Lita felt the need to watch over all of them, even Rister. Perhaps especially Rister, Layla mused as Rister turned his head to educate her more on how to properly support Jared by rocking her head and arms. Yes, they were the same age but they were close and Lita had once muttered something about how reckless and unthinking Rister could be.

“Was he very nervous when you talked to him?” Layla asked Rister softly, only to fall into instant silence when Jared started playing. He was...simply amazing. Not that she didn’t think that Ashlyn was fantastic also, but this was a completely different type of music. Layla had spent many hours in the music room that Ashlyn had claimed as her own long before she knew about her cousins even though Ashlyn had cleared out a room for her and was allowing Layla to make it into her own music room. She had seen the variety of instruments in there and heard Ashlyn play every single one of them, except the guitar. There was a story behind that guitar that none of them were permitted to know so Layla had never asked, though her curiousity burned bright in her eyes. “He’s so good,” Layla breathed in amazement, barely noticing the agreeing smile from her cousin when she turned to check on her for a second. When Jared simply started laughing on stage after the concert had finished, Layla turned her gaze to Ashlyn expectantly. Ashlyn had done concerts before, she would know what was wrong with Jared. “Euphoria?” Ashlyn offered with a shrug. “It’s different for everyone. My reaction wasn’t quite like his. Hell, he didn’t even seem that nervous.” With the faint hint of a scowl, Ashlyn turned back to Damon, mumbling. Layla caught the words ‘confident’, ‘Graas’ and ‘always the same’ and rolled her eyes. Of course it would bother Ashlyn that the confident facade never seemed to fall. It made them seem almost perfect and Ashlyn would hate that.

[Kris Graas]

Kris slipped his arm around Cleo’s waist as they stepped into the building the concert was to be held. His eyes travelled over the hall swiftly. Not as large as he knew his son was worth and perhaps there was a bit of pride in wanting to show his son off too, but Cleo squeezed his hand without even glancing back. She obviously shared his sentiment, but Kris supposed that this place would have to do for today. It was Jared’s first concert too and while the boy usually couldn’t care less what other thought of him, because he just didn’t notice it, he also lacked the arrogance that Rister and Gabriel possessed or Damon’s quiet self-assurance. A slightly smaller crowd would be a relief to him perhaps. He had been so worried with such a dejected hope in his eyes, when he had come to ask for their advice. Had he really thought that any parent would have been able to say no to the desperation that had so vividly been written on his features? Kris and Cleo sauntered towards a spot they deemed suitable – close, but not too so – and settled in, Kris’ hand still around her waist. His sons fell to the back of their small band, stealing away quietly the moment they had entered the room. Ashlyn glanced absently at Damon’s back but didn’t make a move other than that. Lita also noticed and with a frown turned to go after the boys until Kris touched her shoulder lightly. A shake of his head and Lita wordlessly fell into step next to Layla. At times it was mildly irritating to have the girl fear him that much and not even because he was a werewolf, but for reasons Kris didn’t entirely understand. Perhaps his authority, as Lita always seemed to tense up even more at moments when he saw Kris putting some relative back into their place. Yes, it was slightly annoying, but it also had its good sides like now. Most likely she wouldn’t even tell the boys anything about them sneaking away to see Jared.

Pulling Cleo partially in front of himself, Kris wrapped both arms around her and was content to just peer around from behind his sunglasses while Cleo and the girls chatted lazily. It took barely a quarter of an hour for the boys to return and slink in their places. Damon wrapping his arm around Ashlyn, Rister crouching and offering Layla to sit on his shoulders so that she could see over the crowd, Gabriel leaning slightly on the chair Morgana had claimed and Lita was nervously started to braid his hair. Rister glanced back at his parents and when Cleo arched a questioning eye-brow, rolled one of his shoulders wordlessly. The Graas’ had long ago learned that words and even mouthing words was much too dangerous for a family that got as much attention as they did. These signs would seem like nothing to them, but Rister’s shift of the shoulder told both Kris and Cleo loud and clear that Jared was panicking. Distracting him from it with random trains of thought, but surely worried out of his mind. Layla seemed to have noticed the boys sneaking away as well considering the question she posed to Rister so Kris sent him a slightly praising glance, even though the girl hardly could even hope to see it from behind his sunglasses. Seemed like she was worth her credit. But before Rister got a chance to answer to her, Jared appeared on stage.

He was worried; Kris could see it from first glance. His mind blank and his body as close to shaking as his in-bred Graas’ self-control allowed. Kris narrowed his eyes as a slight curve appeared at his lip-corners. If he panicked and fled now, the boy’s consciousness would never again allow him to appear on stage. Jared closed his eyes – a detail Kris could discern even through the mist and blue light and the distance – and let out a shaky breath. But Kris felt another surge of pride in him as Jared’s fingers moved to his guitar. The first accord was slow and almost hesitant, but from there on the music grew and bloomed and Jared’s voice probably purred itself into the hearts of a more than handful of girls. Cleo turned half-way and Kris bent his head for her to reach his ear as Cleo muttered: “We’ve done well.” Kissing his wife’s lips in agreement, Kris lifted his head again and returned his attention to the stage where Jared had found his nook. The concert itself lasted a bit over three hours and Kris snickered quietly at the choice of Jared’s last song. An old Italian lullaby, he probably picked almost unconsciously and as most of the crowd didn’t understand the words, they felt simply moved and comforted.
“Nonnë nonnë nonna uè nunnarella
E o lupe s’ha magnate la pucurella
E pucurella mi comme faciva
I quanno mmocc’a a lupe nonna nonna to le veriva?“ Jared crooed on the stage, asi f knowing h ehad won all of his listeners over. Kris saw Damon translating the lyrics for Ashlyn and the Ellisons, while Lita snorted in helpless amusement: “Rock rock rock-a-bya, lightly rock-a-bye
the wolf has eaten the little lamb
and little lamb, how did you manage
when you found yourself in the wolf’s mouth?“
The Ellisons and Ashlyn didn’t entirely seem to know what to say making his children snicker with amusement at their faces. Lullabies didn’t often talk about animals eating others. ”The Graas family crest animal is a wolf,“ Cleo seemed to take pity on them first, as he turned Kris’ hand so they could see the signet ring he wore. This explanation seemed to soothe them only partially though.

But the concert was over and as Jared laughed on the stage, Kris’ ears picked clearly out what Ashlyn was muttering to Damon. “Too much attention, not to learn how to appear confident, even though he was quite near screaming from panic. You’ll get the hang of it in a couple of years,” Kris told Ashlyn amiably enough, even as the girl whipped around to stare at him, obviously not having expected Kris to hear her words. Kris couldn’t help but smirk in amusement at the girl, even as he tapped his temple: “Full-fledged werewolf, remember? I get enhanced senses in both wolf and human form.” Kris paused for a heartbeat and considered, before absently adding: “But I do have to say I’m glad you don’t like to use very strong perfumes. Most of the time enhanced smell is something I’d really like to give up.” Ashlyn seemed about ready to swallow her tongue at that and while she was struggling to find words, even with Damon soothingly patting her shoulder, Jared had hopped down the stage and crossed over to them. “That was good,” Cleo praised as she hugged Jared and kissed his cheek, while Kris leaned his hand on Jared’s shoulder and flashed one of his so brief and rare smiles at his son, who beamed back at him, before turning to accept the comments and praise from everyone else in their small group.


((Found the translation of hte lullabye online, so don't behead me if it's not completely correct.))