How Can I Get Rid Of You? ((Jack))

[lita]

"Adrian," Lita poked her brother cautiously, aware of his temper when he was pulled from his sleep but being ordered to wake him by her father. She scowled in annoyance, remembering exactly how she had been roped into waking her brother. She'd wanted a cookie; not the much hated duty of rousing Adrian from sleep. Still, she squared her shoulders in determination and pulled the pillow out from under her brothers head, only to stomp her foot in fustration when the infuriating boy that she called her brother merely mumbled and turned over. "Right," Lita narrowed her eyes at her brother and glared angrily. "This is war!" Her gaze scanned the room until it rested on a certain item and a small, mischievous smirk appeared on her face. Perfect. A slender arm reached out for the pillow and Lita jumped on the bed lightly, standing still and holding her breath in hopeful anticipation when Adrian mumbled again before settling back down to sleep. "Idiot." Lita snickered and attacked her brother fiercely, releasing her anger and fustration in one single swipe at her brothers head.

"Litana!" Adrian opened one eye to glare at her, pushing her, and the pillow, away with one arm. "Go back to sleep and I'll do worse than attack you with a pillow." Lita warned, holding her brothers gaze seriously. A quiet mutter about sisters and how much trouble they were was her only response but it was enough to make Lita smile in satisfaction and scramble off the bed. He wouldn't go back to sleep, she knew. They went through this every day that Adrian was home. At school he had no problem getting up and more often than not, he rose at 6AM. But at home, it was a completely different matter. Generally it was easier to just let him sleep but today, for some unknown reason, she had been ordered to wake him and so she did. Not willingly but no one ever volunteered to wake Adrian when he was at home. It was a death wish, to put it frankly. Lita pulled herself up onto her brothers windowsill and leaned against the wall lazily, glancing at her brother with sudden affection. She was lucky to have him as a brother and she knew it, but that didn't mean that she was any happier about being forced to wake him.

The sound of the doorbell rang through the house and Adrian opened his eyes again to look at his sister expectantly. "We have house-elves!" Lita protested, leaning out of the window in a futile attempt to see who was at the door. "I need to get dressed anyway so go to greet them. Mum and Dad should have gone out about ten minutes ago. Go!" Adrian ordered firmly, putting all the authority of one who knows that he will be expected to be the head of the family one day behind his words. Lita rolled her eyes but hopped down from the windowsill obediently before making her way downstairs. Even she knew better than to disobey her brother when he used that tone. Lita scowled at the door furiously before closing her eyes and soothing her rising temper. Adrian knew that she hated strangers but he still demanded that she open the door. How unfair! Lita took a deep breath and sighed before opening the door and smiling in calm greeting. "Hello." Lita rolled her eyes before adding in an undertone, "how can I get rid of you?"

[Jack Rendel S5]

The car ride was long. As usual. For they were going to London - again. A squirming sensation took hold of Jack as he traditionally stared out the window. Yes, it was tradition if nothing else. Haille would wring her hands just like now; Father would drive and mutter things under his breath, or to put it more simply - talk to himself; and Jack would stare out the window, watching but not seeing. Every single car-ride followed this tradition - every single one! The atmosphere in the car was nearly hostile - everyone was in a bad mood from waking so early to do this very ride. Eh, well. Jack wasn't at all happy about returning to London soon after leaving just a few days ago. What was the purpose? He had forgot to ask Father that; well okay, more intentionally forgot since it wasn't on his agenda to be beaten to a pulp today. Maybe if he got brave...? Looking up at Father, Jack heard him mutter something under his breath before letting out a stream of curses. Hmm. Forget about being brave. That was what suicidal Gryffindors were for anyway.

"We're here," Father finally announced after being stuck in a rather nasty traffic jam. Jack reached for the door handle so he could escape but Father held him back with a sharp word. "Not yet," he ordered. Jack looked at the handle. It was so enticing to just pull on it and run away from the car. From Haille and Father. Again, common sense made him let his hand fall from his only means of escape and stare at his shoelaces. "What's wrong?" Haille asked when nothing was forth-coming. Similar to Jack, she looked ready to jump out the window. Father turned to her with a blank expression before giving them a smile. An artificial smile. "Nothing's wrong. I just need to speak with you before you leave," he replied smoothly. Jack shuddered involuntarily. Father was so slippery and... slimy. "I'm going to be visiting some friends," he continued with a rather pained expression. Haille and I exchanged glances; we both knew what friends meant. "I want you two to stick together. The rest of the day is given to you and whatever you want to do. Be back here," he gestured out the window at the store they were currently parked by, "by... oh... dinner time. At the most. If you aren't there by time..." he paused as if for effect. "There will be consequences." Jack nodded glumly, staring at the floor. Haille must have agreed silently as well for Father clapped his hands together. "Good. Now you may get out." They had both been waiting for those words; Jack and Haille hurtled out of the car, slamming the door behind them.

As soon as Father's car was around the bend safely, Haille put her hands in her pockets and rocked back on her heels sullenly. "Now what?" she voiced when Jack didn't say a thing. He shrugged. "We do whatever we want." His answer wasn't to her liking. "Whatever do you want to do?" she asked, frustration sparkling in her eyes. "All my friends are back in Scotland. You know people around here, correct?" Jack frowned. "You want to visit one of my friends?" he repeated with disbelief. "Why not?" she said. "Or we can hang around a store all day. But I'd like to meet the people you consider friends. I mean, people besides that Mack girl and Trevor guy. That didn't go too well." Haille seemed to reflect what had happened and grimaced. Jack swallowed a smirk. They would have to get along. "Alright, fine." he agreed. "So where are we going?" she queried. Jack chewed on his lip. The Holden's were off limits; or should he say Bradshaw's. That would certainly not be a warm welcoming. Padme and Tessa were the same and emotionally he was not yet prepared for that. He thought back to his other friends at Hogwarts. Did Mary live in London? He wasn't sure. While he mused, Haille waited impatiently. Finally he seemed to grasp some sort of conclusion.

Adrain. He could be considered a friend... right? It would be some fun seeing him as he had enjoyed their last conversation and why not? Since they were here, might as well. Jack squared his shoulders and approached Adrian's house, Haille trailing behind him. Upon ringing the door bell, Jack waited anxiously. Would Adrian even let him in? Was he even home? Aware of Haille watching him keenly, Jack tried to set off an assertive aurora. After all - he was in charge here. Or so he liked to think. Bah. The door opened and Jack was surprised to see a girl around Padme's age greet him and with a remark that was similar as well. Oh yes - this was Adrian's Litana. His little sister. Her remark was barely audible yet both Jack and Haille heard it. Haille giggled behind her hand while Jack simply smirked. "Funny, I was just about to ask you the same question," he said, aware that his position wasn't one of the best to be in and be making such remarks. He put one foot in the doorway- just in case she got any ideas. "As for getting rid of me... You can start by showing me to your brother, Adrian," he continued but in a strained friendly voice. If only he had slept in later.

((Muhahaha! Will you look at that! I'm writing long posts again. If you don't like it - deal with it and read! I'm so happy to have my muse back. And I'm just going to figure Adrian told Jack where he lives - kay? Seeing as it wouldn't really work any other way...))

[lita]

Lita eyed the two curiously. A boy and a girl; curious. She had expected...well, she wasn't sure who she had expected but certainly not these pair. They didn't look familiar so perhaps they were Adrian's friends? The boy certainly seemed to be around her brothers age but he made her laugh silently. The aura around him...it reminded her of Adrian when he was younger. Attempting an assertive personality but failing miserably. Though this boy did have a better handle on it then her brother had, Lita had to admit. In response, she drew herself up to her full height - which, considering her age, wasn't very tall and so not as imposing as she had intended - and looked at him coldly, sparing a slightly warmer look for the girl standing next to him. After all, she had done nothing. Neither had the boy really but the events of the morning were taking their toll on her temper and making her usual shyness around strangers disappear.

"You could ask me the same thing? I think not." Lita lifted an eyebrow coolly, using the same cold tone that was so often heard from her brother. If he really did know Adrian then he should recognize the tone and identify it as a signal that she was annoyed. "How can you ask how to get rid of me when I live here? That is simple stupidity and not worthy of a pure-blood, let alone a Slytherin." Lita smirked before delivering the final blow. "It is a question better suited to a muggle." Her gaze passed over the giggling girl and a small smile quirked at her lips in return. Lita's eyes dropped to the foot in the doorway then slowly rose to meet the boys eyes pointedly. "Kindly remove your foot from the doorway and remove yourself from the property. Immediately. Unless you'd prefer to be forcibly removed by a few very willing house-elves?" Lita smiled at the girl next to him kindly, allowing a small, impish twinkle to appear in her eyes for just a few seconds. "You, however, have done nothing to annoy or offend me and so you are welcome to enter. I'm sure the house-elves would be delighted to cater to your every need." The overly hospitable attitude toward the girl was only partially because she hadn't annoyed Lita but more to do with the fact that she was sure that it would annoy the boy further. Annoying friends of her brother was fun but a pastime that she could rarely indulge herself in. Really, she just couldn't understand why Adrian didn't invite his friends over more often. They were always fun.

"Or I could simply get rid of you by closing the door and injuring your foot at the same time. I assure you that injuring you would not affect me at all and so removing your foot and then yourself in quick succession would be a remarkably good idea and the biggest sign of intelligence that you have exhibited so far." Lita replied seriously, tilting her head to study the two visitors. Her hand remained on the door though, as if to prove just how serious she was. Not that she would actually throw out one of her brothers friends. He would likely get her into trouble with their parents and, having only just been released from the last punishment, Lita wasn't eager for that to happen. No. Parents were definitely more fun when you weren't in trouble.

((Yep, that's fine. Definitely the easiest way to resolve the issue. Oooh...long post. *looks at a stick wistfully but sighs* No. I did promise myself that a day would go by without being mean so I can't. But there's always tomorrow! *giggles and bounces away to collect more sticks*))

[hollow]

Adrian stretched lazily, basking in the warmth of the sunlight. It wasn't often that he allowed himself to wake so late but he always enjoyed the feeling of utter laziness that came from waking later than 6AM. Early starts were all well and good when in school but at home, they seemed like a crime. What reason would he have for waking so early? Breakfast was available at any time, courtesy of the over-eager house-elves. There was no homework to scribble down in a hurry due to leaving it til last minute. No crowds to avoid. No reason to wake up early. He sauntered out of his bedroom and rolled his eyes at the small purple pygmy puff lying by the stairs. "Lita!" Adrian sighed in annoyance and bent to scoop Rei up in his arms, grinning when she nuzzled into him and hummed contentedly. She really was quite cute. Not that he would ever admit that out loud.

He walked down the stairs, only to be greeted with the cool tones of his sister. Adrian raised an eyebrow curiously and walked forward to see who had caused his sister to become so angry. He recognized Jack and stepped forward to welcome him just as Rei let out a cheerful chirp and drew attention to them. Lita giggled, looking at him in disbelief. Adrian's eyes darted from his sister, to Jack and to Haille quickly. Well, this was possibly the strangest, and most embarrassing, situation that he had ever found himself in. His sister seemed to sense his distress and plucked Rei from his arms gently, giggling quietly. Lita had never seen her brother look so flustered or speechless. "Now," Adrian smirked slightly, attempting to regain his composure. "Come in and pay no attention to my sister. I can assure you that you're very welcome, Jack and...Haille, correct?" Adrian shot a curious glance at Jack, wondering why he had brought Haille when he had sensed that Jack didn't particularly like the girl during their last conversation, but stayed silent. Jack was a friend and so he wouldn't press the issue.

[Jack Rendel S5]

Jack arched an eyebrow. This girl was... creative. Annoyingly so but creative nonetheless. He laughed at her comment, rolling his eyes to show that he wasn't about to take her seriously. "And what would you know about being a Slytherin, little girl?" he retorted, smirking. After talking to Adrian, he knew that he didn't agree with the Slytherin ways as much as most. As for Jack - he was indifferent. One opinion wouldn't change the world - one person wouldn't make a difference. It was rather hopeless when the routine had been going on for what? Centuries? "You've got quite an attitude. Something to be proud of. But remember - you should respect those bigger and better than you. Had you been brought up the right way, it would be evident," he sneered, examining his foot. He hoped the girl realized he didn't mean anything - he wasn't here to insult her and Adrian's parents. "No, I believe I'll stay right here until I speak with your brother. I don't want to... intrude but I will not hesitate if you don't let me in," he said, laughing a little at the comment on House Elves. "Very willing?" he repeated in disbelief. "Willing to obey you? Dear me - those poor things."

Haille stepped forward, obviously she had enough of this. Jack knew she couldn't stand his remarks, especially on someone who didn't deserve it. This girl however, Lita - she was annoying. If she wanted to play games then let the games begin! Jack was all for it. "You'll have to excuse my brother," she began, stopping as Jack choked when she said brother. Her face turned slightly pink and she went silent. "Ah, that's more like it," Jack muttered. He was about to tell Haille something to get a rise out of her, feeling extremely annoyed and tired as he was after Lita and not getting a good night sleep but turned to Litana instead. "Nah, I think I'll stay right where I am," he said, moving forward as if to challenge her. His electric blue eyes sparkled dangerously as he waited to see if the girl would do it. He hated people who were all talk and no action. Then again - he was rather the same way.

He was saved seeing what would happen by Adrian who was carrying a pygmy puff. Haille suppressed a squeal behind him and Jack rolled his eyes. Girls. He nodded and stepped in, allowing Haille forward before he turned to face Adrian's little sister again. He mockingly bowed in what he hoped would be his last conversation with the girl. "Charmed," he said, smirking as he came back up. Haille was rolling her eyes again which only made Jack's smirk more prevalent. Stepping up to Adrian, he nodded. "Yup, this is Haille. My... yeah," he ended lamely. Haille flushed again and looked away. Jack stepped closer to Adrian and whispered in his ear. "Nice sister. I like her."

((600 posts! Yay! *throws confetti* ;D ))

[lita]

"I know nothing about being a Slytherin and I'm very proud of that fact if they're all like you," Lita hissed balefully. Not that she actually didn't like this boy. On the contrary, he was rather amusing. After all, he had kept her amused for a few minutes and there were times when even her brother found that a hard task to undertake. He seemed to be rather witty too, at least he could respond to her comments quickly, and that was a quality that Lita valued above most others. He insulted her parents and Lita just rolled her eyes. Had she believed that he meant anything by the insult then she would've ordered the house elves to escort him from the grounds immediately. Of course, then she had to take Adrians undoubted annoyance into account for he would surely not appreciate his friend being thrown out. Over all, with all things considered, it was probably easier to just keep him on the doorstep and argue with him until Adrian emerged from his bedroom to investigate the disturbance. And really, where was he? Something must surely be wrong for usually, he would've already been down and demanding to know exactly why Lita was being rude to his guest.

"Your brother? My dear girl, how I pity you. For surely, being stuck with this boy as a brother must indeed be a trial." Lita raised an eyebrow at Jacks response to the word 'brother' but continued to insult him without hesitation. It was obviously a topic that both confused and embarrassed the two and so she skirted around the topic tactfully. However much she enjoyed annoying the boy, she didn't truly dislike him and didn't want to bring attention to the awkwardness surrounding the subject. Besides, it wouldn't do to make things awkward if he truly was her brothers friend. Especially if Adrian was planning to invite him to their house again. Though she could always go out with the horses. It was amazing what a little magic, and money, from the parents could do. Lita's fondness for horses had been a little unfortunate considering that they lived in London but a little bit of money could go a long way, in the sense that they now had a large house with land enough to house and exercise horses. "Stay where you are? Well, if you insist. Though I have my doubts about how comfortable our doorstep will be. Still, if you're determined to live on the doorstep then you must provide your own food, and pay rent of course." Lita smiled sweetly, knowing that he hadn't meant it in that way but enjoying twisting his words.

She could hear Adrian snicker as Jack bowed and that just sharpened her dry retort. "Charmed you may be but I am not. You may wish to work on your manners. Maybe it is you that has not been raised correctly?" Lita smirked and ignored her brothers gasp of shock and horror. Her glance toward him signaled that she had reason to act as such and stilled his protest. He would trust her to not insult his friend without reason. For now. The way of describing Haille made her eyebrow shoot up in surprise but she still remained silent. The two obviously had issues and it wasn't her place to interfere in their problems. Adrian raised an eyebrow as Jack stepped closer but smirked at the compliment to his sister. "Even after the countless insults that she has surely thrown your way? Though I can say one thing for sure, she finds you amusing." Adrian grinned, taking an example from Jack and replying in a whisper. "And so, if she needs to be looked after then I'm advising my parents to call you. As amusing as you seem to be." Adrian added impishly, stepping away with a smirk and turning to face Haille. "I have no doubt that my sister has already welcomed you - even if she hasn't made Jack feel welcome - and I would like to echo that sentiment. Now, I'm sure that any other room would be more comfortable than the hallway. Any preference?" Adrian sent his sister a look of amusement before continuing. "And while Lita would undoubtedly suggest the stables and perhaps going horse-riding, I shall leave the choice to yourselves as to what we do to entertain ourselves."