Xanthos Haîma

[xanthoshaima]

Pinned Intro Post

I've got a link to Xanthos' bio HERE for folks to use :D

Or have a look below the cut for a full intro! :D

CHARACTER INFO:

Character name: Xanthos Haîma Age & Birthday: 29 & 18th June 1953 Gender & Pronouns: Cis-Male & He/Him Occupation: Wixen Historian/Assistant Ministry Ambassador for Greece Blood Status: Pureblood Previous House: House Hades (of Magisfalis Academy of Magical Arts) Previous Affiliation: Neutral Face Claim: Matthew Daddario Password: Xanthos’ Patronus is a Unicorn Anything Else?: Just as a note, I pulled from a Fanon Greecian Wixen school for Zagreus’ info, you can find the link to it HERE.

BIOGRAPHY:

Born into Greecian Nobility, Xanthos was afforded every luxury growing up. His father’s family were some of the most respected in the country and are considered experts in the rearing of elite magical creatures, specialising in Unicorns and Pegasi of all species. His mother’s family were considered foremost experts on Wixen history and oversaw several Wixen museums and magical archaeological endeavours worldwide. Thus, it was no surprise that these two topics became Xanthos loves in life. Growing up, he found that unicorns in particular seemed to like him and before even attending his schooling he knew all there was to know of breeding, raising and caring for them.

It wasn’t till he attended Magisfalis Academy (riding in on his own Unicorn named Achilles) that his love for Wixen history began to grow- learning where they came from was crucial to moving forward and avoiding the repetition of mistakes; at his status, one couldn’t afford to make mistakes. Despite the pressure, he remained an affable young man who could most often be found in the library or school forest rather than on the Quidditch pitch- though managing magical creatures was a far better workout than riding on a broomstick to his mind.

His parents were keen for him to begin making the correct connections and alongside starting school, he was forced to start writing to a pen pal in the United Kingdom. Through their own connections, his parents had him begin corresponding with Rabastan Lestrange- a boy his own age of a respected, though not titled, family. Far from enthusiastic, Xanthos nevertheless did his duty and, to both boys’ surprise, they formed a fast and long-lasting friendship, often spending summers at one another’s homes.  

The connection turned out to be highly beneficial since, following his schooling, Xanthos became published for his historical studies and began training for a position as an ambassador to Britain’s Ministry of Magic. Throughout the Wixen War, Xanthos, and many other international Wixen, quietly withdrew until the dust settled and then promptly returned to their engagements. Currently, Xanthos splits his time between Greece and Britain, forging connections within the social elite of both communities, continuing his historical studies and ambassador duties and, should time permit, lending a hand to his father’s magical creature rearing.  

[pandoragreengrass]

"Pleasure to meet you Xanthos." Pandora was proud of the manners that seemed to flow effortlessly. Her mother should be proud of her. Her eyes widen in shock when he reached for her hand and kissed the back of it. No one had ever done that and it puzzled the witch. Amber hues fixated on her hand when he pulled away, head slanting for a moment before shaking it off, glancing up at the exotic wizard.

"Of course," a bright smile seeps on her lips, teeth sinking into her bottom lip, the anticipating eating at her. The short witch kept to his pace, her attention drifting to the Pegaus descending from the sky in front of them. Pandora stood back, letting the two greet each other. There was no words that could describe the connection between the two, sort of what she had with Pickle; when a certain wizard wasn't around.

"Pandora." The last thing she wanted was to be referenced the same way as her mother. "Does he always tell you what to do?" A smirk turns on her lips, surprised her Greek wasn't that rusty. Languages, another, that intrigued her growing up. The witch stands beside Xanthos, holding out her palm towards Achilles muzzle. "You are beautiful." Her gaze solely on the magical creature.

[xanthoshaima]

“So many have said,” He chuckled, though more at the stilted greeting than from ego- he’d heard such words from many people tonight and doubted any of them truly meant it- even this young lady, she seemed much more interested in Achilles than himself; not that he could blame her- his winged-horse was perhaps the finest of his kind on the continent, it was only natural he would garner attention far and wide. 

Achilles snorted softly, the beast’s way of indicating all was well, and nuzzled their foreheads together; the pair had been joined at the hip since Xanthos was a babe and understood one another on a level that went beyond language to instinct. He raised a brow when Pandora responded in rather good Greek, turning to look at Achilles as the winged-horse turned to look at him, the gesture almost seemed rehearsed. 

“Isn’t that surprising?” He said, Achilles snorting softly again in response. He watched as the majestic beast lent it’s large head down and sniffed at Pandora’s palm then, apparently satisfied, lent forward to allow the Witch to pet and stroke his muzzle, “Hmm, he likes you.” Xanthos said with a nod, still speaking in Greek, “I’ve known him to spit at people whose presence he did not take to.” And he’d be lying if he didn’t it amusing every time.

[r-lestrxnge]

Rabastan did not bother to engage with Xanthos about prudishness or intimacy. The other man had a peculiar attitude towards both, and Rabastan had long learned that debating it would get him nowhere. The cultural difference was too great, and frankly he did not wish to be dragged through a indecorous public argument. He was, however, impressed that Xanthos actually restrained the urge to wrestle.

"I will not." With that savage statement, he downed half the ouzo and rued the day they'd started corresponding. It had been worse as children. Xan's father was especially tactile. It was off-putting. So he was pleased that the other wizard accepted the change in conversation.

"I don't care when you marry, Xan. I'm suggesting you find a witch to enjoy, not to marry. Though you should think twice about blood. It means a lot here. Do not lower yourself by stepping beneath your station."

[xanthoshaima]

Honestly, the way he reacted Xanthos would swear he’d asked Rabastan to run naked through the streets covered in honey- something he knew quite a few of his friends had done thanks to losing bets, but no- simple things like male kinship and platonic affection just seemed to disturb him to an unnatural degree. Even amongst these repressed British he stood head and shoulder’s above with his prudish behaviour. 

“Yes you will,” Xanthos smirked, knowing he’d already won. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d wrestled the other Wizard into submission and he awoke where Xan needed him to be- that was how he’d got him to try Winged-Horse riding over a cliff edge after all. “And you’ll be better for it.”

“Oh yes you do- If I said I were marrying a penniless Muggleborn you’d have a great deal to say.” So would his parents and other friends though. “Yes, yes.” He waved one hand and held to the other for the floating bottle to refill his glass. Downing it, he let to a breath and continued, “You’ve made that quite clear, I’ve no intention of going slumming anytime soon.”  

[antoninxdolohovx]

A smirk toys on his features, and Antonin neither confirms, nor denies, if he did happen to steal away with a certain witch that belonged to him, regardless of what she might think otherwise. He let out a snort on what he other described. "I would pay to see that happen." He knew very well nothing like that would happen. This was how mundane the night was going to be, knowing that a certain show needed to be maintained because of the families involved.

The wizard goes to take a small indulgence in his drink before giving his attention back to the other. "Do the witches really fall for the Greek god flying in on his winged-horse?"

[xanthoshaima]

“Hmm, a wedding in my home country is a fine party, My Friend, this,” he gestured around them slightly, “Feels more like a ceremony of dour proportions.” And even that was being generous, he’d attended funerals with more life in them than this. “Will the music ever more to a beat fast enough for a true dance?” As entertaining as slower patterns were, he was craving something a little wilder… A quality the people here were sorely lacking.   

“I do not know, you’d have to ask a God, I am but a man.” He chuckled, “Achilles is my life-long companion, I trust him over any Floo Gate, any broom. Though,” he chuckled lowly, “I believe at least half a dozen of your maidens swooned upon his entrance- and as majestic as Achilles is, I hope their attraction wasn’t for the horse.”

[xsinistraxlowex]

An amused expression graced her features at the mention of Rabastan and wishing not to be scowled by the wizard in the morning. A hand gingerly placed on his shoulder, leaning up and in to whisperer in his ear. "You can only get in trouble if you get caught, Xanthos." A purr to her words before she pulled back to take a sip of her drink, an innocent facade washing of her features. A sly smirk seeps on her lips at his gentleman qualities showing, appreciating a wizard with those traits. It always made for an interesting time.

"Please call me Sinistra." A beat. "Or Sin, I'm good at those." She winks at him, turning to look out at the crowd. "Welcome to London pureblood society. Tediously boring. Especially high profile weddings like this." Her head twists to look at him. "You learn to make it interesting over time."

[xanthoshaima]

He threw his head back and laughed at the rather suggestive point, “Bah! There is some fun in the clandestine but still, all of you nothing but pots of need and desire yet you keep yourselves corked like fine champagne,” he shook his head, “It is nonsensical to me.” But then, he supposed that was how the differences in culture worked, “In my homeland, we would all be in an open space sharing our affect, returning to our spaces for only the most intimate of moments.” Here they were scandalised at a touch to the elbow.

“Sin… I prefer Sinistra,” he said with a nod, “Afterall, there is no sin in good time and company, regardless of what your prudish people may think. You know your name has Italian linguistics to it? It means, to be liberal.” He explained with a nod, “With some luck I shan’t be attending too many British weddings then, though I am pleased to finally meet so many of Rabastan’s dearest friends.”

[r-lestrxnge]

Attending to the canapé in his hand - some kind of orange jelly - he only half listened as Xan described his foreign antics. How chaotic. He could think of nothing worse than encouraging Lucius Malfoy to bed Narcissa on his wedding night. The thought made him internally cringe. It almost put him off his pumpkin snack.

He moved to avoid the swipe, but not quickly enough. So as Xan conjured the ouzo, he shoved him in return. It was infantile, but old habits died hard even in a grown man who cared so much for social appearances. "There. That's as much wrestling as you will get from me tonight. Don't try anything else." Pressing an empty glass into Xan's hand, he then took one for himself and extended it to be filled. "Would you like to be introduced to some witches? Many eyes are on you, you lucky man." Quietly laughing, he gestured to a small group nearby, who promptly turned away as though caught committing a crime. "Tall, dark stranger, et cetera. They seem in dire need of some new pureblood around here."

[xanthoshaima]

“I can see your prudish mind already shrinking back my friend, your lack of open-thought towards intimacy is truly concerning.” He shook his head, rocking back a step as the other shoved and had to put (considerable) effort into not tackling the man to the floor, he loved goading Rabastan into a wrestling match, all in good fun.

“Bah, so boring. My friend, you will accompany me to an open bath later this week, we have to have a serious conversation about your attitude towards touch.” His father was just as worried about it as Xan was- especially now he’d reached marrying age. “Ahh, now we’re reaching a more favourable subject,” he glanced around, easily pouring them a small glass each and left the bottle floating in the air between them. “They should be looking at me, I am fascinating. That and, unlike so many of you British men, am not afraid to bear the depth of my feelings.” Snorting at the mention of blood, something that mattered less to him than Rabastan, he continued, “Trying to marry me off already, my friend?”   

[pandoragreengrass]

It didn't phase her when he glanced down at her, the wide smile still plastered on her lips, chocolate hues sparkling. "Right, manners." Her head shakes softly, hearing her mother's words in her head, though to be honest, most people bored her with their unnecessary whining and complaining, her circle small , there was a peace when it came to creatures. "Pandora Greengrass and you are?" She gave him a second to speak before she continued on. "That is a great name. I think you chose wisely."

"Who wouldn't be? Much more interesting." One of the main reasons she went into the field she did. "You lead the way and I will follow." Anticipation building, excited to get her hands on the creature. At least there was something intriguing about the wedding.

[xanthoshaima]

“A necessary evil- to varying degrees,” Xanthos said with a small chuckle. This woman, she was at least different enough to speak with a little more plainness. Half the time getting the true meaning out of these British purebloods was like trying to break in a wild Hippogriff. “Xanthos Haima,” he said, taking a step back to bow slightly, take one of her hands in his and briefly press his lips against it.

“Very well, just this way.” Achilles was enjoying a night in the open air, but he and Xanthos shared a bond, so as they moved away from the lights of the house he whistled, a pair of short, sharp notes, and a few moments later the sound of wingbeats was heard and the winged-horse touched down before them with practiced ease. Xanthos stepped forward and lent his head down, the two pressing their foreheads together as he whispered sweet things to the beast.

“Ms. Greengrass, this is Achilles.” He said, turning back to the woman. Speaking in Greek to the horse he said, “She’s curious, be pleasant.”

[pandoragreengrass]

Pandora had noticed the flying-horses, Pegasus , that the strange wizard came on and that was the only thing on her mind until the ceremony was over and she could approach the other. There was no regard for the group that was locked in conversation, wedging herself within the group that a smiled crossed her lips when the one she came to spoke with turned in her direction, asking her a question. His words meant nothing to her, she only wanted to know one thing.

"What is their name?" A small pause. "I would love to see your Pegasus, please." Her parents did instill manners in her.

[xanthoshaima]

Xanthos looked over (and then down) at the woman who spoke so openly to him, it was a refreshing change from the far from engaging small talk on outfits and ‘how happy the couple looked,’ so he was rather pleased to answer her. “You’re lucky I shall take it as a compliment that you desire my Pegasi’s name before my own, he is my dearest companion and answers to the name of Achilles.” 

“I was fond of historical legends in my youth, and still am,” he chuckled, “If you’ll accompany me to the grounds I can summon him for your pleasure. 

[antoninxdolohovx]

Antonin was both impressed and jealous of the wizard that showed up on the winged horses. There was his own sudden need to have one and that when he caught sight of the one in question, after his little stint in one of the closets with a certain witch, he made his way over to formally introduce himself.

"Unfortunately fornicating in public is very frowned upon." He takes a sip of his firewhiskey. "I would suggest one of the room that you're not supposed to be in and have fun. That way there is still the rush of someone walking in." He gives a small shrug. "I do have a question to ask you."

[xanthoshaima]

“As opposed to vanishing into cupboard with attractive women?” He asked, his expression far from damning and more congratulatory, “A fine way to spend a wedding, it stokes the ardor for a passionate touch. By this point we’d have carted the couple to their chambers with song and leave them to such passions.” Whereas… they were still here, it seemed rather lacking in amour. 

“But I digress,” he clicked his fingers and a shot glass full of clear liquid (ouzo) appeared between his fingers, “What question do you have of me, my friend?” He asked, throwing the shot back and let out a satisfactory ”Ahh” from the burn.   

[r-lestrxnge]

As much as Rabastan liked Xan and respected his traditions, this obsession with flying horses was sometimes too much. Uncertain about how his entrance had been perceived, he had simply said nothing and merely hoped that the Blacks and the Malfoys were not offended by his friend making a grander appearance than the bride. However, ultimately, he did not care that much.

"That depends on what you consider revelry, Xanthos." Summoning a tray of canapés to their corner, he set it to hover between them and examined the contents. "I am quite sure one or two duels will break out. That is normally the way, once alcohol starts flowing and family feuds are dredged up." Finally selecting the best snack for himself, he turned to his friend and slyly smirked. "If you mean orgies, or whatever it is you do in Greece, you will have to find your own witches and take them home. That kind of thing is not done in public. It is frowned upon in polite society."

[xanthoshaima]

Unlike his friend, Xanthos paid not mind to how his entrance may be received, his family bred these creatures, why would he not make use of them for his own transport? The fact that this Wixen seemed to only floo powder and portkey was their own decision. Once Achilles was tended to he attended the rather, traditional, ceremony and didn’t see his friend again till the after party. 

“Hmm, I should think you’d have some idea of that, my friend,” he smirked, “The dancing lines, throwing the bride and groom into the nearest body of water, carrying them to their bedchambers as songs of consumation are sung,” he shrugged, “The usual affair.” Taking a rather large gulp of wine he rolled his eyes, “Duels, they should be wrestling one another to impress their woman- or men,” he added, it was the twentieth century after all, “My cousin Heirate dominated several men at my uncle’s second wedding, it was quite the sight. As for orgy’s,” he cuffed the man up th back of the head, “We too prefer to keep such things behind closed doors you swine. Now, drink something proper with me-” he waved his wand and conjured a bottle of ouzo, “No more of this watery affair, no?”     

[lucimalfoys]

Though most of the guests were known to him, or at least their family names, there were still quite a few people who were complete strangers. He'd been prepared for that, however, having taken part in high society events since he could remember. It wasn't the first time his family home was swarmed with people he'd never met before. "A bit," he agreed easily enough, taking in the wizard who he had accidentally knocked into. The man's accent caught him off guard, but he quickly schooled his features. Xanthos Haîma... despite being unfamiliar with his name, Lucius trusted Rabastan. If this was a close friend of his, he'd play nicely.

"Rabastan did, did he?" He questioned, searching the crowd for the man in question. "Any friend of Rabastan's is a friend of mine," he spoke smoothly, his lips upturning into a bit of a smirk. "Is that so? We'd be honored to receive such a gift." Blinking, he took a small sip of his drink, turning his stare on Xanthos. "And what country might that be?"

[xanthoshaima]

Xanthos threw his head back and laughed, the deep sound booming around them, “Only a bit? You English are so entwined with your restraint.” Why the man and his new wife hadn’t been thrown into the nearest lake he didn’t understand, what better way to baptise the marriage before carrying them to their bedchambers? Still, he’d learnt British Wixen were much less… open with their fancies. 

“Indeed.” He nodded, “Our parents were most keen that we establush the correct kinds of connections in our youths, so we were made to exchange weekly letters. Against expectations, we formed a lasting friendship.” As he spoke, he led the man towards the glass doors leading towards the grounds, “I should hope so.” Xanthos smiled and brought two fingers to his lips, whistling musically, enough to again draw some attention.

For a few moments, there was nothing, then a faintly glowing pure white beast cantered up through the field- a unicorn foal. “He is yours and your wife’s to name,” Xanthos said, resting a hand on the beast’s back, “He shall patrol your grounds and keep all within safe. Keep him fed and strong and so too shall your home and yours thrive.”      

[xsinistraxlowex]

Sinistra noticed the wizard upon his arrival, impressed with the winged horse and found her gaze found his form during the ceremony. She has expected nothing less from the Malfoy's and Black's, and was looking forward to the free alcohol all night. It was the only way she was going to make it through. An attendance was required, though part of her knew her time could be spent better elsewhere.

She had heard about Xanthos from Rabastan, considering how close the two were, and would have to speak to him about why he had not brought the wizard around sooner. A glass of champagne in hand, she found herself stepping into the circle, catching the ending of what was being said and him turning in her direction. "Unfortunately, this group, they are rather," a small pause, "dull." Sinistra didn't know how much longer she'd last herself. "I always find that if you want your own fun, sometimes you have to make it yourself." A sly smile on her lips. "Sinistra Lowe. You must be Xanthos."

[xanthoshaima]

Xanthos sighed at the confirmation, he’d thought as much but really, what was he supposed to but fall asleep? Snorting slightly at her continued response, he offered the woman a smile, “Ah, it seems you are the mischief maker then. Sadly I am not here to cause such trouble, lest Rabastan attempt to have my hide tomorrow.” He bent slightly and took the woman’s hand in his own, bringing it to his lips and pressing a chaste kiss there, “Indeed, I am somewhat pleased to see my reputation proceeds me. A please to make your acquaintance, Ms. Lowe.” He released her had and took another (large) swallow from his drink, “If this were a wedding in my homeland there’d be dance lines, throwing the couple into the nearest lake and wrestling by now.”  

[xanthoshaima]

When: Malfoy-Black Wedding (Evening) Where: Malfoy Manner - Ballroom With: Open to all!

The wedding was, well, smaller than he’d expected, but then Greecian weddings were events unto themselves. Nevertheless, Xanthos ensured an entrance was made, flying to the manner upon his winged-horse and dismounting in his blood-red dress robes. He turned to nuzzle the beast’s head with affection before whispering in its ear and sending it flying off again; it would return when he had need. 

From there, the ceremony was bland, but well executed and the afterparty felt much the same. Still he laughed, socialised and drank with those of Rabastan’s circle and wondered if the evening would grow more lively as the night wore on. “I wonder,” he said, voice rich and deep as he turned to the nearest person, red wine in hand, “Do all remained so well behaved all evening or will there be some true revelry before the night is through?”  

[lucimalfoys]

Where: Malfoy Manor Ballroom When: Post-Wedding Reception Who: Open

Lucius had experienced his fair share of overwhelming days in his life. His father forcing him to meet the Dark Lord for the first time at a mere fifteen years old, being permanently branded in the presence of at least a dozen seedy strangers, and the day the war had officially ended all stuck out to him.

This day, however, did not fall into that same category. Overwhelming it may be, he conceded, eyeing the sheer number of people in Malfoy Manor's main ballroom, but there was no lingering unease from today's events. No, it was his wedding day, and his mood had never been lighter. His gaze immediately found Narcissa—an absolute vision in white, though he never doubted it—over to the west side of the room, engaged in a conversation with his own father, whose demeanor surprisingly seemed to match his own. He supposed it wasn't too shocking; Abraxas had only managed to negotiate one of the most affluent Pureblood weddings of the decade. A Malfoy and a Black joining together was no small feat, which was why his vision was flooded with dress robes and silks of every design. The present journalists would have a fashion field day on the notable guests in their next respective issues.

With a tiny pop, a glass goblet appeared in his hand, filled close to the brim with elven wine. It was from the 1958 bottle in their cellars, he knew, but he hadn't seen which house elf had given him the drink. Turning his head to look behind him, his elbow went out a bit too wide, nudging the person next to him. In any other event, he wouldn't have cared, but he'd blame his next actions on his pleasant mood. "Ah, my mistake." He cleared his throat, bringing the goblet up to this lips for a small sip. Merlin, elven wine was always so strong. "Narcissa and I extend our gratitude for your presence today," he spoke in a rehearsed tone, having said the same sentence no less than fifty times in the last few hours, eyes finally meeting the person next to him.

[xanthoshaima]

He had been expecting a somewhat stiff affair when Rabastan had invited him along to this society wedding and, thus far, his assessment did not seem wrong. Xanthos was used to slightly more… energetic events in his home country, but the locals all seemed to be having a pleasant time.

His entrance (flying in atop his Pegasus) had garnered plenty of attention but obviously not so much as the couple of the moment, one half of which he’d finally spotted unoccupied. Curling his fingers so a glass of red appeared between them, almost as dark a red as his dress robes, he stepped over and was slightly nudged before he could gain the groom’s attention. “Please, it is no trouble, I am quite unharmed,” he smiled, his accent strong but the English words pronounced expertly. He rumbled a deep laugh at the gratitude’s and shook his head slightly, “And how often have you repeated that line so far today, my friend? A rather stiff affair in some aspects, no?”

Extending a hand, he shook with Lucius before introducing himself, “I am Xanthos Haîma, a close friend of Rabastan Lesstrange, I believe he secured my invitation.” Still smiling, he continued, “It is tradition in my country to provide a gift to ward of evil spirits and I would wish to present it to you, it is a speciality of my family.”

[xanthoshaima]

Xanthos Haîma: Malfoy Wedding Outfit:

1.Hair 2.Suit 3.Shoes 4.Unicorn Cufflinks

[the-evil-clergyman]

Illustration from Jugend Magazine by Fritz Erler (1909)

[supfag-archives]

MATTHEW DADDARIO as ALEC LIGHTWOOD in SHADOWHUNTERS