For the remainder of their time in the Dreamlands, Aaric and Fleur assisted Eilistraee in settling into her new home, helping her merge her celestial realm with the island's geography.
Through the union of ancient gods and potent magic, the denizens of the island welcomed the Dark Maiden, and the sanctuary underwent a fundamental shift.
It now possessed a true day and night cycle. How did that work? Gods and Magic.
Aaric stood suspended in the sky, Fleur positioned in front of him with his arms wrapped securely around her waist.
He rested his face against her shoulder as she laid her arms over his, both watching the world below transform.
They watched as their island shifted and reformed in a beautiful, shimmering process, culminating in the formation of a silver moon that hung permanently above the horizon.
"I can feel how 'appy she is," Fleur whispered, gesturing toward the forest where Eilistraee stood, waving her arms as divine energy seeped the lands.
She relaxed, leaning her full weight against Aaric. In her new form, her dark dress shimmered like the night sky, contrasting with her brilliant silver eyes and hair.
"She deserves to be," Aaric whispered back. He lightly caressed her stomach, making her giggle softly against him.
Eilistraee looked up from the silver-leafed canopy and smiled kindly at them. Aaric offered a respectful nod, while Fleur gave a bright smile and a wave before they both fell through a swirling portal, returning to the waking world.
| The Morning at Hogwarts |
Aaric woke slowly, finding Daphne and Luna still deep in sleep in his arms. Chaya was also awake, curled up comfortably by the window of his dorm room as she looked at the dawn.
Since their holidays lasted until the first of January, there was no rush to attend classes. When the girls eventually stirred, they opted to spend the morning in leisurely, joyful company and having some fun.
The following days passed in a comfortable blur. Aaric spent his time with his friends at Hogwarts, choosing to remain at the castle for the duration of the break rather than returning home.
A day before the holidays were set to end, Aaric received a formal invitation to the Headmaster's office.
A Meeting of Secrets
"Lemon drop?" Dumbledore asked as soon as Aaric stepped inside the circular office.
"Thank you, Professor," Aaric accepted the candy, earning a jovial, twinkling smile from the old wizard.
"Are you excited for the second task, my boy?" Dumbledore inquired, peering over his half-moon spectacles.
"Yes, Professor. I believe I have made the appropriate preparations," Aaric replied with a confident nod, the tart candy dissolving on his tongue.
"As expected of you," Dumbledore said with a chuckle. His expression then turned slightly more serious. "I have asked you here to make a request of you, my dear boy."
"Please, I will do what I can," Aaric agreed with a nod.
"Thank you. However, there is someone else I must invite for this particular conversation." Dumbledore looked toward the majestic phoenix resting on its perch. With a melodious trill, Fawkes vanished in a sudden burst of flame.
A minute later, the bird returned, bringing Sirius Black with it.
"I think your phoenix hates me, Albus," Sirius muttered, adjusting his robes. Fawkes had teleported him a few feet above the floor, forcing the Marauder to brace himself as he landed.
Aaric and Dumbledore shared a laugh as Fawkes returned to his golden stand near the desk.
"How've you been, Aaric?" Sirius greeted him, clapping a hand on his shoulder before taking the seat beside him.
"Good. And you?" Aaric asked. Sirius gave him a wink and an okay sign that suggested he was managing well enough.
"Have you brought it?" Dumbledore asked, his voice dropping an octave.
Sirius nodded solemnly. He reached into his pouch, pulled out a sturdy wooden box, and placed it on the desk.
He then produced a weathered note from his pocket, caressing the parchment briefly before handing it to Aaric. It was the note written by Regulus Black, addressed to the dark lord and was found in the face horcrux locket.
"You see, my boy... Voldemort was a part of this very school once. My own student," Dumbledore began, leaning back in his chair with a look of profound regret.
"I was unable to steer him away from the dark path. He gained a secret from one of our professors. One Horace Slughorn, who has not shared what they discussed out of deep shame. But with this note... he does not need to anymore." Dumbledore added with a sigh.
"A Horcrux, huh?" Aaric muttered, feigning surprise at the term as he read the note and handed it back to Sirius.
"A very dark magic, indeed. It requires such a vile act to be performed that it tears the soul apart," Dumbledore explained.
"How can I help you with this?" Aaric asked, looking between the two men.
"By destroying it, of course," Sirius said with a shrug.
Aaric didn't ask why they believed he had the power to do it. He hadn't exactly hidden his capabilities.
Dumbledore had seen his performance in the first task. He was also aware of his meeting with the merpeople and his unusual movements around the castle.
"Well... I think Harry can do it as well," Aaric suggested casually.
"Huh?" Sirius blinked, looking confused.
"Didn't he tell you he can kill Dementors with his flames?" Aaric asked.
"He did... oh!" Sirius's eyes widened as realization struck him.
"Do you think young Harry's flames could solve our dilemma?" Dumbledore asked, catching on quickly and intrigued by the possibility.
"It's worth a try," Sirius answered, glancing at the Headmaster. "I'll ask him myself. Albus, can you allow him to use the Floo to stay at Grimmauld Place for the day?"
"Yes, of course," Dumbledore nodded, rising from his seat. "Thank you for your suggestion, my boy." He walked over to Aaric and patted his head lightly in a grandfatherly gesture.
"I'll go get Harry," Sirius said, securing the box back in his pouch. With a final nod to Dumbledore, he headed for the door.
Aaric stood but didn't leave immediately. He walked over to Fawkes and gently stroked the phoenix's plumage. He felt the heat radiating from the bird and the deep wisdom in its eyes.
"When it's all over... I hope you find peace within yourself and look forward to a better world," Aaric whispered softly.
He knew Dumbledore had heard him. Without waiting for a response, Aaric turned and walked out of the office, leaving a silent and deeply contemplative Headmaster behind him.
A/n: Give me your thought on the chapter and reviews on the fic.
And.. you got any power stones? Well, hand em over then.