- Chapter 11 –
- Letters and Lectures –
'Hot cocoa. Always cheers me up when I'm down.'
I stared at the mug, but it couldn't catch my attention. Professor Dumbledore looked serious and walked towards me. He kneeled down and his eyes met mine.
'Yorokei…please, have some cocoa. It will make you feel better. And you need to feel good if you are going to tell me what has happened to you in the past few hours. Or should I say: past few weeks?'
Reluctantly, I picked up the mug and drank some of the cocoa. It made me feel warm inside. Funny feeling.
'Good…you look better already…Now, I want you to tell me what happened to you in the past few weeks. Especially tonight. I need to know it if I want to help you.'
'Lily….'
Tears were dripping down my face, onto Lily, who I still held in my hands. She wasn't giving any signs of life at all. I couldn't fathom it. Lily had saved my life, and nearly died doing so. She did this….for me.
'Yes…Lily…a courageous little creature indeed.'
I bit on my upper lip. Courageous was but a small word. Lily was far more then just simply courageous. Lily was a lifesaver. My lifesaver. She cared more for me then she did for herself.
'If it is Lily who has you worried, Yorokei….then I think I should tell you something…'
Professor Dumbledore walked towards his bookcase and took a big book from it. It had signs on it which I couldn't read. Probably another alphabet. Professor Dumbledore opened it and showed me a picture of an island with a big castle on it, shrouded in mist.
'This is the Elf Island Avalon, Yorokei. And Lily, in fact, isn't a Finnish fairy.'
'But Hagrid said…'
'Lily is an Avalonian fairy. That is why she's still around. Finnish fairies are extinct, but their cousins, the Avalonian fairies aren't. They come from the Elf Island Avalon, where they are loyal servants to the elves, the only creatures thought able to take proper care of these delicate creatures.'
'But I'm not…'
'Of course you aren't. You aren't an elf, but you must be really kindhearted. Otherwise Lily would certainly have died.'
'So you are saying….'
'Yes, Yorokei. All the time Lily has spent here with you, you kept her alive. The kindness in your heart did so. And you are still doing so now. Lily is not dead, because her master, you, still cares for her.'
I looked at little Lily. She had saved my life, but I had also saved hers in some way. Was that the reason for her sacrifice?
'But as fortunate as that is, Lily will not survive too long on your kindness alone. You will need to put her in a bath at once, and then get her to Avalon. Avalonian faries instantly regain their powers when they get back to there homelands.'
Dumbledore gently picked up Lily from my hands, and walked toward a tiny sink in his little room. He flicked with his wand, and soap came out of it. As soon as the sink was filled, he put Lily in the water. Then, he walked back again, and sat down behind his desk again.
'Now that Lily has been taken care of, I want to talk to you about some other things.'
I just sat there and stared at the professor. What would I tell?
'Just tell me everything, Yorokei. Of course I know about the duel you and Mr. Sulferwood had in the Forbidden Forest. And I do not approve of it, but that is not something I want to discuss right now. I want to talk about the events that took place tonight. Well…the events that originally took place at night.'
'Originally?'
'As you must have noticed, the time was turned back to the moment of when you left to follow Mr. Sulferwood. That was thanks to Lily. Turning back time is a rare gift, and Avalonian fairies are capable of it, but it nearly costs them their lives, and thus they don't use that power. Never. They aren't even allowed to do so by the fairy rights. But this was an emergency, so I think she won't be in trouble for it this time.'
'Well…what happened originally…'
'Yes.'
I took a deep breath and began telling what happened. How Goldion had ran off, how we met Elysander, and how the three of us went following Roy. That Roy had talked to a black, glowing orb, and regained powers he had lost. That Roy had noticed us and had tried to track us down, and nearly succeeded if it hadn't been for Lily. And that I nearly used my powers again, as the voice told me to. All the time, Professor Dumbledore had been listening to me, just nodding and saying 'yes' every now and then. When I had finished, he looked serious.
'That is not just a little thing that happened there.'
'No..'
'But it certainly tells me a big deal.'
I just looked at the professor. A big deal. What did he mean with that?'
'The powers of Roy aren't his. They are sent to him by another person. A powerful wizard I suppose. And that might also have corrupted his mind, making him so maniacal about destroying you. You could say Roy acts as the person who wants you. The person that spoke to Roy through the orb.'
'So Roy can't really help it?'
Professor Dumbledore thought a moment. 'Yes. He can. But he doesn't want to. He probably has some kind of personal grudge against you. He wants to see you humiliated. But not dead. That is the influence of the person who pulls his strings.'
'Gee….now I am almost feeling sorry for Roy.'
'I advice you to avoid Roy as much as possible for the moment. Do not agitate him. It could be dangerous. Despite the fact that you, Mr. Sickkle and Mr. Elvenblood weren't there in this path of time, doesn't mean that Roy hasn't done the same thing as you have seen before. On the contrary. Roy has regained his powers tonight. And he is a lethal threat to you.'
'My life is in danger.'
'Yes.'
That thought cut through my mind like a warm knife through butter. This couldn't be! I was eleven years old! Professor Dumbledore sighed, and walked towards me.
'Yorokei….this has been a hard night on you. I advice you to get some sleep now.'
'But professor, I am far from finished! My strange powers, they-'
'I would like to talk with you about those powers, but I am not sure if I am the right person to do so.'
'Why not, professor?'
Professor Dumbledore seemed troubled by that question. He clicked with his tongue, before talking again.
'Sometimes, Yorokei……sometimes, even I have to know where my duties end. And at this time, I am not the person who is supposed to tell you these things. Your powers have a source. Your powers are so ancient, so sacred, that it is not my place to talk about them with you, or allow you to wield them. That job is left to another person. Someone who knows a great deal more about your powers then me.'
'Who is that person?'
'He will find you. He definitely will find you.'
My blood was boiling. How could this be? I wanted to know about my powers! Weren't they dangerous for me, then? Wasn't that important? What if I set the whole school on fire?
'When you find the source of your powers….you will find that person. And I am positive you will do so. Trust me, Yorokei….I've dealt with situations like these before. And I trust my decision is right. And you have to do so as well.'
'I suppose so…'
Professor Dumbledore smiled. 'I'm sure you'll learn to understand in time…'
Since it was weekend anyway, I decided to spend my day in the Ravenclaw common room, the only place where I could quietly think about last night, and the strange words that professor Dumbledore had spoken to me. Sighing about it all, I laid my head between my arms, when suddenly an arm was tuck around me.
'Hey Yorokei…'
'Stephany!'
Stephany looked worried. 'You don't look so good, Yorokei. What's the matter?'
'Oh….I don't know….I…don't want to talk about it right now.'
'You shouldn't carry around problems, you know. That will only make you feel worse. You have to talk about them.'
But I did not really feel like talking. Not with Stephany. She might have been my best friend at Hogwarts, but she wasn't really the person I wanted to trouble with the horrors I had seen happening last night.
'And…well…if you won't talk to me….no matter what reasons you may have for not doing so, be sure to talk with someone….because if you are keeping your problems inside…..they won't go away. They will only become bigger and bigger…and eventually, they will tear you up from inside.'
I thought about that. And suddenly…..I realized who I should talk to.
The forest clearing was peaceful that day. The birds were singing in the trees because of the temperatures slowly getting warmer. The first leaves slowly started growing back onto the trees. I could stay here the whole day long, but that wasn't what I came here for.
'So what's bothering you, Yorokei?'
'Elysander!'
Elysander was sitting in the very same tree he sat in the day I first met him. He smiled, and jumped down from the tree.
'Come here to train with me?'
'No, Elysander….not at all.'
He looked at me, worried. Probably the sadness was spread wide across my face.
'There is something wrong, am I right?'
I sighed and nodded.
'Tell me about it.'
The past night once again played in front of my eyes. I saw Elysander again, ready to cut himself to pieces. And Roy laughing about it.
'Elysander….it is hard…'
'Can't be that hard.'
'Can be. Do…do you remember..'
'What?'
'Do you remember what happened last night?'
'Last night I was in my dormitory. Sleeping.'
I looked into his eyes. 'No you weren't. I don't know why, but you were sneaking through the castle wearing your invisibility cloak.'
Elysander fell silent and his eyes went big.
'I-I sometimes go out for training at night….but how did you?'
'Last night? Let me tell you Elysander, the last night you remember wasn't the REAL last night!'
'Not the real last night? How do you mean?'
'Last night? Well, it was totally different! And I will tell you what really happened! We ran into that Roy Sulferwood guy, and followed him to a secret chamber, where talked with a black, fiery orb, which gave him immense magical powers, which he used to track you down and cast the imperio curse on you. And then, he forced you to cut yourself to pieces.'
Elysander grabbed his head. 'Ouch…a sting…'
'What's the matter Elysander?'
As he bit his lip, Elysander began mumbling.
'I...I think I....' Slowly, Elysander turned his head towards me, and blinked with his eyes. 'I remember!'
'You do?', I asked surprised.
'Yes.....it is as if a button has been turned into my head! I refound my memory of this night, now that you have told me!'
Elysander looked at me, uncertain of what to say, I reconed.
'Yorokei?'
'Yes?'
'There is something I need to show you.'
Some moments later I found myself waiting in the Great Hall of the school. Elysander had gone towards his common room, to get something. He wouldn't say what that thing was yet, but I was sure I would find out soon. As I was sitting down there, wondering what it could be, and wondering what course my life would take now Roy was after me instead of Bianca, someone came along that seemed to do away with all those problems.
'Hi...' Bianca looked at me, and blushed. 'How are you?'
I forced a smile. 'Fine, thanks....'
Bianca sat herself next to me. She took my hand, and looked towards me.
'You shouldn't lie to your own girl, you know. We girls don't like that.'
'Well...it is something that happened yesterday. But I am...not ready to tell you just yet. I will tell you, but please give me some time to get over it myself.'
'Yorokei?'
'Yes'
'You were there for me when Roy was giving me a hard time. Now I want to be there for you, because.....I want to return that favor. And besides...you're my boyfriend now.'
I hugged Bianca thight and kissed her on the forehead. What turn would my life have taken if I hadn't met her? I mean, I would never have met Roy, and Roy would never want to destroy me or any of my friends. But then again, I wouldn't have met Bianca, a girl I wouldn't want to lose for anything! As she sat there, I knew I could tell her. But I didn't want to. She had been really happy the past few weeks, for the very first time I had met her. I didn't want to risk making her worried again.
'Yorokei?'
I looked up. Elysander had returned. In his hands, he held a yellow enveloppe. Elysander handed the enveloppe over to me.
'This letter is for you.'
'For me?', I asked surprised.
'Yes. From my father.'
'The King of Elves?'
Elysander nodded. 'I haven't read it. Most letters my father sends are highly privacy sensitive, so I left it for you to open it. I received this letter about three days ago, but I forgot to give it to you.'
'Thanks, Elysander.'
'Well, let's hope this clears up a thing or two about Lily's message.'
'Yes...' Slowly, I opened the enveloppe and took the letter out.
From: Elfric Horatius Elfenblood, King of Elf kingdom Avalon
To: Yorokei Tokisado
Dear mister Tokisado,
It has come to my attention that my attendant, the fairy you know as Lily, has not been able to deliver the message I had wanted her to deliver to you, due to an unfortunate case of amnesia. Lily has remembered some things, according to my son Elysander, she did not forget who to deliver the message to: you yourself.
However, I have monitored the happenings in your surroundings closely. Thus, I have made another descision. Rather then telling you the message I gave to Lily via a letter, I want to talk to you face to face, because in recent light of events, some tables have turned and some things are much easier to tell to you if I could meet you....and show you certain things.
Thus I have decided that you are to visit my kingdom, the Elf Island Avalon. Of course, it is not to be found by just any muggle or wizard. Our island is shrouded in a thick mist that will misguide even the best sailors and shipmen. Therefor, I humbly ask my own son Elysander to temporarily leave Hogwarts with you, and guide you to me. He will know how to reach the island, and will be able to bring you to me as well.
I hope to welcome you to my island soon. Kind greetings,
Elfric Elfenblood
All three of us were looking at each other, wondering what to say.
'You are going away then?', Bianca asked with woe in her voice.
Elysander looked at me. 'You will be away for a week or two....Are you sure we will get permission to go away for such a long time?'
'Indeed, you will.'
We turned around. Professor Dumbledore stood behind us, and smiled.
'It is an invitation of the king of Elves and you think you could reject? Think again, Yorokei...you will go and see the king of Elves. It is he, who will tell you more about your powers, and where they come from.'
'And Elysander...'
'Can come along, Yorokei....I will cancel all exams for the two of you during your brief absence. But please, be carefull in Avalon. It is not JUST a place. It is a magical place full of mythical creatures. But not only mythical.... also dangerous....'
We all watched each other in amazement. We were getting time of? We were going to see the king of Elves?
'I suggest', Dumbledore spoke, 'That you should leave tomorrow morning towards the forest. I know there are some things there that Elysander will require. Am I right?'
Elysander simply nodded.
'Good. Then get packing your stuff. And bring back a gift for me, will you? I love tourist gifts.'
Dumbledore walked away, and we all fell silent.
That night, Bianca and I sat outside of the castle. A half moon stood up the dark sky, and we looked over the lake. Sitting there, next to Bianca, made me feel really happy. But I would have to miss her for some days. I tuck my arm around her, and looked up to the stars, which weren't quite as beautiful as her eyes.
'I will miss you, Yorokei', she said. 'It will be quiet here without you causing havoc and trouble all over the place.'
'Try and ask Goldion Sickkle. He is a blueprint for disaster.'
'No...' Bianca stroke with her hand through my hair and watched me into my eyes now. 'No-one could take your place that easily.'
Knowing nothing to say to that, I simply said nothing at all, which was enough for the both of us to realise that we cared for each other. A lot.
'There is just one more thing, Yorokei.'
'What is that?'
Bianca crouched on her knees, and crouched towards me. She held my shoulders with her hands and looked at me with a serious look.
'This is very important. So you should not forget.'
'What?', I asked worried. 'What is so important?'
Bianca grinned.
'Will you bring me a gift, too?'
'Of course I will.'
She gave me a kiss, and we fell onto the grass, which made our robes wet. But we didn't care. All we cared for was being there, together. And not worrying about tomorrow.
Well, there you have it folks. Chapter 11. Slowly, but steady, the plot begins to thicken, and soon I will be telling you guys what Lily knew and all....but for the moment, just make do with this. This chapter already gave you some hints about some characters, and for the very first time, I allowed Dumbledore to be involved. Okay, so it's short. The last chapters all were REALLY HUGE. So make do with a short one this time round. Please give me comments so I can improve on my writing, I really appreciate it!
