I'm too tired to say much today, so I'll simply acknowledge that though I hope I've been original, Tamora Pierce's Immortals quartet has been a big influence in this fic. I hadn't realized it before. . . Anywho, for other disclaimers, see part 1. Have fun!

Ladymage Samiko ;)

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Listen for My Heart

Part 3 ~ Stargazer's Sympathy

Gratefully, Eiluneth collapsed onto her bed, sinking into the warmth and comfort it offered, the closest she had to the love and support of a true friend here. She wondered if she had done the right thing in sharing her talent with the dark professor. But then, she shouldn't have been so stupid in the first place as to reveal it. Thoughtless, reckless! She knew full well what could happen if her true nature was uncovered and made public. With a sound that was between a sob and a sigh, she rolled over, clutching her pillow.

She couldn't say it was a failure. Her classes were going well; the students generally seemed to like her. The teachers. . . Well, she didn't feel comfortable with them, couldn't develop a friendship with people she had to be wary of all the time. It was tiring, to juggle all the components in her life and to keep it to herself. But she hadn't done anything extraordinary, anything that would prove to her father. . . but no, that was silly. She should have overcome that childish desire years ago. But still, she wanted to prove to him she could be at least as good as Tom. With a small smile, she thought about her brother, now pursuing higher studies on the European continent. How proud she had been when he graduated! To see her parents' faces glowing when they returned home. To know that she had helped see him through school, been a part of his accomplishment.

That was it! Eiluneth sat up suddenly, surprised she hadn't thought of him before. Several years ago, she had visited her brother while he was at Hogwarts, paying for the trip fom her own savings. While she visited, she had met a centaur in the Forbidden Forest. At last! she thought. Someone I can confide in! Indeed, it was difficult not to confide in a centaur; they did know nearly everything that happened. But Darius had proved extraordinarily friendly and sympathetic, once they had established the boundaries of the conversation.

Eiluneth hurried, an unexpected rush of energy fuelling her motions as she grabbed a cloak and hurried down the corridor. She was so excited, she failed to notice the lean, pale-faced figure emerge from the shadows and follow her.

She reached the edges of the forest and gave a long, low cry, then waited. A few minutes later, a centaur appeared, magnificent in his size, impressive in looks, his long brown hair tied back to accentuate a narrow, strong-boned face. He smiled. "Eiluneth!" he spoke in a warm baritone. "It is marvelous to see you again. Welcome, child, welcome."

With a stifled sob that turned quickly into tears, Eiluneth flung herself into arms that held her close and comforted her as she let out all of the exhaustion and confusion that seemed to have been with her since she was born.

It was some time before Eiluneth was able to speak coherently. However, Darius was very patient and very kind. "I'm sorry, Darius," she mumbled. "I didn't mean to break down like that."

"Nonsense," Darius replied, a smile in his voice. "I think that is exactly what you needed to do. You've taken a great deal on your shoulders, child."

"How much do you know?" she asked quietly.

"Quite a bit," he told her. "I follow your stars quite closely, you know."

"No," she said in wonder. "I didn't think--"

"You are a very important person to me," Darius informed her. "You are one of the few truly good people I know. It is a rare quality, El, and you should prize yourself for it."

"I'm afraid your opinion isn't a very popular one," Eiluneth replied ruefully.

"And you should know better than that," Darius rebuked her softly. "But I cannot change you, or change the future. I can only support you in my own way."

"I know," Eiluneth said. "I'm grateful."

"Now. Tell Uncle Darius all about it while he looks suitably sympathetic." Eiluneth giggled, then sobered, pouring out everything that had happened in the seven years since she had last seen him. When she had visited her brother, Tom, then fifteen and a student at Hogwarts. She was twenty-three at the time, already teaching at a local school outside Holyhead. She was proud of her work, proud that she could help put her brother, the shining star of their family, through school. Eiluneth had stayed only a few days, spending what time she could with Tom, but generally explored the area and stayed out of the way. She had spent a lot of time dreaming, then.

"Well, you know Tom graduated a few years back; he's on the Continent now, doing advanced training in Defense. Mum and Da are very proud of him. They glowed when he came home, a fully-trained wizard."

"I rather thought you would accompany them to his graduation," Darius remarked neutrally.

"I would have," Eiluneth admitted, "but I couldn't get away from my work and there wasn't enough money for the three of us to mame the journey. Oh, I know father can travel here easily, but his methods always make Mother and myself ill. No, seeing him when he came home was enough."

Darius looked thoughtful. "How is your father?" he asked.

"As always," Eiluneth told him, smiling. "A short-tempered, crabby old buzzard he is. His work keeps him busy, but he always finds time to visit me on the weekend and I get an owl once a week sending his love. I talk to Mother nearly every day. She tells me everything that's going on."

"Your father must be surprised to know you are here," the centaur commented.

"Yes," the woman said haltingly. "He never believed in our gifts, you know. We've tried, but he won't. He can't believe in our magic. Tom's a wizard, like him. That's what he believes in. What Mum and I use isn't real magic. But that's the opinion of the entire wizarding world." She sighed. "I'd hoped coming here could maybe-- Well, no, it wouldn't. Anything I do has to remain secret."

"Child, all you can do is try," Darius reminded her. "You are far more talented than any I have known. Remember that it lies within yourself. You have the gift. I--" He halted suddenly, aware of what he was forbidden to say. "Well, you know what I think of you, Eiluneth Pierce," he finished. "May the Powers guide you and, remember, I am always here for you, should you need a friend."

"Thank you, Darius." Eiluneth embraced the centaur briefly, then stood. "I ought to go. I have a lot to do tomorrow."

"Fare thee well, Eiluneth," he replied. "Until we meet again."

Eiluneth slipped across the grounds and to her chambers, closing the door with a sigh. She threw back the hood of her cloak and instinctually reached into the small drawer of a stand to the right of the door. Taking out a box of matches, she struck one and lit the candle set on the stand. Picking it up, she turned to light other candles in her room. When she noticed the apparently disembodied face and hands, she nearly screamed.

"Good evening to you once again, Miss Pierce," drawled that same dark voice. "Perhaps you will answer my question now.

"What are you?"