The Yule Ball pretty much put an end to Lenora's presence in Eric's life. While she did approach him once or twice, he no longer minded telling her flat out that he was too busy. Naomi was a far more stable companion, even if Evelyn disapproved of her.
"Now Eric, I know she's a girl with means, but really! Her father is a muggle, and her mother's a squib!"
"And she's probably the most powerful Legilimens this school has seen in ages. So what?" Eric had been mildly aware that his mother held certain prejudices, but he was really hoping that she'd be more understanding.
"So – the Pureblood houses are those who have less problems in times of trouble!" She seemed quite fervent in her opinions. "Marriages with muggles or squibs result in families without ties or anchors. They're alone in a world containing extremely powerful forces that stand against them."
"Geez, mum, I'm only fourteen, or maybe fifteen!"
"Fifteen, dear; you were born in October."
"Swell. That doesn't change the fact that I'm hardly thinking about getting married!"
"So, you were just spending the night with her in the loft above the Great Hall?"
"It was comfortable and not too loud, and she's nice. It's not like we did anything!" Eric was suddenly embarrassed at the thought, wondering what other people would say if anyone else learned where he was for the whole Yule Ball.
"Well, see that you don't! I want what's best for my son, not some second-rate mind reader. Do you hear me?"
Eric tore the crystal from his neck in disgust. He couldn't believe that his mother was ever that bigoted. He spent several minutes trying to clear the memory from his mind. New Year's Day was coming up – the first that Naomi was going to spend away from her family. Eric decided to make it special, and this wasn't going to ruin it for him.
Quietly migrating past Hagrid's hut, they found the cave where the Romuls stashed his brooms. Plotting a simple course, they left Hogwarts after sunset of New Year's Eve; arcing over the Forbidden Forest in an easy path down to a quiet alcove of Hogsmeade. The village was a panorama of lights, and everyone was as festive as could be imagined. Even the goblins were of a slightly more benevolent temperament, though that was most likely due to varying levels of intoxication.
Although most of the shops were closed, there were several street vendors selling all sorts of celebratory knick-knacks. Purchasing a pair of paper masks, they proceeded to mix with the crowd as much as they could before the noise and lights began to become overwhelming. As they neared the Hogs Head, they began to hear drumming and the sound of violins playing intricate strains. It took a few seconds before they realized that they had heard that music before. Nodding to each other, they began to make their way around the Hogs Head with great expectations.
However, as they turned the corner, they found themselves facing a tall man; dressed in black with straight white hair that was as long on him as Eric's was. "Good evening, children. Out a bit late, are we?"
Naomi subtly backed behind Eric, who was trying to take a measure of this new stranger. "It's New Years."
He smiled. "Indeed. A new year filled with hope, promise and portent. If I may be so bold, you're Eric Sable, aren't you?"
They started to back up towards the street. "How did you know?"
The tall man smiled. "You have a very distinct appearance. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Saurus Canun."
They were still too far away from the street to safely bolt for it. "Yes, well, if you'll excuse us..."
"I'm afraid not. I've been rather looking forward to speaking with you, on a matter of great importance." As he stepped forward, Eric felt a sensation of foreboding race up his spine. Somehow, he just knew that Saurus was a wizard of great power – one he did not wish to find himself alone with.
Unexpectedly, a raspy voice came out from the far end of the alley. "If you have business with the boy, you have business with all of us!" Looking past Saurus, Eric could see Grandmother Frona bathed in the light from a towering bonfire.
"Frona of Romul, it is so good to see you again." It was faint, but Eric could make out strain in the wizard's voice. There was no love lost between the two of them.
"Clear their path, old snake. We knew they were here and we called them: the children belong with our clan tonight." Her face was chiseled and set. The air prickled with tension.
The wizard seemed to grow before Eric's eyes, his body taking on a reddish aura. "Really, Frona? If I wanted to take them, do you really think you have the power to stop me?" His voice resounded against the walls around them.
Frona, however, smiled a crooked grin. "Foolish man, the strength of a Romul lies not in themselves, but in the clan!" At that, two figures came out to flank her. Eric made them out to be Kaneus and Fenris. At the same moment, four others blocked the other end of the alleyway, while a half-dozen more seemed to grow out of the surrounding walls. A low growl began to fill the alley, a sound which filled Eric with courage and confidence. Slowly and deliberately, he waved his cloak aside and drew his wand, taking up a dueling stance.
Saurus surveyed the situation. "I seem to have misjudged the situation. Another time, then." A swirl of crimson fire enveloped him then vanished.
The old woman stepped up to Eric and Naomi. "You are safe now. The boys will see you home safely when you leave us. For now, come to the fire – let us sing in the new year!"