Harry Potter and the Power of Destiny

by DaggersBloodPain

AU5yr Slash: An abandoned Harry is saved by two people who wanted him dead. What do they want with the boy who lived? It is a time when truths come out and people change. Harry is done with games it is time to win! IndependentHarry CreatureHarry COMPLETE.

9. Time Drift

A/N this is my longest chapter yet 15,800 words and about 36 pages long depending on font I hope you enjoy it.

I just wanted to warn you that there is slash in this chapter it doesn't get explicit.

Well enjoy and please review

Chapter nine

Time Drift

Sheldon woke slowly every muscle and bone hurting he had pushed himself too far and it had cost him. He found himself back in his room at the manor wrapped up in his wings like a cocoon. He rose slowly stretching out all his muscles which included his wings. As luck would have it just as his wings were fully extended both his fathers and his godfather entered the room. All three of them stopped to stare even though Severus and Sirius had seen them before it was still awe inspiring this was the first time Lucius had gotten a good look as he had a lot on his mind the night before.

"How long have I been asleep?" Sheldon asked.

"You slept clear through last night so about twelve hours." Lucius answered.

"I guess everyone is asking for me?" He asked again.

"Yes, most of them are extremely curious about your story that you promised them." Severus answered.

"It is almost a good thing I slept so long. It is a very long story and if I had started last night I would have had to stop in the middle." Sheldon explained as he got himself fully awake.

"We will leave you to get ready we'll wait for you in the entrance hall." Sirius said.

"Alright," Sheldon answered. The three men left to let him get ready. He decided to ware loose trousers and light weight lace up sandals. He went without his shirt like he was used to and he let his shoulder length raven hair hang loose. If a person didn't know what a Shadow Daemon was he could be mistaken for a dark angel.

He made his way quickly to the entrance hall of the manor and found his fathers waiting for him. They proceeded outside and ran into Draco he greeted there parents happily but was more reserved with Sirius. But Sirius was not a marauder for nothing he grabbed Draco into just as tight a hug as he would Sheldon. Sheldon had to work seriously hard not to crack up laughing at the flustered Draco.

"It's alright brother he is all bark and no bite." Sheldon told him.

"Oh really," Sirius said as he overheard his godson's comment. Then he transformed into the large black dog. Sheldon was not taken by surprise so instead of knocking him down and licking his face as Sirius intended to do. The large dog was met by a large silver and black wolf that was just as big.

The rest of the family looked on as godson and godfather romped. They all noticed the silver ruff on the wolf matched the silver part of Sheldon's wings. Draco could only watch the fun for so long before he transformed himself. He managed to shock both his fathers by his form he was a large silver fox. He was not as big as the other two but he was very large for a fox. He jumped into the fray and began to romp with them.

The impromptu romp lasted a few moments more before the three of them changed back faces flushed huge grins plastered on their faces. "That was good, I needed that." Sheldon managed to get out between the panting breaths he was taking.

"Hey, Dad what are you and Father's forms?" Draco asked.

"Didn't you see our staves the top is our Animagus form I am a white tiger." Lucius answered.

"I have two forms, one is a king cheetah the other is," the last part of what Severus said was inaudible but they all knew it from his staff. The students would find it ironic that Severus was indeed a bat Animagus.

"Oh no, did you notice that Sheldon and I are canines and you two are felines? That could make family arguments more interesting." Draco mused.

"We can talk about that later right now we need to talk to our allies. They need to know the full story I wasn't sure if we should tell them all before we left but certain things happened that make it necessary for the full story to be told." Sheldon explained.

They walked through the camp being greeted by several different creatures. They were headed toward the main pavilion. Once they were there Sheldon called for attention. He cast a spell on himself similar to Sonorous that would allow him to speak in a normal tone and be heard in that same tone by everyone in the area. It was the same spell used by bards and professional story tellers in older times.

"Alright everyone you have been promised the full story of what has changed well its time to hear it. Before I tell you about my trip in time you need some back ground info on me and my species so you can understand why certain things happened the way they did." He then told them about his life at the Dursleys and summed up his first four years at Hogwarts. He unconsciously traced each scar on him as he told the story of how he got them. He led them up to his meeting with Dumbledore and his discussion with Professor McGonagall finally he told about his first time drift. "All I did was concentrate I didn't have a specific time in mind like I did to bring all of you here I concentrated more on a moment in time where I could find the best help I could. My magic dropped us on a rolling green lawn overlooking a small manor two people were traveling towards the manor in a manor. My instincts told me they were good people so we trusted them…"

XXXXXXX Flash back XXXXXXX

The eleven people all crashed into the earth at the same time. No one was hurt but it left them all in a heap together. It took a few moments for them to untangle themselves finally they were able to stand up and look around. They were on a grassy hillock. A beautiful manor was in the distance it looked a bit like a miniature Hogwarts to them. They spread out a little to get a look around and found nothing else except the manor. Sheldon felt the need for them to stay where they were something had to happen before things could go any further.

They didn't have long to wait it wasn't twenty minutes later that they heard the clatter of hooves on a dirt path. They looked up the road to see a wagon pulled by two gorgeous blue roan horses. The wagon itself was old fashioned with a wooden base and cloth top. It was a relatively large wagon signaling whoever used it traveled long distances on a regular bases. They could see the person driving the wagon was relatively old with a graying beard and merry blue eyes that sparkled out from his tanned and weathered face. Suddenly another creature came out from the wagon to sit next to the old man. It was obvious to Sheldon that the man that had just appeared was not human. In fact he was very shock because the creature that he was extremely rare. It was another Shadow Daemon, but that couldn't be right that last one was during the time of Avalon and he could sense they weren't that far back apparently the history books were wrong.

Sheldon looked at his companions and by the looks of curiosity and not shock he knew he was the only one who could see the other Daemon's wings. Just as he came to this conclusion the people in the wagon spotted them. The old man looked pleased at seeing them and the Shadow Daemon looked very hard at Sheldon as if measuring him looking for a trap. Apparently he was satisfied by what he found because the guarded expression fell away and one of happy relief filled his face.

"We have been forewarned of your coming, we have been waiting for you." the old man said in a rich baritone. "You may call me Emrys but I have another name which people use occasionally. And this is Fellon I think at least one of your number can see what he is." Emrys continued. "Please come with us I assure you. You are perfectly safe with us, we are traveling to our family's manor it was my grand daughter who prophesied your coming."

Sheldon feeling nothing wrong with the two men agreed and led his friends to the wagon. "Not all of us are going to fit if any of you have an Animagus form it would be easier just to follow the wagon in that." Sheldon explained. Four of his friends knew how to change, Draco became a beautiful silver fox, Blaise became a raven, Theo was a tawny haired house cat, and Pansy became a canary. They all changed and waited for the rest of the friends to get on the wagon.

As he was preparing to change into his wolf form Fellon reached his hand out to stop him, "Please fly with me?" he asked in a clear alto voice.

"I have never flown before I would probably just slow you down." Sheldon answered.

"If you have never flown then I insist you fly with me. It will be something you will never forget. Your instincts will tell you what you need to know." The other one assured him.

"Alright," Sheldon answered then his wings became fully viable to everyone at the same time Fellon's were.

Fellon looked impressed at the black coloring of his wing tips but he got angered at the amount of black on the feathers. Felons wings were tipped in a deep blood red roughly the third power level and the color went up about a quarter of the way up the shaft.

Fellon gave Sheldon a few quick pointers on taking off and landing then they started to really fly. Sheldon immediately knew why Fellon had insisted it was pure joy and exhilaration to be up in the air on your own merits. He did a couple swoops and dives just like he did on his broom. Finally they got calmed down enough to actually travel along with the wagon. Sheldon's friends who were not currently animals watched in awe as the two Shadow Daemons played in the air. They now knew why Sheldon as Harry had loved flight it was something he was destined to do.

Emrys just watched all the children playing together. The children's arrival was not the only thing his granddaughter had predicted. He knew there would be little chance for fun in the coming months. There leader Sheldon was in for a few surprises it was no coincidence that Fellon was traveling with him.

It took the rest of the afternoon to reach the manor it would have taken less but Emrys drove slowly to give the Shadow Daemons a chance to have some fun in the air.

When the future students reached it they realized the manor really was a mini Hogwarts. It looked like whoever had constructed this manor had also built Hogwarts.

Emrys drove the wagon into the courtyard the four animagi transformed back into there human shapes just as the two Shadow Daemons landed next to the wagon. Draco was surprised to see a broad grin on his brother's face it appeared that flying was good for him. Emrys got there attention then lead them into the manor and his waiting family.

Inside there were four people two women and two men. Sheldon knew immediately who they were it took the others barely a second longer. No wonder this manor looked like Hogwarts sitting in front of them were the four founders.

"Welcome young ones it is nice to finally see you in person." One of the women said she was tall and willowy with wild looking raven black hair and clear nearly colorless gray eyes.

"This is my granddaughter a gifted seer, Rowena Ravenclaw." Emrys introduced them.

Sheldon bowed his head down to her and extended his hand. "It is nice to meet you. We have come a long way and no only myth and legend it will be nice to get to know the real person." He said carefully.

Behind Rowena a tall man with honey colored hair and bright blue eyes stepped forward. "I am Godric Gryffindor, Emrys is my great uncle." He explained cheerfully.

"I am Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena's sister." Said a beautiful woman with curly red hair and bright green eyes. She also had a slender build like her sister but was a bit stockier not quite as willowy.

Finally a dark man came forward. He was as tall as Godric but had a slender build similar to Sheldon's. He had calm black eyes and blue black hair. "I am Salazar Slytherin," He said in a soft voice. "I am Godric's brother both Godric and I are Rowena and Helga's cousins."

Sheldon bowed to each one as they said there names remembering the manners Lucius had helped him learn. Finally Rowena spoke again, "I know how many to expect and your prophesied names, but I was not shown your earthly names please introduce yourselves."

"Alright," Sheldon answered. "This is my brother Draco Malfoy." Draco bowed his head. "That is my cousin Pansy Parkinson, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Ginny Weasley, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, and Neville Longbottom." Each person bowed as he said their name. "I am Sheldon Snape."

"Welcome all of you, I know you have come to us for help and you shall receive it. I was shown two futures one where you succeed and one where you lose. I can't tell you much but I can tell you we cannot afford to lose." Rowena said seriously.

"We have had time to discuss how we are to train you and we have come up with a schedule. All of you will work under us on a rotating bases until we find your strengths when that happens you will be working almost solely with the person who can help develop those talents. Sheldon you will be working with us one on one while the others need help you have the greater part to play and need to be ready to meet it." Helga said kindly.

"Blaise and Theodore please come with me," Godric called out.

"Ginny, Pansy come with me dears," Rowena called.

"Vincent and Gregory please come with me." Helga called out.

"Draco, Neville your mine," Salazar called and you could almost hear the evil cackle in his voice.

"Fred, George I guess you're with me first." Emrys said to the twins.

"Sheldon you come with me now we have a lot of work to do." Fellon called to him.

So the friends all said quick goodbyes and went there separate ways following there specified tutor. Sheldon was happy to be working with Fellon first he had a lot of questions which he hoped Fellon could answer. He followed the other Shadow Daemon out of the manor and into a grassy meadow.

"Alright Sheldon I can tell you have questions start asking and I will tell you what I can." Fellon said.

"I read in a book in my time that the last known Shadow Daemon was seen around the time of the disappearance of Avalon. I know the book was wrong but what is the true history of our kind and what are our powers?" Sheldon asked thinking carefully.

"Well your book is partially right but it got a few facts wrong. A Shadow Daemon did exist and help hide Avalon and it was the last known one. It will be easier to answer this question if I answer your other question first our history." He took a moment to compose himself then he started speaking.

"The history of our kind covers a long period of time but the actual creatures do not. You have obviously touched on our powers over time well that is how we stop disasters we actually manipulate time to get something done. The actual number of Shadow Daemons who have existed is four including you. One is dead now the other is still alive and is actually planning on helping us but he wanted me to meet you first. I am actually the youngest one besides yourself and I can talk to you easier. Well anyway back to our history.

The first Shadow Daemon is the one who will be helping us. He was created thousands of years ago around the time that wizards evolved from muggles. The evil done to him was horrendous, he was stolen from his mother and raised to be a weapon an assassin. Every time he got close to someone or something that could pull him out of that life they were killed or taken away. Around his twentieth birthday the worst happened he had fallen in love with a girl and they had kept that love hidden long enough to produce a child. When the mans captures found out about his family they took matters in their own hands. They killed his family even his child. In the moment that he found out about there deaths he shifted into the very first Shadow Daemon. His destiny was to stop the people that had captured him. He succeeded and is still around.

The second one who is now dead had experienced even less evil then I have it was barely enough to make the change complete. When he got his full powers it twisted him. Instead of using what he was given to eradicate the evil he added to it. His reign lasted until I was created. I am the one that killed him, as he was the one who created me. For the rest of the time on earth the first one and I have been able to deal with every thing that has been thrown at us until now. That is where you come in we have never seen anyone mortal or otherwise as powerful as you are. The first of us is the only one that comes close his color is dark blue but there has never been black. We weren't even sure if it was possible for one of our kind to acquire black feathers.

As for your questions about powers well you already know about the flight and some of our mental gifts but that is not even the half of it. You have also touched on our time drifting power but you have barely scratched the surface of that talent.

For starters we can not just move through time but actually control its passing we can freeze it or speed it up over a given area. We can move in and out of the time continuum. The only thing that can get to you when you are playing with time is another shadow Daemon that is doing the exact thing that you are at the same time. We can move large groups with us and they won't know that we have moved through time unless you tell them.

As for are mind magics we have Telepathy Telekinesis Empathy Elemental. All our mind magics can carry over and through time so it doesn't matter what time you are in compared to what you want to speak to. We also have beast speaking abilities because we are a magical creature we can talk to any animal mundane or magical. No carbon based poisons will work on us making us immune to virtually every venom and poison an animal can produce.

Our life spans are abnormally long we are practically immortal. We can die just not by old age. You will find your body will not age passed its prime in fact I doubt if you will change at all. Your bulk might but your height and features shouldn't change.

We can have children regardless of sex but because are race is not born we have no idea of knowing what kind of creature are children will become.

I should also tell you that every magical creature and most mundane will take orders from a Shadow Daemon it is instinctual for them to listen to us. We were created to help and protect magic and innocents no creature will interfere with that.

So that is what we will be working on when the first gets here. You need to develop and harness each of these gifts along with all of your enormous magical power. Your friends all have some interesting strengths the groups they were split into were for a reason. They will train and grow stronger with you and you will always have them to lean back on. Your friends and the leaders of the other races are your generals listen to them they will not lead you astray.

Now back to your first question that book you read was right I was the Shadow Daemon at Avalon what the author didn't know is that we are immortal and can walk through time she assumed that each sighting of a Shadow Daemon was a different one. Actually there has been more sightings of us then most would think we are either totally ignored because we don't reveal our wings or we are mistaken for something different like full angels or demons. Any more questions?" Fellon asked.

"Who is the first what is his name and what is he like not his history his personality?" Sheldon asked after some thought.

"His name is Alten his personality is similar to yours. He knows how to laugh and joke but when it comes time to work he is all business he knows how and what to do to get things done. He is a good man to work for he expects you to do what he says when he says it but he is kind to all those under him he never pushes you. We do what he asks because we want to please him not because he makes us. He is also surprisingly modest he doesn't like compliments are thanks simply because he believe he is doing what he was meant to do not what he wants to do. Although I think he enjoys what he does. He is from Egypt so his skin is darker then ours his eyes though are a strange mix of blue and yellow and green. He is not exceptionally tall but not short either he has about as much muscle as you but you are more slender. His wings are silver with deep blue tips the blue comes up farther then mine on his feathers." Fellon's narrative was interrupted by a deep but kind voice.

"Thank you Fellon for the introduction," Alten said as he shifted into view directly behind Fellon facing Sheldon. Sheldon could see the laughter in those strange eyes and knew the elder Shadow Daemon had planned his entrance the entire time.

Alten came closer to where Sheldon was sitting, "I see you are our newest brother. Please stand so I can get a good look at you."

Sheldon complied he stood up to his full height and let his wings flare out around him like a biblical angel. He heard Alten gasp as he took in the scars and the markings on his feathers. "I can see you have been touched by more evil then even I have would you tell me your story. If it is too painful you need not tell us anything but it would help to know?" Alten asked gently.

"I don't mind if you are going to be helping to train me and my friends then you deserve to know what you're up against." So for the fourth time in his life Sheldon told the entire story to someone. It took along time he didn't hide or cover anything up. He went into great detail about his school years so they could tell what Dumbledore had done. He also told about Lord Voldemort. He ended the story with telling about how he had found his family with Severus and the Malfoys.

When Sheldon was finished with his story both of the older Shadow Daemons stood in shock. Alten recovered first, "They are very lucky you turned into one of us. In my time I have seen so many who are treated like that go dark and twisted it happened to one of our own. I never want to see that happen again we have too much power if it is used wrongly. We will definitely take care of you and anyone else he has done this to. You and your family have our protection always. We will begin training you tomorrow as the sun is starting to set now. I trust you want to catch up with your friends don't distance yourself from them they will be your life line." He said seriously then led them back to the manor.

Sheldon was glad to be back amongst his friends but Fellon and Alten had given him a great deal to think about. His friends chatted amongst themselves about their day. All of them were in varying degrees of exhaustion but they were also smiling and joking. They were all wondering who Alten was so Sheldon ended up telling them a little bit about what Fellon had told him. He of course skimmed over the parts about his new power but anything about the history of Shadow Daemons was told.

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

The next day the groups switched around and Sheldon ended up with Emrys. He followed the old man to a quiet room in the castle. They made themselves comfortable and Emrys explained what he would be teaching them.

"In my family they each have strengths in certain magical areas that is what they will be teaching to you and your friends. What I am here for is to smooth out the rough edges make sure that each of the lessons you learn from my progeny flow together. We will practice meditation and control. All the magics you will be learning involve some massive amounts of focus and for you in particular the future will become increasingly stressful. That is where the meditation comes in it will allow you to focus completely on the task at hand and not be distracted by anything else. Meditation is also the bases for most of the mind magic you will be learning from Fellon and Alten. As for control you can be the fastest and the most accurate dueler if you have little or no control over your power instead of disarming your opponent you could kill them. Plus it makes things like transfiguration and healing easier by controlling and focusing the magic on a specific wound or object rather then spreading the magic out and tiring yourself out.

If you progress the way I think you will then maybe I can teach you some other things. While my family are all powerful I am the strongest if you can beat me in a duel at the end of your stay here then you will be able to at least match any opponent thrown at you. I am also the only one besides your kind that can control all four elements giving you a real workout of your powers.

I can also teach you the theory behind spell and wand crafting. You will be able to make your own spells and your own wand. This is a useful trick if you need to do something that there isn't a known spell or potion for.

Then there is always the magical history which I can tell by you and your friend's reactions is seriously lacking. I imagine you will get the history of magical creatures from Fellon and Alten I intend to teach you human magical history which ties in with the magical creature history."

"Now if you have no more questions for me we can begin with meditation?" Emrys asked.

"No I don't at this time." Sheldon replied.

Emrys motioned for Sheldon to sit on the floor cross legged. "You might also want to remove your shirt I think you will find it more comfortable if nothing is restricting your wings or your breathing." Emrys commented and Sheldon listened and removed the tunic like shirt he had been wearing.

"Now close your eyes and let your mind drift let it attach itself to a pleasant memory let it be a place or someone you particularly care for." Emrys instructed.

Sheldon did just that and a light pink color tinged his cheek when he realized who exactly his mind had latched onto. Emrys could see it in Sheldon's mind as well and decided not to mention that he had seen it. Both people had lost so much it wouldn't be such a bad thing if they got together. Emrys also knew Fate needed little help in matters such as this so he need not mess with things.

Sheldon just slowly relaxed into his image and once he was fully relaxed Emrys spoke again, "Now I want you to concentrate on your breathing feel how it moves through your lungs. Feel the dampness and the coolness within you taste the tiny particles in the wind. Just breathe slow and deep while concentrating solely on the action of breathing and the picture in your mind." Sheldon complied and for the rest of the afternoon just sitting there breathing and watching his image. When he came out of his trance he was surprised by the amount of time that had passed it felt like a few moments, and really it had been a few hours.

When Emrys noticed that he had come out of his trance he spoke. "That was very good, especially for the first try. The two I had yesterday only managed to sit still for an hour, but I have never seen such a bizarre mind link then the one those two share it is like what some wolves get with there pack. They sense each other and can pretty much read the others mind I am working with them to develop that."

Sheldon smiled at that, "yea those two always drive us insane. They finish each others sentences and take care of each other better then some parents. I am not even certain that they can tell themselves apart the rest of us don't stand a chance."

"Time for you to seek out your companions. You need this time each night to keep your bonds close. Your friends are your strength never forget that." Emrys pressed then led him back to the comfortable sitting room they had all met at the night before. The smiling faces and the fatigue were still there but now they had some different topic to talk about. Now that two groups had been with the same person they could begin to compare what they learned and to start helping each other out.

Sheldon fell bonelessly into his bed that night wondering what the next day would bring. He wondered why all of his friends seemed so tired at night. He knew whatever the founders had them doing was strenuous he hoped he could keep up with every ones expectations. He finally drifted off to sleep and his mind was at peace. He was so deep into sleep he didn't see the dark figure slink out of his room and into another room further down the hall. Sheldon wasn't the only one who saw a familiar face during meditation.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The next day Sheldon found out he was to go with Godric that day. He followed Godric out into the courtyard and waited for the founder of his first house to make his introductory speech.

"I know that you know who I am so we will skip over the introductions and get straight to what I will be teaching you. I will be teaching you to duel and defense. I had your brother yesterday so I know that you are very good so I decided to start today off by dueling you to see where you are. Make yourself comfortable then we will continue."
He waited for Sheldon to take of his shirt again then continued speaking.

"Rules are that you can use any magic Dark or Light Wandless or not. Also I am an Ice elemental you may use only that element in this fight otherwise it won't be fair. I know you have your daggers and sword with you as your brother told me you always do. You may use those in this duel as well. I will be under the same rules and will use the same weapons and magic that you choose to so begin." Without giving Sheldon time to ready him he shot a powerful stunner at the young shadow Daemon.

Sheldon easily leaped the stunner and sent Expelliarmus at Godric. Only to have it reflected back off a shield that he easily dodged, during his dodge he sent a wandless impediments which nearly grazed Gryffindor but missed. The two continued with just magic for awhile until at a wordless signal they simultaneously drew there swords.

Godric was using the same gold sword with rubies in the hilt that Sheldon had pulled out of the Sorting Hat to fight the basilisk. While Sheldon momentarily lost focus at the sight of Godric's sword Godric himself very nearly ended the duel there with a quick thrust at Sheldon's bare chest. Sheldon snapped out of his memories in time to see the thrust and was able to block it.

For the next few hours if anyone was curious enough to look out the window they would have seen a beautiful sight. Godric and Sheldon were matched in height and there skill with a blade was almost the same. There duel turned out to be more of a slow dance between masters then a frenzied battle between amateurs.

Down in the courtyard the only sounds that could be heard was the sound of metal on metal as the two swords crashed together with each thrust, parry, block, and swing. Every once and awhile one of the duelist would focus a spell through there swords to distract there opponent but it didn't work well. The opposite would just dodge the spell then attack more forcibly with the weapon.

A couple times when Sheldon's right arm got tired he switched hands revealing a swordsmen's greatest asset Sheldon was ambidextrous and Godric was not prepared for that. The fighting style was dramatically different when facing a left handed opponent then a right handed person. It was a good thing for Godric that he could also use his left hand or the fight would have been lost there.

Godric was once again surprised by his opponent when while wielding the sword left handed he drew his dagger and threw it with his right at the same time he sent a stunning spell down his sword.

Godric leaped right to avoid the thrown dagger then leaped up to dodge the stunner. Which was what Sheldon was waiting for, when Godric was completely off the ground Sheldon hit him with an Expelliarmus and it worked.

Godric picked up his fallen sword then bowed to Sheldon. "That was marvelous one of the best duels I have had in a long time. Obviously we don't need to work on much more like just keeping you at your current level. We could probably work on spell strength and accuracy. Your swordsmanship is masterful it is an odd style but masterful none the less. I think I am really going to enjoy working with you."

Sheldon turned bright red at the praise and tried to push t off as luck. But Godric wouldn't hear of it.

"I don't mean to shatter illusions but luck was not what I saw today all I saw was pure skill you are a great fighter you will need to get used to praise you will hear it a lot. Plus with what you have to do it is a very good thing you are a good duelist. I happen to know I few races that won't even consider siding with someone who cant beat there best fighters in a duel. Don't downplay something that could save you." Godric's voice took on a lecturing tone and Sheldon immediately knew that while he enjoyed dueling he was first and foremost a teacher.

"Come lets get cleaned up before we go back to your friends. Some of them show promise but they need work. The first two I taught have all the skill to be masters they just need practice. Your brother is also on par with the masters and the other Neville well he has potential he just need the confidence to use it. I trust you will help all your friends with whatever they are having trouble with. Never forget your source of help and knowledge is right next to you all you have to do is ask." Godric explained then led Sheldon away from the courtyard to get washed up.

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The next day Sheldon went with Helga Hufflepuff. From what he had heard from his friends she was a hard taskmaster but a kind person. He didn't see anything to refute that when she immediately got down to business.

"I will be teaching you healing. Your future requires you to go into battle the more healing you know the better. This is a relatively hard branch of magic but once you get the hang of it healing is pretty much instinctual. What we have to do is get in touch with our magical cores and push are own magic and life force into a wound to help heal. I will also be teaching you not only the theory and spell work but also the ethics of healing. Most healers think just because they can heal something doesn't mean they should. I will be helping you to determine which cases should be helped and which ones to let go."

"To start this you need to be able to readily access your magical core. The process is similar to the meditation you are learning from Emrys but you're focusing on a physical thing rather then an image. Try this sit down cross legged and strait to meditate let whatever image you have fill you then I will coach you from there."

Sheldon listened to her and soon the only thing he was focused on was that haunting face and Helga's voice.

"Very good Sheldon now I want you to slowly let go off that image and focus on your breathing like Emrys told you." Sheldon slowly let the face fade and concentrated on his breathing air moving in and out of his lungs the warm and damp feeling in his lungs as it filled him then pushed out. "Very good now I want you to concentrate on your magic you will feel a slight humming sound. Follow that sound until you begin to see swirling color stop there and I will guide you the rest of the way."

Sheldon did as he was told and felt for the humming sound that his magic produced. He found it and it sounded more like the contented purring a cat made as it was lying on a warm hearth stone. He followed that happy sound until he saw color. Swirls of brilliant white, mercurial silver, emerald green, and blood red fought for dominance within him. The balance was clearly the brilliant whit but the silvery color was a close second. He waited at the edge of his powers for Helga's instructions.

He heard her voice come to him telepathically. "Sheldon I want you to find the dominant color and follow it. Magical energy flows like water within a person you need to follow that flow until you find the core. You will know it when you see it. It will be a large swirling mass of color and energy. It might take awhile but don't panic or rush you'll get it eventually." She said kindly.

Sheldon hesitated a moment before entering the current of power. He felt himself being pulled along by the current. It was stronger then he thought it would be and he was never a very good swimmer. Despite Helga's words he felt the edges of panic slowly grip him. He kept going despite this though every cell in his body was screaming for him to leave the current. His Shadow Daemon instincts hadn't kicked in yet so he knew in the back of his mind that he was safe. It was just an irrational fear but it was still a fear.

He began to believe he would never see his core, and the last bit of rational thought was about to leave him just as he caught sight of a swirling ball of energy. His core was so bright it was blinding but it was beautiful too. All the colors that were surrounding him in the current of power he was following were swirling around this massive sphere. Rivers of power came off of it to intertwine all around his body carrying his power to him.

"I made it Lady Hufflepuff,"

"Good you did very well only three of your friends managed to ride the current the entire way so far. This was your first test to see if you have what it takes to be a healer and you do. You were able to face down one of your worst fears and it also shows you have patients and trust in directions given to you by a friend that is a very good skill.

Now what you have to do is manipulate a piece of your core energy and have it follow you back out to your right hand. You will know what to do. Anchor it there then come back to me it is getting late." She explained

Sheldon was kind of angry that he had been tricked like that but proud that he had passed the test. He found he did instinctually know what to do. So he made quick work of anchoring a piece of his power to his right hand.

He slowly let himself rise back into consciousness. He opened his eyes to see Helga's kind eyes observing him. "I know you think I was being cruel with my test and most of your friends would agree with me but I had to do it. Your friends had to reach there cores too but I didn't have to with them I could have just told them which ones would be good healers and which ones wouldn't. It was you who really needed to take the test. I know that if I just told you that you had all the qualities that this test proved. You think too little of yourself and would have never believed me. You had to experience it for yourself. I am sorry if it seemed harsh but it was the only way I could get you to see that you had talent.

Now go back to your friends they will take care of you they know what you have just been through and how it will affect you they will help. They always will remember that." Helga then waver her hand dismissing him.

Sheldon was never so glad to see his friends especially his empathic brother. Draco took one look at Sheldon's drawn face and took off his shirt so that when Sheldon sat next to him and took his own shirt off they sat skin on skin to feed comfort to each other. When even that didn't quite work Fellon cam over and showed Draco another feature of a Shadow daemons wings. He simply stroked the soft feathers gently and it almost instantly calmed Sheldon down.

Fellon then whisper told all of them, "A Shadow Daemons wings are extremely sensitive. If he is ever upset if someone he trust and or loves touches them he will calm down quicker then even Empathy could. I should also warn you that if someone evil touches him it will not only cause the Shadow Daemon pain it will also pain the one touching him. Please remember this it could be extremely useful."

After they got Sheldon calmed down they went back to there usual nighttime talks about their day and what they liked or disliked the most. Sheldon just relaxed against Draco's side letting there soft voices lull him to sleep. He didn't even wake when Fellon chuckled and carried him to bed.

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Sheldon slept in a little the next day so he was relatively lucky he was with Rowena rather then Salazar. She was a kind soul and was fully aware of what exactly he had been put through the day before.

"I am here to teach you transfiguration and charms. Now you might be wondering why this is important well with all the emphasis on dueling and Defense you might begin to lose your edge on the other subjects I am here to make sure that doesn't happen. I will let my sister and cousins keep you alive through your ordeal I will make sure that once this ordeal is over you have a strong base in other things aside from defense.

I know you had a difficult day yesterday I can't go easy on you but I will try to make this enjoyable at least. I have seen your love of knowledge well for know we are going to test that knowledge." With that she began to quiz him on general spell knowledge. She started with simple first year spells then slowly grew more complex. Sheldon was enjoying himself immensely in the beginning then Rowena started asking for more and more detail. Most of the time Sheldon could answer other times he was a little stumped and very rarely he had no idea.

Rowena was actually impressed a few of the questions she was asking were on mastery level or higher. Sheldon was at least that high in transfiguration but a little lower in charms. A few of the points Sheldon made were not what Rowena originally believed but Sheldon presented it in such a way that she was persuaded to his way of thinking. She would definitely recommend to her grandfather to teach the young one spell crafting. If the boy had the mental ability to create spells there was nothing stopping him.

That actually worried Rowena a little. The more her family interacted with the young creature they realized just how powerful he was. If this one decided to go dark she didn't think there was a force in the entire cosmos that could stop him.

Rowena started to tailor her questions a little instead of asking how a spell worked she started to ask when. She would name a spell and he would name a situation in which it could be used. Rowena breathed a sigh of relief even when he came up with a Dark use the general tone he used when he described the situation told her that he held a generalized distaste for anything that could hurt something. He was fully aware it was the intentions behind the spell that made it Dark or Light he just wanted all of his intentions to be good.

After two hours or so of questions they moved on to practicals. She would name a spell and he would then perform it from memory. First with his wand and then without it.

Sheldon began to feel tired after the third straight hour of spell casting. The last few days had been hard and were catching up with him. He was still able to perform the spells but they had less power and energy behind them.

He kept on casting for as long as Rowena kept coming up with new spells. He knew he would have no trouble sleeping tonight the problem would be staying awake long enough to eat something then fall into bed.

Rowena carefully monitored him the entire time. She could feel it when he started to become fatigued. She wanted to call a breather until she saw the determined look on his face. So she kept on naming spells and he kept on casting.

Finally as the sun began setting Rowena called a halt. "I am very impressed Sheldon you have some of the best stamina I have ever seen. If we work to develop that so that you are completely alert all the time you are casting spells then I doubt anyone could surprise you when you are tired after too many duels in a day. I think I will speak to Godric and Emrys I have seen a few things today that I think need expanded on. Godric can help with your stamina. I know Emrys mentioned it but I think I am going to insist he teach you spell crafting with it you would be even better then you are. I also wanted to tell you that you did extremely well in the theory portion of today. You are probably at mastery level in transfiguration and very close to that in charms. I think you are one of the strongest people I have ever seen with the possible exception of my Grandfather and by now I am not even sure of that anymore. Now back to your friends, you might be stronger in power but that power would mean nothing without the love and encouragement that you receive from friends and family never take that for granted no matter how strong you get."

Sheldon was beginning to wonder why everyone seemed to be making similar comments about his friends until he realized everything they said was very true and had to be put in to words or they could very easily be taken for granted.

Sheldon only stayed up long enough to touch bases with his friends then he flung himself into bed and was dead to the world with in minutes. The same shadow that had been watching him the last few nights chuckled softly and removed the young mans shoes and pulled the covers over him without wakening him up. Then whoever the shadow was quietly slunk back to the shadows.

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Sheldon got up slowly his whole body was sore. The past few days were pure torture and it could only get worse. Today he would be working with the founder of his current house, Salazar Slytherin. He pulled himself out of bed and got dressed not even bothering to put a shirt on.

He went out to the entrance hall to meet the dark haired man. Salazar didn't speak he just led Sheldon down deep into the dungeons. Once they got into a large circular chamber that was set up like a cross between a potions lab and a dueling chamber. It was only then that Salazar spoke.

"As you can probably tell from your surroundings I am going to be teaching you two things. The first being potions, your brother told me that your father was a potions master well we will see if you are up to that standard in a few minutes.

The other thing I will be teaching you is more of the Dark Arts as you call them. I simply refer to them as war spells. I will let my brother take care of the mechanics of dueling I will teach you the spells needed to win a duel. I know from your brother that you have learned the basics well we will be taking what you learned already and expanding on it. You need to know right now the spells we will be learning are not pretty and not nice. They are designed to incapacitate another human in any way possible either by causing immense amounts of pain or by playing on a person's worst fears.

I know spells that could melt a man while they were still alive and yet others who duplicate the effects of a boggart and a dementor all in one. These spells are also destined to play dirty they were not originally designed to be a part of standard duels. They were designed to be a means to an end and if you have to cheat to achieve that end then by all means cheat.

I will not teach you these spells until I know for sure they wont be used wrongly. I knew the first time I saw you that you have huge amounts of power. I will not be responsible for creating the force that destroys everything. You will have to pass several tests before I will even begin to think about teaching you this magic.

You should now you have already passed the first two tests. The first was Helga's challenge that showed me you have courage and are willing to face down your fears because you believed that if you managed your task you could help people. The second test was one administered by Rowena. In the question portion of her tests she gave you spells and you had to think of situations were the spell could be useful. You reassured her with your obvious distaste of hurting someone.

The fact that you passed those tests make your progress a little more likely but my tests will be far more strenuous. I plan on pushing you to the absolute maximum of your abilities. Not only your body will be tested but also your heart and mind. Some of the things you will have to do will hurt and seem cruel but remember this must be done. I cannot in good conscience let you become a danger. If I feel you do not have what it takes then I will not teach you what I know.

In the meantime we will work on your potions knowledge. You will find in the course of your study that for every spell there is probably a potion that can achieve similar results. There are times when the spell is more useful and other times when the potion is better.

I will be teaching you when to recognize the need for a spell or a potion. I can help you become a better brewer. I will teach you potions that I know have been lost to your time and hopefully help you learn how to experiment and create new potions safely.

So for now I will ask you questions and you give me answers just like for Rowena. After the theory I will then give you a list of potions to complete from memory without assistance." And so with that he began to question Sheldon this time starting with harder material then Rowena did.

Sheldon was pleased with his performance he thought he had done better with this theory then the one the day before. Salazar had not asked a single question that Sheldon was unable to answer. Then also like Rowena Salazar would name a potion then Sheldon would have to come up with a practical use.

Salazar tried to trip Sheldon up with every question finally moving into a different type of question. He would name a potion and Sheldon had to change it using fewer then five changes into a totally different potion. Again Sheldon was never stumped for long. He was no really glad for the long hours spent in the potions lab with his father. They had experimented like crazy and there were several new scars on the tables and walls from there mishaps to prove it. Sheldon knew which combinations would work and which ones wouldn't.

He was really enjoying himself by the time Salazar stopped asking questions. He was almost said they had stopped, but when Salazar handed Sheldon the list of potions he had to brew he got a broad smile on his face. He was practically humming with pleasure as he got ingredients and set up to work.

Salazar who had been expecting Sheldon to be able to brew maybe two or three at once was very surprised when Sheldon started to brew all five at the same time. He had done this with his father before it all came down to timing.

Sheldon looked over the potions carefully before he even started working out a timetable in his head when he had that down he started to prepare his ingredients. He had everything crushed, sliced, or skinned before starting to add them to the proper cauldrons.

Salazar just sat back and watched a master work. Sheldon just seemed so graceful when working on these moving swiftly between cauldrons stirring here lowering the fire there.

It took the rest off the afternoon but by the time the sun was setting and their stomachs started growling Sheldon removed the last cauldron from the fire to let Salazar inspect his work.

Salazar was surprised every single potion was perfect all of it down simultaneously and from memory. He began to get a little excited Sheldon was good enough that he didn't need any help in fact Salazar would love working with him on some experiments he had been dieing to try.

"Sheldon this is some of the best work I have seen I would be honored if you would be willing to work with me on some experimental potions that I have wanted to do." Salazar said working hard to contain his glee.

"If you don't think I will be too much of a bother then sure I like to experiment it is what my Father and I used to do together. It is what let us know that we had a lot in common." Sheldon answered.

"It won't be any bother at all don't sell yourself short all the time. I am glad you have such good friends that they don't let you fade into the background. I will be having words with them to see if we can work on this little phobia of yours." Salazar said as he led them out of the lab and up to the others and dinner.

Sheldon fell into bed that night satisfied that for once everything was going to be alright. He wasn't so blind as to think everything would be easy no he knew it was likely to be the hardest work he had ever done. He was helped by the thought that all the work they were doing now would help them in the long run. So Sheldon closed his eyes and wrapped himself up in his wings before drifting off into a peaceful sleep his thought for once optimistic. His dreams that night were filled with a hauntingly familiar face. This time Sheldon drew comfort from that face and was content with what he saw.

And the shadow in the corner of the room nearly leaped for joy as he felt Sheldon's content. Yes everything would be alright. He didn't know how long he would have to wait he just hoped that Sheldon would act on his feelings soon it would be for the best. As the shadow exited the room a light rustling sound could be heard like wind blowing feathers.

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Weeks were spent in learning and mastering for the eleven friends. They kept rotating through all there teachers each coming out with different strengths. By the end of the third month it was obvious which field each of them would be put in but they kept up the rotating bases for a few more weeks. When everyone had a solid base on anything they split into the groups that would carry over the rest of their training. Pansy and Ginny were going to study healing, Blaise and Theo would be working with Godric and weapons, Draco and Neville would be working with Salazar on Dark Arts and Potions, Greg and Vince would be working with Rowena on general knowledge, Fred and George would be working with Emrys to develop there mental gifts. This of course left Sheldon to work with Fellon and Alten.

Sheldon felt mildly apprehensive about the whole thing he knew from the beginning that these two would be the ones he did the bulk of his learning from. No that wasn't what was bothering him what was, was the fact he would be spending everyday with the face that haunted his dreams and his meditation. He wasn't aware he wasn't the only one who had to deal with some mixed emotions. The one who had been shadowing him since he arrived had to deal with the fact that he was slowly falling for the young Shadow Daemon. He didn't mind that part what he did mind was the fact that in his past he had something like this stolen away from him, taken before it could barely begin to be appreciated. He did not what that to happen again.

Both of the affected people just danced on eggshells around each other aggravating the third party greatly. Honestly if those two didn't come up with something soon he was going to take the cliched version of matchmaking and lock the two in a closet. On retrospect that probably wouldn't work on them because they could just time drift back a few minutes to when the door was unlocked. Back to the drawing board maybe he could come up with something a bit more devious and a little more cunning, yes what he needed was a Slytherin and one that knew Sheldon well. Yes that was it so Draco was very surprised when he got a visit from a winged being in the middle of the night.

"Draco listen to me I have a silencing charm up but I am not sure whether or not to trust it both of them are stronger then me. They might be able to hear through it and they can't possibly hear this conversation." Said someone in a clear alto voice.

"Fellon? What? Who are you referring too?" Draco said his mind still half asleep.

"Yes it's me, and as for who your impossibly dense brother and my equally as blind friend. Who else would I be talking about but Sheldon and Alten?" Fellon explained slowly trying to give the blond Slytherin enough time to pull himself together.

"Why what's wrong? What have they done now?" Draco asked more coherently as his mind gave up the fog of sleep.

"Its more like what they haven't done. They have been dancing around each other now since Sheldon arrived and they're driving me bloody insane." Fellon explained again his irritation clearly showing in his voice.

"What they like each other? Didn't see that coming how did you find out and why are you talking to me about it?" Draco asked.

"Yes they like each other I thought that part was blatantly obvious. As for how I found out the way they are acting is one reason and another is that all Shadow Daemons possess strong mind magics. One of my strongest powers is a form of Telepathy. I can pretty much tell what a person is thinking at any given time I can tone it down around others for privacy sakes. Unfortunately because we have to teach Sheldon both Alten and I leave our powers unfettered for the most part when it is just the three of us. I saw what there meditation images are, they see each others faces. They both have the same feelings for one another but they are both afraid to act on it that brings me to why I am talking to you. I need help from someone who knows Sheldon well enough to know when a plan will or will not work, I also need someone devious enough to help me come up with a workable plan." Fellon explained patiently.

"So basically you want me to help you set up my brother with your friend so that they will stop wallowing in their pasts and live a little? Did I get that right?" Draco asked a barely noticeable touch of sarcasm laced his voice.

"Right couldn't have put it better myself. So will you help me?" Fellon nearly begged.

"As much as my logic is telling me not to mess around with things. I find my instincts telling me to go for it. I think I will help you, Sheldon could use someone to anchor him when times get tough and his friends are not enough." Draco reasoned out barely aware he was saying anything out loud.

"Thank you Draco, now any ideas on how to get them to admit their attraction? The usual lock them in a room untill they make up wont work because they will just use their powers to get themselves out." Fellon said a note of complaint in his voice.

Draco thought to himself for a moment then saw a flaw in what Fellon had said. "Let me get this straight locking them in a room wont work because they could move through time to before the door was locked right?" At Fellon's nod he continued. "Well I see a slight problem with your theory. I know from my research of Time-turners that the one thing that must be avoided is seeing yourself in a future or past moment. Again I assume same rules apply to this time drifting?" at this Fellon caught onto what Draco was saying.

"Alright I think I see where you're going. They won't be able to use their powers to get themselves out because they will risk causing a paradox by seeing themselves. I think we can make it more effective by spending a great deal of time in the room we plan on locking them in maybe even at totally random times. I don't think it would hold them forever those two are just to crafty for their own good, but I think it would work just long enough for them to break the ice. Maybe just maybe I could get some peace after this." Fellon said the last part very wistfully.

Draco worked hard to cover his laughter. Fellon really had no clue what he was getting himself into. While Fellon might think all his problems would be fixed by getting them together he was actually creating a whole new realm of problems. Like how exactly he was going to get the two to stop concentrating on each other and getting to work. If Draco didn't think this would be a wonderful thing for Sheldon then he would have been tempted to do it just to see the look on Fellon's face when he realized the miscalculation. Fortunately Draco cared deeply for his brother and he only had his and Alten interests in the forefront of his mind, but if he got to see Fellon's reaction well that would just be a bonus.

The two would be matchmakers talked long into the night on exactly how they would pull this off. Two peoples happiness hung in the balance not to mention poor Fellon's sanity.

Dawn was nearly cresting the horizon when the two broke apart and began to execute their plan. It had to be done quickly Fellon knew he couldn't hide anything from Alten for very long Alten being much stronger then Fellon. The wild card in their plan was Sheldon his power might still be raw and mostly untrained he was still more powerful then anyone had ever seen there was no telling what the boy could do, even if it were pure accident.

Draco and Fellon had decided to use a relatively large room that only had one door leading off of it. They began their plan by Fellon innocently suggesting to the other two that they should spend the day indoors meditating. The other two Shadow Daemons had so much on their minds they fell for the bait without much effort. The three spent the day exactly as Fellon had suggested in quiet meditation. This was actually to serve two purposes at the same time. A) It would keep them in the room for the desired length of time, and B) it would make them face the proof of their attraction hopefully starting the process that would finish with a few well placed charms and a bit of luck.

At the end of the day Fellon made sure he left the room first and immediately pulled the door shut after him and placed quite a few spells on the door. Then he called through the door, "You two obviously have some things to work out I will come back and let you out in the morning. I know you're mad now but I am willing to bet you will be thanking me later." At the two prisoners outraged yells came at him from behind the door Draco having escaped Salazar a little earlier then normal came up and put a few spells on the door himself one being a special silencing charm. It would only let sound through if something was genuinely wrong other then that it completely blocked sound.

On the other side of the door Sheldon felt every spell that was added to the door he was also beginning to be able to sense the magical signatures of the person casting them. He knew for sure that it was two males that had added spells to the door, he immediately knew Fellon's but the other it was deceptively familiar he had felt it so often he couldn't place it as it was constantly in the background of magic he felt. For some reason every shadow Daemon had powers in common then one or two areas where they excel at. Fellon's was Telepathy, Alten's was his Telekinetic and Wandless abilities, the one that had died's specialty had been his time drifting abilities, Sheldon however was amazing in everything but he was exceptional in the Empathic and Elemental abilities he had gotten.

Right now it was doing him little good he was right on the edge of a panic attack. Alten could sense the impending disaster and stepped towards the young Daemon and started to gently stroke the soft feathers much the same as Fellon had after Helga's test on his first day with her. It worked again but had a slightly different effect. It calmed Sheldon almost too much, why the creature was practically purring. Alten quickly withdrew his hand but not fast enough they had both noticed Sheldon's unusual response to the stimulus.

Now that Sheldon had calmed down they could examine exactly why Fellon had found it necessary to consort with someone else to lock them in a room together. Both of them unaware of their mutual feelings felt the blame solely rested on their shoulders. This made for a very awkward silence that stretched on for a few minutes. Then as if something had come into the room demanding they speak both of them tried speaking at once.

"I think this is my fault," they both said simultaneously.

"Why would you say that," again said in unison both figures more then a little uneasy.

"You first," this time they were both very creeped out it was if someone had made them Fred and George for the day. Finally Sheldon let Alten speak first.

"I think this is my fault because I have been kind of hiding my feelings for someone even from myself I think it made Fellon mad. So why do you think it is your fault?" Alten asked hesitantly hoping he would like the answer.

He was surprised to see a slow blush creep up Sheldon's pale cheeks. "Similar reasons, I have been confused on what I want for awhile now I thought I was hiding it well. I believe we both overlooked Fellon's gift and my Empathy was just too untrained to catch this."

Sheldon spoke so quietly Alten had to strain to hear him and he wasn't entirely certain that what he heard was spoken for all he knew he was reading Sheldon's thoughts.

There was another silent this time a little less awkward it was more like a pause to regroup both of them had just admitted to something they had been trying desperately to keep hidden. They needed a few minutes to sort out what to do next.

Finally Sheldon broke the silence with one heck of a loaded question, "I think we need to decide do we want this? Can we handle this for the rest of eternity or will it just fade over time?"

Alten had a bittersweet look on his face, "There is no doubt in my mind about how I feel. I want his but that in of itself frightens me I know Fellon told you some about my past. I lost one family already I am fully aware I will not survive another loss like that the only thing that kept me from dieing then was turning into an entirely new creature. I, well that's say I am hesitant to do that over again. You are so young compared to me your feelings could change over the millennia that we will live. I want to I really do I am willing to take this to the edge of time and space if it is to be, but what about you what do you want?"

Sheldon didn't hesitate he knew his answer before he had asked Alten, "With all my haert can give. Your face has haunted my dreams and my meditation you are my focus my passion my fire. I have the love of friends I am slowly learning the love of family I know what I feel for you is the last the true love of a soul mate. I also shadow your fears my family has been ripped from me twice before I could remember the only family I knew for 15 years was abusive and neglectful. Am I scared yes I would be insane not to be but I am willing to face it for you. I was so frightened that you would reject me I have held my silence and I have bled slowly from the dagger I drove into my own heart. I know if we do this it shall be for eternally and I will never change. You are what my soul has been waiting for my other half you make me complete. If we stand here much longer I'll be spouting more ridiculous poetry so please don't push me away. I ask you once more do you want this? Will you have me for eternity?"

He didn't receive a spoken answer right away. Sheldon was a little startled as the elder Shadow Daemon pulled him into a strong embrace and they shared their first kiss. Not an innocent little peck on the cheek no this was a full out hungry passionate kiss. Every emotion either of them had flowed through in their passion. All their fears and worries, their love and their pain came through. Finally they had to pull back as the need for oxygen was greater then their need for each other but not for much. Alten just pulled the raven haired creature closer to him and finally answered the question.

"Absolutely, Merlin be damned I want this I want it so bad it hurts. I feel this will bring heartache and pain but I can't stop myself I need this please don't ever leave me." Alten gasped out confirming Sheldon's most precious desires.

"I don't think I could leave you. I too can sense heart ache but I also know that is not always a bad thing. There cannot be good without the bad. We cannot feel joy without pain or happiness without anger. I will take the hours of pain for a lifetime of joy. Are you willing to face the rain to see the sun? With me too set your course in the right direction?" Sheldon asked.

For the second time Alten let his actions speak louder then his words and pulled his young love into another searing kiss. Heart raced beating in a frantic rhythm that was simultaneous with the heart of the other. Neither wanted the moment to end or to let go.

After many more searing kisses Sheldon allowed Alten to show him what love should be not pain and sorrow but passion and joy. Afterwards both parties remained next to one another hearts beating as one soul irreversible intertwining their fates was now sealed. One could not live without the other and they would share this bond forever and eternity. They slept next to one another for a few hours. The rising sun awakened them. Sheldon made to get up but Alten pulled him back into one more passion filled joyful and beautiful kiss. Sheldon rethought his plan to get up and allowed himself to be pulled back down. They shared a repeat of the previous night's activity.

Sheldon cast a few quick cleaning spells on himself and his lover but found he didn't have the energy or the will to move. He just settled back against Alten cherishing the feel of curling up against the one he loved. Alten smiled down at his much younger lover and drew him into a closer embrace. The two remained that way watching the sun progress across the sky.

When Draco and Fellon came back to check on them that morning they found that a layer of spells had been added to the already heavily magiced door these spells were cast from the inside. When Draco and Fellon worked out what the nature of the spells were both of their necks turned red and their faces were rosy apparently they had underestimated the love the other two creatures shared. There was locking silencing and aversion charms placed on the door plus a few nasty hexes that were probably Sheldon's doing that only came into effect if someone tried to open the door. Draco knowing first hand his brothers wrath and his enormous power knew better then to mess with anything he had a hand in.

So the two successful matchmakers left the two lovers in peace something Alten and Sheldon were very grateful for. The two didn't emerge from their private room until dinner time when their growling stomachs reminded them they hadn't eaten in close to twenty four hours.

Their entrance into the dinning hall was a bit surprising to anyone who hadn't been in on the matchmaking scheme which was everyone except Fellon and Draco. Simply because the two creatures had walked in hand in hand shoulders practically touching and a warm flush to their cheeks, add this to the fact no one had seen either one of them for the entire day and you could just imagine the shocked looks the two received.

When Sheldon sat down next to his brother he sensed something familiar about him then it hit him. "Draco you weren't by a chance the one helping Fellon with his plans were you?"

Draco not knowing what to do went for the truth knowing Sheldon would know if he lied. "Yes I was, but it was mostly Fellon's ideas."

Sheldon then leaned closer to Draco, "Then please tell Fellon that I thank him and you too. It means a lot."

Draco just nodded to his brother in acknowledgment and went back to his dinner. Sheldon and Alten ate with gusto having little food and much activity the night before and some of that day. Soon both were satisfied and Alten helped Sheldon to his feet and led him away from the table much to the others amusement. One face in particular looked on in much approval. Emrys just chuckled to himself and stood to leave the table also with a soft smile radiating from his face.

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The two lovers carried on in a state of bliss luckily for Fellon they worked just as hard and now with the added connection some things could be taught much easier then they would have otherwise.

Sheldon's power grew in leaps and bounds. He soon had his Telekinetic, Empathic, and Elemental magic honed to perfection. They now spent most of their time working on controlling time. The rules governing time travel and paradox were relaxed a little when talking about this species but not much. They still had to be careful but when they used their power correctly many great things were done so the minimal risk was worth it.

Sheldon learned how to transport himself and others around with very precise control he learned how to freeze time and speed it up over a given area. The three shadow Daemons hoped around through time and distance spending weeks in other places while it felt like a day at he manor.

He also spent one day a week with a different teacher keeping his other skills just as sharp. His friends and him still had their nightly talks and only slight differences could be seen between their conversations now and what they had been when they first arrived. The main difference being that Sheldon was now more often seen curled up next to Alten on a couch then he was sitting next to Draco like he used to.

Sheldon's and Alten's relationship grew they now could not even spend an entire day apart it hurt too much. It helped that they now shared a room and a bed but still they needed small everyday contact to balance out the hot and heavy passionate love they shared in their bedroom.

Soon to his friends they had stayed at the manor for nearly a year for Sheldon it was more like two with all the jumping around in time. Sheldon knew it was time to get down to some serious planning. They would need allies to help fight the war going on in their own time. Alten and Fellon started to work on not only his accuracy with timing but also with where he landed. Sheldon needed to be capable of sensing where and when he needed to go at the same time under sometimes not so pleasant circumstances. All of them were aware of just how dangerous some of the creatures could be. They had been hunted and persecuted for something most of them had little or no choice in. They were either born that way or created some forcibly others not.

Sheldon worked hard to learn the proper etiquette of approaching any creature. Some creatures were easy to get access to but hard to get allegiances from others hid themselves well but when found and deemed worthy were extremely loyal and listened to what they were told.

It didn't hurt that Sheldon really was king of creatures. Every magical creature instinctively submitted to a Shadow Daemon eventually. Sheldon felt that he would rather earn there allegiance rather then demand it so he learned and with that knowledge started to jot down ideas for changing the current laws and codes restricting magical beings and beasts. He would need to actually speak to the creatures before implementing anything but he wanted to be prepared for any eventuality.

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Finally the day came for Sheldon to talk to the first group of creatures they had decided to follow a strict schedule starting with easiest to sway and ending with the hardest.

They had decided to start with the Elves then move on to Werewolves, Goblins, Veela, and leaving the Vampires for last. As for the beasts he would talk to them as he found them.

He set off into a quiet patch of woods wearing lightweight clothes that were cut to show off his muscles and let his wings come out unrestricted. Sheldon intended to win their allegiance fairly but thought they had a right to know what they were dealing with.

He concentrated hard on the image of a manor in the clouds that Alten had shown him via Telepathy. Slowly he let himself sink back into that image he made the timing come out so that they would have about half a year to have their arsenal ready. Sheldon was starting with the Sky Elves.

Each class of elves got their name from the element they control except for the house elves they were a small race and although some consider what they do enslavement the tiny creatures enjoy serving wizards because it's mutually beneficial most wizards are kind and take care of the creatures that then take care of the wizards.

As you can probably guess the sky elves controlled Air. To get their allegiance you had to beat their best fighters using both weapons and the element Air.

These particular elves were sword fighters, so it was Sheldon's lucky day. The elves got the rare treat of watching a master that was not one of their own. He let the elves battling him lose gracefully and didn't put them down for losing. Sheldon knew he was good and that these were masters as well they had just had different teachers and different motivation.

He got their allegiance more from letting them keep their honor then anything else. Although the beautiful yet deadly dance he had done with the blade sweetened the deal considerably.

He repeated his performance with the other four clans of elves. The only one he even came close to losing on was the Wood elves they fought with staves and it was his lest favorite element to work with. He won the duel but only barely. He never once resorting to cheating and that earned him many praises as well.

Sheldon was glad they had gone to them first because the rest of the creatures were considerably harder. The Werewolves made him complete several tasks.

For the first one he had to command a pack of them in a battle and win it. This was both to test his strategical abilities as well as his leadership skills. He got through that one easily.

The next task nearly tore his heart out he had to sit with a clan during an entire full moon. He had to sit their and watch as children younger then Remus was when he was bit. Screamed and writhed in an agony nothing could help. This test was to see how much courage he had and also to make sure he only held compassion for their kind not pity. He made it through that one but just barely. It wasn't hard to not feel pity for them he hated that particular emotion himself so he wouldn't wish it on another. No the hard part was staying and watching all that pain.

The last test followed directly behind the last he had to help each werewolf deal with the wounds the transformation gave them. This measured how much he followed through on his promises and how much he acted on his responsibilities. Thanks to Helga's patient teaching he passed the last test better then the second.

He left the werewolves with there lifelong pledge of loyalty. Werewolves were one of the hardest creatures to win an allegiance from but once you did you always had it. Like real wolves werewolves were incredibly loyal and Sheldon was severely thankful for that.

He left the werewolves and went to Goblins. They were easy all he had to do was be kind respectful and polite. The Goblins were never treated like that by anyone before so even if Sheldon hadn't been a Shadow Daemon they would have gladly joined him.

From there he went to Veelas. He had to pass similar tests with them as he had done for the werewolves and make a few well earned promises that laws and code would change concerning them and all magical creatures if Sheldon won.

Then the final being he had to try to win over Vampires. They were the wild-card no one was sure what their motives were. They were extremely powerful in their own right. They governed themselves and fought their own wars. Throughout the history of wizard kind they had come into many wars but never on a predictable side. Everyone just assumed they would side with the dark but in actuality they had been Light, Dark, or Neutral for pretty much equal amounts of time.

Sheldon got to their main stronghold just as the sun had set and they were just awakening. He moved right up to the head Vampire, who just happened to be a female with dark curly brown hair and warm hazel eyes.

Sheldon bowed low like he had learned and with out taking his eyes off the ground he spoke. "I have come to ask a favor of you. The human world is once again at war. This is a different war now then when it had started both original parties have grown twisted and manipulative with power. They have no care for the innocents who just want to be left alone. I don't ask your allegiance lightly I fear that if all those being shunned by the main sides don't join together we will be crushed separately. All of our fighters are good but there are just not enough. I have thrown a third option onto the playing field and I beseech you please help me stand for those that cannot on their own."

"I will consider you proposal young one." At this Sheldon felt a light pushing at his mental barriers and knew it was the Vampire standing before you.

"If I let you see my memories will that help you make a decision one why or another. I know your species is similar to mine in that we both have advanced mind magics. I offer my mind to you and my blood if necessary." Sheldon said earnestly.

"It would make it so I know what you are saying is truth. Your voice may speak a lie but your mind cannot. For privacy's sake I wont disturb anything you have curtained off in your mind but please show me all three sides of this war not just your own." Sheldon nodded and went over to the lady.

She put her finger tips lightly on Sheldon's temples and he dropped his shields. He found in some odd way he trusted her so he let her see just about everything. He let her see his past and Dumbledore's manipulations but he didn't just show her bad memories. He shared his joy at discovering a family, his passion at discovering Alten, and his anger at his loses. She was surprised that even though there was quite a bit of very much deserved anger there was no real drive to cause pain or seek out a ruthless revenge.

This creature really didn't want to hurt anything, but he wasn't about to sit back and just let the world die.

"Alright young one, you have our allegiance." She said quietly.

She was doubly surprised when Sheldon brought out a small but decidedly empty vial out of his pocket. First he slit his palm open and filled the vial when that was full he healed the wound on his hand. Finally he turned towards the female vampire and carefully exposed his neck.

She held back at first but when she felt his genuine agreement she gratefully drank some of the most powerful blood she had ever partaken of.

She managed to stop herself before she killed him although he did look a touch paler then would be considered healthy. Sheldon brought out another vial from his pocket it was a runny color but such a deep red it looked like condensed blood. He quickly drank down the Blood Replenishing potion and waited for it to work.

When he felt steadier he held up the vial of his blood he had taken earlier and conjured a thin gold chain which he attached to the vial. He presented it to the Vampire leader saying, "This blood is to be your last lifeline. It is strong enough to keep you alive long enough to get to a real meal. Keep it with you always and don't forget that it was willingly given. It loses its power if the drinker thinks it was taken by force." With that he bowed low to her once again and left the Vampire stronghold triumphant.

He quickly time drifted back to the manor and his love. Now that everything was set up he would soon have to go back to the future and achieve his destiny.

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There were many laughs and a few tears as the day came for them to return to Hogwarts. Sheldon hugged everyone saving Alten for last. They had agreed that Alten and Fellon were to come to the future and help but to give them two days to get set up. So while it would seem to Alten that he only left Sheldon a few hours. It would be days to Sheldon.

Finally just as they were about to drift away Sheldon remembered something, "Hey Emrys that first day you found us you said you sometimes went by another name what is it?"

"Oh that they call me Merlin of all things." He said with a smile.

There were eleven shocked faces for awhile then Sheldon remembered what they were supposed to be doing. He drifted them back to see McGonagall anxiously pacing.

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"So now you all know what happened but for know I suggest food then bed tomorrow we start to train." Sheldon finished up his long story just as the sun was setting.

Everyone assembled began to take his advice and travel back to their individual camps. Sheldon however felt a slight shifting in the air around him and before he knew it strong arms had wrapped around him and warm lips trailed kisses down his neck.

"I couldn't let you alone anymore," Came the soft voice of his lover.

"I couldn't agree more," Sheldon said. Then he carefully led his lover through the camp most eyes following them as they took in the others silver and blue wings. They knew this was their leader's lover and they all stood aside to let them pass.

Sheldon led Alten up the steps and into the manor. He didn't remember how they got there afterwords but they did manage to find his room and tumble onto the bed somehow. They even remembered silencing and locking charms lucky for the rest of the manor's inhabitants.

Then Alten proceeded to remind Sheldon of why he missed him so much. Sheldon would remember that night for a long time afterwords and many more after that. But for then he was content just being with his lover in a warm bed again. There had been too many missed night he didn't want to have to go through that again.