"Al? Won't you tell me what he did to make you so upset? I've never seen you like this. Well not since the first time we separated the two of you."

Dad looked at me in that strange way he often did, as though he didn't quite know what to make of what he saw. I was tired of being an oddity. Tired of being so different. I almost mentioned Marvolo's meeting with the hooded figure in the forbidden forest, if only to get out of answering. For a moment it seemed a logical idea, until a warning whisper crept through me, cautioning me against it.

If Marvolo and the hooded man really had something to do with the assassination and these abductions, then Hermione's agents might be able to catch the mastermind behind it all. The problem was of course that aunt Mione and dad would undoubtedly demand my memories of that night as proof and I was not ready for them to discover the rest of the secrets Scor and I witnessed in the Darkwood. The growth of my slytherin abilities, the book, the candle, the Svaltalfar and Excalibur…or that I shared a soul print with him. My accusing Marvolo would likely only end badly for me. They were already afraid, I couldn't give them more reasons to hate me.

"Aren't you too busy running the country to be concerned with what a little boy is feeling? Minister for Magic." It was a cold sentiment, made icier by the malice in my voice. I was too hurt and confused by everything that was happening to know how to treat him. I picked myself up off the floor, not bothering to wipe the water from my eyes as I turned to face my own father. Another silent minute passed as I examined him, he had refused to take the bait.

"I'm waiting Albus."

Reluctantly I began my explanation. "Malfoy said something unforgivable to me, the night Fawkes saved us from beneath the forest. I never told you what happened since I knew you were too busy dealing with Kingsley's assassination."

"So what actually happened? I've been patient with you Albus but you know how important it is for me to know what transpired." I carefully considered my response with unyielding precision. I had to tell him part of the truth or he would know I was lying. Selling it would be difficult.

"We were… exploring… when the two of us fell down a well. After Scor—" I stopped suddenly at the mistake, correcting myself immediately. "After Malfoy and I woke up, we realized we had fallen miles below the surface of the forest. We had stumbled upon the actual Darkwood of legend. There were things down there dad… things we weren't ready to face. We were attacked by the darkness. I don't know what it was, but that thing was powerful enough to have killed us, and it was going to. I… I… tried to sacrifice myself to give Scorpius time to get away…"

"But he didn't take the opportunity to run, did he?" I shook my head sadly in answer, somewhat surprised that he had guessed.

"No. He ran back to save me, which would have gotten us both killed had Fawkes not rescued us at the last second. When I woke up he was furious with me."

I walked over to one of the bookshelves that lined dad's study to run my fingers over the ancient leather bound tomes. As it moved my hand came inadvertently to rest over one I recognized. 'Truth or Theory, Myth or Mystery: A Treatise on Ancient Wizarding Lore vol. 23; Hate and the origins of Darkness.' How ironic that I had gotten the evil twit to fall in love with the series. Most volumes could only be found in a select few highly restricted collections or libraries. Malfoy had of course gotten his father to buy him as many volumes as he could get ahold of. After a few minutes I continued my story, still reluctant to share such an intimate moment.

"He told me he thought we were a team. The idiot thought it was selfish of me to presume to save him if the cost was for him to be forever alone and forever responsible for my fate. I see now that it was a fair sentiment. If he had offered the same sacrifice in my place and I had run… I would never in alllllll my life be free of the guilt and the shame I would feel for having left him behind. Still… the horrible things he said to me… the malicious way he treated me… simply for not thinking in a moment of crisis. I understand that he was afraid… but he hurt me more profoundly than anyone else in the world was capable. I was willing to die to save him… I thought that was an honorable sacrifice. I couldn't see at the time how the prospect of losing me would terrify him to such an extent that he would choose death over living without me."

It took my father several long minutes to answer. For a second I almost thought he might remain silent. I looked around the office at all the magical artifacts that had found their way here. I thought about our society and the entirety of our culture. Artifacts from the first and second wizarding wars lined shelves and countertops. It made me shudder to think about. It was strange to be talking to my father about the boy I had fallen for amidst a collection of our peoples history. Amidst the records of atrocities committed by his own family...

"It is an honorable and powerful thing, to be willing to sacrifice yourself for someone you love. Some might say the most powerful form of magic in existence. That both of you were willing to give your lives to save each other is commendable, and a testament to the great friendship you share. Your aunt, uncle and I had on numerous occasions been willing to do the same for each other. The thing however about being alive, is not only that you get to live but have to. You are forced to bear the weight of your decisions until the day you die. How often I lay awake at night wondering how many more people I could have saved if I had done any number of things differently… how many things might have been different for so manny of my friends if…" He paused then to stare off into the distance, as though there were more he might have said. His eyes darted back to meet mine and for a moment I thought I saw water there.

"This entire thing to be honest is too strange for words."

"Albus… I know you love him. He's been more a brother to you than even James and I understand that that may have immeasurable value to someone like you… but what I want to know… is if you are in love with him?"

"WHAT?! Are you insane? Even I understand how dangerous it would be for all of us."

"That's not how love works Albus… you don't get to choose who you fall in love with."

"Don't worry dad. I'm not planning on changing my name to Malfoy." it wasn't exactly an answer.

"And are you going to be alright? You seemed pretty shaken. You are a sensitive boy, there's no shame in feeling strongly about a principle, I just want to know if you're ok."

I sighed at that, not knowing how to respond. I couldn't handle admitting how badly I was hurting. Especially considering that I had no intention of compounding his burdens.

"As long as you have no more outrageous requests or unpleasant surprises for me I think I will be fine. This upcoming trip to the Valois Mansion is going to take all of the temperance, patience and fortitude I have left. All I want to do is enjoy what little vacation you've allowed me."

"Actually Albus, since you mention it, I do have a few surprises for you. Although to be honest these I doubt you will find nearly as unpleasant as the last two. I know how much you like the Weird Sisters… so I managed to get you a day with them in the recording studio. They already know you're a fan. I've also told them how beautiful your voice is and how proficient you are with magical instruments which got Kirby thinking about maybe recording some of the stuff you've written."

My brain almost exploded as my father kept talking. It was an unimaginably cool prospect that even had me momentarily forget what had just happened, until I remembered how beautiful Scor's own voice could be when he sang. We both loved music, almost to the same degree that we loved magic. It had been one of the few secrets we had kept from our friends. I realized suddenly that my dad was silent and staring. I'm sure he'd finished talking or was waiting for a response from a question he must have asked. My mind was in no fit state to process the news. The only reason that he was choosing now to tell me was I'm certain to try and get me to forget my conflict with... That horrid boy.

"Oh, sorry Dad. What did you say?"

"Well that wasn't exactly the response I was hoping for. Sometimes Al I'd love to know where that genius mind of yours runs off to when we mice are stuck spinning on our little wheels." He watched me, waiting again for me to speak. When I remained silent he sighed so loud that I thought his lungs might give out. "I asked you if that sounded like something you'd enjoy?"

I blinked in confusion before sputtering out my answer. "Would I? Are you mad? Of course I would… I just thought this wasn't the most opportune time to tell me. I just lost the two most important things in the entire world to me. My best friend and my wand. No backstage pass or day with some musicians is going to change that."

"Well then, this brings me to my next surprise. Now understand that this might come as a shock..."

"More of a shock than any of what just happened?" I asked incredulously.

"Vivian has apparently found a darkling child, half svaltalfar half human. She… failed to give me all of the details behind the creature's parentage or sudden appearance, but she thought it would be a good idea for you to spend time with him, seeing as he will attend Hogwarts with you in the fall. I agreed to house the child as Vivian has vouched for him. She's informed me that he's a prodigy like you. You might enjoy having someone new to talk to. Under normal circumstances this discovery would require our full attention but with recent events being what they are, none of my departments has any time."

"What did you say?" I asked, my eyes blinking in shock. I had been unable to restrain my obvious dismay. How was it that not two weeks after my encounter with Silvarion did a darkling child appear in the above world, and amidst such massive political upheaval.

"Finally, after all these years I managed to find something that could shock my genius son... The department of mysteries has found an orphaned half wizard born of a dark elf, I decided that it might be prudent to keep an eye on him since the dark elves have not been seen in over an age. He will be staying with us for a while. Our extra security will be able to keep him safe." Dad spoke deliberately slowly, to make sure I could process his statements. It merely made him sound retarded.

"His name? What is his name?"

"Why is that the first question you ask? Have I broken you? A svaltalfar, a member of a race thought to be nearly extinct, will be living in your spare bed, and the first thing you think to inquire about is his name?" Dad looked at me skeptically for a moment before continuing with a raised eyebrow.

"Sylphariel, you may enter." Dad shot without breaking eye contact with me. The bookshelf that served as dad's escape route in case of emergency, slid slowly open to reveal a fourteen year old boy more handsome than I had ever seen. If it hadn't been for his long white hair, ash grey complexion and pointed ears he might have passed for human. He looked a bit like Silvarion. Although while Silvarion was strong and masculine, this boy looked more soft and streamlined. He was angular like Scor but less… luminous. In fact he seemed to pull the light right our of the air.

"Glam-itherin, nin Yanë, vogrit thim-iriel Caledfelch." (well met, your majesty, wielder of sacred Excalibur.)

I remained motionless as he addressed me. It took every ounce of restraint I had not to attack him when he bowed. Then again I could hardly bring myself to attack something so beautiful.

The creature frowned at my silence, turning to my father more than a little confused. "I was told your son spoke my mother's ancient language. I was looking forward to practicing with him."

Before dad could respond I stepped between them, interrupting his view of the darkling. "Nin-drath, AGATHIRI, sarth urion-in ix-thel Angelheim nim-en-non dagethor, Sylphariel ubda Kurst-eleth. (Do not, EVER, repeat that name in this world and expect to be allowed to live, Sylphariel brother of princes.)

His expression was a mixture of intense fear and surprise. It did not last long. A moment later he had remastered himself, smiling in that fake way that always made Vivian look like a fox. He hadn't expected me to guess who he was.

"Your mentor Vivian warned me of your intelligence, but even so I am shocked by your insight into our… language." He offered slyly. He might have very well replaced that word with secrets.

"We will discuss the Weird Sisters later Dad. I'm going to take the day acclimating Syl here to his new home." I grabbed the darkling by the hand and pulled him right from the office without so much as a backwards glance. I hoped my dad would simply chalk it up to my innate weirdness. It might have appeared to him as though I were merely excited to learn about what was the discovery of a fascinating and mystical creature. To me this was merely another variable that had the same ruinous potential as the rest. One that had to be dealt with.

"It seems I have arrived at a most inopportune time, your entire country seems to be in turmoil."

"What are you doing here? Why did you come?" I asked releasing his hand and ignoring his observation.

"To spy on you of course." His head cocked sideways as though I should have known.

"Yes, OBVIOUSLY." I shot back annoyed. "What I meant was, what led you to believe you could get away with it so openly?"

"For the same reason you haven't told anyone about your encounter with my brother or our people. And also because…" He started, leaning in closer. "I can teach you more about magic than anyone you've met before. Even more than your little ljosalfar prince." I blushed at his words. Something about him put me on edge. I knew that his brother Silvarion had more than saved my life and Scor's… I even knew that this boy no doubt meant me no immediate harm… but I could hardly guess at his people's long term motives. Despite my wariness of him, it remained a tempting offer. A new teacher… from a world of ancient magic… a world very different from my own. He stepped even closer then, forcing me to back myself as far up against the stone wall as possible to keep us apart. "There might even be a few things I could teach you about yourself, Kurst (Prince). Things you've wondered about for years. Secrets hidden in the shadows."

He grinned his Fox grin and I noticed for the first time how sharp his canines were. There was something eerily unnatural about how uncomfortable he made me feel. It was usually the other way around in my experience. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks as his eyes darted over every feature of my face. His had remained entirely withought expression. Finally Syl stepped back and straightened his silvery shirt, running a hand through his long hair. "Speaking of Princes, where is your little Ljosalfar?"

I grimaced at the mention of Scor.

"Venethon urion nin-dra sarth gal-e-nar." (Another name not to ever repeat around me.) Sylphariel cocked his head again which made him look even less human.

"Why not? The way I heard tell of it from Sylvarion you'd think epic poems might be written of the bond the two of you share. Why the sudden abandonment of your friend and brother?"

"That is not your concern. For now I have to go home and see if my mother has finished healing those two idiots. I will introduce you to her and my siblings and acquaint you with your accommodations. I doubt very much I'll survive the summer if we're to be sharing a room but I suppose for now we will have to make an exception for your homelessness. Why my dad agreed to this I haven't a clue, nor as to your species motives for sending a spy up to the surface. Perhaps keeping you close might prove useful."

"If you really want to know… we decided to make sure that the humans weren't getting ready for another war. A war that might this time engulf our kind as well."

"Our kind? I think you mean your kind?"

He smiled at that.

"Oh, didn't you know? The real reason we didn't kill you in the forest." His cryptic clues were becoming irksome. Why was he so amused by this? His smile vanished as he examined me. He looked sad by my confusion. "You are one of the smartest members of all the sentient beings now alive and still you suffer the ignorance of the humans and their short lived truths. So quickly you expire that you allow your histories to be perverted beyond recognition. You didn't think that just any two souls could be bonded did you?"

"No, but there is little to do but speculate on these matters. Like you said, our records are lacking. I haven't been able to find much information on the subject."

"So much about the children of the goddess has been forgotten, it is a wonder you even have civilizations let alone functional plumbing."

"Then tell me already! What am I missing?"

He pushed me up against the wall again, his hand against my chest and his lips beside my ear. His whispering words tickled me with power and confusion.

"If your little brother, your soulmate, the one whose name you've forbidden me to mention. If the Malfoy boy belongs to the children of Ljos, then surely you belong to us."

"Thats… not possible."

"You who also descend from the fonts of the seven. You who command the loyalty of an original Chesshire. How could you not have known what you are? Why else do you think Vivian has been preparing you for years? Teaching you secret magics, the arts, the ways of the nobility? You have an immeasurably important part to play in what comes next. Vivian will be busy with your aunt, handling the shifting politics. Which leaves me to teach you. Our prince and our people will follow your lead, once you discover who you are and of what you are capable. For now though I should be content to meet the rest of your family and the home I will be staying in."

I couldn't fathom what he was suggesting. It was unreal. My mind was racing with any number of scenarios. Was this a bluff? A calculation on his part? Truth? Fiction? A ploy to garner trust?

"I'm not sure I believe you entirely. I'm not sure I believe you at all. We will see what Mercury makes of you, then I will know whether or not you can be trusted."


im so sorry for the super late update. Life has been a bit hectic. Although more reviews equal faster updates.

Next Markus's induction into the wizarding world

A glimpse at Syl and a glimpse at the Valois