I decided to skip several fluff chapters i had planned for the boys summer. Here's a major major chapter I've had planned for some time. Please consider leaving a review if you like the story so far.


The grand throne room was packed full with servants, guards, entertainers, lords, ladies and their noble children. Wizards and witches from all around the world over had come to pay homage and custom to the noble bloodlines on this, the most auspicious celebration of wizarding kind. The Great Hall of the Shadow Louvre was a gilded masterpiece of massive proportions. Brilliant stonework, enormous crystal chandeliers, colored fires lit in silver braziers. Hung everywhere were the magnificent portraits of famous magical monarchs from the days of old. Set in frames of gilded wood and silvered ivory the imposing figures bore an errant arrogance in their faces that was seldom welcome amongst wizards of the modern age.

As I continued to observe the room, I noted how no expense had been spared and no detail overlooked in preparation for the festivities being held. Servers, vested and gloved in white, bore trays of gold with cornucopias of delicately ornate morsels arranged like fine art upon them. Musicians plucked on platinum engraved harps or ran delicate bows along blood red violins. The crimson wood I recognized to be corvinian holly ... the most expensive tree in the world. The harps I realized were elysian, made in ancient Rome by the master craftsman of the Archon Aion himself. Just the instruments alone were worth hundreds of thousands of galleons. The goblets and bowls were spun of the finest crystal or shaped from the softest white gold. Flowers of all kinds were arranged in vases or floated delicately through the air. I had been to my fair share of swanky noble's parties but this was a celebration the scale of which had not been seen in a century. Perhaps longer...

Thrones had been set up for the princes of the seven with lesser seats for their children set up to the left and right of those. Other thrones had been set up for Supreme founders as well as families with blood from the old world. I should have been sitting to the right of the Peverell throne, so that i could properly receive my Lord father. Instead, as a royal guest of the Valois, I had opted to sit next to Cyr, if only to gossip with him about the arriving nobility. This meant unfortunately that I was at the center of all the attention. I knew the time had come when every candle in the hall shifted a deep celestial blue. Font one...

"Introducing the noble Prince of Time, Aberforth Dumbledore of house Avalon and his daughter and heir the duchess Ariana."

The whole crowd erupted in a wild series of frenzied gasps. Aberforth Dumbledore didn't have a child! Even I jolted out of my seat to stare at the oncoming figures. Sure enough I recognized the tall form of the aged hero Aberforth. My namesake's brother had even served as my private instructor for a time... yet even that closeness to the recluse Prince had not given me insight into his private affairs. At his side waltzed in a tall seventeen or eighteen year old witch with beautiful auburn hair and eyes even bluer than Scors. The hall stood in shock as the pair approached the main thrones where The Valois and I sat. All bowed in greeting, last of whom was Augustin. The french patriarch bore his arms open in friendship like the great biblical figure he thought himself to be.

"I'm sorry for the surprise guest. My departed brother had always wanted any of our heirs to be kept secret until they came of age. For political reasons you can understand why I kept Ariana to myself."

I had never seen Augustin so visibly flustered in his life. Not that I had many occasions to observe the powerful man. Still he grabbed the witches extended hand, lowering himself to kiss it gently.

"My dear, you will forgive our curiosity. Your father and uncle were and remain remarkable men. It is indeed a pleasant surprise to find the Avalon household will endure through you. You are both very welcome here." There was a tear in Augustin's eye. He had never seemed an emotional man and yet I knew he held a deep reverence for the ancient bloodlines and the magic they possessed. Ariana came over to me then to kiss my cheek.

"My father has told me a great deal about you. It would appear that as his students we both have much to discuss." she looked at me very seriously at that before moving with her father to take their seats in the Avalon Thrones. I thought of Scorpius and his connection to their bloodline. He should really occupy that seat...

As soon as they had, the great fires shifted a brilliant forest green.

"We welcome the Prince of Nature Hermeus of house Hecate and his brother Prince Arcanis Hecate the lesser, our Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Warlocks."

For him I would rise any day. I shot up and began clapping immediately with the rest of the hall. It was not for Hermeus that I exploded for but rather his brother Arcanis. The two were remarkably different in their ideologies which had caused a rift between them. The younger twin had made enormous pro muggle reforms while the older was a violent Purist. On this occasion however, political leanings were ignored for the sake of the brothers accomplishments. Inventors and Warlocks both, the twins had made numerous advancements in the field of medicine and potions as well as serving as leaders against the African Witchdoctors rebellion of 2010. My dad, aunt and mum had served closely under Arcanis while undergoing their warlock qualifications. Mum had even stayed on with him at the ICW when she retired from quidditch. Now it was my turn to serve him.

"You have no idea how extraordinary an honor it is to meet you both. I have heard so much about you." I offered a little less formally than I should have. Arcanis left the task of greeting the Valois to his older brother, choosing to address me instead. I noticed to my surprise that Luna, Lorcan and Lysander had followed closely behind the two princes. I had no idea he had planned to induct them into this life.

"I have heard a great deal about you as well young Albus, from many an accomplished wizard. Each description of praise is rivaled only by the next. It is rumored that you will even be skilled enough to qualify for warlock status by the time you are fifteen years old. I will be sure to watch your career with great interest." he leaned closer then to whisper more softly to me. "Indeed as my revered friends daughter the duchess has said, we have many things and more to discuss... Given last weeks... anomaly." He paused to examine me.

"So Scorpius told you I wasn't able to stop him reading it?"

"Not here... just... remember what I told you about tonight. Make a splash Albus." he departed then for his throne, leaving me more than a little curious what Arianna and Arcanis really wanted with me.

Next the flames shifted a yellow gold to announce the font of order.

"It is with insurmountable joy and pride that we welcome the Prince of Order, Markus of house Maxus and his fathers siblings the sitting archons of the Italian Magistratum. Dukes Marius, Luca, and the duchess Lucretzia"

At the head of the Maxus procession stood two remarkable Griffin knights in full plate armor, mounted on their noble beasts. Next to Markus strode a younger male griffin with the regal feathering of the Maxus family's unique ancestral pets. I smiled warmly at Markus, watching as he mouthed something discretely to me as he approached. 'Wish me luck'

The flames then shifted a deep orange amber, the infinite depth of fate.

"Introducing the Princess of Fate, Sakura Muramasa of Japan and her heirs the Earl Izanagi and the Countess Izanami." In walked Sakura Muramasa the legendary mother of the divine twins. It was said that her sixteen year old children who were spectacularly gifted and remarkably attractive had been betrothed to each other by their grandfather as a measure to keep their bloodline pure. Sakura herself was a brilliant witch who ruled the wizard and muggle political scenes unyieldingly in her home country, acting on the behalf of her ailing father. She was wearing an elegant but simple black suit that meant she must have just come from managing a crisis. Her children appeared behind her in beautifully elaborate kimonos, the quality of which I had never seen rivaled anywhere. It was a stark contrast. The twins were garbed like royalty, while their mother was dressed for a muggle cabinet meeting. Behind her two children trailed six alabaster white foxes with red markings to accent their eyes. Around their necks were ceremonial braided rope with gilded bells affixed at the collar. Their ghostly nine tails would dance and coil together, at times making it appear as though they had but one. I noticed as the boy and girl approached that they had the same exact red marking around their eyes and on the crest of their foreheads.

"Ever the diligent ruler Sakura. It is good to see you."

"You will forgive my attire I hope? I was detained by a national crisis. My idiot pawns within the Diet could not resolve our energy crisis in Fukushima."

"Why you persist on involving yourself in the running of muggle affairs is beyond me, but I understand the trials of rule very well. All is forgiven. When you have children as flawless as yours to continue your lineage, who could dream of holding a grudge?"

The Princess bowed to her host before shifting her scrutinizing gaze upon me. Instead of seating herself in the Muramasa thrones as her children had, she interrupted the formal protocol to stride over towards the Maxus family. She stared longingly at Luca for a fraction of a second before addressing their daughter. Lucia stood to kiss her mother on the cheek. They looked more alike than Sakura's legitimate children. As i stared at Izanami and Izanagi I wondered how they'd acquired their shimmering silver hair.

"Mizuki."

"Haha-ue" (Mother)

It was a tender gesture that had not gone unnoticed by a single soul in the entire hall.

The braziers shifted to ghostly black lavender flame and I knew it was time.

As the announcer made to speak again, Augustin raised his hand to stop him. Mercury pounced from my lap so that I might rise. I moved from my seat next to Cyr to address the room, raising my voice as loud as it would go. Everybody watched me in my rippling Dracorian Mail and inverted cloak of invisibility, watched and whispered at the divine creature by my side.

"Introducing my Lord Father, the Master of Death, Harry Potter, Prince of house Peverell and his noble Princess, Ginevra Weasley-Prewett." I projected bowing for the court, watching as my parents walked down the hall. I noticed by the entrance stood two forlorn thestrals that had gone unseen by the majority of the crowd. My father had no idea about his role. Bringing thestrals without Phoenixes was very bad luck. Both animals were symbols of the fifth font. What was death without rebirth? Finally my parents were greeted by Augustin and took up their seats in the Peverell throne. I stroked fawkes tenderly before sending her to perch herself on fathers throne. A move to correct my fathers error.

The Malfoys were next... i didn't like that I had to announce him as well...

"Introducing the Supreme Founder of Britain and Noble Prince, Draco Malfoy, an ancient heir to the houses of Valois, Avalon, Maxus and Ljos, as well as his royal issue, Duke Scorpius Malfoy, master of the radiant Cheshire Hyperion and a marked vessel of the Goddess." I watched as the two blonds entered the room. Mercury ran immediately to greet Hyperion and I felt a pang in my chest as the two creatures nuzzled affectionately at each other. It wasn't long before they went off to play with the kitsune of Inari, teasing the regal foxes with tender paw strokes.

Mr. Malfoy i noted wore gilded robes dyed purple with a brilliant cloak of ruby red phoenix feathers. Scorpius wore a sapphire blue silk doublet, a victorian cravat, black achromantulae fiber dueling trousers and an enchanted jewel encrusted rapier at his belt. Scorpius had had his hair cut recently, a surprisingly modern and muggle style too. I almost laughed thinking how he'd managed to get his father to agree. As he approached I noticed that he was a little taller than when i'd seen him last.

I bowed reluctantly to the arrivals, acutely aware that Scorpius was staring at me. He looked… too handsome to be real.

"We are honored to be received by our noble cousins from the honorable house Valois. Augustin, it has been far too long."

"Draco, my cousin. It is an honor to receive you, and your issue as well. With Scorpius, Albus and Cyrile here at last, we now have the three jewels of the west. Be welcome to my hall, at my hearth, and in my home. May you be afforded every courtesy and honor befitting your birth." Acelin didn't like that his brother was his father's favorite. Cyrile was so beautiful though that it was difficult for him not to be the center of attention. I realized with embarrassment that I too was being gawked at by many and more of the guests. Every girl and even some of the boys were staring at me. I felt my fingers shyly adjust some of my hair over my ear. I noticed two seventeen year old swedish boys point and whisper at me with a smirk. My eyes shot downwards in embarassment as heat rose in my cheeks. When I chanced a look back a minute later, one of the two was still staring at me with a wickedly debonair intensity.

Now that the five remaining heads of the seven royal families were present we could begin greeting the rest of the...

At that the flames in the enormous braziers shifted a sickly ruby red, spewing angry sparks like torture curses. A masked figure no taller than James, trailed hooded and cloaked towards the ceremonial sixth throne of hatred. Behind him slithered a juvenile basilisk, its eyes shielded by a silk blindfold like harness that had been buckled firmly to its head. We didn't know if Sylvia Slytherin would be in attendance but whoever this was, was certainly not her. Furious gossip erupted as speculation ran wild at the sight of the figure greeting his host in deliberately hushed voices. The young or merely short figure took his place in the chair and just as Augustin was about to continue a second shock rang through the hall.

The great brazier sputtered out... a strange hissing sound emanating from it. All of a sudden Mercury's eyes shifted pink and its hair begin to bristle. I watched as Mercury's body stretched out like a serpent, growing longer. The creatures fur began to turn a light cherry blossom pink as five sets of small wings began to grow from her back. Horns sprouted from her head and curved back ram like as her form continued to shift. Suddenly the brazier erupted like a volcano of the same pink flame. The column of fire gave off a radiant warmth and a sweet aroma that choked the room.

"IMPOSSIBLE!" Shot Augustin, as he began to cackle. "THE FONT OF LOVE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BROKEN! THE RHOYNAR HAVE GONE EXTINCT! HOW CAN THIS BE?"

The Hall trembled at the sight of the beautiful chesshire's transformation. What could this mean? Nobody came forward to claim the throne. When mercury finally ceased to grow she hopped nimbly into the air, flying in circles around the room as though searching for something. Nobody came forward and Mercury looked finally at me, curiosity woven about her face. All eyes in the hall flew towards me. I didn't move from my seat next to the Valois for fear and surprise, merely praying the manifestation would soon cease. The fire finally did die down but the whispers did not follow suit. An heir to the font of Love was alive and in this room... and mercury had reacted to its presence. What could this mean?

After the great Lords of the seven and their immediate families had been announced, in came the rabble. An ocean of knights, lesser lords, and minor dignitaries were received in turn in a torrential procession of perfume and powder. Some were short and fat with feathered caps and painted masks. Others tall and lean with brocaded doublets and jeweled canes. There were elegant ladies in lacework blouses, slender dames in rippling dresses, dignified dowagers in traditional petticoats, young witches in modern frocks. There was clothing made out of silk and samite. Clothing made out of rare stones or feathers. There were ebony witchdoctors in nundu pelts and scandinavian vala draped in pegasus manes. Everywhere there were dragonhide boots and gryphon feathered headdresses; chimera skin gloves and sheered werewolf fur capes. It was a display of opulence and status that rarely ever went on parade in the modern world. This was a rare opportunity for the wealthy to show off.

I noted famous witches and wizards in attendance too, born of low birth but made welcome by their beauty or wealth or intellect. The Croy sisters had come with dashing young wizards at their sides. I spied Leandro Rosetti the American Italian quidditch player who had risen to fame when he scored the winning goal at last year's World Cup. There were the writers Myrella Thomson and Gustav Jaeger, who could between them, boast authorship over thirty best sellers including Ancient Archons and Rise of the Phoenix. There was Emily Flammel too, the renowned inventor and rumored descendant of Nicholas and the Hecate family.

To my extraordinary surprise I saw the young blond warlock Alexander Sorenson accompanied by none other than Hogwarts' own former Slytherin, Vexler Avery. The handsome Alex and Vex were wearing discreetly traditional dueling clothes that downplayed the oddity that was their public appearance together. The Avery heir became lightly flushed when his partner introduced him to Cyrille's father. He looked happy… if a little overwhelmed. I stared over at Scorpius for a moment... wondering what it might have been like to appear in public with him on my arm. Enough of your fantasies Al! Stop day dreaming and pay attention! Fiction is for children!

After that Goblin ambassadors, Veela singers, and even Vivian the Fae had appeared to the shock of what was a historically bigoted class. Gasps and whispers erupted as the beautiful creature made her way to stand before Augustin and the other Valois in her revealing gown. She was unnaturally beautiful like Vicki, although Viv was even more exotic.

"Vivian le Fae, an honor and a splendor. I assume I have your lord Malfoy to thank for this enchanting surprise? I should be reminded to thank him profusely for it." Augustin cooed, gently kissing Vivians extended hand. There was much and more depth to the words and manner of his speech. It left a great deal of room for interpretation… or perhaps in this case none at all.

Count Raven Greengrass, Maximilian Macmillan, Aurora Parkinson, and many more came after.

When the parade of guests had finally finished, Augustin raised his hands in greeting and made to address the room. It had taken an hour at least to get us to this point. My muscles were aching madly, stiff with disuse.

"My noble princes and dukes, marquesses and earls, lords and ladies, knights and dames, welcome all. It is with great pleasure that I now announce the commencement of the three thousand and twelfth Carnival of the Moon. Let the festivities... begin."

SPOV

There was first on the agenda a series of dances to be held before the opening duel and dinner. The problem was that many and more chose instead to roam the ballroom with champagne to meet with old friends or acquaintances. I could always spot the schemers because they were too busy plotting to ever ask anyone to dance. I watched aurora in her beautiful dress walk straight up to Albus and curtsy, before dragging him off to the floor for a waltz. I chuckled to see the two together. Louis was huffing that she had not asked him first. Even more interesting a sight was Lily who looked as though she had shot up a foot and a half at least in height. She appeared much more mature than when last i had seen her. The young lady stalked the room in quiet contemplation as though calculating every detail present. Despite being younger than Al and I she looked older already than Aurora. Especially in the elegant dress that hugged her slender frame. To my surprise Markus Maxus had interrupted whatever dark thoughts she was analyzing and asked her for a dance. She blushed which seemed out of character but relented after the young man said something to make her giggle. That will be interesting if it works out... i mused to myself.

"Who is that?" Izanami shot nosily appearing behind me as quietly as a mouse. "This is the first time i've seen him up close. His circlet has hidden within it four strawberry leaves and four pearls, that's the sign for a marquess. Is he really an heir to one of the seven. He is beyond adorable... Then there's that business with his Cheshire."

"That's Al…" I started before realizing my mistake. "Erm… Marquess Albus Severus Potter of house Peverell."

"I caught that you little imp. Allllllllll? Do tell?" She pried curiously, drawing the single syllable nickname for the creep out to a debilitating length. She could always turn her voice into honey if she wanted to, but this was simply annoying.

"There's nothing to tell. He's just somebody that I used to know."

She giggled to herself at that.

"Just somebody that you used to know? My how that sounds infinitely more ominous than you realize Scorpius dear." She was already beginning to irritate me. "Al huh? Sounds to me like you two were very familiar with each other. Perhaps almost intimately so."

"Well, if you must know we were, but I dissolved our friendship for a stupid reason."

"Is Duke Scorpius Malfoy admitting to weakness? To fault? My how this is interesting. You've changed, young one."

"I was a child when last we met, Princess. I am still a child now, but a little wiser I hope. I was completely at fault for what happened between us." It wasn't like me to admit to my own shortcomings. Especially to someone as dangerous as a Muramasa. Then again the twins had been present at my anointing. The Muramasa, Hecate and Maxus families had all been present. They were supposedly allies of ours yet one could never be sure.

"Perhaps he was the one that changed you?"

"…" I chose not to answer her. I knew he was responsible for shaping who I had become, but she didn't need to know that.

"Tell me. If he's a Peverell, then why is he only a Marquess? His father is a Prince is he not? I saw a younger sister enter but no older brother?"

"Al does have an older brother… but he's so remarkably unremarkable that nobody ever takes an interest in him. I suppose technically James is the duke… but that notion seems so foreign in my mind that I don't like to think about it. He's more dimwitted than a troll and was taught very little of the necessary formalities that go with his nobility. Albus is a prodigy and a genius, it was only natural for him to take the spotlight. The Peverell seal recognizes Albus as Harry Potter's heir but they continue to call him Marquess out of respect for James… well… not being dead yet."

"Well well, you seem to really dislike this James."

"Only because he seems so intent on disliking me. Their sister Lily is nice enough, as is Harry's wife and the majority of their extended family."

"Omoshiroi... Totemo omoshiroi."

"Sore wa naze desu ka? What's so interesting about it? Have I said something amusing?"

"That is… you've either paid an enormous sum to a very diligent information broker or you're speaking from first hand experiences. Since you said you used to be friends I'd guess it was the latter. I just find how much you know about them all… interesting. I think i'm going to go introduce myself. Have fun sulking over here by yourself." Before I even had a chance to stop her Ami had already vanished into the ocean of guests. I knew she was headed towards Albus so I darted through the crowd to cut her off. I got to the clueless boy just in time to stop Izanami from meddling.

Without pausing to consider his reaction I grabbed Albus's hand and began to lead in a traditional waltz onto the ballroom floor. I caught his expression just as his eyes rolled in annoyance. If anyone thought it strange that two teenage boys were dancing together they were either too drunk to comment or too involved in their schemes to care. Al's slender circlet which rested delicately on his brow was a beautifully crafted network of silver stems and emerald leaves with a large circular emerald at its center to match his eyes. It suited him.

"Trying to get me when I can't escape? You know I don't have a problem with making a scene. You overestimate how little I care about the bounds of good taste if you think I wouldn't." Albus was clearly agitated by my presence, but at least he hadn't pulled away from me when we had started to dance. It was oddly comforting to be able to touch him again. I shook that strange thought from my head.

"No, I just thought to save you from a very dangerous player. One who would have certainly eaten you alive."

"I don't need you to save me."

"Of course you do, twit." I shot back quietly as we moved across the polished marble.

At that I leaned in to bite the tip of his gloved finger, using my teeth to gently remove the entire thing. Beneath the soft leather his hand was completely covered in ugly blue crystalline scales. It made me sad to think I was partly responsible for his pain. I cast a silent spell to send the glove into his pocket before pulling his hand directly to my mouth. The moment my lips made contact the scales began to recede. I even felt a little better myself. He had to turn away at the motion, choosing not to look at me. When I pulled back, I let our fingers intertwine delicately. Our digits danced softly, caressing one another out of a mutual need. It truly surprised me that he had allowed it.

"Well if I needed saving it would no longer be from you. Consider this dance part of our contractual obligation to keep each other from dying of bluescale. Rather to keep ourselves from dying."

"So then, I take it you really were looking forward to bashing my head in with a rock later tonight?" I asked with an amused smile. He smiled too despite himself.

"I'm entirely certain i don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh don't pretend they haven't picked us to open the carnival with that traditional duel. You think they have aging potions lined up for us merely so we could drink ourselves silly? You wanted to be at your best for this and you knew you couldn't be without healing yourself, a process which naturally would involve me. That's why you're letting me do this." I finished, squeezing his hand gently. "I wager you'd have exploded already if not."

"I see you haven't lost your wits. Ever as sharp as a knife."

"Not quite as sharp as you though."

"Never. The day you actually beat me at anything is the day I'd accept a marriage proposal from… Apolline Valois, Sylvia Slytherin or well… you."

"Haha! That would take some time wouldn't it."

"An eternity and then some."

"You have that little faith in my abilities?" I asked spinning him gently. He looks too angelic sometimes for a boy...

"Malfoy, I have absolutely no faith in you, or your abilities."

I sighed at that, saddened by the sentiment. I thought about the months spent away from him. All that we had missed out on. It hit me then that what he said wasn't entirely true.

"Yet you trust me enough to handle our investments."

"Because I know thats about all you're good for."

"Ouch. That was harsh."

"Oh did I hurt your feelings? Well i'm sorry... I was under the impression that feelings were reserved for the human. I'll certainly have to remember what I said to wound you so that I might repeat it again later."

"Thanks, how pleasant you are these days... and stop trying to lead."

"I do my best. You taught me very well, Malfoy."

There was an awkwardness to his vitriol that seemed forced somehow. Did he really mean to be so cruel? If not then why was he pretending? He had shifted his footwork delicately to allow me to lead. Our dance became even more graceful if that were possible.

"Well… since this is going to take awhile… might as well catch up... how was your summer?" I asked, continuing our waltz. I pulled him a little closer in the hopes that we might heal faster. He seemed to blush at our proximity. Could he really be that angry with me?

"Horrendous, as you might imagine. I've been living with these demons for the last week. If that weren't bad enough, I keep getting assailed by this unsavory villainous ass. He won't leave me alone no matter where I go. I've been to three separate countries and he's popped up at every turn."

"Oh that does sound unpleasant though doesn't it. At least he's a brilliant, devilishly handsome, villainous ass. From what I hear anyway."

He squinted at me, choosing to ignore my self flattery.

"My only mercy has come in the form of a new friend. A Svaltalfar halfling that the ministry took under its protection. He's not nearly as smart as you but his wealth of magical knowledge is impressive. The plus side is that he's infinitely nicer than you ever were."

"So that's who he was. I wondered why he was sitting by your parents in the Peverell seats. Interesting that he showed up not a week after our little ordeal in the forest. Don't you think?"

"Very interesting indeed. Too bad I don't like you enough to discuss with you what plots their kind are hatching."

"Ouch again."

I paused momentarily, sad at his words. "You know… you don't have to be so mean… you might as well act with some minute trace of civility." There was an awkward silence then that seemed to fill every corner of my perception. A void where the only relevant thing was him. Again Al ignored me.

"You finished healing yet Malfoy?"

"Not quite. You?"

"Almost…"

At least we were moving. It might have been more awkward had we just sat down and held hands.

"I'm actually amazed Al. You look really beautiful tonight, your circlet suits you." I offered suddenly without thinking. My eyes went wide at the realization of what id said. I would have hit myself for the comment if my arms hadn't been occupied. "For a boy that is..." i added stupidly.

Scorpius Malfoy NEVER complements people to their faces. It had been a major slip on my part. I was only ever critical unless my flattery had been artifice. But Al knew i'd meant what i'd said.

The boy in front of me blushed furiously, examining my face in complete shock. He raised his hand to my forehead then, as if to check for fever. "A compliment? From you? Are you feeling alright Scor or have you slipped into the first stages of..."

Almost as soon as his hand made contact he realized what he'd done and yanked the limb back, cursing at his own stupidity this time. We both had misstepped. Scor... again my nickname...

"Did you really just forget we were fighting?"" I asked incredulously, staring at him. My forehead tingled where his hand had brushed against it. He'd momentarily overlooked our dispute. "You called me Scor..."

"Don't be ridiculous!" he snorted derisively, looking away from me in anger. He is such an amazing creature sometimes. I barely think of him as human with the way he acts. I pulled my hand up this time resting it on his brow.

"Are you sure YOU'RE feeling alright?" I asked humorously. He shook his head free of my hand.

"I'm fine, now leave it!"

Oh Al... This wasn't supposed to be so difficult...

"So… What about me? Not going to ask me how my summer was?"

"No. I wasn't particularly interested in how a creep like you spends his free time. Or whether he enjoyed it."

I sighed loudly at that. I was about to tell him how much I missed him when to my surprise he continued. "I did hear from Aurora that you've been entertaining a myriad of young attractive girls."

That he chose that to tell me amused me more than he could possibly ever know.

"Oh an endless amount really. Lets see, there was Eloïse, Amelia, Eleonore, Caterina, and… Sophia I think. I was bored, and they all seemed to like me."

"Merlin knows why."

"I think it had to do with my gorgeous face and incomparable wit."

"Well it certainly wasn't for your charming personality seeing as that is a quality you happen to lack completely."

I chose to ignore that, twirling him gracefully again instead.

"The problem with pretty girls is that they get a little put off by a hideous skin disease."

At that he raised a suspicious eyebrow at me.

"I was under the impression that you couldn't see your bluescale while fully clothed. Mine hadn't progressed that far. Aside from my left hand that is."

"Oh you can't, but its summer, there were ample opportunities. Short sleeves, swimming, baths." I added the last item on the list with an extra flair for dramatic emphasis.

"Ah that must have been what did it. The sight of you in a bath is rather underwhelming from what I remember. That is certainly what frightened them off. They would have doubtless lost their initial enthusiasm after seeing that."

"Ha!"

I scoffed at the cheek on him.

"Now you're just making things up. We both know that that's hardly the case." I whispered. He rolled his eyes trying to keep a smile in check. It was miraculous that I'd gotten him to smile, especially while he was trying to act so cold.

Of course the smile vanished a second later as his face turned back into stone. He shivered slightly then as though he were remembering something unpleasant. I squeezed his hand softly out of concern.

"Please don't stop. I missed that smile. No amount of random snogging with pretty girls can make up for the sight of your best friend smiling and happy. Not when there's been so much horror and death. So please don't stop… whatever you're remembering can't be so bad that it could tear the happiness right from your face."

He stared at me as though I were a malign perversion. He stared as though i should have known better than to say what I had.

"You have no idea what you are talking about." He snapped angrily. His expression seemed so stern and unyielding.

"I'm so so sorry Al." I whispered, tightening my grip in case he tried to break away from me.

"Don't you dare try and apologize here! or I'll... i'll cause a scene… How about your marks? Did they like those?" he asked trying quickly to change the subject.

"Nobody but you or my family has ever been able to see my marks with the naked eye."

"More fascinating nonsense to do with our soul bond."

"So you still haven't told anyone about it?"

"No I haven't… although why I've chosen to honor our agreement to keep it secret is beyond me. I owe you nothing."

Silence engulfed my senses again at that. I knew there had been music playing and the sound of people talking but all I could hear was the deafening roar of silence. My chest hurt so much. I felt so wretched for hurting him. Even worse for not being able to apologize. It was a horrible situation on both sides. I wanted so badly for him not to hate me. I could feel a strange collection of emotions from someplace foreign within me. I tried for the first time in our friendship to send a whisper of my emotions through the link to Al. Until now we were only occasionally and involuntarily affected by the stupid thing. Maybe if I could get him to feel how sorry I was...

The music slowed and we came to a stop then. Thinking my efforts had failed I finally released him, feeling a weight fall back onto me as I did.

"Well then, now that the terms of our contract are fulfilled, I'll let you get back to hating me."

There was a pang in my chest then. Just as I turned to leave I felt a hand reach out to stop me.

"Don't be stupid! I don't hate you, you blithering idiot. I have never hated you… could NEVER hate you. I am just too angry to forgive you... yet. Understand?"

I was so surprised that he had clarified the point that I could hardly speak.

"Yet? Its a start." I offered smiling ecstatically. He scowled for the umpteenth time, clearly still annoyed.

"Don't expect anything to change. I am still looking forward to bashing your head in with that proverbial rock. I think you know my dueling prowess well enough by now to know how unlikely it would be for me to ever actually have to resort to using a rock. Idiot."

This time it was my turn to grab him as he tried to walk away.

"And how am I supposed to fight you fairly without a wand?" I asked softly. His eyes went wide at the reminder of what I'd done. I tilted my head to the side as I watched him. The sigh that followed caused me to grin involuntarily. He was getting red and flustered.

"You know… I th-think I... I... Just might... love you a little bit for that..." he started with a stutter. "Don't make the mistake of thinking I've forgiven you... but I know what you were trying to say when you did it… even if it was a little over dramatic."

"Snapping my wand for you, you mean..."

"Yes... that... Anyway, I thought you would have replaced it by now."

"What on earth do think I might have replaced it with? Some random fucking twig?" I barked quietly. "The loss of your first wand is devastating. It is not so easily substituted. It can take decades to find a suitable match."

"Well... I'm not sure if she'll obey you the same... but… I suppose you can have mine."

He pulled me off to the side to hand me the wand without a second thought. His own wand. I couldn't believe his first instinct was to lend me his original. He still had Excalibur of course, but it wasn't the same.

"Al?"

"Yessssss?"

"This... Is... YOUR wand..." my eyes were still as wide as saucers.

"So it is." He replied simply.

"Your parents... Only let you have it while out of the country... They'll notice if you're missing it."

"I'll tell them I gave it to you. As payment for a debt owed."

My eyes opened even wider at that. I couldn't stand this. I didn't want to fight anymore. I wanted us to be friends again. I want him by my side again. Every minute of the day. He's mine.

"Al?"

"What now?" he asked exasperatedly, turning back with a scowl. His shock at the sight of me was so visible that I thought he might die of it. I had to contain myself as a single drop of water escaped my left eye. I didn't know where these emotions were coming from. I don't cry... Ever... And yet... This bumbling idiot...

"If I... win. If I manage to beat you. Will you let me apologize? You don't have to forgive me. I just want the opportunity to talk to you about what happened."

He continued to stare at me with fearful shock. His mouth had actually opened slightly. I thought for a moment he was preparing to say something but he caught himself and rearranged his features.

"You won't win."

"Then you shouldn't have a problem agreeing."

"No, but I don't see why I would have a reason to either."

"Damn it AlBuS! You may not forgive me… but you said yourself you still care. I snapped my wand to prove to you the same. It would mean the world to me if you agreed. I have this weight pressing down on me. I can't eat or sleep or think straight. For months now. I hate that I hurt my best friend. I hate thinking that I caused you any pain. You're not a freak Al. Damn it you're my best friend in the entire wo—"

"—FINE! If you win I'll give you the chance to apologize, but don't you dare try to sneak it in now. And don't ever use my secret name in public again... i mean it..."

I was so elated that I leaned in to kiss him tenderly on his cheek. It lasted a moment longer than even I had intended, but I was glad I had done it. I was glad that he had let me. Maybe Al was ready to forgive me after all. If I had realized how stupid it was of me to kiss him in public… especially at the carnival of the moon, I never would have done it. His hand came up delicately to his face where my lips had brushed his skin. He paused to examine me for the umpteenth time.

"Thank you Al. Thank you... brother." I offered, before walking away.

"Nanja korya. Onee-sama, ano hito wa dare desu ka? (What on earth? Sister, who the hell was that?")

"That is what I would like to know."

"Ie (no) ... I mean… but... how... Scorpius kissed him… in public… how stupid could he be? Has anyone else noticed?"

"Let us hope not. They're going to get themselves killed."

GPOV

I watched the two boys on the dance floor as they argued and caught up. I watched as Albus handed the blond his wand, and as Scorpius leaned in to kiss...

I looked away, feeling as though I'd intruded on an acutely private moment. My eyes instead fell on a different Malfoy walking quickly towards me.

"Gin, wonderful to see you here." He offered, grabbing my arm and pulling me off to the side. "I take it you saw that little display of madness? Who knows how many others did as well."

"Yes, well, that was remarkably stupid of both of them. Here's hoping that most of the guests were too focused on their own plots to notice. At least they seem to be on the right track."

"With those two nothing is ever certain."

"Isn't this exciting though?" Draco shot with an enormous smile, clapping his hands together deviously. "Plotting and scheming like two little school children."

I couldn't contain my laughter. I had never thought of Draco as a silly person, he'd always seemed so serious. With me and Albus though, he acted... "is that an impersonation of she who shall not be named? Our glorious headmistress."

"Oh you guessed. How remarkable my acting skills must be. I think a toast is in order my dear. To family." he offered, extending his glass.

"To our... growing family."

"Indeed."

"What's this then?" Harry inquired coming up behind me. "What are we toasting?"

"To infinite youth of course, a secret your wife must be guarding very jealously."

Harry smiled at that.

"My wife, Draco. I'm told you two have become quite good friends lately. Should I be worried? Not up to anything nefarious are we?"

"Yes actually, we have plans to resurrect Herpo the Foul and implode the universe with exploding ferrets. Didn't your spies at the ministry give you that memo?"

I giggled at that, which Harry noticed. He leaned in close then to whisper in my ear.

"I know I've been busy with all the political upheaval and i'm sorry, but I'm glad you've found a friend. I told you he's not nearly as serious as people think. Well at least not all the time. But if you're thinking of having an affair... i'll have to kill him."

I smiled at the joke. If only Harry knew what we were really planning... Even you my husband... Will be my enemy... If you do anything to hurt our son.


"Ladies and Gentlemen! Before we feast! Tradition demands a duel to officially open the Carnival of the Moon and what better contestants to open for us than the children of the Seven."

The entire procession of guests filed out into the enchanted gardens where an enormous rectangular battleground had been set up for the duel. Ponds and water features were strewn about the rocky terrain. The majority of the rectangle was sand and soil but a few trees and been moved to provide some cover for dynamism. It took five minutes for the aging potions to work which ended up being less than the twenty it took for all the attendants and partiers to make their way through the halls. I watched in amusement as the swedish blond who had been gossiping about me with his friend exited into the garden and saw my new body. His mouth actually fell open when he registered my face.

To his credit he recovered quickly and strode in a straight line for me.

"I'm Erik. Erik Wiklund." He offered extending his hand in greeting.

"I'm Albus Peverell. Charmed Erik." I returned flirtatiously.

"Forgive me... I know who you are Marquess. I did not however know I'd have the delight to see you so..." He trailed off without breaking eye contact with me.

"Yes well... I'm meant to duel tonight... so you can imagine why they thought it necessary to age me up. How old are you Eric by chance?"

"You'll be dueling tonight? I thought that was supposed to be a surprise. I'm nineteen by the way."

I stepped suggestively a half pace closer to him. "I can trust you with the secret right? The duel is only twenty minutes away. You won't... betray my trust now will you?" Even in my older body he was still taller than me. I looked up at him to continue my teasing. It was dangerously seductive to me... how dangerously seductive I was to others in this form. The last time i had taken an aging potion... even Scor had...

"I won't tell anyone you're to be one of the kensei. I promise. Tell me Albus, have you been to Sweden before? I have a small barony in Uppsala that I'd love to show you. The summers there are quite spectacular."

"You do?" I asked, feigning surprise. "I have nothing since my parents are still masters of our house." He paused, realizing what I was trying to say. I had said it as politely as possible, which he appreciated.

"Well... its my fathers barony..." He corrected taking my point. He was rich... we get it... we're all rich. Still not yet his barony. "All the same i'd like to show it to you."

"I'd love to Erik. Maybe I can show you my gardens on Isle Avalon sometime?"

"Albus, there you are." Raven shot, walking over to me to grab me by the arm. "Hello Erik, mind if I borrow my friend? Its urgent."

Without waiting for a reply from the Swede my loyal general had whisked me away. "No fair Alex, I was having fun teasing him. Did you interrupt because you were jealous or because you actually have something urgent to relay?"

Raven, who was usually taller than me had to tilt his head upwards slightly this time. "As delicious as we both know you look like this... you really should stop flirting with everyone. You're drawing enough attention to yourself as is."

"Well then as my tactician you're not going to like that i've agreed to what Arcanis has asked me to do."

"Draw as much attention to yourself as possible. So you've decided to follow his advice and show off tonight?" Alex noted, sighing to himself.

"What do Lily and Louis say?" I asked. In the last few weeks Alex had decided to form the backbone of a secret society with the younger members of my family at its center. So far we weren't very many but Alex had plans to recruit Rose, the Lysanders and a few other extremely loyal friends who might support me. I had saved Luna's life and I knew they would forever be grateful for it.

"I've outlined to them Arcanis's thinking and it was a divided opinion. We all think its dangerous but if you're certain Arcanis can be trusted then his experience should not be ignored. He's been at this game for far longer than us. Its just that we hadn't anticipated all the surprises. An Avalon heir, a new Slytherin contender, and now a possible survivor of the Rhoyne?"

"So why did you interrupt my flirting with everyone if you weren't going to stop me from showing off?"

"I didn't interrupt your flirting with the girls... Only the handsome men." He noted jealously, admitting openly his weakness where i was concerned.

"Not good to let everyone here know I like boys too? Or is it just you wanting to keep me to yourself?" I asked coyly.

"You're an heir to one of the seven principalities. You've carried yourself with grace and elegance tonight but you should guard your emotions more carefully. Even if you're just playing with these people or flexing your skills at charming others... its obvious to the few players sharp enough to know thats what you're doing. Just be careful. You're not some random super model or escort trying to get someone's attention. You're Albus fucking Peverell. Don't forget it."

"Hmm... I know who I am. Especially at this age. I never feel clearer than when aged up. I can handle myself Raven, although the concern and advice is always appreciated."

"Yes except in a couple hours you'll be fifteen again with all the doubts and insecurities that come with that version of you. You won't be able to sustain the games you're playing at like this." He mumbled grouchily. He was turning to leave when I stopped him.

"You're completely right Raven. I'm sorry. I'll be more careful." I hugged him then and watched him blush upon my withdrawal.

"That's why we all adore you. Its not what you look like... Its how you treat the people you care about. Knock em dead tonight Ally." He whispered before departing.