After Nott's assault, Demian was not leaving Elvein's side. Sometimes visible, sometimes not. At first, it brought peace to Elvein, as she was still jumpy and stressed for several days. Every time she would become agitated, Demian's invisible arm would hug her, kiss her forehead, and once again, the world would become tranquil. Then he would take her someplace private, caressing her passionately, as if trying to erase Theodor's touch. He was succeeding.

But the days passed, and Elvein started to think that Nott's attack made her discover her own unknown powers. Those thoughts frightened her, but the fact was, Theodor was still treated in the hospital wing, while Elvein had overcome stress surprisingly easily.

"Demian, that's enough! It can't go on like this! You have your business to attend to, while I need at least some sort of freedom."

"You are my priority Elvein."

"Demian, stop! I need to breathe! Please!"

Pleading brought a warrant, and soon, Demian started leaving her. At first, he still kept his eye on her, accompanying her from a distance. Then, he started leaving the castle for only nights, then during several hours of days as well. After weeks of assurance, he left for Bulgaria.

Elvein could breathe freely. Ekrizdis was not as joyful as earlier but still besotted female hearts with his love and attention.

Peace was once again looming against their heads, till the letter from a parent had not arrived:

My daughter Elvein,

There is no greater joy than hearing of my only child's happiness. Your cheerful letters bring a smile to my face, assuring me that you are truly happy.

I was delighted to receive professor McGonnagal's letter with your grades. I am sure that you will continue with such efforts and every door will be opened for you. I hope you are already considering your future profession.

No matter how it bedevils me, I have to confess my exasperations. Several owls brought very thought-provoking letters from Hogsmeade. I have been warned about Demian Ekrizdis, who is showing his persistent affection towards you, and if I believe letters, you respond with the same emotions.

My daughter, Demian Ekrizdis, is a very dangerous man. Not because his grandparent was psychically unstable. No. Parents' sins should never haunt their children! His character is a thing that makes me worry.

A person who has nothing to lose will always go further. He is a mighty wizard, possessive, and loner. Taking into consideration all your characteristics, you make a very risky couple. Child, wolf, and lamb being together are unthinkable! No matter how strong the feeling might be, how high are the risks of you two burning to ashes?!

If you would not exterminate emotion at the beginning, when you will go in depths, I would not be able to protect you! Therefore, I am obliged to ask you, call on your mind! Think till you unleash your heart.

With love and hope, I am not too late,

Father

Elvein left breakfast and has not attended a single class that day. She only scrapped several phrases in the notebook:

"Demian, I have a favor to ask you. Please promise you will agree."

"Elvein, is everything all right?"

"Yes, Demian. Nobody's harming me."

"Elvein?"

"Please, Demian. I would not have asked if it was of less importance."

After a pause, Demian's handwriting appeared.

"Fine! What is it?"

"Three days."

"What?"

"Three days. Please gift me those three days so that I can think. Alone."

"My love, please explain what's going on. Have mercy on me."

"Demian, I will explain everything. I'm not asking for anything else. I need it."

I have already agreed, Elvein."

"Thank you, Demian. In three days. In olwary."

"I love you, Elvein."

"Me too."

She closed the notebook and hid it away.

...

Three days passed in a haze. Stuck between two flames, Elvein tried to write a letter several times, but she managed to write only "My dear father" on hateful parchment.

Only one hour was left till the meeting with Demian. She made herself finish the letter, hid both parchments in robes, and went to the southern tower. She sat on the stairs of Owlery. In seconds, Ekrizdis, as white as a ghost, appeared in front of her.

She only passed him her father's letter and descended her gaze.

Demian quickly read the letter and sat beside her, without a sing word. Slowly turning towards her, he did not dare to make a sound. Elvein thought that undefended Demian looked just like that. Orphan child Ekrizdis should have had this exact expression. He must have been thinking, against whom he had to fight now? Against father, he had never had? Against parent, he had never known?

She could not bear it anymore and gave him her letter. Parchment said:

My dear Father,

I am happy my achievements bring you joy. I hope you are feeling well. How is Blanche?

Father, I do know Demian Ekrizdis. He is a wonderful gentleman and a brilliant young man. His company is always joyful and exciting. But I assure you, my emotions are not even close to the risky ones you describe in your letter. Ones that make you worry so much.

As I have said, Ekrizdis is a brilliant man. Therefore, he does realize that we would never succeed as a couple. So, he very much agrees on friendship.

Though, I assure you to limit interactions with him and keep much more distance.

I miss our home.

Say hi to Pety.

With love

Elvein

Not waiting any longer, she tied parchment to the owl's leg, flying it towards home, and returned to her place on steps.

"Demian, for the first time in my life, I have lied to my only parent. If I had not done that, he would have taken me from school, shielding me from you." She kept twisting the handkerchief between her fingers, not meeting his gaze. "His painful love experience is so traumatic that he would do anything to save me from something similar. It turns out I had to make a decision, to choose between you two. It turns out I have no one else left but you."

Demian looked at her like a beaten child. Then he hugged her lap, kissing her knees. A bitter half-smile crossed her face for two reasons:

First - now she had one more thing in common with Ekrizdis.

Second - she thought she'd never see Demian's childish, pure side anymore while she gazed at it at this exact moment. Though, it did not bring a bit of relief.

They kept sitting on the stairs. Ekrizdis, who kept hugging her knees, still hid his face in her lap. She petted his hair, sliding fingers in his dark strands, and started singing, something old and strange. Song, which her father used to sing to her. Who was she to Demian now? Beloved one? Family? Mother?