Chapter 12: Patching Up
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Yannick got off the elevator at the Aurors' level and walked in direction of Sean's office. His friend had asked him to meet him today, saying that there would be some movement in them getting back the case. This was good news and he was happy of the help Mr Shacklebolt had provided on this. As he approached he was met by Sean, who came out of his office.
"So?" Yannick asked.
"You are right on time," Sean said, "the meeting is now and I was heading to it."
"Do we know who will be there?" Yannick said.
"Forrester for sure," Sean replied, starting to walk down the corridor, "I would not be too surprised to see Octavius there as well. We know how 'interested' he is in this case."
"Right," Yannick said.
"Don't worry mate," Sean said, "It is not like we are going there alone either. Kingsley will be there too and he can be very persuasive when he wants too, trust me."
"I'm sure of that," Yannick said as they entered the elevator.
A few minutes after they exited it and walked down a long corridor. From what Yannick could see it was another Auror department, although it did not seem to be taking care of the usual cases.
"We're in Earnshaw's department," Sean answered before he could ask anything, "He runs the third branch of the Auror departments in the Ministry. Compared to Kingley's department, his guys are complete idiots, although there might be exceptions. We are meeting in his office."
"Wonderful," Yannick muttered sarcastically as they entered the office.
They were greeted by a heated debate that seemed to be ongoing between Kingsley Shacklbolt and Mr Earnshaw.
"I'm telling you, Eamon," the tall black Auror was saying, "Your team better show some more competence on this case. Because so far I have not seen any, and that scares me."
"Are you calling my men incompetents?" Earnshaw seethed, looking clearly angry.
"Yes I am," Kingsley replied sharply, "But that might be because of the fellow you have leading the investigation right now," he added, pointing at Forrester who was sitting in a corner of the room.
"And I trust that Mr O'Maley here was more efficient that Mr Forrester?" Earnshaw said, nodding towards Sean, who was standing with Yannick at the door, "I don't recall the murders being stopped during the months he was on the case."
"Well at least he did not declare a person dead by gas," Kingley said, "Nor did he try to blame an innocent person of a crime of which there was clear evidence who did it."
"You can hardly call a wolf a person," Forrester scoffed, "Its an animal. And a dangerous one at that."
"I hear one more word like that out of your mouth, Forrester, and I promise you that you will eat through a straw for the next few months," Yannick growled at him.
"The companions of Mr Silverleaf have full Ministry clearance to be on English soil," Kingsley said, "And it is thus since six years now for one of them and no incidents have been reported against them."
"Yes, yes, I know that," Earnshaw said, "I took care of the papers when Dominic passed them through my office. But I think we are deviating from the purpose of the meeting here."
"I agree on that point," Kingsley said, looking still pretty much fuming, "Sean, Mr Silverleaf, have a seat," he told the two friends..
As they did so the door of the office opened again, letting Maximus Octavius and Devin Stiller in.
"Mr Stiller," Kingsley said, standing up to greet him politely, "I had not been told that you would be coming to this meeting."
"I would not miss it," Stiller said, "Especially not after being told that Earnshaw had some good news on this case."
Sean and Yannick looked at Earnshaw who was sitting at his desk with a very smug look on his face. Yannick could see that Forrester had the same look as well and started to wonder if this meeting was not just a setup.
"Well, good news it is indeed," Earnshaw said, "I have been informed by Forrester that they have identified the culprit on the murders that have occurred both in France and England."
Yannick felt his eyes go a bit wide but he kept his emotions under control. It could not be.
"We have been in luck to find the prints of a known murderer on the scene of the third English murder some months ago," Forrester said smugly, "They were very faint and this delayed our investigation of them when we found out about them but we just got the results and they match, which means that as soon as the warrant is issued, my men will move to arrest him."
"This is excellent news indeed," Stiller said.
"I agree Mr Stiller," Octavius said, "Good work Forrester."
"Thank you Sir," Forrester replied.
"When do you thing the paperwork will be ready?" Octavius asked.
"For the arrest? About two to three days," Forrester replied, "Meaning we can arrest him at the beginning of the week. I have my men keeping tabs on him so we know where he is."
"Excellent. Well, Kingsley," Earnshaw said, "I guess this makes your team getting the case back unnecessary."
"By the looks of it, yes," Kingsley agreed reluctantly.
"Hold on a minute," Yannick said, "You are planning to arrest a person based on a sole evidence?"
"Fingerprints are solid evidence, Mr Silverleaf," Forrester said.
"Fingerprints can be planted," Yannick replied sharply, "How come they were not found on the first sweep on the crime scene?"
"My men were simply more thorough," Forrester replied.
"So were mine, Forrester," Sean replied acidly, "And a fingerprint would be too big for them to miss."
"Be it as it may, Mr O'Maley," Earnshaw said, "The fact that a warrant is about to be issued and an arrest made on the case clearly prevents me from reassigning the case back to your team. I am sure you can understand that."
"Yes sir, I can," Sean replied, "But I ask for permission to cross examine the suspect when he is arrested."
"In your dreams, O'Maley," Forrester spat, "You are not interfering with my case!"
"I clearly remember you interfering with it when it was his," Kingsley replied sharply, his dark eyes flashing dangerously at the plump man who retreated a bit back in his seat.
"Gentlemen, I think that is enough," Stiller said calmly, "The case remains with Mr Forrester but Mr O'Maley and his team will be allowed to cross examine the suspect when he has been arrested. I trust this is acceptable to both parties, is it not?" he added, looking at all the persons in the room.
"Yes Sir," Sean said.
Forrester did not reply but only nodded.
"Splendid," Stiller said, standing up, "Well gentlemen, I trust we should get back to our work and resolve this case. Let me know as soon as there is something new, Eamon."
"Of course, Mr Stiller," Earnshaw replied, standing up as well.
Kingsley stood up and went outside the room, followed by Sean and Yannick. When they were out of earshot of the other group Sean let out an exasperated sigh.
"I cannot believe the guts of these guys!" He fumed, "This meeting was a setup to make them shine in front of Mr Stiller while we look like idiots."
"I agree, Sean," Yannick said, "But they are making a mistake."
"What do you mean Mr Silverleaf?" Kinglsey asked.
"They are arresting the wrong person," Yannick said.
"Are you sure about what you are saying?" Kingley replied.
"I'd bet my wand on it Sir," Yannick said seriously, "I have gathered quite some evidence that point to another person."
"This is interesting," Kinsley said, "But I think we should continue this discussion in my office, where we are sure that there will be no eavesdropping on what we say."
They went towards the elevator that would bring them to their floor when the doors opened, letting people and owls delivering messages out. One owl went straight towards Sean and started to circle his head, uttering urgent hoots. Yannick looked at his friend and saw that his face had gone chalk white.
"Cynthia?" He asked as Sean captured the owl, retrieving the message it was carrying and reading.
"It's from Alex," Sean said, looking up, "Cynthia's gone into labour."
"Oh boy…" Yannick let out.
"Sir?" Sean asked, looking at Kingsley.
"You don't need to ask me anything Sean," Kingley replied with a smile, "Your place is at your wife's side."
"But the case," Sean said, "Yannick's data…"
"Can wait a few more days," Kingsley completed for him, "You go there and attend to your wife Sean. Yannick, you make sure he does and I do not want to see you two around here until Monday at the very least. Now get out of here both of you," he added with a mock frown.
"Yes Sir," Yannick said, smiling, before to drag a still under shock Sean to the elevator.
Sean and Yannick apparated in the entrance hall of Sean's home. There was no one to greet them but they however her some noise on the first floor and a cry of pain.
"Cynthia?!?" Sean called, rushing up the stairs, Yannick following him closely.
As they arrived to the first floor the door of the bedroom opened and Alex came out to meet them.
"How is she?" Sean asked worriedly.
"She's alright," Alex reassured him, "The Medi-wizard is here and so is Lydia."
"I need to be by her," he said as another cry of pain was heard.
"No," Alex said, blocking his way to the room, "The birth has started now and you coming in would only disturb."
"But..."
"Please, Sean," Alex said gently, "It is better for you to wait here until it is done."
"No!!" Sean said forcefully, trying to push his way past her, "My place is by my wife's side."
Yannick grabbed his friend and pulled him away from the door, forcing him to sit on a chair next to it.
"Let me go, Yannick," Sean said, "I need to go in there!"
"No," Yannick said calmly, "You will do exactly as Alex says and wait here."
"You would do the same in my place," Sean accused, fighting his friend's grasp and trying to get up.
"Yes, I would," Yannick replied evenly, "And I would also be glad knowing that you would be there to stop me."
Sean stopped struggling, looking at him surprised and then let himself slop down on the chair, looking worried as ever as he heard Cynthia scream in pain once more.
"Come on mate," Yannick said, as he knelt by him, "It will be alright."
"I never heard her like this," Sean said, "It is not normal. What if I lose her?"
"Come off it Sean!" Yannick snapped, "You heard what Alex said. She's in there with a trained Medi-wizard and with Lydia to support her. Nothing will go wrong."
"Yannick's right, Sean," Alex said, coming next to the Irishman, "There is a complication with the birth. The Medi-wizard said it was nothing life threatening but that it would cause her pain," she added, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Cynthia's a strong woman, Sean. She'll be alright."
Yannick looked at her, surprised at her tone. He had not really expected her to be cold and heartless to him, especially after Sean had told him that her feelings had subsided, but he was still surprised to see a faint smile on her lips and some warmth in her eyes. Or maybe it was a trick of the light? He could not ponder on this much longer as Sean's head snapped up his eyes wide.
"What is it, mate?" Yannick asked.
"I can't hear anything from the room anymore," his friend said, sounding a bit worried.
"Well, that can mean only two things," Yannick said, "Either Lydia put a sound charm on the door so your shouting would not disturb them,"
Sean gave him a small smile at this attempt to cheer him up.
"Or it means that the birth is finished," Alex completed for him, "And we will know very soon if you are the father of a boy or a girl."
And as if to answer her sentence, the door of the room opened and Lydia came out. She looked a bit tired but Yannick could tell that she was happy.
"Lydia?" Sean asked, standing up slowly.
"You're a father, Sean," Lydia answered, a warm smile appearing on her face.
"Can I?" Sean asked, looking at the door.
Lydia did not answer but just nodded and opened the door wider to allow him to pass. Sean did not need to be told twice and he went in the room. Yannick looked at Alex and then at Lydia, not really knowing if he should follow.
"She asked for both of you to come in as well," Lydia said, smiling even wider.
Yannick let Alex go in first and then followed her in the room. The afternoon sun gave the room a warm feeling despite the cold winter. Sean was sitting by his wife in their bed. His face was telling a novel and Yannick could feel his friend's joy as he spoke softly with Cynthia. She looked exhausted but her face was radiant with joy too. He moved to the end of the bed and was surprised to see that Cynthia was not holding one, but two bundles in her arm. No wonder the the birth had been more complex than envisioned, she had given birth to twins.
He saw Alex moving to the right side of the bed and sitting there. She leaned down and placed a kiss on Cythia's temple, whispering something to her as she straightened up. Yannick saw Cynthia beam at her and whisper something back that looked a lot like "Thank you." He moved to Sean side as Cynthia was giving one of the babies for her husband to hold.
"Congratulations to both of you," he said softly as he reached his friend's shoulder and gave it soft squeeze.
"Thanks mate," Sean replied, totally captivated by the small bundle he was now holding in his arms.
"Thank you, Yannick," Cynthia said as she gently gave the other twin to Alex.
"So?" he asked, "Boys or girls?"
"Boy and girl," Cynthia replied beaming, "Ethan," she said indicating the baby Alex was holding, "and Eowyn," she said indicating the one Sean held gently in his strong arms.
"Beautiful names," Alex said, looking fondly at Ethan as she held him in her arms.
"And I am definitely going to spoil those two rotten," Lydia said as she came back in the room, after having accompanied the Medi-wizard out.
"Don't you dare sis'," Cynthia chuckled, "Or I'll do the same to yours when your time comes."
"And don't you dare spoil my godchildren," Alex added to Lydia, "That's my job."
Lydia laughed lightly. "Mum and Dad are on their way," she said to Cynthia, "I just spoke to them by Floo network."
"Oh my God," Sean said, suddenly realizing something, "I need to tell my family as well. You want to hold her?" he asked Yannick as he stood up.
Yannick nodded and soon he was holding Eowyn gently in his arms. The feeling was amazing. A new life was there looking at him curiously with her small hazel eyes. He could make out little golden strands of hair on her head.
"Hello Eowyn," he said, gently caressing her cheek, "Welcome to the world."
"So Yannick?" Cynthia asked, "What do you think of your goddaughter?"
"She's beautiful," he said, looking at his best friend's wife, "I can definitely see from who she got the eyes from," he added, gently giving her back Eowyn.
"Aye, but the hair is all Sean's," Cynthia said as she caressed her small head, beaming at her child.
"A perfect blend," Alex said, as she was giving Ethan for Lydia to hold.
"These two will be heart breakers at Hogwarts," Yannick said, "I am sure of that."
The three girls laughed at that and the conversation started on the future of the two twins. Sean came back at one point accompanied with Cynthia's parents who were overjoyed at the sight of the two babies.
"What are you waiting for? A sign from Merlin himself?" Cynthia told Alex who was sitting next to her on the bed, "Go talk to him!"
Alex looked at Yannick. He was talking with Sean's parent and his friend, who was holding Eowyn and gently rocking her in his arms. It was the evening now and Cynthia had now been bugging her for fifteen minutes, urging her to talk to Yannick.
"You wont get a better chance soon, girl," her friend said, "And you two need to talk. Your little feud with him is starting to get ridiculous."
"Oh, so now you are siding with him?" Alex asked, a bit shocked.
"In a way, yes," Cynthia replied seriously.
"Why?"
"Because I talked to him," she said, "And he told me his reasons. I saw things from his point of view, and they make sense."
"Why do you not tell me then?" Alex asked.
"Because you need to hear it from him," Cynthia said, "Not me. So go talk to him."
"I can't," Alex said.
"Why not?" Cynthia asked.
"Because I'm scared of his reaction," Alex said, "Given the way I talked to him the last time. He must hate me."
"You can only find out by talking to him, Alex," Cynthia replied, "And you know he wont do the first move, girl. He's too shy a guy for that."
"You need to help me Cynthia," Alex pleaded, "I can't just walk to him like that. Not after what I told him on the train."
Cynthia closed her eyes and sighed.
"You two are really something, you know that?" She said, "Alright, you go to Sean's study room and wait there. I'll get him to go there and then you two talk. And don't come out without having sorted it out, alright?" She said, lightly.
"Alright," Alex said, "Thanks," she added, kissing her friend on the cheek.
"You're welcome," Cynthia replied, "Now shoo."
Alex chuckled a bit at that and went out of the room. As she was going towards the stairs that lead to Sean's study, she heard Cynthia calling Yannick's name. She went up the stairs quickly and opened the door of the study, moving to look out of the single window that gave a view on Hogsmeade. The wizard town was coated in fresh snow and the sky was clear. She could see people passing in the street, going home. She forced herself to not think about what she would ask Yannick when he would come up, resolving to let him do the talking this time.
"Alex?" his voice said behind her, making her start a bit.
She turned to face him. He was standing at the threshold of the room. He looked so uncertain of himself that she almost felt sorry for him.
"Come in," she said. He did so and closed the door behind him.
"Cynthia told me you wanted to talk to me," he said.
"Yes."
"Do you want to sit down?" he asked.
"I'm fine where I am, thank you," she replied, a bit to harsh for her own taste.
"Alright," he conceded. He stayed silent for a bit, apparently looking for what to say. "What do you want to know?" he asked finally.
"What I want to know is simple, Yannick and you know it," Alex said, feeling some anger rising, "I want to know why you left. Why did you leave when I needed you?"
"I left because this was the best thing for me to do," he replied, after a little moment of hesitation.
"Why?!" she challenged him, "Why was this? I am lost here."
He closed his eyes and sighed.
"I left because I could not face you," he said, "Not after what had happened and what I had done."
"Done what?" Alex asked, feeling confused, "Yannick, what have you done? What crime have you committed that would warrant you staying away like that?"
Yannick did not look at her and stayed silent for a little bit. "Because I ruined your life," he said.
"Ruined my life?" she retorted, bitterly, "You bloody bet you ruined my life! Leaving when I needed you most. Promising to stay in touch and then disappearing for five years. Did I feel miserable after you left me? Yes, absolutely. And you were probably enjoying the good life, too busy to even…"
"Shut up."
The tone was low but it cut her off instantly and caused her to look at him. His eyes were boring into hers and she could see that he felt angry.
"Don't you ever say that I took pleasure in leaving you, because I did not," he said harshly, "These past five years were hell for me. As much as they were for you," he added more softly.
"Then why did you not contact me?" she asked, crossing her arms and looking at him intently.
"Because I could not," he answered her, "I spent the past five years in Elven land, being taught to harness my Elven magic potential. I was under a fidelius charm , Alex. The only person who could contact me was Gran."
"Then why did she not tell me?" Alex asked.
"I asked her not to," Yannick answered, lowering his eyes.
"But why?" Alex asked, "Yannick, I thought you loved me? Why would you do this?"
He did not respond immediately and seemed to struggle, apparently not knowing what to say.
"Because I'm responsible for what happened to you," he said.
"What do you mean, Yannick?" Alex asked, feeling more puzzled.
"I'm responsible for your parent's death," he replied
"What?!" Alex exclaimed, her eyes wide, "Yannick, they were killed by Death Eaters. You were even with me at Hogwarts when it happened. How can you be responsible for that?"
"They were not killed by Death Eaters," Yannick said, grimly.
"Of course they were. The Death Mark was even found above the house. And they ravaged all the furniture that was inside it, like several other houses in the neighborhood. There are even witnesses who saw the Death Eaters at work."
"Maybe the others were," Yannick said, "but that one was not."
"How would you know?" Alex asked.
"Because my father was working in the Auror department at the time, under Kingsley Shacklebot," Yannick said, "He was one of the first to inspect the murder scene. He told me what he had found when I passed by my house before to head to Silverleaf manor. Your parents were not killed by a random Death Eater spree Alex. They were murdered by Andrelith," he added gravely.
These last words hit her like a wall of ice water. She staggered a bit back from the shock of the revelation and her legs hit the arm chair that was behind her and she let herself fall on it, sitting down and trying to recover from the news.
"You understand now why I had to stay away?" She heard him ask, "When I was only a child, Gwen died, just because she was someone I care for and loved. Then you get kidnapped in your Sixth year by the same maniac."
"But you saved me then," she said softly.
"I was lucky. I almost died myself, if not for Gran," he said, "Then, to take some sick revenge and because he knew he could not reach us in Hogwarts, he murdered your parents."
She did not answer, here eyes looking numbly to the floor and letting the words sink into her. Andrelith had killed her parents. The Dark Elf had done this to get revenge on Yannick and her.
"I can't Alex," she heard him continue, "I can't be with you, knowing that I endanger you by doing so. That at some point, Andrelith might decide to get at me again and this time attack you."
"Why do you say so?" She asked him, "He hasn't been seen for years."
"He's back," Yannick said, "You saw in the papers. The string of murders? He's behind it. He's also responsible for murders in France. That's why I came back to England. To stop him. I am helping Sean because he's got the case."
Alex felt hollow at this. It was not for her he had come back. It was to stop this Dark Elf.
"Andrelith is dangerous," he continued, "he killed a man who had a lead on him, using dark beasts. Sean and I barely got away from it. Then he attacked Alwena, together with her father and brother. We stopped him but barely. I do not know why he's acting so rashly now but I will find out. And when I do I will stop him."
Alex did not reply. His words were making sense in one way, but in another they sounded so wrong.
"Why did you not tell me before?" She asked, suddenly looking at him.
"What?"
"Why did you not tell me he killed them?" She asked, this time more forcefully, feeling anger rising in her, "Dammit, Yannick! They were my parents! I had the right to know! Why did you hide this from me?!" She shouted.
"I did not think…"
"Oh! Of course! You did not think!" She cut him, "How so like you! You make decisions by yourself, not even bothering to think about the others. I was still trying to get over their death when you left me, thinking about stopping Quidditch and becoming an Auror, so I could catch the Death Eaters responsible."
"I only learned the truth when I saw my father, Alex," he shot back, "And then, when I knew the truth, how do you think I could face you? Knowing that I was responsible for the death of your only family?"
"You still should have told me," she snarled.
"Yes I should have," Yannick said, "I see my mistake now. But you have to understand that I did not do this to hurt you. I left so my presence would not endanger you, Alex, not because I wanted to hurt you. I was trying to protect you!!"
His last word were forceful and she recoiled slightly at them. She had hardly seen him angry before and this was one of those time. He was frowning at her, his eyes blazing. She averted her gaze and looked at the floor. She heard him sigh.
"I'm sorry. I should not have shouted at you… I… I think it is better if I go now," she heard him say. His comment was soon followed by the sound of disaparation.
She stayed seated on the couch, not wanting to move and what had just happened replaying in her head. The door of the room opened after a few minutes, letting Sean in.
"There you are!" He said cheerfully, "Cynthia told me you two had gone here to talk. Where's Yannick?" Sean asked, looking around in the study.
"He left," Alex said.
"What?!"
"He left," she said, more forcefully.
"I heard what you said the first time, Alex," Sean said, "I thought you two were to talk things over."
"We did."
"And as a result Yannick left?" Sean asked, "What happened?"
"We talked. He told me the reason he left," Alex said.
"He did? Alleluia!" Sean said, "There is still hope."
"But then it went wrong. We shouted at each other. I accused him of being selfish. Taking decisions by himself and not bothering to see the consequences of his actions."
"You told him that?" Sean said in disbelief.
"Yes," Alex said, numbly.
"Why would you say that?" Sean asked.
"Because it is the truth," Alex said.
"Oh bloody hell!" Sean snapped, "You know very well it is not Alex. What the hex is wrong with you two?!? Making what was supposed to be a simple talk over into the biggest drama I've heard of. Why did you have to accuse him of that?"
"Oh so now you are defending him?" Alex shot back, "I should have expected that. He's your best friend after all."
"Hello!? Alex? Have you forgotten something?"
"What?"
"I'm married to your own best friend in case you had not noticed yet!" Sean answered, "So while Yannick is my best friend and I wish the best to happen to him, what I am saying also applies to him. He's just not here to hear it."
Alex did not answer to that.
"Come on, Alex," Sean said, "Yannick loves you. Did you forget that?"
"He has a strange way of showing it then," Alex said, regretting her words as soon as they left her mouth.
"If Yannick did not love you, why would he risk splinching himself to save you?" Sean asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Yannick saved you when you got hit by the bludger at your game against Chuddley," Sean, "He almost splinched himself to try to aparate on the pitch when the whistle had not sounded. I barely managed to stop him. And when the whistle finally sounded he aparated onto the pitch to save you. It even made the prophet front page[iguardian angel saves falling beater.[/i"
"Then why did he not stay?" Alex asked.
"You really think he would have after what had happened on the Hogwarts Express?"
"No," Alex replied numbly.
"Yannick is too shy a guy to press himself on a girl, Alex," Sean said, "Don't you remember what it took for me to get him to ask you out for the ball? And even after that he was still unsure of himself. Bloody hell! You even had to do the first move."
Alex did not respond, but internally she knew that he was right.
"I messed it up, haven't I," she asked after a while.
"Yes," Sean answered truthfully, "But so did he."
"And now he's gone," Alex said, "What should I do?"
"Find him," Sean replied, "Talk to him, hear him out and then tell him how you feel."
"I don't even know where to find him," Alex said, "He could be anywhere."
"Come on Alex," Sean said helpfully, "You know him better than I do on this. You can find him. Use you Ravenclaw wits and your wand," he added, giving her a wink.
Alex smiled and stood up to walk to him.
"Thanks Sean," she said, kissing him on the cheek before to disaparate.
"You're welcome," Sean said after she was gone, "Now don't mess up on that one again Yannick, or I will have your head," he muttered before to go out of the room.
Alex apparated in the street just outside Sean and Cynthia's home. There were some people passing by, going home for the night. She tried to find a clue as to where Yannick could have gone but she could not see anything. He could have apparated anywhere. Even London, although it would have been a tricky apparation if he was not calm when doing it. She let out a sigh of frustration after a few minutes of looking, having been unable to find any clue. She turned around again and suddenly remembered Sean's words, telling her to use her wand. There was one spell she could use to see if he was still nearby.
"Locatio Yannick Silverleaf," she said waving her wand.
Less than a few seconds after, her wand gave her a familiar tug, pointing towards the forest. She walked towards it, letting her wand lead her and she soon was walking in in one of the many paths of the forest, slowly going towards the lake by Hogsmeade. After a few minutes she came out in a clearing giving on the lake. It was partially frozen and she could see Hogwarts' lights in the distance.
Looking around she saw him, sitting on the shore, his back to her. He was throwing stones in the water and seemed to be observing the ripples they created.
"I should have known you would find me," she heard him say.
"You left before we could finish our discussion," she said softly.
"I don't really see what there is more to say, Alex," he replied.
"Yannick, do you really want things to continue this way between us?" She asked him.
"No… Yes… Maybe… I don't know actually," he replied.
"Why did you save me at the match?" She said softly, the words of the question she was dying to ask escaping her before she could stop them.
She saw him bend his head down. He seemed to hesitate speaking, breathing hard.
"Because to have done otherwise would have been a crime," he said without turning.
"And my parents' grave?" She asked, "You were there too right? You healed the fir tree next to it."
This time he turned to look at her standing up at the same time. His face had changed. He looked… sad.
"I don't really know," he said, "I felt I had to apologize for what I had done to you. I was not sure at the time that you would let me speak and… well… I thought it would be a way to relieve a bit of the guilt I felt."
She walked to him, her eyes never leaving his own. She realized that while he had hurt her, she had hurt him as well.
"So… now you will leave so I am not in danger?" She asked him.
"Yes."
"Why?" She asked, softly, "Why do you do this?"
"Because it is not right for me to put you in danger," he replied, "Andrelith will go at what will affect me the most, Alex, and that is you. He knows my feelings for you. He saw it when I rescued you six years ago."
She felt a little warmth seep back into her at these words. He was doing this to protect her, could it be that…
"I spent five years with the Elves," he continued, "Five long years to train and to try to forget. But I could not. Despite all what I saw, the persons I met, there was only one face that kept coming back, yours. I love you Alex, I never stopped."
He was about to add something but she did not give him the time. She had already flung her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his, kissing him with all the love she had for him. Her heart leapt in joy when she felt him respond with an equal passion, enbracing her with his arms.
"I'm so sorry," she said when they broke apart.
"Why?"
"Because I have thought only of myself," she said, "Thinking that all you did was hurt me. I have acted selfishly."
"So did I," Yannick said.
"But I did not listen to you when you were trying to apologize on the Hogwarts Express," she continued, "You don't know how much I regretted that moment," she added, "I thought I hated you for your selfishness. And this was wrong."
"Why is that?" Yannick asked, softly, "You had valid reasons for that."
"It was wrong because I thought you went away thinking about yourself only, and not of how it would hurt me," she responded, "But now I see that it was not the case. You did this to protect me. You did it because you are Yannick, the young man who will always think about other's welfare before his. The young man that I have never stopped to love and hoped deep in my heart would come back. I love you so much Nick."
She saw his eyes sparkle as she said this. He smiled softly and bent down to her for a kiss, which she was only too glad to give him with all the passion she felt for him. A passion she felt returned in his kiss and that made her shiver in pleasure.
"Cold?" He asked her when they parted, pulling her in a warm embrace.
"A bit," she admitted, "I left my cloak at Cynthia's."
"You want to head back to get it?" He asked her.
"No," she said, "This would mean letting go of you. And right now it is the last thing I want to do."
She felt him chuckle at that and snuggled closer to him, feeling warm and insulated by his cloak from the cold outside air. She felt his hands stroking her back softly, sending shivers of delight in her. He was back and this felt so good. She suddenly kissed him on his neck and let her hands reach under the back of his shirt, feeling his skin. She felt him tense as she did this.
"Alex, I don't think that…" he started, but she silenced him with a kiss.
"Trust me," she whispered to him when they parted, before to aparate back with him to her London flat.
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