Chapter 21: Willpower
Gran's visit to Octavius had almost an immediate result. A few days after it had occurred, a person came to the Ministry, to testify that he had been with the now dead "culprit" on the night of the murder. The alibi was strong and held up under scrutiny of both Forrester's team and Kingsley's office. There were immediate repercussions to this. The culprit was proven innocent and the case was re-opened. For this mess-up, Forrester's team was taken off the case and it was given back to Sean and his team. The young Irishman did not waste any time getting back on it, he spent some time cleaning out the files of any inconsistencies that had been added into them by Forrester's team. It was a daunting job, but one where Gran, via Yannick, helped him. Barely a week after they were ready to investigate again and Sean went full force into it, calling on Yannick's help when it was needed. But April passed and they were not much more advanced into it.
Octavius on the other hand did not show up in the Ministry anymore. Yannick discreetly asked around about this and soon found out that the man had hurriedly left England, on a family emergency. Yannick was not duped, the man had preferred to lie low and it was unlikely that he would be seen again until the whole case was resolved and Andrelith dealt with.
In the middle of this they had a Monday of forced break on the case, due to an impressive amount of fireworks that had been released in the department of Enforcement of Magical Law, run by Devin Stiller and his clique. More precisely, they had been released in Draco Malfoy's office and he had been incapable of stopping it, a cursed letter having jinxed him moments before. In addition to that, some forty or more howlers had landed at the same time creating quite a noise throughout the entire floor. As Malfoy had still been under the effects of the cursed letter, the howlers had all exploded, burning his desk to the ground.
Seeing Sean's reaction to the event, Yannick was quite certain the Irishman had been in on the joke, given the fact that he laughed his head off during the whole of it. An inquiry on the matter was soon launched to find out who was behind it and Hermione Granger-Weasley was found as the person responsible for the planning and execution of the entire thing. Stiller called for a public hearing two days after to clear up the matter.
Yannick went there with Sean and while he had feared that Stiller and Malfoy would use this hearing to get back at Hermione, which they did, she handled herself with high class. She used this public hearing to prove that Draco Malfoy was the one behind the giant snake that had been summoned during the Christmas holidays, something Malfoy had tried to blame on others. She had resigned her position beforehand and thus they could be sacked for this and Albus Dumbledore also came in at one point, revealing Hermione's new post as Arithmacy teacher at Hogwarts, which she was to start in September. If Stiller and Malfoy had hoped to use the hearing to make an example of Hermione, they were left with quite the opposite result. Yannick had to admit that Hermione sure knew how to get back at those that harassed her.
However, if Sean had hoped for calm, the next days were anything but. There was an attack on the Ministry by masked men. Sean had only arrived in the aftermath of it but he told Yannick that the Order of the Phoenix had been hit quite hard, losing four of their men in the fight. It was not clear what the men had been after but from what Sean had managed to hear, they had not gotten it, having to flee when the Entropist, Harry Potter and others had come in the fight to prevent them from taking whatever they were after.
But like the Christmas problem with the giant snake, Devin Stiller was soon using this to show that the Minister was unfit for his job. A hearing was called the day after at the High Council and many persons were there, Sean and Yannick included. Here again Devin Stiller was heard on his views of the incompetence of the Minister of Magic, Cheldon Ambrosius, and it had gotten quickly into a row of accusation, the worst one being Draco Malfoy accusing Harry Potter of using Dark Practices in his matches and in general, as an anonymous letter had revealed some time ago. An inquiry on the matter had fully cleared Harry but Draco maintained his claims, saying that Harry had most probably used Dark Magic he had picked up from his fight against Voldemort. That last one had sparked quite an outrage until the entrance in the room of Parvati Patil, who incidentally was also in a relationship with Harry Potter, bringing evidence that the so called letter had been sent from none other than Malfoy manor itself, clearly pointing out Draco as the source of it.
Draco denied it, claiming the report to be a forgery. Harry had then asked to be allowed to speak and related some of the facts of the attack of the day before, in which he had been involved and where he had managed to mark on of the aggressors with a marking spell. Devin Stiller accused him of wasting time but Harry went nonetheless on and cast the spell to reveal the mark. To the surprise and horror of many in the room, the mark showed itself on Draco Malfoy, glowing in golden fire on his chest.
Chaos ensued with Draco managing to escape with the help of some of his supporters but being forced to flee on foot as Professor Dumbledore, who had been present, had cast an anti aparation spell on him. Harry Potter and Hermione Weasley were hot on his heels to catch him while the rest of the persons present were doing their best to subdue Draco's supporters and protect the innocent spectators from spells that were cast in their direction to create confusion. They did not last long however, being clearly outnumbered and soon the fight was over and Draco was also in custody, courtesy of Hermione Weasley who, from what Yannick had heard, had been most expedient in her way to deal with him.
After those events Sean and Yannick were able to focus more on the case and it soon became evident that Andrelith would not be easy to catch. It seemed though that the loss of Octavius had caused him to be more cautious. Only one more murder was committed in the weeks after Octavius had been dealt with and from what Gran told Yannick, it was doubtful that there would be many more.
When he had challenged her on this she had shown him a pattern she had uncovered on Andrelith. All the persons he had killed had been involved in Elven lore and in some way or another in a theory of the Elven ship and the possible magical lore in it, the scrolls. She had known a few of them and after having done a few inquiries around, had arranged that any possible target would be watched and protected as needed.
Now that this was taken care of came the task of making sure that Andrelith would be caught, and this was no easy task in the least. Yannick had been at it with Sean. He had also concerted with Gran when he was in Silverleaf manor and he could not clearly get hints as to where Andrelith was operating from. It seemed highly unlikely that someone like him could operate without a base of operation, but with a being as powerful as Andrelith, it could very well be anywhere.
Power. That was one thing that bothered Yannick as he trained outside Silverleaf manor in the cool afternoon light of May. Andrelith was a powerful dark Elf with centuries of mastery on his magic. Yannick had managed to survive his first encounter against him only from Gran's timely intervention. What would he do against such a being? Yes, he had been well trained by Oromir in the five years he spent with the Elves, but Andrelith was far more advanced than him in that field, in any field actually.
"You seem thoughtful Yannick," Aidan said near him, jerking him out of his thoughts.
"I am," he replied, turning towards his ancestor, "and unfortunately they are not pleasant thoughts."
"You are thinking of Andrelith, are you not?" Aidan asked.
"Yes," Yannick admitted, "I can't help but wonder how I will be able to defeat him when the time to confront him comes. He is much more powerful than me and he has a lot more experience."
"In the Elven magical arts that may be," Aidan replied, "But should you face him with a sword the match would be a draw or would come down in your favor. His fencing skills were never the equal of Oromir, Alathea or her mother and two of those have trained you and speak highly of you in this field."
"I doubt that it will come down to a sword fight," Yannick said.
"You can never be certain, Yannick," Aidan said, "But there is one field where you can beat Andrelith without a problem."
"Which one is that?" Yannick asked.
"Treeshaping," Aidan replied.
"I've never really thought of using Treeshaping as a weapon," Yannick said, "Oromir did show me several things that could be done but I always kind of saw my power as one to further life, not take it away."
"And that is a very wise view of your power Yannick and I will never fault you on that," Aidan replied, "but I did not mean using your power to kill. You can also use it to immobilize your opponent with vines for example or fending an oncoming spell with a wooden artifact."
"I did that once," Yannick remembered, "To defend Altair and Nimloki from incoming spells. I used my power to move the branches of the tree they were under."
"A very good way to use your power," Aidan said, "As for your fear of Andrelith being much more powerful than you, it is understandable. But I think there is something that I can show you that will help you in that. Give me your hands," he added, reaching with his ghostly ones.
"You can use the spell Gran used?" Yannick said, tentatively reaching for his ancestor's hands.
"Part of one of the advantages of actually not being quite dead or a real ghost," Aidan replied with a little smile, "The Elven spell used was an uncommon one, Elves not being the kind of beings to die or pass away as often as humans. It was kind of a pact with the spirits, allowing me to stay behind as a kind of ghost to be near my beloved until she too felt the need to move on."
"Amazing," Yannick said.
"I have never regretted it," Aidan said before to intone the Elven spell. Soon it was done and Yannick closed his eyes at the now familiar flash.
--
When he opened them again they were once more in a forest, but not in the one he and Alex had seen in the previous vision Gran had showed them. He felt safe to assume that this vision being Aidan's, he was in the Broceliante forest, at around the time his ancestor was still alive. Looking around however he was struck to actually see that he seemed to be in a small clearing that seemed to be surrounded by small hills. He also saw quite a few Elves there and recognized quite a few from the time he had spent training. From the looks of it this had to be an Elven council.
One Elf was standing in the middle of the clearing. Although differently dressed and looking less twisted, Yannick nevertheless recognized him, Andrelith. This memory must have taken place before he had been cast out from the Elves. He was soon able to spot Gran in the attendance, sitting next to her father and with her mother standing behind them. A young looking man was sitting next to her, brown haired and with a short beard. It took a few moments for Yannick to realize that he was looking at Aidan. Although he did not look much younger than himself, one could already tell that he had been in his share of fights. Near Aidan's feet was lying a brown wolf that was looking at Andrelith with a steady gaze. On its forehead was a patch of lighter hair that looked like an elm leaf. Now he knew why Aidan had called his wolf that way.
"As a member of the Elven council you have called this public hearing to be, Jorelein," Lord Tirielen said, stopping Yannick's train of thoughts, "now please enlighten us for its reason."
"My Lord, I come before this council to reveal a grave mistake in the making," Andrelith started.
His voice startled Yannick. It was not the same as the one he had heard during the confrontations he had had with the Dark Elf. This one seemed more refined and unctuous and had he not known Andrelith for what he was now; Yannick would have found him to be friendly.
"A few years ago a human came to Broceliante to find answers to the reasons for the strange things that were happening to him. The Brotherhood took him in and soon discovered that he was in fact a wizard and undertook his training to allow him to master his abilities as a wizard." Andrelith continued, "Those he mastered quite well from reports we got but some decided that he was worthy of also being taught other powers, those of the Elves. This in itself is a grave danger."
These last words started several low conversations in the audience. Yannick could not make out who seemed to agree and who did not.
"We all know how humans are," Andrelith said after it had died down, "How many of us lost a parent or a friend to them over the ages? They almost wiped us out after the accident. They involved us in their war and now we share with one of them our most guarded secrets? It is blasphemy."
"If you are afraid that I use what I have learned of evil or ill purposes your fears are ill-placed, Master Jorelein," Aidan said from his seat, "I have always thought to use my abilities for the good of all, not for harming others."
"Oh, of course," Andrelith replied, "And we all know how trustable humans are, don't we," he added sarcastically, causing more murmurs to start in the audience.
"That will be enough, Jorelein," Lord Tirielen said, but the murmur did not abate from this.
"Humans should not be taught Elven secrets," a voice was heard from an Elf that was seated behind where Andrelith was standing. Yannick heard a few Elves agree with this comment.
"Yet has he not used these 'secrets' as you put it to save your life Ealthir?" Gran said, speaking for the first time and standing up from her seat, "Or even yours Ganiel?" she added, looking at another Elf that was sitting in the attendance. "Has he ever used what we taught him in a wrong way or tried to harm others with them?" she added, looking levelly at Andrelith.
"This human," she continued, pointing at Aidan, "This man, has done nothing that warrants the warning you bring to this council Jorelein. He has bonded with a wolf, our first friends and defenders after the accident that brought us on this hostile planet, being the first human known to do so. So tell me, Jorelein, where is this danger you are so afraid of?"
"I should have known you'd be first to defend him," Andrelith retorted, "You are the one that taught him the most."
"That is true," Gran said, "And at no time did I see any wrong with his behavior. He has shown ability to master spell unlike any I have seen in a human, save a few individual who all have been very powerful wizards. You will understand then that I will not stand idly while you try to discredit my pupil."
"You are biased in you judgment of him," Andrelith said.
"Biased because he is my pupil?" Gran asked, "If he would put one toe out of line I would be the first to reprimand him."
"That would never happen," Andrelith said, "You are in love with him," he added accusingly, his last statement sending again a ripple of conversations in the attendance.
If Andrelith had achieved the effect he intended on the crowd by his revelation, he had not done so on the key people he wanted. Lord Tirielen, Galeina and Gran seemed un-moved by it. Gran took a moment to look at Aidan before to settle a smoldering gaze at Andrelith.
"Yes, I am," she declared loud enough for all to hear, "And so is he."
"This is blasphemy!" Andrelith burst out, "You are bringing shame to your name by your petty attachment!"
Many Elves had stood, talking, and the cacophony that resulted prevented Yannick to make out who was outraged at whom.
"ENOUGH!!" a loud voice sounded, reverberating in the clearing and causing all conversations to stop. Lord Tirielen was on his feet, his gaze menacing.
"That is my daughter you are speaking of, Jorelein. Never forget that," he said after a few moments of tense silence, "I do not know what you are trying to achieve by your accusations and warnings but it is clear that your hatred of humans through your ordeals is blinding you. I myself will vouch for young Aidan's intentions. Is that enough for you?"
"My Lord…" Andrelith stared.
"Do not 'Lord' me, Jorelein," Lord Tirielen cut him, "You know as well as any it is not a title I enjoy. But while I do not enjoy it, our people have given it to me as they have chosen me to lead them as senior member of the council. I will not shirk from my duty to my people because I do not like a name. You, Jorelein, should not let your hatred of humans make you paranoid and cloud your judgment. I trust you recognize this and understand it meaning," he added, pointing at Gran. Yannick saw that he was pointing at her pendant.
"The Brightstar," Andrelith replied, seeming stunned.
"Yes, the Brightstar pendant," Lord Tirielen, "the pendant which has been in my line since time immemorial and passed down from heir to heir until myself. I have known of her attachment for Aidan for a while now and so has my wife. Alathea told us as soon as she was sure of her feelings and of Aidan's. She wished that to remain a secret and we have respected her wish. You have now brought it in the open in an attempt to discredit her and thus I will let my decision on the subject be known to all."
He waited a little before to continue.
"I approve of Alathea and Aidan's love. I have seen it strong and unwavering and know it will stand to the test of time," Lord Tirielen added.
"You are dooming your child to unhappiness by allowing this union," Andrelith cut in, seeming to have regained his composure.
"Would she have been happier with you?" Lord Tirielen asked levelly.
Yannick could see that Andrelith had not expected that and the murmur in the audience rose again.
"You thought I did not know, did you not?" Lord Tirielen said, "You maybe think that my age and my association with humans has made me so senile and blind that I would not see the looks you send her at times? I know you want to marry her, Jorelein, but I also know that she has rejected your advances, and more than once. Do you deny it?"
"No, but…"
"I am not interested in your excuses. All you see in that marriage is the power it will give you. Aidan on the other hand does it out of love, which is much more than what you will ever be able to offer I am afraid," Lord Tirielen said, "Alathea and Aidan will be married in the Elven customs at a time of their choosing. She will take his name but she will also remain my heir. It is to her that the task of keeping the Tirielen legacy will fall to when I will have passed on but I know she will be more than able to the task. These are my last words on this matter and per our custom are final and not to be debated," he added, turning away from Andrelith and starting to walk back to his seat.
"May those last words serve as your epitaph, my Lord," Yannick heard Andrelith say.
The Dark Elf suddenly had his wand in hand and with a swift motion and words Yannick had never heard before; he sent a jet of purple energy hurtling towards Gran's father. It caught him square in the back. Yannick saw his eyes go wide and mouth open in surprise as his legs failed to support him and he crumpled down to the ground like a broken doll.
"FATHER!" Gran screamed.
"Lesse!" Galeina added, rushing to her fallen mate. But it was already too late. Lord Tirielen was dead and his murderer had already aparated away.
Looking around, Yannick could see the shock on all the Elven faces. Andrelith had committed the worst sin of all. He had killed on of his own kind and in such a treacherous way that he doubted that anyone would support the Dark Elf after that. Looking back at the fallen Lord Tirielen, Yannick saw that Galeina had knelt by him and gathered his body, holding it close to her chest and crying freely over her fallen husband. Gran was kneeling next to her, her hand tentatively brushing her father's head, eyes wide as if she still could not believe what had just happened. Aidan was next to her a comforting hand on her shoulder and his eyes closed in what seemed deep respect.
The other Elves that had started to gather around looked frozen at the cold reality. Yannick was even surprised to see that his Oromir, his mentor, had also not moved from where he had been standing. For him that was so quick at reacting and taking action, it showed how much the event shocked him.
Suddenly he saw Aidan's eye snap open, cold rage emanating from them and his face more closed than he had ever seen it. He whispered something in Gran's ear and disaparated right after having picked up a plain wooden staff that was lying on the ground.
Yannick's vision became blurred and he felt like he was moving extremely fast. This being Aidan's memory he realized he was following his ancestor to wherever he was aparating to.
Soon he could see clearly again and was standing in a small clearing, behind a figure that was running to reach the trees bordering it. A spell prevented it from reaching them and it caught the second one with his sword sending it back to Aidan who had to raise a shield to deflect it. Aidan had found Adrelith and the Dark Elf was apparently more than willing to face him.
"Murderer," Aidan snarled.
"You are a fool to come at me alone human," Andrelith sneered, "You expect to be able to defeat me alone?"
"I intend to make you face justice," Aidan replied, coming on guard with the staff he had in his hands.
"Perhaps you should have taken your sword then," Andrelith said as he started his attack.
It was fast and furious. Andrelith clearly was trying to get rid of Aidan as quickly as he could. Yannick knew that it was only a matter of time before the other Elves started their hunt to catch him.
Aidan on his part was on the defensive, parrying Andrelith's attacks and deflecting them with the staff.
"You have already lost human," Andrelith said, "Yield and I shall make your death quick and painless," he added and he came at Aidan with an overhand attack.
Aidan deflected it once more, causing the blade the run on the staff and Andrelith to stumble a bit on the lack of resistance to the blow. Turning on him self Aidan completed his move by bringing his staff on the Dark Elf's back with a resounding crack and sending him rolling on the ground. Aidan did not pause and his next blow was aimed at the head, obviously attempting to knock the Dark Elf out.
Andrelith snarled as he evaded the attack by rolling away and standing up again. His next attacks were even more furious than the first, causing Aidan to go on full defense by their fury. Andrelith's attacks were making him take steps back and concentrating as much as he could on deflecting them. Suddenly, his ancestor's feet hit an outcropping behind him and he fell down to the ground on his back, Andrelith letting out a victorious snarl as it occurred.
"Die human!" He exclaimed as he brought down his sword on Aidan.
Aidan reacted quickly and blocked the blow with the staff, startling the Dark Elf.
"Impossible," Andrelith said, "No mere wooden staff can stand up to Elven steel."
"Not unless its wielder is a treeshaper you scum," Aidan said.
Yannick saw his ancestor had used his power to reinforce the wood and render it able to block an Elven blade. But Aidan did not give Andrelith the time to recover from his surprise and he disarmed the Dark Elf and sent him down to the floor with quick succession of merciless staff hits. Andrelith, even if the hits had half stunned him, was standing up and reaching for his wand but as he just had it in hand, he let it go to reach for his own throat. Aidan had used his power to cause one end of his staff to form a tight noose around it.
"The more you try to fight it, the more I'll tighten Jorelein," Aidan holding his staff as the Dark Elf tried to get free from it.
Andrelith tried still to get free but soon fell to his knees, Aidan having apparently tightened the wooden noose around his neck. He then took out something from his pocket that looked like vines and threw it on the Dark Elf. As soon as it hit him the vines started to tie themselves around him and Andrelith was soon bound very tightly.
"Strangleweeds Jorelein," Aidan said simply, "I control them and I can assure you that you won't be able to break free from them, much less aparate. Now get up," he added, grabbing the Dark Elf and forcing him to stand up.
Andrelith's face was a mask of pure hatred.
"You should have killed me when you had the chance human," he spat.
"So you could escape from facing your peers and be judged for your actions?" Aidan retorted harshly, "Asking me to kill you shows just the coward you truly are."
"Because you think they will kill me?" Andrelith said with a nasty smile, "The Way prevents them from doing such a thing. It is not over human and I will make you pay."
Aidan grabbed him by the front of his robes.
"Save your threats Jorelein, I don't fear you," Aidan said, "You speak of the Way by you were the first one to break it. Do not think that your deed will go unpunished. But should you survive the judgment, know this; you killed the father of the woman I love today. This makes you my mortal enemy and I swear on my blood that I and any descendants I have will have no rest until you pay for your crime. Now move," he added, shoving Andrelith away and motioning him to walk in front.
Yannick was surprised to not feel pushed to follow and then he realized that the vision was dissolving. He soon was standing in front of Aidan, who was looking at him with his now ghostly eyes.
"That was intense," Yannick said after a moment of silence.
"I know," Aidan replied, "but I felt you needed to see this. You needed to see that Andrelith is not invincible."
"I know that," Yannick said, "but he is still way more experienced than I am."
"That is a fact Yannick and I never said the contrary," Aidan said, "But I am sure that this vision has shown you one of Andrelith's main flaws."
"Apart from the fact that he is a complete lunatic?" Yannick joked, causing Aidan to chuckle, "He underestimated you," Yannick stated after thinking.
"Precisely," Aidan confirmed, "This is a flaw I have seen many times over the years with him and each time it has defeated him. You see, Andrelith is always thirsty for more power, and do you know why?"
Yannick shook his head.
"Because he believes that the more power he gets, the more he can control and dominate," Aidan answered, "Andrelith sees humans as lowlife, as beings that are nothing but annoying gnats over which Elves should rule. Of course this is completely false as I am sure you have seen from your training with the Elves, but it is nonetheless what he believes. He cannot foresee that a mere human can defeat him. That I was able to do so a number of times and that my descendants were able to counter his plans of wiping out the Silverleafs for so many times infuriates him and I do think that this is the sole reason he attacks our family."
"So he will underestimate me?" Yannick asked.
"Maybe he will," Aidan replied, "I'm not trying to give you false hopes here Yannick but I'm saying that you should always keep an eye out for this flaw for when you see it, it will most likely also show you an opening to defeat him."
Yannick let the words sink into him, thinking about the different things that he had learned over the years with the Elves that Andrelith might not be aware of. Out of all of them, his treeshaping gift was the most glaring one. Aidan was right, at no time during his last fight in his sixth year at Hogwarts had he really used that gift. It had been too early and he did not control well at all. But now, it was an entire different matter. Five years of training, six if you added his seventh year at Hogwarts where he had worked on controlling his gift a great deal, were bound to make a big difference and he was starting to see the ways he could use his gift to his advantage. Suddenly he did not feel so apprehensive at the oncoming fight.
"Oy! Silverleaf!" Sean's voice said behind him, snapping him from his thoughts.
Yannick turned and saw Sean coming towards him along with Gran. He was surprised to see that Cynthia was also with them, and that Gran was carrying Ethan in her arms while Cynthia carried Eowyn. Yannick could not help but notice that Gran was smiling and looked happier than he had seen her in a while.
"Good to see you Sean," Yannick said giving his friend a hug and then kissing Cynthia on both cheeks, "is it that late already?"
"Nah, we still have some time before the match but Cynthia figured it would be a good occasion to bring the twins to the manor," Sean replied.
"I am most grateful that you chose to bring them, dear," Gran said to Cynthia, "They are absolutely adorable and true images of their mother and father," she added, caressing Ethan's cheek with her finger, causing him to giggle and try to catch it with his small hands. He managed and soon was suckling it contentedly, causing Gran to chuckle softly.
"Thank you Mrs Sileverleaf," Cynthia said, "But we will have to leave earlier though as we will need to leave them at their babysitter for the night before we head to Alex's match."
"Why not leave them here?" Gran asked, "I dare say I'd be delighted to take care of them for you and you could even come back to the manor afterwards and spend the weekend here."
"I don't want to impose…" Cynthia started to say.
"There is absolutely no imposing dear," Gran replied kindly, "it has been some years now that the laugh of a newborn has graced our halls and I could not be more pleased to take care of them for you so you can enjoy the evening with you husband. Besides, with the rest of the Silverleafs living here I can assure you they will get the best of care and attention."
"I'm sure of that," Cynthia replied, "Thank you for your generous offer Mrs Silverleaf and I accept it most graciously," she added with a bright smile.
"You are most welcome dear," Gran said.
She was about to add something when she saw Cynthia's eyes go wide while looking at the forest. Yannick looked and saw that Nimloki had come out in the clearing, accompanied by Altair.
"I trust you know Altair already," Gran told Cynthia, "the white wolf next to him is Nimloki, his mate."
"I know. Alex told me about her," Cynthia said, still looking stunned, "she's gorgeous," she added.
Gran chuckled softly at this while Yannick knelt to greet Altair with a warm hug.
"How did the hunt go my friend? Good?" he asked the black wolf.
Altair answered with a short and soft bark, before to nuzzle him and start licking him on the face, making him laugh.
Nimloki on the other hand had gone straight towards where Gran and Cynthia stood and seemed to be looking very intently at them with her golden eyes. Gran knelt in front of her and encouraged Cynthia to do the same with a nod of reassurance when the girl hesitated. Yannick wondered what had caused Nimloki to take such interest in them and he soon got his answer. The white wolf was looking at Ethan and Eowyn in turn. Yannick was a bit afraid that the babies would get scared and start crying but he saw that they too were looking at the white wolf with clearly interested eyes.
After a minute of observing both, Nimloki let out a small whine and gave a soft lick of her tongue on each of the babes' forehead, which she also concluded by another lick on Cynthia's cheek. She then trotted back towards Altair and sat by her mate while Yannick started scratching behind her hear, something he knew she enjoyed. What she had just done was not common.
"I think that Eowyn and Ethan have just gotten a very staunch protector," Gran said, rising.
"What do you mean?" Cynthia asked, rising as well and leaning against Sean who had softly enfolded her waist from behind with his arms.
"Nimloki has just taken you children and yourself under her protection it would seem," Gran explained, "I have seen that display only a few times in my life and it is a great honor in Elven lore."
"She's special, isn't she?" Cynthia asked, "Alex told me she was but she did not go into many details."
"She is very special and powerful indeed," Gran replied, "Not to mention very powerful as well. Nimloki is in actual fact, as we learned recently from her, a powerful Elven shapechanger who chose to remain in her wolf form millennias before. She is immortal, as all Elves are, and I dare say that as long as you and your children are here, nothing will even remotely harm them."
"You mean she is an Elf?" Cynthia asked.
"Was an Elf," Gran corrected, "She renounced her Elven life long ago and immersed herself in this form. Recent events have awakened her Elven side though and she was able to communicate with Alexandra and told her her story. But even in her wolf form, she is not a being to trifle with. It is an honor to have her watching over us along with Altair," she added, bowing her head to Nimloki respectfully.
Nimloki gave a short snort and shook her head lightly showing clearly what she thought of such displays of respect.
"And as you can see, she is not fond of praises either," Gran said smiling, "Oh my, looking at this young one, I would say it is time for a little nap," she added as Ethan yawned widely. Looking at Cynthia, Yannick could see that Eowyn was also falling asleep.
"I think that would be our cue to leave quietly," Sean said.
Cynthia turned to Gran, apparently wanting to ask something but the Elven lady just smiled and with a wave of her wand, caused a wide pram to appear on the ground next to her along with a small table and a comfortable chair.
"I think they'll be very comfortable here for their little nap," Gran said, "As for me, I'll be able to enjoy this beautiful weather some more," she added, winking at them and carefully laying Ethan in the pram.
Cynthia smiled and went to lay Eowyn next to her brother, kissing both softly after she had done so.
"Thank you again Mrs Silverleaf," she said to Gran.
"Don't mention it dear," Gran said, "It has been a few years since I have been able to enjoy watching over children and I highly cherish those moments. Although I am sure that it won't be long before such moments present themselves in our family again," she added, looking at Yannick and causing him to blush slightly.
Children were of course a subject he and Alex had talked about recently and he knew that she was all for it and so was he, but after Andrelith was dealt with. Yannick did not want to have to raise his children with that threat hovering over them.
"Alright mate," Sean said, snapping him away from his thoughts, "time to head to London for Alex's last match of the season."
"Wimbourne Wasp against the Hollyhead Harpies," Cynthia added, "now that will be a match with a lot of action."
"Yeah, and Alex will have my head if we are late," Yannick added, "So we'd better go right away. See you tonight Gran," he added as he kissed her on the cheek.
"Enjoy yourselves, dears," Gran replied smiling as all three of them gathered in a group and disapparated in unison.
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The events related at the beginning of the chapter involving Harry Potter and the Entropist, Alexander Lockenburn, can be read in more details in the fic "Harry Potter and the Seal of Chaos" written by Entropist and with whom I am sharing this timeline.