Chapter #8
Eleanor P.O.V,
I am not amused as Agrah sits on Al's shoulders. He looks at me and trills amusement visible on his features. This feathery little bird… I am not amused as I thought I had burned for a moment until I felt my fatigue fading.
He sits still while Al spoils him rotten with praise and rubs his head with his. I deadpan at them both as it hadn't even been a day but I suppose if he vanishes in the summer, this much may be warranted for your familiar…
Finally when Al stops spoiling him, he hops from his shoulders onto my mine, I remain standing but then he hops into my arms and I hold him similar to how a child would hold a teddy bear. Super tight and constricting! Al laughs at that before continuing to lead us back to where the children are.
Agrah seems to be enjoying his spot in my arms so I eventually loosen my arms and hold him reasonably secured to my arms. He is very comfortable to hold and I relax as I ponder on Al's relationship. Interestingly enough… I sense a similar feeling from Agrah… just like the one from my wood, Burnt Elder but it is darker… more destructive.
I feel some sort of connection with something but I do not know what. I ignore that for now and go back to enjoying Agrah's soft feathers. He is clean and smells really nice, and he radiates Al's magic too. The magic on my cloak confirms that too. Speaking of clothes… I really don't have any, I only have 2 sets, both of which I was given by Aunt Ariana…
I consider asking him to go shopping for a few clothes but there really seems to be an issue as I don't want to take him shopping with me at this age… he also seems a little exhausted still despite Agrah's flames. He should be resting! I should have let him sleep but from Aunt Ariana's words, he has a hobby of staying awake late to work on his inventions.
Al starts talking loudly to Agrah, "Did you get any message to convey from Henry?" Agrah trills and I can feel him say no at which Al nods. Did you receive any time? Agrah trills again, responding with 1 hour. Al sighs but seems to brighten up at the fact that we have very less time remaining. He speeds up slightly and I suddenly notice that I do not feel any weight of Agrah in my arms despite him being there.
I examine him with my magic and he turns around to look at me but instead of the benign look he gave earlier, this one seems considering and judging. He trills at me and I get the feeling that he wants me to surround him with my own magic. I think on his request but find no reason to not do so. I surround him with my magic and he examines my magic before suddenly looking at my intentions.
Not in general intentions but my intentions towards Albus.
I blush brightly and immediately remove my magic but he is too fast and he sees my intentions in my magic. I am now blushing because the magical bird is making judging eyes at me. He trills and says, "Too Young!" But I do not reply and simply deadpan at him while making the age of my magic and soul visible by surrounding him with it.
On seeing that, he seems to still before trilling in disagreement as I am still apparently too young, I completely ignore him and make my intentions clear and show him my will despite his disagreement… he begrudgingly begins relaxing in my arms, understanding dawning on him as he realizes I will do it no matter what.
He trills again at me and gives me his blessings to court 'His Human'. I stare blankly at him and the blush on my face ignites again. He begins singing again but lightly which calms me down and I glare at the bird. I allow my intentions to show by showing him a scene of me boiling a chicken. He looks at me in shock before squawking indignantly as if to say not to compare him with a normal bird.
We enter the restaurant to see everything as we left it other than our table occupied by columns of books! They seem to be the general ones that every magical receives I suppose. We spot Varn sitting next to them on one of the chairs I transfigured. Al calmly makes his way towards him, before sitting down; he gives him a bump on his fist before settling on a conjured chair.
I occupy the remaining seat and watch them make short conversation while waiting for Ella's family head to arrive so I can get my first measure of a pureblood family head. While I am deep in my thoughts, Varn stares at us both in bemusement.
Eleanor P.O.V End.
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P.O.V change,
Varn arrived where the children were all playing and Albus had placed a tracking charm. He enters and takes a deep breath before heading towards the transfigured seats. While observing the children laughing and playing, he ponders on Albus and the lass, Eleanor.
He has known Albus for years now and it is interesting for him to witness what is going on with their magic.
Varn:
While sitting, I think about the magic I felt when I dismissed the lass, Eleanor. It wasn't some normal threatening magic nor was it me getting shocked at her willpower. It was different and reminded me of something. My own blood boiled when I felt both of their magic around me, it was as if the Realm of Midgard itself was rejoicing at their presence.
If only Albus would just use his 'eyes' but he never does… I lament. My loyalty is to Nidavellir and the Dwarf King but as a creature that is so close to Earth as an element, my magic rejoiced when I felt them both together.
My family has existed on this realm since the times of the previous Lords and I know from our hidden records what this reaction is for my blood. They aren't simply Lord Candidates at this point… they are both already acknowledged by Magic as future Light and Dark Lords… or Lady. But it isn't that simple. I know I am missing something.
Their souls carry a similar spark and that is making both of them look only at each other and their magic. Albus can't recognize this as for him, she is already his Disciple and when he trusts, he trusts deeply but I know how untrusting he is usually. It took him 4 years to actually see Grace as his Disciple and even more until he magically adopted her. More than 14 years for her to be anything more than a child he saved!
And even stranger, her magic… it sings in his presence. As if recognizing something that it knew. Maybe that is why he is so fond of her? And even stranger, I have observed their interactions and he doesn't treat her like a child. More like an equal and a friend. Their magics are the opposite of each other so how? It doesn't make sense for people with such opposite base magics to get so close in such a short period.
We met a week ago and he did not tell me about any disciple so it hasn't even been a week yet. It should not be possible! We do not have any records of such closeness between any Lords of magic. Only Gryffindor and Slytherin had a deep friendship and only because of the state of affairs in the 9 Realms at that time. Wizarding Kind was dying and they based their friendship on saving their race.
Is such a close relationship between 2 Lords now even needed? Most Dark Lord Candidates get corrupted by Darkness despite them not even being related! If she gets corrupted, and they are so close already…
I shiver at such a thought as it chills me to my bones. Most of us that remember the old history remember the actual lord who is dangerous. It isn't the Dark Lord. The Dark Lord is undeniably dangerous but all 'real' Dark Lord simply ask for allegiance and simply continue destroying them until they gain it.
No Dark Lord has ever annihilated an entire race but Light Lords have. We remember and the most recent example is the goblins. Albus just woke up one day and decided to hunt a few corrupted wizards? Hah! What a joke. No… he was going to annihilate their race that day. He thinks I didn't notice but I remember him disappearing into their home after we started the battle. He came out after a while, no sign of blood but we could feel the morale of the goblins drop.
After the battle, we sent a scout to negotiate but we found everyone dead. It is as if the earth itself decided to swallow them down to the last one. No one of any age was excluded. He didn't leave it at that but even orchestrated the death of all real half goblins in the wizarding society…
He only left a few families alive that had, in his words, 'a dash of goblin blood' coursing through their veins; I also noticed his amusement at seeing a family named Flitwick… And he is not the first Light Lord to kill an entire race. Many Light Lords have annihilated multiple civilizations without mercy and just like him never expressed any remorse for it. They simply weren't human enough for them to care.
The vampires and werewolves are mostly allowed to exist up to a certain age, most vampires die on reaching the age of 500, after that they shrivel up like corpses sucked dry… the magic that surrounds them is light magic. We remember and tread with caution around them. It is a wonder that trolls aren't dead but I have a feeling that will change soon…
The Dark Lord killing a few tribes of some races is normal and many remember half of their tribes dying in a week but who remembers an already dead race? No one realizes the absolute 'monsters' they so fervently offer their loyalties to…
If she gets corrupted, he will track how it happened and make the involved disappear. I know it is too late for anything to be done at this point about them.
I can only pray to the Allfather that she doesn't snap like all those who came after Lord Slytherin… They will inevitably get closer… their magic relaxes in each other's presence. Well, if nothing else… we really dodged a bullet by making him our brother. She is also linked to us through him and I have already offered my allegiance to them both using him. Our treaty is just that, Friendship as loyalty.
I grin as I feel Albus entering the restaurant before seeing Agrah in her hands being held like a child's toy. He looks too relaxed and that immediately scares me. A phoenix is a being of purity. Not light or darkness, there does exist a dark species of Phoenix but they simply have a different alignment than the phoenix that most wizards know of. But still for a familiar to accept such a close proximity to another, even if she is a witch, is shocking. Most familiars only tolerate others even those close to their wizard…
Albus conjures a chair for himself before sitting down and he starts asking me whether I got the supplies or not. As he tells me we are waiting for Lord Henry to come over to meet the child, I grin at how restless the lass sitting next to us is becoming.
She really has a protective streak for the children in her as well, despite barely knowing them but I suppose it is only natural for that to happen. It isn't everyday one gains their first follower. Only a few more levels to go before she realizes that she is already the Dark Lady…
I would find it more amusing if I did not feel her magic surrounding the children like a protective blanket. Albus seems tired, much more than usual, he should sleep more is what I tell him before giving him an amused look as he is missing out on his disciple acting like a mother hen by glaring at nothing and her magic stifling all the children.
The children seem to like that feeling as their magics react pleasantly to it.
Albus is one of the few wizards that can 'see' magic and witness how it works. He rarely uses the talent as apparently he will get exposed within moments of using it by everyone. I sigh as I realise I am in it for the long run. Become the Clan Head they said, it will be easy they said. Not This!!!
The old bastards knew as soon as they learned he had destroyed the Goblins that a crazy bastard had been chosen after so long. They probably weren't sure yet but still immediately decided to save themselves from dealing with a Lord of Light…
End Varn:
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Albus P.O.V,
I thank every deity that exists for allowing me to leave the crowd. No offense to any of the people there, I have seen many of them grow into the people they are today but I am simply not in the mood. The ward shielding our existence is more complex than I originally thought. It doesn't simply hide our existence but also prevents any mundanes from organizing any plot against us. It is surprising how much it absorbs on a day to day basis.
Ever since tensions have increased due to the eve of WW2, many mundanes that are currently aware of our presence have thought about taking action against us. Naturally, I overpowered the mind-altering part of the ward resulting in them being unable to inform anyone of our presence and ensure that no one schemes against us in secret. I have to do what I must until I can figure out a way to balance my realm.
It is getting difficult, from seeing images of what they are planning to do before their memories are wiped to seeing the sheer destruction that Gellert is causing in search for power. I abandon my train of thoughts as it is depressing road I cannot go down.
I go over my memories of today and find my interactions interesting. I wonder who informed the children former students I would be coming here today. Must have been Aberforth… The unfortunate part of today is that too much of my magic was suddenly absorbed during Eleanor's ritual. While admittedly I already suspected her ancestry, it was still surprising to know that she was worthy of Slytherin's name. She noticed something, I am sure of it but I managed to convince her to ignore it.
Eleanor was a surprise… a pleasant one. I was never the most studious fan of anything and while I did know much information about the Harry Potter world, it was from necessity rather than interest. My little sister used to adore it and I would read the series to her, eventually we ran out of the in book content so I searched up the characters personal histories to tell her about. I did try to search for a Tom Riddle but I didn't find anyone with such a name. Not even the supposed father. He was already, surprisingly dead.
I remember looking at her in shock through the matron's memories before slowly getting over it. I didn't find too many interactions with her either but she seemed normal if not a bit spiteful. A normal orphan surrounded by sh***y people. But Eleanor was a surprise, her insights, comprehension and sheer talent reminded me of myself. I initially thought that she might be another reincarnate like me but by now I am certain she isn't. Taking her as a student was a surprise to me as something in my soul seemed to resonate with her.
I am entirely too fond of her but I suppose if she is to be a Dark Lady, it is obvious my magic would react favorably to balance. Her magic claiming Ella Allen was a surprise though. To so easily get an in with the Potter family… I envy her luck. While I have taught Charles Potter myself, Henry Potter holds a barely above neutral impression of me. I don't blame him entirely, what I did and do as Lord Arceus is simply for the good of Wizarding Society. I refuse to let an entire race, my race, and my people, die out due to their stupidity.
I remember today morning and feel sudden grief for my scientific instruments… I was so close to actually building a dimensional viewer. I could use it to peek through to another universe but… I will have to start over again. I notice Eleanor suddenly look at me with badly disguised worry and look curiously towards her in question. She smiles at me, all dimples and warm, and it… is a really good smile so I dismiss my curiosity.
One thing about her though… since yesterday I have been occasionally getting a weird feeling from her. She looks at me with a form of hunger? Or something similar that I know I recognize but not from where…
I am now approaching my physical 100 in terms of age but do not look a day over 30. Cultivation sure is a cheat code… a shame that I have been stuck at this barrier for a year… and now I can't break through because I am mostly using my magic to power the ward…
I sigh forlornly when I think of my love life. My non-existent love life… how is it that finding someone nice to spend the rest of your life with is so difficult?!
I have dated many women but they simply weren't what I was looking for. The term bland comes to mind… I need someone unpredictable, my opposite who can challenge me. I immediately think of all my friends in this life and students who are getting married or are already married before sighing in longing.
Eleanor is looking weirdly at me and sometimes I feel like she can sense my emotions… what the hell is Agrah doing?! I stare a bit dumbfounded at the scene I just witnessed; he was being fed by her?! I keep my face and emotions deliberately calm despite how shocked my mind is. Occlumency is such a useful skill.
Well at least, Agrah likes her from the start and I won't have to interfere in any fights between her and him like I did for little Grace. Whatever I think tiredly to myself before slowly meditating to regain some mental power, this magic absorbing ward is taking too long to adjust to…
I also take a moment to think why HE would look at Eleanor. While she has very high potential, it is not as ridiculous as to invite Him to look at her. It is as if she referred to Him in some way but that simply isn't possible… we haven't yet started with their runes yet… nor their language… My attention shifts as Agrah seems to rub his crowned head against her hand… looks adorable…
I sense a magical signature walk towards us in haste with urgency; his magic is a bit frenzied. So Henry Potter finally arrives… as I am about to get up to tell the children to prepare, I steal a look at Eleanor which affirms my belief in her. Her magic is restless and I don't think she quite realizes how protective she feels of Ella. I open my eyes to see Eleanor's magic protectively surround all the children, especially Ella protectively.
Yes… I didn't make the wrong decision is what I think as I smile at Eleanor warmly before getting up to greet Henry.
Albus P.O.V End.
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Henry Potter rushes towards the restaurant inside Gringotts. Even now, under such immense anticipation and rush of emotions, his strides would seem elegant to any who observe him. He is a man who was trained by his mother to be the quintessential pureblood.
He thinks on what happened a few hours earlier. He was, as per usual, preventing a bill that suppresses the 'Squib born' that do not claim a name of an ancient family, from passing. He knew it would never pass as 'the Lord' was not biased against the former Muggleborns. But if they left the entire burden of their society on one man, Lord he may be, they were doomed to failure.
As the debate, or the speeches of the pompous idiots, began, the entire chamber observed a Phoenix appear in the center. They examined it within moments but soon calmed themselves as the Earthen Crown showed his identity as Albus Dumbledore's familiar. They all knew that. Which fool wouldn't know the name of the person who singlehandedly changed some of the main principles of their society?! He was also one of the best Professors of Hogwarts and singlehandedly responsible for the creation of a meeting between Parents and Teachers, changing the course of education and feedback between professors and guardians forever.
The Phoenix made his way to him, and he had suppressed the reverence this evoked within him, he as a Lord of an Ancient family knew what having a Phoenix as your familiar denoted. He passed on to him a message about how a descendant has been discovered related to his family and that they want to meet him. He was overcome with joy!
While he and his beloved had raised both Charlus and Fleamont, she had been trying for another child but she had been severely sick for a while resulting in her becoming bare. Maybe this could be their opportunity to have another child… without risking her life… He asked The Phoenix to deliver this news to his beloved and he looked into his soul before giving him a nod and bursting into flames.
He could barely focus on the debates and eventually the other wizards grew curious enough to ask. He happily informed them that a child of his family had been found and that they wanted to form a relationship with his family. Even the most stubborn of purebloods smiled.
If a relationship is initiated then, we can simply blood adopt the child into our family. Blood Adoption isn't something people can do whenever they want. You have to honestly care for the person you are adopting, they have to be magical and they should be used to your magic. This is why most purebloods were unable to adopt anyone for so long but ever since the ancestry of the Muggleborns was discovered, even some of the darkest families had adopted the few children who wanted a family.
I know quite clearly that Lord Arceus had something to do with their surprising kindness being actually sincere as every family that despised Muggleborns was paid a visit by him in private and they soon changed their ways.
He did not approve but if this was the only way to change the direction of their world, he would accept it.
The wizards congratulated him with sincerity as many, if not all of them, had already raised one who they had adopted in a similar way. Their only annoyance was with the Muggleborns who refused to claim any name. They adjourned the meeting for today for technical reasons but the secret smiles given to me made it clear that they were rejoicing the birth of a new child.
(Switch to 1st Person)
I thanked them all before immediately heading home. I apparated to my manor and found both Charlus and Fleamont there as well. He saw his daughters-in-law sitting next to his beloved, looking emotional. His boys, that's who they were and damn the world for saying anything else, hugged him tightly and he returned it with fervor because their family would be one more after today.
(Switching back to whatever this is)
They conversed for a while, he, like most members of the Wizengamot, knew the timings of the meetings. The Phoenix sang for them, before he left.
And now he was rushing towards the meeting area, the restaurant to meet his, hopefully, new child.
His wife would come after 10 minutes to prevent the child from feeling pressured. Alexandra would hug the child and probably not let go so he had to convince the child to get hugged. Great. This was off to a good start.
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Eleanor's P.O.V,
I looked at the man who had appeared just as Al said he would. I wasn't too surprised anymore. This was getting ridiculous though.
He looked around, more out of habit than actually alertness, and I approved for some reason. He smiled as he saw Al before he walked towards our table.
I could see his features clearly now and he had a kind smile on his face and his eyes glowed a bright grey. He looked mature, not from his features but his demeanor and I would definitely call his someone's father… he had that dad energy. His hair was an untidy black which seemed to highlight his eyes. He seemed composed but as I subtly examined his magic, I sensed eagerness and anticipation?
He conversed with Albus for a few moments and they exchanged their pleasantries and he began introducing the children one by one and I instantly noted how his eyes met Ella's and shook before he blanked. Albus continued his introduction before introducing me as his disciple. He seemed to pay attention at that and gave us all a nod. He introduced himself before saying that he was here to meet a child.
Albus seemed actually shocked but soon he smiled joyful. I could sense Al's approval in the magic surrounding him and I slowly calmed my magic.
Eleanor P.O.V End.
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Henry P.O.V,
Henry introduced himself to all the children in front of him but his heart wasn't in it. His eyes were fixed on the girl, Ella; her eyes reminded him of his fathers'. A bright blue and that hair as well, it was definitely on the cusp of their inherited untidiness. He wanted to do nothing more than hold her hands and he did it.
Albus moved out of the way and gave his wordless agreement and he moved to kneel in front of the little girl. He smiled his warmest smile before asking her for her hand, she slowly gave it and he gave it a small kiss on the back before introducing himself.
"Hello young Ella! I am Henry Potter, your distant relative. I am here to invite you to our small family." He sounded composed but he was anything but.
He was blank, he had a whole speech prepared, something that would astound her and incentives, boasts of their wealth, their fame and influence but when he held her tiny hand and his magic connected with hers… he was the Lord of his family.
Their protector and guardian, and this- this was one of his children. That was the only thing that came to his mind.
Her eyes seemed to be getting suspiciously wet…
He waited for a response, he didn't want to make any sudden move, and he got it when her magic responded to his before she hugged him. He rubbed her back before he picked her up and distractedly noted she was too light, this evoked rage but he ignored it for now. He nodded at Albus, who returned it before he took her to another table to give them some privacy.
He waved his hands creating a barrier that prevented them from being seen and heard before informing Ella of that. She only held tighter and he desperately searched his mind for a topic to speak about but he was getting a blank so he thought of his wife and started talking.
He told her about his wife, how beautiful Alexandra was, how she cooked the best meals, how she would scold them for not brushing their hair when it being untidy was magical, Ella giggled at that and he continued listing her traits and telling her some stories. He did not notice his wife standing behind him listening to everything he was saying, nor did he feel Ella's head stiffen when she spotted Alexandra from his shoulders.
Alexandra whispered to her before she made a loud entrance and hugged them both tightly. She took Ella from his arms before hugging her tightly.
End Henry's P.O.V.
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(Author Notes: So I was reading some emotional stuff before writing this part, wanted to show that characters weren't 1 dimensional and that they had their own goals, visions and dreams as well but I took it somewhere else entirely didn't I? It fits so I will let this continue, think of it as me practicing how to write different people and perspectives of people in love. So yeah… I am personally a huge fan of families; I would be lost without mine, from my annoying brothers to loving parents.)
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Albus's P.O.V,
They, the Potters, returned with Ella before stating that they were immediately adopting her by magic and blood so they would appreciate my blessing as her Magical Guardian.
Albus nodded and gave his agreement to their demand. But he looked at the 3 of them silently, they looked happy to be together, Ella was in the middle, they were both standing to her sides and lightly conversing with her… he longed for such a thing. He shook his head moments after, his exhaustion winning over his intent to witness such a beautiful example of family and perhaps to postpone his remembrance of his family in his 1st life…
He radiated his magic and asked them to swear an oath to treat her like their own blood child, to never intentionally put her in harm's way… ----… and treat her like family. When they gave their agreement, their magic spread over all 3 of them with his magic guiding it, he was currently the only Lord of magic and it was visible to all who would understand but no one learned it as they were too busy witnessing the beautiful ritual from afar.
He told them that they could adopt her by blood later as he had to go somewhere. Albus also told them that Ariana would come for the blood adoption ritual. He asked the children to hold his hands before he apparated them back home.
They arrived in front of the mansion and Albus asked them to go to Ariana for distribution of their supplies and he hands Eleanor a small ring to pass to her. He doesn't see her shocked and intrigued face and heads to his room to get some rest.
End Albus's P.O.V.
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Eleanor P.O.V,
I stare at the couple who immediately want to adopt Ella by blood in silence. I am pleased for her but just looking at their sickly sweet smiles towards each other and Ella makes me feel so jealous. A family… my own is what I wanted ever since I was a child in my previous life. My magic tells me I am 30 years of age now, still without one.
I look at Albus and he looks at them with complex emotions as well.
Change P.O.V
She could sense (Longing-Desire-Envy) and even (Joy-Happiness) for them mixing with his bone deep exhaustion.
Eleanor pondered on how much she had learned in a day. From weird knowledge to the existence of a daughter to a Lord Arceus to his hidden desire of a family… she smiled at the fact that they had such similar desires and firmed her resolve. She witnessed his perform a ritual of sorts using his words and magic, it was overpowering and awe-inducing. She was shocked at the sheer magic that was in the air.
End Change P.O.V
Al apparated the remaining children and I back home before telling us to inform Aunt Ariana about what happened. He gave me a ring which he asked me to hand over to her and headed to get some sleep I assumed. I had much I wanted to ask him, but he wouldn't really answer anything truthfully because he saw me as young still. I would have to subtly question Aunt Ariana… or Aberforth.
I begin to lead the children and they follow me without question… why? Aren't young children supposed to not obey authority figures? I ignore the direction where my thoughts are heading and lead us all to the kitchen where Aunt Ariana is seated on the table working on some sheets.
I give her a hug because she gives really good hugs before passing her the ring he handed me. She throws her magic in and multiple sets of books and a set of robes appear in front of us, they are more like cloaks though… her eyes begin to twitch before she asks me, "Where are your clothes and rings?"
I happily show off my ring, because magic… at which she smiles at me before frowning at the empty hands of the children. She gives the children some snacks before dismissing them and asking me about our day. I answer her queries while subtly asking her about this Grace. I do not learn anything new about her other than the fact she is married now, when I ask her about Albus being married, she laughs.
"Oh that is good…! Him being married… he wishes. Ah no sweetie, Al is the eternal bachelor that all men tell their daughters to stay away from." She snickers.
Once the dam bursts, it opens completely. I am treated to a personal story lesson about his non-existent love life, how he would at max go on a few dates with someone before ending the relationship and he has never taken it beyond harmless flirting. His longest relationship lasted for 2 months before he ended it. She says that hesitantly as if she isn't supposed to talk about it.
I curiosity is evoked by this and I begin to ask her why. I do gain an answer but it breaks my heart… apparently he cannot take part in a relationship with someone inferior. I did not fully understand at first but when she explained it… he will live for thousands of years and he doesn't want to have a 'fling' for a few centuries or anything, he wants to have a relationship with someone who will accompany him for the rest of his life.
I swoon as I am a romantic at heart and nod at his declaration. I agree with that. Why have a relationship with someone who will barely live for less than a quarter of your life's percentage. Finding an equal is much more important.
I definitely have a chance…
She looks at my cloak and blinks widely in recognition. She states that it is Al's and I tell her it was gifted to me. She looks at me in shock before slowly shaking her head and realizing something.
She whispers, "I suppose you won't need any cloaks…" I ask her what she means and she realizes what she sounded like.
She says, "No, no, that's not what I meant. You can simply take your cloaks from his wardrobe if he has shown you where it is…"
I do know where it is and yes, he did show me but how is that related to me taking his cloaks as I please? I ask her this and she tells me that I don't have to if I don't want to. I think on it for a few moments but his cloaks are the best according to her so I accept.
I don't have any other clothes which I inform her of and she nods before telling me that tomorrow is allotted entirely for her to take the girls shopping per year one by one. The rings will also have to be brought because Al couldn't take us all.
I give her a nod to signal that I have heard what she said before heading off to sleep as I am tired as well and it has been a long day. Agrah makes his way towards me, he doesn't really say anything but just stays there and sits on top of my bed before he sings for a few minutes, I reach up to hold him so I can cuddle with his soft feathers but he fires away before I reach him… I slump down annoyed but in a good mood still.
I lie on the bed and lower the temperature before closing my eyes to rest; maybe I will skip dinner…
Eleanor P.O.V End.
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Albus P.O.V,
Albus opened his eyes before yawning lightly and rubbing his eyes. His eyes narrowed in confusion as he saw darkness in his room. He was used to waking up when the sun rose so seeing his room so dark was nostalgic…
He sighed lightly and the room slowly started to light up and he lazily laid there for a few moments before taking off his blanket and floating to the bath. He performed his morning preparation routine and finally he seemed fresh. He smiled at the mirror before headed to his lab to start testing the M-Tech devices. These were simply prototypes but if he could get them to work… he rubbed his hands in glee.
He wore a black cloak that he had charmed and enchanted to keep the surrounding temperature within a certain degrees. He began testing the devices while absently dodging the absolute mess that was his lab. His lab contained a device that looked like a computer and he began speaking to it, he commanded to it and a voice came out, it sounded feminine and answered in affirmative.
He continued his activities for what seemed like an hour before giving the final judgement on the M-Tech. It works!
Finally… after so long… a functional device that connects to my database… I could die of happiness now…
His testing complete, Albus heads back to his room only to spot Aberforth and Ariana sitting at the table in the kitchen, he decides to head over and spend some time with them.
Albus P.O.V End.
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Ariana P.O.V,
I just finish finalizing our plan for the children today as we need to buy their clothing and rings before I spot Al heading over to us.
He smiles at us both before taking a seat at the table. I want to question him about so many things. Why did he not tell Eleanor about Grace? Why is he so invested in her? Not to mention how yesterday he did not fulfill any extra items on the list. Why is favoring her so much? Isn't that my job?
But I remain silent at just bask in the warmth of his magic. It is still surprising to me to feel that he is already a Light Lord, especially with how hyped dad and mom made them sound. Nicolas and Perenelle were really too invested in the Lords of Magic…
Albus chooses this moment to inform us about how mom and dad have invited us both to their home within this week. Aberforth sighs in frustration as this time is too hectic for us to take any time to ourselves but Albus says it is urgent.
This is definitely why we will undeniably live forever. Who is going to watch over our dumb elder brother other than us? He already stays in his room for most hours of a day and it is only due to Eleanor's presence that he even bothers eating with the children. Ever since Grace graduated a few years ago, he seemed to get lazy and lazier in terms of his private life and time.
Not to say he doesn't spend time with friends or such but that most of his efforts are put towards learning new things, travelling to different dimensions and laying the foundations of our mass migration from Earth to his realm…
I did not initially want to leave but when he requested it, I could only accept. We try not to show it but both Aberforth and I do not feel any interest in other people. We both enjoy teaching children and caring for them but having a husband or wife simply doesn't interest us at all. Dad blames it on Albus due to his utter disregard for romance for his first 25 years and then the flirting started to which we could only sigh in lament.
He raised us when our biological parents died and it was only because he had a relationship with them due to his interest in Alchemy that we even had Nicolas and Perenelle as parents. I sometimes wonder where he would be if we had died in the accident as well but dismiss my thoughts. Our biological parents were killed my mundane means by mistake and Albus blames himself for it.
Apparently, to gain something, you have to lose something was how the world operated before he became strong enough. He prevented me from losing my magic, resulting in our parent's deaths…
Aberforth was laughing with Albus about the previous technical error his new technology had. They really liked discussing their embarrassing failures and laughing about them. I noticed Eleanor come down from the stairs but both Albus and Aberforth didn't as they were too distracted. I silently observed as she looked at Albus with a warm smile. I saw how she was holding Agrah in her arms before observing her closely again to take a detailed examination of her facial expressions…
I stared blankly at her smile towards Albus because I recognized it. It was a bit too familiar and I immediately felt lost. Eleanor was interested in Albus. Internally I screamed because this is exactly what I feared… she is barely 11! I have to correct her but then I begin thinking deeply about this.
This is probably just puppy love… harmless in every way because even she must know that it won't go anywhere for at least 20 more years. Albus doesn't look at women below the age of 30 and by then she will have already gotten over it. I pay no heed to the alternative as it is too scary to imagine. My brother is not a deviant who will date a woman below 30. I know this. I just have to believe it but why is Agrah not doing anything?! He has ended more of his relationships in moments than I have yet in my life!
I sigh mentally but still warmly hug her because crush or not, she is adorable! I glomp her tightly before slowly letting her go, and she joins us in having some light breakfast before she immediately begins asking some general history about our world. Albus entertains her and after a while, they head off for her magical lectures.
I feed the other children before asking the children to get ready and allot them all specific times so we can buy everything they need efficiently with speed.
I start from the older children and by evening, we are finally heading towards Ollivanders for their rings… Eleanor already has one so I just ask her to go buy a few books for herself while we wait for the children to come back… I do a head count by the end and I see Eleanor has brought 5 books that have very benign titles but I ignore that as I already have too much to do.
Eventually, the remaining time passes and the new year at Hogwarts begins… I stare at the children prepared to leave for a few months and grin before telling them to watch their steps before they arrive at Hogwarts. I am the official staff member that deals with other wizards and Aberforth deals with the 'government'. I smile warmly at Eleanor who returns it before she wraps a jacket-like cloak tightly around her. My eyes twitch as I recognize it as Albus's but smile as he shouldn't have been so careless.
Finally Albus shows up and to us, who know him well, he looks dead on his feet barely able to walk and his eyes look tired. He hasn't slept for a week as he was too busy creating the new technology that will revolutionize our world apparently.
Even Eleanor stares at him in worry but to everyone else, he seems to look normal, and is just walking more slowly than usual…
He arrives in front of the children and gives a speech that he gives to every first year wizard and witch. He tells them that they can do anything and hypes them up before stressing on the importance of will and ending on a solemn note while giving a small demonstration. It awes every single one of them except Eleanor who stares at him in bemusement and fondness. Ugh… I really should talk to her… this isn't right… she is barely 11!!!
Why isn't that stupid bird, and speak of the devil and he shows up, he glides over to Albus's shoulders and rubs his crowned head to Albus's. Why isn't he warning her or scaring her away?! How hard can it be?! I exhale heavily, calming myself temporarily as I have been seeing these looks directed at Albus for days now every once in a while. She isn't letting me forget I am letting her crush fester…
I sigh as the children finally head over to the station that will lead them to Hogwarts…
Eleanor gives us all a wave which Al warmly returns making her brighten slightly which is adorable to watch but knowing what I do… it seems even worse from Albus making me glare heavily at him.
Ariana's P.O.V End,
Chapter End.
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We will go over Eleanor's thoughts later from second arc but this is it for the first arc. Inspiration hit me suddenly allowing me to finish writing this chapter and arc now.
Sorry if it seems that the focus is detracting for the storyline but this is both. The romance isn't a subplot; it is a main plot that will last even when they get married.
Yes, we are headed that way.
I am experimenting with a style that many fanfiction writers use so let me know if you guys like it. I find it well enough but it feels more like a report than actual storytelling, it is more of a narration with the character's thoughts and actions' accompanying it so I suppose it does work…
Next we have time skips, power ups, discovering gifts and finally realization eventually of where she is exactly.
We will also start following Albus with both his identities and see what he is up to as she is powering up.
We are headed for the main arc from this point onwards. It will have multiple smaller arcs and so on as expected of a fanfiction. I considered doing Hogwarts yearly but that is boring!!! We will take the world by storm yeah?! If anyone is expecting me to introduce a lot of OCs and introduce other characters from different magical societies… lol… no. just no. I can't. Naming people is hard… and giving them their own personalities and quirks is harder… I already have to include a few interactions with canon characters for story immersion…