Zenith of Zen PV Sylvain Indarys Finished

Flash laughed quietly to himself as Sylvain explained his interests. 'Fantasy' was a funny genre for those well acquainted with the wizarding world. It could be confusing at first what was real and what was imagined by Muggles and was complete fabrication. Dragons, for instance, had lots of books about the emperical study of them. They also had nearly infinite imaginings as well, no doubt being incapable of not being witnessed a time or two throughout history and becoming Muggle legend. From an anthropological standpoint, it was a subject he'd be interested to look into more.

Though Syl was not a half-blood like he was, he recalled that he had trouble with that last Christmas, when he assumed the villain of the story used a potion to fool the investigators. With Merlin, knights, and dragons, they were all a part of real history, though technically they were well-known myths started from before the time that the distinction between the two worlds was solidified.

"Even for fun in your free time you're reading history?" Flash's smile had grown a bit of a smug tint, his distaste for history was already documented between them. Unlike him, Syl seemed to have a real passion for it. Flash liked being around people with different interests than him though, he wondered just how deep Syl's well of knowledge went. "Or do you really mean fantasy... like Muggle legends, as well as history?"

He couldn't really tell why Syl showed such interest in one book, but continued to push for another. He would also have liked the Asimov book as much as any of them. Still, he wasn't going to fight about it. This was time he was setting aside to not fret over things needlessly. He was trying not to get hung up on little things. Syl was a straight-forward person, as far as Flash could tell, so certainly he had his reasons.

Reading along as Syl spoke, Flash leaned back and remained silent. His eyes would pace along the pages, subtle reactions to events and reveals flitting across his face as they were spoken. He had spent his time with other detectives besides the most famous one of all. Part of him was unecessarily avoiding them, some of his mates in Durham used to use the name as a taunt, what with his surname being vaugely similar. Back then, in his childish rage, it sometimes put him over the edge. He was so sure his name and reputation were of the utmost importance. Now, he found it ironic how inoffensive the taunt really was.

By the end, Flash felt a little bit lost. There was a reveal, of course, but he couldn't say he felt that the book had provided an adequate amount of clues to come to the conclusion themselves. It was almost like Holmes was keeping things a secret from Watson just for dramatic tension. That would be another knock from Knox. Still, it had been enjoyable enough, there was still a lot to think back on, especially about the complex interpersonal relationships and how they drove the motivation for the killing.

Though when Syl asked his opinion, he was at a bit of a loss. He started and stopped, a bit too much mulling around in his brain to draw a simple conclusion. Still, he would try.

"It seemed a bit sudden at the end... Stapleton was a Baskerville, I guess... it had to do with birthrites..." Flash talked as he processed it, his face emotive and unchecked as he talked. "What I found very interesting was the themes of superstition versus logic. The villain used fear and superstition to deteriorate his victims mentally... Of course, in the magic world curses are very real. I wonder how that would make Holmes feel, after so adamantly fighting against the notion."

As he recalled, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a Muggle who knew of the existance of fairies, and yet the character of Holmes was staunch in his position of cold, hard logic. It raised so many questions, just in the way Flash loved. His natural curiosity had been so often spent on investigating curses himself. When was the last time he investigated something for the simple joy of learning? Not since he started his Hogwarts career, at the very least.

"What did you think?"

@Sylvain Wyllt

Hexcode= #507091

"I'm not sure," Sylvain started, putting his fingers to the bridge of his nose in deep analysis. Like most things that interested him, he needed a moment to process all the information in summary. That Holmes was so certain magic wasn't involved was the kind of honest mistake anyone who came the muggle world could make. Of course, in the end it was what ensured he caught the murderer. Part of what he found most interesting was Doyle's choice to have Dr. Watson perform the majority of the investigation. Ensuring that Sherlock's near inhuman use of deduction wouldn't have any form of sensory experience to go along with it meant that the dynamic duo were nearly crippled.

"I think that Holmes was right to deny there was any magic involved from the start." Coming from the muggle world meant that few things were explained away with magic, and that Syl had only relatively recently begun suspecting magic as a means to accomplish much of anything. Still, there was sound logic in Sherlock's reasoning. Not shocking to someone who had even remotely heard of the legend. Sometimes the simplest answer was the correct one. "I'm not sure I liked the ending Flash! I was kind of hoping Holmes was wrong." It was a gripping read however, the pages nearly turning themselves.

There was no doubt that Flash had felt the same nail-biting energy which emanated from the book whenever the curse was mentioned or a new scene set. "I'd be interested in another Sherlock tale for sure," he said confidently. "Though maybe one with a bit more Sherlock and a touch less spook factor." His throat was a bit dry from reading aloud, but in the end it had been worth it. A mystery the two could claim to have solved together, or at least with Sherlock and Watson's help.

Scooting a little closer, the winter chill in the castle air making their little nest twice as comfortable, Sylvain proposed a topic change with a single suggestion. "Mr. Frankland kinda reminded me of you when we first met in the library." He smiled again. "When I called you Demetrius." Sylvain smiled his thin, joyful grin. "Though now I'd say you're more like Holmes now that I've gotten to know you better." Still, he was curious what Flash thought of him in return. "What about me?"

@Flash Holmwood

Syl seemed similarly perplexed by the ending. It did feel like there should have been something more, magic or not. That, or more modern stories took similar themes and did them better. The element of magic was such a tricky one for them, who knew it was actually a possibility. It certainly would have made the narrative more intriguing if it was. Flash would nod along when Syl exclaimed so for himself. He was surprised however when he said he'd be interested in more, he wasn't sure it whether it was as good as other mystery novels he had read.

"You didn't like the ending or the atmosphere, but you'd like to read more? Flash questioned, curious about why. "More good than bad, then? Or are you just very forgiving?"

As the book had truly come to an end, Flash would be reminded of where they were, and be removed from the world of the story. He'd stretch and yawn, lots of time having passed to get through the whole thing. He was amazed Syl even had the fortitude to read aloud so much, or the fact that they hadn't been shushed by any house elves.

Flash's ear perked up when Syl compared him to one of the characters, his eyebrows too when he heard who. It wasn't very flattering, and he almost wanted to start whining in defense of how not like Frankland he was. He sucked in his breath though, as he recognized that he had changed a lot over his first year. His second year was also chugging along, partway through. He was a quite bit more stuck-up and incorrigible when he and Syl first met. Whether the changes he had gone through were for the better, he wouldn't know without hindsight.

When he said he was more like Holmes now, he didn't know if he agreed or not. 'Holmes' had been a bit of a tease he endured in early boarding school days, an obvious play off his surname. It was often used sarcastically, when he did something stupid or didn't understand something. It was a compliment coming from Sylvain, though, but it made him wonder what it was about Holmes that he meant. "Are you saying I'm... cold and aloof?" Flash knew better than to point out only the negatives, but he said it anyway as though it were a reflex.

When it was turned back around, he had to give it considerable thought. The truth was, Sylvain was a unique type of person, one he didn't have a full grasp of despite spending a considerable amount of time with him. He had a kind of childlike wonder, yet a sense of dignity normally found in people who acted more mature. He was clumsy, easily emotional, but had singular drive that could push him beyond his limits whenever he needed it. Like reading a whole book out loud for his friend. "Sir Henry Baskerville, I think. Alert, sincere."

He rubbed his eyes, taking one hand to yank the blanket tighter around his shoulder. "I was such a wretched fool that day. I feel sick thinking of how I behaved. To think I couldn't see that you were trying your best..." He was dwelling on it, a time where Syl had truly been saintly in the face of Flash's short temper. "Am I... uh... have I become a better friend since then?"

If he would ask anyone, it would be Syl, who had known him the longest. Not only that, but he was starting to rely on Sylvain's opinion on things. Not because he was the smartest kid in school, but because he cared about what he thought.

Hexcode= #507091

"Neither honestly," Sylvain said with nary a wince of his eye or change in his voice. Neither was forgiving a good word for Syl, nor was the Hound of the Baskervilles more good than bad. The Hound of the Baskervilles was just one book of many in a vast collection and despite what he had enjoyed and disliked about it, there was hardly enough data for him to draw a conclusive picture of the Holmes series as a whole. "Just have the idea that maybe this isn't the best representative of Doyle's works." After all a lame ending was to be expected every once in a while. No author could pander to every audience with every piece of work.

Sylvain would roll his eyes and scoff before chuckling, though he did his best to respect his friend's pride by keeping his laughter in check. Flash's reflexive habit to take things in a negative manner was already established and well noted. There were a few character traits that Syl would've chosen before arriving at cold and aloof. Arrogant and paranoid worked much better. Though only if he were to describe Flash when he had first met him. Now, the observation was more than likely to be received or interpreted in a way that only hurt his already glass-like ego. "Observant suits you better..." he paused, preparing for a witty joke. "Though perhaps you share his paranoia too." The corners of his mouth would raise in a smirk as he ribbed his mate.

Sylvain thought that Sir Henry Baskerville was an apt comparison. There was the whole "last surviving family member," line that could be drawn. His face screwed with confusion as he pondered the idea. Why hadn't he thought of that? "Fair enough I s'pose," he gave without more reaction beyond the face and a shrug. "I'd thought for sure you'd say I was like Dr. Watson, but now that it's been said out loud, I think you're right. He's a bit slow to figure things out where as Sir Henry Baskerville knows when to ask for help." Being wrong wasn't so bad all things considered. At least admitting it came easily, and learning came soon after.

"Of course you have," he said lightly in reassurance. "You've helped me keep my head above water more than once now." He thought that perhaps the joke would help keep the mood light. Referencing the past usually worked wonders that way. Smiling, Sylvain relaxed his shoulders and leaned back on Flash for support as the blanket drew tighter. "I'm moving this spring," he said without much of a segue at all, changing the topic as soon as the thought came into his head. "Going to be moving in with my uncle, Frazier." He hadn't really spoken with Flash about his family much lately. There was admittedly a lot to talk about. The few times family had come up in his conversations with others most had shown him pity rather than support.

To him it was more exciting to move in with someone who missed and loved him rather than to dwell on being given up by someone who no longer felt attached. Some endings were just that. Lame. His foster parents had never expected their child to be a wizard after all, and he could hardly say he disagreed with their decision. Though on second thought, maybe he was alone in that feeling. Maybe tragic endings were necessary for others. Hadn't his parents met that kind of fate? Wasn't that necessary to make him who he was today? He thought it best not to think on it too long, and just feel how he felt genuinely.

"Wanna come visit us when I get moved in?"

@Flash Holmwood

Flash enjoyed the response Syl had to his question, one about second chances. It was fair to not judge an author with only one example. Flash was rarely so fair, so he appreciated the more nuanced and gentle approach, it was certainly a shift of perspective for him. He was so often caught up in what was right or wrong that he made judgements quickly and ruthlessly. It wasn't misplaced when dealing with dark magic and hags, but perhaps he could give a dead author a bit more leeway. He'd just smile and nod though, a thoughtful look in his eye.

At Flash's purposefully self-deprecating descriptors, he received an eyeroll from his companion. A deserved one for sure, he would be similarly disapproving if Syl had done the same. He didn't take any offense then of course, and instead laughed when Syl implicated paranoia. He tried to keep that bad habit of his hidden from pleasant company, but he had not succeeded. "You're not wrong." He admitted, perhaps a bit sadly.

"Yes, I think the Watson character is a bit daft," it eluded Flash that he was written that way on purpose, "and you're the furthest thing from that."

While Syl did have a penchant for being absent-minded or clumsy, it had nothing to do with his intelligence. He had a very bright mind, even if he was using it for things like trading cards. His response to his question of friendship was answered quickly and confidently, to Flash's relief. He laughed too, Syl's reference easily recalled upon. He became a bit quieter though, leaning into Flash like the next part was meant to be just between them. It was about moving in with his uncle, and moving was certainly a big thing. When he thought about doing it himself, even with his complicated feelings about his family, he found it a bit overwhelming. It would mean everything changing all at once, another level of separation from him and a real family.

"Uncle Frazier? Do you know much about him yet?" Flash asked, curious about what kind of summer Syl was about to have. There were a lot of things that could make it better or worse, easier or harder.

Somehow, he hadn't even faintly suspected he'd be invited along. The shock would be clear as day, as Flash was caught completely off guard. He'd sputter a few sounds, before finally just being silent as he processed the thought. Looking off into the middle-distance with scrutiny, he instantly wanted to agree, as precarious as it could possibly be. Any time away from the mansion was welcomed, and he might even be of use to him during this complex transition. After the surprise wore off, Flash's features would soften into a smile.

"Sorry, I was surprised you asked." He started by trying to explain his over-reaction, timidly apologizing. "I would love to, just..."

Flash suddenly started looking around for where his bag was, fumbling his hand into it and pulling out his journal. Turning to the back, there was a neat, formal-looking list in the for of an address book.

"I can have my retainer arrange it, I'll need an address and phone number, and... sorry, do you have a mobile I could text you with? What dates and duration were you interested in?" Flash yammered on like a receptionist without the slightest hint of sarcasm.

Hexcode= #507091

"Not really," Sylvain responded a bit uncertain in his expression. Though they had sent a few letters back and forth, it had been almost entirely formal in nature. The two had a lot to discuss. Mostly how he was going to manage the move from Inverness. "I know that he works with potions, that and he loves broom racing." At least that much had been revealed to him through their letters. There were other minor observations he could remark on, but ultimately he knew very little. "Oh," he said a bit startlingly, remembering an important detail. "Apparently he's my mom's twin." Something that could be important, or it might've been just another detail. It was difficult to know anything for certain. He would shrug it off.

As for information regarding his home, that would have to wait until he had it for himself first. "I'll have to send you a letter with all of it included," he would take a mental note, then transfer it to a bit of scrap paper from his satchel so he didn't forget. One way or another, Holmwood would get the information well enough in advance that their plans could only fall victim to the whims of fate. With a spreading smile Sylvain decided to tease Flash. But only just a little bit, "it's really kind of your retainer to take care of all of that for me." He would grimace to let Flash in on the joke in case he didn't realize it wasn't ordinary for him. The smugness would fade just as fast as it came, seriousness returning in the form of expressing how grateful he was to have a friend like Flash. He show it by leaning in for a hug, and thanking him quietly.

"And thanks for agreeing. It means a lot to me."

@Flash Holmwood

Flash nodded along quietly as Syl described what he knew about his uncle so far. The fact he liked potions was good, he knew Syl loved potions. Still, his interests had little to do with his personality or agreeableness. It seemed that for the time being, it was still yet to be seen. Still, it was promising. Syl had been through worse things that changing homes, going into the Forbidden Forest which had a coven of hags in it was the first that came to mind, but usually those were situations where other people were involved. Even in Quidditch, he was a captain so that he could support the rest of the team. After the initial shock wore off, and Flash had time to consider the position Syl was in, he was glad he had the opportunity to step in.

"Okay. Thank you." Flash sighed a bit, a silly smile on his face as he realized how out of place his questions had been.

He was admittedly nervous, he didn't go over to other people's houses often. In Durham, he boarded with other boys just like in Hogwarts, but none of them had ever invited him back to their homes. He was not exactly 'fun' or 'close' as other kids seemed to be. It was part of why he became the way he was during his first year at Hogwarts. He thought the only way he would ever have friends was by having power over them, by giving them no other choice. Now, he just wondered what fitting in even meant. Growing up was confusing.

"Thank you for inviting me." Flash said quietly, feeling sleepiness start to grow as he let a yawn escape. "I look forward to it."

They wouldn't get much of anything productive done from that point, as after attempting to read another book, the warmth of the blanket and cuddling combined with the soft snowfall outside created the ideal conditions for a late afternoon nap. They would have to get woken up by a displeased house elf before they could make the trip to where they were actually supposed to sleep. Eventually.