If it was possible to feel physically sick from happiness this was for sure that rather unexpected yet palpable combination. For most, the spring holiday that Nikolai had just endured would have brought significant emotional turmoil and evoke feelings of complete and utter loss but there was only one feeling that flittered playfully on the young boys heart and that was freedom. There certainly was a bittersweet kind of melancholy to the moment, not for the outcome that had occurred but rather for how little he cared, was it wrong to feel joy when your life had been so violently uprooted and path changed indefinitely. Perhaps it was a natural reaction to such sudden change but either way Nikolai was not willing to let a moment of his life go by any longer with sadness as the primary catalyst. So long he had spent hiding in the shadows afraid that if he were to be seen, really seen, that the world would feel even colder. He felt safe in the protected confines of his solitude but it was no life, now in this moment it was clear that while life was now far more daunting than before the scope for possibility was tenfold.

Upon re-entering the hallowed halls of Durmstrang there was a new light to the castle that shimmered on the brickwork. As if for the first time he could really see the magic that filled every crack of its stone exterior. The harshness of winters cold had faded and the spring burst forth painting every surface from the ground to the walls in radiance. From the moss that wrapped the bark of the forest to the wide arrange of colourful tulips that were rearing their heads ready to show the world their beauty. Nikolai was such a tulip in this moment, his journey had started months ago with a cherished conversation with a friend but now he had crossed the line into something new. Now he had changed his life forever and there was one person in the world he was practically bursting to tell. Friend was too small a world for Valentin, he was family. More so than that, however, he was the very symbol of hope when all seemed to succumb to despair, he was the flickering candle that protected you from perpetual darkness, he was the most remarkable boy Nikolai had ever met. And he was the one responsible for every happiness he was lucky enough to experience today.

Running through the halls desperate to find him his heart soared with pride as he replayed the entirety of the holidays events in his head. From his coming out to his eventual disownment Nikolai knew it would be near impossible to explain it to anyone without it seeming terribly sad but Valentin was not anyone. Valentin knew all about the cruel and twisted life the young wolf had been dealt and had instilled in him more self-belief and pride in a matter of months than his family had in his entire upbringing. Nikolai's family weren't monsters and he knew that but there was certainly no love lost. To lose love one needed to have it in the first place. Maybe somewhere deep down his family did love him but their expression of such emotion was a fraction compared to the love he had felt from his new pack. People who truly wanted to see him grow as himself, not as the designed husk they had shaped him into being. A portrait with no soul behind the eyes.

It was something in their reaction that had sent the cold shiver of truth running down his spine. Nikolai was positive that they had already known and it broke him, all the endless pain he endured trying to live up to the perfect version they had set as a standard for him and expected him to not only reach but excel further in. It wasn't possible to be certain, after all, his parents were not outwardly emotive but the coldness in their expression as he dared to speak his truth seemed expected. If they had known the entire time it brought a whole new perspective into his upbringing, it seemed as if it was not only he who was hiding himself but that they were just as adamant about him remaining under that disguise. All the ways they forced him to behave were to make him feel unable to express himself freely. It was true that for most this realisation would have destroyed the person but what awaited Nikolai was better than anything he had grown up with so he felt no need for sadness. How many nights had he spent crying to himself in his short life. Too many was the only answer he ever managed to conjure and he had resolved to never spend another. For the first time in his life he felt like he was enough and he knew that he was deserving of happiness so as he finally found the slender, beautiful figure of his favourite seeker he rushed up to him a smile positively beaming on his face. Arms raising to greet him with a hug he had been envisioning every night for the past week, the boy was naturally cold to the touch but the warmth of emotional support he provided could thaw any winter. "Valentin!", he shouted down the halls unbothered by any reaction fellow students had. He had a voice now and he was determined to use it. Spring had awoken and with it so had Nikolai.

As Valentin's arm wandered around his shoulders they began to stroll, the utter electricity of ecstasy buzzing across every inch of the young boys face as he was reunited with the person that changed his entire life. It was clear that the seeker was just as pleased to see his friend as the onslaught of questions rushed through him. Nikolai couldn't help but begin to laugh jovially and considering the mini interview he had just been doled he narrowed his focus on the most important of the lot. "Are you happy?" his friend had asked with not an ounce of selfishness to it. Valentin cared more for him than anyone had ever and he had been born anew with that love.

"All the happier for seeing your wonderful face Братан" It was impossible for his face to be fixed in anything but a bright, warm smile when he was in the presence of Valentin and today was no different. "If you wish to know the whole of it, I have never been happier a day in my life. I questioned if it would be possible to soar higher than I currently fly, but then I saw you and I knew there was still higher to reach!" Swirling his own arm around the boys side he squeezed themselves together in a gentle comfort as they strolled the grounds of the institute. The anticipation of his story buzzing on his lips he was hardly able to resist spilling the entire thing in one breath but firstly there was a more important goal he sought. Just as desperate as Valentin was to know about him he felt direly the same and so continuing to laugh as they walked he said "I'll tell you everything not a single detail will be unturned but you must promise to tell me of your own holidays! How I hope they were worthy of you, I have never known someone who deserved more!"

Excited as he was to begin another trickle of burning fascination had overtaken his mind too. Valentin's question sat ablaze in his mind filling it with ideas he would have never imagined possible mere months ago. "Are you going on the trip to Hogwarts?" With his new development possibilities beyond his wildest imagination had now torn open and he was ready to clutch them with both hands. For the first time in his 2 years he would be able to visit the school his parents loathed and forbid fraternization with, perhaps he could even meet someone. Silently he hoped that the feeling of blooming in his stomach would never waver. Nikolai had so much to be grateful for now and he would prove himself worthy of the blessings he had received at all costs.

Assuming that Valentin agreed to his terms he pushed aside the burning thoughts of his future for if he waited another singular second without revealing his tale he would burst. "Ангел мой today as you see me I am no longer hidden but here for all the world to see. I will admit it took me a few days of the break to summon the courage you inspired in me but in you I found strength. Lying alone in the cold expanse of my bed chamber I unpacked a small aeroplane and soon found the ability to fly myself. I would like to say the news came as a shock to them but it was plain to see on their disturbed faces that they had known far before I had told them. Maybe I should have been upset but I was too resolved to anger at their deliberate attempts to make me conform that pain found no footfall in my heart. Despite their hate they were reluctant to let me leave but once such vigour burned inside they found themselves powerless to extinguish me. All because of you, my strength, Ангел мой" As Nikolai spoke there was a new found glint in his piercing blue eyes as if specks of gold that had never been bright enough to appear were now glowing and illuminating him with a new lightness. Gone was the recluse cold of the boy, spring had thawed even the deepest chill within him.

Unable to stop once the flow had begun he continued on watching Valentin intently as he spoke consuming every reaction and emotion only bolstering him further. Rushing a quick breath to keep himself paced he continued, "Though it all came to a head when my brothers came home. The ultimatum was made, if I told them I was to be disowned. Any fear I had for revealing my true self to them faded away with the threat. For now I knew what freedom was possible their threat only proved as the very escape I craved. I told them the very second they walked through the door each having their own reaction but most of all I could see the fear in their eyes as the thunderous outrage of my father smothered any warmth they may have expressed. Any chance to know their opinions is now non-existent. They have been forbidden of acknowledging my very existence while I spent the rest of the holiday locked within the confines of my cell. Only that cold expanse now felt warmer than it ever had knowing I would no longer call it home. Truly it was the most brave thing I have ever done, I thought fearlessness came from exposure to fear but really it is hope that overcomes it when everything is at its darkest."

Giving a minute for Valentin to absorb the information he couldn't help but survey the world around him. There were so many people at Durmstrang Nikolai had never even considered before as the world felt infinitely closed to him. Eyes wandering to a small patch of greenery his eye lit as he found the most beautiful symbol of springs hope. Pulling Valentin tight he moved them over to the ground where he picked two of the beautiful bulbs that sprouted from the ground then turning to him he began to tuck the flower into his shirt before adjusting one on himself to match. "The Сольданелла represents hope and beauty two things you possess in greater quantities than most. They are the first to bloom after even the harshest of winters, utterly unstoppable. You are my snowdrop after the harshest winter of my life Valentin. I do not know where I will go from here but I do know I wouldn't have anything without you, so with you, I must therefore have everything." Nikolai was never one for smiling having perfected the mask of indifference as a shield but the one that now graced his features had a beautiful infectious quality to it warming all those blessed by it. Once the flowers had been securely fastened to each boy he just stood, admiration filling his eyes, as he held the hands of his friend.

Taking another short breath his smile gentled warmed by the joyful moment as he finished his tangent, "I do not wish to ask more of you than you have already given but if I cannot find another option I should be honoured to join your home. As for this ball, it shall be the first I ever attend as a free soul. Nikolai Volkov may not have been permitted to attend but Vol'ka makes his own rules. More than that though the opportunity to spend more time with you would be my greatest pleasure, I wouldn't miss it for the world. I doubt I will be able to get an outfit created before we leave so I shall wear my dress robes but perhaps we can find a mask, something to ignite attention. Hogwarts doesn't know what it has coming." A rare mischievous smile graced the boys lips as he found himself quite inspired to devilry.

From anyone other than his angel the idea of being kissed in such a public display would have chilled Nikolai to his very core while subsequently erupting a firestorm of neon blush through his face but luckily Valentin was not just anyone. In fact the entire world often seemed to fall away simply by being in the boy's presence and all the sound that usually threw him mentally into isolation quieted from his company. “You make me so happy” What was such a simple confession lifted Nikolai’s heart to soar above new heights. Such compliments were not usually associated with him given the frost persona he had adopted for many years, but Val had seen through that in an instant when they met and thawed the ice that coated his heart just as he had the lake that winter’s morning.

With a spin Nikolai turned in the arms of the white seeker feeling utterly unshackled by the world’s burdens like a bird freed from captivity waiting to fly. The expression flying the nest came to mind though now that he was able a nest was the very place he wished to be, having grown up in a cage it was time to create a home for himself and hopefully one that could be shared with Valentin one day. Given the mystical nature of his enchanting angel Nikolai was uncertain if he was capable of reading minds but nonetheless, he managed to. Nikolai’s mind was an open book for Valentin to consume and in his devouring, he had found Kol’ka’s very own desire laid bare on the page.

Creating a home with Valentin was all that he could ever have asked for, not for the intention to share in the excessive material wealth the boy seemed to own, Val’s generous heart never ceased to amaze, but for the true wealth that would lie within the walls of the Kazan estate. Nikolai need not imagine the physical structure, though given the wonderful eccentricity of the boy he did envision something as equally majestic and magical as he was himself, for the walls of the estate would have nothing on the feeling laced within them. Whether it be a castle or a shack the home would be filled with love and that was a wealth greater than any monetary value could provide. Nikolai grew up with money he understood it well, but of a loving home he knew nothing. Of course there was love between his brothers but even that was only expressed when in moments of solitude when the darkness of the house did not smother it.

It was undeniably clear to see the spark of lightning that flickers through his static blue irises upon the mention of the museum and libraries. Nikolai had not yet gotten to delve into his upmost passions with Valentin as the lingering of being too much always quietened his enthusiasm but here it was in full display. Perhaps his self-doubt was unfounded after all Valentin had asked him to join him to not only be a member of his pack but a member of his family and yet still worry flittered the young wolf’s mind. For what if this was nothing more than a kindness extended out of obligation, Valentin had helped him be brave enough to express his true self and it had led to this. Was the offer genuine or merely a gesture of guilt. With his final words all doubt was washed away, “One way or another, let’s make this event a great occasion to celebrate such a momentous turn in life.”

Nikolai couldn’t resist hurling himself around the senior’s waist in a loving hug. From his words he understood that Valentin was who he claimed to be that very first day. Someone who spoke in earnest truth and never wanted anything other than the truest depths of ones heart. He was not the kind of boy to manipulate or make a choice out of force and he understood explicitly the joy Nikolai felt from his freedom revelling with him in it. As Valentin’s arm found purchase upon his shoulder, he wrapped his own around his torso as they walked, and Nikolai stared up with him in utter admiration as they went. “If you will have me, it would be my honour to stay with you even if just for a little while. I do not wish to be a burden to you, but I have long dreamed of a home filled with warmth and love and I believe together we could fashion one that brimmed so wholly with it the effects would be felt for miles around. I do not know my path, it is true, but walking with you is a route my heart feels confident to follow. Your guidance has already provided me with more than I ever thought possible.”

After the matter had been settled Kolka’s energy was palpably buzzing with life as he played the moment over and over again in his mind of when Valentin called him family. It was a moment that would strengthen him for years to come whenever times were dark. That was until Nikolai’s entire focus became narrowed on the seeker as he began to speak of his own break. The words were troubling to the young wolf who wished nothing more than for Valentin to be overcome with the same positivity he had injected into Nikolai and yet he was unsure how to help. Of literal curses Nikolai knew plenty but not so much of metaphorical ones. The revelation of portions of Valentin’s life left many unanswered questions and only deepened the desperate curiosity for Nikolai to learn more about his friend who he supposed was almost akin to a brother now, but it seemed too soon to call it as such.

Boring down into his own irises Valentin dazzled the young Russian with the depth of his pure intent and he knew his white knight truly did not wish for him to worry about him. Unfortunately his new name had lit a spark of fire under him that burned brightly with new vigour and part of that vigour was a deep desire to share the wealth of blessings Valentin had provided him with. Nikolai would not worry if the seeker did not wish him too but that did not mean he would not attempt to help, “I’m sorry Snowdrop I did not know of the many misfortunes of your past. Perhaps now that we are family, I shall be able to help carry those burdens for you, I will be here to listen whenever. You didn’t sully anything I am not capable of being sad in your presence and whenever you are sick, I will yearn to help. I cannot speak for all your actions but the ones you have taken towards me have been nothing shy of heroic so whatever you’re feeling know you are still capable of incredible feats. Perhaps you just need the right conditions to thrive like the snowdrops. At the very least I hope you can take comfort in a promise from me.” An almost devilish smile took purchase on the boys lips as he held his tongue for a moment knowing it would drive the senior crazy, but if they were to be brothers, they would have to learn to act like it.

“I promise you Valentin Schnell that from this year onwards I will spend every Christmas by your side. If any curse wants to claim you again, it will have to go through me!” There was a silly playfulness to the diction and yet the notion was as serious as an oath. Gripping at his side tighter he pulled the boy into a side hug and nestling his head into his chest he looked back up at him eyes partially obscured by blonde strands though as blue as ever. “I hope you feel better soon, remember you are far more powerful than any illness or curse.” Despite Val’s own self worries reflected in the pools of light blue he would see his face reflected back at him and unlike any mirror could show he would see the version of himself Nikolai conjured. The true Valentin that existed within, one capable of being fulfilled.

Visions of grandeur illuminated his mind as Valentin spoke of his estate and the surrounding lands. If it were possible to believe that a place could feel like home only from description alone then he certainly felt it. The idea of not only sharing a home with one who really truly loved every part of him was intoxicating enough but the communities and freedom Val spoke of lit his heart even further ablaze. His old home was cold and lifeless as still as his parents hearts, but Valentin was light incarnate. A burning jet of beaming radiant light that lit every darkness and he hoped silently to himself that he would be able to attain even a slightest part of that light for himself one day. No longer would he live in darkness and isolation.

While still answering the boys question Nikolai did his best to evade his knowledge of the Tatar language. Having learnt it for reasons he didn't want to get into as they would only spoil his mood he simply said, "St Petersburg, I'll miss it but the estate sounds more impressive than I could have ever imagined. You needn't worry I am familiar enough with the Tatar language though haven't spoken in some time, my mother too spoke it. English and Latin too though I prefer to read the latter rather than speak. All mandatory lessons in the Volkov household!" Mockingly saluting his former household as he finished that started with a full hand and ended with a middle finger to the sky.

As their conversation continued the young dragon felt as if he had gained wings so vast he could soar across the world. Valentin seemed just as touched by their relationship as he was and it made the bond all the more strong. Nikolai didn't fully understand the meaning behind his words but the very fact that they touched the boys soul made his smile grow even wider. Nor did he understand yet what Val meant by his secret wishes and yet allowing his tears to paint the folds of his hair he whispered softly up to him "I think the stars knew what we both needed." There was a hopeful lightness to the words that still spoke of his naivety to the extent of his effect on the boy but also highlighted just how full Nikolai's heart felt even in the presence of his losses. It would be easy to focus on everything negative in his life but surrounded by the immortal love of his snowdrop all fell away.

It was impossible to prevent the welling in his own eyes with Valentin's final statement. They really were a family now and home would no longer be a source of grief and agony. Spring was the season of change, when life filled every fibre of being reborn from the cold harshness of winter, when flowers reared their heads in bloom, when the world could finally seem bright again. Nikolai supposed for a moment that perhaps spring wasn't a season at all but a person, a moment. For while the frost captains exterior and even touch spoke of winter their was such warmth in his heart that could only possibly be the survival of spring.

Lost in their embrace Nikolai held on despite the ringing bells of the Institute. In Valentin's arms the world seemed infinitely large with possibility yet miniscule as if only they existed. That day they had become more than just a friendship and if fate allowed he hoped the spark would only grow deeper into a wildfire. Finally bowing to the pressure of the awaited torment he would receive for being any later than he intended to make them he looked his Ангел angel in the eye once more and with a smile so content it would thaw even the coldest of hearts he said, "Family now and forever, Братан. But if we don't get to class they'll no doubt trap me here all summer and I'll never get a chance to share a home with you!"

Although his words were mostly in jest and playful, he pulled Valentin into a side hug once more and began striding through the halls until they eventually had to separate for their differing responsibilities and classes. When the time came Nikolai held onto the seekers hand until the very last second lingering on every cell until their fingers slipped from grasp and waved as he walked not dividing their eye contact until the world did. When the pair finally parted the boy spoke silently to himself playing with the snowdrop in his hand, "Thank you Spring!"