October had prior to their meeting always been one of Nikolai's favourites and so it seemed fitting that the most important person in his life had been gifted to the world during the month. For the young drake it was the true start of Autumn, when the typical beauty of luscious green landscapes turned to a portrait of blazing embers stark in colour and texture. Eventually the leaves would succumb to the bitter expectance of winter and crumple into brown shrivels of their former glory until they fell peacefully to the ground for yet another year. There was an elegance in the cycle just as there was an elegance to the slim framed icicle that floated near the edge of the lake mind adrift in something Nikolai was yet to discover.

Much like the leaves eventually would, the boy found himself drifting softly towards him delicate as to not frighten away whatever thoughts held such a grip on his permanently perceptive psyche. People often merited his role as a seeker in quidditch to Valentin's keen eye, but Nikolai rather thought it was more about how he saw people than what he actually perceived. When Valentin lay his empyreal eyes upon you it stripped away the layers of defence you had built, even ones in which you hadn't realised were there. It wasn't piercing per say for that would give it the impersonation of being intrusive when the truth was more that it accentuated the truth and brought it forward to bask in the light he provided. Nikolai this past year had often been the target of such a stare and however unnerving he had originally found it, now there was only a weightlessness that came with such easing of his burdens.

There were a thousand reasons for why he chose the gift that he did, that being merely one of the constantly expanding list. Having grown up in what could only be described as an emotionally stunted home Nikolai had always struggled with gift giving, there was such passion from those with a talent for it that had helped him discover the sentimental impact of the tradition, for more wealth in gifts came from the meaning rather than the cost. Likely that was to the boys favour as Valentin’s inheritance could likely buy him a small country if he so chose. Yet still the deeply sewn roots of worry never failed to entangle his heart, and as he stared down at the gift he wondered if it had been a foolish idea.

Cupped in the small of his palm was a simple chained necklace with a small silver heart locket which engraved upon it were two dragons in the formation of the ying and yang symbol. Yet the true sentimentality of the gift couldn’t be observed from the outer appearance nor even from afar. Charmed in the precious, yet small gift was his very own voice that when placed upon his intendeds neck would speak only to them, for the words were specifically for Val. Upon requesting the purchase of it from their butler Sergei he had been informed that it wasn’t the first time such an item had found its way to their friends’ possession, but he hoped the memory wouldn’t tarnish the new locket. Whatever happened he just hoped the words brought his angel some comfort.

Around a week prior to his birthday Valentin had been remarkably distant and in any other case Nikolai would have felt compelled to remark upon it. Yet something told the young wizard that whatever maelstrom of thoughts had consumed his friend, that they were necessary, and the period would come and go with Stribog on the wind. Perhaps one day when Val was ready the thoughts would surface but even if they were never intended for Nikolai’s ears, he knew the storm would pass and his brother would be free. Tentatively he made his way next to him leaning the scruff of his hair against his arm. For a second, they just stood in silence absorbed in each other’s presence and watched the lake that had first brought them together. Unlike that frozen winters morning today the lake shone with the warming palette of the sunrise peeking its head through the mountains emblazoning the water with its glow.

“Happy Birthday Val.” The softness in his tone mirrored the stillness of the lake. Slowly in keeping with the tenderness of the moment he turned them towards each other so that he may stare upon the face that changed his world. The rising sun hit his hair in such a way that made it almost shimmer like a thousand fractalized diamonds laced the strands of snowy white. As always, he was a vision of perfection, at least that was how Nikolai would always see him. “I got you something. I hope when your heart is against you, you can listen to mine instead.” In his hands he held the locket in front of him with a face illuminated by the sunrise yet beaming with far more light from his joy. “May I?” In asking he waited for Val’s response but unless he objected Nikolai would move behind him and unclasping the chain placed it around the angels neck.

Returning to his eyeline he lay a hand on top of the heart shaped locket before rushing the boy with a deep hug so clinging you would think they hadn’t seen each other in an age. Nikolai had no idea if the gift would help, nor did he know what he was even supposed to be helping with, but Valentine was a creature who craved emotion and touch, so the pairing seemed the right move. A heart and a hug, two things he would always be for his brother, his angel, his hero. “Don’t listen to it until I’m gone ok.”

Oct. 3rd, 2024

It was almost two weeks before Durmstrang would make its next visit to Hogwarts for the annual Fall Ball, and Valentin was trying to figure out how to ask for Nikolai to accompany him. On the one hand, the two had grown so close that they were already practically inseparable at every opportunity until just this week. Didn’t they share everything together, both at Durmstrang and at their home? It seemed almost silly to question the inevitability of going side-by-side to one of the most hyped gatherings of the year. On the other hand, assumptions were often at the root of rudeness at best and disaster at worst. What if things between Nikolai and Hans had progressed in a direction that not even eagle-eyed Val had detected? Was Val arrogant in thinking he knew each of the variegated flickers of Nikolai’s heart? It felt like the two of them were always so open about everything with each other now, and yet Val could still sense it. There were still unknown and sometimes dark fathoms inside of the Vol’ka that he had not yet dived, and how far those deepest depths lay remained a mystery ever beckoning for exploration. This was the ironic reason Val had been distancing himself from Nikolai for the past few days: conflict between humility and an unfamiliar, budding desire to monopolize the other.

Now, on his own birthday, Valya had to stop to consider what he really wanted for himself. Everything had changed once Nikolai wished for Val’s happiness, after all, and the seeker had sworn to uphold the other’s needs and wants as a priority. It was a perfectly balanced cycle of energies where each side completed the other – giving back to each other selflessly according to their true heart’s desire. For as much as he willingly shared Nikolai’s time and attention with Hans and others at Durmstrang, there were some times he wanted Vol’ka all to himself. Such a selfish urge felt strange as it wormed inside him. He wasn’t used to feelings like this, always habitually putting others before himself without much thought. It was always easier to grant the wishes of others than to stand up for his own. For as demanding as the Frost Captain was in leadership roles at Durmstrang, it was all in the name of raising the teams to the victory they all yearned for. Yet, Ginyami would have surely criticized him for allowing a fear of hurting others to hold him back from fulfilling his own desires. The instant Nikolai made his wish, he freed Valentin to make his own happiness a priority because it was a joy shared between them, and vice versa, in an infinite loop.

Staring into the lake which had come to symbolize Nikolai himself to Val, the seeker examined his own reflection. For once Val was not wearing his traditional Durmstrang attire, having ordered a special outfit that he thought might amuse Nikolai: a reflective silver down jacket and white slacks cut in an unmistakably Muggle Riviera style. Even his white suede boots lacked any trace of magical construction. The entire outfit flew in the face of Pureblood expectations, which was part of its thrill. The jacket in particular was Val’s secret homage to Muggle astronauts and the strange puffiness and futuristic design was a simple pleasure he thought Nikolai might enjoy, too. After all, he was the one he’d given his model jet airplane. If it were up to Val, he’d put Nikolai into a rocket ship with himself so they could blast off in a jaunt of space exploration.

Lost in thought about what it would be like to be cosmonauts together, Valentin closed his eyes and stood until Nikolai was there beside him, having approached as softly as a breeze. Eyelids still sealed, he didn’t have to look in order to feel the unmistakable aura of Kol’ka’s presence. The gentleness of his arrival came to Val simply through the soft sounds and warmth of his blood brother drawing near. No one else moved like this. There could be no mistake. Still not turning to look, Valentin delayed the gratification of seeing him. It was clear that Nikolai was giving him the gift of this moment, and Val would not rush and put it to waste. A longing in his heart surged as he wished he could sense more about the boy without having to open his keen eyes. There was distance implied by seeing, and the seeker wanted to be closer than that. In a way he was mirroring Nikolai’s own gentle approach by not setting his incisive gaze directly upon him. It had been days since he’d been able to enjoy the other’s company undiluted by the social expectations of others. To simply stand here together felt once again fresh and new. The kindness of the boy allowing him the space to gather his thoughts now pulled at Val’s heart with the desire to reciprocate and at last explain what was on his mind. His heart only ever longed for such a union of souls, if only he could find both the opportunity and the words.

The scruff of Nikolai’s hair leaned into Val’s arm, bringing a smile to the champion’s face. It felt as if the shorter Durm was a bit taller than when they had first met here. The passing of time, as celebrated in such hallmarks as a birthday, came to represent the accumulation of treasured moments together. Indeed, Nikolai had spiralled into the center of Val’s universe and nothing felt quite complete until he could put his arm around the other again. Realizing he had missed the other during his period of self-isolation, Valentin finally opened his eyes onto the surface of the lake. Wrapping his arm around Nikolai without turning to look, the seeker simply stood there, watching the sunrise-painted curls of water dance beneath a subtle buffet of autumn wind. Then, like the world began to hold its breath, the wind ceased and the lake surface became as still as the surface of a mirror.

“Happy Birthday Val.”

A tear dropped without warning from one amethyst eye. It was the first birthday he could remember not feeling fundamentally alone. Even before his parents had died, they’d passed years as remote as distant stars. Not Yefim, not Mikael, not even Romeo had managed to heal this hole in his heart, and yet… now…

Nikolai turned Val towards him, revolving the taller athlete without even the faintest resistance like conjuring gravity in frictionless space. Val’s hair shimmered as sunbeams laced like heavenly fingers through their white opal strands, but even this was not as dazzling as the light now sparkling in Val’s eyes as he beheld Nikolai.

“I got you something. I hope when your heart is against you, you can listen to mine instead.”

A new droplet fell from Valentin’s other eye, landing on the outstretched hand of Nikolai.

“May I?” The elegant Russian had never been so beautiful to Val as now, awash in the nuclear firelight of sunrise.

Tilting his head in affirmation, Val’s smile seemed to be the only thing keeping in any further tears. Nikolai moved behind him to place the pendant-laden chain around his neck, and once the clasp locked into place, Val released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. Kol’ka then raised his hand to cover the top of the locket before it seemed a levy broke and the boy rushed him with a hug of utmost passion. Val’s long arms wove around as much of Nikolai as he could hold and pulled him even tighter against him, like the barriers between them could burst if only his embrace could find the right loophole of physics. The gift and the gesture had been perfect, but even silver-tongued Val could find no words of adoration sufficient to describe the humbling gratitude and awe he felt inside.

“Aman amaa.” Old Turkish: Oh mercy. The syllables dripped from memories of his mother’s ancient songs, carrying the seeker’s raw emotion to Nikolai. Adoration as burning as starfire whirled through Val’s chest to the point of rendering him dizzy and speechless.

“Don’t listen to it until I’m gone ok.”

Nodding as if he’d been made into a child again, Valentin accepted. His long pale hands swerved up like a pair of white serpents until they could cup the elegant Russian’s face in a supportive ray of fingers extending from the bowl of his palms.

You are so beautiful, Valentin thought. You are my everything. Yet, the captain said nothing. The words “until I’m gone” were ringing in his ears. Despite the casual tone of the sentence, a terror struck Val’s heart. He never wanted Nikolai to be gone. If he didn’t do something, didn’t fulfill the calling of his ancestors, then Nikolai would one day inevitably be gone. It was the way of mortals… but such a limit was not one he wanted to chain down his swan. Swallowing as a furrow passed through his brows, Valentin felt anew the urge to take his immortality studies seriously.

“As you wish,” the captain finally managed, coaxing himself back into speech. “Kolenka, I…” Make a wish on your birthday, came a voice in his mind similar to the tones of serpents. On this day in particular you should fulfill the promise you made.

Raising one hand to stroke the side of Nikolai’s jaw, Valentin tilted his head.

“Thank you for your flawless gift. It is exactly what I needed.” Pushing his hand back further through the other’s hair, Valentin summoned the words that lay long buried. “There’s one more thing. Would you please treat me to your company at the upcoming ball at Hogwarts? I…” A spike of ice lanced his chest as he tried to find the core of his message. “…” I missed you. I took this time to myself and it shows me what it is like without you. “Kolenka, you are more than even a dream come true. You are beyond any blessing I could have imagined, let alone asked for. I want you to stay with me. I know I promised to, but I need it, from inside. I want you to live in the estate, or wherever we go, it doesn’t matter where… I want to be with you forever. It’s not simple charity to let you stay with me. I need you. I belong to you now. I pray only that I can serve you well, as you so richly deserve.”

Shuttering his eyes to keep the torrent inside them, a knot gathered at the back of Valentin's throat.

“I've never wanted anything more than to find limitless unity together." Shaking his head with frustration at the insufficient words, Valentin wished for Nikolai to understand.

As the silence began to stretch it confirmed the magnitude of whatever thoughts were consuming Valentin this distant week. Nikolai had no intention to cause deeper woe with his presence but perhaps he was wrong to have come. Living the way he had for so long the young boy knew plenty of the comfort in solitude and often of its necessity but his heart couldn't bare not reaching out on his hero's birthday so here he was. Just as he was prepared to move and leave the seeker to his internal battle gentle words stopped him in his tracks. Even greater heaviness seemed to lie in his response and when speaking the young drakes name the weight seemed almost unbearable. Nik begged that he could absorb some of that suffering and maybe he could, desperately he hoped he could.

Allowing the older boy to tilt his head towards him he gazed upon the galaxies that swirled in his empyreal eyes like a moth to a flame. When his heart would finally unleash all the senior boy would see in return was the gentle smile of a person that gazed upon his brother in unrelenting admiration and love. It was clear from their very first interaction how deeply both felt but those emotions had only magnified with every action and every event they had shared together. It was a union forged by blood but far more importantly imbued with heart. Nikolai knew by this point many of Valentin's struggles and understood his fears. They were entirely deserved but he would give his life to strip them from him, for unlike the past Nik was certain nothing could separate them, Not even death had that power.

As the torrent of storm wrecked havoc on the cold drakes warring mind forcing him to hold tight his eyelids in unbearable pain Nikolai's expression remained unfalteringly caring refusing to allow such uncertainty to falter himself. With the gentleness of air itself he reached up and pressed his lips to each of Valentin's eyelids where the skin scrunched in discomfort before moving to his forehead and finalising the trio on the metaphysical third eye. Whatever darkness that had infected the innermost portions of his brightness had him in a vice and in a split second decision Nikolai decided that it was his duty to do everything in his power to bring him back. The boy who was always described to be the sun would combat the dark for him, but even as the name left his mouth he worried it may do more damage than good. "Valka, look at me."

The diminutive of his name was colloquially known to only be used by the closest of relations but was that not precisely the very thing the drake wished of his Kolka. Continuing on despite the niffler's reaction he held his eyes close foreheads touching as he spoke with such softness there was hardly voice at all, "Firstly, of course I shall I wouldn't miss a moment with you for the world. While that is important what I say next is far more. I know that you're scared, I see it just as I was for so many years. With you Valka I found not only a home but a heart and no matter your past I am not going anywhere. Hear me, no matter the distance I am not going anywhere because I am right here always." Taking his hand he placed it upon the others heart feeling the racing pace of it below the surface.

"I have not forgotten our agreement, I will pursue infinity with you for we are united and nothing can change that. Immortal in this life or not you are immortalised to me in here, and in here." Now shifting to take Valentin's hand he placed it to his head before moving it to his heart and allowing it to linger showing him how calmly it beat. For unlike his brother Nikolai had no fears of any of it. In his eyes he saw a future spanning generations for the two and his heart had no trepidations of that vision failing. Until Valentin's fears could be quenched Kolka would believe enough for the two of them. "If it takes every day of my life reassuring you of that I will, my gift will. You'll see soon. I love you, С днем рождения"

@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood as Valentin Schnell
Translations: С днем рождения - Happy Birthday

Oct. 3rd, 2024

When Nikolai pressed his lips to each of Valentin’s closed eyes, the blessing freed a pent-up storm. As the son of a Turk, Val had experienced this only rarely from his mother on nights when he was scared as a child. Russian Nikolai's gesture – the most tender in all Val's life – now rendered the champion defenseless. Val never thought he would feel such a thing again as his childhood appeared to end with two passes of the reaper’s scythe, and yet… like a miracle, Nikolai transcended the odds once more.

Tears streamed down Valentin’s face in a glittering wash of reflected sunrise as Vol’ka lay his next kiss upon the perfect center of his brow. At once a melody came into the seeker’s mind, as if summoned by the gesture itself. It had been this way since the boy was struck by lightning, hearing music at times of great stress or emotion, as if his brain were trying to make something beyond words more comprehensible to him. Like the romantic strains of a sweet violin, an ancient refrain began to punctuate the passing of time.

Lip quivering, Valentin only wished he could give the song back to Nikolai, who surely could not yet hear his mind. The crying became sobbing as Valya lamented living in such separate bodies, unable to more fully give the other full access to all which burned in his heart. For all his languages, words could not suffice here. Yet, somehow, Nikolai was understanding. He felt the suffering in Valentin’s heart despite all the joy he expressed from simply being in the other’s presence. When all Val could offer to express his heartache was an esoteric ‘aman amaa’, Kol’ka saw straight to his core.

"Valka, look at me."

Dutifully the white king obeyed, as a nightblossom opens at the moon’s summons and the daylily greets the dawn. This new use of a most intimate diminutive glowed with affirmation in Val’s heart, and he smiled in gratitude and ecstasy in knowing that Nikolai was happy to occupy such a deeply vulnerable domain within him. As Kolenka pressed his forehead against Val’s, the spot where it had been kissed tingled with the fresh memory.

"Firstly, of course I shall I wouldn't miss a moment with you for the world. While that is important what I say next is far more. I know that you're scared, I see it just as I was for so many years. With you Valka I found not only a home but a heart and no matter your past I am not going anywhere. Hear me, no matter the distance I am not going anywhere because I am right here always." Valentin’s heart pounded against his chest with such force that it felt like he might burst, as the racing pulse at its surface would confirm beneath fingers and palm.

"I have not forgotten our agreement, I will pursue infinity with you for we are united and nothing can change that. Immortal in this life or not you are immortalised to me in here, and in here." Moving Valya’s hand to Nikolai’s head, the young Russian would see the Tatar’s gemstone eyes close and his rose petal lips part. It was as if Valentin were concentrating on something despite swelling with a wave of feeling that sent his breath shuddering on its way out. Nikolai then guided Val’s hand to the curvature above his own heart, demonstrating its constant and solid drumbeat. The seeker’s long fingers sank into the folds of the overlying cloth as he batted open his eyes to regain contact with the intense blue of the other’s gaze… fearless.

"If it takes every day of my life reassuring you of that I will, my gift will. You'll see soon. I love you, С днем рождения"

Not wishing to move his hand, Valentin’s head tilted as he stood there, simply soaking in the rhythm of Nikolai’s heartbeat. It was like a music of its own, and just as compelling. Blinking slowly, Valentin began to relax as his own pulse slowed to match the other’s. Firmly, calmly, it beat, beat, beat. It was tranquility and the declaration of life itself. Each moment of empty silence ended, reliably, as the affirmation of Nikolai’s continued survival announced itself again and again. He wasn’t dead, nor did the pulse suggest he would be. It was simple and pure, quietly affirming that the next beat of his heart was sure to come, as well as the next, without end. Why should it end? Such a constant rhythm surely could and should last forever. Such reassurance not only tempted but commanded Valya's impossible-dreamer heart.

“I trust this,” Valentin whispered. “I trust you.”

It would be clear to Kol’ka that, indeed, the main source of Val’s torment was the ache of separation. It had been days since they’d really seen each other, but like the stability of his heartbeat, they had still reunited as reliably as the sun rises from the dark of night.

“When my mother was murdered, I wanted someone to cling to. I felt responsible. I had left her side to attend school, had not been aware, hadn’t been watching over her when she was stolen from the world. Yet, despite my wish to do better and protect my father, he was stripped from me as well. The State took him away, or so I thought, and I was so small by comparison. Still, I did not believe that my mother’s murderer was truly dead. Fearing that the threat would strike down the next person I saw, I began to isolate myself. My child mind insisted that if anyone was near me, one by one, others would die until no one was left but me, and then I too would perish... alone. It turned out that indeed, the murderer is alive, and now free.” Wrapping one arm around the back of Nikolai’s waist, Valentin continued in a whisper while his other hand remained clutching the fabric over the boy's heart.

“I began wearing the dagger I gave you after I was nearly finished off by this person. Now I want it to protect you – my mother’s ancestral blade. She had given it to me when she was the one who really needed it. Please, I want you to keep it close. I couldn’t bear to wear it now and risk repeating history. If I lost you, ruh-u revanım... Old Turkish term of great endearment, lit. “my flowing soul” It feels like every time I begin to love again, that person is stripped from me. Yefim went away. Mikael is lost in such a warped void that I can’t seem to retrieve him. Then it was Charles, then Ginyami, then the lake spirit, and even Gellert, and Romeo. Once I grow attached, each one is torn from me. With the discovery of my father’s body, my last hope of recovering him vanished forever. Now that I’ve found you, my one and only without equal, I doubt I could survive your demise. See? Feel the trembling in my hand. I thought that I was fearless, sleeping soundly before I met you despite my parents’ killer still stalking the night… but I am a mere babe again at the thought of being separated from you. An attack could come at any time, but if I am not with you, there is nothing I can do – just as I lost my mother. This is why I have not been with you over the last few days. I had to prove to myself that I could leave your side and that you would be alright. With your heart so steady in my hand here, you knew exactly what to say to me, and so my panic has subsided. Yet, the time away from you seemed to last forever, and so I learned something else as well…” Raising both arms to encircle Nikolai’s neck with an embrace, Valentin’s breath fluttered through the other boy’s hair as their gazes interlocked.

“Inside me thrashes an ever ravenous colddrake, and it can only taste satisfaction when you are near. I love you, pâyidarım Old Turkish: my immortal. When you must go, I will listen to this silver heart and remember your heartbeat, and this will soothe me… but let it not be for too long. I will forever be awaiting our reunion – me and the beast within.” With a challenging smile and a tip of his head, the pearl-skinned boy seemed to decide that the time had come for something.

“Kolenka, my dearest Kolenka. If anyone can tame the creature inside me, it is surely you. I know you have sensed it, for you told me that you would not leave me regardless. You told me I am no monster, but I need you to prove this to me. Please. I need you to know everything – to hear the song of the colddrake, to understand the secrets of my ancestors, and to uncover the very fabric of my soul. Then, if you can still love me at my most savage – uncontrollable, extreme, and inhuman – then I will believe that I am no monster after all.”

Valentin’s crescent-scarred left hand lightly grasped Nikolai’s right and ran a thumb over the other’s knuckles. The otherworldly jewels of his violet eyes pivoted upwards as they held onto Nikolai’s while Valya knelt down on one knee. Bringing the top of the boy’s hand to his lips with a silent kiss, Val did not so much as blink as his hypnotic eyes once again began to pull at Nikolai like a swirling vortex.

“One way or another, I am forever yours. Yours, above all, no matter the cost.”

Listening intently Nikolai hung on every one of Valentin's words giving them the weight and importance they deserved while holding him close and letting him move as he deemed necessary. It was heart breaking that his seeker with all his wisdom and sight was unable to see that none of these events he held so much personal responsibility for were his fault. After all he was only a child but Nik knew they were far too ingrained now in his personal burdens to be unentwined.

Listening mournfully as he described his parents murderer he felt his hand slip to the knife clutching it tight while making a silent oath that one day it may reap its purpose and avenge the life taken of its ancestral owner. He was sure in that moment that if ever the killer reappeared he would be ready for him and protect Val from the twisted soul the monster harboured. That was the true monster not Valentin, if only he could see. The older boys paranoia was unbearable to witness and though completely justified still warped his mind to sensing danger where there was none. It was a deeply harsh reality that Nikolai couldn't bear to watch him suffer and yet was helpless to its power.

Watching and listening as he moved to his knees begging his brother to maintain the promise and prove himself capable of handling the harshest parts of Valentin's warring soul. Nikolai hadn't needed to take even a second to contemplate on his response for he had chosen his family and it was not a decision chosen lightly but one forged due to the acts and passion of those few who had fought for him. Pulling Valentin back up to stand across from him he hugged him close around the waist burying his head into the divot of his chest as he once again took steadying breaths synching their heartbeats.

Held tight he spoke with words of passion and fire that left no misinterpretation, "Whatever it takes Val, I'm here and ready. When we go home this winter and you see that everything is ok you can show me for I want to hear it from the true Val. Memory and pain has hurt you so deeply your worry is etched upon your very skull but I promise you come Christmas we will be united and safe. You are no monster Valentin Schnell and never have been you just were dealt a shit hand. We will get through this together and when we can we will avenge your mother but more importantly yourself, for that man stole more than you even see. For now I have class but I am always here and in the locket and nothing is going to happen to me. " Resting his hand upon the boys chest one last time he stepped back and with a final kiss upon his forehead he held Valentin's hands together locket clasped between them. "Love you Val"

Stepping back fully he took in the view of his shining white star with the final breaking of dawn emerging from behind him illuminating him in radiant light that shone around him. Nikolai wished that he could show him this view, that Valentin could see himself the way the world did unburdened by his history. A comet ablaze, a geode crystalised to perfection, a star fallen to earth. Valentin Schnell was no monster regardless of the power within him, power itself never determined good nor evil only ones choice of how to use it did. Waving good bye he left Valentin by the shores edge in gentle contemplation and ran off to class excited that in just a few weeks they would be setting off for another Hogwarts adventure together.

@Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood as Valentin Schnell