Winter in Greece isn’t that depressing, compared to the UK. That is what Eugenia thought as she was walking down one of her house’s corridors back at Thessaloniki. It was the 29th of December, only 2 days until the end of the year. A light snowfall covered the family estate in a blanket of snow. Ifigenia, her sister, sat at the windowsill in their room, right above her bed. She looked outside. Marvelling at the snow, she turned to her older sister who was smiling radiantly.

Σ´ αρέσει το χιόνι έξω; D’ you like the snow outside? Αχ, μονάχα να μπορούσαμε να βγούμε έξω! Oh, I wish we could go outside! Κοίτα, έξω κάνει αρκετό κρύο. Εδώ μέσα έχουμε τη φωτιά και την Αριάδνη. Θα λείπουν οι γoνείς μας κιόλας. Θα είναι τέλεια! Look, outside it is quite cold. In here, we have the fireplace and Ariadne. Our parents will be away for today too! It will be awesome! Ifigenia nodded quietly to Eugenia. Yes, of course it would be great. They would spend time with each other and Ariadne.

But who really was Ariadne? She was the oldest of their Maternal Grandfather’s aunts. She was a little child when Crete was freed from the Turks. But she wasn’t happy back then. The children had had some great bonds. Eventually, she got over it and she continued her life. She got married into the family of Smyrnidi, her mother’s line. She had many kids with her husband and she helped continue the glory of their line. Then, she would often go to Germany and Russia, visiting a friend. That friend happened to be the mother of Valentin Schnell, the Durmstrang Quiddich Captain and Hexwizard champion. A great boy Eugenia met at the Gala of Mysteries, the ball Eugenia helped plan.

Today, while the rest of the family was away for some business duties, Ariadne kept the two sisters home. They would help her with a guest that would be coming over. She said they’d like him very much, and that she knew him for a long time. But she didn’t specify whom. Eugenia suddenly got an odd feeling in her stomach, trying to ponder about who the guest might be. But no- it couldn’t be him. No. Otherwise, she would have told her. Right?

She said that he won’t be arriving with the floo network and that she had given him the address. So either girl would have to open the door to him. Eugenia tidied their room in the second floor, and when she was done, she left the room. She then helped with the preparations Ariadne told her to do. Make some tea, take out the spinach pie and then, get dressed. The older girl wore a striped shirt on cold colours, a pair of black pants and a special necklace off hers. Her hair was half-up half-down, with a pair of hair strands going up front. She then helped her sister put on her purple dress; it had a large number of buttons at the back.

When everything was ready, she stood on a couch and waited expectantly for the doorbell to ring. And when she did hear it, she ran up to the door and opened it. Looking at the person waiting outside, her voice faltered. V-Valentin? Is that you? What are you doing here? Are you the person Ariadne invited? She turned around to see Ariadne grinning. If Valentin chose to scan the room, he’d see a smaller girl looking at her sister in awe from a staircase further down the house. Λοιπόν, δεν το ήξερα ότι γνωρίζεις τον προσκεκλημένο. Well, I didn’t know that you recognised the guest.

The Greek looked at her aunt and then back at Valentin. Well Val, welcome to my house, I guess. She put on a polite smile and watched him closely.

OOC Info: Very excited for this one, can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Pings: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood as Valentin Schnell

To Valentin Schnell there were few things as stimulating as travel to a new country. When given the opportunity to visit Greece to explore some old family connections, Val jumped at the chance. He only had a day to spare before going back to Germany to tidy up some affairs with his estate there, but he was eager to make the most of his time in the Balkans. Times had been dark in the last several months and Val needed to give his loved ones back home some space. Determined to come back refreshed and glowing with positivity, Valentin arrived in Thessaloniki with a bundle of gifts and a wish that he could speak the native language. Between the hospitality of street folk and a mashup of his other languages, the tall violet-eyed man made it safely to the Karageorgiadi residence, although he didn't know it.

Ifigenia, from her high-ground vantage point, could have been the first to see a young man in the distance. He was as white as the snow around him. He was remarkably bright, like a living light due to his pale hair and skin, but he was looking a bit lost. Valentin could barely make sense of signs along the street, so he was unsure if he had arrived in the right area. He continued to wander for another minute, surprised that it was so cold and wintry this far south, but since he was acclimated to much chillier conditions at Durmstrang and in Russia, it was all fine by him. He’d rather be inside chatting with people, though, especially with a hot chai in his hands.

After meeting Eugenia at the fall ball, the interaction had inspired a curiosity in Valentin about just who that mysterious singer from his childhood was. Ariadne, a beautiful friend of his mother’s, had always seemed so exotic and cool to him. He could hardly understand her native language but many words similar to Ottoman Turkish were intelligible to him because of their resemblance to Tatar – both of which his mother Zinoviya spoke fluently, as well as Russian. The mischievous kid in Val had also wanted to surprise Eugenia, whom he’d already grown to like. After digging out Ariadne’s address from his late mother’s possessions, Valentin sent an owl to see what could be done. A charming response came back in extravagant and stunning penmanship insisting that he come for a visit and that meeting Eugenia on the same trip could easily be arranged.

Well, Valentin thought, the neighbors had been kindly enough. He might as well ring the doorbell to ask if he was at the right place after all. Wearing slim white trousers, a white long-sleeved shirt, and a red shawl with his broom slung over his back with a removable strap, the seeker was quite an athletic but thin boy. His bright eyes had an inquisitive shine and his demeanor was elegant, gentle. The pattering sound of running footsteps caught his ear, and the door began to open in front of him to reveal Eugenia. The boy’s smile greeted her with genuine pleasure and a spark of amusement.

V-Valentin? Is that you? What are you doing here? Are you the person Ariadne invited?

“Hello, Eugenia. I’ve come to bring your family a New Year’s surprise! Ariadne did indeed invite me, so I stand today as your humble guest.” Pulling something from out of his broom satchel, Valentin produced a decadent looking box that gave off wafts of something sweet. “I’ve brought you all some chocolate-covered figs. I hope no one is allergic. Just in case, I also brought some çäkçäk from Tatarstan in another box. They’re fried dough balls in honey that I bought from the most popular shop in greater Kazan. I’m sorry I’m late, but I did hurry so that these would be fresh!”

Ariadne stood behind Eugenia, grinning. Of course Valentin had brought çäkçäk. It was the holidays.

“You are both looking lovely today. Ariadne, it’s been forever but you haven’t aged a day. When was the last time we met – when I was nine years old? Ten? Don’t be fooled, I can be just as hyperactive as back then!… but I’ll try to behave myself this time.” Smiling with a chuckle, Valentin was happy to have been welcomed here. Ever watchful, the seeker looked around and found a smaller girl looking at Eugenia in awe.

“Mm, and who's this little charmer?” Valentin asked with an affectionate lilt in his voice. The house seemed warm and full of life. It made him a bit sentimental.

“I’m honored to be here. Thanks for having me,” Val said with a bow, willingly going wherever the family might take him. “It has been a while since that delightfully peaceful and well-planned ball, but I'm happy that you still recognize me, Eugenia. How has your vacation been going?”

The Greek could have never expected this. Given how.. secretive she was about her home address to friends, let alone people she met, she was a bit surprised to see Val standing at her doorstep. But as they say, every day, you learn something new. And that day, among the many things she believed she’d learn, this was the first one.

Realising how easy it must have been for Valentin to find her address here was quite mind blowing. It didn’t really take her more than a few seconds to understand that this probably came from Ariadne herself, judging by the fact that this was planned all so well. Whether it was owls or some old document, she was probably the source from whom Val got the address to the Smyrnidi household. With all of her thoughts buzzing uncomfortably in her head, Eugenia kept on smiling to just hide it.

Oh! Thank you very much! We had prepared something already, so you didn’t really have to. But thank you, none the less. Well, it was really Ariadne who wanted to prepare all those goddamn things, but she couldn’t just give her all the credit. It would seem impolite. Val was a bit too kind, but she didn’t really have to point it out. It wasn’t like she was going to use this thing against him. And also, between the three Greeks, Eugenia was the one who was most fluent in Russian, Ariadne barely knowing English and some phrases in Russian. And some broken Turkish she didn’t want to speak because of the memories they brought to her. No, nobody in here is allergic, we like these very much. Well, according to her personal experiences. You’re not late, really. Actually, we didn’t even know when you were supposed to come here. So I can’t be a judge of that.

But, well, if Ariadne was smiling, he wasn’t late. It was fortunate that Val didn’t see her when her other family members didn’t follow Ariadne’s instructions at meals. Or maybe she was just being nice. Eugenia was no Legilimens, so she couldn’t know for sure.

Eugenia said a polite Thank you very much, before translating to Ariadne who smiled again, and told her what to say. She was on translator duty today. Ariadne says you’re really nice and thanks you for the compliment. And also that compared to her entire lifetime, 6-7 years is a really small timeframe for her to change that much. She’s not fooled Val. But she said she trusts you. Honsetly, Eugenia trusted him too. She knew his demeanour and Ariandne’s, and if they didn’t know each other’s, they deserved their fate. metaphorical Greek saying She tried to be as quiet and welcoming as possible. She didn’t want him to lose trust in her.

Val was the first-string seeker for Durmstrang. She’d be a fool if she didn’t think that he’d be constantly looking around with curiosity. He was bound to eventually see Ifigenia, she wasn’t actively hiding. And she also had a feeling that he’d find her, even if she was trying to hide.

Mm, and who’s this little charmer? Oh Ifigenia, a charmer. It was a way to describe her, really. This is Ifigenia, my little sister. Say hello, Valentin doesn’t bite. You can come down if you want too. Ifigenia came down carefully, because she didn’t want to fumble now. She’d extend a hand to Val, who was especially tall, compared to the 8-year-old, measuring around 110 centimetres. Nice to meet you Valentin. I hope you enjoy coming here.The young girl spoke in her best Russian, which was honestly not bad for her age, considering she was Greek. Then she turned for a minute to Eugenia, as they led him to a place to sit.

Τον ξέρεις; D’you know him? Ναι Ιφιγένεια. Yes Ifigenia. Απο πότε; Από εκεί στην Αγγλία; Since when? From that place in England? Ναι, από τη Φθινοπωρινή χοροεσπερίδα. Κατάλαβες αυτά που λέγαμε; Yes, from the Fall Ball. Did you understand what we were saying? Μερικά. Δεν είμαι τόσο καλή όσο είσαι εσύ όμως. Καλά που εσύ άνοιξες την πόρτα. Some. I’m not as good as you are though. Good thing you opened the door. Συμφωνώ. Agreed.

The small conversation was conducted in soft whispers, as to not disturb anyone. Mostly Val. But Ariadne too, who could send a death stare their way. Good thing at least she didn’t catch it. You’re welcome.Were happy you are honoured. And really, the ball wasn’t so peaceful near the dance floor, but I trust you have been at many other Hogwarts balls in the past. So, it was peaceful, compared to the murderous chaos of some other balls in the past. And how could I have forgotten you? Maybe I haven’t mentioned it to you yet, but both me and my sister have been born with a condition, which is practically having a perfect, photographic memory. So that would practically be impossible. She put on a smile and beckoned him to sit down on a couch.

Our vacation? Nod good, but not awful, per se. We got a fright when a seer cousin came barging in the house saying that something terrible will happen to us on the twelfth stroke of midnight of the New Year. I guess we’ll watch out. But I wouldn’t trust her if she wasn’t family. Then, we had a normal, for our standards, Christmas, I celebrated my name day, and we’ve just spent some time here. We'll leave tomorrow to go to Athens, the house of my Patrilineal line, to spend the rest of the time. And then back to the books I guess. She let out a sigh. Ifigenia added, as best as she could. It’s fine so far, but nothing is certain. Eugenia saw how hard her sister was trying, and it was something she truly admired about her.

But the Hufflepuff felt like she had messed up. She tried to patch up the situation. Please, forgive me for my rambling. Some things have happened and I’m not really in my best of days. How about you? He did look a bit worn. How have the last few days treating you?

OOC Info: I am giving Valentin’s author explicit permission to lightly godmod Eugenia, and the dNPC’s Ifigenia and Ariadne throughout this thread.
Pings: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood as Valentin Schnell

Oh boy, they had already prepared something. Valentin knew he should have been grateful. It was only the natural, polite, and even expected social behavior to feed guests. The thing that Eugenia probably didn’t know, however, was that Val had a crippling fear of eating in public. The fearless boy could fly at blistering speeds through a tight opening or get into a fist fight with baddies twice his size but when it came to the simple act of putting food in his mouth in front of other people, every time was a terrifying ordeal. Ariadne would know this, however. That Aida had warned Valentin not to eat the food at Hogwarts only served to exacerbate his issue, but at least this wasn’t Hogwarts. Still, he knew that a simple friendly visit like this could easily blow up into an awkward scene. Despite being charming and well-educated in social etiquette, there was just something about terror that could make Val act quite unlike himself.

“You’re welcome,” Valentin replied warmly. It was not time to panic. There were still plenty of other things to be doing.

As Eugenia thought about how Val was a bit too kind and that it could be used against him, he was too busy smiling at Ifigenia to read the other’s face. Yet, in the short time they’d known each other, Eugenia had already intuited a profound truth about him. Valentin was self-sacrificing to dangerous levels. Some might even call it a fatal flaw.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ιφιγένεια,” tried Val, producing a remarkably accurate pronunciation of the girl’s name. The two sisters spoke to each other a bit, and ever-attentive and nearby Valentin caught the whispered words “πόρτα” and “Αγγλία” because they were cognates in other languages he knew well. However, he didn’t really understand the majority of their difficult-to-hear exchange. Eugenia was polite, however, and soon turned her focus back to Valentin.

“Perfect photographic memories? Amazing.” Nodding with approval, Val began to light up as a shimmer of curiosity twinkled in his amethyst eyes. “If I may ask, do you even remember your earliest days? Can you remember being born, or inside the womb? What is it like to live without forgetting a single thing? I am humbled by your gift, as a mere athlete who has probably been hit in the head by a quaffle and otherwise concussed more times than I can… well… remember.” Following Eugenia’s gesture, Valentin sat down on the couch. It was remarkably comfortable compared to the Spartan furnishings of the militaristic academy at Durmstrang. He’d always wondered if such institutional practices were meant to keep those in attendance from growing “too soft” or if it was from a lack of caring. Certainly the Institute did not lack for funding.

“Oh, and about your cousin… that is quite some serious news. Is there anything I can do to help you? If you feel in need of an armed guard, I’m certain I can bring you one before the stroke of midnight on New Year’s. I have… security concerns of my own and am well versed in this sort of thing. I want to protect you in every way possible if you do feel you are in need.” Sighing as he began to rub two fingers together, Valentin’s mind began to churn like the emergence of a whirlpool. “I never found the advice of seers to be very direct nor helpful, myself. So mysteriously phrased, I never did find… er… my mother’s… killer. Sorry, I know that’s not very festive holiday talk. I have to be honest, though, if you trust that cousin whatsoever, I implore you to do everything possible to defend yourselves.” The elegant young man began to fidget, anxiously swiveling his thumbs around one another.

“Happy name day, by the way… and please, you’re not rambling, at least – not any more than I. The last few days for me, honestly, have been quite a drag. The holidays are a dreadful time for me because I’m cursed. Something terrible always happens to me at this time of year and I’m just waiting for it to claim what I love most. It’s torturous. I’m trying to not drive my remaining family crazy, so Ariadne agreed to get me out of my house. She’s very kind like that. Now I’m afraid you’re stuck with my madness. Ha ha ha!” The tone of Valentin’s voice was joking and warm, lacking any genuinely scary mood. Yet, it would be clear to any intuitive soul that this was a defense mechanism in dealing with his struggle – turning his fear into laughter.

“Seriously, though, you told me that some things have happened and you’re not having the best of days. Maybe there is some clue there which can help protect you in the days to come. Would you please tell me more about what troubles you?”

It was always odd when you knew the houseguest. And interactions could become awkward. Especially when you are an introvert, speaking in a language where you could easily make a small mistake that can umm… lead to consequences. Make that a checklist, Eugenia would have a tick in all boxes. But at this point in time, there was no way the Greek was going to crumble. Heck, she hadn’t crumpled at the ball, would she now? No. The mask was very firm.

Eugenia remembered certain things as Valentin replied. She bowed her head slightly at the two words, as she was taught, to show acknowledgement. The smile on her face was polite, solidifying a mask behind Eugenia’s brain was whirling. Because it was always scary when you have to take the initiative. Then, she couldn’t do much, because at this point, she was the only one who could. And Ifigenia, even though she knew some Russian, would feel even more awkward, having to interact with a boy over twice her age. Even though she was remarkably mature, despite being so young.

So Eugenia just smiled.

At Val’s pronunciation of her sister’s name, Eugenia smiled. She looked at Val, in a way that she meant “Good job, very few people actually don’t kill the poor word”. But in reality, she just replied in a relatively calm voice, with a ting of excitement. Aye, you didn’t say it that bad. It actually sounded good. Mark my words, you are one of few to do that. Her little sister quietly nodded in agreement, somehow not embarrassed at all. Eugenia did spot Val’s interested eyes trying to see through lol off Ifigenia’s layers, but she didn’t mind.

Whether he liked it or not, she knew her sister much better than he did. And behind that quiet confident was a tinge of embarrassment, not aimed at either of them, but herself. She felt like she had made a little bit of an odd interaction to a boy much older than her. But she hid it as best as she could. Maybe a bit worse than the Hufflepuff in the room, but still, masterfully. It was a little thing that Eugenia’s trained eyes when it came to her sister would notice, but not show the faintest concern about. Her sister could manage well.

The two sisters nodded solemnly at Valentin’s excitement for their memory’s capacities.Eugenia felt the need to explain why. Because, it was honestly quite complicated. You know, it might seem nice, but it is a double edged sword. You can remember all good and normal things great: people, faces, places, passages, voices, events. In a perfect recollection. But it is not selective memory. Like, you would remember a funeral just as good, or a bad experience really. So you just remember well. And, to answer your question, I remember everything since being born. I suppose that before, it was just dark so you couldn’t see.

And don’t be so humbled. I’ve been concussed in my first match, when I fell unconscious, and I might have been in a practice match, when I recall staying on my broom. So, um, I’ll reach your stage. Eventually. Although I will remember. A certainly.. painful record. Ifigenia would nod in acknowledgment. And giggle quietly when it came to concussion. Currently, the 8-year-old had no plans for Quiddich, but who knows in the future?

The young girl made a lightning-fast register of Val’s change of demeanour when the subjects changed. She tried to patch up. She had done too much harm. For now. No no, it’s okay. I don’t think things will be that bad, although I’m not 100% relieved by the reassurances of others. Either ways, communities here are tight-knit, so if anything happens, it won’t be just family that does the deed, but a bunch more people to help. Still, you’re too kind. No person has to offer that, let alone.. you. I don’t want you to feel bad, just, keep that for yourself. You’ve got fame and you might need them more. You’re too kind Val. And she just tried to smile.

The subject continued to change. And Eugenia saw it. Nor have I.And then came the questionable piece of information. Oh, I’m sorry. We’ve had to deal with death ourselves too. And the prophecy seemed to be of death. So honestly, I started it. Honestly, I’ve got some plans about what we two could do in the worst case scenarios, because the adults probably know better than we do, I guess. But we have backups. She looked away. And then her head felt a bit heavy. But she shook it off. Out of all times, not now.

Ifigenia was gazing from the one to the other. This exchange was not what the little girl had expected. She saw her sister had changed a bit, especially after summer. She seemed to be more closed and more serious towards others. To her, she was just as open and caring. But she seemed to hide her worries even more. Some of her sister’s words hung in her mind since summer. Am I a weight for you? The Hufflepuff’s polite smile hid it.

From Val, from the world. But not from Ifigenia.

More things came to mind. She looked as Eugenia continued, her voice hiding all the layers of pain strangling her, those layers that kept on building. Both sisters hope Val wouldn’t notice. Oh thanks. A small smile sat tentatively on Eugenia’s lips. You didn’t say anything really. I-I am rambling. They both listened, the youngest Greek finding it difficult to understand the boy at times. But it was clear to Eugenia. And she knew that she wasn’t the only one carrying immense burdens threatening to hurt her loved ones. But she just couldn’t open up.

Really? If I’m allowed, was it as bad as other years? This year, I mean. And no, you aren’t mad. I’m just as mad as you. You’re not crazy. If you are, then I’m too? Someone has claimed the life of my Grandfather, who used to be the patriarch. And then comes this warning. It seems intriguing to me. Maybe things could be connected- She trailed off for a second. As much as you are cursed, we might as well be too. But it’s all year long. Like it’s just waiting to happen… You’re not the only one. And I don’t think you should carry our madness too, at this point… She trailed off again. The Greek sighed. Συγγνώμη. Λέω βλακείες. I’m sorry. I’m saying bullshit. Ariadne looked at her. In the eyes. Δεν λες βλακείες. Η Ευγενία μου δεν λέει ποτέ βλακείες. You are not saying bullshit. My Eugenia never says bullshit things. The Hufflepuff just looked at her.

Was that how her great-grandmother treated Val? She was too kind. He had told her how she had been back then. She was that all over again. But to her. It felt wrong. She didn’t deserve it. But her sister said she did. And she would leave the doubts for later. Now, Val was there. No time for doubting now. She was going to get the reigns back.

Umm. I’ll tell you. But only if you tell me. It doesn’t feel fair otherwise. I shouldn’t be the only one sharing. The Greek drew a great breath and looked around. There was no one watching. The coast was safe. Honestly, everything has been crumbling for the past few months. Or years. Like, after my grandfather was killed, no shame saying that right now, it’s all been too much and I feel like every responsibility of the world is on me. Like I’m constantly lashing out and I’m not enough. And now, after this thing happened and we were told these news, it just feels like it’s connected.

What if he was the same person who has targeted the family again. And he knows whom to target. What if it is us? I’ll just try to keep us mingled with adults, but I’m afraid I’ll draw more attention. And more adults will be hit. And it’ll just be my fault. But it feels like the safest thing, I guess. I told all my concerns to my mother, but she just said it “will be ok”. Like, I don’t know yet. It feels wrong to just say that it will be better. That it will be fine. Like, did you ever have such concerns? Any suggestions for that? Honestly, after what happened at Hogsmeade, I shouldn’t ask you, but you said you were eager to help so…

The looked away, biting back tears. She was in deep waters. But she knew how to swim.

OOC Info: I am giving Valentin’s author explicit permission to lightly godmod Eugenia, and the dNPC’s Ifigenia and Ariadne throughout this thread.
Pings: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood as Valentin Schnell
I’m sorry for my IC and OOC rambling. Please forgive me dear fellow author.

Valentin listened attentively as Eugenia explained the double-edged sword that was a perfect memory. He seemed fascinated, lost in the concept for as long as she spoke. Then, when she finished, Val shook himself out of it with a chuckle.

“Ah yes… the glory of quidditch. I’ll admit that I was following your career even before we first met in person. Don’t worry, it’s nothing creepy. I just study all quidditch players and you happen to be one of them.”

The conversation shifted to darker topics, but just as quick as Val was to turn on a broom, he was agile enough to move onto the greater conversational challenges.

“I hope you’re right that it turns out to be minor. Still, there are things to be learned even by overpreparing for a threat. It’s good also that you’re surrounded by neighbors that care. My own estates are extremely remote and therefore don’t particularly have neighbors, unless the animals of the wilderness are to be counted… but they’re not much use at such times.” The comment was meant to be funny, but Valentin’s eyes still followed Eugenia’s to see how much she would laugh at such dark matters when invited.

“As for being too kind in my offers, well, certainly people have told me that a lot in my life… but I prefer to give when others are in need. I have been lucky to have as much as I do, and it’s better if I can use my privilege to multiply well-being in the lives of those around me. We’re all connected, after all. Some days I hardly feel like myself, but more like a node within a greater form of life. Have you ever wondered if cells feel like that? Do they do their jobs with a sense of higher purpose, or do they simply have no comprehension that they are interconnected parts of the larger creatures that we are?” Scratching the back of his head, Valentin looked at Ifigenia with sympathy. That had might have been all a bit difficult to grasp through a language barrier.

“If it would help, you can tell me about your security plans and I can make suggestions. I still wish I could contribute something, somehow at least… Even if you have grown-ups doing stuff, I… Well… my parents apparently didn’t prepare well enough to survive, and here I am with you today without them. Sorry if that scares you but maybe it should.” The tone in Val’s voice was soft and kind even though his truth was as cold as ice. Perhaps that was why Durmstrang’s quidditch coach was commonly called “the Frost Captain.”

“I figure this must all be quite difficult for you. I hope you will put some weight on me and allow me to take some of your burden. Durmstrang has made me strong, and this is what I train for. Just help me figure out what I can do for you.” The champion was used to people wearing masks and holding shields up against the world. It was a basic survival strategy and most people weren’t as recklessly open as he was. Val knew that he was an idealist, a dreamer. He knew it was dangerous because he’d gotten hurt time and time again… and yet, like a fool, like an eternal child, he kept wearing his heart on his sleeve.

“As for this year… nothing has happened to me in December yet, although one of my close friends was attacked by a werewolf. I think my curse has yet to reveal what it will take from me this year. Certainly my anxiety is worse than ever before. Hahaha!” There it was again – Val’s coping mechanism of laughing through the pain. Eugenia was biting back tears, looking away, clearly feeling deeply troubled.

“You know, though, Eugenia… I can relate to that feeling of carrying the weight of the world. I’ve been bearing that burden for years and now it’s a part of who I am. I wouldn’t be me if my time as champion, as quidditch captain, and as a friend hadn’t made me into someone bearing burdens for more than myself… including some that are quite heavy. My parents aren’t here to take on weight anymore, but really… I survive because of my friends. They help me. We’re not alone so long as we hold together. Thank you for telling me about your grandfather. I think it’s perfectly normal to feel how you do, but Eugenia, believe me when I say this – you are enough. Maybe you’re not at the level you want to be at, and if you’re anything like me you never will be. There is always a higher goal to reach for. Still, right here, right now, you are enough. You don’t have to be perfect to be enough. I like you just the way you are, in fact, even though I will still help you strive to become a better you.”

Valentin extended his arms in an invitation to hold and comfort Eugenia.

“I hear you. Your parents might or might not be right about everything turning out ‘okay.’ Still, they are trying to hold it together as people, too. They’re trying to use that vision to hold onto. They might not know what to tell you. Yet, I’ve felt the same way as you before. After Hogsmeade, many people felt like nothing could ever be okay again. Still, we have to remember what we have and what we can do. I don’t know if it will be enough, but we can certainly try to contribute whatever we can to get you and your family through this difficult time. Even if it doesn’t end up okay… you’re not alone. I’m here for you. We'll make things better. After that, it's just about appreciating the blessings we do have.”

The love in Val's eyes was warm and true. His eyes were ringed with the remnants of a deep exhaustion, but his resolve felt stable and deep.

“I believe in you, Eugenia. I really do."

@Eugenia Karageorgiadi may godmod Val… and don’t worry, you’re doing great!

Her head not in the best shape (only figuratively for now), she made a quick little comment. I’ve done the people watching business for a while now, so it’s not necessarily creepy. Honestly, good for you. If you like Quiddich, then you might as well do that. She returned a soft chuckle, which at the moment was only half-hearted. She loved Quiddich, but it was definitely very, extremely brutal, even for the toughest skulls and willpowers.

She looked again as Val spoke, only a bit surprised from what she was hearing. Of course, she had been a bit familiar with him before, but it wasn’t something so unexpected, seeing the fact that things hadn’t been easy for him. But estates? Did he have to manage them all alone? Even for adults it was probably difficult, but for a minor no less… Everyone had so many more layers than she had ever expected. I suppose it’s lucky we’ve got people here. Although being remote sounds nice, I trust that having almost no one around does make you an easy target. Those were words she had filtered many times before she said them. Last thing she wanted now was to offend him.

She didn’t laugh. Her memory only brought other, disturbing thoughts forwards, some of her intrusive thoughts threatening to take over her mind. In her mind, the young Greek tried to close that door as fast as possible, so she didn’t look back on her thoughts too much. I have wondered about it honestly. But I have just come to the conclusion that they probably don’t know a thing. They just work like robots, doing their job. Although the occasional communication does happen. In times of danger… She subtly trailed off. Ifigenia looked at her confusedly. So she just tried to explain quickly. Ασ’ το. Καλύτερα να μην έχεις κάποια υπαρξιακή κρίση από τώρα, ξέρω ‘γώ. Η Αριάδνη θα συμφωνούσε. Leave it. It’s best if you don’t have an existential crisis yet, I guess. Bet Ariadne would agree.

And to her surprise, the older woman actually nodded. She nodded. She agreed. How cool was that? Ifigenia wasn’t really ashamed, because Val probably didn’t understand the context behind that. Although he might have seen that the Hufflepuff was a bit more comfortable with her sister, something that was expected, after seeing the fact that they had lived together for 7 years. With no secrets whatsoever. Eugenia wouldn’t care if there were comments on it either, really. She’d just tell the other to shut up and that she’d do whatever she wanted. It was her relationship after all.

You could, although you’d probably need a map of the estate. After all, it’s not going to be here at all. It’s in Athens. I’ve devised some escape routes, that really don’t involve us doing much. Because I’m pretty sure that whoever decides to just appear has more skill than a meagre second year and an underage witch. So, I’ll just leave it up to fate. She took a breath before continuing. Goddamn it, couldn’t she remember to breathe? It doesn’t scare me that much. Honestly, I’ve contemplated such scenarios. But I don’t know. I’ll just trust them. It’s one of the only times that I don’t take any initiative. Not that I’ll be allowed, nonetheless. And also, it’s difficult to live without parents. Just expressing your condolences coldly isn’t enough. You deserve parents. They say the older are supposed to die first but not this soon.

It wasn’t that Eugie had no empathy, it was just that she did not know what to say. To an acquaintance who was like a friend, but not one exactly, and one that she didn’t know how to face because he was a great deal older. And male, for that matter. She just hoped it wasn’t too much, or she’d swat herself for eternity. And then came dreaded words. I-I’m just used to going through this alone. With Ifigenia occasionally being one whom I can trust. But it’s not that I have trust issues or anything, it’s just that- she took a glance at Ifigenia. She looked a bit more serious. It was just like that night in the attic. In Athens.

Only now she didn’t know if she should open up at all.

But a bit of testing wasn’t bad. She just wanted to try it out. But just a bit Eugie. Not too much. It’s that I don’t want to burden people. They have enough to care about, and then me? It’s just not fair for them. So I take it on alone. You don’t have to do anything. At least now, I’m a host. Not that I’m living up to my goal but who cares at this point? The ice of the truth slapped her hard on the face. No time for pain. When she had been hit with a Boucher, she had not screamed. Or shown anything. She had just fallen.

She didn’t have to fall now too. She didn’t have to get hurt. She wasn’t wearing a mask anymore, rather, it felt ingrained into her flesh. She had a filter. Knew what to say, when to say, so that there was no discomfort. She had seen Val wear his heart on his sleeve. It wasn’t bad just… She wasn’t like that. It wasn’t necessary to survive. She just wanted to be safe. Happy. And not hurt, for once. She didn’t cope through laughter. She coped through pain. And cold tears when she was alone. And other simple, but meaningful things. That no one saw. And that were private. After Val left, she had a conversation to make.

Her response was quiet. Is your friend okay? Have they changed that much? And it doesn’t have to take something from you. Perhaps if you take something back from it. In the universe, it’s all a deal. When something is taken from you, you get something of equal value back.But maybe you have to snatch it back. And break it all. Through anxiety, she had no special coping mechanism. Just “shut up and live with it”. The tears prickling her eyes suddenly went away. Her sister was there. She remembered how it had been back into that moonlit attic.

They had opened their hearts to each other. The space between them closed. They were fine together. She slightly skinned her head around to face Val. Suddenly, she tried to think whether his is a Legilimens. As much as she knew, he was not. And she wasn’t. But she would be. That was the tradition for women in the matrilineal line.

Thanks. If I am enough, then I’m just blind and don’t see it. Or just very few people see. I have carried things since I was a little kid. We moved to England and I knew nothing about the place. A little four year old, forced to some other standards. To adapt. But a four year old that remembers everything. Sometimes, people forget who you are. Who you truly are. And they hurt you. Give you weights. I’m sure this has happened to you too. And then, you just try to cope as much as a little kid could be. But it’s not like a subtle shaping. It’s chains. Chains that leave their marks on you. I didn’t know you were a champion. I didn’t know much. But even if I knew, very few people want to see reality. And how life truly is for you. I don’t know shit about what I want anymore. But at least you do. And thanks I guess.

She looked around again. Had anyone heard? They’d kill her. Looking at her watch, they had many hours still. And usually, they wouldn’t just aparate or flop in the house. To give a warning to those left behind. She was used to hearing those warnings. So she wasn’t in panic mode. But should she hear such a signal, it would be seeing a beast on autopilot. After those thoughts, the invitation wasn’t accepted. She extended a hand and whispered. Not now. Not because I think it’s wrong. But unexpected things happen. If we were more private, I would agree. Just that. She looked around again before she dropped her voice again. If Val’ hearing wasn’t as good as his eyesight, he’d have to drop in to listen.

They are holding onto their reality for dear life. Seemingly to protect us. But sometimes, we want the truth. And they find it difficult to tell us. Why? I don’t know. But they treat me, at least, the same way as Ifigenia. Something that we have both agreed upon as kinda stupid. She wasn’t lying. You don’t have to give anything. We’ve got enough. If we’ve got our lives, our wit and our family, we can live. I don’t know what happened at Hogsmeade, but people were hopeless before that too. Now they’ve got just another reason for the morale drop. Not that it’s wrong, but all the same, it was there before too. Just in a bit of a smaller scale. Than now.

What her sister said was true. And what Val said. She put both concepts into her mind, vowing to contemplate both later. The truth did hurt. But it was there. They both were exhausted. But there was something that lit up in her depths. Someone believed in her. I don’t know what I’ll do. Or what you’ll do. But if you believe in me, I might as well believe in you. If you’re there, I should always be there. Just bear with be, it’ll take some time. But there is something I want to ask you: what do you think you’ll lose this year. Even if the Curse you have comes a bit later than usual.

OOC Info: I am giving Valentin’s author explicit permission to lightly godmod Eugenia, and the dNPC’s Ifigenia and Ariadne throughout this thread.
Pings: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood as Valentin Schnell
Oof this was LONG. Hope it wasn’t too long. I really want to see how this goes.

Valentin was a man who had one main filter: suppressing speaking of his own needs in favor of serving others. His fellow albino friend, Aida, had absolutely none. The pathological truth-teller was such a liability that Val learned that anything he said to the wix would lose all secrecy once Aida went inside an occupied building. By studying the contrast between Aida and polite society, Valentin observed how much people bent over backwards trying to communicate while still maintaining their objectives. He got the impression now that some things were being left out or otherwise intentionally framed by Eugenia, but the pair was still new enough to each other that he wouldn’t yet call it out. Were it Aida, on the other hand, they would already be asking for all the missing details right in front of Ifigenia. Perhaps luckily, Val had a little more tact than that and spent most of the time just listening.

You could, although you’d probably need a map of the estate… Because I’m pretty sure that whoever decides to just appear has more skill than a meagre second year and an underage witch. So, I’ll just leave it up to fate.

Valentin crossed his arms and bit his lip. This just wasn’t right. He was in a much stronger position than this sweet pair of sisters and he knew that grown-ups were fallible. In fact, it was the very misfortune that devastated his own family that made him in such a position of privileged experience to help those in danger.

“I don’t believe in fate. At least, I don’t believe in a fate we can thrust our own responsibilities onto. We mustn’t expect the winds of Stribog to carry our burdens for us. You are young and it is tragic to be in a position where you feel unsafe, like the grown-ups won’t be able to properly take care of you. I’m sorry for that. However, we have to work with what we’ve got and make up for the weaknesses of others. I imagine it must be frightening…” It had been years since Valentin almost died by lightning strike and learned how to manage his fears. Yet, it wasn’t as if he’d forgotten the feeling, especially not after October.

It doesn’t scare me that much… I’ll just trust them. It’s one of the only times that I don’t take any initiative. Not that I’ll be allowed, nonetheless. And also, it’s difficult to live without parents… I-I’m just used to going through this alone. With Ifigenia occasionally being one whom I can trust. But it’s not that I have trust issues or anything, it’s just that-

Valentin’s arms fell to his sides as his brows creased into a V across his forehead. His face was intense, but it was not Eugenia that he was upset at.

It’s that I don’t want to burden people. They have enough to care about, and then me? It’s just not fair for them. So I take it on alone. You don’t have to do anything. At least now, I’m a host. Not that I’m living up to my goal but who cares at this point?

Valentin sighed. She sounded just like him, which was exactly why he couldn’t just let this drop. Fortunately, Eugenia wasn’t done, either.

…I have carried things since I was a little kid… Sometimes, people forget who you are. Who you truly are. And they hurt you. Give you weights. I’m sure this has happened to you too. And then, you just try to cope as much as a little kid could be. But it’s not like a subtle shaping. It’s chains. Chains that leave their marks on you. I didn’t know you were a champion. I didn’t know much. But even if I knew, very few people want to see reality. And how life truly is for you. I don’t know shit about what I want anymore. But at least you do. And thanks I guess.

“I—” Before the captain could respond, Eugenia began to look around suspiciously. It was like she was saying things that must not be overheard, and so Valentin silenced himself.

Not now… If we were more private, I would agree…

Leaning closer, Val tried to make it easier on Eugenia to speak quietly.

They are holding onto their reality for dear life. Seemingly to protect us. But sometimes, we want the truth. And they find it difficult to tell us. Why? I don’t know. But they treat me, at least, the same way as Ifigenia. Something that we have both agreed upon as kinda stupid.

Clearly Eugenia was far from stupid, and she didn’t need Val to tell her that. Still, an annoyed wrinkle across the corners of one cheek told the girl that he was taking the entire conversation on quite the serious emotional level. What she was saying must have meant something particularly important to him, probably in several ways.

I don’t know what I’ll do. Or what you’ll do. But if you believe in me, I might as well believe in you. If you’re there, I should always be there. Just bear with be, it’ll take some time. But there is something I want to ask you: what do you think you’ll lose this year. Even if the Curse you have comes a bit later than usual.

“Listen, if you want to go somewhere else… Although I’m not actually here as a tourist, I certainly look like one. I can take care of you if you want to go outside for a bit. Your sister, too. Either way, I owe you some answers.”

Wherever Eugenia wanted to be in continuing their conversation, Valentin would cheerfully oblige.

“Now let me begin by saying… Yes, that’s exactly what most adults do. They are selective with what they tell us so they feel in better control of the situation. Yet, sometimes that does a lot of damage. You’re right that I have felt the same chains. I can’t stand it. What’s even worse is when the truth is damaged by people clinging to power, or the illusion of it. How insulting it must feel to adults when their child is more capable than they are. How distressing to have to worry about placing psychological burdens on their child by sharing the truth… and yet… listen to me, Eugenia.” Valentin’s violet eyes gleamed with a hard edge of sincerity. “I never want to be spared. For me, the truth is always preferable, no matter how gruesome. By accepting responsibility for myself and for those around me, I need the truth in order to be effective. Being sheltered only weakens what I can contribute. It angers me that they treat you this way, forgetting your brilliance when it feels inconvenient to them.”

The tall seeker scratched the side of his face with one long index finger. The gleam of silvery scars on his palm caught the light, and while it was brief, its unusual branching shape would be hard for Eugenia to forget. It looked almost like a little white tree.

“There are few things that bother me like people not wanting to see and accept reality. However, one thing that is even worse is when they try to impose that unreality on others, particularly children. I don’t know your family like you do, but from the sound of your words, it seems like the situation isn’t taken care of well enough. While you may not have much power with what happens in your household, I can offer you what I have of mine. I never want you, nor your sister, to ever feel like you have to take this on alone again.” The boy’s voice was passionate but kept at a low volume. “You don’t have to feel alone anymore. I am here for you. I can hire any number of security specialists or talk strategy with you until we run out of breath, but more importantly… I want you to know that you can trust me. I love reality and am committed to the truth no matter the pain. I also want to help you regardless of shouldering another burden. Still, I don’t expect you to just accept me at my word without showing you my own weaknesses in reciprocation.”

Extending his left hand, Valentin exposed a different scar than the one Eugenia saw on his opposite hand.

“You asked me what you think I’ll lose this year. The truth is that I’m afraid of losing the one I love most, the boy who shares this scar – my blood brother. It feels like I’m not allowed to have family because each part got stripped from me at this time of year. I adopted him, you see. I can’t stand the feeling of being alone, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone… particularly not him. You remember, the one with the fustanella. He is dearer to me than all the wealth I’ve ever had, dearer than everything I’ve built, dearer than I can even explain. How could I have such a treasure, how dare I believe I deserve it? Surely it is him that my curse will strip from me.”

Valentin lowered his hand, but his fingers traced the scar’s contour for a few lingering seconds.

“I did adopt him into my family, but truthfully, this is also the way I live my life. I take care of people at Durmstrang because I had to grow up enough to be solid on my own. I feel just like you, taking care of your sister. We had to adapt early, and it is what it is. Now I want you to see that as a strength that you have the choice to use. You don’t have to be resigned to your fate, or expect the grown-ups or the aurors or the government to make everything be okay. The world is more than authorities and the helpless. People like me can help you, too, on a horizontal level… like equals. When I have more than enough, I should give it to you when you need it. I believe you need more than what your parents are giving you.” Rubbing the space between his eyes, Valentin felt as if an intuition were on the verge of passing through his head.

“After my visit with you, I plan on going to Germany to fix up an estate there. Maybe one day I’ll turn it into an orphanage. If you need a place to hide, I can protect you. You and Ifigenia. There’s that place, and my place in Russia. I know you have escape routes and everything but… will you at least allow me to hire you a professional bodyguard?” Scratching his head again, the stunningly pale young man looked at Ifigenia with a sympathetic smile. Taking a deep breath and sighing, Valentin hoped he wasn’t turning into one of those horrid hypocritical grown-ups who promised the world and then failed to deliver. “Hopefully this will all turn out okay, and maybe next year you’ll want me to help you get to the bottom of this better – the truth your parents seem to be hiding from you. What do you think?”

Eugenia had been opening up to the boy more and more, and with that trust, so too did Valentin begin to offer more in return. Suddenly, and but for a moment, the seeker turned his eyes towards a window. He began to seem wistful. Worried. Perhaps he was thinking of his blood brother again, fretting over leaving his side at the worst time of year. Yet, he turned his amethyst eyes back to the two sisters again before long.

“I’ll tell you one more thing, but you’ve got to keep it a secret, okay?”

Valya didn’t know why he was even bringing such a topic up except out of pure irrational desperation. How uncanny it was for such dread to beset Eugenia, not knowing what could strike at any moment, when this was the same as Val’s agony. It was a strange pain bonding them at this moment through shared circumstance.

“I think something strange is happening to my… mind. I feel like I’m beginning to leave my body sometimes. I can’t control it really, and recently… ah…” Why am I saying this? It’s not like… I don’t know… maybe somehow, someone will help me, too. Eugenia is smart. I trust her. She said she’d trust me, too. I have to try. For Nikolai, for Eugenia, I have to try. “I fell into a couple of comas this winter, and I think it’s because I want to leave my body and feel with my mind if my brother is okay. Well, whatever I was doing, it didn’t really work, maybe, I don’t know. I just… maybe I can help you with this somehow, if I can just learn how to do it correctly… legilimency.”

Valentin's words came out quickly like a flood, and soon his eyes seemed to apologize with understanding about the language barrier. Hopefully Eugenia understood that well enough and the younger sister was not feeling too left out, either.

Your post was the perfect length. It was rich with substance and I loved it. @Eugenia Karageorgiadi

He crossed his arms and bit his lips. That was enough for the Hufflepuff to know she had said something wrong. On the outside, she looked as sweet as a cinnamon roll. That was her intention actually. To be sweet and friends with people, and then slowly figure out whom to trust. But heck, nobody had ever seen her face danger. She didn’t care. She’d brave through. She’d shut up, make her plans, in silence, plans that no one ever expected her to have. Of course she never thought of telling Val her real plan. Nor all the real details.

Honestly, she never thought she’d have to say it to a damn almost stranger. On that regard, the whole issue just felt so wrong to share. Like, that her parents had been contacted by an old friend in their ministry, the Greek one, telling them that their region had been targeted several times. The same bloody assaults as her grandfather’s. Or that she had made a more elaborate plan than just that. An escape plan that could go wrong only if the intruders were part of the Karageorgiadi family. But trusting the logic that they weren’t, she just turned at him. And spoke in a low voice with a tone very uncharacteristic of her. It was a tone of control. Exactly what she wanted to have when facing danger and death.

No Val. It is not frightening. I don’t care about me. I care about my sister. Because she was never supposed to get into this. Because some things are my fault, not hers. And because she is the only one whose opinions are not taken seriously very often. I am the heiress. So they have to take me seriously, otherwise I won’t know how it is to be “in control of a family and fortune”. And this time, they must. Even if they don’t want to admit it.

The Greeks eyes looked into his amethyst ones, locking in for a few seconds. If the eyes were the mirror of the soul, then he’d see that the calm and sweet exterior was more like a mask, holding all the little fierce and protective force of Eugenia inside. She was no little kid, or inexperienced. She knew how to lie and deceive. And make friends like a little kid. But plan. And even though she seemed sweet and tried to show it, she tried at the same time to hide the undeniable truth from herself.

She was ready to be a monster, or a villain. She’d do anything to protect those she loved. And her personal integrity. In the process.

He did owe her some answers. It was a conversation, no interrogation or confrontation. And she’d stay put. She didn’t want to move. She was rooted in place. And if there was even the slightest chance of being discovered, she’d keep as low profile as she could. She knew her words seemed to hold some importance for him. His face made it very visible. I agree with you. I never want to be spared the truth. Recently, I demanded answers and I was given. The only reasons I have no answer now is because they think that it is going to scare us. But I think I know what’s on. Ever since I lost my grandfather, it all felt so wrong. But now, things are aligning. And a murder shows you more things about yourself than you think. I don’t care about danger now. If feels so foreign. Now, it’s only my wish to survive. In Hogwarts, there is security, but here, anyone can kill you. So they think that it’s best that they keep the possibility from us. But I don’t think they’ve realised, we know the truth. And it’s been a situation I’ve been contemplating since the Hogsmeade incident.

And thank you for all of this, but no. My family hasn’t stood around doing nothing. Quite frankly, I have just realised that this thing wasn’t probably business at all. Usually, business partners come here, instead of us going there. And usually, they take me too because “it is the heiress’s duty to know of the business”. Her fingers made air quotes around the words. Thank you. Because I know I can count on some people and now you are on this very limited list too. And honestly, for the specialist jobs, I think my parents have it covered. She thought for a second. And then all the pieces came together. The hurried departure. Everything that seemed unusual. She saw its true purpose. They had taken care of the situation. Making plans. Hiring people.

Just behind the scenes. As if their children would spoil the fun. She would have given her more fun for sure. Ifigenia, meanwhile, was trying to understand. And she understood her sister’s words. And she let her control. She knew how to do that better. And between the two of them, she’d be able to make more value gravitate towards it. And explain. The plan.

Eugenia kept quiet. She told him one more thing before he proceeded on. but only if he wanted to too. Do you want to know the entire plan? Here it is: we will never take part in the gathering. We will stay in our room. And when the clock strikes midnight, we’ll wait and see. If anything happens, I’ll have it arranged to get some polyjiuce from my mother before hand. She works with potions, you see. I’ll snatch some hairs from ordinary muggles beforehand. If anyone indeed comes, we are drinking the smallest dose possible. Then, the two of us will head down some of the house’s passages that are quite well hidden. In the back of the house, there is a door, leading to a room only accessible from the inside of the house. By the time we get there, the potion will have worn out. And that not to draw attention. Because kids have historically been easy targets.

To enter, I must say something that I shall not reveal. Once we are in, we are safe. No one else can enter, unless they are a family member. But we are not safe there. Because honestly, anything could happen, betrayal being something very easy. Inside the room there is a fireplace. I’ve got some floo powder, and we’ll floo ourselves to different safe houses. I won’t know if we’ll return to our hose this winter after that. The first step is to get this plan approved. Our parents said they’d tell us if it is acceptable when they come home today. So I’m waiting. We are. But honestly, I see myself giving in to your pressure a bit. So you might just end up receiving an owl from me asking for more information.

The words came out of her mouth like a flood. The Greek though kept looking around Val’s face. She saw his sheet white hand moving upward exposing some scar. Like a white tree branching outwards. She wondered what that scar could be, what it meant. It kind of looked like lightning spreading outwards. It was an odd shape. And like everything she saw it would be ingrained in her memory. She wanted to ask him how it ended up there in the first place. But it just felt wrong. So she didn’t ask.

And then, she saw the other scar, on his other hand. It felt like something she had seen before. A scar that she had seen before. My father has such a scar. This quiet mutter escaped her lips before she could hold it back. She kept listening as he spoke. And something just felt achingly familiar to her. She kept a normal expression on. But through her eyes, he could probably see she understood. I understand and I remember him. But no, you deserve family Val. And maybe he won’t be stripped from you. I have a feeling he won’t be.

And then she listened and gave her own opinion. I’m sorry if I gave you this impression before but I’m not used to being able to trust people like my peers. But I think they try to provide for us. And help us. Though they sometimes don’t take our opinion seriously, because they “know better”. I’m not leaving my life at the hands of fate. At least, not now, not yet. Although, I don’t know if I can take it in my hands either. Just yet. But honestly, I might just take this thing in my hands. Because ever since I heard that, I knew it will happen. And honestly, this is a good thing for you. Maybe we are slightly more similar than I thought. The last sentence came out in a silent murmur. She didn’t even know if he had heard her.

His dream to turn the place he had in Germany into an orphanage sounded great. And the fact that he was taking action was also great. And then the offer? Well, Eugie would accept of them gladly. Well, I do not think we need a bodyguard. But… Maybe I could come to your house. I wouldn’t trust Ifigenia at your house and please don’t take it as offence. But I know some people who would take her in gladly. And with whom arrangements aren’t even necessary. And then, she just felt like she should make a clarification. I think I know the truth behind it. But my parents are in denial. And the rest of the family doesn’t even know. And, this is something I was told I should keep a secret to the grave. And I don’t know if I can share it with you. Just yet. I don’t know if I can share it with the world in general, really.

She hoped it didn’t hurt him. Fingers crossed.

A secret? Yes. And I promise I’ll never tell anyone. The Greek really wanted to hear a secret from his part. She had told him a lot of things already, and even if she wasn’t obliging him directly, she really wanted to know. Because if they were going to help each other, they must know each other well. And she listened.

“I think something strange is happening to my… mind. I feel like I’m beginning to leave my body sometimes. I can’t control it really, and recently… ah… I fell into a couple of comas this winter, and I think it’s because I want to leave my body and feel with my mind if my brother is okay. Well, whatever I was doing, it didn’t really work, maybe, I don’t know. I just… maybe I can help you with this somehow, if I can just learn how to do it correctly… legilimency.”

Eugenia’s first thought was wow. She didn’t know how to express it. And then came a what. She really wanted to understand what was going on, express it. But it honestly felt like she was going to say something stupid. But still she spoke. Look, I don’t know medical terms and stuff. I get that it’s odd, but I don’t know… Either way, I’m going to tell you one thing: I can be your test subject for Legilimency. I don’t know how deep I should go, but- my matrilineal lineage has the tradition of learning Occulmency and Legilimency, so I’ll probably have to learn it at one point.

The thing is, I like such things myself. It just seems so incredible, being able to see one’s thoughts with a spell, or simply eye contact. I’m sure I’ve got some books on theory, or well, some diaries writing about the process. And the spell and everything. So if you want to learn… I can help you with that. And dear I say, I’ll probably learn things from that experience too. Because I’ll need these things in the future. Just later… She looked at him. In the eyes, for a moment. She wondered if such simple eye contact could reveal half her secrets. But if he wanted her to be the test subject, then he should be prepared for such.. revelations.

The Greek looked down. The fire inside her just had a bunch of oil thrown at it. She felt empowered. And that maybe, she was more important in this than she thought.

OOC Info: I am giving Valentin’s author explicit permission to lightly godmod Eugenia, and the dNPC’s Ifigenia and Ariadne throughout this thread.
Pings: @Aida Mòrsgor-Ama Ellwood as Valentin Schnell
Only just realised that these are major lore posts, for me at least. And thank you. I like where the plot is going.

Slowly, like an unravelling spool of thread, Eugenia and Valentin revealed more of their circumstances to one another. As one put more trust into the other it came back to each amplified. Momentum built up and up until it swept them away with a rush of flowing words and spilt secrets.

If Valentin was making unseemly faces while grappling with his crystallizing understanding of Eugenia’s problem, it was only because he was wearing no mask. Like the radiance of his white features, his face and bodily mannerisms kept none of his emotions in the dark. The turns of his psyche, even in anger and disgust, were but simple expressions of his compassion and investment in the girls’ well-being. Such openness, such honesty – were these not vulnerabilities turned around by skilled manipulators to strangle the thin tall boy? How could someone with no masks survive and even serve as champion in such an institute as Durmstrang, known for militaristic brutality and excruciating demands? How could this creature, apparently bursting with pure love and faith, be trusted with such power at a school dedicated to dark magic and combat? The longer he spoke, the more he seemed to illuminate, like the rise of the sun.

There were plants, like the Mimosa pudica, which closed up when touched. Yet, it seemed with even the lightest provocation, Eugenia was only managing to open Valentin up more by showing interest. How was this supposed to be a viable adaptation in a world where violence and deception flourished? The attack on Hogsmeade was not that long ago, and based on what Eugenia saw at the ball, it clearly deeply affected both Valentin and his blood-brother. After all that, how was he not closed up like a tightly balled fist?

Looking into the seeker’s keen eyes, perhaps Eugenia would find a glint of the answer. For as much as he fearlessly revealed of himself, his amethyst gaze peered back with an even more uncanny incisiveness. Before Eugenia, countless people described feeling like the White Seeker of Durmstrang could see "right into their soul," past barriers and masks, cutting straight to the heart of matters. It could even be disturbing, just how deeply he could peer inside. Who could tell how much of this was incipient legilimency and how much was simply Valentin’s nature? Yet, if Eugenia’s eyes were a mirror to the soul, Valentin’s offered no less in return.

If she made the effort to look into the celestial orbits of Valya’s eyes, Eugenia would see a dauntless understanding that she was not the cinnamon roll she could appear to be on the surface. He did not seem to mind her dark potential, either. She would feel an intuition that, despite discarding masks with disinterest, Valentin still accepted her completely as she really was inside. This would also manifest in his reactions, echoing in his words.

“Very well. I respect your understanding of the situation and your ability to make the best choice for yourself and Ifigenia.” The captain listened closely as Eugenia laid out her plan and the intricacies of her predicament. Never did his eyes lose the shine of investment in positive outcomes for her and her sister. “I want you to survive, as well, but now…” With a lingering draw of breath and an exhalation, Valentin’s expression grew more intense with expectation. He almost appeared hungry. “I want to help you do even better. You can use this situation to grow stronger. Learn, improve, ascend. This is not simply a situation happening to you. This is an opportunity to blossom. You know it well enough that I don’t have to say this, but… There is great potential inside you, and all it needs is nourishment and rising to your challenge. I will do everything I can to assist.” Valentin’s tone lacked arrogance or any hint of condescension. Like laying out simple facts without sugar coating, he was serious.

Not wasting a second, Valentin pulled out a jobberknoll quill and a small length of parchment and knelt to use his knee as a writing platform. With a rapid flourish of his hand, it was done. The boy handed the sheet to Eugenia and she would see in purple ink the address of his residence in Kazan. It would be enough not only to send an owl to, but included the specifics of a central fireplace to which she could enter by means of floo powder. Valentin knew there was no time for owling back and forth in case of emergencies. Schnell depended on speed to survive and he had no wish to wait a moment longer.

“Please don’t share this location with others. This is for you and your sister alone.” As soon as Eugenia saw the paper and could commit the address to memory, Valentin drew his wand and immolated every trace of it on the spot. He was quite good with casting apparently, not leaving even a crumb of ash on the ground. Likely such a scene had played out between Ariadne and Val’s mother many years ago, but there was an open question of whether she had anywhere near as good of a memory as Eugenia.

“According to your timeline, this is the place you are best escaping to. I mentioned that I will be going to Germany next to settle some things with the estate there. I’ll trust you now not to repeat this, but that location is not yet safe. That is why I have to go there. I need to reclaim that property from the demons of its past. Ideally I will be back in Kazan by the time you may need to escape. If anything were to happen to me however, Stribog forbid, I’m confident that my dear brother Nikolai will take care of you. I would trust him with my very soul, so you would be in good hands. However, I anticipate being back home there on the morning of the 31st. Just let me know what else you need, alright?”

Was it uncomfortable inviting a near-stranger into his home at a time when Val’s “Christmas Curse” could easily manifest through a sudden betrayal? Well, however much it may have bothered him, Valentin showed no hesitation in enabling Eugenia. He even went on to show her the scar on his left hand, explaining much of its significance.

My father has such a scar, said the girl.

“Hmmm… I wonder then, did he also exchange blood vows with another? We made this with a ritual dagger. Look at the incredible amount of control, precision, and expertise in this cut. I’m telling you. Between me and Nikolai, your safety would be assured. If you have a good feeling about him surviving this winter, then I will take this as some comfort. I get the impression your intuitions have considerable power.” A pain in Valya’s eyes seemed to paw at Eugenia with subtle desperation. For as strong and confident he seemed at any other time, just the mention of Nikolai bore out his Achilles heel.

“Thank you for trusting me, Eugenia. I hope to learn more about the ways we are similar.” Val did not seem at all insulted by her keeping Ifigenia out of his offer, though. If anything, he only seemed grateful to have the bridges they had already so rapidly built between them. “If you do wish to share your secret sometime, then I will be sure to safeguard it and treat you with respect. If it will help me help you, then I’m sure you will make the right decision when it is time.” Undeterred, Valentin went on to reveal another secret about the recent events affecting his psychology.

Following the cycle of their established pattern, Valentin’s show of trust received an offer of help from Eugenia in return.

“A test subject…” Valentin repeated, considering the girl’s words. What a tremendous show of faith that would be, to willingly allow him to practice legilimency on her. What an intensely vulnerable position to be in, allowing someone to be in a place where they could muck around with one’s mind. Probably Eugenia would have some grasp of defense mechanisms if her family heritage involved legilimency, but still… “Books, diaries… your offers are remarkably kind.” It sounded like Eugenia could grow from the experience in the way she wanted, as well. Val himself had just been offering to help her develop her strengths, and it could come back to help her if ever she needed help from a legilimens she could trust. It would surely provide first-hand experience for her own studies. Perhaps this was exactly what both of them needed. The only question was if this was really okay. Touching the mind of another was an incredibly intimate and dangerous proposition. As a novice, could Valentin even trust himself not to harm her?

“You truly are brave,” marvelled the captain. Previous major efforts to reach Nikolai through his mind had partially succeeded but largely backfired in destructive comatose episodes, but Valentin was working primarily through natural genetically-inherited talent rather than methodological expertise at the time. Maybe with the guidance of a heritage learner like Eugenia, Valentin could more safely ensure success by being careful and hardworking. After what he’d been through with Nikolai’s trauma, however, it felt risky to expose Eugenia to his own mind. As a pain-eater, Valentin’s role in life was the absorption of vast amounts of psychological harm. In such novice conditions, could he really keep himself from leaking out the very agony he meant to absorb from the world?

Thinking back on his experience with Nikolai and his inability to succeed in healing all the black bile plaguing the other’s soul, Valentin didn’t see any better way forward. It almost seemed irresponsible to refuse. If he could just trust himself and trust Eugenia enough, they could both come out of this with more power to care for the ones they loved. Perhaps that edge would prove to be what they needed in order to overcome the odds stacked against them. For finally finding what Nikolai needed to free himself from inner blight… there were few things Val would not sacrifice.

“Very well, Eugenia. You have earned my trust and I promise to do my best using this to help you, too.” His head felt like it was swimming. The pressure to perform at a high level was back, but this was what he was born for. “Just tell me when we can start.”

Basic Stats:
STA 8 - EVA 20 - STR 3 - WIS 20 [24] - ARC 1 - ACC 18
Keen Eye / Charmer / Evasive Maneuvers / Fearless / Comprehend Languages: Parseltongue & Veela

I am so happy to help with your major plot points, and I feel the same. Such are my favorite moments, honestly. Let’s keep making a good progression together.

Interacting with: @Eugenia Karageorgiadi
Mentioning: @Matthew Campbell (Nikolai Cambell)