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Last of The Fae Chapter 128: Engangment Pt. 2
🕑 Added 2025-03-04 01:44:39 +0000 UTCThe thirty-minute journey through the magical nature reserve passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Before Dumbledore even realized it, the untamed forest gave way to a dense, silver wall of living trees, their interwoven trunks and branches forming an impenetrable barrier.
At its center stood a massive circular gate, carved seamlessly from the very trees themselves, their bark pulsing faintly with runes of protection. Even beyond the towering wall, Fae Manor loomed in the distance, its sheer immensity and grandeur undeniable, rising above the landscape like a monument to both nature and magic.
As the carriages approached, the gate swung open, revealing an entirely new world.
"Bloody hell," Ron muttered, his face pressed against the carriage window, his wide eyes drinking in the fantasy-like scenery beyond.
"I couldn’t agree more, Mr. Weasley," Dumbledore replied, amusement flickering in his tone. His genuine smile made Ron blush in embarrassment, causing the boy to quickly retreat into his seat.
As the carriages rolled to a stop, the doors slid open, allowing their passengers to step out and enter an entirely different realm.
The paved roundabout where they disembarked led directly to a grand wooden staircase, its steps carved seamlessly into the massive trunk of the tree that was Fae Manor itself. The manor’s living architecture was an impressive sight, but what truly took Dumbledore’s breath away were the grounds surrounding it.
The immense roots of Fae Manor, as thick as ancient fortifications, had been transformed into a network of terraced gardens, each connected by elegantly crafted bridges and staircases. However, what made them truly remarkable was that each garden appeared to contain its own biome.
At just a glance, Dumbledore could make out a desert oasis, a tropical jungle, and even a boreal forest, each one meticulously cultivated and bathed in the soft silver light filtering through the underside of the manor’s massive branches and roots.
"How did Thane even have the time to build all of this?" Harry murmured, stopping short beside Dumbledore, his gaze filled with awe.
"I’ve just stopped questioning anything when it comes to him," Ron muttered, sounding as if ashamed to admit it.
Mirabel, still mounted on her Sylvan Stag, brought the magnificent beast forward and addressed the guests.
"As you all can see," she began, her voice carrying easily over the gathered crowd, "Fae Manor features a series of gardens—twelve, to be exact—each inspired by the major terrestrial biomes of Earth."
Her hand gestured toward the various environments, her pride in the manor’s design evident.
"These gardens are a passion project of Lord Fae himself. He personally oversaw the selection of each biome, handpicking the composition, the flora, and the fauna that thrive within them. I strongly recommend taking the opportunity to view as many of the Fae Gardens as possible—they are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But of course—after tonight’s formalities have concluded."
As Mirabel finished speaking, the massive doors at the top of the staircase creaked open, spilling forth a soft, silver fog that cascaded down the steps like a mystical veil inviting them inside.
"Please, be welcomed once again—to Fae Manor!"
The words had barely settled before Ron grabbed Harry and Hermione’s hands, tugging them forward with an eager bounce in his step.
"Come on, let’s go!"
"Ron Weasley, you will control yourself, or I will write to your mother about your behavior," Hermione threatened, her tone sharp enough to freeze him mid-stride.
Ron's face paled instantly.
Harry chuckled, clapping his friend on the shoulder.
"Relax, mate. The party isn’t going anywhere."
"I’m more worried about the food," Ron corrected, folding his arms. "With all these plants and animals, Thane’s bound to have something amazing."
Hermione huffed, giving him a light smack on the arm.
Dumbledore watched the banter unfold with a twinkle in his eye, appreciating the joy the trio found in the simplest moments of life.
Then, with quiet purpose, he ascended the grand staircase, stepping through the silver mist into Fae Manor. The base of the tree had been hollowed out into a sprawling, breathtaking ballroom.
The floor was crafted from polished wood, seamlessly blending into the natural curves of the manor’s interior. A grand staircase spiraled upward at the back, wrapping around the walls before disappearing into the upper floors.
Throughout the ballroom, standing tables had been placed for guests to mingle, and at the very center of the room stood a massive main table, clearly reserved for tonight’s hosts and honored guests.
At that table sat four figures, but as Dumbledore’s eyes settled on them, his brows lifted in mild surprise.
"Rose Potter and Luna Lovegood? Why are they here?"
Before he could contemplate further, two figures rose from their seats, and immediately, the entire room fell silent.
Evaline Greengrass, poised and regal, stepped forward, her husband, Cedric, standing supportively beside her.
"Thank you all for attending this auspicious event," she began, her voice carrying effortlessly through the space. "Tonight, we celebrate not only the longstanding history of House Greengrass but the dawn of a new future—one that House Fae swears to make a reality."
Her words lingered, allowing the weight of them to settle.
"You have all seen the marvels that House Fae has accomplished. In less than two years, Lord Fae has built what others could only dream of in a lifetime. And so, it is with great honor that I announce—the engagement of my eldest daughter, Daphne Greengrass, to Thane Fae, Lord and Founder of House Fae."
A wave of polite applause swept the room as Thane and Daphne descended the staircase, walking arm in arm.
Their matching attire, both woven from dark green silk, gleamed under the soft light. Silver jewelry adorned them both, but the most striking piece was the ring on Daphne’s finger—a polished emerald, held firmly by silver talons resembling those of some mystical beast.
Thane’s ring was simpler but no less eye-catching—a braided band of three interwoven strands: two of silver, one of emerald, seamlessly fused as though grown that way.
Yet, it was not the finery that caught Dumbledore’s attention.
It was the pure, unrestrained joy radiating from the couple.
And yet, even as he watched them descend—even as he felt the warmth of the moment, Dumbledore’s mind remained cautious.
“From the greatest euphoria, heart-wrenching catastrophe can be born.”
Thane wasn’t evil.
But his ambition, combined with the limitless resources at his disposal, was a dangerous combination—one Dumbledore could not afford to ignore.
For now, however, he saw no reason but to enjoy the rare sight of new love.
As Thane and Daphne reached the bottom of the staircase, Thane raised a hand, calling for silence. The murmurs and soft laughter that had filled the air dwindled, and all eyes turned toward him in anticipation.
"Thank you all for coming to celebrate our engagement," he began, his voice carrying smoothly across the hall, rich with genuine warmth. "I hope you all enjoyed the ride to the manor, and please—feel free to ask any questions you have about the nature sanctuary."
Before he could continue, Daphne interjected, her voice light and teasing.
"Though, do be careful—my fiancé has a habit of losing himself whenever he talks about his passions," she said, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
A ripple of polite laughter spread through the crowd as Thane turned to her with an amused grin, shaking his head.
"She’s right, of course," he admitted, his emerald eyes twinkling with mischief. "But I promised to be on my best behavior tonight."
His grin remained, his voice dipping into a more conversational tone as he continued.
"That said, if you're curious about the sanctuary, feel free to ask me or Fae Manor’s Head Gardener, the wonderful Ms. Garlick, either before or after your tour of the grounds."
He then clasped his hands together, his tone shifting back into lighthearted charm.
"Now, enough standing around—I haven’t eaten all day, and I’m sure some of you are, unfortunately, in the same boat as me. So, please—help yourselves."
With a casual wave of his hand, the center of the ballroom shifted.
A hushed murmur passed through the guests as the floorboards groaned and slid apart, revealing a massive, rising platform.
A moment later, an unforgettable sight stood at the heart of the hall.
The bleached, gleaming partial skeleton of a massive snake now dominated the center of the room, its skull propped open wide to display two prominent, polished fangs.
Nestled within its gaping maw, trays and towers of lavish food had been arranged with exquisite care, spilling outward along the snake’s curving ribcage. Plates of exotic delicacies, glistening fruits, and golden pastries rested among fine silverware and enchanted serving dishes that kept everything at the perfect temperature.
The spectacle was at once both eerie and mesmerizing, an unorthodox display of elegance and power—certainly a banquet that no guest at Fae Manor would ever forget.
