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Last of the Fae Chapter 51: Past Selves
🕑 Added 2024-09-26 01:01:25 +0000 UTCThane found the next half an hour hard to sit through as it was almost an exact play-by-play of what happened last year, with Dumbledore giving a speech about the importance of the new year and a slew of rules. The Headmaster also introduced Gilderoy Lockhart as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, much to Thane's dismay. The first time he had encountered one of Lockhart's publications, it was clear to Thane that the man had no idea what he was talking about. Which was strange as when Thane researched the countless acts Lockhart claimed to have accomplished, they were all real, but there was always a suspicious amount of details that were grossly blown out of proportion.
Thane wanted to give Lockhart the benefit of the doubt, but after taking one look at his smug face as the room politely applauded his introduction, Thane's hate of the man blossomed.
After Dumbledore's brief speech, he turned it over to the Sorting Hat, and it erupted into song, which was thankfully different from last year but still carried the same theme of listing the houses and their various attributes. Then, after yet another round of applause, the enchanted article of clothing started to call out names, summoning a new student to be sorted.
Thane spaced out after the tenth name was called and regretted not skipping the drawn-out ceremony. To pass the time, Thane started to imagine everything he could have accomplished had he made the smart decision, 'Checked to see if the Library updated its inventory, practiced ritual magic, tested if my transformation into a Fae affected my Animagus form, examined my increased mana capacity...'
"Luna Lovegood!"
Perhaps by sheer chance, the Sorting Hat's voice managed to break through Thane's train of thought, and he glanced over at the stage just as the first-year girl practically leaped onto the stage, making her waist-long mane of curly blond hair bounce with the movement.
Turning around, Luna sat and placed the Sorting Hat atop her head, revealing a rounded face with cute, almost doll-like features. But all Thane could focus on were her inquisitive silver eyes, which nearly seemed to shine. As he stared into their depths, Thane felt a familiar aura radiating off Luna.
At first, Thane thought he was imagining it, but then Luna's eyes found his, and they made contact. In that instant, Luna's subtle signal became a beacon, and Thane struggled to keep the neutral look off his face. 'What the hell is going on?!'
Luna didn't attempt to hide her reaction so much as a beaming smile spread across her face as she stared directly at Thane. But luckily, before anyone could notice, the Hat announced its decision.
"Ravenclaw!"
The room exploded into cheer, and Thane broke free of the spell with a subtle shake of his head, 'What the hell just happened?'
"Rose Potter!"
Once more, Thane found his eyes drawn to the stage, but this time of his own volition, and he was far from the only one staring, 'Potter?'
A fierce muttering rose as a girl with deathly pale skin and raven black hair ascended the stairs. Picking up the Sorting Hat, the girl turned around and sat before placing it on her head. A pair of cold black eyes stared back at the crowd in defiance, looking down on everyone with her chin held high while her silver piercings gleamed in the candlelight.
In contrast to her brother, Rose Potter radiated a subtle arrogance and disinterest as if everything was beneath her. But once more, Thane could sense a familiar aura from Rose, an attraction that seemed to pull their eyes toward each other.
The haughty look in Rose's eyes disappeared for a brief moment, replaced by one of surprise and what Thane could only describe as melancholy.
"Slytherin!"
A deep silence rang through the air at the Hat's announcement, though it hardly seemed to phase Rose, who took the hat off her head before standing up and leaving the stage. As if they had been waiting for a symbol, the room erupted with noise as people started to mutter amongst themselves.
The noise, however, paled compared to the baleful hate rising from the collective aura of Thane's House. Though, if Rose was phased by the almost murderous gazes glaring daggers at her, she didn't let it show, walking down the aisle as suddenly every free spot at the table was occupied as people spread out, taking up any available space.
It was only a matter of time before Rose reached Thane, who, in contrast to everyone else, had at least three seats next to him unoccupied. Thane didn't bother to hide his gaze as he stared directly at Rose, who returned his attention in kind. Thane couldn't help but feel restless, with her only standing a few feet away. Part of him wanted to reach out and grab her hand just to feel the warmth of her skin, while another part wanted to gouge out every pair of spiteful eyes staring at Rose.
"What's your deal?" Rose asked out of the blue in a dead, almost monotone voice, "You got a magical disease or something?"
"Not that I'm aware of," Thane replied without taking his eyes off her. Rose then promptly sat beside Thane despite the other open seats. Using every shred of willpower he could muster, Thane managed to tear his eyes off Rose and keep them trained ahead, though he could feel her aura brush against him like the warmth of a fire, a comforting and soothing presence.
'Someone's getting an ear full tonight.'
---
"Alright, out with it. What crucial part of information have you all neglected to tell me." Thane demanded impatiently as he tapped his foot on the marble throne room floor.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Thalion said with a shit-eating grin, making Solara giggle while Elara rolled her eyes, "Husband, stop teasing the boy. You enjoy it far too much."
Thalion sighed, but his smile remained, "Yes, dear, though I've imagined you've had your fun torm, enting poor Thane with your training regiment."
"All to hopefully prevent him from inheriting any of your slothfulness." Elara shot back, finally wiping the small thing off of Thalion's face.
"You say that, Elara, but I remember that you were always the first to make sure that our dear husband didn't overextend himself," Solara commented while leaning over to look at her sister's wife, whose cheeks darkened. She looked away guilty, "Only to ensure that he recovered as quickly as possible."
"Ahem!" Thane cleared his throat loudly to get his mentors' attention. "I'm getting tired of being left in the dark, so would someone please tell me why it felt like I was poisoned with a love potion?"
"We'll because you found your soul mates," Solara announced with a beaming smile, "I was so excited when I felt the connection form, though I don't think I've been a blonde in a few centuries. What about you, Elara?"
"I have no complaints," Elara replied as she crossed her arms, "I'm excited to see myself start from scratch again. You'll have to make me a spell blade at some point, Thane; which reminds me, we should start your blacksmithing lessons soon."
