A Letter from Halvar | Loce

[Anneli Oden]

It was just after dinner. A few students mingled in the corridors. Anneli walked through the hallways, her eyes cast to the ground. Her mind was lost in thought, unaware of the passerby looking in her direction. She had received another owl just after class. It demanded a response. Her attention was only resurrected by the sounds of jovial laughter echoing down the hall. A pair of second year students were goofing around, pointing their wands at each other. One swore that he could turn the other’s nose into a carrot by the end of the night. Their voices were lost in a series of uncontrollable giggles.

She smiled in their direction. The frivolity of being a child felt far away now. Anneli was just fifteen but needed to work as if she was much older. A burden that she hoped Loce need not feel. Not from her, at least. Anneli strode up the stairs to the owlery.

The various windows revealed a breathtaking sky. Painted in an array of colors, it contrasted with the gray frame of the owlery. The sun, slowly sinking behind the distant horizon, cast a deep orange glow across the sky, with hints of red and pink dancing in the background. The first few stars began to twinkle in the sky, and a crescent moon appeared, casting a soft silver light upon the castle.

Anneli sighed. No matter how beautiful the night, it was tainted by the letter she now held in her hands. A crisp piece of parchment with sharp edges. A dark green wax seal hung to its edge, picturing a Basilisk's eye. Formal script covered the page. She frowned, looking out to the moon. Loce would be here soon. Her heart fluttered at the thought, though she wished under better circumstances…

[Loce Vaisey]

Loce frowned slightly, lost in the same thoughts he’d been pondering since COMC. Something was bothering Anneli. There was a lot going on in her life, most of which he had little knowledge of he was sure. But, since this had to do with Fergus… He shut down the thoughts. There was no need to imagine anything there. He knew what that challenge was, had no idea how to stop it right now though, and that gnawed at him a little. He always was good at figuring out a solution to his problems. But these were not his problems. Well, yes they were, since they were Anneli’s, but still…

She had asked him to meet her in the Owlery. And that was exactly where he was headed. A younger, first, maybe second year Hufflepuff was headed up the stairs when Loce put a hand on his shoulder. “Owlery’s close for the time being, there was an incident earlier. Now scram.” The boy started to protest, but noticed the prefect badge and dodged around him exiting the area without anymore drama. He chuckled, he probably could have been a bit nicer, but then where would that leave Slytherin’s reputation when it came to Hufflepuffs?

He took a moment to conjure a sign. CLOSED by order of Headmistress Gunvald. And hung it neatly by the stairs before heading up to the Owlery.

Anneli stood looking out at the darkening sky. It was a beautiful sunset. But paled in comparison to her. Even upset, which she clearly was, she was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. He took note of the parchment in her hands, the seal, the script. His heart dropped some. Unsure what this all meant, but if it was serious enough for her to involve him, it couldn’t be good. She didn’t involve others, even him, in her problems unless she had to. That bothered him some. They were a couple, they should be helping one another through everything.

“Helo cariad.” He said softly as he stepped up behind her, slipping an arm around her waist and kissing her cheek.

[Anneli Oden]

She smiled unconsciously at the touch of his arm wrapped around her waist. The warm grin washed away as she looked back down to the open letter. It was open for him to read. Anneli turned to kiss him, the windows framing them. She let it linger, pressing into him. A snowy owl hooted softly, flying overhead from outside. A kiss was needed before proceeding.

“My love,” Anneli started, shifting uncomfortably, “My father has sent a series of owls urging me to forgive Fergus for the accident. I replied once that I had, but he wasn’t persuaded.” She frowned. “I suspect Fergus’ owl to him and my uncle Ludvig has led to this onslaught of probing…” He was searching for information. Anneli understood this. But he was playing at more here.

She squeezed his hand softly before handing him the letter. “I need you to read this...” Her tone was strained, still solid, but worn by the constant pressures.

---

Anneli,

Detta kommer att vara min sista varning. Som tidigare nämnts kommer jag att behöva få direkt besked från Reinhardts om att ni två är på tal. Jag kommer inte att kämpa med så höga insatser medan du tjurar i smålighet. Det kommer inga fler frågor.

Efter en lång diskussion med Friedrich Reinhardt och Ludvig har jag bestämt mig för att utöka villkoren för era boendeformer efter examen. Detaljerna kommer att diskuteras under din semester. Du ska bo hos Ludvig på Reinhardts slott den kommande julen. Jag har en del att sköta, men kommer på besök. Gör inga andra arrangemang. Detta möte kommer att vara livsviktigt, ett löfte att förutse.

Om jag ska få en replik skickar jag ett meddelande tillbaka personligen. Detta är inte att slita med. Vår tid är begränsad, du måste hämta dig från din omedvetenhet. Jag förväntar mig att du åtminstone pratar med Fergus, särskilt före semestern. De ytterligare villkoren kommer att säkerställa vårt fortsatta blod. Du kan bli stor om du bara lyssnar på instruktionerna. Om instruktionerna inte följs har jag en fängelsehåla i Tyskland som väntar på dig på semestern. Mycket arbete att göra för verksamheten. Jag är säker på att du föredrar Reinhardts slott, eller hur? Min älskling Anneli. Följ ordern.

..Du är så lik din mamma

Hälsningar, Far

(English Transcription) 

Anneli,

This will be my final warning. As previously stated, I will need to receive direct word from the Reinhardts that you two are on speaking terms. I will not contend with such high stakes while you sulk in pettiness. There will be no further questions asked.

After a long discussion with Friedrich Reinhardt and Ludvig, I have decided to expand the conditions of your living arrangements post graduation. The details will be discussed during your holiday. You are to stay with Ludvig in the Reinhardt castle this upcoming Christmas. I have some business to attend to, but will come to visit. Do not make other arrangements. This meeting will be vital, a vow to be foreseen.

If I am to receive a retort, I will send a message back in person. This isn’t to be toiled with. Our time is limited, you must retrieve from your obliviousness. I expect you to be on speaking terms with Fergus at the least, especially before the holiday. The additional conditions will ensure our continued blood. You can be made great, if you would only heed instruction. If not followed, I have a dungeon in Germany awaiting you for the holiday. Plenty of work to be done for the business. I am sure you would much rather the Reinhardts’ castle, yes? My darling Anneli. Please follow the order.

..You are so much like your mother

Regards, Father

---

Her mind had raced with questions. A vow to be foreseen. He was being direct in so many ways, and yet so much had gone unwritten. Anneli was familiar with his dungeons in Germany. They were his illegal dragon breeding and trading posts. A haven for wizarding with malcontent in their minds. A place where juveniles were swept up from their mothers and thrown into unfamiliar cages. An experience she could relate to. It was where the juvenile Chinese Fireball that scarred her had been born. Just like your mother? He had cursed her name. It was all a mind game.

She frowned, wishing to burn the parchment then and there. Anneli watched his expression as he read the letter. Her stomach bound in a knot. 

[Loce Vaisey]

Loce welcomed her and her kiss, wrapping his arms around her and holding her close. He listened as she spoke of the letters from her father. series of owls And yet now was the first he knew of the majority of them. She mentioned one just after getting out of the hospital wing. He set that aside. “Fergus… he did not intend to hit you, and you have forgiven him for that. It’s the fact he’s a pompous ass that has no regard for anyone but himself that is unforgivable in general.” He said with a slight shrug, dismissing Fergus and any apology as insignificant to why she wanted him here.

He returned the pressure on her hand as he took the letter in his free had. She needed him to read this. Not wanted. That couple with her tone knotted his insides before he even glanced at the letter. The fact that she was actively involving him had lead to his trepidation on the subject but pieced together with her tone and wording. He honestly didn’t want to read it.

He refused to let go of her hand. It might be foolish, but he needed her to know they were a couple, they were together, and no matter what this letter said, they would figure it out together. He wasn’t going to lose the other half of himself… nothing was going to separate them.

He read the letter, more slowly than he would have liked, newness of the language and his growing unease and anger forcing him to read more slowly to comprehend. From what little he knew of him, and the very opening of the letter he hated her father. If he showed up right now he would tell him where to go and how to get there. No one should be treated as he treats Anneli, especially Anneli. Okay, so she had to speak to Fergus. Not pleasant, but not the end of the world. ..

His heart sank as he read the second paragraph. Her spending Christmas with Fergus? Over his dead body. But what could he really do about it? This raised the stakes. Three years to two months to figure it out… His blood ran cold. He glanced at Anneli, frowned, and wondered briefly what her thoughts were before he returned to the letter.

Vow? Continued blood? No… no. He fought the rage growing, tightening his chest. This man dared to treat Anneli as if she were property… He had a vow for him… He vowed then and there that if it meant giving up his own life, he would see she was free from his control.

Could be made great? This man was just as dumb as Fergus. She was great… But maybe that would play in their favor. If they both underestimated her… underestimated them… She’d much rather his home in Wales, and that, was exactly what he intended to give her. He just didn’t know how.

You are so much like your mother. Well, from what he knew of her mother, that was one thing the man got right. Although he knew that was not how the comment was intended.

He read it a second time to make sure he had not missed anything in translation. He lowered the letter, and turned to look at her. “Well, he got one thing right. You are like your mother.” He smiled at her, kissing her forehead lightly. “As for the rest of it…you know him best, what are our options?” The anger was barely controlled in his tone, and his head swam with possibilities… but he needed to know where she stood. What she thought. This was their fight, not hers, not his…. Theirs. If they wanted a future together, they would have to fight for it together, side by side.

[Anneli Oden]

She nodded, her mind lost deep in thought. “I would agree, though my father does not care if Fergus is a pompous ass or not..” Anneli laughed, but it didn’t touch her gut, “He’s happy to sell off his daughter to complete his own version of success.” A bitter tone colored her voice. Her delicate features darkened thinking of him.

Anneli took refuge in the steady hold of his hand. Her heart fluctuated between sinking and racing as he read through the letter. Time stood still. On one hand, she had been glad her father hadn’t mentioned Loce or her dating anyone in the letter. But that meant nothing. He wouldn’t reveal all his cards at once.

She exhaled as he began to speak, realizing she had been holding her breath. Anneli beamed at him. He had a natural ability to make her smile even amongst dire circumstances. It was a rare gift. “Thank you, fy nghalon,” She laughed, “My mother would have loved you as I do.” Anneli pushed his hair back, resting against him comfortably.

“Our options are regrettably limited,” She frowned, casting her eyes to the window, “He seems to want to secure the plans sooner than I expected. My father has threatened the use of the unbreakable vow…” Anneli drifted, looking from him. “I would rather do my time in the dungeons than stay with Fergus for Christmas, that much I know.” She touched her left shoulder unconsciously.

“One refuge outside of school I might be able to escape to is my Aunt Vilhelmina’s in Norway,” Anneli said quietly, as if she was thinking out loud, “My mother’s sister. She’s had no contact with my father since my mother…passed. To be fair, I haven’t either, though she might understand…given the circumstances.”

“Unless, perhaps, I can have the Headmistress and a few Professors write to him…convince him to let me stay at Hogwarts for lessons?” Her mind raced with solutions. Anneli knew there wasn’t much she could think up without him being a few steps ahead. This option could work. “It could at least delay this meeting. I would need to provide a firm relocation date for this meeting…” She wished she could escape it altogether. Anneli looked at the crescent moon. It hung in the sky like a tear.

She turned to him, frowning, “Loce,” Anneli said, her blue eyes flooding into his. She didn't want to say this, but needed to. “You never signed up for my burdens, not even when you fell for me.” Her voice was solemn. “If my circumstances become too much, I will understand if you need to walk away.” She said, looking at him directly. “Though I’m not sure if I could stop my feet from following if you did…” Anneli laughed half-heartedly, squeezing his hand. The idea of them breaking up for his own good wasn’t pleasant, but it was necessary. Her heart sank at the thought alone.

[Loce Vaisey]

He frowned when she mentioned him selling her. It was exactly what he was doing and Loce literally hated a man he had never met simply for that one thing. It made his blood boil. If he had to, he would kill the man to free Anneli. He didn’t want to, but if left with no choice… Even if it meant she never spoke to him again. He was not going to see her forced to do anything she did not want to do.

He winked at her laughter, glad he could provide a bit given the circumstances. “I am truly sorry I will never get the chance to meet her. I know she would not be sitting idly by and allowing him to treat you as property. And I am not about to either.” He said softly. Was he afraid of her father? He would be foolish to say no, he did not know enough about the man or his dealings to not be afraid, if not simply because it was unknown. On the other hand, he loved Anneli enough to know that no matter what her father threw at him, he would stand up to defend her. Hugged her tight to him, wrapping his arms around her protectively.

“He is motivated to secure something. And perhaps that is the key we are missing. The answer to the puzzle. What is he actually gaining by this arrangement? I mean the use of an unbreakable vow locks him into the deal. I would think, given what I know about him, it would be a last resort since it would mean he could not take advantage of a better opportunity if it came along. Your father does not seem the type to care about burnt bridges if he comes out ahead in the end.”. His mind was spinning, thoughts were starting to fall into place. There was just one piece he was yet to find to give him a solid potential option. “Unbreakable vows are only unbreakable if you enter into them of your own free will. There may be a way to allow you to go through it without actually having it binding. If it comes to that. But we would need help. The level of magic needed is beyond my capabilities.” He made the last admission reluctantly. It would one day be within his realm of capabilities, but it wasn’t now, and he doubted it would be two months from now either. No matter how hard he worked.

“As for where you spend Christmas… If I have anything to say about it, it will be exactly where you want to spend Christmas.” He spoke softly, but there was a definite edge to his voice. He gazed down at her, his blue-grey eyes clouded, the storm of his emotions and thoughts surging behind them.

He nodded as she spoke of her aunt. It was an option, but running now meant they would run the rest of their lives. Trying to stay one step ahead of her father. On step ahead of trouble. And then worrying about the safety of everyone that helped them along the way. “You might reach out to her. Under the guise of asking questions about your mother? At least to feel her out and see if that is an option if we need to run.”

Lessons here would be ideal. The castle protected her from her father’s reach. “Drake would, all we would have to do is ask. And he could go to Gunvald for us, with us. If you are willing to open up enough to Drake to ask for his help, that is a valid option. At lease for delaying things a bit. Giving us more time.”

Her frown unsettled him. It was deeper than just concern for the situation, and he tensed not sure he wanted to hear where she was going with this thought. Especially how she said his name. Was she giving him a way out, or giving herself a way to push him out? He shook his head. Vaisey don’t be a moron. she would have started here if she had wanted him out of the equation. Heck, she would have just told him to go away like she did Oliver and Fergus had she not wanted him. His heart rallied around that. “Anneli, He said softly, holding her gaze and resting his forehead against hers. “I knew what I was signing up for when I fell in love with you. Maybe not the exact details, maybe not all the challenges that would face us….” He paused, kissing her forehead, before continuing. “Dw i eisiau tragwyddoldeb gyda chi. Mae hynny'n golygu mai eich heriau chi yw fy heriau i. Nid wyf yn mynd i unrhyw le. Nid oes cerdded i ffwrdd o'ch calon.”

“Vaisey… That’s it. That’s what I was missing…” He smiled at her, wondering if there might actually be another option than fighting. “Your father knows about me, about us. But he knows me as Vaisey. That is my Grandmother’s maiden name. I took it at the end of last year when my parents basically wrote me off.” He paused, eyeing her for a moment. Not knowing how to say this without putting him in the same light as her father, at least on the surface. “If we knew what he was gaining from this deal with Fergus, maybe I could offer him more?” He sighed, and shook his head. “I know it doesn’t change the means, I know it still treats you as something to be bought and sold… But if I can outbid Fergus so to speak, at least you would be safe from his nonsense until we figured out a real solution.” He had started rambling and pulled his thoughts in for a moment, trying to steady them.

It would mean getting his Gran involved, and Drake. “Listen… My Grandfather pretty much ran the Scotland underground. He also had dealings all throughout Bulgaria, Russia, and into Asia and North America even. I know he was working on deals in Africa when he passed, not sure if any of those holdings were solidified though. He and your father weren’t rivals, I don’t believe, My grandfather was more into potions and dark artifacts, not animals. But… there may be something of value we could bargain with. My Grandmother now holds deed to everything my Grandfather had, his business are still active and controlled by my Grandmother ultimately, if not on the surface. And all of that will pass to me, if I want it. My father wants nothing of it.” He ran his fingers through his hair pushing it out of his eyes. “You have to respond to your father. Why not name drop and see if that sparks any interest? Keir Lythgoe. That is.. was my Grandfather’s name.” His grandparents had always walked the same circles as her father seemed to. Just tended to keep different companies due to ethics of sorts. Winning his Grandmother over might be the harder part If the name dropping provided any positive results.

He wondered if her father had ever connected him to his grandfather, or if he had stopped when the name Vaisey didn’t pull any notable connections? His grandmother’s family was not into the dark arts, so there would be no history there, other than his Grandmothers marriage to his Grandfather. But on the surface, that yielded nothing of value. This could solve the ambition portion. It was the blood issue that might be a little harder to bypass. His mother was only half-blood.

[Anneli Oden]

Anneli nodded, “She was a fierce woman, my mother Eleonora. It was magic to be in her presence. Though she was a source of abundant warmth to me, she could turn violently protective if needed. She held more Veela power than I have in my blood. I once saw her cast a handful of fire toward my father after he scolded me for asking a question…” Anneli smiled. Her mother had been her safety in that world before her own independence. “She could grow wings too. We’ll see if any of those powers ever come to me.” She laughed, hoping to break any tension though it seemed impossible at this moment.

She melted into his embrace. Her arms wrapped around him, just barely able to reach across his broad shoulders entirely. Anneli hated that she had put him into this situation. It ate away at her. She only hoped that between the pair, their connection, and the power of their allies that they could outthink their increasing flock of enemies. The enemy primarily being her father, as well as Fergus and his family. The only exception seemingly being Isla. Anneli wondered how much of this she knew about.

“Whatever he is after, it must be something of great consequence to him. My father has always held wealth and power as cornerstones to his life. His ambitions led him into the underworld of illegal breeding and poaching, always vying for a greater reputation among his peers. His acquisition and selling of creatures as weapons has been his modus operandi…” Her mind raced with the possibilities of what her father might covet the most. It would be difficult. He had spent most of his time in Italy with new wife Sophia and the kids or in Germany with his business. It left little time for Anneli to observe his true dealings. “Perhaps what he covets most is something that would bring him more credibility? Something that wealth and power would follow? I can imagine him using me as a pawn to set up his new family for good.” She frowned. Anneli was able to handle the truth, though it still bit her. She held no ill-will toward her half-siblings. They were completely innocent in the matter. Anneli had loved them and worried for them, even from afar. 

“I would never enter the vow by my own free will, though I fear he would use any means necessary to loosen my will…” Torture. Her heart sank. Anneli knew what she could potentially be facing given her previous encounters. “I wonder if Professor Ghica might be able to help us in this realm as well.” She said, a curious expression growing on her face. He had begun to teach them Occlumency. Though fairly tortuous, the lessons had been illuminating and extremely useful. Perhaps he would know a thing or two about blocking unbreaking vows as well.

Anneli smiled woefully as he mentioned Christmas. She had imagined herself by his side wherever they wanted to be together. It might be nice to meet his family. Anneli imagined them walking along the shores of Wales, hand in hand. Her heart stung then. Anger grew from the well of her despair. Her eyes, once a crystal clear blue, were now a pair of rainy saucers. They gazed back at him. Anneli understood by the look he gave her that he was serious. He wouldn’t allow the choice to be taken. Her stomach sank thinking of slaving away in a cold dungeon for her father’s illegal breeding business. Her father would confiscate her wand. He would tell her that 'acting like a muggle would make her work like one'. Anneli frowned at the thought. 

“I want to spend Christmas with you,” She said softly, “Nid oes gan fy nghalon gartref arall.” Anneli leaned up to kiss him. She lingered in their kiss, reluctantly breaking from its warmth. She held his hand almost as if for support.

She nodded. “I’ve already sent her an owl.” Anneli admitted, smiling, “I asked her if I might be able to learn more about my mother as I’m approaching my sixteenth birthday…a milestone for Veela.” She shrugged. It was the best she had in dire circumstances. At best, a place in Norway for them to flee if Halvar threatened greater force to expedite his plans.

“I believe Drake would as well,” She agreed, though her guard was still up from the lessons. “I’m admittedly stubborn to ask for help. But I think we need it, and I trust you.” She winked at him, squeezing his hand. Anneli’s trust didn’t reach far beyond Loce and maybe Cordelia at this point. She couldn’t be sure who her father might be working with. Though Professor Gunvald and Professor Ghica did seem like safe havens…in a way, they felt like the ‘mom’ and ‘dad’ of the school. Anneli felt comfortable in their presence, much unlike her life at home.

Anneli had left the door open for Loce to leave. He had not agreed to wager his life when entering a relationship with her. This much she was sure. And yet, he was still there. Loce closed the open door, instead turning back to her. Their foreheads rested against the other. Their lips hovered close. She listened intently to his words. Had he said eternity? Her heart burst into millions of stars. A galaxy of emotions swept over her. Pure love being at the forefront of the flutter that now flickered around her chest.

“Byddwn yn cerdded am byth i ddod o hyd i'ch calon, Loce. Rwy'n teimlo fy mod wedi'ch adnabod o'r blaen. Am dragwyddoldeb, mae gen ti fi. Rwy'n dy garu di.” She said softly, her Swedish accent fading to meet the demand of the language. Anneli kissed his cheek softly, withdrawing only to meet his gaze.

She listened curiously again. Did her father know him? It was entirely possible, especially if his Grandfather ran the Scottish underground for years. The Oden side of her family was well known for their history of excelling in the realms of the dark arts and dark creatures. A history clouded with ambition led astray. Anneli had barely known most of them on any personal level.

“You would outbid Fergus in any life and on any given day, my love.” She laughed, “You offer so much more to me, even if on a transactional level…” It wasn’t even a question. Anneli ran her fingers through his hair softly, her fingers clung to his locks with greed. She was admittedly impressed with his intellect and cunning. It was increasingly clear that she had made the right choice, even if falling in love with him had been partly involuntary. “Though I worry that whatever my father is after is somehow tied to the Reinhardt family…beyond Fergus.” Anneli sighed lightly. She would still fight to have Loce be accepted, even if only for the time being.

Anneli smiled. Name-dropping could work. Her father was susceptible to the influence of reputation. Loce’s family offered status in droves, but would it be enough? She could only hope that the foundation they were laying now would give way to the future they wanted to create together. “This could work, especially if my father has had good dealings with him. Though considering his time in Scotland, I would bet that they were. I’ll send the owl by tonight.”

She leaned in to embrace him fully then. Her arms drew around him, relishing in the touch. Anneli thought about the weight of the situation ahead of them. They were only fifteen yet, but she knew exactly where her heart was. “I couldn’t stand to be married to him, Loce. I’m repelled by the thought…” Her voice was barely a whisper then, “If I were to marry anyone one day, I would hope it would be you. Anneli Viktoria Vaisey.” She chuckled softly, pulling him into a passionate kiss. Her heart swelled, completely in love with him. “Do you like the sound of that?” Anneli winked at him playfully.

[Loce Vaisey]

Loce listened as she talked passionately of her mother. It made him smile. She loved her mother as he did his Grandmother. “Wings could be interesting…. People are intimidated by you now, could you imagine the power you’d have if you had wings and could scorch them from across the room without need of a wand?” He laughed with her. The idea of her having that much power made him smile. He honestly hoped some more of the Veela blood would kick in. It might come in useful given the games they were playing at the moment.

“We need to know what he is gaining. That is how we will know how to play the game. As for using you as a pawn… He will need to get through me to do that.” It was a simple statement, and one he really wasn’t sure if he could pull off. But he would not go down without one hell of a fight. SHE would make her own choices for her own future. The idea of using your family, your child, for your own gain, did not sit well with him. It would not sit well with his Grandmother either. They may need to pull her into all of this. She would stand beside them, that he knew.

Loce nodded as she mentioned Drake. “We are going to need to bring him, and most likely Professor Gunvald into this. If for no other reason than it will reach us here at school eventually, and they will need to be aware. The sooner the better. They may be able to come up with a way to stall plans for Christmas. To keep you here, where your father can’t reach you. He can threaten all he wants, but no one gets past the defenses of this school when they are up.” Well, he knew of one who had managed. But he doubted Halvar had that level of support or power behind him. If he did, he would not need Anneli to secure anything, he’d just take it.

He relaxed with her kiss, returning it with every bit of his love for her. He hated the idea that if they failed, this was going to be taken from him, she was going to be taken. No, he was not going to let that happen. It would be over his dead body that he lost her. “If that is what you want, that is what you will get. It may need to be here, in the protection of Hogwarts, but I’m not leaving your side, not ever. Du är mitt hjärta Anneli, där du går, går jag.” And although it could be taken as figurative, he meant it literally. He was not planning to let her out of his sight, not outside of these walls.

He smiled at her, thinking ahead of the game as always. He wondered if he would have a chance against her at Wizards’ Chess. Maybe when the world slowed down, he would challenge her. He raised an eyebrow curiously. “Milestone? How so?” He asked, pushing the hair from his eyes.

“I will send a message to Drake and Professor Gunvald. Ask to speak to them together, privately. You are going to have to be completely open with them, we are, but you are the focus of this, the one we need to protect. Can you open up to them? I’ll be with you, always.” They were just kids, and although they both knew more than they should for their age, it was not enough. They needed more support. They needed to rally more around them. He thought briefly of Cordelia, but then chucked the idea. Cordelia could be moral support, but Anneli would not drag her into this, and he understood why. If she was his best friend, he’d keep her out of it as well, as much as possible.

He wondered for a moment if she actually thought he might turn away from her. It would be easier, yes. But it would be something he would regret for the rest of his life. He knew that all too well. You were only given so many chances to find your soulmate, you didn’t walk away from them once you found them. “Mitt hjärta är ditt, våra själar har varit tillsammans sedan långt innan vi träffades. Jag vet det. Jag kan känna det. Ingenting kommer att skilja oss åt för länge.”

He smiled as she said he’d outbid Fergus. “You may think so, but your father is the one we need to convince.” An involuntary shiver ran the length of his spine as she ran her fingers through his hair. He loved her touch, every single one made him feel more alive than before. He wasn’t sure how that was possible, but… He sighed when she said she thought whatever he was after was tied to Fergus’ family and not just Fergus. “We somehow need to figure out what it is he is ultimately after. That is the only way we will figure out what to offer to counter. If there is a way to counter.” Loce was not above making a deal with her father. He hated the thought of stooping to his level, of trading anything for her. But if it kept her away from Fergus, if it Kept them together… He would do anything, literally.

He smiled with her. Maybe name dropping would at least give them Christmas together. And maybe even at his home in Wales. Maybe if they could strike a deal, and maybe if he saw she was okay with it, Maybe he would see it was the better choice. But he knew her father did not put any bit of stock in if she approved or not. He would have to step up to her father’s level. Or step down to it, depending on how you looked at things. That might prove hard for her to watch… it would prove hard for him to manage. But if he went into any dealings with Halvar on the idea that love was going to win the day, he was not going to walk out victorious.

He stroked her hair softly as she leaned against him, holding her to him as fiercely as she clung to him. No one was going to keep them apart for long. Not with their determination. He understood the repulsion. Fergus was power hungry, he cared as much for Anneli’s wishes as her father did. His heart flipped and stopped for a moment as she said if she married one day, she wanted it to be him. Anneli Viktoria Vaisey He loved the sound of that. His head swam as she kissed him. Did she know how much she threw him when she came at him with talk of forever. He returned her kiss, never wanting to let her go. “Anneli Viktoria Vaisey. Mitt hjärta och min själ. Min fru. Inget skulle göra mig lyckligare.” He smiled at her, and kissed her forehead. “What is stopping us from getting married now? Why not take the power back, take the choice back?” He asked, and he was never more serious.

[Anneli Oden]

“Wings might help the intimidation factor, yes,” Anneli winked at him playfully. She pulled her sleeves over her hands unconsciously. A strange feeling twisted in her stomach. Anneli had only just found out about her Veela blood not two months prior. Any previous signs of Veela blood may have gone unnoticed, having no context to place them in. She had never formed into a bird or gained wings, however anger had pushed her into fire before. Her mind drifted to the first time she saw a flame ignite from her palm. Anneli had just turned ten. Her brow furrowed, looking out through the windows to the sunset.

She squeezed his hand softly, her heart swelling as he vowed to defend her honor. Anneli’s mind had been fractured. In one sense, she understood why her father treated her like a pawn. She was her mother’s daughter, part-Veela, a wildcard in his plans. At times Anneli pondered the details surrounding her mother’s death…She shook her head. That was dangerous territory. On the other hand, there wasn’t one part of her that could justify why he put her through hell no matter how grand the reward he was promised. It was something she couldn't fathom doing to her children if she ever had any. This was something that scarred her deeply, but nothing she would reveal outwardly. Especially not if Loce’s well-being, or potentially life, was at stake.

Anneli turned to face him completely, “Anyone that would need to get through you would need to get through me,” She asserted, gazing up at him, “I won’t allow you to make any grave sacrifices on my behalf. My escape from this life won’t mean anything if you aren’t there to greet me on the other side.” Her tone was more somber now. Anneli would never allow any harm to come to him, even if on his own volition. "Du är min sol, måne, stjärnor. Du är min värld. Du betyder för mycket för att något ska hända dig.” She ran her hands through his hair, savoring the touch. Anneli knew he might retort this but she couldn't be challenged on this one. 

She nodded, “I trust Professor Ghica and Gunvald most. I can’t say that much about any adults back home.” Anneli shrugged, smiling. She imagined Christmas at Hogwarts with him then. A frantic surge of yearning pulsed through her. Anneli would give almost anything to spend that time with him over anyone else. Where you go, I go. No truer words, and in her mother tongue no less. She swooned.

A rosy hue appeared across her cheeks as he inquired further about Veela's sixteenth birthday. “Just something my aunt Vilhelmina mentioned about it being a milestone in a Veela’s…development,” She shrugged, laughing. “I’m not sure it will happen to me, but apparently we can undergo a slight physical transformation. Become more radiant, less child-like. A rapid puberty, of sorts.” Anneli felt bashful talking about it. Perhaps it was because she had never known any other Veela in her teenage life to ask questions outside of her distant aunt Vilhelmina. Although she had taken to reading about it, she still felt unprepared about her own body. “Sixteen is also typically when Veela abilities might start to be more apparent…my aunt said the first time she grew her wings and beak was during a brawl in Hog’s Head.” She chuckled softly, “Hopefully I don’t end up as a bird when bothered, though I have felt the hint of another power..” Her eyes flickered to her hands.

Anneli gazed at him, lost in his words. Our souls have been together since long before we met. The words embraced her like she was coming back home. She had known this at her core but couldn’t place any logic to the feeling. Anneli touched his cheek lightly, “Byddaf yn dy garu am filiwn arall o oes, mae fy nghalon wedi'ch dilyn a bydd yn parhau.” The words flowed naturally from her lips. She leaned in to kiss him passionately, stubborn to retract this time. In so many ways, he was still so unreal to her. Their love was a vivid, beautiful dream that had just been awakened.

“My father is after power for power’s sake.” She sighed, “Though I’m not sure what form of power the Reinhardts have offered him in exchange for my...existence, essentially.” Anneli frowned, though she attempted to hide it. There was no need to become pitiful over it. She had a lot of work ahead of her. “I will need to get some more intel…” A pit rose to her stomach. Fergus. He had been speaking with her father more than her. Would he release anything? She wasn’t sure, considering that he seemed to follow every step laid out for him. Though, her charm could work to convince him to release more information…Anneli shook her head. Loce would hate the idea and she would too. “What about Isla?” She said, looking at him curiously. “She might know something of what my father received from her parents…what he’s after.”

The pair stood entangled in each other. She mindlessly traced shapes into his back, rhythmically caressing his muscles. Anneli loved his smell. She couldn’t quite place it, at times he smelled like a good game of Quidditch, but other times he smelled like an unknown nostalgic aroma. Something that brought her back and forward in time. It was only something else that attracted her endlessly to him.

Her heart fluttered as he mentioned her being his wife. Being fifteen and all, it really wasn’t something that should be on their minds. Anneli understood this. She had previously toiled with the idea of marriage being ridiculous in and of itself. Her mother had married a man who was cold and distant until the day she was murdered. In addition, Anneli had been betrothed herself before she even knew it was to Fergus Reinhardt. They weren't exactly great models of love.

But with him, her thinking had changed. She imagined new futures, new possibilities with Loce. Past her family, the world was truly theirs. Both were incredibly bright and held similar passions, each would push each other to their full potential. There was no doubting that. But even beyond that, Anneli felt safe in his presence. She felt like she had an equal beside her, one that cared for her and allowed her space to put the shield down. He was the first person to make her feel like home could be anywhere. She gazed into his gray-blue eyes, wandering deeper into his soul.

Anneli grinned at him as he repeated the name, unable to help herself. The idea of marrying him was tempting. In many ways, they felt married already. Connected souls that entangled far beyond the power of words alone. She was just relieved that the idea made him just as happy. That was all that truly mattered to her anyway.

“Byddwn yn gwneud unrhyw beth i chi.” She said softly, smiling at him, “Jag gör. I do.” Anneli winked at him. If only it were that easy. She would marry him tonight if she didn’t know Halvar wouldn’t slay him by morning. Although Loce and the castle were guarded, her father held credibility in tight, wealthy wizarding families. Connections. She wouldn’t be surprised if one of their classmates might be spying on them given her father’s reputation.

“It has a ring to it,” Anneli laughed softly, bringing her lips just over his. “I would marry you right now, Loce Vaisey,” She leaned in to kiss him, her lips playing at his. Anneli pulled closer into him. Her frame was smaller in his, but she still held her weight. She felt fragile and strong in his arms. Loce allowed her to be both. “I’m afraid it could be a death wish right now, if not for you, then for me or us both. Not until we know what my father is truly after…” She drifted, looking down for a moment. Anneli hated the idea of giving her father more power, but she wanted to play it smart. If he caught wind that they were already married, Halvar might act out of desperation instead of a more predictable route.

Anneli was sick of giving her father the time of day. The love of her life was standing in front of her, vowing to protect her like no one had before. She was beyond enchanted and being 'in love' didn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what she felt. It was like they had been molded for each other. She kissed his neck softly and up to this jawline, “When we marry, where would you like the wedding to be?” She asked curiously, a mischievous smile on her face. Anneli loved the idea of marrying him despite any wedding. That would only be a bonus for them. It would be challenging, but this was something she was completely sure about. Anneli Viktoria Vaisey. Her heart could have exploded then alone.

[Loce Vaisey]

Loce reached up, pushing the hair back from her face, and tucking it behind her ear. “Wings, full on bird, fireballs… whatever attributes of your heritage you gain, will only give me more reasons to love you. And if you don’t gain any, you will always have my heart.” He said softly, honestly. He wanted to see some of the Veela traits come through, they would make her that much stronger. And it was an advantage they could certainly use, especially if they were able to keep it to themselves and her father would not hear of it until he got to witness it firsthand. Because he was certain there would be a face-to-face confrontation by the time this was all over.

He nodded. They would stand side by side as circumstances called for. He would rather die than see her suffer, she suffer rather than see him harmed. They could argue that all night, and neither would back down from their stance. “Since living without each other is not an option… then I suggest we focus on how to out maneuver your father.”. He shivered as she ran her fingers though his hair. Her touch was electric, it always was, but when she was passionate about something it was even more so.

Loce smiled at her. “They are different as adults go aren’t they? Drake is one of us for the most part. Professor Gunvald, she’s strict when she needs to be but seems to understand kids better than most adults. I will write them and set up a meeting.”

He listened as she described the changes that could take place with her sixteenth birthday. He could tell she was uneasy about it all with her blush and her nervous laughter. “Ingenting, och jag menar ingenting, kommer att förändra hur jag känner för dig. Om något så är det din unika karaktär som gör dig ännu mer älskvärd för mig.” He smiles softly, caressing her cheek. Bird, fire, nothing… no matter what she was his heart and would always remain so. Although, not having to dodge fireballs when he pissed her off might be beneficial to his wellbeing. “Felt the hint?” He followed her gaze as it flicked to her hands, which he noticed she was keeping hidden. He nodded. “So, fire could come in useful against your father if it comes to force against force. Especially if he doesn’t know anything about it. The first blast would be virtually undefended.” He tried to find the benefit for their struggle in all of it. He was by her side no matter what changes occurred, he would always love her.

Her kiss, combined with her words woke something deep inside him and his resolve steadied, deepened. “Megis dechrau y mae'r amser hwn. Mae gennym amser maith gyda'n gilydd cyn y bydd yn rhaid inni boeni am y miliwn nesaf.” Nothing was going to take her from him, not in this lifetime, not in any lifetime. She was his, and he would keep it that way, no matter who he had to go through to make it happen.

He nodded. Power, that seemed to be the root of all those who dealt with the underground, and a fair number who worked with the Dark Arts. “Power seems to be a common thread here. Yes, we need more information.” He ran his fingers through his hair as she asked about Isla. He shook his head. “She knows something exchanged hands but doesn’t know what. She will continue to see what information she can scare up.” He winked at her, he’d been meaning to tell her of the conversations he’d been having with Isla, but there always seemed to be additional ears or other things that needed to take focus for that moment. “I’ve been meeting with her, trying to see if I can get more information we can use. This all seems to stem from a prophecy that her parents have. They see you as key to retrieving what appears to be an elder wand or something very similar.” He summarized all the information he’d received so far, about the prophecy, their aunt and the map.

He smiled, happy to have her in his arms, happy to have any time away from prying eyes to be together. Every moment they could take was precious. It was all too real that they might not have the future they wanted. Not that he would speak it out loud, he would not give that future anymore power than it already held. He sighed and nodded, she was right about marrying now. “But it doesn’t stop me from promising you that we will marry, as long as your desire to be my wife doesn’t change.” He would always leave their plans open to changes in her desires. That was what he was fighting for, her freedom.

Her lips on his skin deepened every desire he ever had to be with her, in every sense of the word. He pulled her even closer. When we marry He smiled at her, he couldn’t help it. In the middle of everything, all the uncertainty, she still wanted to plan their future, together. “I think, somewhere in Sweden? Perhaps. Somewhere special to you. Marrying you is what matters to me, not where it takes place.” There were any number of places where he could choose, but none would rival being somewhere special to her. Maybe somewhere she could still feel her mother’s presence. “What about you? When you were little, where did you see yourself getting married?” He smiled softly at her, tucking the wayward strand back behind her ear. “Anneli Viktoria Vaisey. I promise you that name will be yours, sooner rather than later. And it won’t need to be hidden.” He whispered softly to her.