*Morpheus pov*
From my classroom window, I watched the students slowly trickle out of the castle leaving to go home for the summer. They hardly knew how much would change next year.
My students progressed quite well this year only one failing to accomplish what I set for them in the final. I could tell he wanted to believe, he craved the feeling of knowing the future. But, as a mundane born he held an inherent distrust of all things divination. In the end, he wasn't able to overcome his skepticism effectively shackling any hope for success in the arts.
As the thestral-drawn carriages began to depart toward platform 9 and 3/4 Albus' words reached my ears, "So innocent," he commented his tone hinting at fatigue, "I hope they can stay that way,"
"They won't," I replied shortly
"You speak so callously Morpheus do you not feel saddened by the thought of these children knowing war so soon?" He asked walking closer to stand beside me
"No," I replied indifferently, "I feel burdened with the knowledge of what's to come, I feel dejected that it has gone so far but, I do not feel remorseful for those students. Unlike what you like to project they will be far safer come the next year inside Hogwarts. Who I truly feel sad for are their families," I said calmly the lines between what war albus was talking about and I was talking about merging every so slightly
"Have you been avoiding me?" he asked changing the subject
I couldn't help but genuinely laugh at his question, "Albus there is no world in which I would avoid someone like a schoolboy,"
He hummed in thought, "I just thought it was curious that we haven't chatted like this since you randomly decided to take up your lordship,"
"You could have just asked for a meeting or told the elves you want me in your office," My sarcastic tone probably didn't help the situation
He shook his head slightly, "I'm not mad or saddened just confused about why you didn't tell me about your plans I thought this alliance was supposed to be used for things like this. I could have easily helped validate your lordship,"
He acts as if I would care if he was mad or saddened, "You my friend have just described almost the exact reason I did not inform you of my decision. Being helped by you so publically would have harmed my house name I am an Everglade we do not need help nor do we need to convince others of our standing. Not only that your helping would have put me directly on the light side, but we don't need that we must play grey,"
Albus hummed in thought before conceding, "I agree I apologize for doubting you,"
"I don't mind Albus, now what more do you have to ask?" I urged already tired of this conversation
He laughed, "Of course, you knew, I also wanted to ask if you have any news for me? Perhaps the date everything starts,"
I shrugged unconcerned, "It varies Tom seems to be battling with his decisions lately but, I can say for certain that sometime during the second week of summer he will begin his movement,"
"I see, not much time to prepare," He replied stiffly
"Albus we have been preparing for a long time. Now is when we show our strength,"
With that, I strode out of the classroom.
*Albus pov*
I watched Morpheus' figure walk out of his office leaving me with my thoughts. It is clear as day the man is hiding many things. Sometimes it seems he hardly cares about Tom and on others, he seems almost fanatical about the war.
I would be more than a fool to not notice the great many inconsistencies that follow the man around like a shroud. But, it is not the right time to call in the oath.
He might think my mind will be preoccupied with the impending and eventual war with Tom but, he does not know me well enough. I will have ample time to rip apart everything I know about Morpheus and the Everglade family, and by the end of this summer, I will know everything he is keeping from me.
As a start, I think the centaurs are ready for another conversation.
*Morpheus pov*
Two days of free time before I had to meet with the Black family, it was plenty in my opinion. Taking out a piece of parchment filled with names, "Come Negary," my beautiful familiar emerged from the shadows and snatched the parchment, "To Nicolas," I said watching as Negary flew away
With that out of the way, I began to draft responses to various letters I received. One for the goblins, another for the Rosier family, and finally one for Kazuki. Putting them in a tray I left my study knowing Negary would know to deliver them.
Upon entering my dimly lit ritual chamber, I carefully positioned a wide, circular stone tub at the very center of the room, ensuring it aligned with the sacred geometry etched into the floor. The chamber was filled with the faint scent of incense and the flickering glow of candlelight, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
With deliberate intent, I took a ceremonial blade and made a precise incision on my palm, feeling a brief sting as the sharp edge broke my skin. I held my hand over the stone tub, watching as my blood began to trickle down, each drop echoing softly as it hit the smooth surface below. As the crimson liquid pooled, I closed my eyes and concentrated deeply, visualizing the outcome I sought with unwavering focus.
After allowing the blood to flow for a full minute, I deftly stopped the bleeding with a practiced flick of my wrist, using an ancient technique to seal the wound. Satisfied with the pool, I retrieved a finely crafted wooden lid and gently placed it over the tub, sealing in the potent mixture. The ritual complete, I took a moment to steady my breathing and center myself, knowing that my intention had been set and the process was now in motion.
Despite the lackluster appearance and effect. the ritual I was in the process of performing was extremely difficult and requires the utmost precision and focus. If I make one mistake the result would just be a normal pool of blood and then I would need to restart.
Luckily the base I just set was one of the hardest steps, the following will just be repetition until I get halfway and then at the end.
"One down sixty more to go," I murmured while leaving not before activating the wards to keep everything fresh