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asunafairywizardessheart · 1 year

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Silent Regret

Part 1: Alone.

Elias/MC

Walter Goldstein regrets the pain and suffering he has caused for his son. Now that he has left home and the mansion is deserted, he wants nothing more than to apologise to him.

Somewhere deep inside the palace-like mansion of the Goldstein estate, sounds of a liquid being poured into a glass echoed through the marble halls. It came from inside the office of the Haus of Goldstein’s patriarch, Walter Goldstein. The size of a small apartment, elegantly symmetrical, marble floors and decorations of expensive artwork, trinkets and finishings, the office reflected the wealth and status of the kingdom’s most wealthiest and powerful wizarding family. An honour the family has had bestowed on them for many centuries.

The only entrance into the marble-floored office was through a set of heavy, antique-looking double doors that only opened inwards to the office. Like most of the architectural elements in the house, they were custom designed with intricate chocolate coloured panelling inlayed with a golden brass with golden door levers and locks to match.

Walter’s mahogany oak desk, facing the doors, was placed deep inside the room, closer to the wide ceiling-to-floor arch windows, which were also the only two windows within the office, that filled the room with natural light. The positioning of his large desk was justified to accommodate the left and right walls that were transformed into thick bookshelves and glass cabinets, stretching the length of the room and holding all his professional and personal books, documents and other valuable trinkets.

Just to the left of the entrance was an arrangement of two brown leather armchairs facing a single black leather armchair separated by a small oval-shaped antique table. This was his conference space where he conducted lengthy meetings with various people – some diplomatic and some personal – in supreme comfort and privacy. When he didn’t have company, Walter sat on a comfortable black leather armchair at his desk. He would either work on blueprints for another magical tool invention, case files for ministry and government investigations or reports from the Haus of Goldstein’s many private enterprises and philanthropic missions.

Thus, the office for the patriarch served many purposes – an office, a personal library, a study, a private conference room and a trove for his most valuable possessions. However, for many years now, especially when the mood struck, the room became a lonely sanctuary for him to depressively wallow alone and deeply reflect on his regrets in life. Most prominently, his failure as a father towards his youngest son, Elias, which would also become the catalyst for his family’s suffering and misery. Once upon a time, the palace-like home was lively and colourful but now, because of him, the home had become silent, empty and dismal.

All who remained here was himself and his wife, Mary. Walter often heard her weeping, the tears of a mother’s broken heart because of the fractured state of her family and the worry she felt for her three sons. Alfonse had deserted the home and family with his whereabouts unknown. Klaus became guarded and hardened his heart to the world and moved out of the home too, desperate to be anywhere but within these walls. Today, it was Elias’ turn to leave the home to embark on his journey into adulthood but he was miserable. He barely smiled nor had any bright energy behind his amethyst eyes. Rather, he was obsessed with his mission to prove himself to his father and gain his acceptance. Elias’ misery, anxiety, unsociability and sole interest in magic was a result of Walter’s ill-tempered draconian parenting that destroyed their bond and shattered Elias’ heart.

Despite the tension that caused this rift, Walter loved his family and they loved him but they were angry with Walter, especially Elias – who he had hurt the most – overshadowed this fact. That anger further driven by Walter’s incapacity to apologise and atone for his mistakes. Walter realises his impotence to apologise and atone for his mistakes deepened his family’s disgust, caused further damage to his relationship with Elias and added to Elias’ suffering. Instead, Walter isolated himself to his office to pitifully endure the emotional pain, a symptom, of his entrenched remorse that he felt he deserved.

The case files and reports he had been working on earlier that day were left scattered across the surface of his desk along with a photo album he had been flipping through, leaving it open on a family portrait, taken during their happier days, of himself and his three sons when they were young . Day had since turned to night with the office shadowed in pitch darkness with the silver glow of the full moon the only source of light that reached Walter at his desk.

Elias had left home and so he was in a sullen mood and found it difficult to concentrate on anything else. In a cupboard below the surface of the desk, Walter kept a square-shaped crystal decanter and a matching short glass. Those two items became his confidants when he brooded. The decanter was filled to the brim with his favourite aged whiskey along with the matching crystal glass. He paced every sip from the glass until it was empty and refilled it once again, and should the decanter run dry he had his wand nearby to refill it until he had enough or until he fell asleep.

The alcohol didn’t really make a difference, but it was a nice aesthetic. It didn’t dull or numb his pain he felt. Rather, he felt as if the alcohol intensified every layer of his pain to the point it became unbearable, but he endured it as his punishment.

Memories of all the awful things he had said and done to Elias were viewed with more clarity, and in hindsight, he corrected himself on what he should have done, not that it made any difference to the present circumstances.

“It’s easier to make the right decisions in hindsight,” he uttered, depressingly, to no one.

The alcohol made him see and hear the things he refused to notice back then, especially when it came to Elias and how much Walter had hurt him. He even could hear the begging cries from his wife and two other sons, who pleaded to him to change how he treated Elias. Their eventual disgust at him no doubt born by witnessing Elias’ happy and bright energy fade into melancholy as he abandoned all his other interests in pursuit of his father’s approval. Walter’s pride, stubbornness and temper blindly made him act severely towards Elias.

The alcohol also made Walter’s desires stronger especially when yearning for the day when is family was whole again. But, mostly, for the day where he had the courage and the right to speak to Elias once again and express his unconditional love he always held for his son, despite everything he had done and said that made it seem as though Walter rejected him.

This made Walter mourn for the time that had been lost between them and the more time they would lose the longer he waited to reach out to Elias and beg for a chance to atone for all his wrongs, but he didn’t deserve his son’s forgiveness. All he wanted was to make Elias a stronger person and wizard. But, he had foolishly put the family’s public image, legacy and pride above the welfare of his son and the happiness of his family.

“One day,” Walter thought to himself, “One day, I will have the right to call you my son again.”

Now that Elias was gone, unsure when he would return home, Walter anxiously wondered if he would ever see him again and if he had wasted all his opportunities to begin making amends. A stray tear left Walter’s eye and dropped into the glass of whiskey he held close to his lips.

“Elias…,” Walter whispered his name into the glass of whiskey, “…I apologise. I’m sorry. I’m so very sorry.”

“…I never meant to hurt you,” he whispered, hoping his whispers would somehow reach his son who was now very far away from home, “I love you, more than you know,” He whispered before taking another sip of his now tear-stained whiskey.

Desperate to ensure his three sons continued their family’s proud legacy of producing powerful and intelligent wizards, Walter set high expectations for his three sons. Alfonse and Klaus naturally possessed innate power and genius intellect and met his expectations with ease. Elias, although intelligent, lacked the same innate powerful abilities as his ancestors, his father and his two older brothers. Failing to meet Walter’s high standards, Walter became frustrated and disappointed with his son that his teaching methods became draconian.

Expecting him to possess a dormant power, Walter pushed Elias to his limits to forcibly unleash that power befitting a son of the Haus of Goldstein, often placing him in physically dangerous scenarios. But to no avail. Elias consistently failed to perform magic to his father’s high standards and would sometimes sustain injuries from either losing control of his magic or his spells backfiring. Walter’s frustration often boiled over into explosive verbal attacks which no doubt remain deep-rooted in Elias’ memories.

There were so many incidents of this abuse as it lasted for many years from when Elias was a young child until he was a pre-teen. Walter remembered everything he had done and said from every incident that turned abusive. He hated that he was aware of what he was doing back then but refused to acknowledge and apologise for it. Especially now, that when he brooded his memory would select a memory at random to reminisce every detail about that moment – the tears that stained Elias’ eyes and the bloody cuts and bruises he’d sustain when his spells failed or couldn’t block a spell and Walter’s unwillingness to administer a healing spell or check his welfare, the harmful, hot-tempered things Walter would say to Elias, he remembered it all. Most heartbreakingly, was watching Elias become afraid of his father and overhearing him asking his mother and brothers why his father hated him. It was like a punishment he couldn’t escape from that more tears leaked from Walter’s eyes and into his glass of whiskey.

Upon recollection, Walter had been warned numerously by his wife and his two other sons that his abuse of Elias would end in them having a strained relationship. He laughed it off, “absurd!” he’d used to say, believing his methods was nothing more than a father giving his son some tough love that Elias would thank him for once his inner powers were finally unleased and he was worthy of his illustrious name. He was wrong, so very wrong. They were right. Regrettably, he should’ve listened. One hot-tempered decision Walter made, that Elias had overheard, in a private conversation didn’t just strain their relationship, it severed it.

“I should have listened,” Walter muttered to no one, taking a sip from his glass, “What a stubborn fool I am now. Klaus was right, I’m now paying the price for all my sins. Elias hates me.”

Six years ago, the abuse stopped because Walter did something that he is most ashamed and regrets it ever happening that if he had the ability to use time magic, he would happily take advantage of that power to prevent this one thought from ever leaving his mouth as it would forever wound his family and sever his relationship with Elias. It happened right here, in his office six years, three months and seven days ago.

Walter – abandoned his son.

And, since that day, they barely exchanged a word – except for public events to save face – and had become quite estranged. The day of their falling out, Walter remembered it like it happened yesterday.

**** Six years ago…

Klaus was home from the academy and Alfonse had run away from home. Elias was eleven years old and still failed to measure up to his father’s high standards. Their training session had abruptly ended with Walter verbally lashing out at Elias yet again for not performing magic at the standard he expected for a son of the Haus of Goldstein. Elias, dejected, retreated to his chambers while Walter, filled with anger, returned to his office. After some time, he still hadn’t calmed down and had summoned Klaus.

“I don’t know what to do anymore?” Walter paced back and forth in the space behind his armchair, “What is the matter with him?”

Klaus sighed, “Father, as a suggestion — “

“No!” Walter cut him off, “I do not want to hear anymore excuses for that boy!”

Walter felt the rage burn within him and heaved a frustrated sigh, “No more,” he shook his head.

Little did he know that Elias had come to return a tome on magical tools he had borrowed from one of his father’s bookshelves. Hearing the deep and angered voice of his father’s and Klaus’ quieter tone attempting to calm him down and reason with him, he didn’t enter, afraid of receiving another barrage of hurtful words. On hearing his name being spoken, he decided to listen and used his wand to cast a spell to hear their words much more clearly.

“He just needs —” Klaus tried to interject.

“No!” Walter refused, “I have no desire to waste anymore of my time on someone so weak!”

Klaus thought that was too harsh, “He’s trying his hardest,” Klaus tried to reason, “I think he is quite skilled.”

“Skilled? Are you joking?” Walter huffed, “He has no creativity and ingenuity in his magic and yet you say he is skilled.”

Klaus sighed, “He’s still young, Father.”

“How long are you going to use his age as an excuse?” Walter became annoyed that Klaus was defending Elias, “You may continue to train him if you wish but I will not be in the picture!”

Walter bit down on his lip, his anger not subsiding any time soon and laying down a framed photo of himself and Elias so he couldn’t see the image any longer.

“What do you mean by that?” Klaus asked, observing his father’s actions.

“How can he possibly be a son of mine!” with a hand still placed on the photo frame, he clenched his fist and angrily punched the back causing the stand to snap off and the glass cover on the other side to break, “I can’t have someone so weak at magic representing this family!”

Klaus didn’t flinch at his father’s violent reaction but was surprised by his motions. But, he worried more about the words that left his mouth.

“Father, please calm down,” Klaus urged, “You don’t want to do or say anything you don’t mean.”

“I do mean it!” Walter angrily responded, “Until he an prove to me he can perform magic at the expected aptitude of a Goldstein, he is not worthy of his name nor worthy as my child.”

“Think about what you’re saying!” Klaus begged him. “Imagine how much that would hurt Elias if he heard you say that!”

“I have thought about it!” Walter shouted, “I do mean it!”

“I’m not letting you abandon him like this!” Klaus shouted back, disgusted by the words that left his father’s mouth, “I won’t stand by for you to hurt him like this. He doesn’t deserve it! He already thinks that you hate him so if you say this to him, he’s going to think it’s true.”

“Well, maybe I do!” Walter retorted, defensively.

“You don’t!” Klaus didn’t want to hear it though, “You are not thinking clearly!”

“I am!” Walter shouted.

With that, Klaus angrily let out a heavy tsk but didn’t respond and an uncomfortable, silent tension fell across the room. Walter turned his back on Klaus and stressfully ran a hand over his face. He refused to turn back and stared outside the window overlooking a large patch of grass they used as a practical magic training ground, the enormous gardens that decorated the estate blurred in the background. Meanwhile Klaus’ sharp gaze glared angrily at his father’s back.

On the other side of the door, Elias felt as though his heart had shattered into a thousand tiny pieces. The tears he had held back silently gushed out of him uncontrollably. His vision was blurred by his tears that wet his cheeks, hands and the book he was holding as they fell. His knees and legs began to wobble as if all his strength was drained from them. Unable to stand properly he crouched down in front of the door. He didn’t know why but this pain that he felt was like physical blow – it hurt, like some force was painfully tearing him apart from the inside.

Summoned by the shouting echoing down the hall from the office, Mary hurried to see what was going on with intentions of stepping in to stop the fighting if it was required. Arriving at the entrance to Walter’s office, she found Elias crouched down, clutching the book he was holding close to his chest and in tears.

“Whatever,” Klaus muttered from inside the office, “Do what you want but I hope you know what price you are paying.”

“What price!” Walter scoffed.

“Elias,” Klaus answered, “Elias is what you are willing to sacrifice.”

“That doesn’t make any sense!” Walter responded.

Klaus understood what he meant but explained anyway, “Are you willing to damage your relationship with him? If you go through with this, he may grow up to resent you. I don’t want that for him. I don’t want another person he looks up to abandoning him so cruelly.”

“Then tell him to become the son that I expect him to be!” Walter demanded.

Klaus could feel his own rage burning inside of him, provoked by his father’s decision to hurt his younger brother. He couldn’t hear anymore of this drivel, “It’s no use talking to you when you’re like this!” Klaus tsked and angrily pulled down on the golden lever of the door to leave the room.

Elias could hear the stomping of footsteps coming to the door and scrambled to find the strength to gather himself back onto his feet and wipe the tears off his face to both hide the fact he had eavesdropped and the agony he was currently feeling after overhearing his father’s intentions to abandon him for not being good enough. As Mary was about to approach her son, the office door swung open with the door opening backwards into the office with a gust of air ruffling Elias’ golden hair.

“Elias!” Klaus was stunned to see him standing there.

Up close, Elias’ eyes were red and his complexion was pale. His expression downward and twisting with the torment that was ripping him apart from within. His focus appeared disoriented and his body appeared limp, like all his strength had been drained. Klaus knew he had overheard everything. Klaus then saw his mother in the back with her voiceless lips asking what was going on. Klaus signalled he would explain later as he was more worried about his younger brother who held a book to his chest.

Even though those words left his mouth, Walter instantly felt an unpleasant guilt tingling within him. “How much did he hear?” Walter wondered and, with a gulp of salvia, turned around to gauge his son’s body language to discover the answer to that question. Other than his eyes, Walter observed him looking distraught and disoriented. Walter, Mary and Klaus knew that he was just trying to be strong and fool them into thinking he didn’t hear anything but they saw right through it. The tension in the air was intense.

Elias wordlessly stumbled past his brother.

“Elias?” Klaus called out to him first.

Elias didn’t answer him as he stumbled toward a bookshelf in the middle of the right side wall where Walter kept most of his tomes. Walter’s eyes fixed on his son, Klaus and Mary worriedly watched on. Elias fumbled trying to place the book in its rightful spot, between two other tomes, on a shelf that was level with his head. Eventually, he slotted it into the gap.

Turning to face his father and meeting his gaze, Walter noticed his reddened eyes and the way the light shined off his tear-stained cheek. The distorted and twisted pain on his face as if something was tearing him apart from inside of him. Walter instantly knew he had overheard everything. Upon that realisation, even his own heart began to ache as he felt guilty.

Elias broke the silence with a shaking voice, “…T-Thank you for letting me borrow your tome. I was just returning it to you,” he bowed.

Walter had never seen Elias bow to him like this before. It didn’t sit well with him.

Elias made the motion to leave the room, quickly slipping past his brother again, but Walter couldn’t just ignore this like he did every other time he had hurt Elias. This was different.

“Elias, wait!” he chased after his son who stumbled from his office.

Elias stopped but didn’t turn around to face him, afraid of his tears pouring out of his uncontrollably like it did before. He refused to allow his father, who thought of him as weak, to see him shed any tears. “What?” Elias’ voice trembled.

Walter didn’t get too close to him but needed to know how much Elias had heard, “How much… did you hear?” Walter asked, nervously.

What emotion was this now? Anger? Sadness? Contempt? Was he expecting an apology instead of being asked what he overheard?

Elias hesitated to answer, “…Nothing I haven’t heard before,” he said in a low voice, somehow finding some courage to speak back to his father.

His low voice surprised Walter that it was painful to hear, “A-Anything else?”

“What are you expecting that I heard?” Elias asked, hoping for an apology or anything that told him that his father really didn’t mean what he had just overheard him say.

Walter didn’t answer Elias, he knew the answer.

“What part did you want me to hear?” Elias rephrased his question, unintentionally raising his voice slightly.

Slowly, Elias turned around to confront his father. Their eyes met. Walter’s eyes widened with surprise as Elias’ gaze narrowed in anger toward him. “…E-Elias…,” Mary also was surprised, “…Let’s just calm down.”

Elias ignored his mother’s cries. The only person he could see was Walter, his father. A man he feared because of all the abuse he had received but a man, despite all he had done, respected and loved. But, those feelings were now being torn into pieces as he realised his father didn’t love him in return.

“…The part where you said that I am not good enough to be a Goldstein? Or, was it the part where you admitted that you hate me. That, you don’t see my as your son. That, you don’t care if I grow up to resent you?” Elias questioned, uncharacteristically becoming emotionally angry, “Which part, Father? Which part!” he shouted.

Elias couldn’t keep the tears from flowing again. Averting his gaze, Elias closed his eyes and took a deep breath to regain his usual composure. He didn’t like confrontations and conflict but he was too emotional to behave like his usual self. Walter was too stunned to say anything as this type of outburst was not like Elias. He finally realised the weight in his words and the impact it had on Elias. Was this what he had been doing all this time to Elias? He went to break the silence first but Elias beat him to it.

“Fine,” Elias sighed, his voice returning to a calmer tone, “Father, I’m sorry.”

“What?” Walter didn’t understand why he was apologising, “Elias?”

“I’m sorry I don’t measure up to your expectations,” Elias apologised, but the fire behind his eyes told Walter that the apology was not sincere.

Instead, Elias began making a vow, “From this day forward, I will be fatherless and I will not claim any right to my name until the day I receive your approval. Until that day, I will work hard to be a wizard that you can be proud of. I won’t bother you and I will not speak to you, except during public events, until the day I become a son that you can love.”

Mary couldn’t listen anymore, “Elias,” she urged him to stop, “Please, you don’t mean this.”

Elias shook her off, “He’s the one who said it first, I’m just agreeing to his terms.”

With those final words, Elias walked away.

“Walter!” Mary cried to him, “Go after him!”

Every fibre within him wanted to chase after Elias, but his body wouldn’t move. A part of him was stunned by Elias’ nerve but Walter could feel his own heart now being torn apart.

“Father!” Klaus also urged him to chase after Elias, “Don’t let it end this way, please.”

Mary and Klaus’ pleas faded into white noise as all Walter could do was watch the distance between himself and Elias grow farther. Elias eventually disappeared behind the doors that led to his bedroom chambers to the left at the very end of the second floor hallway.

Those would be the last words they would exchange within these walls for many years.

He had hoped that once their frustrations had subsided, Elias might talk to him again. In recollection, Walter never apologised for his words that day but instead tried to make small conversations about anything that might prove that Elias didn’t mean it when he said he’d never speak to his father again. However, his attempts were ignored and Elias treated him as if he were invisible, like a ghost that couldn’t be seen or heard.

****Present time…

It remained this way.

The months following their falling out, Walter realised that Elias was not going to crawl back to him and he was sticking to his promise. Elias refused to speak to him and the roots of Walter’s regret had began spreading. Ironically, Walter showed more interest in Elias but all he could do was watch his son from the distance.

Despite desperately wanting to apologise, something in Walter couldn’t reach out to him and Walter had no choice but to watch Elias age without him.

His son’s bright energy, which he had possessed before Walter stripped it all away, hadn’t returned after the abuse stopped. Instead, he watched, guiltily, as Elias cast aside all his other interests and invested all his time and energy in pursuit of his mission to be accepted by his father as both a son and a wizard he could proudly accept as a member of the Haus of Goldstein.

From his office window, Walter would often watch Elias practice magic, sometimes under the guidance of Klaus, until his power was completely exhausted. Elias built his own collection of tomes and grimoires about magic and would always be reading them when he wasn’t practicing magic outside.

Walter notice him becoming more aloof and unsociable as he focused on honing his magical abilities. As Elias aged and grew into his handsome, prince-like features, that bright energy he used to possess still didn’t return. Walter barely saw him smile nor barely heard him laugh. His countenance was sullen but he never cried.

It's not what Walter wanted, “…ah,” Walter sighed before taking another swig at his whiskey.

More and more time was lost between them and they remained wordless. Elias’ powers impressively improved and Walter acknowledged he had quite an aptitude for crafting magical tools. However, when news reached Walter that Elias still thought he wasn’t good enough to present himself to his father, Walter had the urge to reach out to him, but he couldn’t. It was like some force held him back. Single-handedly, Walter was the reason why his son had become broken. Elias’ development of depression and anxiety was his entirely his fault.

Honestly, Walter sometimes asked for Elias to be present at public events and parties just so he could hear his voice. Even if Elias’ responses were short and blunt, making it hard to have a natural conversation or reveal any new developments in his personal character that Walter missed while they remained estranged. He knew why he used public events as a disguise. Walter missed him. Walter loved him. He always had, but regrettably never told him enough.

Despite the rift, Walter loves all his sons unconditionally. They too held love for him in their hearts, but their anger towards him was deeper. Naturally, he worried deeply about all three of his sons.

“Will Klaus and Elias be okay out there?” he muttered, “Where are you Alfonse?”” he worried.

Their anger further driven by Walter’s incapacity to apologise and atone for his mistakes. His impotence to initiate making amends drifted them further apart. Instead of fixing his mistakes, Walter isolated himself like this to his office. Pitifully, enduring this aching and unbearable pain, a symptom, of his entrenched remorse, he deserved to suffer in, alone.

Just then, the door to his office gently opened. A hue of soft yellow light from the hallway lights flooded the entry way. The glare was bright causing Walter’s eyes to squint. The recognisable silhouette of Mary came toward him with soft footsteps.

“Walter?” she said his name softly, “You have been in here all afternoon,” she stated, worriedly.

“Yes,” Walter acknowledged.

“Did you want some dinner?” she asked, but that was not her true intention for her visit to his office.

Rarely did she interrupt his brooding time but Walter didn’t mind her interrupting his thoughts. In fact, he was surprised sometimes that she remained married to him and still loved him deeply despite all he had done to their sons. He never asked why, accepting either decision to stay or to leave.

Walter wasn’t particularly hungry, “No, I’m not hungry,” he answered her, “Thank you for the offer.”

Mary didn’t like the way he holed himself inside his office. Wallowing in the darkness with the amber liquid on his desk as if it was some medicine he took to ease the pain she could see him in, but her persuasions to simply apologise and talk to Elias were useless.

“I thought you would like to know,” she began nervously, wondering if he wanted to hear her news, “…Elias made it safely to the academy.”

“He did?”

“Yes, Klaus met with him and settled him into his new life there.”

It pleased Walter that Klaus was nearby to lend his support to Elias. Though, while he was pleased he was also ashamed that Klaus had become the better role model for Elias than himself.

“That’s good,” Walter replied, his voice riddled with sadness.

Mary didn’t know what else to say to Walter in these moments. She didn’t even know if letting him know any news about Elias eased his pain or made it worse but he’d never let her know. Walter felt as though he had no right to burden his wife with his feelings of remorse. Especially when this was his own doing.

“I did tell him to write often,” Mary told him, “He said he would.”

There was an awkward silence whenever Mary told him news about Elias. Walter listened, interested to know every detail about his son but also felt guilty for being interested in knowing.

“Walter?” Mary walked around to his side of the desk and leaned against the sturdy table, “I wish you would let me in sometimes. I know how much you regret everything and I hate to see you go through this on your own.”

Walter knew how deeply caring and sweet his wife was and was happy knowing Elias still had his mother showing him all the love and care that he never did, “…I can’t do that to you,” he honestly replied, his wife the only person who was allowed to see him in such a vulnerable state, “Not after all the pain I have caused for you too.”

In the past, Mary would nag him about apologising to Elias, yearning for the day when they would be on speaking terms again. Today, she didn’t want to nag him. She wanted to understand.

“Why?” she asked softly, “Why can’t you reach out to him? Help me understand.”

Walter thought about a response to her question, a longer than intended silence but she waited patiently for his reply.

Unusually, Walter’s voice was filled with sadness as he began to speak, “…I can’t,” he stated, “I want to but I can’t.”

He paused, taking a deep breath to compose himself.

“Since Elias stopped speaking to me, I have watched him closely,” Walter revealed, “…He doesn’t smile, he doesn’t laugh, he doesn’t cry. His depression, his anxiety, this unhealthy pursuit for my approval that has made him become distant. It’s all my fault. Until I can find the right words to apologise in a way that doesn’t make it sound like I’m asking for forgiveness, I don’t deserve to reach out to him.”

Mary nodded, understanding why he couldn’t apologise.

“It is quite a complicated emotion,” Walter added.

“I understand,” Mary acknowledged, “You know, the way he is now is not entirely your fault. Alfonse disappearing hurt him too. I’ve noticed Klaus has become stricter with him too. And, I —.”

“No,” Walter cut her off in disagreement, “That’s my fault too, Mary.”

Walter took accountability for the fractured state of their family, “Alfonse ran away because I tried to force an arranged marriage onto him and tie him down when he’s a free spirit. Klaus, I burdened him to raise his younger brother because I was too narrow-minded to accept Elias as he was. I alone am to blame for their pain.”

Mary attempted to burden some of the guilt Walter harboured to ease his pain, “I should have done more to stop things becoming like this,” she expressed.

While Walter knew what she was doing, he couldn’t allow her to shoulder any of the blame for his shortcomings as a father, “No,” he said, reaching his hand out to hers and holding it gently, “You showered them with love and care that I never did but should have. Besides, I was too unreasonable to listen to you. If not for you in their lives, they would have deserted me and their home a long time ago. You are their beloved mother. So, please, never ever think you are to blame for my shortcomings as a father.”

Mary didn’t say anything but gave the hand which held onto hers a gentle squeeze as she remained quiet.

“Honestly, “Walter spoke with a depressed voice, “You needn’t bother consoling me, Mary.”

Mary was a little upset that he could say something so dismal but she didn’t express it as she knew that it was an emotional response provoked by the guilt he felt deep inside, “Why can’t I?” she asked, softly.

Walter didn’t drink his whiskey in front of her because he didn’t want her to witness such a sight but looked at the glass, desperately wanting another sip of that amber liquid. Taking a moment, he eventually responded, “…I don’t deserve it,” he replied, “…I hurt you deeply too.”

After a moment to process those words, Mary replied, “…But,” she said with a positiveness in her voice, “…I’m hopeful.”

“For what?”

“For the day our family is whole again,” Mary positively said, “Yes, there is a lot of tension and I know it will take more than a simple apology to fix everything but reaching out is the first step to begin fixing your relationships with them.”

Walter appreciated her positivity but he didn’t know when or if he was ever going to fulfill that dream. It was a complicated circle that he was walking on that she could only partly understand but never fully comprehend the difficulty of making the first step off its never-ending rotation.

“I don’t want to nag you about it tonight Walter,” she expressed, “I want you to understand that even though the boys and I are mad at you, we still love you and we hold hope in our hearts that you will fix things with Elias, someday.”

Walter knew this fact, “I know,” he acknowledged.

There was a moment of silence and Mary’s eyes strayed around the room until she spotted the photo album open on Walter’s desk. It was a photo of a father with his three sons when they were very young, before Walter’s abuse of Elias had begun.

“I remember taking this photo,” Mary smiled at the memory, “It was hard to get Elias to stay still so you picked him up and threw him up onto your shoulders so he wouldn’t run away. He thought he was flying.”

Walter remembered that memory too but couldn’t smile knowing that he was the one who stripped that happy innocence away from Elias, “I remember,” he said.

“You know,” Mary began, her eyes meeting Walter’s in the dim light that filled the office, “Elias has grown into a sensible and mature young man.”

While Walter had watched him grow into his handsome features, he didn’t really know enough about his personality, only the short and bluntness in their conversations in public. He never let anything about his personality to be revealed to his father, and the anger and pain at the sight of Walter probably stirred within him and overshadowed his other traits.

“Has he?” Walter was pleased to hear it.

“Yes,” Mary smiled as she knew Elias and the way he thinks, “He’s quite intelligent and has a fondness for magical tools, just like you.”

Walter didn’t know how to feel about that fact – did Elias pick that fondness up on his own or was it his personal mission to gain his father’s approval that he began to follow Walter’s footsteps to prove his abilities.

“Is that so?” Walter felt conflicted, “…Why are you telling me this? I don’t deserve to know.”

Mary smiled, “Because… you are still his father, Walter,” she remained positive, “He’s inherited more from you than he has from me. Elias didn’t take up magical tools to prove himself to you, if that’s what you were thinking. Even when he was small, he always had a genuine interest in the tools that you were building.”

Walter remembered how interested he was in the inventions he was building and why it was important to build new tools to help ease the lives of people. Mary’s reminiscing about their memories together when he was a small child, before Walter became a monster to him, both made him smile and made him feel worse. Was she torturing him on purpose or did she have a point?

Mary could see the sadness in Walter’s eyes as she brought up the happier memories of their relationship when they were close. Her intentions was not to make him feel worse but to make a point.

“Walter,” she called out to him, “I’m not trying to make you feel worse.”

Just now, it was like she had read his thoughts but he wasn’t surprised. Where many people couldn’t read Walter’s expressionless face and guarded mind, Mary could. She was the only person who had access to all his vulnerabilities and flaws. He didn’t say anything but listened to whatever she had to say.

“I’m trying to tell you that all Elias wants from you is to hear you say that you’re sorry,” Mary said, “Yes, it may take some time before he trusts you again, but he doesn’t hate you. He never has, despite being deeply hurt after all you have said and done. Yes, he is angry but he respects you.”

Walter didn’t believe her, “Mary, even when we talk all I get from him is short and blunt answers. The way he stares at me is as though he is imagining daggers boring into my heart.”

Mary shook her head, “You’re wrong,” she said, “He’s waiting.”

That surprised Walter, “What? What do you mean by that?”

“Don’t you remember what he said?” Mary asked, “That day you two fell out?”

“Of course I remember,” Walter declared, sadly.

“Walter,” Mary gave his hand another squeeze, “Think about what he said? He said that he would not say another word to you until you accept him.”

“But,” Walter didn’t understand, “He hates me Mary.”

“He never said that,” Mary reminded him, “You decided that he hates you but that’s not true at all. He wants you to accept him Walter, that’s why he’s trying so hard.”

Having just reminisced about that day in his isolation moments ago, Elias’ vow about not speaking to him were fresh in his mind but however Walter interpreted his words, he felt unworthy of Elias’ forgiveness.

“I’m not after forgiveness,” Walter declared.

Mary sighed because Walter wasn’t listening to her, “Darling,” she endeared him to listen carefully to her words, “You can still apologise and accept him without expecting his forgiveness. Neither, you or Elias will not be able to heal until you make that first step.”

Mary’s word were very clear now and Walter understood them.

“He has left home,” Walter added, “I can not apologise nor express my approval of him through something as impersonal as a letter or through my familiar. It would be inappropriate and insincere.”

Mary knew he had some time to perfect everything he was going to say to him once he was home again. This was her way of encouraging Walter’s thought process.

“Well,” she squeezed his hand again, “I don’t know when he will come home again but I do know that he will because I made him promise me that he will. Until then, you have plenty of time to think about what you want to say to him. But, clean yourself up first. It would break his heart further to see you drinking away like this.”

“He has no place to feel guilty for me,” Walter sadly stated.

“He will though,” Mary said, knowing their son too well, “Elias is much more sensitive than you and his brothers. That’s about the only thing he has inherited from me.”

Walter still looked sad but her words were triggering an urge to act on his desire to begin rebuilding their relationship. Mary certainly wasn’t wrong, Walter had to take that first step. Perhaps, her words was the key to remove him from the circle he found himself walking on when it came to Elias.

How, when and where all remained a mystery but nevertheless one day Walter would find the strength and courage to reach out to Elias again. Not for forgiveness, but to help Elias heal and understand that Walter never hated him, not for a moment.

#shall we date wizardess #wizardess heart #magic #goldstein #elias #klaus #alfonse #walter #family #fanfic #angst #familyissues #sadness regret

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caesar-baroque-piggy · 1 year

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Hi all

I’m going to be taking requests for fanfics for Wizardess Heart or from Sengoku Period time, which is Ikemen Sengoku. I’m into both right now... I do gay pairs though mostly.

My ships so far for Ikemen Sengoku are: Shingen x Kennyo, Masamune x Yukimura. I don’t know for the others yet... still playing the game.

#fanfics #wizardess heart #sengoku period #ikemen sengoku

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hiddenklausgoldstein · 2 years

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Destiny

Destiny will be late, I know I said I will write it. It’s just taking me time to think of what to write for that fanfic.

#solmore #wizardess heart #fanfic

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chloe-caulfield94 · 7 months

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Life is Strange/Lord of the Rings crossover fanfic. Basically Max and Chloe go to Middle-Earth and back again.

While this crossover might seem eclectic, I think there are some common themes between LiS and LotR. Ordinary people faced with impossible situations. The power of love and friendship allowing people to endure untold hardships. Destiny and what should people do when confronted with it. "The smallest person changing the course of the future".

If you don't like crossovers in general or fantasy in particular, consider reading the beginning of chapter one and the entire chapter four, which take place before Max and Chloe leave their universe and after they come back respectively. That way it becomes a short story about Max's and Chloe's visit to Away. But then you'd miss the part where I describe how Max's and Chloe's engagement rings look like (how could I write a crossover with the Lord of the RINGS and not touch upon this subject), as well as one particularly sappy and drawn-out declaration of love made by Chloe before they go into battle.

If you think that David doesn't deserve Chloe's forgiveness for his "tough love", my answer is - nobody ever deserves forgiveness. It's always something better than we deserve. I think Chloe is a kind-hearted person. She was able to almost immediately forgive Max. I imagine she would also forgive David. And I find the prospect of Chloe and David being reconciled much more appealing than Chloe hating him for the rest of her life, even if she has legitimate reasons for doing so.

While my nickname on AO3 might suggest I hold extremely unorthodox views on Middle-Earth, I honestly don't think what I wrote is incompatible with what we know about the world of LotR. I don't think what I wrote is a complete retelling, like "the Last Ringbearer". In my mind, I just provided a different perspective on the events we already knew about.

The belief that death is a divine gift and rejecting it is wrong, which is held by the "good guys" of LotR, allowed for some nice contrast and conflict with Max's life philosophy, which seems to be all about saving people who are "destined" to die, like Chloe and Tristan.

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plutoslittlerkive · 7 months

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Hey Wizardess Heart fandom! If you’re still alive I’m dropping a Professor Merkulova x reader fanfic either today or tomorrow so be on the lookout🧌 I miss the staff, they were so BAD😮‍💨

#wizardess heart #professor merkulova x reader #shall we date wizardess heart #loran merkulova x reader #professor merkulova #loran merkulova #dear otome #shall we date wizardess #shall we date #otome #x reader

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cloudcountry · 11 months

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general tags . . . !!

asks - general asks tag!!

anons - anon asks!!

auburn's requests - me answering fanfic requests!! (masterlist is here)

auburn's fish market - my marine biology rambles!!

auburn's fungi time - me talking about mushrooms hehe

auburn's flower shop - flower rambles!!

auburn's rambles - me chattering abt random things!!

art for auburn - self explanatory!! all the art people make for me that i cherish sm :C

auburn paints - my painting projects that people like (fair warning i started actually drawing like a week ago. my geese look like deformed dogs and i draw all the characters like blobs.)

auburn's doodles - little things i sketch out in like five seconds for funsies C:

auburn talks gravity falls - GRUNKLE STAN IS THE BEST CHARACTER YOU CANT CHANGE MY MIND.

sereia aecor - my japanese spider crab oc, i love them.

auburn's yuusona - ah yes the thing i've definitely worked on haha i'm not late at all lol

auburn azul shenanigans - basically a self ship tag?? just me and azul being silly (mostly me LMAO)

+ all my mutuals have their own tags!!

gushing/character tags . . . !!

azul ashengrotto heart eyes - GUSHING ABT MY HUSBAND!!! i love him to bits and this tag is full of people enabling me whahwahwa

isaac ikevamp gushing real - isaac newton from ikevamp is my babygirl and i love him sm i am OBSESSED i am ILL

twinkle twinkle little train - the occasional mozart post because he's silly...and a bastard

apple tater & spaghetti - me nd isaac stuff, mostly from dove!!! anotehr self ship tag C:

yves kloss posting!?!?!?!? - exactly what it sounds liek HGASD

joel crawford wizardess heart posting?!?!? - eexactly what it sounds like part two!!!!!

#🐙! blog things

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ceragondubs · 2 years

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Hello everyone! I decided it would be a bit much to include ALL of our open form links in the description, since it looks rather messy! So to make things less complicated and easy to access, this google doc will contain links to any current (and future) open links/forms Ceragon Dubs will have! :D Currently on this doc we have comic submissions, fanfic submissions, staff applications, a link to our voice auditions casting call, route dubs for Wizardess Heart, and more!

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magikchicken · 1 year

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do u know someone who writes wizardess heart fanfics?

I know a couple of great sources, I take a lot of time on mine because life gets in the way a lot, but @gedonelunestories has some BOMB.COM stories @eye-cri can definitely writes some good ones too, they can also help on your search for WHfanfic writers

#wizardess heart

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dark-wizardess · 1 year

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Since I am working on several stories at once, the story updates will be somewhat slow but I will be hopefully updating chapter 5 somewhere nexy week.

#wizardess heart #ntt solmare #wizardess heart+#shall we date wizardess heart #wh+#swd wh #wizardess heart oc #shall we date wizardess heart+#wizardess heart fanfic #wizardess heart ocs

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darkwizardesswrites · 10 months

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Destiny Quartet Season One Chapter Five

Summary: They lost their parents in an epidemic when they were only eight, their sister went missing when they were eleven, for the three Hart sisters’ life was by no means easy but they always kept looking forward. The village was peaceful and quiet, everyone was friendly and the sisters were content with what little they had. When the three of them get accepted into Gedonelune magic Royal Academy, the most prestigious magic school, they leave the village they lived in all their lives and set out to the academy. With Liz being terrible in magic and Loris being indifferent, will they be able to pass the trial? And what’s with the mysterious Dream Lillias keeps having?

Previous Chapter || Next Chapter || Masterlist

The sun began to slowly rise, its warm light peaking through the horizon as a soft, gentle breeze blew past the evergreen forest, its cool air brushing past the trees as it swayed back and forth. Quietly, Lillias walked towards the balcony, her hand gripped the curtains and gently pulled them open with one swift motion. The light slowly made its way inside and filled it with a gentle warmth. Standing there, Lillias smiled fondly as she let her smooth skin absorb the gentle sunrays, her soft blue eyes reflecting the green scenery. The young maiden had already gotten dressed into the school uniform, carefully combing her soft locks before tying them up into a side braid. She was already perfectly ready for the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

It was new and foreign to her, but she was excited, ecstatic even.

After taking her fair share of the scenery, Lillias spun around and moved towards the mirror, she looked at the image of her figure reflecting through the clear surface. Slowly, the girl began to adjust the ribbon on her uniform. Though many questions were roaming through her mind, she wasn't filled with the slightest doubt that this was the place she was meant to be in. It just felt right.

It felt… familiar even.

There were many things she wanted to do: learn magic, go to the library, and most importantly, meet her brothers. It had been a while since they last met. But firstly, she had to eat breakfast. Anything else would come after.

She couldn't possibly go on with her first day without a delicious meal to fill her stomach now can she?

The young girl elegantly spun on her heels and made her way towards Elysse; the awkward mess of a sleeping roommate. She was still deep in her dreams, hands around her familiar as she breathed softly into its fur. "Elysse, wake up," Lillias started to gently shake her roommate's shoulder hoping to wake her up. The blond simply replied with a light grumble as she tightened her grip on the blue familiar and turned around. With a small sigh, the young female tried once more, "We'll be late for breakfast."

"Breakfast...?" Elysse mumbled absentmindedly, "That's right, breakfast!" With that, she quickly pulled the cover off, rushing out of bed and stumbling onto the ground. Still tired, she got up and promptly opened her wardrobe. "I should hurry up and get ready!" she rummaged through her clothes before finally finding her Academy uniform. "You go first, I'll be there in a minute!"

Oh what do you know, she didn't stutter this time.

Lillias giggled to herself feeling slightly proud, "Don't be late okay?" With that last statement, Lillias looked in front of her and stepped out of the room. She walked through the spacious hallway, passing by a few students.

As she made her way downstairs, the first thing on her mind was not breakfast, instead, she walked around looking from left to right in search of her sisters and quietly observing her surroundings in more detail. Naturally, the place was crowded with many female students, most were divided into groups. They chatted and giggled amongst themselves. Lillias quietly looked around, not noticing she attracted the attention of a few who started whispering among themselves.

"Who's that?"

"I've never seen her around before."

"A new student maybe?"

"Her hair looks so smooth!"

"Her looks are okay… but that's probably all she's got going for her."

"Agreed, she seems like the spoiled type too."

Paying no mind to the newfound attention, Lillias proudly strolled through the hallways, head held high as she gracefully proceeded forward. "Where could those two be? I really hope they didn't oversleep on the first day…" She continued glancing at her surroundings. "Liz should be fine… but Loris…" Lillias started mumbling to herself. She knew her sisters well and Loris was definitely not an early riser.

That worried her a bit.

No… it worried her a lot.

"You are quite the sleepyhead huh Liz?" An unfamiliar voice said followed by a laugh.

Hearing her sister's name being called, Lillias glanced behind her, there she saw Liz descending the stairs along with a girl with long orange hair and amber-colored eyes. "I had a very long day after all," Liz let out an awkward laugh as she averted her eyes, she felt embarrassed by her roommate's remark. Had she really slept that much…? It didn't feel like she did.

"First days are usually like that," Amelia smiled.

"There you are!"

Without hesitation, Lillias ran towards her sister.

"Oh, Lillias." Liz glanced over at her sister.

"I am glad to see you safely found the dorms, by any chance have you seen Loris? I can't seem to find her." Lillias took a brief glance at her surroundings, "She doesn't seem to be here yet."

Liz let out a loud grumble, "Yeah...I found the dorms after some time...as for Loris I haven't seen her yet either…" she glanced around left and right trying to catch sight of a certain brunette. "Maybe she overslept."

"Sounds like something she'd do alright," Lillias let out a soft giggle, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Um…." Throughout this whole scene, Amelia just stood there confused, not sure of what to say.

Finally remembering Amelia, Lillias turned towards the orange-haired girl, "Oh my, where are my manners," she quickly straightened her posture and smiled acknowledging her presence, "My apologies, I was too engrossed talking with my sister, I hope you forgive my rudeness."

"Oh, no. I completely understand!" Amelia giggled a bit, "The name's Amelia Nile by the way, I'm Liz's roommate."

"Oh! I am Lillias Hart, my sister tends to be a bit of a handful with how naive she is but she is a good person, please do take care of her," Lillias smiled as she shook hands with Amelia.

"Of course! Don't worry I'll make sure she doesn't get herself into any more trouble!" With a smile, Amelia declared puffing her chest up.

".....why did you make me sound like the younger sibling here?" Liz couldn't help but pout slightly.

"Oh did I? But that's just how you are," Lillias placed a hand on her mouth trying to stiffen her laughter.

Joining in, Amelia started laughing as well, "Sorry Liz but compared to your sister you definitely look and act like a child."

"Jeez! Stop it you two!"

The two only laughed more as Liz's cheeks lit up in a red hoe. "Come on… I am not THAT childish…."

"Agh…so exhausting you two are as noisy as ever in the morning," Loris let out a small yawn as she walked downstairs accidentally bumping into Amelia who was standing in the way, "My bad," she mumbled, not even glancing at Amelia.

"Loris! Where are your manners? Apologize to her properly," Lillias quickly reprimanded her sister, not pleased with her actions. Of course, Loris let out a grumble, "I already apologized, didn't I?" Lillias and Liz simply sighed at the antics of their sister while Amelia just sweated profoundly, a feeling of discomfort seeping into her. Compared to Liz and Lillias, Loris was less approachable and her glare felt intimidating.

"Well, let us go eat breakfast," Trying to brighten up the mood, Lillias clapped her hands, she then grabbed onto Loris and Liz, "You join in too of course Amelia."

"Oh, I'd love to!"

"Well, then what are we waiting for?" Lillias tightened her arms around her two siblings. "Let's get going," She started dragging her siblings away. "I want to hear all about what happened to you two after we got separated!"

"Oh wait for me!" Amelia ran after the three of them.

****

"Pff…" Her shoulder started shaking as she tried not to laugh, covering her mouth with her hand did little to muffle the sound and before she knew it, Lillias let it all out, laughing till her heart's content.

"Stop laughing!" Letting out a loud grumble, Liz glared at her sister, "It was the worst day of my life!"

"Listen, Liz. You're lucky that the person you met didn't trick you into going the wrong direction, that's what's considered the worst day," Loris retorted back before taking another bite from her food, she still felt irritated just thinking about what happened. "I swear if I see that jerk again-" she stabbed her fork into the food.

"No use dwelling on what happened," Lillias cleared her throat, "I did also encounter a small predicament but it was nothing compared to you two."

"Oh, what happened?" Amelia glanced at her, curious to know, her ears perking up.

"In my case, I accidentally knocked over the shelves at the library."

"Wait what?" Loris just stared at Lillias dumbfounded, "How do you even knock over the shelves…?"

"I bumped into someone and then… it just happened."

"Seems like this is becoming a 'who had the worst day?' competition huh?" Amelia couldn't help but laugh after hearing what happened to the three sisters, she just couldn't help but find it amusing, "You three sure get yourself in some incredible situations."

Lillias simply looked at her and said a few simple words "It runs in the family."

"Quite the unique family curse I must say."

"Yeah although calling it a family curse MAY be a little excessive," Lillias chuckled softly.

"Speaking of which, does anyone know something about a moving teddy bear?" Loris gulped down her food before placing her food down and looking at the others.

"A moving what now?" Amelia just stood there, eyeing Loris suspiciously.

"A teddy bear, or at least…what looked like one…it walked past me yesterday and then ran off," Loris stated once more, she really couldn't shake the image of that thing off her mind, it was so weird and out of place.

"You sure you didn't just dream it?" Lillias asked with an amused smile. "I wasn't hallucinating damn it!" Loris grumbled, not liking her sister's tone of voice, she knew she wasn't imagining things.

"Are you sure?" Amelia said while shoving some fries in her mouth to mask her laughter.

Loris shook her head, getting irritated from all the questions and doubts, "Yes!"

"100% sure?" Lillias questioned once more, still not sure about what her sister was referring to.

"3000% percent sure."

"Eh, I still think you were half asleep Loris," Liz bluntly stated.

****

The four girls walked out of the dormitory only to be greeted by the clear blue sky and the calm wind, Loris closed her eyes, letting her mind be one with nature. Peace and quiet, the two things the young woman liked the most. However, she abruptly opened her eyes and stopped hearing the murmurs and squeals of a couple of girls. When she looked in front of her, she noticed a person waiting near the entrance, there stood a certain man with blond hair.

With that blond hair and a tall dignified figure, it was almost impossible for Liz not to recognize who it was from a simple glance, "Ugh…." As soon as the realization hit her, her entire body froze solid like Ice. It was none other than Prefect Klaus standing there in all his perfect glory.

You've got to be kidding me

"Isn't that…. Prefect Klaus?" Amelia could only look in shock and surprise.

"Oh? So that's Prefect Klaus you two were talking about?" Lillias glanced back at Amelia and Liz only to see her sister hide behind Amelia and Loris giving her all the confirmation she needed.

"Whatever...let's just get going…" Loris let out a yawn.

"Hmm…" looking at him, Lillias couldn't help but notice the familiar features, "Well since he's here," she started walking straight towards him.

"Lilli-" liz's eyes widened as she found herself unable to finish her sister's name, "what are you doing?!"

Confused, Lillias simply turned around and looked at her sister, "Thanking him of course."

"Wait what?! No!"

At that moment, all Liz felt was betrayal. Her own flesh and blood had stabbed her in the back.

Ignoring her sister's dramatic moment, Lillias walked ahead toward Klaus without any fear and stopped right in front of him, "Prefect Klaus?" She called out, smiling at him. It was not only Amelia and Liz who stood dumbfounded, the moment Lillias spoke to Klaus so casually most of the girls stood there in shock and bewilderment, whispering and mumbling amongst themselves.

"Ah perfect, one of the three I was looking for," Klaus replied, earning more whispers amongst the crowd. "You must be Lillias Hart," Klaus glanced towards Lillias trying to identify her from her brother's description.

"That's right," Lillias casually replied, smiling back at him, "A pleasure to meet you. I heard from Liz that you helped her when she was lost, so I came to personally thank you."

"This is only what's expected of me, nothing more. I do not need your gratitude."

The cold voice emitted out of him sent shivers down Liz's spine, recalling yesterday was giving her nightmares.

"Just because it's what is expected of you doesn't mean you shouldn't occasionally receive the gratitude of others for properly doing those acts," Lillias simply replied, unfazed by his cold facade. "And just as this was expected of you, isn't it expected for me to thank the person who helped out my sister?"

"You are as peculiar as your brothers have made you out to be," Klaus glanced at her, noticing no hint of fear or distress, unlike the rest she did not seem the slightest bit scared of him.

"Peculiar, me?" Lillias just looked at him confused, wondering just what her siblings have said to him.

"Oh, she really went and talked to him…."

"She was always the charismatic one amongst us," Loris simply replied, covering her mouth as she yawned.

Liz was in absolute shock and bewilderment hiding behind Amelia and Loris. How could her sister do this to her and talk to the person she least wanted to see? However, as she thought about it more, she realized this was her chance to slip away unnoticed and so, she carefully started crawling out of the way, silently slipping past him.

Thank you, Lillias! I am sorry for ever doubting you!

"Hold up, bunnyhead."

The moment he called out, her hopes came crashing down. "Gyah!" Liz let out a shriek of surprise when Klaus suddenly spoke to her, her body jumping up slightly.

"Bunnyhead?" Filled with a mix of amusement and confusion, Lillias glanced back at Liz whose only response was mumbling incoherent words, Lillias couldn't help but let out a muffled laugh, even Loris joined in as she stepped forward.

"I've been waiting for you," Klaus slowly made his way towards Liz.

"Huh? Me? I, uh…"

"Yes," Klaus responded, "I am talking to you Bunnyhead. Who else?" He looked down at her.

"That's not my name, it's Liz."

"I know that," Klaus replied, his voice sounding as calm as ever.

"Th-then at least call me by my given name." Liz looked at him, feeling irritated.

"I'm calling you by a nickname, so our psychological distances can get closer," Klaus replied back looking at her with a sinister smirk.

Lillias glanced back and forth between them, enjoying the drama unfolding in front of her very eyes.

He's such a liar! Look at his smile. I won't believe anything you say looking like that.

Liz gripped her hand, trying to compose herself. The last thing she wanted was to get on Klaus's bad side, especially after witnessing how he was like yesterday, "What are you doing here anyway?"

"I came to get the three of you," he bluntly stated, glancing at the three sisters in front of him, his sharp eyes assessing them, his expression cold and unchanging.

"What? Why us?" Liz almost shouted in the question.

"Logically, it would be because we are new students, plus if yesterday is any indication, we definitely need directions and if possible an orientation," Lillias glanced back at her sister, noticing her expression as it changed into a frown.

"It would seem one of you has got some semblance of a brain," Klaus smirked, enjoying Liz's reactions. "Hurry up, we're out of time."

"Where are you taking us?" Liz followed after him, giving one question after the other.

With a sigh, he glanced toward Liz, "Just be quiet and follow me. No. more. questions."

"Y…yes."

"Agh, how annoying…." Loris kept following after Klaus and Liz, mumbling from time to time. She really hated waking up early and now she had to do it every day.

"You have to get used to it, you'll be waking up this early every morning," Lillias glanced towards her sister.

"Agh, hell no," Loris grumbled loudly, "I'd rather have like…. a Night class or something, then maybe I'd think about it."

"There's no such thing, Loris," Liz looked at her sister before chuckling.

Klaus stopped and glared towards them, "I said. Keep. Quiet." They all remained silent and continued following after him.

"Um…. How far are we going?" Liz asked glancing at Klaus who didn't reply back, instead, he stared straight ahead of him. "H- hey!"

"Didn't I tell you to be quiet and follow me?" His tone showed annoyance as he finally stopped and faced them. "Or don't you understand what it means to be quiet?"

"Y- yes….sir." Liz averted her gaze and looked down.

"I can't believe I have to drag you three around first thing in the morning…. I Have the worst luck ever." Klaus mumbled, shaking his head as he started walking again.

"It IS sort of your job as a prefect though, is it not?" Lillias simply smiled as she pointed it out.

"...." Klaus didn't respond and continued leading them all through the grounds.

"Um… let me guess, you're not a morning person?" Liz curiously glanced at him. It felt like it to her, he still acted the same but something felt off, he looked more tired.

"....Shut up," Klaus glanced back at Liz, giving her a cold penetrating glare. Not only did he have to wake up earlier than usual but he also had a lot of work to do, the last thing he wanted was to act as an escort to the new students.

"Seems like that's a yes," Lillias giggled.

Can't really blame him…. I am not a morning person myself.

Loris thought to herself, keeping quiet as she simply continued following Klaus and her sisters. Occasionally, she'd glance around the building, taking in her surroundings. "We're here," Klaus suddenly announced, stopping in front of a large door. He removed his cloak, holding it with his left hand before knocking thrice on the door.

"Come in."

The four of them heard a man's voice ordering them from inside the room. Prefect Klaus twisted the door knob and heaved the door open, the massive rusty old door creaked as its hinges swung open. Following in Prefect Klaus' footsteps, the three sisters walked inside, their cloaks trailing behind them.

At the center of the room stood three teachers but one familiar presence stopped them in their tracks, "You're…" Liz Stiffened, her eyes wide from shock. Standing before their very eyes was the Academy's headmaster; The great mage Randolph. He stood there with a welcoming smile, greeting them with a simple nod, his brown eyes staring directly at them. "Headmaster Randolph!" Liz practically shouted.

"Indeed that is I. It is wonderful to see all of you, especially you Lillias Hart," Randolph took a brief glance towards Lillias.

"It's my honor to be given a chance to attend this academy," Lillias replied, closing her eyes as she gave a slight bow in respect to the headmaster.

"You four, come closer." A man with black hair stood next to Headmaster Randolph, a bitter expression etched onto his face as he addressed them, his arms folded in front of him. He wore long, black garments and had a dark aura radiating from him.

Liz glanced at her siblings briefly before reluctantly stepping forward with the others, she gripped her hands tightly and eyed Headmaster Randolph, "Tha-Thank you so much for inv… inviting me to this stool! I mean school, ACADEMY!" She stuttered out, trying hard to keep herself calm but she was failing miserably.

Ohhh… I screwed up big time….

She wanted to facepalm, she wanted to curse her luck. Of course, she'd mess up in front of the headmaster of all people. Could there be anything more embarrassing than that?

Randolph started to laugh, "What an interesting girl we have here."

"Indeed," The other man chuckled, "quite the unique girl that set foot into the academy, wouldn't you say?" his red eyes held a glimmer of amusement.

"I'm… so sorry," Liz mumbled, her face glowing red from embarrassment.

Lillias bit her lips, fighting the urge to laugh, it was just too amusing to resist, she heard her sister let out a small sigh beside her.

"Don't embarrass me in front of the Headmaster." Klaus glared at Liz sharply.

"Aww… I am…sorry…" the brunette shrieked back.

"We all make mistakes," the man with black hair and red eyes chuckled, glancing back at the young wizards. "You need not fret over it too much, this is just your first day after all."

"Now that you're here, I'd like to personally welcome you to Gedonelune Royal Magic Academy, I wish you a fruitful stay from the bottom of my heart." Randolph's warm smile never left his face.

"Thank you, the three of us are honored to be here." Liz straightened up, trying her best to hold onto her composure. One embarrassing moment in front of the headmaster was enough for a lifetime.

"I am the headmaster Randolph and those two right here…" Randolph glanced over at his two companions.

"I am a professor at the academy, Conrad Schuyler." The man in black introduced himself.

"Pleased to meet you." Liz bowed slightly.

"And I am Zen Reinhard, a new professor in the academy," the red-eyed man glanced over at the sisters. "Like you three, today is my first day."

"Oh… is that so?" Liz looked at the man surprised.

"Well then back to business," Randolph cleared his throat, "I brought you here today for one purpose, that is you must be told one more thing before you three begin your life here."

"Yes sir," Lillias straightened up as she focused on what the headmaster was about to say.

"You must understand the buddy system." He went on.

"What… is a buddy?" Liz asked, confusion clear in her voice. "Buddies are a pair of students randomly selected from all of the students in the academy, to put it simply, buddies are partners." The headmaster clarified with a slight chuckle.

"Partners? What for?" Loris glanced over at Randolph. "When two students with favorable conditions meet, their emblems react and thus are chosen," Schuyler said with a stern tone. "From then on, students share the same fate. If one student's grades deteriorate, the other will fall as well," Zen went on as he walked towards the sisters, "To that end, partners are encouraged to work together so they both may do well."

"However it is not that easy to find a buddy, some students graduate without ever finding one as such you shouldn't worry yourself about it too much," Randolph assured the sisters.

"Yes, I understand." Liz nodded.

"That is all you three need to know about buddies for now, do any of you have any questions?" Randolph took a brief glance at his new students. "Yes… it's not about the buddies though, is that okay?" Liz hesitated for a brief moment.

"What is it?" Randolph asked, patiently waiting for her question.

"I was just wondering how a novice Wizard like me was chosen for the Academy… I can sort of understand Lillias and Loris, they each have their own talents but me... " Liz trailed off awkwardly as she tried to express herself in words. "Hmm…" Randolph thought for a moment before smiling, "Listen here Liz, you mustn't judge a book by its cover."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Liz asked, more confused than before. "Some things are better explained if you discover the answer yourself." The headmaster chuckled slightly.

"I see.." Liz let out a soft sigh. "I take it that you heard about the scale of judgment from Klaus?" Randolph inquired. "Yes I was told about this and that our acceptance is provisional…." Liz trailed off, a troubled look on her face.

"Correct, your fate will be determined on the 13th day of your trial period." Randolph confirmed, "But do not worry, stay true to your heart and many paths will open to you."

"Stay true..?" Liz echoed, doubtfully looking up at the older man.

"To my heart?" Loris asked, "What does that even mean?"

"You three tell me something," The headmaster ignored the question as he stepped forward, a small smirk on his face, "What does magic mean to you?"

"Meaning... of magic?" Lillias mumbled as she exchanged glances with her two siblings, yet all three of them remained silent.

Chapter Preview:

Loris: "The meaning of magic? Listening to your heart? What the hell is this headmaster talking about?"

Elias: "As he stated, those are answers you're better off finding on your own."

Loris: "Agh… that's such a pain…"

Elias: "Moving on… The Hart sisters are ready take their first official class but something unexpected happens. Next time, "Most Dreadful Buddy"... that doesn't sound reassuring…"

Loris: "....... By the way, who the hell are you?"

Elias: "NOW you ask?!"

****

#wizardess heart #lillias hart #wh #wh+#loris hart #swd wh #wizardess heart oc #wizardess heart+#shall we date wizardess heart #shall we date wizardess #wizardess heart fanfic #Destiny Quartet

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asunafairywizardessheart · 1 year

Text

Silent Regret

Part 2: Reaching out

Elias/MC

Walter’s chance to apologise to his son has finally come. How will Elias respond?

Mary’s words stayed ingrained within Walter’s mind. She had offered him a new perspective on the state of his relationship with his son, Elias. Walter was certain that his son hated him but Mary had convinced him that their son, despite being deeply hurt, loved and respected his father. Since that night, Walter was invigorated to right his wrongs.

He yearned for nothing more than for a chance to apologise to his son for all the hurtful things he had said and done which had shattered Elias’ heart and soul, leaving him in a sullen state of depression and anxiety as he desperately chased for his father’s love and acceptance.

Determined to say those words Elias had longed to hear, Walter cleaned himself up and incessantly rehearsed which words he would use to apologise to his son and clear up any misunderstanding Elias had about his father not loving him. Strongly motivated by his resolve, Walter vowed to finally reach out to Elias the next time his son came home.

*****Two years later…..

Time moved forward.

The house was still silent and the Goldstein family remained broken.

Mary still cried.

Alfonse was still missing, but Walter and Mary were positive he was alive and well as he explored this big world.

Klaus barely visited and when he did, he didn’t stay for long.

Elias hadn’t come home since he left for his new life at the academy.

Two years didn’t seem like a long time but for Walter it felt like a prison sentence.

He had come to loathe the sense of emptiness within his large home. The softest of noises which echoed through the marble walls and floors had an eeriness within them that Walter hated. The tapping of shoes walking the halls, the ticking of clocks from various rooms in the home and the quiet murmur of the staff, and other sounds alike, were all heard clearly. It felt as though the noises he could hear were tormenting him. Like the house itself was punishing him for his sins and failures as a husband and father.

Inside of his sanctuary that is his office, he occasionally turned to his decanter and glass filled with whiskey to help cope with the layer of anxiety that had welled on top of his guilt. As he brooded, he began to worry if he was ever going to get the chance to sincerely apologise to his son the longer he stayed away from home.

Often, Elias mailed letters to his mother but they were more like notices to pacify his mother by letting her know that he was doing well and enjoying his life at the academy. Walter often thought about writing to his son but he couldn’t bring himself to say his apologies through a posted letter. This was something he needed to say to Elias in person.

It was nearly the end of another year and there was a change in the dismal tension that permeated throughout the Goldstein Estate. With the festive season looming, Walter noticed the usually silent mansion had suddenly become bustling with movement and noise with an imbued sense of excitement.

Outside, the first snow of the season had fallen overnight. There was a light frost on the outside of the windows and the colourful garden beds and mowed green fields had been covered in a light blanket of white snow. A wintery cold snap lingered across the city with magical weather tellers officially recording the first snow of the season. It was tradition in the Goldstein family to begin redecorating the lavish halls of the home in the theme of Christmas when the first snow of the season fell.

Walter couldn’t imagine that this was the cause for the sudden mood change. Despite the fractured state of the family, the staff upheld this tradition annually. Often, tending to the task with gloominess in their hearts and minds. Walter and Mary never stopped the tradition and welcomed the scenery change.

With the absence of their sons during the holidays, Walter and Mary either hosted or attended formal Christmas parties, entertaining the high society of the wizarding world. After the formal parties were done, the couple would send their employees on paid leave to spend the holidays with their families. Eventually, they would either be alone or would go to another family’s home for Christmas.

They both found it difficult to fully embrace the festive season when they were to celebrate the holidays alone. They both shared the same view about the holidays – it was a celebration of family and togetherness. While there was some comfort in each other’s company, the fractured state of the family left an overwhelming sense of incompleteness lingering over the celebration.

Walter had decided to investigate the cause of the sudden liveliness. Almost every staff member was helping to redecorate the home in the theme of Christmas. There was a bounce in their step, smiles adorned their faces and their eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Walter!” Mary bounded up to him.

Just like the staff, she was in quite the jovial mood that perplexed Walter.

“Did something good happen?” he asked.

Mary couldn’t contain her excitement, “I reached out to Klaus and Elias some months ago and begged them to come home for the holidays this year.”

“Oh?” Walter wasn’t aware of this, “And?”

Mary happily showed him two letters, each was an individual reply from both sons, “They have both agreed to come home and stay for the duration of the holidays.”

Unlike his wife, Walter never outwardly expressed his emotions but he was delighted to hear the good news. Finally, Elias was coming home and Walter had a chance to say his sincere apology at last.

“I did send a magic note to Alfonse,” Mary sadly said, “It was a long shot, but I hope he retrieved it. But, two out of three sons will be home again. It’s a start.”

Walter agreed and warmly smiled, “I’m sure our family will be together again one day.”

“I’m sure it will be too,” she positively agreed.

The sudden excitement that loomed in the atmosphere now made sense to him. Mary’s exuberance had infected the staff who were genuinely happy for the matriarch. With this new knowledge, Walter felt a surge of happiness mixed with excitement too but his attention focused on quelling the anxiety within and preparing his long-awaited apology that he hoped would be a step in the right direction in mending Elias’ broken heart.

One evening, Walter and Mary were sitting down to their usual evening meal. There were no parties on the agenda that evening and it would be another week before Klaus and Elias would arrive home for the holidays.

“One more week,” Mary announced, “Though, I may have gone overboard on the presents this year.”

Peering into the adjacent parlour room where they kept the large pine tree, there were so many presents under the tree. It had been a long time since Walter had seen so many placed under the tree.

“I agree,” Walter joked, “I am yet to add mine to the pile.”

As they engaged in small chit-chat, they were interrupted by their chief of staff and Elias’ personal butler, Gail. Whom decided he’d be happy to work over the holiday period since he needed the extra money. Both Walter and Mary had attempted to simply pay him whatever difference he needed if he had ran into financial difficulties, but he insisted on working instead.

“Ma’am,” Gail politely approached the table, “My apologies for interrupting. Master Elias has sent a letter with his personal stationery via owl. I assume it must be important if he had sent this communication in such urgency.”

Walter peered up at the man and the golden envelope he presented within his gloved hands. Walter suddenly became nervous to its contents. He didn’t show it, but so many thoughts ran through his mind. Was he not coming home now? Did something happen to him? Was he going to lose another chance to apologise to Elias? Did Elias not want to come to avoid him? He had so many questions and was desperate to know the contents of his letter. Alas, he remained calm and waited for Mary to reveal whatever Elias had to say.

Mary cleaned her hands with a dining cloth and graciously received the envelope from Gail’s grasp, “Thank you Gail,” Mary said.

Gail bowed and elegantly left the room.

Walter could tell that Mary was nervous too. She held the letter and closely looked over the envelope to confirm that this was really sent by Elias. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. There was a hint of anxiety etched upon her face as she mentally prepared herself to read his letter.

“Is he not coming?” Walter impatiently asked.

Mary didn’t know but she was nervous and assumed that was the purpose of this letter. She didn’t say it but they shared the same assumption.

“What else could it be?” she assumed, “I do hope that is not the case.”

Elegantly, Mary ripped at the fold of the paper. Reaching into the pocket, she pulled out a single piece of thin white paper and began to read the neat lines of Elias’ cursive handwriting etched in the middle.

Waiting impatiently, Walter attempted to read the underside but failed to clearly read whatever was written. Quietly, he observed Mary as she read the letter, her almond, dark-blue sapphire eyes skimming the words. After reading one specific line, her jaw dropped in shock, her eyes widened and shined with glee and her pink lips smiled from ear-to-ear.

“What is it?” Walter asked curiously.

“Oh my!” she gasped and became excited again, “Elias…he’s… oh my!”

Mary rose to her feet and dropped the letter to the table, “Gail! Oh, Gail!” she called for the butler as she ran from the room, not explaining anything to Walter. Her enthusiasm becoming a mystery.

Walter cocked an eye in bewilderment at her sudden behaviour. What did Elias say that made her behave so ecstatically all of a sudden? Incredibly interested to know, he leaned over and picked up the letter Mary had abandoned to the table in her pursuit to find Gail.

Walter handled the letter with great care for its thin density made it quite fragile. A bold golden border coloured the edges of the rectangular piece of paper. Followed by a white gap that was followed by another golden border that was much thinner. In the middle at the top of the page of that thin border were Elias’ initials, elegantly designed into monogram. Also coloured in gold, his initials were creatively drawn over the top of each other in a cursive style and placed inside a thin circle. Inside the borders and in the middle of the page was Elias’ neat, cursive handwriting.

It read,

“Mother,

Earlier this year, you requested that I come home for the festive holidays.

While I look forward to joining you this Christmas, I have one request that I hope both Father and you will grant on such short notice.

My request is to ask for the permission to invite home someone special to me to join our family for the duration of my stay?

I do hope the both of you will agree but I will understand if you do not. I will patiently await your reply.

Your son,

Elias.”

“Someone special?” Walter repeated those words out loud and tilted his head in confusion, “Who could that be?”

Is this why Mary had become excited? Was it Alfonse by any chance? Perhaps a friend he had met at the academy? Or, could it be a love interest? Walter concluded there were many different answers to the term ‘someone special’ but he couldn’t confirm any of them. He needed more context and hoped Mary would be able to provide that information.

Walter knew that Elias and Mary often exchanged letters and no doubt she communicated with Klaus regularly too. Did she know something that he didn’t know? While she would tell Walter the many subjects of her communication with Elias and Klaus, she had a habit of sometimes forgetting to tell him any new details about their lives. Walter found it an adorable part of her personality and never was upset when she failed to mention anything new or important things happening in their lives. He’d always find out eventually.

The longer she remained absent from the dining room, the more Walter wondered whether Mary was ever coming back to finish her meal. He had cast a heat spell over her plate to keep her food warm should she return.

After several minutes of waiting, Mary eventually returned to her seat at the dining table. Walter had finished his meal but was reading the newspaper while he waited to see if she was ever coming back to finish her food. As she sat down, her eyes still sparkled and her youthful face exuded the same cheerfulness she had when she received Elias’ letter.

“What kept you away so long?” Walter asked curiously.

“Oh Walter!” she smiled, “Did you read his letter?”

“Yes.”

“I had to chase Gail to get the guest chambers organised and promptly replied to Elias’ request,” she answered.

Walter remained confused, “Did you grant his request?”

“Absolutely!” Mary responded cheerfully, “Oh, I can’t wait to finally meet her.”

Walter lowered his newspaper, “Her?” he asked, assuming “her” referred to his “someone special” and insinuated that this mystery person was a love interest.

“Walter!” Mary was amused by her husband’s obliviousness, “I imagine he’s asking to bring his girlfriend home so we can meet her.”

This was Walter’s first time hearing about Elias having a girlfriend in his life and found this news to be quite the bombshell. His usual expressionless face showed both his surprise and confusion.

“What girlfriend?” Walter asked puzzled, “This is the first time I have heard about this.”

Mary was certain she had mentioned it to Walter, “I told you about remember?”

“No,” Walter disagreed, “This is honestly the first time I have heard about Elias having a girlfriend.”

Mary observed Walter’s face. His usually unreadable face expressed his surprise and confusion confirming that he was telling the truth. He hadn’t heard about Elias having a girlfriend. Mary tried to recall telling him but nothing came to her memory. During Klaus’ last visit, he had revealed to his mother that Elias had been seeing someone at the academy and that they were quite serious. Of course, Elias never told her about his relationship and she never brought it up with him either.

Embarrassed, Mary nervously giggled, “Sorry Walter,” she said, deeply apologetic, “I guess I did forget to mention this news to you. Please forgive me.”

Walter wasn’t upset with not being told about his son’s relationship. He was quite used to Mary forgetting to tell him important social news. Rather, he was too stunned to consider being upset or amused. The news that Elias — who had become incredibly withdrawn and unsociable in his pursuit of his father’s approval — had found someone preoccupied his mind. Walter had so many questions about this young lady.

Did she free Elias from his depression and loneliness? Did she make him happy? Did she bring back his smile? Did she bring back that brightness Walter has missed seeing from Elias’ amethyst eyes? If Klaus knew her and mentioned this to his mother, does that mean he thinks she’s worthy of Elias? Who is this mysterious woman that has him captivated?

“Who is she?” Walter asked interested.

Mary excitedly leaned forward to begin gossiping about this new lady in their son’s life, “I have not met her myself and all of my intelligence about her has come from Klaus,” she informed.

“She must be a student at the academy, correct?”

Mary nodded, “Yes,” and she continued on, “Klaus told me that they didn’t start out on the best of terms but they deeply love and respect each other.”

“Oh, quite a serious pair?”

“Indeed,” Mary nodded, “Klaus seems to approve of her and he did say that when I meet her that I will feel the same too.”

“I must admit,” Walter began, “I did not expect to hear that Elias had attached himself to someone. It’s quite a surprise.”

“It surprised me too,” Mary agreed.

Mary could see the smallest of smiles curling onto Walter’s face. He truly was happy that his son was happy but then that small smile began to fade as he thought deeply.

“What is it?” Mary asked.

“What?”

“You were smiling just now,” Mary acknowledged, “Why are you sad now? Are you not excited to meet her?”

“That’s not it,” Walter said.

Walter was truly happy for his son and couldn’t wait to meet this young lady who had captured his heart. However, he felt his anxiety thumping within his chest. Was he going to ever get the chance to apologise to him? He didn’t want to embarrass his son in the presence of his girlfriend, especially if his apology wasn’t well received by Elias.

He sighed and began to tell her the truth about what was on his mind, “I don’t have the right to meet her when our relationship is still broken. Actually, I was going to use these holidays to finally reach out to him and apologise for everything I did to him all those years ago. I have found the courage and strength in my resolve to say the words I have waited so long to say and he’s waited to hear me say. I don’t want his forgiveness, but I want him to know how much I regret everything.”

Mary was pleased to hear that he was ready to finally talk to his son, “That’s great Walter,” she smiled warmly at him, “So, why is that making you sad?

Walter sighed, “If his girlfriend is joining us for the holidays, I feel it would be inappropriate to give him my sincere apology in her presence. I don’t know if she knows the circumstances of our relationship and I don’t want to ruin his relationship with her either, especially if she’s managed to undo all the heartache I caused him. I don’t want to make a negative impression.”

Mary understood his worry but she failed to see how their guest would prevent him from apologising to Elias, “Walter, you can still reach out to him, regardless of whether she is here or not,” Mary said, “Whether she knows or not doesn’t make any difference. I know how much you have waited for this chance to apologise to him. Don’t let this opportunity slip by using his girlfriend’s presence as an excuse not to do it. Besides, this is a large house and they are staying until they have to go back to the academy. You will have plenty of space and time to catch a quiet moment with him.”

There was a momentary silence as Walter processed her words. Mary was right. Walter couldn’t forfeit this opportunity after waiting two years for Elias to come home.

“You’re right,” Walter said, “I have waited for him to come home for so long. I need to see my resolve through to the end, especially for his sake.”

Walter had one other question about this mystery girlfriend. He hoped Mary would know and asked her, “This girlfriend of Elias’,” he said, “does she have a name?”

Mary had committed her name to memory the moment Klaus told her, “Miss Asana Way,” she answered without hesitation.

“Miss Asana Way,” Walter repeated her name, a small smile tugging at his lips once again as he committed her name to memory too.

Mary remembered something that Klaus had told her when he had told her about Elias’ new love, “When Klaus first told me that Elias had a girlfriend,” Mary said, “I did not believe him at first but then he kept telling me how much of an influence she has had on Elias. It may very well be that he is a lot happier since the last time we saw him.”

“That is good news,” Walter was delighted to hear that he was happy.

Mary finished eating her plate of food as they talked about this new lady in Elias’ life and couldn’t wait to finally meet her to see for themselves. However, Walter already liked her. If she had been able to undo the damage he had done to Elias’ heart, she automatically had his approval and was a worthy partner for his son.

Although he never showed it, he was counting down the days and was looking forward to these holidays. Alfonse finally returning home would fully complete their family these holidays but this would be enough for now.

While Walter was looking forward to welcoming his sons home and meeting Elias’ girlfriend, there was a pit of anxiety making him feel tight in the chest. Would Elias accept his apology? After concluding his evening meal with his wife, Walter went back to his office to begin rehearsing how he would approach Elias. He had one week left to perfect what he would say to him.

****A week later….

Klaus and Elias, along with Asana, arrived at the home together.

Usually, they were met by a line of staff members welcoming them home. Walter and Mary had sent all their staff on paid leave over the holidays to spend time with their families. The only person who waited to greet the young masters and their newest guest was Gail.

“Pleasure to see the both of you again,” Gail greeted Klaus and Elias, “It is also my pleasure to welcome Miss Way to the estate,” he bowed to Asana who stayed very closely behind Elias.

“It’s good to see you again,” Elias kindly said, “You didn’t go home this year?”

“No sir,” Gail happily smiled, “I wished to welcome you home after being away for so long.”

Elias looked over at Asana who was beside him, “Asana, this is Gail,” he introduced Asana to his personal butler, “If you need anything and can’t find me, this is the man to see.”

“…O-Oh, okay,” Asana said nervously, “Nice to meet you,” she bowed to the man.

Gail bowed to the young lady in return, “It is an honour to meet you at last Miss Way,” he said, “Master Elias, I have prepared the guest chambers across from your chambers for the duration of Miss Way’s stay. Should anything need changing to suit her needs, I will see to it immediately.”

“Thank you Gail,” Elias genuinely appreciated the attentiveness of his butler, “I appreciate it.”

Gail was very loyal and had been serving the Goldstein family for many years. Elias appreciated his companionship and guidance as a confidant during those years he had endured his father’s abuse.

Gail opened the front door for the young masters and their esteemed guest. Though, before either of them had stepped a toe through the front door, Mary had rushed to welcome them home.

“Welcome home!” Mary shrieked, her cheerful voice echoing throughout the house as she was unable to restrain her joy and embraced both of them.

“Good evening Mother,” Klaus greeted her.

“Hello there Mother,” Elias greeted her next.

“Look at the both of you,” Mary took the opportunity to observe her two sons very closely.

They had grown up so much and looked incredibly handsome. Klaus and Elias looked quite similar in their features that they almost were identical. Except, their eyes were different and Klaus was more refined than his younger brother. Klaus had inherited his mother’s sapphire eyes and Elias inherited his father’s amethyst eyes but they were both as sharp as their father’s. Klaus was more broader and his muscles much more taut. Elias was definitely fit and strong but had a more slender build compared to Klaus’ broader build. Mary was definitely proud of the fine, healthy men she had raised.

Walter, who had been holed up in his office all day, had heard the jovial shrieks of his wife as the front door creaked upon being opened. He had incessantly rehearsed what he was going to say to Elias, but now that he was home and Walter had heard his voice, he found it difficult to move.

He didn’t show it but his heart thumped loudly within his chest, his palms were sweating despite the chilly climate and his chest felt tight. He had never experienced this feeling before and wondered why he had become so anxious. Committed to his resolve, Walter had to keep reminding himself that this was Elias, his son, and he had nothing to be nervous about. Drawing in a deep breath, Walter had to relax his mind and calm his nerves to stop this overwhelming sense of anxiety so he could properly apologise to him.

“Mother,” Elias had a smooth and silky voice as it echoed throughout the house, “Um…I would like to introduce… um… my g-girlfriend, Miss Asana Way,” he said nervously.

Walter scrambled to retrieve his wand that he kept on a stand to the right of his chair. Using magic, he quickly retrieved another two items from within his office. One item was a small, hand held mirror and the other was a small, vial sized lilac glass bottle with a corked lid. He undid the cork and poured a single drop of the vial’s contents onto the surface of the mirror. Closing the vial with the cork again, he set the bottle aside on the desk and picked up his wand preparing to cast a spell on the mirror.

“Wideo procle,” he chanted.

The mirror absorbed his magic and where Walter’s reflection should have been there was the image of the front door where Mary was greeting their two sons and meeting Elias’ girlfriend, Miss Asana Way, for the first time. While he watched, he cast another spell to clearly hear their conversation.

Nervously, the young lady curtsied to Mary, “Nice to meet you too Mrs Goldstein,” her voice was pleasant and soft, “Thank you for allowing me to join your family for the holidays.”

The image within the small mirror was unable to properly define all her features. Of what Walter could see, she appeared to an attractive young lady. Though, she was no daughter from the high society of the wizarding world but she appeared quite delicate and regal with her striking and exquisite features. Healthy, thick and long chestnut hair, round and large rose eyes, an adorable small nose and thin yet desirable lips which warmly curled into a smile. There was a radiant glow that emitted from her and infected the immediate space around her. Already, Walter became fond of her without having yet properly met her.

“We are happy to have you and finally get to meet you at last. Klaus has told me so much about you that I was very eager to finally lay my eyes upon you,” Mary smiled at her and faced Elias, “Did Gail tell you where her chambers are?”

“Yes,” Elias nodded, face beet red.

“Good,” Mary smiled and shifted herself further into the home to welcome them in, “Why don’t the three of you go get settled in and come back down later for dinner. Elias, would you be so kind to show Miss Way to her chambers and give her a tour of the house so she can find her way around?”

Elias nodded, “Of course.”

“Miss Way,” Mary focused her attention on their guest once again, “Should you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”

“Oh, thank you,” Asana warmly smiled.

“Klaus,” Mary then focused on her older son who tolerated being in the room but whose eyes were begging to leave for his chambers, “I’m glad to have you home too. I’m happy you have decided to stay for a longer period. I do wish to ask something of you later if you don’t mind.”

“Of course not,” Klaus said.

“Excellent,” Mary cheered, “Well, if you may excuse me I must go turn the roast. Please, go ahead and make yourselves comfortable.”

With those last words, she excused herself and quickly hurried away to the kitchen where she took it upon herself to cook a grand meal of roast and vegetables and a warm dessert pie to wash down the main course.

Klaus quickly left and scaled the stairs of the estate to the second floor leaving Elias and Asana to themselves by the front door. Walter’s image shifted to his son, Elias. Someone he had waited for so long to see. Walter didn’t really know what to expect to see. Did he still possess that sullen countenance? Or, was he happier now that he had found someone special? Anxiously, Walter leaned in closer to the image to take in as much detail as the image before him would allow.

Instantly, Walter could see how much he had grown since that day he left home for the academy. He was no longer the image of an adolescent child but a young man who had become quite handsome and had grown into his prince-like features. His thick head of golden locks covered his forehead and framed his chiselled cheekbones and strong neck, a sign that he had become quite fit and toned. His amethyst eyes inside of his eyes were sharp and bright. His flawless ivory skin had a visible softness that gentled his overall appearance. As Walter watched Elias extend his hand out to his girlfriend, Elias’ thin lips curled into a gentle and warm smile.

Walter couldn’t believe that this young man before him was Elias as his entire countenance had changed. He was no longer gloomy and sad rather he was content and placid. There was a liveliness and a brightness which sparkled within his eyes again and his thin smile had a warmth and happiness to it again that Walter had longed to see. Walter wondered if this had been her influence on him or had he simply matured?

Seeing that happiness reflected in Elias’ eyes and his smile sent a spread of calmness through Walter. An indescribable sense of pleasure and relief seemed to lift the anxiety he had felt moments ago. He wondered if she had managed to undo some of the damage he had caused to Elias and mended his broken heart. If so, she had his eternal gratitude and his instant acceptance as Elias’ partner should their relationship evolve beyond dating. Still, Walter needed to apologise to Elias and he was determined to do so these holidays. Walter closed the portal he had cast with magic and drew in a deep, satisfying breath.

Walter knew when he would apologise to his son and waited for that opportunity. He wanted to do it tonight before dinner commenced. He wanted to ensure the right atmosphere as they dined as a family for the first time in so long, of course with Alfonse deep in his thoughts.

Several minutes had passed and Walter didn’t move from his office just yet. Instead, he absorbed the fill of the lively noises and presence that filled his home. Having Klaus and Elias home filled an empty void Walter had come to loathe. He could hear the shuffling and thumping of footsteps coming from all directions – the kitchen where Mary was cooking a feast, Klaus organising his chambers to his liking and Elias and Asana taking a tour of the lavish home. He could hear Mary happily humming away as well as the young couple laughing and engaging in zealous conversation as they moved around. These sounds that reverberated throughout his home didn’t carry the eery undertones of the silence he had come to despise. Rather, they were pleasant sounds that he preferred.

Taking in the pleasant change within the atmosphere of his large home, Walter could hear the soft footsteps along the marble hallway just outside his office door.

Then, he heard Asana’s kind and pleasant voice just outside the door, “Oh my goodness!” there was a melodic tone to her voice when she regained her confidence, “Is this you as a child?”

Walter assumed her attention was captured by a small gallery of family portraits that he had hung on the walls of the hallway just outside of his office.

“…Y-Yeah…,” Elias stuttered, like he was overwhelmed by his embarrassment.

“You’re so adorable!” she said, good-humouredly.

While Walter didn’t intend to eavesdrop on their conversation, but it was impossible not to listen to their conversation due to the closeness and clarity of their voices nearby the door. What intrigued him more was the amusement of hearing his son stutter with nervousness and being entertained be the lively energy that seemed to resonate from the young lady.

“Don’t look!” Elias begged, “…It was a long time ago.”

“No need to be embarrassed,” she giggled, “Who is this next you? Is that Klaus?”

Although he was embarrassed, Elias seemed to be able to overcome those emotions to kindly answer her questions, “Yeah,” he said, “That’s my eldest brother behind him.”

“Huh?” Asana expressed her shock, “There’s another brother?”

“…Yes,” Elias answered her but there was a sadness that overcame his tone, “…His name is Alfonse. He’s not home. In fact, no one knows where he is.”

“…Oh, I’m sorry,” Asana apologised.

She must have sensed the sad tone within his voice because she paused for a moment before changing the subject, “The man in the middle of this portrait must be your father, right?”

Walter’s ears perked up when he heard her mention him to Elias. How would Elias respond to him being mentioned by her? Does she know about their fractured relationship? It was a good opportunity to gather any knowledge that may answer those questions.

“…Yeah, that’s him,” Elias confirmed but still had that sad tone within his voice.

“Will he be here for the holidays?”

There was a slight pause before Elias answered her question, “…I don’t know. He is usually around here somewhere so I’m sure he’ll appear sooner or later. Unless…”

Elias trailed off.

“Unless, what?” Asana prompted.

Elias sighed, “…unless he doesn’t want to see me he may have picked up some work over the holidays.”

Upon hearing those words and hearing the sadness within Elias’ tone, a pain stung Walter’s heart. He had an urge to spring to his feet, swing open the door and let Elias know how much he regretted everything. He wanted to let Elias know how long he had waited for him to return home so that he could apologise for everything he had done. But, Walter couldn’t move. It wasn’t the right time for that conversation. He stayed seated by his desk and continued to listen to the young couple’s conversation.

After a short pause, Asana replied to Elias, “I know things are awkward between you two but I’m sure he wants to see you again,” she spoke with such positivity that reflected her spirited nature.

“What makes you say that?” Elias asked.

“Nothing particularly,” Asana answered, “Just a feeling I have. He’ll also get to see how much you have grown as a person and as a wizard.”

“You sure sound sure of yourself,” Elias uttered his retort and then calmly and sadly responded, “I appreciate the positivity but I doubt anything has changed. I haven’t heard anything from him for so long. We stopped talking to each other so many years ago that I wonder if he even knows that I still exist.”

“Elias,” Asana sympathetically called his name but had nothing more to say.

Walter swallowed his emotions as he overheard Elias expressing his deepest feelings and thoughts to his girlfriend.

“Come on,” Elias said, changing the subject, “I have plenty more places to show you.”

Their footsteps echoed in the distance, leaving Walter’s mind to linger on those last words Elias had uttered. He knew it had been quite some time since they openly spoke within the walls of this home. Again, his anxiety crept up again and his heart began to pound with agony. Did Elias really feel as though he was now invisible to his father?

Some hour and a half later, dinner was almost ready to be served.

Walter had refreshed himself and regathered his courage and strength. He had decided to still see his resolve through. Should his apology result in Elias still being unreceptive toward him, he would accept that decision. Should his apology mark the beginning of them rebuilding their broken relationship, he would happily accept that too. Though, Walter wasn’t really expecting anything. All he wanted was for Elias to understand two important things. Firstly, he wanted Elias to know how much he regrets everything he had done and said to him that had broken his heart and caused him to painfully suffer. The other, was to let him know, although he had failed to show it, that he loved him deeply and unconditionally.

Walter left his office and began making his way down the stairs as he went to join his family for the usual evening meal. He was looking forward to his wife’s wonderful cooking. Though, most of all, he was excited to have two of three sons home and Miss Way’s company.

Descending the stairs, Walter fixed his cuff links to make himself appear proper and presentable. He swallowed any anxious emotions he could feel swelling in the pit of his stomach. He had waited for this moment for so long and hoped Elias would be nearby so that he could see and speak to him well before they dined at the table.

There was plenty of noise coming from the kitchen as Mary worked her way around the kitchen and had Gail’s assistance in setting up the dining table. Happily, Walter could also hear the light-hearted and jovial conversation coming from the parlour room. Peeking into the room, he could see Klaus, Elias and Asana gathered around the fireplace and the tree as they awaited an official announcement that dinner was ready.

Walter cautiously crept up to the open entry way that separated the stair case and foyer from the parlour room. His footsteps were quiet and inaudible as he quietly observed his sons and Miss Way. Elias and Asana both had their backs turned away from the entry way where Walter was standing. Klaus stood sideways from the entry way and was the first one to acknowledge Walter’s presence.

“Did you make this?” Asana happily asked Elias.

“Why did they put this on here?” Elias’ face turned red as they gazed at the directions on the tree.

Elias’ childhood bauble still remained a fixture on the tree, along with his brothers’ handmade decorations too. They exchanged a light-hearted raillery that made Walter smile too.

Feeling Klaus’ gaze upon him, Walter nodded to his son with a smile. It was a signal to Klaus not to make his presence known to the other two while he simply, yet happily, watched on. Klaus nodded in return and remained silent.

“But it’s adorable!” she said, taking in every detail of the handmade ornaments, “Oh, before I forget!” she said, as though a reminder popped into her mind.

Walter had become captivated by her energy. The radiance that emitted from within her certainly brightened the space her and her thin smile was simply innocent and genuine.

“I need to put the gifts I got for everyone under the tree,” she said.

“You didn’t need to get us anything,” Klaus said.

“I know but I would feel bad if I didn’t. It’s the least I can do for being allowed to join your family on such short notice,” she said, and spun around.

Immediately, her eyes widened and fell on Walter’s presence by the entry way. Walter noticed a small stack of gifts on a small table behind her and assumed these were her gifts that she had purchased. He looked away from the small stack of gifts to meet her gaze. Gently, he smiled at her.

From the corner of his eye, Elias noticed Asana hadn’t move to retrieve the stack of gifts she had brought down with her to place underneath the tree. Confused, he peered down at her face and saw her rose eyes widened and her face tinted with red. Her gaze focused in one direction, he followed them. Turning around, he saw his father gently smiling back at them.

Elias didn’t say anything and turned back around to avoid facing him. Suddenly, the jovial mood in the room shifted slightly with a sense of awkwardness and tension emitting from Walter and Elias being in the same room.

“Welcome to our home, Miss… Asana Way, is it?”

Asana curtsied, “Yes, sir. It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr Goldstein. Thank you for allowing me to be here.”

“You are quite welcome,” Walter said, “Please, no need to be so formal and make yourself comfortable during your stay with us.”

Asana straightened herself and awkwardly smiled back at the patriarch, “Thank you.”

Walter gazed at the back of Elias who had purposely avoided facing his direction, but Walter was able to see his features clearly. Now that he had a good view of the both of them, the image he had magically created in his office moments ago didn’t do any justice. Elias was taller than Walter had remembered and he definitely was as strong and handsome as any royal prince. Asana, although simple, was quite attractive and appeared more delicate than he could see within the image before.

“Are your chambers to your liking Miss Way?” Walter asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“That’s good to hear,” Walter was genuinely happy that she was comfortable.

However, the conversation between them was feeding off the awkward tension between himself and his son. Walter was aware and decided to change the subject.

“I hear you are a student at the same academy as Klaus and Elias?”

“I am,” Asana answered but she was quite stiff, “…Though, I have only been studying there for nearly over a year and a half. Not quite as long as these two.”

“Well, good luck with your studies,” Walter said.

The awkward tension only intensified as they struggled to maintain a flowing conversation with the nature of Walter and Elias’ relationship being the biggest issue in the room. Walter gazed over at Elias who still had been facing away from his father’s gaze.

Walter assumed now was a better time than never to finally reach out to his son. After rehearsing everything he wanted to say, this was the perfect opportunity to say those words he had been waiting for so long to say.

“…I’m glad to see you are doing well, Elias,” Walter began.

Elias didn’t reply nor turn around, but Walter expected as much.

“Actually, I’m quite pleased to have you and your brother home for the holidays, and having Miss Way here is a pleasure,” he continued, “News of the two of you returning home injected a good dose of excitement through the staff and, of course, your mother and I. Even though Alfonse isn’t here with us yet, I’m sure our thoughts are reaching him and that he is doing well.”

Klaus watched on as his father attempted to speak with Elias. Asana was too nervous to even move. Mary’s footsteps grew quieter as she entered the room with intentions of inviting them all in to the dining room and taking their places as dinner was almost served but she read the mood. She stayed quiet and remained in the room to see how this event would unfold. Still, Elias refused to turn around as Walter began reaching out to him.

“…I am really happy that you are home, Elias,” Walter said, sincerely, “Truly, I am. It’s been very… quiet…without you and brothers.”

On hearing those words, Elias’ head shifted slightly like he was finally going to face his father. Though, it stopped but Walter could see his amethyst eyes peering at him from the corner of their eyes. They looked Walter up and down. It was like they were searching for something in Walter’s body language.

Mary, Klaus and Asana had no choice but to stay motionless and watch whatever this was unfolding before them. Each of them hoping for a pleasant ending.

Walter’s words were so sudden and unexpected that Elias didn’t really know how to feel or respond. He certainly was surprised but he was too afraid to turn around and face his father. Was this some kind of a trap? He had thoughts about saying something in his head but he couldn’t utter anything.

“…This may be quite unexpected,” Walter acknowledged the suddenness of his actions but was committed to doing this, “…However, I didn’t want to begin these holidays without first speaking to you.”

Elias didn’t expect this at all. He hadn’t uttered a private word with his father since the day they had that traumatic falling out. While he had heard his father’s voice during public events, this was the first time Elias heard his voice in the two years he had stayed away from home. There was no contempt, anger or animosity within his father’s tone rather it was gentle, warm and sincere. Without even realising it, Elias had finally turned around and faced his father. Elias maintained a good gap away from his father and crossed his arms over his body.

Walter waited to see if Elias was going to say anything but seeing him turn around and face him was progress, “…No, this isn’t even about the holidays. Honestly, I just wanted to speak with you. I’m just using the holidays as an excuse to do so.”

Elias’ face expressed his confusion as he couldn’t understand his father’s intentions. Elias didn’t look directly into his father’s gaze but could feel his father’s eyes upon him. He mustered up the courage to speak but could only say one word, “…W-Why?” he asked, nervously.

Mary latched onto Klaus arm, delighted that Elias responded.

“Ouch!” Klaus whispered across to her, “Let go.”

“Hush,” Mary admonished.

Walter ignored the gasps and whispers from the others on the opposite side of the room. Even though it was a simple word, hearing Elias’ voice again delighted Walter. Usually, his attempts at small chatter within these walls were ignored and Walter was left to feel as though he was invisible to his son.

“…We both know why,” Walter answered kindly, “…I… I realised that I should have done this many, many years ago.”

Walter paused to regather himself to remember everything that he wanted to say to Elias. He had rehearsed this so many times that he wanted to say this right the first chance he had. Walter worried about how Elias would receive his apology but he was committed to his resolve.

“I am the one who allowed our relationship to end up like this, Elias,” Walter said, “I am solely to blame for all the pain and suffering you have had to endure for so long.”

Elias knew where this was going. His eyes shifted ever so slightly to peer at his father’s body language and facial expression. Their eyes met. Elias could see the sincerity burning within his father’s eyes. His usually unreadable face expressed the honesty within his tone.

Walter looked directly into his son’s eyes and continued, “Elias, I was the fool who failed as a father and a husband. Not only did I hurt you and sever our bond, I also hurt this family. I drove Alfonse away, burdened Klaus with too much responsibility and broke your mother’s heart,” he paused, taking a deep breath.

After a moment, he continued to speak again, “…I was so obsessed with our family’s pride and public image that I caused everyone to suffer. Especially, you. Yes, I wanted to make you a stronger person but not for our family’s name. I wanted you to be stronger so you could stand on your own when I was no longer around. But, I went about it the wrong way. In the end, my abuse… broke you. And, that’s not what a father is meant to do to his child. As your father, I’m supposed to support you and accept you as you are, and I failed to do that.”

“…Walter,” Mary whispered his name and started to shed a couple of tears.

Walter’s eyes remained fixed on Elias’ and Elias listened carefully to every word that came out of his father’s mouth. Was he dreaming this or was Walter really saying these words?

“…There are so many memories I have where I hurt you and should have reached out to you back then. I should have apologised. I should have made sure that you were alright. Those memories play over and over in my head. Including that day, the day we fell out. You know, I’ve watched you grow up over the years without me and over those years, I watched you cast aside all your interests and your happiness for magic in pursuit of my approval. Worse, I made you feel as if I don’t love you or know that you still exist. But, that’s not true.”

Elias felt a sudden surge of emotion well within him as he listened closely to his father’s words. Walter too, felt a surge of emotion but he took a deep breath to control his emotions.

“…I never hated you Elias,” Walter confessed, “Honestly, it’s been too hard for me to say these words to you.”

Elias didn’t understand why, “…W-why?” he choked up with emotion.

“…Because…” Walter began to confess, “I didn’t have the right to do so because I hurt you so much. But, I realised the longer that I didn’t say something the more suffering it caused to you and the longer you would think that I don’t love you. However, I can still apologise to you and say that I love you without asking for your forgiveness.”

Walter paused again, “So,” Walter took another deep breath, “Elias, my dearest son, I regret everything I have ever done or said to you which hurt you so deeply. If I had the capability of time magic, I wish I could take it all back and never cause you so much pain. You are an important member of the Haus of Goldstein and I want nothing more than for you, and your brothers, to be yourselves and to be happy. Elias, I love you and I never once stopped loving you. I regret that I never expressed my love for you and your brothers more often.”

Elias didn’t know what to say as an uncontrollable tear strayed from his eye.

“Huh, Elias?” Asana worried about him after seeing his lone tear fall.

Mary and Klaus were worried that he wasn’t going to accept his father’s apology.

Walter panicked that he had hurt his son again, “Elias, I—.”

“D-Do you really… mean it?” Elias cut him off, “…I’m not all that strong yet or anything…so I…I’m not worthy of anything like your love or… my name.”

Walter felt a strong sense of guilt in the pit of his stomach when Elias still found himself unworthy of his father’s praise. Was this the extent of the damage he had done to his son that he would still think of himself unworthy.

“Elias,” Walter shook his head, “I mean every word I just said. Please, you don’t need to prove anything to me. I just want you to be yourself.”

“…Myself?”

“Yes,” Walter smiled gently at him, “I just want you to be happy.”

Elias had waited so long to hear those words from his father. He quickly wiped away the tears that threatened to spill out of his eyes and regathered his poise.

Walter remembered Mary and his colleagues at the Ministry saying something about his efforts at the academy and brought it up with Elias now.

“Besides, I heard that you foiled a robbery at the Tower of Sorrow. Is that true?” Walter asked, “I heard you had a magic duel and you beat the person who you were fighting. That’s not all. You’re the top in your class and even have a similar aptitude for magical tools like myself.”

“…How did you know?” Elias wondered.

“Let’s just say that word travels quite well,” Walter gently smiled at him.

Elias processed the words his father was saying and a calmness overcame his mind, heart and soul. He had waited for so long to hear these words and finally, after so many years, he was hearing them. Asana had helped Elias heal over the past year and a half and had decided if his father ever apologised that he wanted nothing more than to move forward. Was this that moment?

“I’m very proud of you Elias,” Walter confessed, “After hearing about all your exploits, I can tell you that you will grow into your own person and wizard.”

Elias turned red and sheepishly scratched at his cheek.

Mary and Klaus couldn’t help but smile that Walter had finally reached out to Elias.

Asana too felt very happy for him too, “Hear that Elias,” she said to him, “I told you I had a good feeling.”

Elias agreed, “Yes, I know.”

Elias had waited so long to hear those words come from his father’s mouth that he felt a huge weight lifting off of his shoulders. He didn’t say it, but he was relieved to finally here those words after all these years.

Walter gazed over to Asana, “I must apologise to you Miss Way.”

“For what?” she asked confused.

“I was unsure if you knew about the state of our relationship,” Walter said, “I do apologise that I have had to make the mood awkward in your presence.”

“Not at all,” Asana didn’t mind, “I was aware that there was some tension. You needn’t apologise to me.”

Elias’ eyes looked like they were sparkling with glee after he completely processed Walter’s apology. His lips curled into a small smile and he was preparing to response.

Mary and Klaus waited to hear what Elias had to say.

“…I’ve been waiting forever to hear you say sorry,” Elias said.

“I know,” Walter confirmed, “I should have said it many years ago.”

“To be honest,” Elias began to make a confession, “I had given up chasing you and my brothers some time ago.”

While Klaus had already known this by observing the changes within Elias while they attended the academy and taught many of his classes, Walter and Mary were surprised to hear the confession.

“What do you mean?” Walter asked.

Elias gazed over at Asana and took her hand into his own, “You can thank her,” Elias admitted, “Asana helped me to realise that the only way I was going to grow stronger as a person and as a wizard was to stop obsessing over trying to emulate you and my brothers.”

“It is true that there was a time where I was chasing after you and my older brothers to become a strong person and wizard in way that was befitting my name, but she helped me to change my perspective. I can only be proud of the person and wizard that I choose to become.”

It had been such a long time since Walter had heard him speak but the maturity contained within his tone and words made him especially pleased.

“I am pursuing magical tools as my area of interest,” Elias admitted, “While I am inspired by you, it’s not for you or the family. I simply enjoy making them and I want to make magical tools that everyone, even those without magic, can use to improve their quality of life. That’s my goal.”

Walter was happy to hear it, “That pleases me greatly.”

Another pause ensued between them but Elias thought about his own interests. He didn’t want him and his father to continue being strangers to each other. With confidence, Elias decided to share with his father how he truly felt.

“…I don’t want us to continue being silent to each other,” Elias suddenly admitted.

“I don’t want that either Elias,” Walter agreed.

While the pain was still there, Elias wanted nothing more than to rebuild his relationship with his father and hoped this was a step in the right direction.

“…I want to forgive you,” Elias said.

Walter didn’t expect Elias to express his desire to forgive his father. But, despite all Walter had done to him Elias never hated him either. He had been hurt deeply but his love and respect for his father outweighed all his other emotions.

“What?” Walter asked, surprised, “…I said you didn’t have to.”

Elias genuinely wanted to, “…But I want to,” Elias declared, “Despite everything you did, I still love and respect you. Otherwise, why else would I have chased after your approval for so long. I’ve wanted nothing more than to be your son again and I don’t want us to continue on like we have been. It’s done no good for anyone and I just want us to be a family again. So, I want to forgive you. Will you let me do that?”

Walter didn’t expect this straight away and was quite dumbfounded by his sudden forgiveness. Both Mary and himself expected that Elias would eventually come to forgive him but over a period of time. Instantly receiving his forgiveness was unexpected for the patriarch. While he was confused, he also felt relieved. Already, Walter could feel the layers of his regret crumbling away. Walter made the right decision to apologise to his son. At last, they could begin rebuilding their relationship.

Walter smiled at him, “…If that’s what you want to do, I will not stop you,” Walter accepted his forgiveness.

Walter approached his son and, uncharacteristically, embraced his son in a quick hug. Klaus and Asana were not as surprised by Elias’ sudden forgiveness. Mary was surprised and her eyes were wet with tears of joy.

Some minutes passed by before Walter released his son from his embrace.

Mary didn’t forget the purpose of her coming into the parlour room, “Shall we dine for dinner?” Mary asked, the brightest smile on her face.

“Yes,” Walter agreed with a good spirit, “Your roast has had me hungry all afternoon. And, this is the perfect opportunity for us to get to know Miss Way more.”

For the first time in many years, the Goldstein family sat down for a meal together. The awkward tension that had been in the atmosphere disappeared and was replaced with a sense of peace. There was only one member still missing from the family but Mary and Walter remained hopeful that Alfonse would return home soon.

#wizardess heart #shall we date wizardess #fanfic #goldstein #elias #walter #klaus #angst #happyending #regret #family #familyissues #apologetics

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