Chapter Sixteen

Dear Haralith Dlartanseer-Shadowmage,

I express that I felt much astonishment when receiving your letter. I admit to being utterly unused to receiving letters of this nature. Indeed I cannot remember ever receiving such correspondence.

Whatever you may think I am far from the most attractive individual. Any physical beauty you see in me is nought but a side-effect of the magical bond between us and therefore not real. And whilst I may be intelligent my personality leaves much to be desired.

You, however, are beautiful and incredible. You who at the age of fifteen have managed to do more for the plight of Beings than any other in our history. You who if they do not elect you to the position of the Head of the Council of Magic will be making a huge mistake. You who are loyal, hardworking, determined, brave, intelligent and merciful.

You deserve so much better than a bitter, angry old man. You deserve someone you can be your equal. And you are so young. One day you will find happiness much greater than you would ever find with me. And that is why I must decline.

Yours Sincerely

Severus Snape

Harry sat at his desk reading the reply from his Mate clutching the parchment in white palms so tightly that Harry was surprised that it had not ripped yet. For the young elven prince was seething. This was not how the first letter from his mate should be.

Oh, Harry was not angry at Severus Snape but whomever had left Harry's mate with such a low opinion of himself. Because if Severus truly believed he was ugly in both looks and personality then it was because some human had taught him that horrible lie. The lie that made Severus believe that his Mate was better off without him which showed the new vampire's ignorance of Beings and Mateships. No one especially not Elves would ever be better without their Mate.

Well Harry would not allow his Mate to ruin both of their chances of happiness. Not if Haralith Dlartanseer-Shadowmage had anything to say about it! Not because humans had left Severus with a terrible self-image. No, this wasn't over not by a long-shot.

Dear Severus,

I understand your doubts, hesitation and fears but I am afraid I cannot agree with them. After I was rescued from the humans by my Uncles I felt like I didn't deserve to be happy. That I was just a good for nothing freak. But thanks to the support of my Uncles I learned that it was okay to be happy. I hope one day you will come to realise the same that you deserve to be happy and loved.

You will not convince me that you are not gorgeous because you are. That you are not brave, intelligent, loyal and caring because you cannot convince me of a lie. I just hope that one day you will see in yourself what I see.

And as for deserving better than you don't you think that its up to me to decide who I want in my life. And I want you no matter what you might say. If you really want to convince me how terrible you are for me why don't we meet in person.

Yours Fondly,

Haralith Dlartanseer-Shadowmage

Severus had finished reading Harry's response with a snort. Oh, that little minx. Using his emotions to get what he wanted. Severus knew that the meeting again was exactly what Harry wanted. Knew because it was what Severus wanted too but he wasn't sure if he could meet with Harry – his Mate – and not remain strong enough to do what was best for Harry.

But he so wanted to see Harry again. Not for Lily. Just for Harry. That's what brought Severus to Magic Alley the next evening. After reading Harry's letters half a dozen times Severus had caved and agreed to meet with Harry whilst he was getting a new Foci.

Severus had held out for less than half a day before agreeing to meet with the young Elven King. Severus told himself that it didn't mean that it had to lead to anything. Yet, Severus wondered how much is self-control would last in the face of the charisma and beauty of Haralith Dlartanseer-Shadowmage.

Thiadred, Conan and Ruaidri were trying to hide how pleased they were about. Of course, they would be Severus thought cynically. It would be much in the Mac an Sagairt Clan's interest if they were to have closer ties with the Elven King.

'Severus,'

Severus glanced over his shoulder following the sound of the melodious voice of the young Elven king – his mate. Soon as Severus turned around Severus was greeted to the sight of Haralith Dlartanseer-Shadowmage. And Severus knew he was lost. There was no way that he could ever resist the call of his young mate even if for Harry's good he should be staying as far away from the elf as possible.

Haralith Dlartanseer was wearing turquoise robes with black suns patterning the cuffs which were clearly of the highest quality as was to be expected from a King. Underneath he was wearing matching white tunic, boots and breaches. His hair was loose and flowing; falling half way down his back in an effortless wave. He was as usual quite simply gorgeous.

Severus couldn't help but compare himself to the elf as he self consciously swept his own robes to clear them of any Floo dust. Severus himself was wearing his usual black robes over black shirt, trousers and boots. Severus knew he didn't look anywhere as nice as the young Elven King. But, Severus reminded himself that was the point to show Harry how ill suited they were to each other – the gods be damned.

'Thanks for agreeing to meet up,' Harry smiled softly.

Severus snorted, 'you didn't leave me a lot of choice.'

Harry frowned slightly, 'of course you had a choice. You'll always have a choice. All I want is for you to be making the decision for your sake not to try and needlessly protect me from a threat that does not exist.'

Severus scowled at the elf, 'but what about your happiness.'

'As I am sure your sire must have told you I will never find the happiness I would with my true mate,' Harry said. 'We complete each other both magically and personally. I need your as much as you need me. You'll see together we will make each other stronger.'

Severus frowned again, 'well lets go in.'

Harry nodded gracefully letting the subject drop, 'of course.'

The Elven King confidently walked up to the front of shop where a black sign with silver lettering declaring Undodhen – Purveyor of Wands, Staffs + Foci. Entering the store it seemed a lot cleaner than Ollivanders without the piles of wand boxes lining every available store. Instead it reminded Severus of his own potions workshop with carefully organised potions ingredients and a worktop. Yet, Severus could still feel the power buzzing in the room.

'Where are all the wands?' asked Severus frowning.

'Oh, you'll want a custom made focus,' Harry said frowning but then his face cleared. 'Oh, don't worry about the pricing my Uncle runs the shop.'

Severus blinked, 'you know in the Wizarding World all wands come ready made you just find one that matches you.'

Harry looked stumped, 'but everyone's magic is individual. If you want a Focus that truly works with your magic you want one that is fitted to your magic. Sure, Uncle Hadian buys in second-hands which he sells at reduced price for the less well off who cannot afford a handmade wand.

'As well as children whose magic is not fully mature yet. Children often have to have their Foci modified or changed every couple of years anyway as their magic changes. I know I had to get a new one once a year when I was growing up,' Harry said amused.

'Is that normal for children?' asked Severus.

'Depends on species, power, rate of growth,' Haralith murmured.

'You know Wizards pick out pre-made wands at the age of eleven and unless it breaks you keep it for the rest of your life,' Severus said.

'Well that seems foolish,' Harry murmured. 'Does that does not account for your magic changing and growing as you mature.'

'Hello, ah you must be Severus. Harry's-,'

Severus was greeted by a tall, male Elf who must be Harry's Uncle Hadian although he looked little like either Potters. To Severus he just looked old and worn with wrinkles under his blue eyes, silver hair which surprised Severus as Elves weren't supposed to be able to age as humans were. Yet, on closer inspection his skin was still smooth, there was a spark of power in those blue eyes and roots seemed to be black so a fashion statement then.

'Uncle Hadian, Severus requires a new Foci,' Harry said interrupting his uncle before the man could say anything else.

'Yes, you told me twice before I left for work,' Hadian said sounding amused.

To Severus' delight the young Elven king became rather pink around the cheeks. Severus wasn't sure whether to be touched Harry had been so anxious about their meeting, amused that the young Elf wasn't always so put together or aroused at the sight of the blush. Severus quickly banished that thought away he couldn't let this magic force the boy down a path that Harry would come to regret in the near future.

'Vampire, so you'll be needing a metal based wand,' Hadian said. 'What was your wand before turning?'

'Acacia and dragon's heartstring,' Severus said quickly.

'A tricky wood,' murmured Hadian. 'Only powerful and gifted witches and wizards are able to successfully master Acacia. Then when pared with a dragon's heart string a powerful Grey core known for being versatile with almost all magics but especially talented with Battle Magics. What was your magical affinity before turning?'

'Dark,' Severus replied simply.

Hadian nodded, 'so your magic wouldn't have mutated too much in your Turning.'

Severus frowned, 'my Sire told me my magic wouldn't have changed.'

Hadian sighed, 'I doubt your Sire would have liked to alarm you. Mutated is the wrong word; altered ... like your personality changes over time but you are still the same person. Your magic is the same but different at the same time. Its difficult to explain and is unique to each individual. How have you found using magic since then?'

'My wand has not worked effectively since I was turned,' Severus replied.

Hadian nodded, 'no, it wouldn't. Have you attempted using wandless magic?'

Severus shook his head, 'no I have had no need to do so.'

'Are you able to use wandless magic?' asked Hadian.

'I am,' Severus said.

Severus didn't say he had never been very skilled with wandless magic whilst there were few spells he needed to voice. He could perform some basic levitation and lighting charms for maybe a minute at the time. Hence, Severus had found it useless for any battle situation so didn't bother using it.

Hadian nodded and removed what seemed to be a wand-shaped rememberall from his drawer as it a was long clear cylinder made of glass with grey smoke circling inside it. Hadian handed the object to Severus who looked blankly between the two elves. Hadian was obviously expecting him to do something with it.

Harry, however, murmured under his breath, 'channel your magic through it.'

Severus did as he was told and watched as the grey smoke turned dark red about three-quarters of the way up the rod. As the smoke turned dark red Severus noticed that there were numbered markings on the rod. The red smoke reached up to the eleven marking but now he could notice there were a few more markings above that.

'It's a Magicometer,' Harry explained quietly. 'Not very original named but it does what it says on the scroll. It measures a person's magic between 0 – 15.'

Hadian nodded, 'for weaker magic users they need a small conductive foci which will help focus the power of their limited magic. On the other hand, more powerful magic users need a large, strong foci which will not shatter with the force of their magic. The more powerful the magic user the larger the foci should be.'

That made sense to Severus although he had always considered that the size of the wand was related to the size of the wizard. After all, Hagrid was massive and his wand was massive. Did that mean it was only training that held the half-giant back. Was that why he was able to utilise a broken in half wand which should be impossible.

'What do the different bands mean?' asked Severus.

'Really wizards don't have a scale?' asked Hadian incredously. 'How do your wand makers cope?'

'They just have pre-made wands,' Harry said sounding horrified. 'And get you to match with the best fit.'

'That's ...' Hadian looked like words failed him. 'Well then, Severus, a zero naturally is a Muggle without a drop of magical blood. Ones and twos are both Squibs with twos being able to see through Muggle-repelling charms, see Dementors and other such things whilst ones are not so are basically Muggles except for a drop of magical blood from somewhere.

'The next are threes which are often mistaken for Squibs as they cannot perform any active magic. But they can brew potions, grow magical plants, inscribe runes and sometimes divine things through crystal balls, tarot cards and Arithmantic practices. They often end up in the Muggle word as psychics, mediums and fortune tellers as most schools especially in Europe don't accept anyone below a level four. Although, outside Europe in Asia and Africa you are more likely to find trained lower level witches and wizards.'

'Then fours and fives which are low level witches and wizards. You know the kind who are never that good at magic but can perform basic charms and hexes. Often end up as grunts for your Ministry of Magic,' Harry continued.

'I've taught more than a few,' Severus agreed.

'Then sixes and sevens which are medium level magicians able to perform well but will likely to tire quickly,' Harry continued. 'They tend to be a Jack of All Trades; decent at all types of magic but not Master material. Not usually capable of wandless or wordless magic but some make up for their lack of magical power with the force of their will and intelligence.'

'Then you have eights and nines which are highly powered witches and wizards or low powered Beings,' Harry said. 'For witches and wizards they tend to be those who have an innate understanding of magic who are often Masters and easily able to do wandless and wordless magic. On the other hand, Beings tend to be weaker than others and rely on their Foci more than most. Often turned werewolves, vampires, revitalised and half-humans.'

'Then you have tens and elevens who are medium powered Beings although it is not unknown for witches and wizards to creep into that category,' Hadian said. 'Usually, only one witch or wizard per generation is that powerful.'

Severus nodded thinking of Dumbledore and Voldemort whose magical power was crazy. Some of the magic that Severus had seen them do over the years boggled the mind. It made sense for them to have Being level magic.

'Whereas, most Beings fall into this category,' Hadian said. 'Like yourself; you were probably a nine pre-turning.'

Severus frowned, 'I thought that your magic didn't change when you were turned.'

Hadian sighed, 'it doesn't but your cells do. You see a human can only sustain so much magic inside their body before the magic begins to kill them so each cell has a limit onto how much magic it can retain. Once you reach your bodies limit you will start releasing natural magic. It is why Obscurials don't last to puberty; they can't process the magical levels in their body as they cannot release their magic. However, when you stop becoming human you can tolerate more magic. Thus, your magical core is allowed to grow slightly so you usually jump up one two bands on the magic scale.'

Severus nodded, 'I understand.'

'Then you have twelves and thirteens who are high powered Beings. I don't think I've ever heard of a witch or wizard who is not half-Being or more getting into this category. Well not without using very Dark power enhancing rituals at least. These are the elementals who only use a Foci for delicate magics,' Harry finished.

'What about fourteens and fifteens?' asked Severus noticing Harry hadn't commented on them.

Hadian nodded, 'well like you have the rare wizard who naturally registers as a ten or eleven despite it being out the normal range for wizard so to do you have rare Beings who sit at fourteen or fifteen. They are the powerhouses of our world. But they only appear once every hundred years.'

Severus nodded, 'what's your magical level?'

Hadian frowned at him, 'that's a very rude thing to ask someone.'

Severus realised straight away that he had just committed a cultural faux-pas. Severus was curious both on how he compared to the young Elven King and more importantly he wanted to know everything about Haralith. Severus now wondered how his magic levels compared before and after being turned.

Harry smiled, 'but I don't mind answering, Severus, especially as Severus has revealed his own magical levels to me. I'm a thirteen.'

Severus nodded so he was more powerful than Severus was but still in the normal range for Beings. But he was still young so it was possible his powers would increase. Yet, he had already gone through his inheritance so maybe not.

'Okay, next we'll use the Appletree device to narrow down what kind of metals, crystals and cores will be compatible with your magic depending on which element they are connected with,' Hadian said. 'As a vampire; a creature of the Night and the Ground it is likely you will be connected with Earth and Shadows at the very least. On the other hand vampire blood and water tend not to mix well.'

Hadian had brought out what seemed to be a large crystal dish with a raised platform in the centre which had a large sharp metal blade protruding. Severus suspected what it was for. There were eight separate wells around the outside of different colours.

'Each of the wells represents a different element,' Hadian explained. 'The yellow one at the top being air. The white one next along is a lightening or electricity. The red one is fire, naturally. Then the grey one is volcanic. The green one at the bottom is earth. Next along is the black one which is shadows. Beside that is the blue one for water. Finally, the purple one for thunder.

'All you have to do is prick your finger on the knife,' Hadian explained. 'Any, that repel your blood cannot be used. The ones that collates your blood should be used. And any that your blood runs over to can be used but are not preferable.'

Severus nodded and pricked his finger on the knife and watched as the blood ran down towards the well. It passed straight over the yellow, white, and green were passed over. Then the blue one repealed his blood. Then, it collated in the third well the red one for fire, the grey one for volcanic, the black one for shadows and the purple one for storms.

'Alright, then we start with the cores,' Hadian informed him.

Hadian began to pull out a mix of wand cores which he laid out on a tray. There were hair, heartstrings, tails and fangs from many creatures. Severus wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. How was he supposed to tell?

'Reach out and touch them. You'll be able to tell which one is yours,' Hadian said.

'Close your eyes,' Harry suggested. 'It will help.'

Severus nodded and did as he was instructed and closed his eyes. He began to hover his hands over them. Until he felt the familiar sensation his wand had once brought him but now no longer properly fit him. Severus opened his eyes to see him holding a dragon heartstring; it was a large one possibly Ukrainian Ironbelly, Norwegian Ridgeback, Hungarian Horntail or Hebridean Black.

'Ah the heart string of a mature female Hebridean Black,' Hadian said. 'A powerful core with a talent for Battle Magic especially as females always tend to be more ferocious and powerful than their male counterparts. Now try again so that we can see if you have a secondary core.'

Severus closed his eyes and tried again, 'no.'

'That's fine,' Hadian said. 'Only, 1 in 5 do have a double core.'

'Although, those percentages change for mixed races like me,' Harry added.

'But I thought you were a full Elf,' frowned.

'I am, but I am a half Dark Elf and half Light elf who by magic and genetics are distinctly different as much as the Polar and Grizzlies Bears are different even if we are somewhat alike,' Harry explained softly.

'Almost all mixed races have double cores,' agreed Hadian. 'Now lets see what metals will make up your Foci,' Hadian said bringing out five hollow metals tubes. 'I'm going to insert the dragon's heartstring in to the tube and you will try to produce magic with it. This will not be the final product but it will allow us to see which metals conduct the magic of you and your core.'

Severus nodded, 'alright.'

'Lumos,'

Severus spoke the familiar words that he had learned when he was just eleven-years-old as he gave the metallic wand a casual wave. A small ball of light appeared at the end of the steel wand just as it always did. Yet, despite the fact that it worked it didn't feel like normal; it felt cold and impersonal without the spark he was used to.

'There's no spark,' Severus complained.

Hadian nodded, 'steel is like that. It works for all but will connect to few but those who it does connect with it will work with you. Try the gold wand.'

Severus grimaced slightly at the ostentatious golden wand but tried the lumos charm again. This time absolutely nothing happened and Severus knew that it was not because of him. It was this wand which was the problem.

'Ah, yes gold is notoriously difficult to match,' Hadian admitted. 'Try the copper it is highly effective and diverse.'

Severus tried the lumos charm again but once again found whilst it didn't resist him nor did it help him. Hadian, like Ollivander, seemed to be more and more thrilled at the challenge Severus presented. Yet, Severus was aware that there were only two metals left to match with him.

'But apparently not for you,' Hadian said. 'Alright, lets try the bronze which is half way in between gold and copper in temperament.'

Severus tried the lumos charm once more feeling more and more frustrated. Yet, this time the familiar feeling of warmth and power flooded through him as he wielded the unfamiliar focus. More powerful than his old wand which next to the bronze implement he now wielded was useless.

'Bronze produces strong, enduring magic who's users are usually multi-disciplined magic users,' Hadian informed him. 'Bronze is stubborn so will only perform for those it chooses. Now, for the shape; I need to see how you wield your magic with and without a Focus. Try a wandless spell.'

Severus nodded, 'Lumos.'

Severus held the small ball of light in his hand for two minutes before his concentration wavered and it disappeared.

Hadian nodded, 'you expel your magic through the palm of your hand so your Focus should be a wand to maximise the surface area of contact. I'll have to melt down the bronze and place your core in it whilst its still molten. It will be ready in two hours if you want to come back then.'

'Come on,' Harry said. 'There's a coffee shop in Nova not far from here. It serves the best coffee outside of Avalon.'