Magic

                                       Magic                    Written by Scott Wilcox

    Draven Shantis never felt though he was as great in person like the stories would have him.  True, he could do an enchantment with speed and ease.  However, a definition of great is extreme or more than usual, and he didn't feel that, his efforts could be considered either.  His thoughts were that a great wizard would be able to locate his missing parents and this he couldn't do.  As it’s said, you are your own worst critic.  In a dream, you find yourself on a king’s throne looking down, but when you wake it is a peasant’s place with a scowling frown.

    In sixteen years, you would assume that with all the information he'd learned, his task would be straightforward, and perhaps, that might be one reason he'd pursued his schoolwork with such a passion; trying to be the very finest wizard he could be.  Through all his studies he had never found a reason to halt his learning, and was always trying to gain that step which may help boost him over any impediments he might face.  Nothing that he'd learned was of much use though, in this one area of his life, and this he couldn’t accept; he knew that somewhere in these books there's a note of magic which could help him in his search for his parents.       

    He still remembered that day sixteen years ago, like it was yesterday.  The hands of time turn back while the pages follow right behind.  He wasn't even sixteen years old yet and all the pressure of being a youth still held sway over even the smallest choices in life.  The day was Tuesday, May 15th and it had been rather overcast, and he remembered that the wind rustled the leaves in the trees with a noise that sounded like a sighing breath.  His parents were attending a Wizard’s convention as guest speakers at The Ministry of Magic, and they expected to be home before dark.  He returned home from school, bouncing off the walls, very excited at what he learned that day, and eager to share it.  He felt like a little boy at Christmas, showing all his toys and presents.  His father, Kristoff would be especially proud since he was always trying to coach him in the arts.

    Upon realizing they weren’t home yet, his frustration was evident, he stormed through the house, disappointed, but not really giving much thought to his parent’s absence.  Going to his room he buried his head in his books, losing track of the hours and forgetting for a time his parents’ absence, until a sudden breeze brought to him the scents of apple martinis, lavender and orchids.  He recognized right away his mother’s perfume, and with a start he realized it was dark out.  Thinking they returned, he smiled broadly in expectation of seeing his mother only to find no one there.  With a puzzled look he called out to his mother, and when Emi hadn’t answered, being overcome by an odd feeling which he couldn’t explain.

    Knowing he smelled her perfume he paused, Perhaps she just stepped into the other room.  Puzzled though, why she hadn't spoken to him, he jumped to his feet and ran into the hallway, finding it as empty as his room.  With growing concern, he quickly walked through the entire house and not able to find his parents anywhere.  His cheerful face changed drastically at this moment, and he was unaware of his real feelings.

    This was his first moment of concern.  Trying to remain calm though, he returned to his room, and tried to read, but soon found he just couldn’t keep his mind completely focused on the pages.  He understood that they were the finest wizards in all the land and they could take care of themselves.

    He'd no reason to believe that anything was wrong, they were certainly still busy at the conference, but he felt driven to check on them.  Pacing the living room as the aroma of chamomile invaded his senses from the air freshener, his mind worked overtime.  Sweat trickled down his neck, as he shuddered to think what his feeling of dread for his parents could mean, and he took a moment to remember how much they mean to him and all the precious moments they experienced. 

    Finally reaching a decision, he turned and walked over to the flue and performed the ritual and stuck his head in the fire, calling a friend of his fathers'.  When Robert answered, Draven explained the situation and he really began to worry when he found that the conference ended over an hour ago.  Trying not to show his concern, they made small talk, with Draven becoming distant as they finally said their goodbyes.

    Deciding what he planned on doing next was his next action.  He felt that going through the flue to the Ministry of Magic would be the right thing to do, since the conference was there.  Acting before he could stop himself, he was at The Ministry before he could rationalize a reason not to go.  He stepped up to a desk with a young woman behind it, who said, “Welcome to the Ministry of Magic, how may I help you?”
   
    Draven explained, “My name is Draven Shantis. My parents were guest speakers at a conference here earlier today, Khristoff and Emi Shantis? And I haven’t seen them since they left home this morning.  I was wondering if there was anyone I could talk to?”

    The young woman, whose name was Shirley, responded, “Well I think maybe you should talk to Mr. Cattermole. I believe he was in charge of the conference.  Let’s go to his office and I’ll pop my head in and see if he is available.”  Together they walked to Cattermole’s office and Shirley explained to him the reason for Draven’s visit.  Cattermole stepped out and looked down at Draven and explained the convention concluded over two hours ago. 

    Draven couldn’t really believe what he heard. “Is there anyway they may have went anywhere else after, or have talked with anyone?”

    Cattermole casually replied, “I am sorry Draven, I wish I knew more but there is nothing that seemed out of the ordinary to me.”

    In shock Draven made his way out the door, still deep in thought as to where his parents may have gone.  Draven got a very unusual feeling through his entire body and suddenly felt wary.  A feeling of distrust settled over him, and he felt as though he should not trust Mr. Cattermole or anyone else for that matter.  Trying to see the best in people, he misunderstood his feelings.

    Returning home, he felt at a loss of where to turn next.  Unsure of what to do, he ate a cold supper and gone to bed, hoping that in the morning his parents would have returned, with an explanation, and they would have laughed together over breakfast at his apprehension, and in his relief he would have forgotten to be angry at them for worrying him. 

    But that did not happen, and now, sixteen years later, he was still waiting for that breakfast.  Over time, other people took up the worry of his parents’ whereabouts, and the living of every day life slowly took precedence.  His Aunt Penelope came, and the days following that first day became a blur of authorities and questions, but despite their evident best intentions, nothing came of them; his parents whereabouts still went unknown and, eventually, his aunt closed up his parent’s house, placing a charm on it against intruders, and he gone back with her, to live in her home.  He never forgot though, and even now his quest for information continued, and he was determined, still, to bring his parents back into his life or to find out what happened to them. 

    Upon reflecting, perhaps he was callous about their times together.  However he always assumed they would be there, never once considering that one day they maybe gone.  If he seen the future, perhaps they could have spent more time together, if only he had.  Now his home felt so very different, a void which enveloped his very soul.

    At a time he should have been enjoying his success in the arts, maybe settling down with his own family.  However since he felt as though he failed his family, he couldn’t possibly consider it.

    Even though following his parents disappearance, his Aunt Penelope and uncle Gregor did take him in and raised him as their own.  Although they were supportive in every aspect of his life, still when it came to talking about her sister, Penelope would be rather guarded.

    It had been two days since his parent’s disappearance, when he was doing some investigating at the infamous Ministry of Magic, where they were last known to be.  Asking questions hadn’t gone as well as he hoped, but he wasn’t about to be detoured.  Snooping around while trying not to be too intrusive, may not have been his best suit.

    While stepping through a door, the air was thick and the lights glowed with an eerie orange glare, as he was confronted by a dark wizard who immediately unleashed his fury upon Draven.  Taken by surprise but still quick enough to defend, his skills were thrust into the circle.  The spells and defenses were flying left and right, and seeing who might have the upper hand was difficult to discern.  Being still a child, you would assume Draven was the underdog, but his technique seemed to betray his years. 

    Following a good ten minutes of fierce battling, a spell seemed to slip through, sending Draven crashing down a couple feet away.  Lying crumpled on the floor, as the dark wizard closed the gap about to finish his handiwork, as he stood over his prey smiling that victorious grin.  Draven lying their motionless wanting to move, but since he was struck by an immobilizing spell he just couldn’t get his appendages to respond. 

    Just as the wizard was going to clean up his mess, Draven quickly zapped him to another dimension.  Allowing that spell to appear to get through, was a very risky trick especially, with his inexperience, but this time it succeeded.   

    Draven was very proud of himself, defeating a dark wizard who obviously was much more experienced.  Even though nobody else witnessed what happened, it still seems as though news travels fast in the magical community.  His parents, especially his mother would have been discouraged over his ruse, particularly against a dark wizard.  How much he wished they were here to punish him for his perilous prank.
Brushing him self off as he stood up and continued with his investigation all along being very watchful for any other surprises. 

    I’m not really sure what I’m looking for, but I hope I know it when I see it.  Actually if I just try to imagine what my father would do or look for, I think I would be in rather good shape.  Suddenly he was overwhelmed by a swarm of emotions, which swirled his world like a tornado.  Sending him into a deep state of confusion, as he battled to remain supreme and refuse to allow this thing take control.  Pausing momentarily just to get his mind back in motion, and then he proceeded with his searching.

    Remembering a spell that he wanted to try he held his wand and remembered the incantation.  Poste lasting spooten Kristoff Shantis in halet boda.  Watching carefully Draven was anticipating whether his incantation was successful, nervous and unsure of his abilities.  It should have showed the last place his father was at in the building, and then as his dream all but died, he saw a glow around a back door which brought him a glimmer of hope.

    Moving to this door he examined the scene, and noticed it appeared disheveled, which he wasn’t sure if it meant anything. but he took a mental note as he took a picture with his wand. 

    Wondering if he should do this spell for his mother, but she most likely would be in the same location.  Just for good measure he decided to be thorough.  Poste lasting spooten Emi Shantis in halet boda.

    Waiting for the door to glow again he was getting discouraged and he turned for a second and was surprised to see a glow at the front entrance of the hall off to the side.  Making his way to the entrance, he thought it kind of odd that the last place either of them had been in this building was so far apart.  Trying to rationalize he attempted to find reasons why this scenario may exist.

    Just as he was noticing that the door well was in much better condition then the other, he got a sudden aroma of apple martinis, lavender and orchids, as he did a couple days ago.  However even though his mother’s perfume was most relevant, there was some other smell in which he couldn’t quite identify. 

    Ten years later he was already accepted as one of the most powerful wizards, around and yet to him there always seemed to be something missing.  Searching for all new powerful spells to help him learn his parent’s misfortune and also using old fashion detective work in hopes of catching a lead.  Finding another powerful book which he was searching through the spells and making notes of certain ones.

    The door come crashing in as shards of wood and debris covered a vast array of the room.  Casting a shield spell to avoid being struck as he stood waiting to see what he would have to endure.  Stepping through the wreckage and mayhem he just created, was a wizard that didn’t appear to be pleased.  Without saying a word, he started firing his best spells in Draven’s direction.

    The lights and sounds would have made a splendid light show, but nothing about this was entertaining to these mighty wizards.  Each wizard thrust a spell and countered just as quickly, going back and forth.  The fiery explosions were nipping at their toes, as they stood tall, and didn’t waver at all.  Walking in you might have thought you were in world war III, since it was difficult to see anything besides the pyrotechnics. 

    Draven enjoyed the workout but eventually got bored, so his next spell was sent which the wizard blocked, but he didn’t catch the piggyback spell which struck him immediately.  He sunk into the floor and was completely immobilized, only his head sticking out of the floor as Draven casually walked over to his foe. 

    Draven’s moves were deliberate trying to give the wizard time to fret, and then he asked, “Who are you and why did you attack me?”  As the wizard just stared off into space and Draven circling around as a shark before he feeds asked, “Who do you work for, and does this have anything to do with my parent’s disappearance?” Remaining mute really bugged Draven, he couldn’t stand it anymore so he banished him to downtown wearing a chicken outfit.   

    It’s been sixteen long years since that fateful night, where he lost both his parents, and yet he spends a good part of his waking moments trying to peace together any clues.  Not a day goes by were he isn’t trying to defend himself against some dark evil forces, and yet he wouldn’t have it any other way.  The only thing he would change would be that his parents would be here.

    In the present day he reopened his parent’s home and he was now living there, hoping again that they may someday return to their homestead.  His social life wasn’t exactly what it may have been, he is very popular among his friends but being involved in a long term relationship, he didn’t have the time to invest. 

    Actually he didn’t spend as much time at home as he would have liked, but he understands now that he would go to the ends of the earth for his parents return.  Picking another seedy out of the way library, which he understood had some limited research material which he wanted to read.  Entering the very small dusty room, which was very gloomy and uninhabited, he immediately began to look over the rows and rows of books.  After a few minutes he found several books he wanted to review.  Taking the books over to a table, Draven concerned over the how sturdy the chair would be, as he slowly sat down.

    Surprised that the seat was more durable then he first thought it maybe.  Nonetheless he was finding some fascinating information as the door to the library opened suddenly.  Looking up Draven saw another wizard who reached for his wand and launched a spell in his direction. 

    Luckily Draven already grabbed his wand as the door opened and was able to deflect this wizard’s spell.  As he launched his retaliation and watched as his opponent repelled his attempt.  They continued to battle, Draven noticed something different about this wizard.  He couldn’t put his finger on it, but somehow he knew this wouldn’t be a battle like any other. 

    Unsure of how he could be aware so soon, but he knew just the same that this wizard was far above any wizard he knew or battled.  One thing he was sure about was that this wizard’s speed of a spell is uncanny.  Draven was aware he would have to be at the very top of his game to at least muddle through.

    The flashes and sounds were alive as the scene continued to become more and more intense, as the seconds hurried by without a worry.  Needless to say Draven couldn’t question his abilities, especially at this most pressing time.  The time was expanding as the spells were flying left and right, while getting more colorful as the numbers were increasing. 

    Close calls seemed to be increasing as each flew by, but nobody has mind to maybe call it a draw.  As fireballs blasted protecting them from harm, Draven then noticed his foe had created another wizard behind him, and he was about to be struck by one of his spells and Draven thought fast and rebounded the spell sending that wizard off into oblivion.  Before he could turn back to his nemesis, he was struck by a spell which his block was only partial. 

    The other wizard saw what happened, he thought it wasn’t so difficult to kill the all powerful wizard Draven, and he didn’t wait to take a chance to use his weakened state to finish what he started. 

    Waving his wand and Draven waved his and as his spell flew at the dark wizard and his rival defended the spell and it spilt apart into three separate spells and all configured upon the unsuspecting wizard. 

    As this wizard lay there unable to even blink, Draven countered the spell he'd been partially hit by and stepped over to his fallen foe.  Unsteady after that tiring confrontation he hobbled over and stood over his enemy. 

    Defiantly hovering over his obviously frightened fiend, Draven asked, “Who are you?  Why are you wanting to fight me and if you work for someone, who is it?”

    Refusing to utter a word, the wizard tightened his lips in an apparent act of defiance to his captor’s request.  Not wanting to see this wizard again Draven cast him to another dimension and set several protection spells to be sure he couldn’t ever return.  While standing there recovering from his closest call, he heard a deep voice whisper Jasonce.   

    At this point he felt as though he gained enough information for the night, as he walked out the door, on his way home.  Settling down in his living room as the doorbell rang and he got up to find his best friend Frederick standing at his stoop.

    Frederick began, “Hey man I haven’t seen you in forever, have you been trying to hide from me and the rest of the world?”

    Draven explained, “Sorry about that man, you know how very busy I get with these books and all my research.”

    Looking down shaking his head, disgusted with his friends excuse said, “Ok I understand you want to hide behind your books, and I especially recognize how important it is for you to find your parents.  But what I am saying is that you have to make sometime for yourself, you need to get a life.”

    Draven trying to get his friend to understand his plight explained, “Frederick you are a great friend and I apologize for my absence, but I really have to do these things, I can’t let my parents disappearance go.”

    Trying to be compassionate Frederick said, “I appreciate that, but you can’t be expected to do this alone, let me help, I can come with you and give you a hand.”

    Quickly denying this, “No I couldn’t allow that, every time I go someplace I am attacked by a dark wizard and we always fight.  If you are there then he can use you as a bargaining chip.”

    Getting frustrated Frederick said, “Now I am just trying to be a friend when I say to you, will this book be company to you?”  Frederick stood there
picking up a nearby book, shaking it in a demanding fashion, hoping to make his friend understand.  Then grabbing another hardback and shaking it at him saying, “How about this one, will it ask you how you’re doing?”
Draven smiling unable to keep a straight face over his friends attempt at levity, as he shook his head in a negative reply.  Frederick continued, “How about his one can you explain what a rotten day you had and it comfort you and let you know this will get better?”

    Draven was smiling as Frederick continued with his show and all of a sudden, his smiling face turned into a face of concentration.  Frederick was about to grab another book when Draven said, “Wait a moment, hand me that last book you just held.” 

    Frederick a little shaken said, “Which one this one, why what’s wrong, did you see something that I missed.”

    As Frederick held the book in question Draven explained, “While you waved that book around I got the distinct aroma of my mother’s perfume, like I did the day of their disappearance.”  Draven grabbed the book from his friend’s outstretched arms, and looked at the cover noticing it was some kind of cook book.

    The cover was a turquoise color with a few flowery designs on the front cover, which was the only hint that it could be a cook book.  Pausing a moment, because he wasn’t sure exactly what to do and what he may find.  Opening the front cover, he was astounded to find a picture of his parents jumping about waving trying to get his attention.

    Mixed emotions invaded his very being, as he finally found his long lost parents after all these years.  Having to take a seat, since all his bottled up emotions came crashing down, overflowing his senses.  The weirdest thing he found was that it took an argument with his friend, to realize they were right there all these years.  Embarrassed and ashamed of himself, spending all these years barking up the wrong tree, when what he was searching for was in his own back yard.

    Trying his best to get back into the moment, and find the counter spell which would bring his parents out of this book.  Looking to Frederick almost as a query he didn’t even have to utter a word.  Frederick was way ahead of him as he replied, “I wish I knew what to do, but I don’t, sorry bud.  If Dumbledore was around we could ask him, he would know.”

    Draven contemplated how much he missed the sage guidance handed down from Albus.  Briefly pondering the years of assistance he had received not only from Albus but from other wizards.  These thoughts were cut short as Frederick cleared his throat trying to remind Draven that he was there. 

    Shaking his head vigorously as he said, “Again I am really sorry, maybe we should try to figure out someone else we could talk to about this.”

    His friend agreed, “I know what you mean, I would have suggested your father if he weren’t currently unavailable.  Perhaps we should consider asking the Weasleys, if they don’t know they might know who would.”

    It appeared as though Draven approved of his friend’s suggestion as his face brightened up and he said, “You are correct sir, the Weasleys would absolutely know who would know, and I don’t mind seeing them again.  I always enjoy visiting with the Weasleys; they are such a pleasant family.  Do you think you could come with me?”

    A look of exasperation crossed his face, almost questioning his need to even have to ask such a ludicrous inquiry.  Feeling insulted he couldn’t even bring him self to answer, he merely nodded his head in agreement.

    Draven replied, “I know that it was ridiculous question as soon as I heard it, but you must understand, I really needed you to be there, and just wanted to let you know how much I did need you there.” 

    Smiling Frederick led the way out the door, knowing how much their friendship would be strengthened because of this.  The two discussed many things on their way over to the Burrows to see the Weasleys.

    Arriving at the Weasley’s doorstep as they stepped up to the door, immediately the door flew opened and there stood Mrs. Weasley.  Molly asked, “Draven and Frederick it’s so great to see you, why don’t you get in here?”  The two friends walked into the home as Molly gave them each a great big hug.  They all reminisced about many things since they last seen each other, Mrs. Weasley describing everything that everyone is doing.

    In the lull in their conversation Draven said, “Molly the reason we came is to ask you, if you know the counter spell for someone who is banished to a book?”  Stopping for a moment looking rather confused, Draven brought forth the book and opened its pages.

    Molly gasping deeply said, “Oh you found your parents, I’m so pleased, I am sorry I don’t, but I believe Arthur does and he should be here any moment.  Do you have time to wait?”

    Draven smiled, “I have waited oh so patiently these sixteen long years, what are a few minutes more?”
Molly Weasley couldn’t believe how much the boys grew and asked them to sit for awhile as they waited for Arthur. 

    Draven feeling a little embarrassed said, “I’m sure I’ve run across this spell in all these years of studying but I probably didn’t give it much thought.  Now of course that I need it, I couldn’t remember it to save my life.”

    Molly pshawed him as she replied, “Oh don’t beat yourself up over it, there are so many spells that you couldn’t possibly be able to remember every one.  I have to look spells from time to time, and I don’t know how Dumbledore was able to remember as many as he did.”  They were discussing what they might do first, when he is able to see his parents once again when Arthur walked in the door. 

    Molly turned and said, “Look dear Draven and Frederick, Draven found his parents, do you remember that counter for being trapped in a book?”

    Arthur greeted everyone in the room as he thought for a moment, “Oh yes I was just going over my notes on it, the other day.  Let me go and get them and see what we got.”  Excusing himself as he went to get his notes, Draven was getting more and more excited as the moment he’d be able to see his parents once again was at hand.

    While sitting there both Draven and Frederick remembered what a wonderful home this always seemed to be.  It was not easy to describe, just simply that you felt so warm and comfortable when you were there.  Suddenly there appeared such a clatter in the front lawn that Draven immediately ran to see what was up. 

    Noticing what appeared to be Fred Weasley battling some dark wizard just off their property.  Quickly without much thought Draven went to help, since it seemed as though Fred wasn’t doing so well.  The other wizard right away turned toward Draven when he was ten feet away and began to unleash his fury upon him.  Meanwhile it was evident that the wizard he thought was Fred wasn’t, as he also turned his vent ions on him.  There he was battling two very accomplished wizards, and a protection spell was used so nobody else was able to come out to give a hand.

    Draven battled fiercely for a few minutes and the one spell he sent was deflected by the one wizard, and as he did it ricocheted off and struck the other wizard.  Now that wizard was incapacitated, so Draven could focus all his attention on the one.  Facing the one wizard he seemed to step back a step a little unsure of his abilities.  Draven was positive of his ability and didn’t have to think as they continued to battle.  They battled a few moments and then a spell the one wizard was throwing toward Draven was about two feet in front of the other wizard and was rebound and struck him down. 

    Draven slowly walked over to each downed wizard and sent them far away with a memory of their bitter loss today.  Meanwhile the Weasleys and Frederick came running out to see if he was ok.  The Weasleys explained how they attempted to rush out there and give him a hand, but some protection spell was stopping us from getting by.

    Frederick mentioned, “That was mighty impressive wand handling you did out there partner.” 

    Draven shying away said, “All in a day, seems like I get at least one battle a day for some reason.”
Continuing their discussion as they made there way back inside, and Arthur found his notes and was asking to see the book.  Draven noticed the house smelled like fresh baked goods, and hadn’t realized it before.  Pies of all sorts and sizes making your mouth water just from the smell, along with buttermilk rolls that just seemed to melt in your mouth.

    Arthur proceeded with his incantation and the others waited breathlessly, and were thrilled to be able to see the Shantis after all these years apart.  None of them could possibly understand how much this moment meant to Draven especially, but it was easy just the same to comprehend its importance.  When Arthur was finished speaking, they waited for the Shantis to appear and Draven started to wonder if it would work or was there a protection spell.  After a few minutes he began to say, “Do you think…”  But Arthur simply held his finger up as he watched the book intently. 

    Then there was a pop and a flash and there stood his mother and father after all these years, they hadn’t changed.  He couldn’t believe how he felt, and he wasn’t about to hide his emotions no matter who was standing by.  He ran to his parents and hugged them dearly as they explained how much they missed him.  Tears running down his face, wasn’t about to make him feel less than a man, and he didn’t care if they thought differently. 

    After all the bottled up emotions were expressed and everything began to calm down Draven asked, “What happened and who did this to you?

    Kristoff took a breath and started to explain, “Well, we came back home from the conference and were relaxing when some wizard came in and surprised us and sent us to the book.”

    Emi stepped out of the shadows, “We don’t have a clue of who it was, or why they did it, but we would really like to know.”

    Draven put his arm around his mother and said, “Well one thing I know is that all the time I was trying to find out how to find you, I continued to get attacked by some other wizards.  Therefore I expect that someone was not wanting me to find out what happened to you, but nobody was ever willing to talk.”

    Hugging her son Emi asked, “How did you get so good at defending yourself against all these wizards?”

    Being his all too familiar bashful self he said, “Well I am not sure, maybe I get lucky or just have a knack for a battle.”

    Frederick quickly spoke up, “What you do has nothing to do with luck, its all pure talent.”

    The Weasley’s both agreed with Frederick’s response as Arthur said, “Yes Kristoff you should have seen him a little bit ago, he was up against two wizards at once and he made short work of them both.  You would be extremely proud of him, his wand work is extraordinary.”

    Both parents beamed with pride as Kristoff said, “Well it doesn’t surprise me, he’s a chip off the old block.”

    After they talked about this for some time Emi said, “Well we still have to figure out who did this to us and why?" 

    Kristoff with a little more concern added to this reflection said, “For now we will add protection spells to our house until we find out more details.”  This seemed to be the popular consensus with the group.