Chapter 17
Sunday morning dawned bright and clear over Hogwarts. The Great Hall buzzed with the usual weekend chatter as students filtered in for breakfast. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji made their way to the Ravenclaw table, their eyes scanning the room out of habit.
Lan Xichen's gaze fell on the Slytherin table, where Nie Huaisang sat alone, picking at his breakfast with less than his usual enthusiasm. A frown creased Lan Xichen's brow as he noticed the empty seat beside Nie Huaisang.
"Wangji, I'll be right back," Lan Xichen murmured to his brother, who nodded silently in understanding.
As Lan Xichen approached the Slytherin table, he noticed Nie Huaisang’s weary eyes and drooping posture. "Good morning, Huaisang," Lan Xichen greeted, his voice warm but gentle, a flicker of concern in his eyes.
Nie Huaisang blinked up at him, managing a weak but friendly smile. "Morning, Xichen-ge," he replied, though the usual spark in his voice was noticeably absent.
Lan Xichen took a seat across from him, his gaze sharp with quiet observation. "You look like you didn't get much sleep. Everything alright?"
Nie Huaisang sighed softly, leaning back with a stretch, as if the weight of the night still clung to him. "It wasn’t the easiest night. Qing Yi... he kept talking in his sleep. He was saying things like 'don’t hurt me' or 'stop.' Pretty unsettling stuff..."
Lan Xichen’s brow furrowed slightly. His hands tensed slightly at the mention of Qing Yi's distress. "That sounds rough. And I take it, that meant you didn’t sleep much either?"
Nie Huaisang waved it off with a small laugh, but there was a touch of exhaustion in his eyes. "Ah, it wasn’t so bad for me. He took a sleeping draught eventually and settled down. I got a few hours in, but... Qing Yi, I think, had the worst of it."
Lan Xichen nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowed in quiet concern. "Sounds like it was a long night for you both."
Nie Huaisang offered a small, tired smile. "It’s not that bad, really. We all have rough nights sometimes, and Qing Yi... well, he needed someone to be there."
Lan Xichen’s eyes softened as he looked at Nie Huaisang. "You're a good friend, Huaisang," he said, then glanced around, his gaze scanning for the familiar silver hair. "Speaking of Qing Yi, where is he this morning?"
"He said he didn't feel like eating," Nie Huaisang replied. "He wanted to take a walk instead. His sisters came by and went with him."
Lan Xichen nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I hope you both get better rest tonight, Huaisang. Take care of yourself too, alright?"
As Lan Xichen stood up to leave, Nie Huaisang suddenly called out, "Xichen-ge."
Lan Xichen halted, his gaze dropping back to Nie Huaisang with a questioning look.
Nie Huaisang lowered his voice, hesitation evident as he spoke. "Xichen-ge, something seems... off with Qing Yi. Do you think we should tell the professors about what happened in the Marauder's Maze during our Hogsmeade trip?"
Lan Xichen's brow furrowed as he contemplated the question. His mind raced through the potential consequences, weighing the need for help against the risk of drawing unwanted attention to Qing Yi's situation.
"It would be ideal to speak with the Headmistress about this," Lan Xichen said slowly, choosing his words carefully. "If not, perhaps Professor Granger might have some insight. She's quite perceptive and might be able to help without causing too much of a stir."
Nie Huaisang nodded, relief evident in his expression. "I'll do that. Thank you, Xichen-ge."
Lan Xichen offered a reassuring smile. "Of course. I'll let you get back to your breakfast now. Take care, Huaisang."
As Lan Xichen turned to leave, Nie Huaisang watched him go, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He couldn't help but notice the depth of concern in Lan Xichen's eyes, the way his shoulders seemed tense with worry. A small smile tugged at Nie Huaisang's lips as he pondered whether Lan Xichen's interest in Qing Yi's well-being went beyond mere prefect duty. He decided to keep his observations to himself for now, silently watching as the situation unfolded.
Lan Xichen made his way back to the Ravenclaw table, his mind heavy with thoughts of Qing Yi and the challenges that lay ahead. As he sat down next to Lan Wangji, his brother gave him a questioning look.
"Qing Yi's gone for a walk with his sister," Lan Xichen explained quietly. "It seems he had a rough night."
Lan Wangji nodded silently, understanding the unspoken worry in his brother's voice. As they began their breakfast, both brothers found their thoughts drifting to the young Slytherin, wondering what the coming days would bring.
****
The cool autumn air nipped at Lan Xichen's cheeks as he made his way across the Hogwarts grounds. Breakfast had been a blur, his appetite dulled by concern for Qing Yi. The early morning chill was refreshing, clearing his mind as he ventured towards the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest.
The forest was alive with the soft chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. Towering evergreens stood like silent sentinels, their peaceful presence soothing Lan Xichen's troubled thoughts. As he walked, the earthy scent of damp soil and pine needles filled his lungs, grounding him in the moment.
In the distance, a flash of silver caught his eye. Three figures sat together near the edge of the forest - two wearing Hufflepuff scarves, one in Slytherin green. Lan Xichen's heart warmed at the sight of Qing Yi flanked by his sisters, Jing Shi and Jing Xiang, their arms wrapped protectively around their brother's shoulders.
The scene was undeniably touching, yet it only heightened Lan Xichen's suspicions about Qing Yi's past. The close attention his siblings paid to his well-being seemed to confirm his fears about Qing Yi being one of the kidnapped victims. A mix of concern and alarm stirred in Lan Xichen's chest as he approached the trio.
As he drew nearer, Lan Xichen noticed three thestrals grazing peacefully before the siblings. He wondered if Jing Shi and Jing Xiang could see the creatures as he did, or if they appeared as merely eerie horses to them.
Jing Shi's gentle voice carried on the breeze. "It's okay, little brother. Calm your mind. You're fine now. Stay calm. Everything will be better."
Lan Xichen's heart clenched at the soothing words. He cleared his throat softly, not wanting to startle them. "Hello there," he called out with a warm smile.
The siblings turned, their faces brightening. "Senior Lan!" Qing Yi exclaimed, his earlier distress seemingly forgotten.
"So this is where you three are enjoying nature and watching the thestrals play," Lan Xichen observed, his eyes taking in Qing Yi's more relaxed features.
Jing Shi and Jing Xiang exchanged puzzled glances. "Thestrals?" they echoed in unison.
Qing Yi's expression turned triumphant. "See? I told you! Thank you, Senior Lan. My sisters wouldn't believe me when I said these weren't just horses."
Jing Xiang shook her head, still perplexed. "But they look like horses to me. Just... a bit spooky."
"Well," Qing Yi explained, his voice taking on a somber tone, "you can only see them as thestrals if you've seen death."
The atmosphere shifted palpably at Qing Yi's words. Lan Xichen felt a chill that had nothing to do with the morning air, and he noticed the sisters exchange a worried glance. The implications of Qing Yi's statement hung heavily in the air, a reminder of the mysteries surrounding the young Slytherin's past.
Jing Shi's voice was soft when she finally spoke. "I... I didn't know that. That explains a lot, actually."
It was as though Qing Yi had momentarily forgotten the troubles that plagued him the night before, his demeanor lighter, more curious. He looked back at Lan Xichen, an inquisitive glint in his eyes.
“Senior Lan, I’ve been meaning to ask you this since yesterday. You told me these were thestrals, right? Does that mean... you can see them too?”
Lan Xichen blinked, a bit taken aback by the question. He offered a gentle smile, appreciating Qing Yi’s straightforwardness. “Yes, I can see them too. So can Wangji,” he answered softly.
Both Jing Shi and Jing Xiang gasped in surprise, their eyes widening. “Really?” Jing Xiang asked, her voice full of curiosity. “Then... you must’ve seen someone die?”
Lan Xichen’s expression turned solemn, the memories of that day flooding back. His voice was calm but tinged with sadness as he answered,
“Yes... It was my grandmother. She sacrificed herself to protect Wangji and me when we were children. Dark wizards tried to kidnap us, and she gave her life to keep us safe.”
Jing Shi’s eyes widened, recognition dawning on her face. She slowly mouthed, You too?
Lan Xichen met her gaze, nodding gravely. “Yes,” he whispered. “But we survived because of her.”
Jing Shi glanced at Qing Yi, then back to Lan Xichen. Her heart tightened, knowing all too well the parallels between what Lan Xichen had experienced and what her own brother have gone through. She pulled Lan Xichen aside, lowering her voice.
“Xichen, I understand how significant this is, and I don’t mean any disrespect to your grandmother, but... perhaps it’s best if we don’t bring up this topic too much around Qing Yi,” she said hesitantly, concern clear in her eyes.
Lan Xichen immediately understood. He raised his hand gently, stopping her mid-sentence. “Don’t worry, Jing Shi,” he said softly. “I know. I won’t mention it. I know how sensitive this is for him.”
Jing Shi’s eyes widened slightly, her worry evident. “Then... do you...?” she began, unsure how to finish her question.
Lan Xichen nodded, his expression serious. “I have my suspicions,” he admitted. “But for now, let’s keep this conversation away from Qing Yi. He’s been through enough.”
Jing Shi nodded in understanding, her heart heavy. “Thank you, Xichen. I appreciate it,” she whispered, casting a glance back at her brother, who was still watching the thestrals in quiet fascination.
The group lingered in the clearing, enjoying the peaceful morning. Lan Xichen found his gaze repeatedly drawn to Qing Yi, his serene expression masking the worry churning inside him. He noted every small movement, every expression on Qing Yi's face, searching for any sign of distress from the previous night's events.
A chill breeze suddenly swept through the area, causing them all to shiver slightly. Jing Xiang, who hadn't worn as many layers as her siblings, hugged herself tightly.
"Ugh, it’s cold," Jing Xiang muttered, giving a playful huff as she rubbed her arms. "I think I need to head inside before I turn into an icicle."
Jing Shi nodded in agreement, rubbing her arms. "Good idea," she said, then turned to her brother. "Are you coming, Qing Yi?"
Qing Yi, still captivated by the thestrals, shook his head. His eyes sparkled with genuine interest as he replied, "I think I'll stay out a bit longer with the thestrals. They're so fascinating."
Jing Shi looked at her brother, her face a canvas of poorly concealed worry. She bit her lip, clearly torn between respecting his wishes and her desire to protect him. However, as she studied him, she noticed that he seemed to be back to his normal self, with no lingering fear from the nightmare he had encountered earlier.
Letting out a small sigh that carried both relief and residual concern, Jing Shi said, "Alright, we'll head in first then. If you need anything, Qing Yi, you know where to find me." Her tone was light, but her eyes lingered on her brother, filled with protective love.
As she and Jing Xiang began to walk away, Jing Shi passed by Lan Xichen. He smiled at her, his face a mask of serenity that didn't quite reach his eyes. Jing Shi noticed the subtle tension in his shoulders, recognizing it as a mirror of her own worry.
She moved closer to him, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Yanli told me what happened at Hogsmeade," she said, her tone urgent and laced with concern. "I think we should definitely let the professors know about the encounter so they could prevent things like that from happening at the next event."
Lan Xichen nodded, his brown eyes clouding with shared worry. "Huaisang is already on the case," he assured her, matching her hushed tone.
As he spoke, his gaze drifted back to Qing Yi, watching as the young Slytherin reached out to gently stroke a thestral's mane. The sight stirred a complex mix of emotions in Lan Xichen - fondness, concern, and a fierce desire to protect.
Jing Shi nodded, but Lan Xichen could see the lingering anxiety in her eyes. He paused for a moment, debating whether to voice his next thought. Worry won out, and he continued, his voice tinged with apprehension,
"The professors...might ask Qing Yi to recount what happened to him last night. I'm concerned about how that might affect him."
Jing Shi's expression immediately clouded with renewed concern. She glanced back at her brother, then met Lan Xichen's gaze, conflict clear in her eyes. But then, as she looked over at Qing Yi again, she made a visible effort to compose herself, wiping the worry from her face and replacing it with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"I think he should be fine," she said, her voice carrying a forced lightness that Lan Xichen easily detected. "The mind-ease tonic my mother brewed for him should work wonders to protect him from anxiety and fear. If anything... I'll also let her know too." Despite her attempt at optimism, the strain in her voice was clear, betraying her deep-seated worry for her brother.
Lan Xichen nodded, his gaze once again drifting towards Qing Yi before returning to Jing Shi. His brow furrowed slightly as he considered their options.
“Have you ever considered using a mind-healing spell, or perhaps Occlumency , to help him deal with the nightmares?” he suggested, his voice gentle but tinged with hope. "I've heard it can be quite effective in battling nightmares and calming troubled minds."
Jing Shi's shoulders slumped slightly as she shook her head, a weary sigh escaping her lips. "Our father tried Occlumency on him once, but..." she trailed off, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice.
"It had the opposite effect. Qing Yi reacted so strongly to it—he fought against the intrusion. It only made things worse." Her voice carried the weight of countless sleepless nights and worried discussions.
Lan Xichen's expression softened with sympathy, his brown eyes reflecting shared concern. "I see," he murmured, his heart heavy with the realization of how deep Qing Yi's struggles ran.
As they conversed in hushed tones, Qing Yi glanced over from where he stood with the thestrals. Noticing his sister and Lan Xichen's serious expressions as they looked his way, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes.
"What are you two having a hush-hush about while looking at me?" he called out, his voice carrying a mix of playfulness and genuine curiosity. "Not telling bad stories about me again, are you, Jing Shi?"
The sudden interruption caught both Lan Xichen and Jing Shi off guard. They exchanged a quick glance before letting out a simultaneous snort of laughter, the tension of their previous conversation breaking.
Jing Shi, seizing the opportunity to lighten the mood, retorted with a grin, "As if there's anything nice to tell! Have you ever wondered why you were placed in Slytherin?"
Qing Yi gasped in mock offense, his hand dramatically placed over his heart. "I'm telling Mother!" He yelled back, even as he continued to pet the thestral beside him. The creature seemed to lean into his touch, apparently enjoying the attention.
The playful exchange brought a genuine smile to Lan Xichen's face, though his eyes still held a hint of worry as he watched Qing Yi. He marveled at the boy's resilience, able to joke and laugh despite the challenges he faced.
Jing Shi chuckled, shaking her head fondly at her brother's antics. She turned back to Lan Xichen, her expression softening. "Well, I'd better go before he actually does tell on me," she said, her tone light but her eyes conveying gratitude for their shared concern. "See you later then, Xichen."
Lan Xichen nodded, offering a warm smile that didn't quite mask the lingering worry in his eyes. "Later, Jing Shi," he replied, his voice carrying the weight of their unspoken agreement to keep watching over Qing Yi.
As Jing Shi and Jing Xiang disappeared from sight, Lan Xichen turned his attention back to Qing Yi, still seated among the thestrals, bathed in the soft golden light of the autumn sun. Qing Yi's silver hair shimmered in the warmth, catching the sunlight in a way that made it glow almost ethereally. The sight stirred something deep within Lan Xichen—an unexpected fondness mixed with concern. He admired how, despite everything, Qing Yi had a kind of quiet resilience about him.
Driven by an impulse he couldn't quite name, Lan Xichen found himself walking towards Qing Yi. He settled himself on the tree stump next to the younger boy, who was still intently watching the thestrals.
Qing Yi turned, surprise evident in his wide eyes. "Oh, Senior Lan," he said, a note of uncertainty in his voice. "You didn't go in with my sisters?"
Lan Xichen looked at Qing Yi gently, his eyes warm and reassuring. "No," he replied softly. "I wanted to stay and spend some more time with you, if that's alright."
Qing Yi's eyes widened further, and a faint blush crept across his cheeks at Lan Xichen's words. He quickly turned his attention back to the thestrals, hoping to hide the color in his face. Despite his efforts to quell his feelings, knowing (or believing) that Lan Xichen was with Jiang Yanli, Qing Yi couldn't help the flutter in his chest at the older boy's presence.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the ethereal creatures graze peacefully. Qing Yi's expression grew solemn, his voice quiet when he finally spoke.
"You know," he began, his eyes fixed on the thestrals, "I never thought creatures that looked so... intimidating could be so gentle and harmless." He paused, gathering his thoughts.
"It seems unfair that they're associated with something as dreadful as death. Shouldn't they be visible to everyone? It feels wrong that only those who've experienced loss can see such remarkable creatures."
Lan Xichen felt his heart soften at Qing Yi's words. The younger boy's compassion and insight never failed to impress him. "That's a beautiful way to look at it," he said thoughtfully.
"Perhaps they're not so much a symbol of death itself, but of the peace that comes after." He watched a thestral nuzzle its foal gently. "They could represent the gentle rest we all hope to find eventually."
Qing Yi nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. Then, suddenly, he turned to Lan Xichen, his expression serious. "Was it scary?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Lan Xichen was taken aback, his brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Qing Yi's gaze dropped to his hands, now clasped tightly in his lap. "To watch your grandmother... fall... right in front of you?" He looked up, his eyes searching Lan Xichen's face. "I'm sorry if that's too personal, I just... I wondered how you dealt with it."
Lan Xichen felt the weight of Qing Yi's question settle heavily on his chest. The memory of that fateful day surged forward, unbidden and vivid. He took a deep, steadying breath before meeting Qing Yi's inquiring gaze.
"It was..." Lan Xichen began, his voice soft and tinged with sorrow. His normally serene expression faltered, revealing the pain that still lingered beneath the surface. "At first, it was more shocking than scary. We were so young, you see. Too young to truly comprehend the finality of death."
He paused, his eyes distant as he recalled the chaotic scene. "It happened in the blink of an eye. One moment, our grandmother was standing tall, protecting us. The next, she... she fell. Right there in front of Wangji and me."
Qing Yi listened intently, his emerald eyes wide with a mix of sympathy and fascination. He leaned in unconsciously, drawn into Lan Xichen's narrative.
"Everything after that was a blur," Lan Xichen continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Our parents rushing in, other adults swarming around us, whisking us away to safety. It wasn't until later, when the dust had settled, that the reality of what happened truly sank in."
He let out a weary sigh, the sound heavy with years of suppressed grief. "Our mother tried to soften the blow, telling us that grandmother had 'moved on' to a far-away place. But even as children, we knew. We understood that those dark wizards had taken her from us forever."
Lan Xichen's gaze dropped to his hands, now clasped tightly in his lap. “It took me... quite a while to come to terms with it. But Wangji...” He paused, his expression tightening as he thought of his brother.
“Wangji didn’t handle it well. He was traumatized by it... deeply. He became so quiet, so distant. It was like the life had been drained out of him. Even now, though he’s gotten better, the event still lingers in his mind, always in the background.”
Throughout Lan Xichen's retelling, Qing Yi remained silent, his expressive eyes never leaving the older boy's face. His own experiences with loss and trauma seemed to resonate with every word, creating an unspoken bond of shared understanding between them.
Noticing the intensity of Qing Yi's gaze, Lan Xichen felt a sudden urge to comfort him. Without thinking, he reached out, gently placing a hand on Qing Yi's cheek. "What's wrong, Qing Yi?" he asked softly. "Are you feeling sorry for me?"
Startled by the unexpected touch, Qing Yi flinched slightly, averting his gaze. But the sadness in his eyes remained, a testament to how deeply Lan Xichen's story had affected him.
"It's not that," Qing Yi murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I just... I'm overwhelmed by the magnitude of what happened to you and Lan Wangji." He paused, struggling to articulate his feelings. "And your grandmother," he added, a hint of admiration and longing coloring his words, "she was incredibly brave."
Lan Xichen studied Qing Yi's face, noting the complex mix of emotions playing across his features. He felt a surge of warmth at the younger boy's empathy, coupled with a renewed curiosity about the experiences that allowed Qing Yi to understand such profound loss so deeply.
Lan Xichen's serene smile softened his features as he observed Qing Yi's heartfelt reaction. The younger boy's empathy stirred something deep within him, a warmth that spread through his chest. His gaze drifted to the thestrals grazing nearby, their ethereal forms moving with an otherworldly grace.
"You know, Qing Yi," Lan Xichen began, his voice taking on a wistful quality, "my grandmother's sacrifice... it wasn't just a tragedy. It became a catalyst for change within me." His golden eyes shimmered with a complex mix of emotions - sorrow, pride, and fierce determination.
"Her bravery ignited something in my soul. It fueled my ambition to become not just a competent wizard, but one worthy of her legacy. One who could stand tall and protect others, just as she protected us." He paused, his gaze distant. "The pain of her loss will always be there, but so will the strength she instilled in us. Those who took her from us may be locked away in Azkaban, but her spirit? It lives on in every spell I cast, every choice I make."
Qing Yi listened with rapt attention, his emerald eyes wide with admiration. When Lan Xichen finished, a bright smile bloomed across the younger boy's face. "That's incredible, Senior Lan," he breathed, his voice filled with awe and a hint of determination. "Your grandmother's story... it's not just inspiring to you. It makes me want to be stronger too. To be someone who can protect others, someone who can make a difference."
Lan Xichen couldn't help but chuckle softly at Qing Yi's enthusiasm. The shadow of fear that had haunted the boy earlier seemed to have evaporated, replaced by his usual vibrant energy. Relief washed over Lan Xichen as he said warmly, "With that spirit, Qing Yi, I have no doubt you'll become a formidable wizard. Perhaps even greater than you imagine."
Just then, a sudden sneeze from Qing Yi shattered the moment. Concern immediately etched itself across Lan Xichen's features. "The chill is getting to you. Perhaps we should head inside?"
But Qing Yi, ever curious, shook his head. His gaze remained fixed on the thestrals. "Just a bit longer," he pleaded. "They're so fascinating to watch."
Lan Xichen's laugh rang out, warm and rich in the crisp morning air. "Alright, but not too long. We don't want you catching a cold."
Qing Yi's grateful smile was interrupted by another sneeze, more violent than the first. Without hesitation, Lan Xichen opened his arms invitingly. "Come here," he said, his voice soft but leaving no room for argument.
Qing Yi's eyes widened, a blush creeping across his cheeks. "W-what?" he stammered, clearly caught off guard.
"To keep you warm," Lan Xichen explained patiently. "It's not like I haven't hugged you before, right? This way, we can both stay warm while enjoying the thestrals a bit longer."
Qing Yi's mind flashed back to the previous night in Hogsmeade, when Lan Xichen had held him after he'd fainted. 'That's right,' he thought to himself. 'He's just being nice, like a big brother. That's all there is. Senior Lan is really kind after all.'
With that rationalization, Qing Yi slowly settled himself in Lan Xichen's arms, his back pressed against the older boy's chest. Lan Xichen's arms encircled him, a cocoon of warmth against the morning chill.
"Better?" Lan Xichen murmured, his breath tickling Qing Yi's ear.
Qing Yi smiled, feeling a deep sense of warmth and safety envelop him. “Yes... it’s really warm.”
As Lan Xichen held Qing Yi, a realization dawned on him. The depth of his feelings for the younger boy suddenly became crystal clear. Yet, he knew now wasn't the time to act on these emotions. 'When he's older,' Lan Xichen promised himself, hoping fervently that Qing Yi's affection for him wouldn't fade with time.
They remained like that, wrapped in each other's warmth, watching the thestrals in comfortable silence. But eventually, even their shared body heat couldn't ward off the persistent chill. With reluctance, they decided to head back to the castle.
As they stood, Lan Xichen kept a protective arm around Qing Yi's shoulders. Together, they walked away from the clearing, leaving behind the gentle thestrals but carrying with them a newfound closeness, a shared secret, and the promise of something more.
()()()()()