Chapter 48: Opened the mask
**30 October, 1962.**
**Gryffindor and Slytherin First-Years' Joint Class on the Traditions of the Magical World**
"Good afternoon, students."
"Hello, Professor Drake."
After a moment of friendly reciprocity, the first-year students greeted me in unison. I began my lecture, ready to impart knowledge and excitement to both the native magical students and the newcomers from the Muggle world.
"Today's lesson is about the traditional attire of wizards," I announced. "I hope it will be both informative and engaging for everyone."
As I spoke, I noticed some of the Muggleborn students hiding smirks or superior smiles. I knew they were still struggling with their prejudices against Muggles, a major obstacle in understanding the two cultures. It was my duty to educate and enlighten them, dispelling their ignorance and fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of our world.
The attire of mages, as perceived by those who have transitioned from the mundane realm to the enchanted world, may appear to be a subject of derision regarding their mental well-being. There are several reasons for the peculiar appearance and clothing choices of mages.
The primary reason is that a mage's attire, if not wrapped in an almost bare-bodied mantle, is a relic from a bygone era. Mages' clothing is not merely clothing; it is an artifact! This is because any garment worn by a self-respecting mage serves as a powerful tool.
In Europe, mages continue to favor robes, while in the warm Mediterranean regions, togas remain in use. This is due to the convenience of wearing a single-piece garment with intricate rune embroidery. Such attire allows for the concealment of various magical abilities, including the detection of hidden objects through magical tricks such as potions, echolocation spells, and sonar-like charms.. In order to create a standard and meticulously crafted set of rune enchantments, which have been used since the days of the Roman Empire and continue to be employed in almost every corner of the civilized world, one requires a substantial and uninterrupted piece of fabric measuring at least one meter by one meter. This item can easily accommodate the most powerful enchantments available, as it does not necessitate the use of unique, costly materials, additional reagents, nor the presence of innate talent or potent magic, nor an amulet to protect against spontaneous jinxes and curses. Additionally, it does not need a rune chain to shield the wearer's body from various magical attacks, allowing them to penetrate through conventional, unenchanted barriers.
This explains the widespread popularity of these robes among magicians. However, why do some magicians who meet in public sometimes wear such outdated attire reminiscent of the times of Merlin and the founders? The answer lies in the materials used to create these costumes.. In Europe, robes — garments of ordinary fabric that consist of a single piece of cloth large enough to accommodate a standard set of enchantments — are the only alternative. However, clothing made from magical materials offers a superior alternative. Firstly, due to the nature of magical materials, the vast majority of magical tricks cannot be discerned through them. Secondly, they are far more energy-efficient, allowing for the placement of numerous enchantments and runes on each piece of clothing.
For example, a standard enchantment used on robes made from ordinary wool or other fabrics measuring at least one meter by one meter can be applied to a ten-centimeter square handkerchief crafted from acromantula silk. The value of clothing made from magical materials is immense, with the majority of pieces considered highly valuable artifacts. It is unlikely that expensive fabrics would be used for the production of simple garments.? The attire worn by most mages is not intended for public display, but rather serves a more practical purpose. The garments are imbued with profound mystical properties, providing both protection and enhanced comfort. From my lectures, you should have understood that the realm of magic is a harsh one, and no mage in their right mind would turn away from additional means of safeguarding themselves.
Many mages choose to wear the garments of their ancestors, believing that they offer protection beyond what even the finest knight's armor or tank armor can provide. Unfortunately, in the modern world of magic, rarity often equates to superior quality, surpassing what traditional materials can offer.
Yes, Mr. Reeds, I see. You are the first to raise your hand since the start of the lesson. And your hand belongs to Stephen Reeds, the young man I had hoped would be chosen to serve as the first-year Head Boy for the Griff's House. However, alas, the position has been awarded to Olivia Woods, an heiress from a pure-blood family who may be perceived as light-hearted, but at best can be described as grey.
I had great affection for this young man. He possessed a bold spirit and a clear vision. Raised in a port city, he was not afraid to assume responsibility, as he had been helping his mother financially and supporting himself and his younger sister since the age of nine. His father had passed away in a brawl at a bar, suffering a fatal stab wound to the liver, leaving his family in dire financial straits. Only the support of his grandfather kept them afloat.. Gazing at him, I was transported back to my own childhood in a bygone era, when I too had been orphaned, left with my mother and younger sibling, and from an early age my mind had begun to ponder how to provide for our meals.
England has not been static for a long time, despite the fact that this has been a general trend in all of Europe over the past three centuries, it is particularly acute in this country. Following the enactment of the Statute of Secrecy, which concealed the magical world from the world of Muggles, covert and overt battles for power within the established magical enclaves commenced.
This was not a new development, was it? Prior to this, most wizards were bound by feudal oaths to the monarchical houses of their respective countries. However, within a relatively short period, a convergence of several factors occurred, which had a deleterious effect on the advancement of magical research in particular and societal progress in general.. Following the enactment of the Statute, mages, now isolated and confined, like spiders trapped in a jar, turned their attention to devouring the weak. The ruling dynasties among the mundane populace began to shift, but these new leaders of magical states no longer swore fealty to their vassals. This marked the beginning of a brief period of turmoil in the early seventeenth century, during which many young families perished, having lost their strong patronage from among the ancient and noblest mage dynasties. They had relied on the allegiance oaths they had sworn to the heads of Muggle states, who by then held little power in magical society.
As soon as mages on the ground felt independent in their self-contained "sandbox" worlds, they sought to consolidate their own regional power over the natives of the mundane realm. Their solution was to restrict knowledge from being shared with the commoners.. In this manner, the pure-blooded wizards perceived that they could fortify their standing, as those who entered the realm of magic from the mundane world would not be capable of achieving the same level of accomplishment as they, thanks to their clan repositories of invaluable knowledge. However, they were so engrossed in their game that they failed to notice the very moment when their own progeny became restricted in their abilities due to the actions of their elders.
It is not imperative to possess the requisite knowledge within the confines of an ancestral library; rather, having a functional institution for the upbringing and education of children is of utmost importance. With their support and foundation, it becomes feasible to ascend to great heights in the realm of magical arts.. The oldest and most noble families became hostages to their intrigues, as they sent their offspring to schools that accepted Muggle-born students and provided a curriculum that was significantly reduced, depriving them of essential elements that are necessary for a comprehensive education.
It is evident that for the offspring of noble families, school serves a crucial purpose beyond academic instruction. It serves as a platform for socialization and networking, acting as a stepping stone into adulthood, providing a foundation for the knowledge that will be acquired during leisure time. However, these leisure periods amount to only four months annually, leaving eight months devoted to schooling. The significance of this time gap cannot be underestimated, as it represents a significant portion of the educational process that could be dedicated to personal growth and development.? The minimum period of study required at a magical school to successfully pass the Preliminary Sorcerous Baccalaureate (PSB) and be granted full legal status as a member of the magical community amounts to five years. This corresponds to a significant loss of time during the crucial period of a teenager's rapid magical development.
"But is that just?"
In the ensuing silence, following my interruption, the soft-spoken voice of a Muggle-born student from Gryffindor was distinctly heard throughout the classroom, drawing the attention of the entire class towards her. Now she was at a loss, unsure of what to do. She lacked the confidence to proceed, and her interruption of the class, asking a question without raising her hand or seeking permission, was undoubtedly provocative. However, I refrained from drawing attention to her or imposing any form of punishment. Instead, I simply responded to her question.
Did someone promise you that life was fair? Or is it different for the simpletons of the world? It is exactly the same!
In every town in England there are neighbourhoods that a working man cannot enter, and if he does, he will be stopped by the police and, at best, escorted out, or even beaten up and taken to a police station where he will be locked up in a cell.
The same goes for shops, cafés, restaurants, and educational institutions. Equality has never been, and never will be, a reality in this world. It is an impossible concept to achieve in human society.
But it is not your concern to fret and lament your fate. You have already drawn a lucky ticket from the lottery of the future. You were born blessed! And here, compared to the majority of humanity, it makes no difference whether you were born into a humble family or are descended from the most illustrious and noble lineage. You are fortunate already.
But there is more to it for you, wizards, and any other non-magical person. The most crucial aspect of life is having a strong will. Without it, you will be just another faceless member of the mundane population of the magical world, stagnating after passing the Preliminary Sorcery Assessments and completing the mandatory five-year curriculum at Hogwarts, preventing your progression as a mage.
With willpower and character, you can overcome yourself; whether or not you possess magic becomes irrelevant.. Initially, having a birth advantage, possessing magic and making efforts, one can achieve anything imaginable. Do you desire more from your social standing in the magical community? Then seize it and transform it! Master the art of magic, acquire the power to tame one of the myriad sources of magical energy in the enchanted realm and claim dominion over the land surrounding it. This is a sacred law, and none may challenge your right as a Magician to own the land once you have subdued the local source of power. Place a rune stone upon it and establish it as your altar, from that moment onwards you shall be the Lord and progenitor of your own lineage. And this holds true for all, even those who are already part of a generic lineage. If you find the order within your lineage and the destiny laid out for you by your clan distasteful, then forge your own path and claim independence! Magic unlocks truly boundless avenues and opportunities for growth.. Even without actively seeking longevity, the average magician who has not incurred severe curses in their lifetime, at the very least, occasionally performs purifying rituals, can expect to live for at least one hundred and fifty to two hundred years. Powerful wizards live for three hundred to four hundred years, but that is not the limit, as I have known wizards who are five hundred, six hundred, or even eight hundred years old. As the saying goes, with the right mindset and determination, everything else to achieve your goal is within reach.
The spark of determination in the eyes of most of the children present made me realise that I had partially achieved my objective. The children already aspire to match the level of those wizards I mentioned, and it remains my task to periodically fan the flames of their desire for knowledge and power, while also ensuring they do not meet an untimely end in their pursuit of control and achievement of their dreams. Additionally, it is crucial to impart a proper worldview to them.
"Yes, Miss Greengrass?"
Professor Drake, might I ask what course of action we should take if, as you suggest, the educational standards at our school are not meeting our expectations? The few months of remote learning will not suffice to rectify the damage we are inflicting upon ourselves by remaining in an educational institution that fails to provide us with a comprehensive and high-quality education.
What is preventing you from pursuing independent study outside of the confines of the classroom? No one else holds such a vested interest in your well-being as you do. It is your responsibility; if you do not take care of yourself, no one else will.
The general collection of the library may have been depleted of many engaging and valuable texts, but there remains something useful. As per our custom, at the conclusion of this lesson, I will provide you with copies of today's lecture notes, which will include a list of resources. In this list, a separate column will denote the sources of information essential for novice practitioners of magical arts who aspire to become powerful sorcerers in the future, should they heed my counsel. The materials provided in these books will suffice for your study and mastery until the end of this academic year.. In the coming spring, prior to the examination, I shall provide you with a comprehensive list of materials that you must master and comprehend during your summer break. By the time you return, in ten years' time, you shall be able to proudly claim the title of true wizards, rather than mere imitators.
Yes, Miss Hill, you are indeed a muggle-born witch from Gryffindor. It is thanks to my teachings and the influence I have had on you that you have begun to exhibit more ladylike behavior and adhere to etiquette. Prior to that, you were more inclined towards boyish behavior, which was a result of the harsh upbringing you experienced on the streets as an orphan. Growing up in an orphanage during the seventies in England was not an easy task.
Professor, how are muggle-born witches to follow your guidance during the summer when we are forbidden from using our wands outside of school?
Dear Miss Hill,
Once again, I must point out that you are on your own in this matter. I see at least two possible solutions to this problem.
If you have sufficient funds, you could rent a room in a magical inn in any quarter of England. There, the monitoring spells cast on your wand would not function, allowing you to practice your spells unhindered. However, there are more advantageous options available.
For the safe and effective practice of magic, it is advisable for minors to be accompanied by an adult and experienced magician. Therefore, I recommend that Muggle-born students arrange meetings with their pure-blood or half-blood peers during holidays, preferably in the presence of an adult wizard or witch at their home.
In the recommended books I have provided, you will find methods for developing your magical core without the use of magic. This means that once a week, it would suffice for you to engage in what I might term "practicing" without the need for actual casting.. To my pure-blood and half-blood friends who will assist with the organization of summer classes, the advantage will be at the very least in the fact that during this period, the house will experience a significant influx of children's magical energy. This is highly beneficial for the well-being of the household, the health of others, and the environment alike. The enchantments placed upon the dwelling will become stronger; if there are domestic servants in the family, they may even conceive offspring.
I have instilled in my students the notion that they can rely solely on themselves and possess all the necessary resources to accomplish their goals. All that is required is a modicum of effort and dedication. My lesson for today has concluded. And during the evening meeting with the faculty in the principal's office — a first for this school — they sought to rebuke me. They claimed that I had gone too far and displayed an excessive amount of boldness.
Professor Drake, I have become aware of your dissent regarding the English Ministry of Magic's policy of judiciously restricting access to knowledge and prohibiting dangerous schools of magic, as expressed in your lecture.
Dumbledore attempted to enthrall me with his own enchantments and mental influence, keenly observing my reaction to his words. Failing to elicit a response, he continued:
"I too was once young and naïve. I too reacted vehemently to the attempts of elderly, wise, and authoritative figures to limit me in my quest for new knowledge. However, allow me to assure you that I am no longer a young boy. Not all knowledge is to be found in the delight of learning. Regrettably, the sorcerers of the past sometimes committed terrible deeds, employing the darkest and most abhorrent forms of magic.". Thus, the Ministry's attempt to restrict certain knowledge is solely for the benefit of the citizens, aiming to safeguard ordinary individuals from the perils associated with the darker aspects of magical practices.
Throughout Dumbledore's address to me, I could sense an ocean of smugness emanating from Minerva and Slughorn, both directed at me. To them, Albus' rebuke of me was akin to manna from heaven. This was because my authority now extended to the older students.
The first-year students were reluctant to share information about me and my lectures with their seniors, but many of them had relatives, friends, or close acquaintances at the school. Thus, they obtained some information through their generosity.
When they acquired my lecture notes, the older students familiarized themselves with them and swiftly recognized their value. As a result, my lectures have now been replicated throughout all courses, with all more or less capable individuals seizing the opportunity to tap into such a valuable source of knowledge.. The only exceptions are the staunch advocates of blood purity, and this is due to one of my recent lectures, which shattered the theory of blood purity and the current policies of the radicals into smithereens. This also applies to the extremists on the other side, namely, the most rabid Muggle-borns and a number of half-bloods, with even fewer Pure-bloods who consider Albus to be a light. They write down everything that they do not understand as dark magic, which they consider evil!
"Headmaster Dumbledore," I said, "with all due respect for the walls of this truly remarkable school and its storied history, the education that one can receive at Hogwarts today is nothing compared to what could have been obtained here five centuries ago. In that era, you and your predecessors as headmasters managed to squander everything that the founders had established.
"I did not allow Dumbledore to interrupt my speech, and I continued without pause or hesitation. "There is no need for such indignation. A student who graduated from Hogwarts last year might be proud of their diploma, if they had taken all available electives and received a grade of fifteen in each. Fifty years ago, students could have studied nineteen subjects. One hundred years ago — twenty-two. Two hundred years ago — twenty-five. Three hundred — twenty-seven. Five hundred years ago, considering all electives and clubs, more than sixty courses were offered at Hogwarts.". It is evident that in those days, no prodigies could boast of holding a diploma with so many subjects passed, but the mere fact of such a choice and decline is telling. And needless to say about the prohibition on dark magic, it is mere nonsense. It is as much a part of the arts as transfiguration or healing.
Allow me to remind you, headmaster, that your primary concern should be the education of the students entrusted to you; it must be as broad and comprehensive as possible. Hogwarts is an extraterritorial institution not subject to the jurisdiction of the English Ministry of Magic or any other external authority; only the laws of magic and its charter apply here!
It is my prerogative as headmaster to determine what is to be taught within these walls. Therefore, I request that you refrain from acting so impetuously in the future and discourage students from violating the laws.
And here he finally lost his bearings, attempting to overwhelm me with his own sorcery and that which was available to him through his connection to the source of the castle's magic.
"You are mistaken, Albus," I said. "This has been my concern since those children first became my students. It is not my fault that the school has fallen into disrepair. As a magus who has received a thorough education, I cannot ignore the lawlessness of the fiefdom in which I now reside and work. So long as I remain a teacher here at Hogwarts, children will be able to receive honest and complete answers to their inquiries from me, if they know who to ask, and those who pose the questions will be both mentally and physically prepared to receive the answers and assimilate the knowledge. I do not care whether you approve or not."
Albus had been eager to probe me, to bring me out in the open, leaving me with no choice but to bare my teeth in response to his attack.
«My dear boy, you are arrogant! I may hold my teacher in esteem, but you should remember who you are addressing and what you say.»
Indeed, what a fool he is, deliberately seeking confrontation. It appears that Albus still does not believe in or even entertain the idea of my superiority as a wizard! Despite my mastery of many magical arts and my apprenticeship under what he considers to be the most dangerous sorcerer in Europe, he continues to hold his own superiority in mind. His confidence stems from his connection to Hogwarts' source of magic, which amplifies his power by at least an octave, placing him at about the sixth level, perhaps slightly higher. However, this power is borrowed, and his body is not prepared to withstand the strain of such magnitude, allowing him to wield magic of this high level for a maximum of five minutes. Moreover, I found it amusing when he addressed me as «my boy», as I am older than the very walls of this place, and yet he reduces me to the status of a mere boy.
Albus, should you ever presume to address me in a manner so lacking in respect, I shall summon you to combat. Bear in mind, however, that you will not receive any assistance from the source of Hogwarts, for this duel shall be between members of the staff, rendering your communication with the core of the castle inoperative for the duration.
It is true, and I would have the protective enchantments smear Dumbledore across the floor in a thin coating of mincemeat and shattered bone. One of the defensive mechanisms of Hogwarts is the Titan's Foot enchantment, a spell so beloved by Helga that she managed to transcribe it into a runic formula. Due to her prowess in the element of earth, she was able to weave this into the very foundation of the school, making it an integral part of the runic construct of the entire castle. As a result, any administrator with access to the castle's defenses — and these include the founders — can increase gravity to five thousand gees in any part of the castle.
"How dare you?!"
Would anyone have doubted that Minerva would leap to defend her idol's life at the slightest threat? The rest of the faculty observed our verbal exchange with interest, with the exception of Flitwick, who was not particularly concerned and was instead deep in thought about a new variation on the spatial expansion charm, which had only recently been conceived and updated in his personal copy of the text bound to our artifact library network, accessible to all witches, including my family. Oh, and there was the presence of the ZOTI professor and Slughorn as well.
I challenge you! Since I ceased to be Mr. Drake and, were it not for my distaste for getting my hands dirty with an unimpressive wizard who fancied himself all-knowing, playing games, and being considered a «great wizard» only by the ignorant masses, Albus's sarcasm was his hallmark. The irony of one of Albus's titles, which he ordered to be included in every first-year letter informing them of their acceptance, was not only readily discernible but palpable, so much so that another mention of me in such a tone would lead to the school deciding on a new headmaster today.
Albus was now in a state of considerable agitation, for two ingenious artifacts, one belonging to a dwarf and the other to an unknown source, had been designed to detect deception and alert the owner if a lie were spoken in their presence. Both artifacts had confirmed the veracity of my claims, and Albus, to my understanding, was not known for his courage.
Faced with a rival wizard who was confident in his superiority and aware of Albus's connection to Hogwarts, the latter, with an unwavering conviction that he would forfeit his position if challenged to a duel, was experiencing cold feet and cursing his hasty and impulsive decision to assert his dominance. I, on the other hand, am more composed, for I am a feathered basilisk.! And now he was in a state of acute anxiety, which did not manifest itself on his countenance or demeanour, as he sought to devise a means of extricating himself from this predicament into which he had unwittingly landed, without compromising his dignity. Alas, his mind could conceive of nothing more expedient than to manifest his moral superiority and sagacity in contrast to youthful acuity and maximalism.
"Ah, youth," he mused, shaking his head and emanating from every fibre of his being a sense of tranquility and peace, "it is not beyond me to acknowledge an error and offer an apology. I did not anticipate that my words might cause you pain, and I beg forgiveness for the manner in which I expressed myself. I am accustomed to the fact that, in the vast majority of cases, my interlocutors who are considerably younger than I am were once my pupils."
His smile was tinged with remorse, yet he spoke in a tone implying that he was above petty disputes and had no desire to impart propriety to young individuals who behaved in such a manner. "It is all right," he said, "his time will come and he will realise his error."
Albus, reserve your theatricality for a less discerning audience. I am aware of the true nature of your character, and I shall not be deceived by such ploys. This is my final warning to you, and it is the first of many.
As for who and what I should teach, I require assistance in determining the appropriate course of action. Unlike some others, I shall impart knowledge of literature that contains references to dangerous dark magic, provided that my students possess the necessary background and understanding to ensure the safe handling of such information.
And I was the sole observer to discern Slughorn's flinch. No matter, you scoundrel; I shall render justice to each and every one here who has been instrumental in the decline of my school, in one way or another. Earlier, I could not actively engage in the affairs of England without reservation, still harbouring aspirations for canonization. But now, having finally awaited the events of my choosing, there is little that stands in my way. I am poised to seize control of this nation. More than one-third of the seats in the English House of Lords are already occupied by my vassals, once-disgraced Squibs who have embraced my cause, transcending their former status as Muggles to become witches, forming the sole remnants of their once-prestigious clans.
The primary reason I refrain from placing all of England in a state of perpetual festivity, is my desire to witness with my own eyes the evolution of Bellatrix and other characters in J.K. Rowling's narrative within a near-canonical reality. Additionally, there is a demon I seek in England, with specific intentions towards Tom. I do not wish to spook him away, thus I must await the opportune moment when he becomes active and emerges from his current seclusion.
However, these reasons alone are insufficient to tolerate the presence of a man who repulses me to the point that I could dispatch him with a mere gesture. This is not an exaggerated statement, but a declaration of fact.
As I idly mused and observed the inner turmoil of Albus and Slughorn and the only oblivious Minerva, a voice emanated from the top shelf of the cabinet.
"Albus, is the atmosphere suddenly imbued with the essence of your steadfast affection? Have you finally lost your composure?" the voice demanded. "Speak your mind without pretense, damned sodomite. I cannot abide the presence of a fagot in this room any longer!"
It was a surprise to everyone present when they heard such a denunciatory speech from the sorting hat. Previously, they had only heard it on 1st September and at the sorting, and even then, Albus had to instruct it for a long time. He had a list of commands and requirements that Ron was required to fulfill, and Albus was able to avoid the hat's attacks on him due to the Headmaster's power over it. He clearly instructed Ron on what he could and couldn't say at the sorting on 1st September. However, for the rest of the time, Ron's orders were clear: silence!
When I was at school with more priority rights in the castle, I rectified this injustice. In the past two months, Ron had not yet demonstrated his independence and that he was no longer under Albus's control, but today he snapped.. Naturally, upon my return to Hogwarts, I requested Ron to maintain discretion regarding my true background, which amounted to a directive for him, as I now held the position of chief administrator and controller of all enchantments and magical operations within the castle, including the sorting hat, which was integrated into the overall system and drew its power from the Hogwarts magic source. However, I had not issued an explicit order for him to remain silent. Thus, he ventured to express his thoughts today.
The teachers were not merely astonished; they were perplexed, but it was Eleazar Fig, the professor of ancient runic script, who was the most agitated. Some thirty years earlier, this esteemed scholar had instructed a class on artifacts at Hogwarts. Upon delving into Fig's mind, I discerned the source of his fascination. Previously, he had dismissed the hat as a mundane artifact, viewing it merely as a minor component of a larger whole — Hogwarts itself, where its sole purpose was to assess the aura of prospective students and assign them to their appropriate house. The annual renditions of songs and other rituals were mere animations, with the headmaster's words pre-recorded.
However, upon witnessing the hat's unwavering determination to bestow a cryptic message upon the headmaster, Fig began to suspect its sentience. He was unaware that such an extraordinary specimen of the darkest artifact was so close at hand. Now, his eagerness to commence immediate research on this extraordinary artifact was palpable.. Here, on a crest of overwhelming enthusiasm, he erupted in exclamation: "Marvelous!"
What was it that caused some of the faculty to gaze at Eleazar with astonishment, attempting to discern the source of his fascination with the situation?
— Albus, do you have any direct questions regarding matters of work? — I did not linger in the headmaster's office, but without further ado, I rose and departed for my quarters. Albus, momentarily perplexed, suddenly confronted with an insurmountable conundrum, uncertain how to respond to my unapologetic aggression and utter lack of fear before him, was then struck by Ron's remark.
I departed the headmaster's study in high spirits, for no matter how adept an actor or mentalist one may be, no matter how effortlessly one can don other people's personas and feign to be someone they are not, it is still an unsettling sensation akin to wearing ill-fitting shoes. One can stroll in them, yet it remains uncomfortable and incongruous.
Today, however, having ceased attempting to live up to the expectations imposed upon me by those who viewed me as an ageless youth, I could finally embrace my true self. My performance of politeness and respectable grey hair had prolonged itself far beyond its intended duration. I had grown accustomed to being seen and treated with condescension and patronage.
Conjuring a clone to attend school in my stead, as I would be on night duty that evening, I journeyed to my woodland retreat overlooking the enchanting Siberian taiga, for it was there that my beloved companions would be today.
"And what is transpiring here?" I inquired, addressing Feza, who was seated in a rattan armchair on the verandah in front of our dwelling, basking in the sun's rays. She was not alone, for my wives were also present, both fast asleep.
Greetings, Father. I am sunbathing.
Indeed, but why so? My wives are divine, and with their efforts, even the most powerful sunlight cannot penetrate their bodies' innate defenses against various harmful influences. A similar situation applies to Fesalia: her skin will always remain ashen white, and she is unable to interact with sunlight. Her physiology lacks such mechanisms, as the Drow have inhabited the underground for over a hundred millennia, and all physiological processes are linked to sunlight, which has atrophied in elves. We should thank their goddess Llos for this increased affinity with darkness.
I see. I refrained from further interaction with this provocateur who seizes every opportunity to engage in discussions or situations that imply intimate topics. However, even in the face of my silence and composure, this individual found a way to manipulate the situation to their advantage.
I simply employed my telekinetic abilities to lift my wives and transport them to our private sanctuary, our sleeping chamber. There, I laid down, stripped of my garments, and embraced the delightful contours and softness of my beloved companions. Maria, naturally, had already embarked on her journey into the realm of dreams, accompanied by Koneki. It was then a simple matter for me, in the vicinity of their dream state, to join them in their reverie.
Hehehe, when one's spouse is a deity of dreams, the possibilities for exhilarating pursuits are vast, encompassing not only physical pleasure but also the ethereal realm of the mind.. And so, I did not neglect to take advantage of my opportunity and was now on the verge of engaging in debauchery with my wives in the realm of dreams! Shall we cultivate?!
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