Promises Beyond The Veil Of Light ( PT 35 )

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Part Thirty Five

 

No alarm was heard that Solstice morning in the Ravenclaw residence. Hirwin awoke naturally very late and in a bad mood, not only had he memories of the cat from the night before, but now he'd overslept and missed his lift. It would mean having to phone round and let everyone know he was okay.

 

Of course he knew the coven would carry on without him, they always did, but all his hard work creating a speech had now been a waste of time. It was all too annoying and he wanted to shout out at the top of his voice, but knew it would only disturb his mother, so made a huge conscious effort to hold his tongue.

 

He was also eager to see Evie, not because he really cared that much about her anymore, he'd become less and less attracted to the woman as the years went on, but up until now he tried to keep in her good books if only to stand any chance of learning about the veil.

 

It was annoying that Mina hadn't told Evie anything of where the veil was, he knew all this because of the truth potion he'd given Evie on many occasions they'd been out. It was all becoming tedious and even Kendrick's magic hid his secrets too. Nothing seemed to be working out right for Hirwin which left him more than a little frustrated.

 

His striped pajamas clung to his body where he'd been sweating in his sleep, much to his annoyance. Sweeping his hair back, he wiped his forehead feeling the moisture on his palm as he blew out air feeling hot.

 

Pulling the quilt back Hirwin got out of bed, stretching as he made his way over to the curtains and pulled them back, then squinting as he met the sun that streamed into his bedroom. Cursing he shaded his eyes and made his way to the bathroom to perform his usual routine of washing and getting dressed. His black robes for the coven meeting lay across the back of the green velvet chaise lounger, which stood proudly across from his free standing bath that had gold plaited dragons legs.

 

The chaise lounger was a piece of furniture he'd acquired when visiting Paris many years ago. Hirwin loved his antiques and would lovingly have them restored to their former glory, not to show off to the world, but just because he loved his little bit of history. He would spend many peaceful hours stretched out on his lounger after a bath. This room was his sanctum of silence with a library of books on shelves that gave him an escape from the realities of life.

 

But now he just couldn't think straight and needed to busy himself. Standing in front of his free standing mirror, Hirwin's reflection stared back, it felt like another person to him, as gazing he felt a little older, new wrinkles appearing across his face, he traced lines with his finger the indents felt like crevasses between his nose and cheekbones. “This is no good,” he said to himself. “Stop staring and get moving.”

 

By the time he'd finished, his teeth sparkled and his face felt fresh and ready for the day, but what of the day! He pondered. With all his plans now disappearing down the plug hole with soapy suds and drowning in doubts of his own making, though he'd never admit it, continuing to blame the rest of the world for his bad luck.

 

Walking back into his bedroom, Hirwin made his way across the blue and gold carpet to the Victorian wardrobe that was a male version of his mother's. Opening the door he took out a pair of jeans and a black tea shirt, this most certainly would be a stay at home day. Taking the silver brush from his bedside table, he swept hair into a ponytail which hung neatly at the back.

 

Hirwin made his way down the landing, stopping first at Ruth's bedroom door and knocking, there wasn't any reply so he turned the door knob and pushed it open. Gazing in he was annoyed to find the bed hadn't been slept in. “This is all too much,” he uttered under his breath, angry at the darn woman for not returning last night after he'd kept the fire going for her.

 

Shutting the door and cursing, he went to his mother's room where she was sat up in bed waiting for him.

 

“Ah! Son, where's Ruth?” Erika gazed at the bedside clock, a puzzled expression on her face. “It's 10am and she hasn't bought my breakfast up yet.”

 

Still mad at the fact she'd not returned Hirwin made up a story of Ruth not returning till today. “Oh Mum, you know she's away and won't be back till later.” He would have a few words to say to that woman when she finally made an appearance.

 

Erika shook her head and tutted at her loss of memory. “Yes! Now I remember.” Deciding it was time to make a move, Erika studied her son feeling that he must have a lot on his mind and wished he would share some of his burdens with her, but knew in her old age that she probably wouldn't be able to help anyway. Erika had always been there for her children when they were young and found being elderly very frustrating. “You go on down son, I'll be along in a minute.” She contemplated his reaction and wondered if he'd stay and help her.

 

Hirwin wanted to be as pleasant as he could, absolutely hating conflict with Erika. “So mother, what would you like for breakfast? I'm having some toast and coffee myself, would you like cereal?” He hadn't even considered assisting his mother downstairs, being used to having Ruth there.

 

Erika shifted herself out of bed feeling stiff as usual, her long cotton nightie riding up as she swung her legs around. Sitting on the edge she adjusted her nightie and slipped on the dressing gown which lay on her bedside chair, sliding feet into moccasins Hirwin had bought last birthday.

 

Hirwin was now standing at the bedroom door becoming impatient. “Come mother, I haven't got all day.” He pressed his fingers into the frame of the door trying to release pent up agitation.

 

Erika thought about it and decided. “Could you do me a soft boiled egg with some bread soldiers, I do so love dipping them in the yolk.”

Erika always spoke pleadingly when wanting something done her way.

 

Hirwin sighed turning to leave her to it. “Yes okay, but don't complain if I overcook it, I've never been much good with timing.” It felt like he was carrying the world on his shoulders as he walked away shaking his head.

 

“It's about two to three minutes son, okay?” Hirwin never replied which made Erika agitated. “Why doesn't he listen to me?” She muttered to herself, “always rushing off, never lets me finish a sentence.” She hated when Ruth wasn't there to be attentive to what she had to say.

 

Making his way downstairs, Hirwin entered the living room, he was shocked to find the photo of him and his sister on the floor scratched, with the broken frame and glass lying in bits. “What the...how on earth did that get there?” Then he remembered ! “I'll bet it was that dam cat.” He mumbled, making his way to the kitchen to get the dustpan and brush. On his return Hirwin picked up the frame and the photo placing them on the table then swept up bits of glass.

 

After wrapping the glass in newspaper, Hirwin threw the lot in the bin, then searched high and low for the cat, but couldn't find it anywhere. “How did you get out?” He complained under his breath. “Darn creature had better not show itself around here again.” He felt like there were too many things going wrong and wondered if some unknown force had put a spell on him. His intuitions were normally spot on, never for one moment taking into account that it was all his own doing.

 

In the kitchen Hirwin found a saucepan and filled it with water, then placed the egg in and put it on to boil, not reflecting on how long it would take.

 

He checked his answering machine which had two messages. The first was from his colleague who was to give him a lift. “Hello...Hirwin, I'm outside your door knocking and ringing the bell, why aren't you answering? Hello...hello.” Second message: “Okay, so you're not coming, I'm going on without you.” End of message.

 

It's time to make some phone calls! Hirwin thought to himself. First he called his secretary and told her to keep his diary empty for the day as he was busy at home. Then without a thought for the coven, he decided to phone Evie at work, it was a strained call as she was very busy.

 

Putting on his false cheery voice he spoke. “Hello my darling Evie, how are you this fine morning?” Hirwin could hear voices in the background, it all sounded very official.

 

“Uh! I'm fine...sorry can't talk now, I'm in a meeting, I'll speak to you later.” Before Hirwin could utter another word, Evie had put the phone down.

 

“Well!” He declared with annoyance at being cut off. “Yet another setback in my schedule. This is truly not my day.”

 

Just then Erika who with her walking stick and holding onto the Bannister, manged to make it down stairs without any help. She appeared looking a lot more awake. “How's my egg doing son? Did you time it for two or three minutes?”

 

Hirwin made a quick dash over to the stove and removed the egg, feeling out of breath and realising just how unfit he was. “Sorry mother, I had some phone calls to make and wasn't really watching the time.” He took some deep breaths.

 

Erika wasn't surprised knowing Hirwin only too well. “Typical...well bring it over to the table.” She knew the yolk would be hard but wouldn't complain. “Can you still do me some bread soldiers please.” She gazed over at the bread bin which sat next to the toaster.

 

“Yes...yes mother, it's coming right up, now stop fretting.” Hirwin took four slices out and placed two in the toaster, then buttered two more and cut them into fingers. He ambled over slowly fed up with rushing and being ordered around. “There you go, I'll bring your coffee over in a minute.”

 

Erika wished she could do things for herself, but being so fragile and shaky she feared picking up items in case of dropping, and certainly wouldn't attempt cooking, or even boiling an egg.

 

Hirwin was desperate to finish his toast and get down in the cellar to mix up some love potion, so far it had worked a treat on Evie, but the last batch he made only lasted a week, so it was time to create some more of his undying love potion.

 

“What are you doing today son? Not leaving me on my own I hope?” Erika hated being in the house alone, even if it was for a couple of hours.

 

Hirwin took a bite of his toast and chewed vigorously. “No mutter I'm not in work today, I shall be down in the cellar if you need me, I'll leave the door open so I'll hear you call.” He was beginning to get really agitated now which always caused him to answer her in German.

 

Not even stopping to continue the conversation, Hirwin picked up his mug of coffee and plate of toast leaving Erika to her egg. “I shall be downstairs for most of the day, let me know when Ruth shows up.”

 

Erika didn't even bother to reply knowing fully well her son wouldn't wait. She mumbled under her breath, “ wish I knew what he was up to down in that cellar, but I know there's no point in asking, he's always so secretive.” Taking the top off the egg, the yolk was like rubber and every mouthful was chewy rather than runny. “Hurry back Ruth, I'm missing you already!” she pleaded into thin air.

 

Once Hirwin was settled in the cellar, he set about collecting all the ingredients for his potion. Little bottles of herb plant liquid, along with rose water, coriander seeds and peppercorns, played a big part in his love potions, it would take all day to complete just one tiny bottle and he needed full concentration for the love to be infused.

 

Hirwin had only been down there for half an hour, when the extension phone rang in the cellar. “Why do I keep getting these menacing distractions?” He commented. Picking up the receiver. Recognizing the voice on the other end straight away, it was his sister. “Hello Mila! How are you my darling?” He was expert at putting on a fake voice when needed.

 

“Not too good,” she sounded very low. “Any chance of coming to stay with you Bruder, I promise I won't be any trouble.”

 

“What's happened? Are you ill?” Hirwin being close to his sister hated when she was suffering.

 

“No, no nothing like that, I'm just very lonely since Ivan left me, it's been three weeks now, I've not heard from him since he walked out the door.”

 

Hirwin hesitated before speaking, this wasn't at all what he had planned for. “How long will you want to stay?” He hated the fact Ivan had left his sister, they'd been married for twenty years it just didn't seem right. Hirwin thought they were so well suited and would be together forever. Now the reality of it all set in, he wasn't so sure of wanting anymore responsibility, even if he did love his sister.

 

All doubts went through his mind as she spoke of staying for a couple of weeks. “I promise not to be any trouble, you won't even know I'm there and I can keep Mutter company.”

 

Hirwin tried to keep emotions out of any situation and was just about to say...no that won't be possible. When a light went on! He thought it wouldn't be such a bad idea after all. It would be a distraction for his mother, he'd have freedom and she'd have her daughter. “Yes! Yes dear sister, you come and stay as long as you want, I'll get Ruth to make up one of the spare rooms for you when she comes in.” He needed to get on. “When will you be arriving my dear?”

 

“Oh! Bruder I can't thank you enough, it means so much to me that you care. I'll be arriving the day after tomorrow. It's so good because now I can spend Christmas with you...won't that be wonderful?” Her voice went up a pitch with excitement.

 

Hirwin thought about this, Christmas hadn't even entered his mind, he'd completely forgotten about the season and wasn't that bothered anyway. “Yes, yes wonderful my darling.” Hirwin was staring at his work and eager to get back to what he was doing. “Look, I have to go, but I'll see you in a couple of days, okay?”

 

There were tears of happiness on the other end of the phone, Hirwin felt like he was drowning in them, so put the receiver down without another word continuing with his work.

 

To be continued...