The Spectre-Storm family seemed to get along famously. There was a trust between Feliks and his parents, didn't seem guarded to Greyfriar in any way. And Johann and Balfour, they were reacting well compared to how he'd seen other parents handle crisis. He'd seen it all - massive tantrums, calls for expulsions, being ready to pack and leave school immediately. The students would be mortified usually, and as Headmaster, Knox would be tasked with trying to calibrate without becoming another enemy in the eyes of the parents. He'd gotten better at that over the years, and it was nice not to have to call upon those skills today.

The Headmaster laughed as the three discussed distractions in the form of seasonal revels. Certainly a night of fun and sweets was enough to endear many skeptical classmates.

He held up his hands, "I wouldn't dare to stand in your way. Getting between youth and treats might earn me a special delivery of a Weasleys' concoction!"

In that lull, Knox continued.

"You know, Mr. Spectre," he said to the younger of the two who went by that name, "I am very proud of you."

There was no need to explain. Feliks would know more than most the challenges he'd gone through since start of term, everything that had happened on his way here.

Johann chuckled, his boyish smile taking over his features as Feliks described Wesley.

“You should invite them to the manor, over Christmas time.” Balfour suggested, and Johann’s smile softened into something more sentimental. His mind was picturing the Spectre Christmas, but this time with the two of them at the helm of proceedings, and Feliks amongst all the cousins. It made his heart ache as if it were swelling with love, rather than hurt. Enough to put an idea in his head that he must pinch himself to check this was not an elaborate dream.

“… there’s Samhain at the end of the month. That will distract everyone, I’m sure of it.” He glanced to Balfour, and nodded in agreement.

“You know, Mr Spectre, I am very proud of you.”

I’m proud of them both, Johann thought to himself, in echo of the Headmaster’s words. And if they could weather this, then they could weather the rest, especially if Ira was just the past and not their present or future.
“Well, he’s made of stern stuff.” Johann gestured towards the two Spectres with an extended arm, and nodded to the Headmaster, “and a wise Headmaster.”

            "You know, Mr Spectre, I am very proud of you."

Oh! Feliks stared at the jovial headmaster, unsure of what to say to this. He barely knew the wizard and he was not used to being told things like that - even when papa spoke it was enough to make him embarrassed sometimes. Luckily, Johann intervened in a way that set the boy wizard at ease. Johann was good at that.

"Thank you," he remembered himself and addressed Professor Greyfriar shyly. A rough hand tousled his curls, causing Feliks to look up at Balfour - smiling in that offhand way, like he had just realised how happy he felt.

           "Well, it's nice to see you in good spirits. How do you feel about walking us out after our tea, hm?"

Feliks sat straighter and looked between all three of them excitedly. "Yes! Please," he added with a grin, drinking his tea a little quicker and ignoring the mild burn in his throat. "I can show you where the bees are, before? They are very busy and Uncle Sylvain says they make very sad honey!"

His papa laughed, a loud and warm sound filling the large room. Feliks felt a pang in his chest. He was going to miss them so much. Why couldn't it be Christmas now? And he could wake up in his room (his very own!) and play with the huskies and read everything he could find in their study.

The Headmaster rose from the chair and moved across the large chamber to the desk. As he did he chuckled. Those blasted bees! Professor Onuris's hives had been producing more than honey - indeed, the glumbumbles had been the source of a substantial tumolt and excitement. If Hogwarts had commendations or structured tokens of adulation, then young Sylvain Onuris would have received one for that bright idea. As orderly as bees and their ilk were, they sure sowed a healthy amount of chaos and the school was all the better for it. Feliks as well, apparently.

On a sideboard lay a heavy stack of parchment and notes, enough for a book, bound in a loose cover. In anticipation of this visit, Knox had bundled together some items relevant to Feliks. He might normally have owled something like this, but as it wasn't urgent, he'd just the same pass them off by hand and save a feather or two.

He brought them over and handed them to Johann.

"A few things have made their way here regarding Feliks. I think they'll be best kept with you lot, rather than in this dusty old place. And a copy of his acceptance letter. Not sure why there were two."

In addition to the Hogwarts letter was something boilerplate from St. Mungo's, and imposing but mostly toothless letter from Durmstrang Institute, and two letters from the Daily Prophet to the Headmaster concerning Feliks that Knox had chosen to ignore.