Chapter Text

Chapter 1: The Favor of the Unicorn

Josephine Clarke watched on with an intensity akin to a predator stalking its prey as a burley poacher haphazardly threw another wooden cage against the back wall of a wagon, the diricawl rattling inside and squawking helplessly as it righted itself. Another poacher followed suit, this time the cage holding a much smaller and far more fragile looking diricawl who couldn’t even manage a squeak despite the abuse.

Eyes scanning the encampment, Josie pressed her lips into a thin line wishing that, for once, the witches and wizards she found in the woods were something other than brigands, poachers, or Ranrok sympathizers.

Crouched along a mossy ridge deep within the Forbidden Forest, Josie slowly followed the burley poacher as he shouted commands to a few others surrounding the campfire before turning and making towards what she once would have recognized as a four-person camping tent. But now Josie knew better.

Dropping down from her perch, she cast a disillusionment charm on herself, gripping her wand tightly as she counted the poachers.

Six outside the tent. Most likely double that inside, she surmised.

When she first arrived at Hogwarts in her 5th year, Josie struck an unlikely friendship with a creature-loving Hufflepuff who took her on an adventure or two to dismantle dragon fighting rings. Despite her newly found phobia of dragons from her ride with Professor Fig and the late George Osric at the very beginning of her wizarding journey, Josie had quickly decided that the creature - if left in her natural habitat and left alone - was as magnificent as she was dangerous.

It came to no surprise to Josie then, when Poppy casually dropped mention of poachers in search of unicorn dens here in Scotland the first week back for their 7th year. Her eyes had been alight with a determination and a not-so-subtle invitation; the girl could have caught fire. It was so intense in fact that Sebastian, unlucky as he was to be seated beside Josie at the time, had the displeasure of pressing the Hufflepuff out of his personal space and glaring until she skipped away. As though he thought his gaze alone could douse her fervor.

Four weeks later, a new broom upgrade thanks to Mr. Weekes, and a long yet carefully crafted conversation with Professor Howin concerning the nature and likely homes of unicorns and now Josie was rightfully fueled to do what needed to be done.

Crouching along the natural outcropping of boulders, Josie let out a steady breath as she quietly approached the two surrounding the fire. The witches sat huddled together eating supper; their long leather boots and billowing cloaks, light and airy for the spring pulled close to them. Despite the tepid weather within the Scottish valley typical at this time of year, the temperatures within the deepest parts of the Forbidden Forest were shockingly colder.

“Petrificus totalus.” Josie whispered, her wand pointed between the two witches. Head already turning for her next quarry as their bodies gave a light thump against the forest floor, Josie cringed at the sound of their metal bowls clattered to the ground, ringing against their spoons and calling the attention of a wizard with brightly colored hair and a large scar across his throat.

His eyes wide, the poacher stared into the darker spaces of the camp searching for the source yet remained completely ignorant to his petrified companions. Josie edged along the perimeter of the camp, wand at the ready.

“Lumos.” She heard him cast just as his wand illuminated the space around him. Two other poachers turned to glance at the scarred wizard, arms still full of small crates of small creatures.

“Petrificus totalus.” Josie repeated, catching the closest wizard unaware and sending his illuminated wand tumbling to the floor. Josie cursed under her breath as one of the other poachers called out.

“What was that?” A squat witch whispered harshly, her wand pulled as she swiveled to stare towards the center of the encampment.

“I don’t know… but I don’t like it,” another offered uneasily as he set down his crate more gently. Josie poised herself towards the larger poacher, recognizing his stance as a more well-trained duelist out of the two, “Go and get Ludwig. Better safe than sorry.”

“Right.” The witch squeaked, moving with arms pulled close to her chest and wand tip pointed outwards not unlike a teacher mid-lecture.

“Depulso!” Josie incanted, watching with deep satisfaction as the witch went flying backwards into the side of the smaller pop-up tent. Swiveling quickly as her sneaking charm faded, Josie stared into the eyes of the larger foe. “Going somewhere?”

They dived head first at one another, shots of arcane power ricocheting off barriers and surrounding flora. The poacher gritted his teeth as the witch groaned from the floor nearby.

“Get the hell up and help me!” He shouted loud enough to wake the sleeping citizens of Hogsmeade.

“Stupefy!” Josie countered as a particularly nasty hex was thrown her way, feet always moving as another poacher, a wizard with a sodden cap and rather fancy shoes considering, emerged from the far end of the encampment looking flabbergasted.

“Reggie..?”

“Just fight you dolt!” The duelist named Reggie managed through gritted teeth as he shook off the effects of her stunning jinx.

With no extra flourish nor pomp and circumstance, Josie bombarda-ed the newcomer into oblivion before rounding herself fully on the last remaining poacher.

“Reducto!” He shouted and, to Josie’s great confusion and utter fear, she was suddenly tumbling backwards. Josie slammed into the hard, craggy earth; her breath was expelled from her body all at once, a harsh wheezing sound escaped her as her eyes saw stars. She groaned as she felt herself be magically lifted. “Stupid little bitch. Rookwood told us to keep an eye out for you; guess we should’ve known you be here too.”

Josie moved to gather herself despite her spinning vision and floating limbs but was met by another incantation as her wand went flying in another direction.

Reggie tilted his head at her; floating and wandless Josie swallowed the nerves that suddenly gripped her spine and the nape of her neck.

“Rookwood will be right pleased to see you in our haul. Might even let you rest with the creatures, if you play nice.” He added with a sardonic smile, taking slow and purposeful steps towards her. Josie watched him walk gingerly, careful not to put too much pressure on his right leg.

Closing her eyes, she searched for the deep well of power that wrapped itself around the core of her being and mingled with the raw essence of her magic. It was familiar and flowed easily through her veins with the subtlest encouragement. Heady and primordial, her well of ancient magic lashed from within her without so much as a second's hesitation.

Tilting her head, her wand long forgotten, Josie’s eyes opened in time to watch as her ancient magic ripped his right leg out from underneath him. The poacher was slammed to the ground, his torso dragged across dirt and rock with no resistance over and over and over again. A sickening snap cracked through the barron encampment and she was suddenly released from the levitation jinx.

Not wanting to look at what remained of the poacher, Josie shook off the jitters of adrenaline and reached out her hand before aggressively whispering accio. Her wand came flying moments later, nestling itself into her palm like the embrace of an old friend.

She made quick work of the locked cages, nursing a sore shoulder and finding a total of eight diricawl crates and four kneazels, one of a particularly beautiful shade of cream. Watching as the creatures scampered off into the Forbidden Forest Josie pressed her dark hair out of her face before sneaking through the entrance of the tent.

Josie blinked in surprise as her eyes darted around the magical tent. It was, as she had suspected, much larger on the inside than the outside would suggest but no larger than the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom; not some multistoried dragon fighting pit nor even a space large enough to hold such a creature. On the ground floor, large cages wide enough to hold a fully grown horse pressed against the rounded back wall of the tent. The two flanking left and right, empty. Directly in front of her was a long wooden table with papers and knick knacks spread across and standing before it, the burley poacher who seemed to call all the shots.

Ludwig, someone had called him.

Josie considered simply sneaking up on the man and making quick work of it all but then she thought of Poppy and agreed with the Hufflepuff that there’d be no satisfaction in that.

So instead, Josie reached into her charmed satchel and pulled forth three healthy heads of Chinese Chomping Cabbages. Poppy would be particularly proud of their deep coloration and sharp canines.

“Hey Luddy, good to meet you.” Josie started, her voice slightly hoarse from the exertion. The poacher froze, head twisting before the rest of his body to face her. “Heard you took a few things that didn’t belong to you.”

Ludwig’s hand darted for his wand as Josie tossed the cabbages in his general direction. He shouted for someone but no one came. It was an unfortunate quality of these charmed tents; no sound passed through the thin canvas walls in either direction.

“Arresto Momentum.” Josie mumbled, wand pointed at the poacher. Eyes having been downcast at the carnivorous cabbages, Ludwig froze in place as the vegetation did what it did best. “Did you know that the Chinese Chomping Cabbages are actually as intelligent as red squirrels? They can tell friend from foe as easily as they can tell a table from their food.”

When his body began to shake Josie looked away, casting silencio on him just as she could begin to hear his cries. Satisfied that part of the job was done, she glanced over at the single occupied cage.

Watching her with large glossy eyes was a fully grown unicorn. Fur the color of spun starlight and mane long and shining, the creature was the definition of elegant beauty. Carefully approaching, Josie could feel tears prick the edges of her vision despite herself.

“I’m so sorry you had to see all this.” She whispered to the creature, amazed that it did not back away as she approached nor did it do more than blink as she held her wand up to the massive metal lock holding her at bay.

With an incantation no louder than a mouse, the lock dropped to the floor and the gate pulled open loosely. Josie stood aside, watching in awe as the creature ducked its golden horn as it crossed the threshold of its cage. Head tilting towards her savior, Josie could have sworn that the unicorn nodded at her before elegantly walking the length of the tent and nosing open the exit.

Breath taken and blinking away tears, Josie had hardly noticed that the Chinese Chomping Cabbages were no longer hopping about with teeth shredding and rather rolling joyously across the tent floor like wrestling puppies.

Clearing her throat Josie collected her cabbages before scouring the tent for any and all things of interest. On the long wooden table where Ludwig had been standing she found a crudely drawn map of the areas north of Hogsmeade, some correspondences with penmanship she struggled to read, and an unopened box of Exploding Bon Bons from Honeydukes.

Pocketing her finds into her charmed haversack, Josie made her way upstairs to find a multitude of empty small cages as well as a single cot and trunk that likely belonged to the late Ludwig. Kicking them over she found nothing of interest bar some questionable undergarment choices and a few galleons in a small sack. She took the latter.

Turning, Josie paused as her eyes fell on a small, almost hidden, nook of the upper floor. Upon closer inspection, she could only describe the space as purposefully cluttered, with mounds of dampened hay, threadbare blankets, and kindling embers that made the space feel more like a sauna than anything else.

Carefully moving aside a few blankets with gloved hands, Josie froze as her thumb caressed something solid. Recoiling slightly before bolstering herself to dig deeper, she emerged from the pile with a large periwinkle blue egg.

“Merlin…” Josie muttered incredulously, eyes like dinner plates as she carefully tipped the egg from one hand to the other. Fitting comfortably in both hands cupped together, the egg was a brilliant yet soft shade of blue with dark speckles along its base. Despite the amount of heat Ludwig and his cronies had stuffed around the poor thing, it was no warmer to the touch than the box of bon bons from Honeydukes had been.

“Who are you?” Josie asked rhetorically. “I’ve never seen anything quite like you before. Don’t worry though,” Josie bit her cheek as she glanced over her shoulder down at the unmoving body of Ludwig, eyeing the small scraps of cabbage leaf left in the wake of the onslaught, “I’ll get you somewhere safe.”

With a renewed spark of determination and a long flight back to Hogwarts, Josie hurried back. It wasn’t until she landed at Hogwarts quad that she realized just how sore her body was from the hours of travel and dueling poachers and the odd giant spider. Despite the ache she crept down to her common room with quick and dexterous steps; a plan for tomorrow's dealings already set in her mind before she even approached the large winding snake and descended the stairs down into the Slytherin common room.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2: A Hidden Tome

There’s only so many things she could say to someone like Sebastian Sallow or even Ominis Gaunt when they inevitably questioned her on her late night excursion into the Forbidden Forest. They were no strangers to her countryside dalliances between her racing with Imelda Reyes, errands for Sirona and other kind folk of the valley, and the not-uncommon picked fights with poachers and dark wizards alike. Yet there was always some curiosity, especially from Sebastian, pertaining to the interesting details and secrets learned from those long winded excursions that caused Josie to indulge in their peaked interest and not-so-well-hidden awe at her findings or, as Ominis sometimes adds, “ her utter lack of self preservation.”

It was all in good fun, though few people listening would think Ominis even enjoyed hearing about the ridiculous things she got up to based on his hemming and hawing. Josie knew different though. Somewhere between the end of their 5th year and the beginning of their 6th, Josie had truly found a comfortable space between the two - or rather, within their friendship group. Ominis and Josie in particular had spent many days visiting Anne and Sebastian in Feldcroft and nurturing the tentative truce between Sebastian and his uncle Solomon. It was a sobering and humbling affair, rift with apologetic glances from Anne and long walks away from the Sallows to simply find air to breath that hadn’t felt electrically charged.

So when Josie all but sprinted past them in the common room, letter to Poppy in hand as she made her way to the library they simply watched her go, listening to her footsteps as she disappeared up the stairwell. Knowing that, at some point later that day, they’d get some sort of answer. Probably.

Owl sent, Josie set herself up on the top floor of the library near the creatures and beasts section. A summoned tea set for two settled on the edge of her study table of choice as she set down her haversack and began perusing the shelves.

Behind her, she could hear the tea heating in the pot and the quiet echoes of the librarian shuffling downstairs. Josie loved the library and, as Ominis had jested in the months leading up to their 5th year O.W.Ls, she’d likely make a good Ravenclaw if it wasn’t for her strong sense of purpose and penchant for not doing what she’s told. Comments like those from Ominis were funny; he’d said them like an insult but she struggled to feel anything less than prideful from them.

Of which, it took all of fifteen minutes before Josie let her pride rest and summoned a stool step to take a look at the higher shelves. There was no use in a summoning charm if you can’t see the blasted titles in the first place.

“Careful now, don’t want you falling and cracking that big brain of yours.” Josie, heart jumping at the sudden proximity, glanced down at the familiar voice of Garreth Weasley. He watched her with a cocked grin, looking too well put together for the first thing in the morning. Garreth had always been a tall bloke but at some point over the summer before 7th year he shot up like a sunflower; a big, red sunflower. So much so that as Josie stood on the second-to-the-top step of the stool he looked her dead in the eye.

“Would be a shame for you to spend your morning putting me all back together again.” Josie retorted, quirking her brow at him. She never would understand him, it was Friday. 7th years didn’t have to wear their Hogwarts uniforms on days off; yet there he was, tie loose but shirt pressed, blazer open and charmed with a lovely shade of honey. To each their own. He shrugged boyishly, his smirk growing.

“Eh, heard there are worse people to earn a favor from.” Ah.

Josie turned to face him fully, leaning against the sturdy shelves and pristine books and crossing her arms across her chest. Upon seeing her shift he did the same, mimicking her stance and staring at her with large, way-too-excited-looking eyes.

“And what kind of favor would Garreth Weasley need from me, I wonder?”

“Hypothetically,” he started in a lower voice, a spec above a whisper. It took all of Josie’s power not to roll her eyes then and there, but she let him continue, “if a guy needed some thestral hair - ”

“Thestral hair? What on earth are you planning?” At her accusatory tone he had the gall to smile and shrug again.

“Well, I have some theories but that particular ingredient is a bit hard to come by.”

“No kidding.” Josie deadpanned. Righting herself, she descended the few steps back to terra firma. Behind her, she could hear her teapot beginning to pour her first cup of the day. “Thestrals are not easy to get near, let alone pluck hair from.”

Garreth nodded in understanding though his eyes held no sign of relenting.

“And they’re incredibly expensive if you buy them from reputable sources.”

“The only sorts of people and places I frequent.” He added, inclining his head towards her. “I’d be willing to pay, I know you’ve got good stock and…” He pauses, gaze drifting upwards as he thought. In the short silence that stretched between them, Josie recognized the sound of the second teacup being filled.

“No, no, the other cup’s for Poppy.” Josie chastised under her breath, causing the teapot to pause before settling itself down gently. Garreth stifled a laugh with an unconvincing cough before continuing more genuinely.

“A chap can take a hint. Listen, all I was going to say is that I’d trust you not to be ripping hairs from thestral behinds or skinning puffskein. You tell me a price and I’ll tell you how many I need. And…” He paused again before leaning in conspiratorially and adding, “If it works, you’ll be the first to know and see a demonstration.”

Green eyes met blue in an unblinking stalemate.

The rustling of papers, the quiet steps of students on the ground floor, and the tsking of the Old Librarian portrait a few rows away were the only sounds that passed between them.

“... Please?” Josie felt herself crack. Like a puppy dog begging for treats, this one.

“How many do you need?” At his growing smirk Josie rolled her eyes, failing to keep her own smile from creeping across her features. “But you don’t tell a soul where you got the ingredients.”

“Deal.” Garreth nodded, sticking his hand between the two of them. Taking it and shaking his hand twice, she moved away from him to pick up her teacup and take a tentative sip. “And I’d say about… six?”

“I’ll get them to you before curfew tomorrow.” Josie was pleasantly surprised at the flavor of the tea; it was a lovely fruity blend she hadn’t tried before.

“Lovely, you’re a lifesaver. I’ll owl you.” Nodding in farewell, Josie watched as he half-jogged down the spiral staircase, making a terrible racket as he went. On queue, not a half a beat later, Josie heard the sharp fussing of the librarian and Garreth’s rather loud, half-hearted apology.

Continuing her search, Josie spent the next thirty minutes pulling and skimming various texts pertaining to magical creatures and their offspring. Finding many books with potential, the stack grew to an astounding height as her fruity tea dwindled to nothing more than a few drops by the time Poppy came rushing around the corner and plopping down beside Josie nearly an hour and a half later.

“Gosh, you’d think Professor Sharp thought Friday potions was detention the way things are going.” She sighed into her arms, head flopping down onto the table rather dramatically. Josie absently patted the Hufflepuffs back, brow quirked.

“I suppose it is a remedial class.” At that, Poppy glared up at her friend but otherwise didn’t move.

“I’m hoping for some excellent news, Josie. Today’s been a heartache.” Josie took her wand and quietly tapped the charmed tea set thrice before if refilled with piping hot tea. She watched as it began filling two cups. Josie picked up the closest one and placed it before her friend as a cozy peace offering.

“Excellent indeed.”

Poppy perked up, gaze suddenly hyper focused and she picked up the teacup with so much as glancing in its direction. “Oh?”

“The unicorn is safe and those poachers won’t be bothering them again.” Josie whispered before reaching into her charmed haversack and retrieving a few errant correspondence she’d found the night before. “These were kept by Ludwig, the one running the capture. It’s hard to read but I thought you said one of your friends knew a charm for tidying up writing like this.” Poppy quickly sipped her tea before pressing it back into the table and hurriedly taking the notes. Brows crunched, she struggled through the same issue Josie had the night before.

“Yes, I think Charlotte can manage something like this… maybe I can ask her for the charm? I wouldn’t want her asking too many questions about all this. She’s too skittish.”

“You could say you’re borrowing notes from someone for potions?” Josie offered, taking her teacup in hand and sipping politely.

“Ha. Ha.” Poppy emphasized. Josie watched her features twist as she considered the idea nonetheless. “That might actually work. Alright, fine. Merlin, that class is exhausting.” Poppy read over the note once again, squinting at a particularly extravagant looking word that Josie thought had by the word tallywacker but hoped for her and Poppy’s sake it was anything but. “... Does this say trombone?”

“You know,” Josie started instead, shaking her head of her rising embarrassment, “alternatively I could ask Ominis to take a look.”

“Ominis? Ominis Gaunt?” Poppy repeated incredulously, wide eyes darting up from the parchment. “But… Josie, isn’t he - ”

“He knows a rather refined dictation charm that works well for reading books aloud.” Josie interrupted, waving her hand dismissively between the two of them. “I’ve seen him use it, he’s read a few things to me with it and I was impressed.”

“Gosh.” Poppy muttered, lips pursing and she slowly glanced sidelong at her companion. “If only I could be a fly on the wall of the Slytherin common room. Who would have thought you lot had fireside storytime after hours. Here we were all thinking you all swam naked in vats of firewhisky.”

Josie snorted and, instead of dignifying her friends’ speculation, took a long drink of her tea and closed her eyes.

“Wink for yes, blink for sometimes.”

“I thought you might be interested in something far more intriguing than what we Slytherin do in our free time. Something I stumbled upon last night, maybe?” Poppy’s eyes widened and her teasing smirk loosened.

“You found something?”

“More than something.” Josie started but paused as a few 4th years walked by loudly, complaining about something Professor Hecat had assigned them to research for next week. “I found a creature egg, the kind I’ve never seen before.”

Poppy’s gaze darted to the stacks of books they’d been neglecting in their chatter, reading the title of one before nodding in understanding. “I’m in.”

“Perfect!” Josie clapped her hands together and quietly began explaining the shape, the size, the coloration, and the conditions she found the eggs in. Poppy absently scrawled a few notes on a spare parchment as Josie went into as much detail as she could, bar dragging Poppy up to the Room of Requirement to show her the egg in person.

The two studied for hours, delving into book after book in search of a creature egg that resembled anything like the one Josie had found. By the time their afternoon had come and gone, the duo had eliminated many impossibilities and highlighted a few hopeful - yet seemingly unlikely - probabilities.

“A chimera egg, maybe?” Poppy offered, having maintained a surprising amount of pep despite Josie’s attempt at a nap about forty minutes before. “There’s no one description of what they look like and they’re on the non-tradable goods list by the Ministry, so there’d be definite interest for poachers.” Josie leaned over to glance at the text, skimming the page before frowning.

“Maybe, it just seems too large a creature for the egg I found.” Poppy hummed and flicked a few dozen pages forward to where her index finger gently marked the page.

“Worst case scenario it’s a basilisk egg, post frog incubation. Obviously.”

“Obviously.” Josie echoed, staring at the picture of a frog perched atop a chicken egg without much enthusiasm. “I’m not really sure if they change color after the… incubation process.”

“No, me neither.” Poppy acquiesced. “Maybe… maybe we need a break from this.” Josie simply nodded in agreement, not needing to be told twice. She raised her wand and whispered wingardium leviosa to put away each book one-by-one. Poppy followed suit, carefully placing the books in their rightful spots before standing and stretching.

“Let’s meet after dinner in the Room of Requirement.” Josie offered, not needed to elaborate any further. Poppy yawned into her nod.

“Alright, I think I’m going to nap. Had a lovely time as always, Josie. Thanks for the invite.” Josie smiled to herself as they grabbed their things and began downstairs. Despite their rather fruitless findings, Josie was aware that Poppy had meant it when she said she’d enjoyed it.

They went their separate ways, each heading in the direction of their common room with noticeably less pep in their step than when they’d started. The dungeons were quiet as usual, with the odd rattling of ghosts and echoing footsteps; the sort of thing 1st year Slytherins all had to pretend not to jump at during late night bathroom breaks down the hall.

After taking a well deserved nap and seating herself at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall for dinner, Josie was pleased to see Sebastian and Ominis join her. The former quirked his brow at her as he sat in the empty space to her right.

“You look as though you’ve had a restful day. Hours at Madam Snelling's, maybe?” Josie reached up and adjusted her bun, only slightly self conscious to find it loose and it tatters.

“Such a gentleman, Sebastian. I’ll keep that comment in mind next time we duel in Hecat’s class.”

Ominis seated himself on the other side of Sebastian, knocking the back of his friend's head with his elbow as he seated himself.

“Ow.” Sebastian said pointedly, hand reaching up and massaging the base of his skull. “That was on purpose.”

“Oh, yes.” Ominis acquiesced without a drop of remorse.

“Unbelievable.” Sebastian mumbled under his breath before shooting Josie a cheeky grin. “By the way, Weasley was singing your praises today on the Quidditch pitch, something about being pretty reliable for a Slytherin.”

Josie scoffed, unphased by the dig at her Hogwarts house. “I should have known he’d say something to someone. Guy’s filled to the brim with charisma and excitement.”

“You’re one of the few people who still indulge his potions habits.” Ominis commented, wand dipping to summon a generous slice of chicken to his plate. “Much to more than one professor's chagrin.” He added with no small amount of mirth.

Josie watched as a subtle smirk crawled across his lips, feeling herself echoing the sentiment. Without a need to comment more, the trio filled their plates and enjoyed their meals as more and more students filled the hall for supper.

They asked her about her trek into the Forbidden Forest and the state of the unicorns as well as her show of running off to the library on her day off like some overstimulated bibliophile. She’d laughed at that, thinking they might not be the only students who thought her unilateral fixations were more than a little unusual.

“All went well.” Josie explained as she poked at a wonderfully tender piece of roast beef. “Well, except for the near head injury. I only just realized the bully cast reducto on me.”

“Ouch.” Sebastian mumbled, brows knitting together as his eyes scanned her hairline. “No double vision, then?” Josie shook her head, searching the table for a gravy boat as an excuse to avert her gaze.

“No, nothing like that. I found the unicorn and let her free before stumbling upon something even more rare.” Peeking a glance back towards her companions, Josie was pleased by the spark of interest that crossed Sebastian's features and the quirked brow of Ominis as he chewed his food in respectable silence.

“Well, go on then!” Sebastian encouraged with a wide smirk. “Riches or maybe an ancient dragonskin cloak and matching boots? I imagine you’d look dashing.”

“I imagine I would, too. But no, no riches nor matching sets rivaling Gladrags.” Josie agreed, knowing full well her friend jested. With a conspiratorial glance about the table that was quickly filling up around them, Josie added the last bit quietly. “I stumbled upon a mysterious creature egg that neither Poppy nor I can identify.”

“No wonder Poppy was sprinting up the stairs this morning. Nearly ran right into me.” Ominis murmured, wiping his fingers on the Slytherin-themed cloth napkin. “Sometimes it amazes me how blind other people can be.”

Sebastian coughed a laugh as Josie cocked a grin. “Right, well, I for one want a crack at it.” Josie huffed a laugh.

“I don’t recommend you make that joke in front of Poppy.”

“I’d never.” Sebastian dismissed with an air of regality, as though he were far above such things.

“I think they’re sending up the desserts.” Ominis absently commented, leaning away from the table in anticipation. Josie and Sebastian did the same just in time to hear the subtle crack of elf magic as the savory dinner foods vanished and were replaced with all sorts of pudding. Across the table, a duo of 1st years were not so aware, having been reaching across the table for the last of the dinner rolls only to find their hands wrist deep in an apricot upside down cake.

With a new quarry before them, the three descended into silence as they picked through servings of hand pies, slices of cakes, and ever-frost ice cream. Josie opted for the honeycomb ice cream, a lovely specialty of a place her family used to visit in Cornwall what seemed like a lifetime ago.

The first to break the quiet was Sebastian, sighing into the bench and propping his elbows on the table. Josie was unsure if Ominis scowled at the blatant disregard for their personal space or the severe lack of table manners.

“Did I tell you that Professor Onai’s daughter - the Gryffindor - was my partner for charms yesterday?” He idled, a frown pulling at the edges of his features.

“Natty?” Josie surmised. “She’s a good partner, she takes her spellwork seriously.”

“She’s a talented caster.” Ominis agreed lightly before sipping his hot chocolate. Sebastian’s frown deepened at their comments.

“That’s beside the point.” He retorted, opening his mouth to continue but stopping himself at the sound of the curfew warning bell.

Josie glanced around the Great Hall in surprise. The three of them must’ve all been lost in thought over dessert because the once bustling dining hall now housed only a few dozen students. Mentally kicking herself, Josie quickly began gathering her things; after everything she’d said to the boys, she had no idea how she could forget her plans with Poppy. Suddenly standing and accruing the undivided attention of both Slytherin boys, Josie breathed out an apology.

“I just remembered I had something I needed to take care of before curfew, if either of you need me I’ll be in the Room of Requirement!” With a final bid goodbye, Josie glanced towards the large clock that hung over the entrance. An hour before curfew; she had plenty of time.

Rushing off not for the first time that day, Josie made her way swiftly up the corridors and towards the large hanging tapestry of the Troll Ballet. Inside was just as she had left it, more like a home than anything else these days.

Rushing past Deek with a polite greeting, Josie entered the vivarium to find the enchanting grove a flutter with diricawl, puffskeins, and the odd kneazle. Scritching one softly, Josie was not at all surprised to see Poppy; notebook in hand as she leaned over the newest addition to the vivarium.

“Gosh, took you long enough!” Poppy greeted, her face contorted as she glanced back at Josie. “I thought you fell asleep somewhere on the climb up here.”

“Sorry, I lost track of time at supper.”

“All thanks to those Slytherin boys of yours, no doubt.” Poppy commented under her breath as she returned to her notetaking. Josie bristled but decided to keep her mouth shut, especially considering her assumption had been annoyingly correct. Despite the possessiveness, that was.

Without another word, Josie joined her friend; her stomach aflutter with honeycomb ice cream after a brisk jog up a few hundred steps of stairs was more than enough for her to have regretted the second serving she’d taken. Now with the mysterious egg before them, Poppy and Josie came to the quick conclusion that all of their previous contenders for the species of the egg were null and void. Back to square one they went.

But it wasn’t until Josie lifted the egg with the intent to show Poppy the speckling pattern underneath that a wave of panic set in. The egg was cold. “It should be the same temperature of the room,” Josie suddenly breathed, “I think it’s far too cold.” The edge of panic in her voice caused Poppy to jolt into action, pulling out her wand and immediately casting a rudimentary warming charm; the sort they’d all used in winter during their trips to Hogsmeade to keep their hands from freezing.

The two of them worked together to find a way to properly heat up the egg and to maintain the environment it evidently needed. It frustrated Josie to no end that all they had to go on what was the bloody poachers had scrounged together for the poor thing. Poppy reassured her that, at the very least, the poachers needed the creature alive and would have done what was needed to keep it that way.

Josie was certain that, by the time they were both satisfied, the curfew bell had rung and Prefects were likely out and about skulking the corridors. Stepping back from the egg and its new home, the two of them shared a sigh of relief.

“Merlin. Well, I think that’s one crisis averted.” Poppy said through a yawn. Josie caught the contagion and yawned soon after. Taking a step towards the vivarium exit, Josie hesitated and her ears perked.

Whatever Josie was going to say in reply died on her tongue at the sound of a distant door being opened. Poppy and Josie’s eyes met in agreed surprise. No, neither of them were expecting anyone.

Wands subtly at her sides, the duo exited the vivarium. Josie was the first to emerge, more surprised than she should have been to see Sebastian standing in the center of the room glancing down the far stairwell with a brown paper wrapped package under his arm.

As Poppy exited behind Josie, wand tightly in her grip, Sebastian finally seemed to notice them. He cleared his throat, standing a bit taller and glancing towards Poppy as though her skin were glowing.

Josie had seen that look before and seeing it again sent a spike of dread straight to the pit of her stomach.

“Sallow?” Poppy questioned, moving around Josie with a somewhat suspicious look. “Didn’t know you’d be interested in the egg.” Josie was far too focused on the tension in Sebastian’s shoulder to truly address the realization that Poppy had just assumed she had told Sebastian about their poacher plans.

She would have been absolutely right, but that was beside the point.

“Sweeting.” Sebastian greeted with the same level of friendliness the Hufflepuff had offered, “Not particularly. Though, Josie had promised Ominis and I help studying for transfigurations. So…”

Poppy stared at him for a few beats before her gaze slid to Josie, an unspoken question shared between them. Josie schooled her features and shrugged apologetically.

“Sorry, Pops, it must have slipped my mind with everything that happened.” Heart beating wildly, Josie watched Poppy’s features soften. Stowing her wand away, she hopped down the few steps away from the vivarium.

“That’s understandable. Don’t worry about it, we were finished anyway.” Poppy added, stretching her arms behind her back and rolling out her neck. “Don’t be here too late, I’d imagine some of the Slytherin girls might have all sorts of ideas as to the mischief you get up to at the witching hour.”

Josie huffed a laugh with a shrug. “You mean like the vats of firewhiskey?” At that Poppy cackled a laugh, scrunching her face and making Sebastian flick his incredulous gaze between the two girls wordlessly. With a few more words of goodbye, Poppy exited the Room of Requirement and left Sebastian and Josie to their private conversation.

A quick glance at Sebastian told her he was antsy to share whatever he came here to share, so she nodded her head down the stairwell. Together they descended. Sebastian made quick work of setting down his brown paper package and separating various pieces of parchment and what appeared to be a map.

Josie approached the table, standing beside him once he’d finished. With a stifled breath, he turned to lean against the table; almost as though he couldn’t bear to stare at everything.

“Ominis is a great friend, you know.” He suddenly said, his voice both distant and excited. Josie looked towards Sebastian, unable to meet his gaze as he stared at her potions equipment. “He’s really trying and… Well, after dinner he asked to speak to me in the Undercroft. I think he meant for you to join us but you ran off.”

“Oh, I hadn’t realized - ” Sebastian waved off her apology, head shaking and lips pressing into a thin line.

“No, it’s fine. It worked out well. I think he and I had a few things we had to talk through considering the last time we pursued something like this. Some things I think I needed to hear from him.” Sebastian glanced over and finally met her gaze. He looked thoughtful, if not apologetic. “Things that you’d told me a year ago but I don’t really think I’d been ready to hear.”

Josie opened her mouth but no words came forth. Instead she offered him a small smile and shrugged. He smirked back.

“I’m pretty sure this is the point where you say, I told you so.”

“That only has weight if I’m not usually right. So, no reason to bother with it now of all times.” Josie teased, crossing her arms as she pushed off the table to face him square on. Sebastian’s smirk widened before wavering.

“I - uh. Ominis made a great point and, well, it came to my attention that last year I hadn’t really - I mean, not fully apologized for what happened in the Scriptorium.” He hesitated, watching Josie for her reaction with a nervously set jaw.

Josie tried not to flinch at the memory of his casting of the cruciatus curse; of how it felt when the spell radiated through her entire body like nothing she’d ever felt before and the look of absolute anger on his face when he'd cast it. There was so much that she’d never forget from her 6th year and she desperately wanted new memories - far better memories - of her adventures with Sebastian than something so hateful and painful.

Josie wondered distantly if that was one of the reasons she threw herself so readily into things like poacher schemes and thwarting dark wizards in the Scottish Highlands. And upon further reflection, Ominis was right; he hadn’t apologized. Gnawing her lip nervously, she met Sebastian’s awaiting gaze.

“To be fair, I think we both wanted to just move on. Especially since there was very little for us to use in the Scriptorium once we were finally able to enter.”

“Don’t… Don’t do that, you don’t have to make excuses for me. I was an idiot and you had every right to be furious with me.” He replied, voice tinted in rising frustration. Josie nodded, watching as his grip on his cloak sleeve tightened.

She knew he was right but she couldn’t shake the guilt that settled in her stomach like lead. She had found the tome they’d been looking for but she’d been so angry and scared of Sebastian that she’d shoved it into her satchel instead of sharing it with him. Later, when Ominis confronted her about it she broke down and told him everything. Nearly a year later, she wasn’t certain it’d been the right decision.

Not with the way it constricted her heart and made it difficult to breathe.

“Ominis said you had a hard time catching your breath for months afterwards.” He added softly, as though he feared speaking it too loudly would bring back the pain all over again. Surprised, Josie’s jaw dropped. She’d told no one - not a single soul about that. How could she? With Sebastian needing space, Ominis already on a month-long anti-Sebastian kick, and few others she’d felt comfortable telling about the Gaunt family secrets are their dalliances with the Unforgivables; she'd much rather just spend the rest of her 6th year focusing on her studies.

Reading her surprise plain as day, Sebastian nodded grimly. “Ominis notices a lot of things people wished he couldn’t. He said you were likely feeling better after the end of term but, right… I’m sorry for everything. For cursing you, for not recognizing how bad it all affected you, and -well - for not trusting you.”

Josie swallowed hard. Sebastian glanced away at her rising emotions, obviously uncomfortable as he continued.

“Especially after you managed to slow the spreading of Anne’s curse. I was so happy and my uncle was so angry I didn’t even think to apologize then.” She’d remembered it well, over the break between 6th and 7th year, Josie had tried to tap into her well of ancient magic to rip the curse from Anne. It hadn't worked, not really.

Sebastian’s twin was wrought with terrible pain but in the minutes that followed she’d seemed to have more energy and claimed she felt lighter as a result. Since then Anne hasn’t gotten any better, but she also hasn't gotten any worse. Not that their uncle cared much for the result, untrusting of her volatile magic.

The entrance to the Room of Requirement shifted open and the sound of quiet steps moved in their direction. Josie took a deep calming breath, not needing to hear Deek greet Mr. Ominis to know it was him.

Descending the stairs he seemed to read the tension in the room and frowned. Pausing a few steps from the bottom, he pointed his flashing wand in their direction.

“Was ten minutes not enough?” Ominis asked cryptically. From her peripherally, Josie saw Sebastian shake his head.

“Ah, no we’re good. I think. Thanks for waiting.” Glancing over her shoulder at Sebastian, Josie nodded.

“We’re good, Seb.” Raising her voice as Ominis fully joined them, her eyes skating over his self satisfied expression. The weight all but lifted completely from her stomach at the sight of him. She was thankful to no longer be left alone with Sebastian’s apology and her guilt; at least with Ominis here, she could share the guilt, albeit silently. “Sounds like I have you to thank as well, Ominis.”

Ominis scoffed but said nothing more on the subject. Instead he flicked his wand in wordless incantation. At his command, one of the parchments flitted into the air above the table.

“Now that we’ve all made up, I do have some… intriguing news I wanted to share with you both. It’s concerning Anne.”

“Right, you were aggravatingly vague in the Undercroft.” Sebastian mumbled, more and more of his typical cadence returning.

“Strategically so. You do exceptionally terrible if Josie isn’t there as a catalyst.” Sebastian rolled his eyes but didn’t deny it much to Ominis’ amusement. “No denying it? My, you’ve matured.”

That was more than enough to destroy any level of restraint Sebastian had managed to maintain. Josie intervened with a quick hand on each of their shoulders.

“Goodness, you both are children.” She murmured loud enough for both of them to hear. Ominis bristled and Sebastian snorted; before there could be any more protests, she leaned towards Ominis and asked, “You’ve found a way to help Anne?”

To his credit, Ominis acquiesced instead of throwing whatever sharp comment her way or prodding Sebastian again. With a wave of his wand and a familiar gold spark, the written words on the parchment began to glow as they read the contents aloud.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3: Best Laid Plans

Sitting between Ominis and Sebastian, Josie was in complete awe. Of all people she hadn’t expected Ominis to be the one of them who researched and came up with a very Sebastian-like plan for finding a cure for Anne. He’d done so much work over their break between terms. He’d been so coordinated, so organized that when a question eventually emerged from her or Sebastian, Ominis needed to simply direct them to some errant piece of parchment or a quick detail he’d not mentioned simply to preserve time.

“This is amazing, Ominis.” Josie offered, not trying to hide the awe from her voice. “Wasn’t it difficult getting this information from your family?”

As he’d done times before, his face brightened a few shades at the compliment; clearing his throat, he wrung his hands almost nervously. “Thank you, and I’d be remiss to downplay the effort and careful planning this all took. My uncle took it as a new interest in the family… history, let's call it. Once he was convinced, he was more than willing to answer my questions.”

“Was he certain such a book exists? Wouldn’t something of that nature be in your family library instead of a public one?” Sebastian asked, leaning back in the high topped chair Josie had summoned to suit his taste.

“No, it wouldn’t. Ambrasta Wallowferd was a close family friend of my ancestors and, apparently, her research is still used as a baseline in a few places in the Ministry. They need things like that readily available, no matter how niche the research may be.” Ominis paused to stifle a yawn. “And it’s not just any library. It’s been placed at a pureblood library. Not exactly open to the public. Even a family like yours, Sebastian, would struggle to enter.”

Sebastian and Josie frowned and shared a startled look.

“That’s concerning.” Josie offered, unsure of what else to say as her heart sank. If Sebastian couldn’t enter, it would be impossible for her to go.

“I have a… plan for how we can enter. But it can only be two of us.” Ominis started, speaking more quietly. “My uncle likely has guessed that I plan to visit sometime soon considering the amount of interest I feigned in multiple subjects that would be at that library. Bringing a companion would be expected.”

“Because…?” Sebastian drew out, face scrunching as he fought off his own fit of exhaustion.

“Because I’m blind and use magic to travel and the library is hidden in muggle London.” Josie and Sebastian both made sounds of understanding. “You know what they say; two's a company, three's a crowd. To not gather too much attention, there are a few precautions we’d need to take. Clothing, a backstory, and a… Gaunt family artifact.”

At that Sebastian all but jolted away as though he’d been administered Pepper-up potion. “Really? Merlin, you’re really sure about this. I can’t believe you’re going to borrow an artifact from the family vault.”

“Already did.” Ominis amended with an odd, if not somewhat uncomfortable look marring his features. Something in the drop of his tone set Josie on edge; there was something Ominis had yet to tell them and it was weighing on him.

“What’s bothering you, Ominis?” She asked lightly, ignoring the double take Sebastian gave at her juxtaposition to his elation.

Ominis inclined his head towards Josie, eyes downcast and brows pulled together. He was hesitant to elaborate but, just when she was ready to dismiss the question for another time she felt his knee press into hers under table, stilling her tongue faster than any pointed look ever would have.

At first she thought it had been an accident, the sort of thing someone would do when stretching under the table before immediately pulling back and apologizing awkwardly; but Ominis made no move to pull away. Instead, he used it to gain her undivided attention; wordlessly communicating something to her.

“I… have a confession.” He started after a long few moments. Sebastian, now rightly confused and to a lesser degree concerned, leaned forward expectantly. “I think Josie should be the one to join me on the trip to muggle London.” At the immediate sounds of Sebastian’s protests, Ominis continued with more fervor. “You can’t deny that she’d be far more comfortable in muggle London than either of us would be. There are things I’ve tried to research about the muggle world that are more confusing than arithmancy. I need someone who won’t look lost and terrified of phone booths.”

Sebastian sputtered in annoyance, looking as though Ominis had just uninvited him to his birthday. “You can’t be serious? She can’t even get into the bloody library!” Sebastian looked to Josie for confirmation, as though she should jump to remind them both of her blood status. Josie shifted uncomfortably, glancing away and pressing her mouth shut.

The pressure against her knee turned into rhythmic tapping, drawing her attention. Josie peered at Ominis and watched as he attempted to quell his own rising annoyance. His tapping continued in the silence that stretched between the three of them; it was then that she realized what the tapping was meant to do. Josie took a big breath before pressing her own knee into his in agreement.

Bolstered by her solidarity, the edges of Ominis’ mouth quirked upwards, he continued. “She can. With the help of my family artifact, I mean.”

“And you’d be comfortable with something like this?” Sebastian asked Josie more kindly, his annoyance now edged in concern. “It’s not like the poachers or Ranrok; the people that enjoy going to pureblood spaces… they - ”

“Hate me, I know.” Josie finished for him as he struggled to say what they were all dancing around. It was nothing that she hadn’t heard before. She remembered her shock late in her 5th year when she found the mutilated remains of a poor witch deep within the Scottish Highlands. It had been a difficult site to stumble upon, especially when the only evidence of why it happened was the note that read mudblood.

Confused and curious, Josie had hurried to Hogsmeade and quietly asked Sirnoa about it. It was difficult to forget the terrible sadness that washed over the kind woman in the moments before she, as gently as possible, explained everything Josie needed to know.

“I can protect you from that.” Ominis offered, his voice a whisper. There was a surness to his gentle tone that led Josie to believe that he meant every word. She swallowed heavily, folding her hands on the table so as not to wring them. “I don’t know what we’ll see when we get there, but I can make sure they can’t touch you or… anything else. You’ll be safe.”

Sirona had made it clear that muggleborns were thought of as second class citizens. Josie had filled in the blanks, purebloods saw muggleborns as a sickness on the wizarding world. Yet it wasn’t until the moment when Ominis all but vowed to keep her under his protection, that she truly connected what the witch’s body left to rot in the Highlands meant. How unwelcomed and unsafe she’d been in much of the wizarding world she’d come to love so much.

“I trust you.” She breathed, fearing that if she said more to Ominis or met Sebastian’s gaze they’d recognize the emotions that threatened to pour over. Closing her eyes, Josie focused on breathing evenly; suddenly aware that she was shaking. It wasn’t until she felt the hesitant hand of Ominis rest against her wrist that she realized he’d stopped tapping her knee.

Eyes opening, blinking away the ebbing despair she felt, Josie stared at where they connected. Wishing in that moment that, just this once, he’d decided to not wear gloves. It was a sweet gesture, one that she knew was far outside of his comfort zone.

Silently, Sebastian looked between his two friends; his face carefully blank. Josie was aware of his stare and worked hard to press down the rising embarrassment Ominis’ kindness evoked in her.

“I’ll do it.” Josie finally said, breaking the silence. “I’ve been to London - muggle London - a few times with my parents, but not in recent years. By muggle standards, it’s become a very dangerous place to be.”

“What do you mean?” Sebastian pressed, a new layer of concern coating his words. Josie hesitated, unsure where to start.

“A few years before I came to Hogwarts there were a string of murders in London. The women were violently killed and he was never caught. My father disallowed my mother and I from visiting the city ever since.”

“I’ve heard about that.” Ominis started. “He shouldn’t be an issue anymore.” Incredulously, Josie cocked her head and urged him to elaborate. After a moment he did so, “He was from the wizarding world. I believe he was a vampire who… indulged illegally.”

“Merlin.” Sebastian sighed, exasperated. “Vampires in London? I remember hearing about that, we were 3rd years when all that was kicking off.” Josie chewed her cheek, eyes cast downwards to where her and Ominis were still connected; the foreignness of it momentarily forgotten by the boys. For Josie there was a renewed tickle of awareness that she desperately sought to distract herself from.

“I shouldn’t be too surprised that Jack the Ripper turned out to be a vampire from the wizarding world.” She mumbled sardonically; feigning, rather believably, that she were bored at the conversation.

“Right, well, this is all well and good but what in the bloody hell am I supposed to do while you two go parading down the streets of muggle London?” Sebastian asked. He leaned back in his chair, massaging his eyes. “Because you both know there’s no way I can just sit here twiddling my thumbs until you return.”

For the first time that night Ominis didn’t have an answer. Watching Ominis be flustered was a sight for sore eyes, Josie decided. Even more so was watching Sebastian pout, most likely due to the late hour as much as his disappointment and frustration in what would likely feel like an excruciating weekend.

Laying her head on the table, Josie felt Ominis jolt at the sudden change; his hand twitching and pulling away. In her disappointment and exhaustion she wished she had one of her kneazles to snuggle for comfort now that their connection was lost and her fight against the beginning of sleepless-induced grumpiness.

Eyes opening in surprise, a brilliant idea struck her.

“Sebastian,” She started, pulling his attention, “I have a wonderful idea.”

“For some reason, I don’t entirely believe that your idea is wonderful.” He deadpanned, eyeing her suspiciously. “Go on.”

“The mystery egg.” Josie offered with a renewed vigor that Sebastian did not share. When he simply stared at her, unblinking, she continued. “The egg needs supervision and you’re so clever with all your research, you could help Poppy figure out what in the world that creature is supposed to be!”

“Don’t flatter me when you’re trying to get me to do something.” Sebastian started, his face betraying all his emotions.

“Even if it’s true?” She pressed. Ominis snorted in response; Sebastian glared at their friend despite knowing he couldn’t see it.

“Poppy absolutely hates me.”

“That’s not true. You just don’t know each other very well yet.”

“Yet.” Sebastian rolled his eyes. “And why don’t you ask Weasley to help Poppy.”

“Probably because Weasley would likely take snippings of the creatures in her vivariums.” Ominis thought aloud, more to himself than anything else before adding, “Besides, what if it hatched while we were gone? Surely there’d be some merit in being present for such a unique event.”

“Plus,” Josie jumped in, staring down Sebastian until he met her gaze, “the egg takes precedence over this excursion. We desperately need to find out what it is so we can take care of it properly, and - ” Josie gave Sebastian a look as he began to loudly object; once he was silenced, Josie continued, “So that means that if someone isn’t here taking care of and researching the egg with Poppy, I’ll be doing that all weekend instead of this trip which can wait.”

Sighing dramatically into his hands, Sebastian sent one last pleading look at Ominis and then Josie before shaking his head.

“Fine, just… Fine.” Sebastian relented as he stood from his chair. “Let’s just head back to the common room; I’m absolutely shattered.”

Ominis and Josie followed suit, bidding Deek a good evening as they left. Josie did a double take when she realized the time.

“Truly up to no good at the witching hour.” She whispered as the three of them cast their disillusionment charms. They made their way all the way back down to the dungeons and, in unison, let out a sigh of relief as the stone passage shut behind them. Dismissing the charm, they descended the stairs.

“Hey, Josie.” Sebastian suddenly said as they entered the common room proper. She glanced over her shoulder at him, a brow quirked. Beside her, Ominis hesitated also. “What’s a phone booth?”

With heavy preparations needed for tomorrow and the three of them running on the fumes of their energy, Josie burst into muffled laughter as she quickly covered her mouth, unable to stop the mirth.

“Oh, oh Sebastian not tonight. I’ll explain it some other time.” Josie offered as kindly as she could, smiling at Ominis’ smirk; unsure if he knew what a phone booth was or if he simply enjoyed a laugh at his friend's expense.

Eyes rolling and laughter subsided, the three of them separated as quietly as possible. Tomorrow would prove to be a taxing day.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4: Redstone Ruins

Josie slept in so late the next morning that Imelda had been the one to rouse her from her heavy slumber. She’d informed Josie with dubious surprise that she’d missed the last call for breakfast. Absolutely gutted at the idea of starting a day like today without a proper meal, the other Slytherin girl watched her as she instead nibbled on assorted nuts as Josie dressed for the day before sulking out to the common room. In her twisted sort of kindness, Imelda had handed her a chocolate muffin with an odd and somewhat concerned look across her face before wordlessly heading out to the Quidditch pitch.

Not ten minutes later, she saw Sebastian emerge from the boys dormitories looking just as exhausted and without proper food as she did. Sebastian with his hair cowlicked and weekend robes slightly askew, hadn’t even noticed Josie as he quietly settled near the fireplace and stared listlessly into the flames. He’d never been much of a morning person as it were so Josie simply let him be.

Him being enough of a reminder of the days tasks, Josie hurried to send Poppy an owl informing her of her new research partner as well as another owl to Garreth informing him that if he wanted his ‘study notes’ he needed to meet her in the next forty minutes to exchange them.

When the latter reply came promptly soon after, Josie quickly braided six thestral hairs together, twisting them as to make a nice, neat loop before stowing it safely in her sachet. She rushed to meet Garreth, skipping down the rapidly appearing steps of the Grand Staircase with what she once thought was reckless trust of an old, silly enchantment. She had once asked Deek where the staircases went when they weren’t in use; he’d responded simply that they, “went wherever they were needed.” Which wasn’t terribly helpful despite his happiness to oblige.

Exiting through the quad courtyard, Josie slowed her pace as she passed a rather large group of students playing Gobstone and laughing uproariously. But it wasn’t until she crossed the first set of braizers on the viaduct bridge that she came to a full stop, eyes cast outwards towards the mist-filled drop over the Black Lake.

Elbows pressed into the stone railing and gaze focused miles away, Josie distantly wondered if London - muggle London - would feel different to her now that she’d lived years amongst magic. She’d once thought London to be the pinnacle of society, the sort of places true ladies and gents would walk and dine in frivolity; but now she wasn’t so sure.

As though he sensed her far flung thoughts, Garreth cleared his throat to garner her attention as he joined her.

“That was fast.” He commented by way of greeting. Garreth leaned against the stone railing, his long arms hanging over thin air and his gaze looking her over curiously. Josie watched, wondering how long it took him to feel so blasè about the vastness of spaces like the viaduct bridge? Such a long drop, yet he didn’t even spare the view a second glance.

“That’s what you get from a pretty reliable Slytherin.” She intonated precisely, brow raising as she in turn looked him over. To his credit, Josie watched as he cringed and awkwardly glanced away.

“Ah, listen that sounds terrible but I meant to - ”

“Boast about me selling you potion ingredients when I specifically asked you not to mention it?” She offered, her tone flat. He laughed awkwardly, the sound foreign from his usually calm and charismatic persona.

“I, well - ” At the uncomfortable waver in his voice, a smirk slowly formed across her lips. After a few moments of stumbling over his words, he caught on and visibly relaxed, “Ah, you minx. You’re teasing me, right. Slytherin indeed.” She hmmed in agreement, watching him expectantly.

It was the sort of thing they’d laugh about together later; in the meantime, she had places to be. Muggle London, to be exact. They quietly discussed price, to which Garreth graciously offered more as “reparations” before the exchange was finished.

Their friendship no worse for the wear, Josie bid him good brewing before seeking out Ominis where they’d previously agreed to meet. Despite Josie’s many questions, Ominis had proven to be tightlipped when he wanted to be. He’d not disclosed a single new syllable of information on the matter despite her not-so-subtle attempts; prudently he’d stated that she’d find out everything once they had proper privacy.

Why they couldn’t simply use the Room of Requirement or the Undercroft was beyond her.

The Hogwart Grounds were the perfect gathering places for days of rest; dozens of students escaped the confines of the castle walls in lieu of a competitive tournament of Summoner’s Court. It was a unique spring day in Scotland, brisk yet bright and shining with nary a cloud in the sky.

Josie felt a longing pull towards the Quidditch pitch where she saw nearly a score of brooms zipping around in what looked like an unsanctioned pick up game. Josie hoped for their sake that word didn’t reach Headmaster Black or that he wasn’t enjoying tea near his large window.

As she made her way down the path towards Hogsmeade, Josie overheard a group of 1st years gathered around one of the stone benches, wands out and books open as they took turns practicing wingardium leviosa on a comically large feather she was certain belonged to one of the hats in the trophy room. It was endearing.

When she eventually stumbled upon Ominis he was halfway down the path leading to Hogsmeade, resting on one of the stone benches that line the commonly traveled path. Eyes closed, he was leaning back and basking in the morning sun; he was sitting so still, Josie was unsure if he was resting or if he’d actually fallen asleep waiting for her.

Approaching his bench she sat beside him, hesitantly watching him for signs of consciousness. Smiling quietly to herself as she watched the slow, rhythmic rise and fall of his chest.

For their excursion today, he’d chosen to wear clothes well suited for frolicking in the Scottish countryside; even so, the clothes were impeccably well tailored and likely wouldn’t look out of place down High Street either. She’d rarely seen him wear anything other than his school uniform; she’d chalked it up to him not caring about wizarding fashion or his appearance as a whole but with this outfit, she was no longer sure.

A peaceful rest doomed to fail, Josie frowned as a number of rambunctious Gryffindor boys on their way to Hogsmeade stumbled passed. One of the more daring ones greeted Josie by way of dramatic bow before the others snickered around him and called for him to hurry. To Josie’s dismay, Ominis stirred at their commotion.

“Glad I found you.” She started quietly. Ominis twisted to face her, surprised by her proximity. He reached for his wand and righted himself.

“Oh, Merlin, did I fall asleep? That’s embarrassing.”

“It’s alright, you looked peaceful.”

“That’s good at least.” He offered, frowning slightly. “I don’t think I slept well last night, sorry about that.”

Josie, despite how exhausted she’d been the night before, had a difficult time falling asleep with all the information running wild in her mind and the heady anticipation of adventure today. It was a miracle she woke up in time to meet Ominis at all.

“Right, follow me. I have a few things I want to go over with you before we leave today.” Ominis said as he stood, straightening his vest and brushing off invisible dust. Josie followed suit, stretching as she followed him further down the path away from Hogwarts glad to see that the Gryffindor boys had, for some reason, decided to race the length of road and were now nearly out of sight.

“I’m all for this, but is there a particular reason you didn’t want to have this conversation at one of our usual clubs?” Josie asked with a glance behind them, pleased to see the path empty of other travelers.

Ominis scoffed at her description of the Undercroft as a club.

“Because something I need to do can’t be done within the walls of Hogwarts.” Surprised, Josie’s steps stuttered. She caught herself on Ominis’ shoulder who jolted away from her as though she were a naked flame. Josie apologized, blaming a non-existent rock in the road.

“Wait, what do you mean?” Josie asked breathlessly, embarrassed for invading his personal space so abruptly. To his credit, he pretended it hadn’t bothered him despite his reddened ears.

“The artifact I have; it’s very… old. It’s been in my family for decades; the magic used to create it is different than the magic we learn to use here. Hogwarts has been enchanted in a way to inhibit this sort of magic from expanding.” He explained, somewhat cryptically.

“When you say different magic, do you mean…”

“Dark magic?” He offered lightly. Josie made a noise of confirmation, her curiosity truly peaked. The dark arts were a tender subject between Sebastian and Ominis, so it was rarely brought up between the three of them. “Sort of, though magic this old comes from a space that can’t be described as dark per se, it simply just is. Think like pure forces of the earth or the way we describe concepts like bravery or ambition or love. None are good or evil, they simply are until they’re manipulated by mortal intent.”

“I’d have thought something like love would be the definition of good. At least with the way Professor Hecate described a Patronus.”

“People… can do terrible things for love.” Ominis reiterated somberly. “There’s been many stories of someone doing unforgivable things in the name of protecting what they care for most. So, no. I was always taught that they are decidedly neutral.”

Josie stared at him with no small amount of wonder as they walked. She’d never heard any professor - not even Professor Fig - discuss magic that way. With Ominis’ explanation, it was like the final pieces of some grand puzzle slowly came together.

“That’s amazing, Ominis. I’ve never heard anything like that before but it makes so much sense. You know that - well, that I didn’t grow up with magic. In the month leading up to me enrolling at Hogwarts, Professor Fig and Mr. Osric explained as much as they could about magic and the wizarding world but…” She trailed off, unsure of how to phrase what she was feeling without sounding as though she were squandering their good intentions.

“It’s the sort of thing taught to the children of families like mine before we attend Hogwarts.” Ominis enunciated carefully. “I want to make it clear that the artifact you’ll be using was created with blood magic. Very old, very powerful blood magic tied to my family.”

Josie pursed her lips, wringing her hands behind her back as she stared sidelong at her companion. Not dark magic, but blood magic. She mused that it seemed to be an important distinction to him. Her gaze flitted over the tension in his shoulders.

“Does that bother you?” Josie asked, hesitantly. Surprised, Ominis suddenly stopped in his tracks, bringing his free hand to the nape of his neck. She watched him shake his head of some errant thought before tilting his head back, his mouth in a thin line.

“I was trying to ask you the same question.” He accused, the smallest hint of a frown creasing his brow. “I - I’m not sure. I hate what it represents but at the same time, the magic, if it…” Ominis trailed off, the words seeming stuck in his throat.

“Can be used for someone like me?” Josie finished. She thought she understood what he meant now; it was complicated, but if something intended for purebloods with the oldest and most powerful family magic could also be used for a muggleborn… It would prove something about Ominis and his family Josie believed he wanted more than anything else.

Ominis blew out a puff of breath before pressing a boyish half smile into his cheek. For a gesture he did so rarely, Josie thought it suited him well.

Standing in the path in silence for a few moments longer than necessary, Ominis cleared his throat before twisting his wand around him, searching. Eventually he motioned towards a natural footpath upwards along the side of the road that went up and over the nearby rise. On any other day, she wouldn’t have thought twice about the diverting path; today she stared at it suspiciously with brow raised.

“We need to go that way, up the rise. Here.” He explained, reaching out in her general direction with his free hand. She stared at his extended arm, thinking for a few moments that the gesture was meant to signal some planned action she hadn’t been made privy to. But he simply waited patiently, wand poised up the steep slope as her mind whirred.

Josie tentatively closed the distance between them, carefully looping her arm around his. When he didn’t startle away from her touch, she relaxed; realizing an embarrassingly long few moments later that he was requesting assistance up the slope.

Dubious as to if he actually even needed the help, she guided him with sure steps upwards and they ascended the slope without much issue. At the top of the rise she pulled him gently away from the ledge, glancing over her shoulder at the nearly meter high drop behind them before untangling their arms.

“We’ll be heading up the slope to the left. There should be some redstone ruins nearby.” He instructed, his voice a little tighter than usual. Glancing around, Josie spotted the ruins in question a good eighty paces away and partially obscured by the light speckling of trees that surrounded it.

They continued on together in that direction in companionable silence, Josie eyed the ruin with a critical look wondering not for the first time if once upon a time they’d been magical or otherwise. As though sensing her train of thought, Ominis broke the silence.

“I heard ruins like these were once built to keep muggles from getting too close to Hogwarts in the early centuries.” Ominis started suddenly. Josie, somewhat taken aback by the slight tremor in his voice, watched him intently as he spoke. Nervous didn’t quite cover what he was feeling, there was something more to it. “If I remember correctly, the 13th century was a rather tumultuous time for muggles here.”

Josie thought for a moment, allowing her mind to recall the muggle history she’d learned as a way of distraction before nodding in agreement. “The Scottish wars for independence. I hadn’t thought about the fact that Hogwarts would have, not only been built, but been almost 300 years old during that time. If they’d known about a castle like Hogwarts; it would have been a deciding piece in those wars for whoever managed to take control of it.”

“They used charms, not unlike the sort that surround Hogwarts now, to cause the castle to be unseen and the valley to appear too dangerous to travel.” He added more confidently, the conversation doing well to distract him.

“I imagine that didn’t stop everyone?”

“No, most definitely not. In fact, I think I can remember a story we read in 2nd year about a Scottsman who stumbled into Graphorn den. Just like wizards, muggles can be surprisingly bull headed in the face of obvious danger.” He continued, a hint of teasing creeping into his tone. Josie rolled her eyes.

“You don’t have to explain it to me; I’ve walked both sides of the line.”

“And I’d wager you were just as stubborn as a muggle.” Josie laughed, elbowing him in the ribs with just enough force to prove a point.

“Ominis Gaunt; clever and funny.” She teased back as they ascended the last upwards slope. He smiled toothily, chuckling as he reached down to massage the spot she’d struck. “I’ll have you know my mum told me stubborness is a good trait in a woman.”

“I’m inclined to agree.”

Josie paused at the top of the slope, glancing behind them to take in the distance they’d traveled and how the dirt path to Hogsmeade was no longer visible. Before she could comment, Ominis continued forward towards the tall stone keep. From their approach, Josie eyed the crawling ivy that coated the western wall like a curtain, leaving only a small section where someone could crouch and enter through.

Ominis without a moment's hesitation guided them into a secluded inner sanctum of the ruins, ducking under the ivy and examining the space with a sweep of his wand. Three walls remained mostly intact while the inside was a scattering of debris and flora reclaiming what was once natural. Miraculously, a stone slab remained at the center of the room which, upon further inspection, had most likely been a kitchen.

“Can you summon some chairs?” He asked as he moved towards the stone table. Josie agreed and summoned two simple chairs to surround the slab, making it look like a proper dining table set for two; seating herself in one as Ominis rummaged about in his pocket. Finding his quarry, he held the small object tightly in his hand before seating himself across from her.

Thumb rolling over the hidden contents of his hand, his mood shifted and his lingering smile faded as he sat lost in thought. Josie stared down at the small bundle, a delicate bag no larger than half his palm made of dark, soft looking material. Urging her rapidly beating heart to settle, she swallowed hard at the suddenly grim expression that pressed into his brow and tightened the muscles of his jaw.

“Is that the artifact?” Josie asked quietly. He tilted his head to one side and squeezed the bag before letting it drop softly to the table between them.

“Yes, it is.” He replied with a nod, his voice taking on a critical edge. “But before you touch it there’s an… important step we have to take first.” Hesitantly, Ominis reached to his hip. “Do you trust me?” He suddenly asked again, head tilting upwards as though attempting to meet her gaze.

Ominis was many things; he was quiet, he was kind, and he was loyal. But more than any of those things, Josie always knew he was the one person at Hogwarts who would never go back on his word. You’ll be safe. He had told her. Safe with him, she added privately in the safety of her own mind where neither her voice nor her trembling hands could betray her.

“I trust you.” She repeated, voice barely a whisper. Again he hesitated, eyes blinking away some difficult thought that caused his brows to pull together somberly.

There was something in the way he glanced away from her, in the twitch of his jaw and the hesitation in his motions that made her wonder if he’d wished she’d told him she hadn’t. That she held some doubt in his intentions that could quell whatever guilt he felt as he let out a slow, even breath. Josie watched with growing dread as from his hip Ominis slowly presented a small dagger and placed it on the table beside the artifact.

“Blood magic.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 5: In Aeternum

Josie stared with wide eyes at the dagger Ominis had placed on the table between them. It was small, no larger than the length of her pinky, but with an edge that even without proper inspection she knew was razor-sharp. Its handle was opulent in design with flourishes of carved ivory inlay through deep emerald green. It was so laughably impractical that, if her heart hadn’t been rattling against her ribcage, she might’ve made a joke about it. That was, before she had the sobering realization that the dagger was obviously meant to be ceremonial.

“Ominis?” She heard herself question distantly, as though someone else commanded her to speak but gave her no indication on what she should actually say.

“Blood magic,” Ominis repeated with a start, his voice contorted with urgency, “requires something in exchange. I’ve already done a large portion of the ritual after I’d first retrieved it from the vault…” He paused, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously. Josie distantly wondered what the large portion of a blood ritual would entail, but didn’t dare voice her thoughts. “Please don’t worry, it’s your choice. If you tell me you don’t want to do it, we can find another way into the library.”

Josie stared at Ominis as he spoke, eyes drifting down to the dagger and small bag as she began to understand what he was offering. The opportunity to escape if she so wanted.

“But you said even Sebastian might not be able to join you because of the restrictions.” She managed in response. Ominis grimaced before carefully smoothing over his features.

“Taking Sebastian is still a possible and viable alternative.” Josie could see what he was doing though he tried desperately to hide it. He wanted her to see it as a choice, to know that he wasn’t forcing her to do anything she wasn’t comfortable with. Now she understood why he had wanted to explain the process in privacy, away from Sebastian who would likely have been rather insistent. But even then, there was something in his voice that told her that Sebastian as a companion to the library would fail. He knew it and, even so, hid it so she could make her choice free of pressure.

Taking her silent realization as a confirmation of her hesitancy, Ominis nodded before continuing. “I’ll tell Sebastian the artifact didn’t work and that I’ll need to research something else if he can’t enter in your stead. He’ll be upset, but he’ll understand.”

Of all the ridiculous things she’d done since discovering her magic, Josie thought that offering a bit of blood for an important ritual seemed a small price to pay for their end goal. Especially in the wake of Ominis’ attempts to comfort her.

“I’d like to know more about what we’d be doing. With my blood, I mean.” She said after a long, pregnant pause. Ominis, brows shooting up to his hairline. He struggled to find his bearings, finding many ways to start a sentence but none to properly knit them together.

“Right, no, of course. That makes… that’s wise, I think.” He stumbled before clamping his mouth shut and starting again with a tad bit more eloquence. “The blood needed is only a small amount from your finger and from mine as well. We’ll mix them within the artifact and, for at least a short while, it’ll appear as though you’re an extension of myself. According to places like the library and even my family manor, I mean.” Ominis shook his head and scrunched his brows, he added quickly. “Not that I’d ever want you to have to go there.”

Releasing her held breath, Josie felt relieved. No sacrificed fingers or promised first born children in this ritual.

“That doesn’t sound so bad.” She echoed in a much lighter tone, leaning forward towards Ominis and the dagger, being careful not to touch either. “In fact, it seems a small price to pay for what it’ll allow us to do.”

Ominis swallowed heavily, bringing his gloved hands above the table and folding them. Josie watched as the tension in his shoulders and the cord of his throat did not loosen.

“Yes. On that level you’re, of course, correct.” He agreed tightly. Josie frowned as he continued. “There are some… implications that come with such a blood rite that I wouldn’t be comfortable continuing with until you knew it in its entirety.”

“Alright.” Josie agreed, growing more concerned as he minutely squeezed his fingers together. “Last year, Poppy and I tracked down a full grown dragon to give back her egg. So, I’d like to think I’m ready for this conversation.” At her attempt at levity, Ominis simply nodded solemnly.

He slowly reached out to take the dark velvet bag between his fingers with remarkable accuracy. He undid the leather drawstring before delving within to pull the contents free.

Josie’s jaw dropped as he held aloft a delicate black pearl ring.

Oh.

With sudden intense clarity she understood exactly what implications Ominis had meant.

Their blood would mix together as one and be placed within the artifact - the ring. She would be seen as an extension of him; of his bloodline to be. She could even enter his family manor if they’d been so inclined. Josie felt faint.

“Ominis - ” She started, her voice wavering. Face beet red, he shook his head and spoke before she could say another word.

“It’s not what you think, I’m not…” His jaw twisted as he avoided saying the words they were both thinking. “I mean, it technically is what you think but it’s not, well. Permanent. It’s meant to be permanent but I’ve found a loophole.”

“Merlin. No wonder you didn’t want to talk about this in front of Sebastian.” Josie found herself saying rather than the nine hundred other thoughts that popped into her mind. For once she was grateful that he could not see the shade of pink she’d turned. Her face felt so warm she might as well have combusted.

At her mention of Sebastian, Ominis’ eyes widened in panic. “Please. Please. No matter what you decide, we can’t breathe a word of this to Sebastian. Or Anne, for that matter. They’d never let me live this down.”

Josie couldn’t stop the sputter of a laugh that escaped her lips; she felt light as a feather, not unlike the first time she shared some Fizzing Whizzbees with Natty from Honeydukes. Ominis didn’t seem to share in her sudden mirth, instead groaning into his palm.

“Ominis, are you proposing to me?” Josie teased, a toothy smile plastered across her face. The look of utter despair he shot her before plopping his head into the crook of his arm was one tinged in absolute regret.

“Merlin, you’re going to be the death of me. Don’t… don’t shout that so loudly. Look,” Ominis let out a long, steady breath before sitting up to his full height. With him attempting to take on an air of seriousness, Josie bit her lip so as not to laugh again at the absurdity of it all. He was still blushing, for Merlin’s sake. “Yes, that is what this ring is for but I haven't its pair. If this were actually an… engagement, the ceremony would require both rings. By us doing half the ceremony with only half the rings we can more easily separate ourselves from the blood magic once this is over.”

“Alright.”

“... Alright? What do you mean, alright?” He pressed with great seriousness.

“I mean, we can do it.” Josie explained evenly, watching with no small amount of adoration as he settled into her words; the tension that had wracked his body loosened and the downward pull of his brow smoothed. “I said I trust you, and I meant it.”

Ominis let out a quiet sigh of relief. Josie felt the tension in the air around them dissipate as he took the dark metal ring and rubbed his thumb over the central pearl.

“Would you like a moment?” He offered suddenly, a new wave of determination settling over him as he turned the ring over in his palm. Josie watched as he set down the ring just long enough to pull his hands free of his gloves before taking the artifact up once again.

“No, I think I’m fine. What do we need to do first?” Ominis carefully held the ring between them; at a much closer investigation she could count a number of dark colored diamonds encrusted around the central pearl. It sincerely was a beautiful ring.

“The blood first, then the incantation. Once those pieces are done you’ll wear it on your right hand.”

“Right. For the half-engagement.” She watched with great pleasure as his brow twitched in unhidden annoyance. He looked as though he wanted to say something but instead shook his head and surprised her with a boyish smirk.

“You’re the absolute worst. But, yes, for the half-engagement.” He inclined his head downwards, drawing Josie’s attention to the ceremonial knife. “I can draw the blood for you if you’d like, but there’s nothing stopping you from doing it yourself.”

Josie thought about it before shaking her head. “No, I can do it.” He nodded as she took the blade in hand, holding it delicately as though it had a mind to bite her if she squeezed too hard.

“Just a small amount, no more than half the size of a galleon of blood is needed from you. Once you’ve made the wound, allow the blood to fall onto the pearl until it glows.”

With one final glance at the ring and then at Ominis, Josie carefully brought the dagger to one of her digits. It took nothing more than a gentle caress to cause the blade to draw blood; Josie watched in awe as the metal glowed with enchantment.

From her sliver of a wound, her blood fell in a carmine stream away from her finger to levitate in the air between them. Shocked, she stared at it; tethered to the tip of the dagger, it coiled and stretched in an unfelt breeze.

“Are you alright?” Ominis asked, concern tinting his voice after a few moments of silence.

“Yeah, it’s just… I don’t have words for this.” She tried to explain. Before she could elaborate, the cut on her finger began to heal, the skin pulling and knitting itself together before her eyes. “It didn’t hurt at all.” She managed in awe.

“Good.” Ominis breathed in relief. Josie carefully guided the blood to the space above the ring, slowly lowering it until the blood seemed to awaken.

Moving with purpose, the blood spiraled downwards connecting the dagger and pearl with an obscurely beautiful display of magic. Twisting faster and faster, the blood corkscrewed, disappearing into the pearl until it changed from black to a lovely pinkish-cream.

“It’s done.” Josie murmured, feeling the thrum of magic emanate from the ring. Ominis nodded, reaching out with his palm up.

“It’s… unlike anything I’ve felt before. Here, hand me the dagger.” Josie did as he requested and handed Ominis the dagger, hilt first. He took it gingerly, his now gloveless fingers brushing hers. There was a spark of magic between them that caused Ominis to freeze and Josie to gasp. “I… I think that’s normal.” He offered with feigned confidence.

Josie simply nodded as she watched him begin drawing blood from his exposed finger. He repeated the process, drifting his blood over the pearl before allowing it to be absorbed within. Another thrum of power radiated over them as he set down the dagger and cleared his throat.

“Hold the ring here.” He instructed, motioning to a space on the band where two of her fingers could fit. “You don’t have to say anything, just make sure your mind stays present. If your thoughts wander, the incantation might not take hold.”

Josie closed the space between them, gripping the small piece of metal alongside Ominis. Once he felt her follow his instructions, he let out a steady breath and began.

The spell was in Latin, Josie realized without much surprise. Most spellcraft seemed to be. There was a sudden echo to his voice, as though there were a dark other adding undertone to every word he spoke; a deeper, baritone shadow that bolstered Ominis’ words with a magic so strange yet powerful that it caused the hair on Josie’s arms to stand on end and her heart rate to accelerate. Around them the room became charged with what Josie could only describe as pure arcane power. It was old, it was heavy, and it felt as though it reached into the deepest parts of her, seizing her soul, and rending it from her. Drawing it like a stolen breath and leaving it bare between her and him.

The dark metal of the ring began to warm under their fingers and the pearl began to glow in full force. As Josie watched on, she could see something deep within the pearl swirling and breathing along with the cadence of the spell. Something that belonged to her, but was no longer only hers to keep.

With no pause in his words Ominis took Josie’s hand in his, the incantation slowing to match the echoed heartbeat of the ring. Taking the ring from their grasp and sliding it along the length of her ring finger, Josie finally understood the purpose of the incantation.

A vow.

A blush returning to her features as he nearly whispered the final words of the vow, the ring sliding into place and magically shifting to embrace her.

In aeternum. For eternity.

Ominis’ voice filled the space around them; it took Josie a few moments to realize that he no longer spoke, rather the ring echoed his words in solidarity. With only a small amount of hesitation, Ominis tightened his grip on Josie’s hand before bringing it to his mouth.

As gentle as a caress, his lips pressed over the ring before shifting to the skin of her knuckles. Before Josie could process the gesture, another spark of magic ignited between them. As he pulled away, the glowing faded though the pearl maintained its new, lighter coloration.

He released her hand and slowly pressed his back against his chair. Josie couldn’t decide if she wanted to stare at the ring or at him, unable to put words to her newly arisen emotions.

They sat quietly in the wake of the ritual for what felt like an eternity, neither knowing how to nor wanting to break the silence. The ring, no more distracting than any other piece of jewelry, rested innocuously against the skin of her ring finger as though it had always meant to be there.

“Tell me…” Ominis started, pulling her attention to him. He looked hesitant, unsure, and to Josie’s surprise, hopeful. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”

“I’m thinking that… the ring is beautiful and fits well.” She started, gaze downcast towards the object in question. Power rushed through her, she could not find the words to describe how the ritual felt; she knew he must have felt it too. So, instead she continued on about the ring. “It’s as though it were always there. Or at least, meant to be.” Ominis shifted, fingers flexing as though he had half a mind to take her hand and feel the ring again. There was an undercurrent of magic that she couldn’t quite name; nestled deep within the pearl it distracted her. The heartbeat, she realized. “There’s something inside that I can feel. I think it’s magic but it’s unlike anything I’ve felt before.”

“The blood bond, I think.” He explained softly. “It’s a connection to me, if I remember correctly. It’s meant to… calm you when I’m away.” Josie let out a huff of a laugh as the edges of Ominis’ mouth quirked upwards.

“I appreciate it. I am known for my delicate sensibilities.” To her great pleasure, Ominis chuckled in response. She admired the way happiness looked on him. “I am curious though. Is this sort of artifact - this kind of ring - obvious to other people with families like yours?”

“As in, would other old family people recognize it as a blood magic engagement ring?” He clarified, brow raising.

“Half-engagement, but yes.”

“Not necessarily, but it’s not impossible. If someone gets close enough to examine it and they know what to look for it’s possible they could put the pieces together.” He explained, finding his discarded gloves. Absently he fiddled with their orientation before sliding them on and pulling them tight. “If you’re worried someone would notice you could always wear gloves to cover it. I took care to choose something that wouldn’t get in your way.”

Josie paused, gears of her mind whirling as she processed what he said. “Do you mean to say you had other options to choose from?” She inquired, careful to keep her voice light. Ominis frowned.

“Yes, a good few actually. Did I choose an ugly one? I was hoping for something that would suit your lifestyle.” Josie felt her heart flutter at his admission.

“No, it’s actually quite beautiful and I think it suits me well.” She said rather breathlessly. He offered her a gentle, lopsided grin before moving to stand. “Where to next?”

“Muggle London, I’d wager.” He started, motioning with a sweeping gesture towards the stone table. “Mind holding onto my family knife?”

Josie scoffed, carefully taking the blade in her hand and stowing it in her charmed bag. Thank Merlin that thing has so many snug compartments. Glancing over at her companion, Josie considered him.

“You look a bit too much like a wizard for London.” Quirking his brow, Ominis brandished his wand.

“Perhaps because I am one?”

“We’re not staying in Diagon Alley.”

“Oh, quite right.” He paused, free hand patting at his nicely tailored spring robes. “A change of robe then?” Josie laughed, moving to his side, her own wand tapping against his chest.

“I think I have just the charm to solve this problem.”

Chapter Text

Royal Albert Hall

Josie knew that Ominis was a talented spellcaster. There were many incantations he’d memorized without ever having the added benefit of reference or mental visualization. Even so, she was still left stunned when he hooked his arm in hers, his wand lax at his side, and asked if she’d ever Apparated before.

“Magical transportation?” Josie clarified, her voice incredulous. As far as she knew, apparition was not only not taught at Hogwarts but also was impossible to do so anywhere near school grounds. “I had asked Professor Fig to teach me but he insisted using the Floo would be more than enough until I graduate.”

“My father taught me the break between our 5th and 6th year.” He began, face scrunching at the memory. “Had said something about not wanting to hold my hand for the rest of my life. I already know the look you’re giving me and it’s fine, the feeling was mutual then as it is now. Plus, there’s the added bonus of being able to keep this whole plan secret.”

Josie frowned at the mention of his father but otherwise held her tongue. Instead, she ran the pad of the thumb along the metal of Ominis’ ring that rested snuggly on her finger. It gave her a small bit of comfort to think about how much anger it’d cause a man like that to realize his son had gifted their ring to someone like her. Ominis tilted his head downwards towards where their bodies connected. Feeling slightly bashful that he’d caught her fiddling with the ring, she shifted awkwardly against him.

“I simply mean that Aparating can’t be tracked like the Floo system can be.” He added, his voice taking on a softer tone. “So if things end up going sideways, we have a quick way out so long as you can find me.”

“Such a hero.” Josie teased, enjoying the way he shook his head in exasperation before tightening his arm around hers.

“Heroics aside, we can side-along Apparate to Diagon Alley and then travel through muggle London from there. We’re looking for a place called the Royal Albert Hall. Heard of it?”

“The pureblood library is at the Royal Albert Hall?” Josie enunciated incredulously. The Royal Albert Hall was a massive concert hall in the center of London, a pinnacle of British engineering and love for the arts. Queen Victoria herself adored the building; Josie’s father, ever the patriot, had cried when he heard Prince Edward’s speech at its grand opening years before Josie had been born. “I can hardly believe that.”

“Not necessarily inside the building. Our library had been built over four centuries before and, when the muggles sought to build the hall, apparently the Ministry managed to have them shift the planning, ‘a little bit to the left.’”

“You’re joking.”

“Ever serious, I’m afraid.”

Mind whizzing Josie refocused herself, eyeing their interlocked arms before giving him a nudge. “Are we off then?”

“On your mark.” Josie nodded, mumbling to him that she was ready and deciding that then was likely not the best time to mention that she’d never Aparated before and had only seen it done twice; both of those being in her short time at the Ministry.

The only warning Josie was given was a small squeeze against her arm before Ominis wordlessly twisted them out of existence. A shiver of magic rushed over her as an array of colors burst in her vision and then suddenly, there was nothing.

Josie tried to blink away the darkness but nothing could dismiss the void that surrounded them. A fluttering panic raised from within her as she could not tell if she stood still or was spinning. Beside her where Ominis once stood was only the memory of his warmth; the space where their arms touched like burning kindling.

It was grounding.

Breath evening, Josie suddenly became aware of the distinct, earthy scent of parchment. Old vellum and binding glue, some distant voice that wasn’t her own corrected. In her mind she could see a bookshop, ancient and vast then suddenly her feet hit solid ground.

Eyes blinking away sparks of magic as she regained her bearings, Josie and Ominis stood outside an old wizarding bookshop with a coiled hanging sign reading, “Flourish and Blotts.”

At her side, Ominis blinked and stumbled slightly at the magical jolt. Lips pressed into a thin line he swished his wand in front of them, the faint blinking red light bouncing off the reflective windows of the book store.

Around them witches and wizards passed without casting them a spare glance. Josie wondered just how common it was to Apparate in the middle of the street.

“Dead on!” Ominis whispered excitedly, a cocky smirk crawling across his face as he examined their surroundings. “Thank Merlin, I’m not sure what I’d do if we ended up in Spain.”

Brows lifting into her hairline, Josie shot him an incredulous stare. “You’re kidding.” In response Ominis simply shrugged before disentangling himself from her, still looking pleased with himself.

“Sebastian said that, according to the map, we have to cross the Thames to get to the Royal Albert Hall.” He continued instead. “You said something about a clothing charm?”

“Yes, and I even thought to bring my muggle money.”

“What on earth would we need that for?”

“A carriage?” Josie intonated as though it were obvious. “Crossing the Thames is one thing, but Royal Albert Hall is something like twenty blocks further again.” Ominis grimaced.

“Is it similar to our carriages, at least?” He asked with little hope in his voice. Josie stepped away from her companion and swished her wand over him. Slowly his wizarding clothes morphed into something more befitting a fine muggle gentleman. Bar his blinking magical wand.

“Considering the only wizarding carriage I’ve been in could fly, I’m going to say probably not.” Josie explained sardonically. Trying the incantation again she frowned as his wand did not shift. Frustrated, she crossed her arms and huffed. “They’ll expect you to do the talking as well. Women don’t often lead business in the muggle world, even for something as simple as a carriage ride. Do you have a way of making your wand look less like… a wand?”

At her words, Ominis shot her an incredulous look, one filled with disbelief and disappointment.

“Why on Earth would they care?” He asked, his tone confused as he fiddled with the new texture of his posh overcoat. “That you’re a woman, I mean.” Josie let out a slow breath, not really having the energy to explain muggle customs on that scale but for his sincerity she tried.

“That’s the truth of life for muggle women. For all that pureblood witches must have the added pressure of expectations, muggle women have that but with the lack of equality in most measures.”

“That’s preposterous.” Ominis countered. Josie simply shrugged, not wanting to defend the space she’d been raised in but no longer felt a part of. Instead, she tapped the length of his wand in reminder.

“That’s one thing you and my mother would aptly agree upon.” Ominis looked as though he wanted to say more but held his tongue as she quietly pressed the amount of muggle money he’d need for the carriage ride into his gloved palm. He stared down at it with a renewed sense of displeasure before pocketing the coins and glancing back at Josie.

“It’ll be more difficult for me to navigate with my wand transfigured, but I can change its form.” Without further explanation Josie watched Ominis tilt his wand downwards towards the cobble street of Diagon Alley. With a spout of wordless magic, he let go. From his hand unraveled a long ebony wood walking cane.

“You know,” Josie started suddenly, watching as Ominis experimented with his grip on the cane, “you can do an awful lot of wordless magic.” At that, he tilted his head in her direction, his expression unreadable.

“Comes with a lot of practice. You’ve picked up quite a lot yourself.” He deflected. Josie opened her mouth to press further but hesitated when he reached out his free arm to her. “Come on then, it’s more difficult than I thought to see with this blasted thing. Everything seems so… wrong. Proportionally but also I know Flourish and Blotts is much closer than it seems. Nevermind then, we’ll exit through the back of the Leaky Cauldron, you’ll find it at the other end of High Street.”

Weighing her options and considering if it was worth asking what he meant, she instead looped her arm in his and began guiding him in the direction of the Leaky Cauldron. Josie was enraptured by the high, colorful buildings of Diagon Alley; she’d been amazed by Hogsmeade when she first arrived at Hogwarts but here… she was positively giddy even the second time.

“Growing up,” Ominis suddenly started, pulling Josie back down to earth as they passed by shop after shop, “Diagon Alley was one of the few places I enjoyed visiting. When I received my letter for Hogwarts my mother and I came here together. We spent hours in Flourish and Blotts, just the two of us.”

She glanced up at him, watching his expression turn wistful at the memory. “I already had all the books I needed for school. I even already had three different quill sets but she knew… she knew I’d enjoy simply being there.”

“It sounds like a special place then, I’d rather like to take a look while we’re here if that’s alright.” Josie offered. As Ominis’ smile grew, so did hers.

“It’s massive. We might have to come back for another day trip.” A warmth spread through her at the promise.

Up the road Josie saw the sign for the Leaky Cauldron and guided them in that direction. Ominis talked her through the entrance and, before she knew it, they were stepping out of the back of an eclectic inn. Having no need to linger, Josie and Ominis exited the establishment and for the first time in years Josie looked out over Charing Cross Road, London.

Having already charmed her clothes to reflect the style of a respectable muggle Londoner, Josie motioned to gain the attention of an approaching carriage. She quietly explained to Ominis what he was expected to say when the carriage arrived while he simply nodded, still glancing around himself uneasily. Whatever happiness Ominis had gained from his reminiscing all but vanished as he listened to the muggle carriage pull to a stop in front of them.

As they entered the carriage, Ominis made a wonderful impression of a proper muggle gentleman as he told the carriage driver their destination of choice. Resting his cane across his knee, Josie watched with raised brow as his fingers skimmed the cloth of the carriage bench. By his expression, she assumed he was unimpressed.

Carriage rattling down the cobble road, Josie glanced out the window to watch as they traveled parallel the river Thames; the dark and dismal waters so vastly different than the Black Lake and hidden waterfalls of the Highlands valley.

“You said you’d been here a few times before.” Ominis started after a few moments. “Does your family live near here?”

“Oh, well not really.” She replied, hesitating as she realized this would be the first time in the years they’d known each other that they’d shared stories about their homes before Hogwarts. “My family lives in Devon.”

“The southern coast. That’s a lovely area.” Ominis commented with a small nod. “Quiet a distance to travel without - um, well, I mean to say is that it’s a far distance to travel in general.” Pressing her lips together to stop her smile from spreading, Josie glanced towards the driver who seemed none the wiser to Ominis’ near slip up.

“It is far, but it’s possible. My father has a good job with the local constabulary. So, from time to time, he’d have to travel to London for a week or two. Once or twice he was able to bring my mother and I along.”

“Is he like an Auror?” Ominis asked quietly, leaning towards her as the carriage turned onto one of the many bridges crossing the Thames.

“Sort of, yes.” Josie answered vaguely, all too distracted by his sudden proximity. Merlin, what has happened to her?

Taking her vagueness for an inability to say more, Ominis made a noise of understanding before straightening against the seat cushion. The sound of rolling wheels on uneven pathing was almost enough to put Josie to sleep; it was entirely possible she didn’t quite get enough sleep last night, even with having slept in.

“Are your parents… do they know about us?” Startled, Josie swiveled to stare at her companion, a number of questions rising all at once. What in the world did he mean by us? Sensing her surprise, Ominis grimaced and shook his head sharply before lifting up his cane. “Merlin, I mean this.”

Watching him waggle his cane, Josie caught on to what he meant though her heart still wrestled in her chest like a wild beast at his accidental implication. Especially considering the blood ritual they’d done not an hour before.

“Um, well, yes actually.” She managed, feeling light of breath. “It’s a story for another time, but yes they do know about… us.” Ominis nodded, brow crinkling downwards as though he suddenly understood her initial panic. To his credit, he did try to look a tad apologetic before the smirk ruined it.

Too embarrassed to speak, she instead deigned to stare out the opposite window. Head held high as she watched buildings, pedestrians, and other carriages pass by. It wasn’t too much longer before their carriage arrived at Knightsbridge, coming to a rickety stop along the dip in the road where two roads met. Ominis paid the driver and they emerged from the carriage together, wrapping their arms around one another before looking about for the famous hall.

It was difficult to miss, with its grand shape and size towering over most of the older buildings and spaces surrounding it. The Royal Albert Hall was a large circular, domed structure with perfectly aligned bricks of deep red and cream; and, from where they approached, Josie could see the beginnings of pristine white stairs leading up the length of a beautifully manicured garden. It was an odd juxtaposition to the wizarding world which cared much less of perfection and straight lines, but it was still a grandiose feat of engineering that took her breath away.

Josie felt as Ominis gently drew her into him, pulling her opposite shoulder so that they faced one another. Gazing upwards at him, her attention pulled back down to earth, she was certain that with the way their arms overlapped he could feel her rising pulse. From here she could nearly prod the contour of his jaw with her nose, if she felt so inclined. Before she could explore that odd realization, she felt as much as she heard him apologize to someone behind them.

“Sorry chaps, pardon us.” He said with a small intonation of remorse. The trio of muggle gentlemen who stepped around them nodded and replied with understanding sentiments before continuing on the walking path. Voice lowering, Ominis tilted his head minutely towards her. “I take it, it's a beautiful sight?”

“Yes, terribly.” She mumbled, eyes roaming his features. Though he always grew annoyed with someone mentioning it, she couldn’t stop herself from thinking he was handsome. It could have easily been their proximity or even the heat from the minor warming charm she’d placed on them, but Josie felt stricken as she counted the dark beauty marks along the side of his face and recounted the length of his eyelashes and the charm of his clouded gaze.

“Tell me of it.” He requested, smile pulling at his features before releasing her shoulder. Josie naturally took a step out of his personal space, eyes conspiratorially glancing around them as though they’d be caught in some inappropriate act.

“The hall is magnificent in size, an impressive feat of muggle engineering.” She started, catching the gaze of a particularly nosey older woman seated at a cafe across the street. Swiftly turning back towards Ominis she continued. “When I see it I feel much as you described your time at Flourish and Blotts with your mother. I desperately wish to be there, even if there’s no show or performance booked.”

His expression turned thoughtful, his unseeing eyes turned upwards towards the hall as though he hoped to gleam some small hint of what she’d described. Cane subtly poised outwards his expression suddenly lightened.

“A second trip then? On a day we don’t have such a packed schedule, I mean.” Ominis suggested airly, as though it were the most obvious thought in the world. Josie smiled widely up at him.

“After the trip to Flourish and Blotts?”

“Oh yes, then we can compare the two. See if they’re really all we crack them up to be.” At the mirth in his voice Josie huffed a laugh as she gently began guiding them towards the hall.

“Fine, but I expect a detailed analysis of them both as per Professor Sharps’ specifications; he’s very particular, mind you.”

Ascending the pristine white stairs on the approach to the Royal Albert Hall, Josie relished in the slight squeeze Ominis offered her arm as he quietly replied, “A date then.”

Chapter Text

The Lyceum

Muggle London fell away from them as they stepped through the veil of the concealment charm. The magic shimmered and contorted into fractals of arcane shards before rearranging to reveal what truly laid behind the Royal Albert Hall. The magic pressed down on Josie like two leaden hands sinking into her shoulders, commanding her to feel small in a space far too large. Around them the world shifted. No longer did Josie see the bright, shining walls of the Royal Albert Hall nor the muggle horse drawn carriages and pedestrians traveling along the cobbled roads of South Kensington.

Instead they were met with the familiar wash of old magic; the sort Josie could smell in the deepest parts of the Forbidden Forest and in the oldest, hidden chambers within Hogwarts. Where once was an iron wrought fence now had no such impediment; rather, there was an elegantly lain dark stone path. The walking path snaked around enchanted topiaries of exotic magical creatures from all over Europe and beyond.

Sensing that they no longer needed to hide their true nature, Ominis lifted his cane up so his other hand could reach the bottom before pressing both ends together until it collapsed with a sizzle into the familiar shape of his wand.

At the far end of the dark stone path, Josie could easily see the archaic facade of what she assumed to be the pureblood library. Ominis continued forward, his steps echoing against the stone and red light dully flashing. Josie followed suit, her eyes darting from enchanted creature to enchanted creature as they passed by; not entirely convinced they weren’t going to snap or lunge at any given moment.

Josie couldn’t shake the feeling that she was unwelcome here.

The main entrance came too soon. A foreboding monolith against its rounded stone wall and unlit iron braziers, it seemed to arch forward as they approached. Ominis hesitated, wand pointing upwards and mouth pressed into a thin line once he came to stop a few paces from the entrance.

“Do you feel that?” Josie whispered, her brows pulling together in concern. Wringing her hands together she felt a chill spread through her. It seeped deep into her bones as though she’d been submerged in icy water and not allowed up for breath.

“Yes, I feel… cold. It’s a common feeling for places like these.” Ominis explained somberly. Wand turning in her direction, he seemed to be searching for something. “It’s as though something is sucking the warmth straight from your body.”

Josie couldn’t help but agree with his description. It was as though this place was devoid of life, yet it lived. As though it gasped for breath and desperately sought to take what it could from those in close proximity.

“Stay near me, especially once we’re within the Lyceum. Once we find the correct section, it’ll be up to you to grab the right one.” Ominis continued with quiet urgency. After a few moments he lowered his wand, a frown pressing into his cheek. “And… to be safe from this place - to be truly seen as we wish you to be - you must believe that you belong here.”

Josie scoffed, hands massaging the cold from her arms. Tearing her gaze from Ominis she glared up at the yawning entrance. She’d faced far more daunting adversaries than an old library with dust and bigoted magic. Yet she couldn’t deny the heavy, sinking feeling that filled her with dread; as though her instinct to survive desperately wished her to scramble back to where she belonged in Devon.

Shocked, Josie shook her head in realization. She’d never felt unwelcomed in the wizarding world, no matter the efforts of dark wizards or Ranroks’ company. Even when she learned the lengths blood purists would go to maintain the status quo she never felt less at home as a witch, yet standing here at the precipice of something potentially fantastic she realized her thoughts of unworthiness - her desire to flee to the ignorance of her muggle, childhood home - were not her own.

Suddenly, the band of metal encircling her ring finger began to warm. Bringing the ring into view, Josie stared in awe as it glowed against her skin. Seeming to sense the shift, Ominis stepped closer and reached to take her hand and examined it through touch. Josie allowed him to do so, watching with growing curiosity as he rubbed his thumb over the large pink pearl. Summoned by his contact, the thrumming that lived deep within the ring pulled to the surface in a swirl of red and, in an instant, Josie’s dread was gone.

“I think you’ve done it.” Ominis whispered, astonished. Josie moved to speak but couldn’t find the words. Instead, she simply stared at the ring that bound them as its warmth radiated through her body like a bath on a cool day. Ominis released her hand, head tilting upwards. “We should hurry.”

At Josie’s quiet agreement, Ominis turned to the large double doors and tapped a space near the iron knocker. Without hesitation the rightmost door swung open revealing an elegant foyer of polished dark wood lit by floating candlelight. Reaching backwards to make sure Josie was close behind, Ominis all but pulled them both through the threshold and into the Lyceum.

The space was as beautiful as it was old. The ceilings jutted upwards at an impossible height decorated with pristine dark wood of rounded and twisted design. Beneath them a wide and well-worn red rug stretched the length of the entrance, leading towards the two upwards spiral staircases that coiled in opposition like an upside-down love heart.

Josie’s gaze flitted around the foyer searching for another sign on life but instead was met with flanking singleframe doors and a surprisingly familiar sight.

“Is that a Floo?” She whispered incredulously. Pulling Ominis’ attention her way, Josie moved towards the green glass fireplace. The fire simmered with warmth and flames crackled silently but there was no mistaking the ebbings of green that tinted the orange flames.

Along the glass mantle was an elegant inscription in Latin, iter minus resistentia. Josie mumbled it under her breath in confusion.

“Path of least resistance.” Ominis translated quietly, red light turning on the hearth. “It’s a phrase used to reference safe travel circumventing muggle spaces. It’s likely a one-way Floo.”

“Is that common?” Josie asked as she eyed the geometric patterns of inlaid gold. It looked terribly expensive, even by wizarding standards.

“For old families who like places like these, yes. A donor likely paid for its installation shortly after the Floo was invented.” He explained before turning his attention back towards the staircase. “The library proper will be upstairs, I believe these side rooms are meeting chambers. This place - the Lyceum - it’s not the sort of space we can simply promenade through.”

“Will I need to stay out of sight?” Josie asked as she moved away from the fireplace, remembering the time she and Sebastian took an evening stroll through the Restricted Section at Hogwarts in her 5th year and thinking it rather an apt habit.

“That may be wise.” Ominis agreed. “I’m certain the book we want will be well guarded.” Josie made a noise of understanding as she brandished her wand.

The book, an ancient and well-protected tome written by a witch named Ambrasta Wallowferd, was a mystery to the three of them. Even after all of Ominis’ break-long research he’d only found the spare snippet or anecdote from her writings. Ambrasta had apparently written many books in her days of research, but only one concerning the topic Ominis thought useful to their plans, of which he was certain would be housed in the Lyceum.

Without another word Ominis led the way up the flight of stairs. It was eerily silent bar their muffled footsteps against the plush rug running along the curve of the staircase. The upper floor was composed of a long landing lined in shelves of books and continued on as far as the eye could see. From the high ceiling off-white banners swayed in an unfelt breeze before fading into somber clouds.

Passing over the precipice of the final step, Josie and Ominis stood in silence shoulder-to-shoulder; Josie staring out into the library proper as Ominis paused, shaking his shoulders as though fighting off a chill. She felt it too, almost like the caress of a ghost gliding through her space.

“It’s not terribly inviting, is it?” Josie mumbled, face twisting in disgust. It was somehow both breathtakingly beautiful and terribly desolate all at once. Sensing her unease, Ominis tilted his wand upwards, seemingly taking in the grandeur of the space. She watched him, the curve of his nose and the angle of his cheekbones catching the haunted light of blue glowing candles. In this space he seemed to glow.

Suddenly, Ominis began walking forward, wand outstretched and foot sure.

“The Lyceum isn’t a library where you’d come to check out books to study. It’s more like where old, powerful books are put to rest.” There was an odd quality to his voice that Josie couldn’t quite put her finger on. He spoke slowly, methodically; as though each word took great effort to string together.

“Like a graveyard?” Josie asked incredulously as she quietly followed along behind him, disillusionment cast. She eyed the back of his head taking in the slightly uneven kilter of his shoulders before turning her gaze with a renewed intensity on the rows of books they passed. She wondered in silence how exactly a book died.

“Not a graveyard but more like a place where powerful books can be protected and kept away from Mu- … the unwelcomed.” Ominis explained his voice shaking and strained, not entirely seeming his own. Josie paused, head swiveling at the word she thought he was going to say, but it was so unlike Ominis to even joke that way that she was shocked into silence. Despite her having heard the word almost fall from his lips herself, she could not believe it’s what he meant. Muggles, Josie corrected a few times over. Not Mudbloods. Swallowing hard she couldn’t ignore the tint of disappointment that filled her like a dark sludge.

Ominis suddenly turned down a divergent path of books, his pace quickening despite their need for discretion. As though caught in a chase, Josie hopped forward to catch up, nearly dropping the effect of her charm in the process. There was something terribly wrong; something that Ominis knew that she didn’t or simply something Josie had missed all together. Gripping her wand tightly, Josie followed Ominis around a bend of rounded bookshelves before reaching out and grasping the crook of his elbow.

Finally coming to a stop thanks to no small effort from Josie, Ominis shifted his wand around to illuminate the books in a dull red glow. Josie opened her mouth to question his strangeness but hesitated when she saw what the light revealed. There was something different about the quality of the books here, they were all uniform and bound in the same scratchy red cloth with illegible golden text pressed into their covers. The circular-laid books surrounded them like soldiers in a firing line, Josie fought off another bout of shivers.

“We shouldn’t run off, we might draw attention to ourselves.” She started, scrunching her brows as he violently tried to pull his arm from her grip. She released him wordlessly, taken aback by his sudden aversion to her touch. “Is everything okay?”

“Can you not hear them?” He turned to her, brows creased together and eyes the wrong shade of blue. Heavy dread filled Josie as her eyes scoured his face, off-put by the spectral glow. Racking her brain as her heartbeat spiked, Josie tried with all her might to remember the signs Professor Ronen had given for different types of charm possessions.

“I don’t hear anything.” Josie started carefully, unable to hide the fear that trickled into her voice. In the dim candlelight he looked ghost-like bar his confused expression; like he was fighting whatever the foreign magic urged him to do. A deep chill set over her, far more frigid than anything before. Releasing a shaky breath, she was startled to see it form between them in an icy cloud. “Ominis?”

Summoned by the panic in her voice something snapped and the glow suddenly dissipated from his eyes. Shoulders and jaw shuttering, he lunged after Josie as though she were falling. A strange glow originating from the surrounding uniformed books crackled around them and, in an instant, Josie watched in horror as the books rattled against their holders, ice forming around their spines and edges. Grasping for Ominis, Josie was stopped by a bright flash of light and then she was violently pulled backwards as though her ribs were attached to wire and yanked with great strength.

She was suddenly plunged into darkness, spinning backwards with magnificent force. Josie clung to her wand working through the words of incantation for a spell but having no time to cast it before she slammed bodily against a hard surface.

Breath knocked out of her, Josie coughed and gasped for air in the darkness thick with dust and remnants of sizzling magic. Eyes blinking away stars she tried to sit up quickly, her dangersense prickling against the nape of her neck but regretted it immediately. Head spinning, she laid on the hard stone floor she’d slammed against, gulping down the stale air before she could finally manage to speak.

“Ominis?” She whispered into the darkness. He had broken free. Whatever enchantment or charm had a hold on him had been dispelled, she comforted herself as her mind spun. Allowing her neck to relax, she rested it against the freezing floor as she listened. “Ominis?” She repeated in a whisper, frowning as there was no reply. In the quietness of the Lyceum he’d likely be able to hear her if he was anywhere nearby, she reasoned. This did not bode well.

Slowly sitting up and bracing herself on her elbows, Josie extended her wand and cast lumos. She flinched at the sudden brightness as a room that was not the Lyceum manifested around her. Beneath her was no longer polished dark wood and plush rugs but the rather heavy and abrasive grayish stones of a small prison cell. Staring in dismay, she moved her lit wand along the length of the iron bars before twisting to see the blank stone walls and empty corners behind her.

Moving to stand, Josie braced herself against the floor before standing her full height and glancing out between the bars of the cage. Seeing nothing but an unmarked corridor stretching both left and right she pushed against the metal bars. There was a slight give outwards.

“Alohomora.” Josie cast, wand pointed where the prison door met stagnant bars but it didn’t budge. Pressing against the barred door again, she frowned as it caught noisily on the latch. Rolling out her shoulder, Josie considered it was more than likely that whoever inhabited the Lyceum already knew they were there and would likely see her rot where she stood. Stepping a few paces back, she lifted her wand, this time aiming at the weak spot near the center. “Bombarda!”

The metal screeched and banged against the far wall of the hallway before clattering to the stone floor. The sounds of her escape echoed down the corridors like a bullet from its chamber.

In the silence that followed, Josie stepped through the gaping opening and listened. For a long moment there was nothing but the distant sounds of a slow drip of water against stone then something far more sinister rumbled through the passageways like the groan of a listing ship.

She didn’t know what force pulled her forward or how she chose left from right, but it was subtle - almost gentle - in its prodding. The library lived; summoning her like a siren, through dark corridors and nearly airless spaces. But even as Josie became aware of its unnatural pull, she knew not what else to do but follow. Her own sensing spells revealed no alternatives but the path already given. It took minutes of walking down the long, silent corridor before she recognized what aspect of her the library beckoned with. Not safety, not anxiety, but curiosity.

Squeezing her fist around her lit wand Josie shook off whatever enchantment had its grips on her mind and her thoughts cleared. The ring, never quite forgotten, warmed against her skin like a quiet reminder. She wondered as she finally came to exit the long stone corridor, what old power a ring like Ominis’ carried. It could bind people, it could make them one but there was a looming thought at the back of her mind that made her think there was something else.

The stone corridor finally opened up to an octagonal room with black wooden walls and an arched ceiling inlaid with intricate decorations both large and small twisting to depict a chaotic scene of creation. Wand held aloft, Josie pressed into the room, brows crunching together as she counted three ornate thresholds; one to her left, one to her right, and another beyond a massive, intricately carved statue at the center of the octagonal chamber.

The statue, raised on a dais so the figure loomed over all else, was of a humanoid form neither witch nor wizard. Long draping hair and robes of some sort covered most features of their face and body bar their long, outstretched arms. In the dim light of her lumos spell, the statues’ arms seemed to be set backwards with thumbs and joints facing wrongly. Frowning, Josie was most confused by the large raised boils of some sort protruding in odd places along the length of the statue's arms.

Raising her wand as she quietly approached, Josie realized with no satisfaction that the boils were actually bulbous eyes. Jewel-set eyes of all shapes and colors; so numerous that she couldn’t possibly count that spread like contagion along the statues arms, torso, and neck. What she once thought were robes were actually folds of curling flesh, dripping like wax from what she could only describe as an abyssal form. She’d never seen a person or creature quite like it and wished to never see anything like it again.

Drawing back a few steps and feeling herself heave slightly in disgust, Josie backed away from the statue towards the leftmost threshold leading deeper into the Lyceum. In that moment she cared very little for becoming lost, all that mattered was putting as much space between herself and the statue as possible.

Josie froze mid-step as the eyes followed the light of her wand. Icy dread seeped into her bones at the sharp movement, glistening eyes moving independently of one another they quickly shifted to land on her. A familiar blue glow imitated from the numerous sockets in the moments before the outstretched arms of the statue began to close around itself like an embrace to reveal the backside of its arms filled with razor-like teeth and forming a massive gibbering mouth.

Chapter Text

The Librarian

Josie had never run so fast in her life. Not when she was a muggle living in her quiet seaside village in Devon and not as a witch, where flying on her broom gave her the greatest sense of freedom any aspect of life could ever offer.

In fact, some far away part of her reflected, if it hadn’t been for the miles of walking she did on an average day in Hogwarts and Sebastian’s constant prodding to practice dueling, she’d likely have never exercised again if she’d had anything to say about it.

Rushing through the candlelit corridors of the Lyceum Josie cast another slippery jinx over her shoulder at the gaining statue. Her spell bounced off the creature like rain off a roof, leaving no evidence of her attack as it barreled after her, mouth wide and many eyes shining.

Focusing forward Josie cursed under her breath as the corridor in front of her suddenly came to an end about thirty feet away, ending in a tall and sturdy bookcase lined with dust-free books.

Throwing caution to the wind, Josie ground her teeth and pointed her wand at the floor nearly beneath her feet. “Spongify!”

The hardwood took on a supple, bouncy consistency just as she stepped onto it. Bracing herself, Josie bent her knees and jumped as high as she could.

Soaring upwards, she momentarily was caught with the awe inspiring view of the vast library in its entirety. It was eerily spectral with ever-high ceilings and rows and rows of bookcases laid together more like a labyrinth than a library.

Reaching out Josie just managed to catch the top of the bookshelf, air rushing from her lungs from the impact. She scrambled up to the top, hearing but not seeing the creaking of the statue as it ground down the corridor behind her.

Of all things she thought she’d be doing, Josie didn’t quite know how to explain how she suddenly was sprinting on the tops of bookshelves in a pureblood library and running for her life from a creature that most definitely wanted to eat her. It was absolutely thrilling just as much as it was terrifying. With bounding steps, Josie lept from one bookcase to another, skidding to follow its odd contour as the sound of the statue slamming into something heavy echoed through the Lyceum.

A guttural shriek howled behind her accompanied by the sounds of splintering wood and shredding vellum.

Not daring another look back, Josie leapt again and again away from the wailing creature, wand aimed backwards and every spell she could think of bounced off the small exposed sections of the creature that every once and a while peaked over the top in search for its quarry. Nothing seemed to affect the creature, its stone skin and bloodshot eyes reflecting every incantation Josie had learned in the last two years like they were nothing more than paper planes.

Too late to properly react, Josie realized her path had come to an abrupt end. A massive wall, so large Josie could not find the joint where the ceiling and the wall met, arched before her. The tops of the bookshelves were more scarce and smaller in size, giving her very little options in her path forward. With a groan, Josie leapt downwards.

Wincing as her feet made contact with hardwood, Josie stumbled forward before continuing towards the first path she could find. An alcove made of equal parts wood and colored glass became her one and only thought as the heavy rattling of the many-eyed creature sounded much closer than ever before.

Josie darted through the slight opening between two sets of heavy chains before scurrying around the wooden wall and sliding to a stop within the alcove. It stood to reason that the alcove, far smaller in size than the creature, would prove to be a good enough space for Josie to regroup and think of a plan.

Casting a disillusionment charm seemed pointless but she did it anyway, crouching low and wincing at the pain in her tendons and ankles. Taking a slow, calming breath Josie didn’t have to wait long for the sound of the creature to barrel towards her hiding place. Wand at the ready, Josie set her shoulders and perched on the balls of her feet, ready to leap again if necessary.

The statue slowed, its low groaning drifting into gargled clicks as it came to the edge of the alcove and stopped. Josie was unsure if it was the size of the space or a stroke of sheer luck but the creature did not follow. Instead it watched her, bulbous eyes twitching and shifting around before finding Josie in the darkness, her charm meaningless against it.

The long arms uncoiled, the gnashing teeth receding into the stone before the statue slowly began moving away. Josie couldn’t resist the urge to watch, disbelief washing over her as the creature turned and slowly made its way back to whence it came. As it went the bookcases, once shredded and absolutely destroyed, began to mend; splintered wood and shattered frames grew back together as wrecked, ancient tomes were gently lifted and placed on renewed shelves.

Eventually the creature was gone from sight, the only proof of it ever existinting in the first place being her aching legs and utter bewilderment.

It was absurd but Josie couldn’t bring herself to question a miracle when it was presented, no matter how much she desired a reason for the creatures - the guardians - retreat. Then there was a warmth, growing in familiarity the more it comforted her, emanating from the ring. Staring down at the artifact, Josie let out a breath of relief as it thrummed with power, glowing ever so slightly as a distant reminder.

She needed to find Ominis.

Before she could right herself fully, the magic in the ring began to tug her deeper into the alcove. Gentle and urging like the beckoning of a lover pulling her hand along, she followed without hesitation. Felt but unseen she was certain it was Ominis; she’d never known a magic that could work like a tether between people, knowing beyond the shadow of a doubt that’s what the ring granted them.

The alcove was small yet well sheltered from the library proper where the creature had been stalking her. Rectangular in shape with built-in shelves sparse with books along two of the walls, Josie’s eyes skimmed its contents greedily despite her right hand pulling her in another direction. The pull of the ring became more urgent, almost dragging her across the room towards the single unimpressive and bookless wall in the entirety of the Lyceum. Otherwise empty and unremarkable, Josie frowned at the ring as it urged her forward into the wall.

Hand pressing flat against the wooden wall, Josie flattened herself against the hard surface and pushed. The wall didn’t give beneath her touch yet the ring grew ever insistent, glowing and warming as though to encourage her. Stowing her wand, Josie lifted her other hand and continued the investigation for the length of the wall, not entirely sure what she was meant to be looking for.

Then Josie smelled it, the crackle of old magic that would have been easy to miss had she not been pressed against the wall of the secluded alcove. Eyes cast upwards, she watched as the words etched into the molding of the otherwise unremarkable wall.

Her brows crunched together, Josie tried to translate the words. Ominis and Sebastian were excellent at Latin, so much so she’d come to rely on them for a large portion of her History of Magical Studies courses where the texts often had long winded scriptures without translation. It was slow work but she managed what sounded like a reasonable string of words for a place like this.

“In darkness and in light, in the calm as in the storm, as above and so below. That which is most revered in rightful hands, is sacred and pure.” She recounted slowly, eyes drifting over the words a few times more before they sank in.

Opposites, Josie surmised; opposites coming to be as one. “Sacred and pure.” She mused, hands still resting against the wooden wall, her gaze drifted down to her ring and frowned. “Right, sacred bloodlines.”

Her morale shrank minutely at the realization, mouth pursing and eyes rolling in exasperation. She should have expected nothing less. Without hesitation, despite the obvious issue with her blood heritage, the ring glowed brightly. Josie blinked at the artifact and remembered in that moment what Ominis had told her just before they entered the Lyceum.

You must believe that you belong here.

Josie took a deep breath as she stepped away from the wall, ringed hand closing into a fist as her eyes swam over the alcove with renewed motivation and a confidence she was beginning to believe in.

The sparse bookshelves held a small number of books along her left and right walls; seven books apiece of all shapes and sizes with subtle text along their covers in Latin. To her left the shelving was cast in ebony wood and to the right in ivory. As above, so below.

Josie approached the leftmost shelves and examined the covers, eyes landing on a few words she recognized immediately. Prism, Arcanametrics, Sacred. Her gaze lingered on the last for only a moment before she swept it into her hand.

It burned against her exposed skin. Frustrated, Josie bit her fingers into the leather cover almost taunting the enchantment to do its worst as she pushed forward. Hurrying to the ivory shelves on the opposite side of the room she quickly began scouring the books for familiar words in Latin. Righteous, Pure, Forgotten.

Plucking the center book from its resting place she gasped at the biting cold that immediately caused her clinging fingers to grow numb. Tucking the freezing book under her arm, a shiver rattled down her spine. Distantly she was aware of the ring trying desperately to heat her numb fingers but to little effect as she rounded on the empty wall.

There was a distant pull, one that didn’t seem to originate from the ring that caused Josie to pause. Like a far off whisper or a quiet breeze sweeping through an open window. Glancing over her shoulder she saw nothing by the rounded opening of the alcove leading into the library proper, its rows of books partially concealed by glass and magical fog. The pull was familiar and somehow urgent but as Josie stood still waiting and listening, one arm growing more and more feverous and the other numb she dismissed the feeling and approached the empty wall.

Jaw set in determination, she held out the books and did the first thing that came to mind; she read aloud the inscription. The books glowed and the wooden wall moaned as it fell away to reveal a descending passage. Staring down the opening, Josie wasted no time dropping the enchanted books, flexing her fingers before reaching for her wand and descending the unlit stairs.

The air was stale and the path narrow. Casting a light spell, Josie couldn’t stop herself from hurrying downwards with an urgency she couldn’t quite place the origins of. Ducking under the low hanging ceiling, Josie extended her lit wand forward as she entered the quiet sanctum. Shoulders tight at the eerie stillness of the space, Josie cast incendio to the two flanking braziers.

In the more natural light, she saw a small circular chamber with nothing bar evenly laid dark stones and a single, empty lectern resting opposite the stairs. There was something terribly sinister about the simple stand; a darkness imitated from it not unlike the feeling Josie felt upon first seeing the entrance to the Lyceum.

“Josephine.” Called a whisper, just as serious as it was demanding. Josie swiveled around searching for the source, but finding nothing more than the upwards leading stairs and receding darkness. Pressing her lips into a thin line, she waited with her wand outstretched for some dark form to descend the stairs but none came. Fighting the urge to run before it was too late, Josie suddenly stuffed her wand into her pocket and turned back towards the lectern.

Illuminated by flickering firelight, Josie reached out and placed one hand on each edge of the lectern, leaning over it as though there were something to read if only she knew what to look for. Ignited by her touch Josie’s mind raced with possibilities. Her thoughts sped so quickly it took her a few fearful moments to recognize her own memories flashing within her mind.

It pulled forward her thoughts, her desires, and what she sought from the Lyceum. It knew who she was - who she really was; just some muggle child, newly a woman who toyed with forces she didn't understand. It mourned the ring around her finger, caring not if it were real or fake. To the librarian, there was no difference.

Anger, hot and bright shook around her but Josie couldn’t force her grip to loosen from the lectern. It held her in place, it wanted her to know its fury. It's punishment for trying to take something that did not belong to her kind.

“Fight it!” The distant voice yelled this time sounding as though he were right beside her, wreathed in the angry flames as she were. But she had no idea how. Not with whatever it was having such a grip on her mind, still racing through her thoughts, her loves, her hates and judging her for everything.

Then she was burning. From beneath her live flame coiled upwards but still she couldn’t release her hold on the cursed lectern. Tears pricking her eyes, Josie yelled a guttural shout of pain as darkness began to spec her vision. Behind closed eyes and writhing pain she saw the images of the lectern's quarry; the name Ambrasta Wallowferd. Despite all the Lyceum's hate for her, it obeys her desire; both pure and sullied, sacred and mundane was her blood as she demanded for the book to materialize.

Eyes shooting open Josie felt something encircling her waist and shoulders, a cooling touch against fervent flames. Blinking away clouded eyes her gaze caught on something magically manifesting; the lectern was no longer empty but rather held a dark leather bound journal. Something began yanking her violently backwards, pulling her with immeasurable strength until she was forced to release the lectern. With her last bits of desperation, with her knowing what that journal was, she flung her hands forward and clasped them around the leather book as the unseen force hurled her away. The world around her changed as she was thrown backwards into darkness.

Chapter Text

A New Beginning

Josie was jolted awake by the sudden feeling of her shoulder roughly pressing against something hard followed by the swirling of her mind trying to make sense of the sounds around her. When her eyes opened to take in the space she was grateful she was not alone. Standing over her was the immediately recognizable form of Ominis, bathed in bright light that did not belong to the Lyceum as he looked far more frantic than she'd ever seen him before.

He hurriedly swept his wand around them, examining the space before suddenly reaching down wrapping his arms under her shoulder. Without a second's hesitation, Ominis hoisted her up alongside him, her smaller frame moving with surprising ease as she stumbled to stand against him.

A shooting pain radiated through her right leg at the motion. Letting out a gasp of pain she felt Ominis freeze, head swiveling in her direction, he grit his teeth.

"I'm sorry, but we're almost there. I can… I can fix this." He pleaded, shifting Josie against his shoulder and pulling her closer to him. Free arm guiding them, Ominis began moving with sure steps despite the awkwardness of her weight. "Alohomora." He cast before opening a door forcefully and nearly slamming it shut behind them.

Josie, eyes blinking with growing clarity, watched wordlessly as they entered a poshly decorated room; not the ancient and regal sort of posh of the Lyceum, but rather the sort of space decorated in rich colors and welcoming art. Confused, Josie pressed her lips together in an attempt to quell the sudden jolt of pain as Ominis pulled her through the length of the room and placed her against something large and soft.

She became vaguely aware that her shoes were missing as she felt the cushy material under her heel. "Scourgify." Josie heard him cast. She moved to sit up but hesitated at the uneasiness that settled in the sensitive space between her ears and eyes. Breathing out steadily, she was distantly aware of Ominis as he quietly spoke under his breath, elongating his spell as he moved out of sight. She waited a few long moments before trying to sit up again, pressing up on her elbows to take in the new space.

The room was lavish but bare of personal effects; the walls were painted in a warm and inviting wine red with unenchanted paintings of French landmarks. At the far end of the room was a small, circular dark wood table with two elegant chairs. Beside it, a simple and narrow fireplace crackled with orange flames across from the large bed she currently rested in.

Josie felt his hands against her bare leg, her muggle stockings in tatters having been disposed of. Pulling her attention back to the present, he pressed gingerly against her wound before aiming his wand and incanting again, this time with an array of healing spells she'd only ever heard Madam Blainey use.

There was an immediate shift, aching and warm as his wandless hand moved along the length of her calf downwards as though guiding the magic as it took place. Josie flinched, the pain ebbing but leaving behind a soreness that she knew wouldn't disappear completely anytime soon.

Ominis stood, wand lingering on his handiwork before sweeping his blinking light over her in a slow, methodical movement. He looked pale, Josie realized. No longer struggling with the stupor of unconsciousness, she took in his disheveled form and shaking hands.

When he was satisfied with the results of his examination, he turned from her. Stepping away as though to put as much space between them as possible before bringing his hands to his head and pressing his palms forcefully against his forehead. Silently he paced on the far end of the room as though she were made of glass and even his proximity could shatter her.

"Ominis," she started, her voice slightly hoarse. Clearing her throat she tried again when he didn't acknowledge her, "Ominis, come here."

Shoulders tense, she could see the anger on his face as he twisted towards her with no intention of closing the distance.

"You could have died. I thought you'd…" He whispered angrily, his tone causing Josie to pause. It was a jarring sound that made her heart sink. When Josie didn't rise to fill the silence that followed, he grimaced. "I should have known something was wrong, I should have recognized the other voice for what it was. I fell for a nasty trick and then you were suddenly gone.”

Josie remembered the circle of red linen books Ominis had led them to, his eyes glowing with possession; with the mind of someone or something else guiding his body and words.

“You were disappearing,” He continued quietly, “I could feel you leaving but when I tried to grab you all I got instead was that stupid book.” Brows crunching in confusion, Josie slowly sat up completely. Pulling her body so she was propped up against the headboard. She frowned at the raw ache of her leg, gaze flitting downwards before returning her stare to her companion.

“What book?” She asked in a quiet voice, careful and even.

“I don’t know, it was enchanted and I think you were pulled inside.” He offered passively as though that detail mattered less than all others. He frowned, guilt shrouding his features as he crossed his arms over his chest. “I searched for you all around the Lyceum, but it was like you’d disappeared from that place completely. Eventually, I tried the book. You were there, life moving like a story on its pages. I read as you ran from that terrible creature before you found Ætius’ Study, I hadn’t known where it’d lead you but I knew it was important.” Ominis suddenly stopped, lips pressing thinly as his mind wandered.

“Who’s Ætius?” Ominis shook his head and, for a long few moments, Josie thought that was the only response he was going to offer her.

“I’m not sure. It’s what that book called your hiding place before you descended to the lectern chamber.” He explained in a whisper. “I should… I should have pulled you out then and there but the book had said that someone sacred and pure could pull any book in the Lyceum from that place. I put too much faith in that stupid ring, I should have known we couldn’t trick old magic.”

“Ominis - ” Josie started again but he shook his head, a renewed anger seeping across his features.

“I let you burn for that stupid book.”

“Come here.” She said softly, watching with growing sadness as his face contorted at the thought. As though the idea of him approaching her was too sacrilegious to even consider.

“I need to find out where we are.” He explained instead, as though it were the obvious next step, turning his head to ignore her request. “I couldn’t Apparate with you unconscious so I pulled us through the one-way Floo near the entrance. Last thing we need is to have someone questioning us as to who we are and why we’re here.”

“If someone knew we were here, they would’ve already come to investigate.” Josie snapped. Ominis paused, head tilting downwards as he let out an exasperated sigh. “Now, come here before I get up and come to you.”

Josie watched his jaw set stubbornly and his shoulders tense before he finally uncrossed his arms and quietly made his way towards the bed. She relaxed slightly as he approached, coming to awkwardly stand beside her.

“Sit.” Ominis frowned, annoyance still etched into deep lines along his face as he swept his wand around the room before pointing it back at Josie. “On the bed, you ninny.”

At that, his annoyance wavered as he awkwardly blinked down at her. She watched as the wheels of his mind churned, his body unmoving. He looked as though she’d suddenly asked him to turn her into a shrew.

Rolling her eyes, she reached out and grabbed hold of his sleeve. He jerked minutely at her touch but otherwise didn’t pull away as she gently guided him to join her. Seating himself so that he also leaned against the headboard, legs outstretched and arm pressed lightly in Josie’s side; she watched him wince at the contact, pulling his arm away as he shoved his wand into his pocket.

Josie pulled her legs underneath herself, ignoring the spark of tenderness in her leg at the movement so that she could face him. His brows crunched at the change of weight, dismissing the last of the anger from his features. Instead he listened, head tilted slightly in her direction as he waited.

“I could hear you, you know.” She started, hands balanced in her lap and eyes cast downwards. “I hadn’t realized it was you at first. I knew there was something weird about the Lyceum after we got separated. The creature wasn’t affected by any of my magic and the library looked more like a maze than what I remembered. But the ring… it grounded me and protected me more than I think either of us realized.”

Twisting her hand in her lap she examined the ring quietly wondering not for the first time if he could feel the heartbeat inside. Ominis sat in silence, the tension in his shoulders loosening but not in his jaw as he listened.

“I think,” She continued after a moment, voice soft and thoughtful, “without it I would’ve been stuck there. Everything was about my blood status but it seemed like the Lyceum couldn’t decide if I belonged or not. As though it sometimes thought I was worthy and other times could see right through us.” Ominis shook his head, biting into his cheek.

“I shouldn’t have tried to do half the ceremony. I should have realized magic that old and hateful could tell the difference. We’d have been better off doing the ceremony to its completion or not at all.”

“Not doing the ceremony would have put us back at square one. We both know this wouldn’t have worked with Sebastian either, all of your research and progress with your uncle would have been for nothing.” Josie countered, trying desperately to ignore the feeling that pressed warmly against her chest as she added. “And to have done the ceremony completely… That would have been irreversible and I doubt you’d want to be stuck with this for the rest of your life.” She motioned between them as she spoke, watching as his brow quirked upwards at the felt movement.

“If I’d done the ceremony correctly, if I’d brought your rings’ pair, nothing in that Lyceum would have dared touch you. We’d have found the lectern and it would have been powerless against my family’s name. It would have been worth it.”

Josie gulped at the confidence in his voice, the quiet sureness that told her he meant every word he spoke. It caused the lightness in her chest to grow. Glancing away from him, eyes drifting anywhere other than his face as he tilted his head towards her she stared at the lovely fireplace at the far end of the room.

“You do realize I don’t exactly plan on marrying a pureblood? I don’t choose to be around people who use their blood status as their core personality trait.” He accused, his tone light but unwavering.

“Not marrying a pureblood and marrying me are two very different things.” She retorted rather harshly. Ominis scoffed in reply, causing Josie’s face to contort as she glared pointedly at him, her embarrassment momentarily forgotten. To her chagrin he shook his head, his lip quirking upwards minutely at some unspoken joke.

“No, but you’d be a better choice than all those other gits.” Josie stared at him, eyes wide as the meaning of his words soaked in. Something about this space, she surmised, made this all feel unreal; otherwise, she couldn’t imagine a moment where he’d admit something so freely, so unabashedly as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. She watched as he closed his eyes and inhaled a deep, calming breath. “I’m so sorry you got hurt. I should have realized the extent the Lyceum would’ve gone through to keep us from that book.”

“I’m in one piece.” Josie said slowly but Ominis simply grimaced, his eyes opening and looking in her direction with unhidden regret.

“It was trying to rip your mind to shreds. I heard what it was doing, what it wanted to do, especially once it realized what your ring was and how the bond was incomplete. It would have burned you alive.”

Josie reached out tentatively, her hands hesitating before gently coming to rest on his. His jaw shifted and head inclined minutely downwards in acknowledgment but otherwise he didn’t comment. “It didn’t burn me alive though, because you were able to pull me out. Look,” Wrapping her fingers around his, she lifted his hands and brought them to her face.

Ominis went slightly rigid at the contact, his hands twitching against her skin once he realized what she intended to do. His fingers were cold yet gentle against her warming face. “I’m still here. You healed my leg and got us out of there. I’m here because of you.”

His face contorted, his brows pulling downwards as he looked stricken by her words. She could tell he wanted to say more but he stopped himself, pressing his lips together and leaning slightly forward.

At first his hands didn’t move, fingers ghosting along the skin of her jaw with her palms pressing lightly over his. Josie watched as he slowly took in a shaky breath before pressing his fingers against the contour of her jawline.

Her skin prickled under his touch as he dragged the pads of his fingers up the roundness of her cheeks and towards the ridge of her nose. He hesitated, eyes blinking before raising one hand to follow the shape of her nose and around the arch of her brow.

Josie held her breath, knowing that he could feel her reaction in the minute twitches of her jaw. Her hands dropped slowly from his, allowing him to truly see her for the first time.

His other hand found the high bone of her cheek, grazing along it until he came to the loose hair near her ear. As her eyes fluttered shut his thumb drifted over the soft skin of her eyelids, brushing against her lashes and soothing away the tension she’d been holding there. Josie inhaled slowly.

“See? Everything’s where it’s supposed to be - ” Josie paused as his thumb drew down to rest at the corner of her mouth. They both stilled, her eyes wide as she watched his emotions shift from subtle surprise to something far more complicated and layered. His jaw twitched and he swallowed quietly before slowly dragging his thumb over her bottom lip.

“It’s not just that you’re here with all the right pieces.” He explained, his voice low and head tilted, listening. Merlin, she was certain he could hear the heart pound against her chest. “It’s that you got hurt and I couldn’t stop it.” Josie tried to calm her wildly beating heart as his thumb caressed the curve of her mouth before dropping to the point of her chin. His fingers pressed lightly into the hair around her ear and at the juncture of her neck and jaw; one hand following the slim curve of her neck before pausing, caught on her rapidly beating pulse.

A realization seemed to wash over him, as though he’d only just realized what he was doing and their proximity. Josie’s jaw opened and closed with unsaid words, unsure how to explain away her quickened heartbeat and the warmth of her face as his brows pinched together in thought.

“Am I making you uncomfortable?” He asked in a quiet voice; a rather kind way of phrasing what he’d noticed, Josie thought. She didn’t have to think about the feeling long to recognize that she hadn’t minded at all the way his hands felt against her face and the thrill she felt from him being interested in knowing what she looked like.

“No, quite the opposite actually.”

It was small, the way his hands shook at her admission. A precise tremor just under the surface as his head raised to face her fully. Josie worried he’d ask her to explain what she meant, something that would cause her heart to beat straight through her chest at the rate it was going, but instead he simply smirked as though she’d said the most clever joke.

Thumb running the length of her jaw and other hand cradling her head, he leaned into her. Slow and deliberate as it was, she had plenty of time to pull away if she so wished but instead she held her breath and waited.

Of all things she thought would come of stealing from a pureblood library, she’d never have expected anything quite like the feel of Ominis as his lips brushed hers. Tentative, as though meant to be a question; he lingered there, the distance between them nearly nonexistent as he waited to feel her reaction.

With carefully slow movements, Josie lifted her hands to his, cradling them as she tilted her chin upwards to close the gap and press her lips to his without hesitation nor restraint.

Ominis sighed into her, tightening his grip on her as their kiss deepened. Hand digging into her dark hair, he pulled her closer and she was more than willing to oblige as a rush of warmth passed between them. Their mouths moved against one another and in it Josie could feel the truth behind his self loathing and guilt. And she wondered how long she’d felt this way and how long she had wanted this, too.

Josie released his hands and skimmed her own along the length of his arms before settling somewhere between his vest and shoulders. Tilting her head upwards with his hand, Ominis paused before running his tongue against her lower lip. It was hesitant, as though he worried it would cross some unspoken line between them. In response she leaned into him, her mouth parting as he obliged.

She’d never felt anything quite like it. The feel of his hands in her hair, massaging her scalp as he held her close, and the feeling of his mouth on hers explaining in as much detail as she needed for his volatile reaction after their escape from the Lyceum. It was heady and it was grounding as though she suddenly realized that she wanted nothing more than for this to never end.

He pressed forward into her, shifting his legs out the way to deepen their kiss further as his hand traveled down her neck with feather-soft fingers before coming to a stop along the dip of her exposed collarbone, massaging in small circles the tender skin of her neck. She shivered at the feeling, her breath catching as he pulled away from her just far enough to rest his forehead against hers.

Eyes blinking and breath uneven, Josie wanted him to pull closer not farther away. She wanted him to see more of her and for her to see him in this new way they’d just discovered together. But instead he collected himself, gathering his thoughts and leaning against her as though she were his solitary crutch keeping him upright.

“You better not apologize again.” Josie mumbled, sounding far more annoyed that she intended. Ominis laughed, his breath brushing her face before he twisted slightly, pressing the curve of his smile against her cheek.

“For that? No.” He whispered into her ear, his voice lilting with his lingering grin. She smiled with him, enjoying the way he felt against her, as though the barrier that had been between them had melted away, leaving them with an intimacy she hadn’t fully realized she’d wanted. She liked more than anything the sound of his voice, relaxed and content as he embraced her.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10: The Master and Missus

A short time later, Ominis watched Josie from the edge of the bed, wand lazily aimed towards her as she balanced haphazardly along the wall of the room. Leg stiff and aching with echoes of the injury Ominis had rudimentary healed, she struggled to get it to work as it should. He frowned, sensing her struggle.

“We can’t Apparate if you’re unable to walk, otherwise I’d just carry you.” Josie shot him a look despite knowing that he couldn’t fully see it as she continued forward stubbornly.

“Surely we can Apparate if I can hop.”

“I don’t really feel like experimenting with long distance magical travel.” He mumbled under his breath, his tone sounding more as though he were humoring her than actually having a discussion.

“I could manage to walk on it for a few steps for the sake of the spell.” She offered, gritting her teeth as she placed her full body weight on the injured leg. Barefoot against the wooden floor, Josie grimaced as her knee almost buckled.

“Please, I can hear you huffing from here.” Josie scoffed her face darkening a shade or two as she rounded on him, one hand still clutching the walls hip-high pristine molding.

“I am not huffing.” He smiled boyishly, as though all he’d wanted was to rile her up and listen to her titter. “Besides, the others will be worried when we don’t return.”

She watched as Ominis shrugged before pointing in the general direction of the beautiful clock over the mantle of the fireplace. Intricately carved and brazenly expensive, Josie gasped when she read the time.

“Merlin! How long were we in that library for? We arrived in London around noon and it’s already past supper time!”

“Apparently far longer than either of us thought.” He added, his grin mellowing a bit. “I think I’ve figured out what this place is but it might be best if I go and see if I can find some sort of curator.” Josie cocked a brow as she slowly moved to join him on the edge of the bed. When she sat their legs touched, the skirt of her muggle dress brushing against his settled hand. He tilted his head in her direction.

“An inn of some sort?” She guessed, liking quite a lot the way he looked at her, whether he noticed it or not. It was soft yet focused as though he were more obviously attuned to her movements; or it was just as likely, Josie considered, that he'd always been aware, now he just hadn’t felt the need to be discreet.

“Spot on.” He nodded, moving to stand. “I’ll… think of a reason why you’re already up here. They’ll likely not ask too many questions if I put on airs.”

“You are quite good at pretending to be a rich boy.” Josie agreed, her lip quirking. He shot her a look before straightening his sleeves, pausing as he felt the material.

“I refuse to take that as an insult. Now, please, dispel your clothing charm so I don’t look like an idiot when I finally find the owner.” Josie acquiesced, watching as his posh muggle clothes shifted into his more familiar wizardware. Hands feeling the material of his robes, Ominis seemed satisfied by her handiwork. Wand outstretched, he moved towards the door, pausing as he took the brass knob in hand. “I’ll be back shortly. I’d think it’d be most clever of you to not try walking in the meantime.”

She hadn’t really planned on doing so. It was obvious that he’d already made his decision on the matter and, if she was being honest with herself, it really did hurt. She agreed, her promise seemingly enough for Ominis to feel comfortable leaving her alone.

Josie took her time alone to change out of her muggle clothes, happy to leave the skirt behind in place for well worn trousers and a well fitted vest. She forwent her robes, feeling no need in the warm room, throwing her evergreen scarf over one of the chairs before sliding on her colorful stitched socks which usually hid beneath her high boots.

Ominis returned a few minutes later, looking rather pleased with himself. He slid into the room, shutting the door quietly behind him before seeking out Josie.

“I take it everything went well?” She asked as he shrugged off his robe, levitating it towards the wall with a silent incantation. To her surprise it hung on an invisible hook.

“Yes, we most definitely won’t be bothered by any of them.” He started, a smirk pressed into his cheek. Josie wished she’d been able to join him. She thought she’d rather like to see him play up his part to get his way. “We’re in the upper annex of the White Wyvern, a pub and inn in Knockturn Alley. Apparently, a few families have direct Floo to the annex landing for when they visit London. Anyway, the point is I’ve ordered some food and an elf will bring it up shortly.”

“Will the elf care that I’m here?” Josie asked, watching as Ominis walked to the circular table and moved to pull out one of the chairs; he paused when his hand came in contact with her scarf. He absently picked it up and brought it towards his face as though to examine it.

“No, I’d imagine they’ll keep their mouth shut if they know what’s good for them.” He replied, thumb caressing the material. “I’ll make sure of that.” He added before wordlessly casting a spell on her scarf and sending it to hang on the wall beside his robe.

“I’ve been wanting to ask…” Josie started suddenly. At her hesitant tone, Ominis stilled. His head turned in her direction and she could see the tension in his jaw. “What happened to Ambrasta’s journal? I remember trying to grab it but not much else after that.”

Ominis nodded, eyes flashing his relief as he relaxed slightly. “Ah, right. After I pulled you from the book you were holding it.” He explained with a frown, the tension not quite gone from him. “I hadn’t realized you’d taken it and considering how you… fared, I almost left it behind.”

“Almost?”

“It’s in your bag somewhere. Never really did know how to make those blasted things work but figured you could once we were somewhere safer.” Josie leaned over the edge of the bed and retrieved her satchel.

Opening it, she pressed her hand into it and searched for a small leather bound journal. Josie was absently aware that Ominis listened intently from across the room, his brow quirked as he sat at the table facing the fireplace. After a few moments, she pulled forth the familiar tome.

“Well… can’t say it was a totally failed mission this time around.” Josie stood and slowly made her way to join him at the table. “I think we might’ve actually done pretty well, all things considered.”

Ominis grimaced, head shaking as she set herself across from him. She reached out, letting her hand graze across his gloved knuckles before returning to the book cover. He blinked up in her direction but otherwise didn’t comment.

Fingers pressing against the dull, bronze text, Josie read it aloud. “Liber de tenebris et luce. The Book of Dark and Light. Subtle.” He echoed, unimpressed. “But I’d wager it’s the book we were looking for.”

“What are you hoping to find in here?” Josie asked, raising the book between them. Ominis hadn’t shared that bit of the plan back at the Room of Requirement nor apparently to Sebastian in the Undercroft. She assumed it was to temper Sebastian’s expectations in case the book did not, in fact, exist or if it’d been housed somewhere in Germany which had apparently been the only other place Ominis thought it could be.

He reached out across the table, fingers grasping at the edge of the journal before pulling it in his direction. Josie allowed the book to slide away, watching curiously as he ran his fingers along the raised letters.

“I heard my father mention something about her early last break; this year will be the 30th anniversary of her wing at the Ministry being opened.” Ominis explained. He picked up the book and examined its binding through touch, a frown pulling at the edges of his mouth. “My uncle is a researcher in the Ministry so I asked him about it. He went on and on about this witch who studied different magical species for the betterment of wizardkind. Frankly, it sounded more like she experimented on goblins, merfolk, even werewolves in hopes to find ways to do many things our kind have always hoped to do.”

Josie made a noise of disgust, fingers curling away from the book at the thought.

“My uncle mentioned something that gave me an idea. Sure, wizards have always been obsessed with elongated life but Ambrasta was also studying a way to cure the incurable.”

“She was trying to find a way to reverse curses?”

“Old magic curses.” Ominis emphasized as he leaned back in his chair. He paused, head tilting as he heard something Josie could not. Glancing around, she reached for her wand as he quickly dragged the journal into his lap. Moments later a knock came to the door and they both stilled. He beckoned for them to enter.

Josie was surprised to see a female house elf pop into existence on the inside of their room. Her gaze fell on them sitting together at the table, likely looking well ready for a meal and strutted over, tray in hand.

“Bensie has brought your supper. Bensie hopes you enjoy!” Bensie bubbled happily as she approached the table and began setting plates between the two of them. “Warm soup for a cool evening plus Bensie thought to pack a spot of tea!” With a dramatic flick of her wrist an elegant tea set was summoned and floated onto the edge of the table.

“Thank you, Bensie.” Josie offered, taken aback by the peppy house elf. Bensie nodded before stepping away, head bowed respectfully.

“Now you let Bensie know if you need anything else. Just call and Bensie will be here in a jiffy.” The house elf smiled toothily before disappearing out of view, leaving Ominis and Josie in sudden silence.

“I suppose that’s our queue to table this conversation for later.” Josie murmured, eyes widening at the array of food. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was.

“It’d be best to let Sebastian in on this.” Ominis added, his voice marred by a small level of uncertainty. “I admit I’m a little hesitant to just give it to him.”

“We could always work together on it.” Josie considered, knowing full well he’d never wait for her and Ominis if he had the chance to research in private.

“I’m worried it might have to be just Sebastian and I on that task.” At Josie’s bewildered look, Ominis’ frown deepened. “I admit I’m more than a little nervous about you using this book. It’s entirely possible for this journal to react violently to you trying to use it. Ambrasta was a blood purist, the sort that thought muggleborns should be done away with.”

“That’s ridiculous, surely muggleborns vastly outnumber purebloods, something like 10:1.”

“Unfortunately, that’s one of the statistics the blood purists’ tote as a reason why their ideology is paramount to coexisting. As though the worst thing that could happen was for a pureblood to sire a half-blood.” Ominis grimaced and shook his head as though he wished nothing more than to be rid of the topic completely. Instead he dropped the book under the table with an unceremonious thump before rubbing his eyes.

“Long day?” Josie asked with feigned ignorance. Ominis huffed a laugh, pulling his hands away from his face before rolling up his sleeves.

“I’d say so. Promenaded through muggle London, got possessed in a freezing library, watched you get chased by a living nightmare, and then jumped through a mystery Floo.”

“Don’t forget the half-engagement.”

“Quite right, must’ve half slipped my mind.” He retorted with a smirk. She grinned, humming in response. “It’s not been all quite so terrible then.” Josie nearly rolled her eyes at the cheekiness of his tone as he took his soup spoon in hand.

“Bloody hope not.” She mumbled loud enough for him to hear. He snorted in indignation at her language before straightening out a cloth hand towel as she’d seen him do many times before.

Josie was none surprised at the tastiness of their supper, no matter how simple the recipe must’ve been. She’d come to sincerely respect the dedication and skill house elves possessed. Her and Ominis dined together on a hearty and delicious leek and potato soup and simple yet well seasoned vegetables. She’d even heard him make a subtle noise of pleasant surprise at the quality of the Earl Grey tea when he finally took a sip.

By the time they’d both finished, Josie was so shocked at the hour she nearly gasped. Turning in her seat to get a better look at the clock, she let out a huff as she realized it truly was nearly half nine.

“Well, I suppose that’s that for me trying to convince you to take us back before curfew.” At her slightly joking tone, Ominis simply sipped his tea rather pointedly, mist colored eyes wandering anywhere but towards her. No comment needed, then. “Should we try tomorrow morning?” She asked after a few moments, gaze drifting past her companion to land on the plush bed. Brows suddenly pulled tightly together as the reality of their sleeping arrangement finally dawned on her.

“Depends if you can walk the length of the room without cringing in pain. Can’t really think of any of your friends being happy at the idea of me splinching you because we’d been too reckless. Not to mention I’d get an earful from Madam Blainey and Professor Weasley for Apparating without a license.”

“You’re supposed to have a license?” Josie asked rather breathlessly, her gaze darting back towards him. She watched his eyes narrow slightly at her sudden change in tone, something of that nature not so easily overlooked by someone like him.

“Surely, that’s not where you draw the line for your adventures.” He offered incredulously, setting down his now empty tea cup. When Josie simply made a slightly uneasy noise in response, he reached for his wand. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, I just… don’t have any night clothes.” She managed dumbly, squeezing her eyes shut in self-annoyance. When she next opened her eyes she watched him pause; brow creased in confusion.

It was as though she could actually see the gears of his mind churning. Likely considering her strange words and her sudden unease before his wand quickly lowered to the table. Eyes widening and his shoulders straightening, Josie grimaced as she watched the realization wash over him.

“Oh.” Escaped his lips before the rest of him caught up, the reality of it causing his ears to redden. “Well, I’d hope you realize I was planning on sleeping elsewhere. I wouldn’t want you… well, I don’t want you to think - ”

Josie did not think she could bear another second of his gibbering.

“I could just sleep on the ground.” She interrupted. As though she’d just offered to sleep in the lake, Ominis physically cringed. His face immediately twisted in annoyance.

“Absolutely not.” He insisted with no room to budge in his tone. “I’d sooner sleep on the floor myself.”

“I’m not going to let you sleep on the floor, Ominis.” Josie retorted with the same level of stubbornness as he had offered her. They faced each other, neither batting an eyelash, one with arms crossed over her chest and the other leaning unceremoniously against the table that separated them.

Josie had not quite realized how much her and Ominis could have in common. It was like staring into a mirror.

A pop sounded from within the room, breaking their stalemate. Josie jumped, her heart already unstable as she looked to the familiar house elf. Bensie bowed deeply before snapping her fingers and making their supper dishes vanish.

“Bensie came for the plates. Will the master be wanting more tea?” Without missing a beat and without so much as blinking, Ominis replied.

“No. That was plenty, thank you. I do have another request though.” Ominis started, his gaze locking Josie in place. In retrospect, Josie thought, the effect he had on her would be laughable. He couldn’t even see her, yet she couldn’t break their staring contest; not for a moment. “The missus will need some night clothes. Seems she forgot to pack them.”

Josie bristled as Bensie glanced between the two of them with an odd look.

“So will the master, I wager.” Josie retorted, eyes narrowing and heart fluttering at the way his jaw tightened at the word. “I believe I forgot to pack his too.”

“Ah, yes!” Bensie suddenly interjected, drawing neither of their attention. “Bensie can find something for you both. Though Bensie does recommend delegating that task to your family elf. They’d never forget.” Snapping her fingers again the tea set beside them disappeared and so did Bensie soon after.

“Missus?” She asked pointedly, brow raised the moment the house elf Disapparated.

“Master?” He pressed in equal measure, head tilting as he huffed a strained laugh. “There’s something I was certain I’d never hear you say.”

“You like it?” She teased, voice lowering slightly as she searched his face for a reaction. The cord of his throat tightening and the narrowing of his glare told Josie everything she needed to know. He opened his mouth to retort, a simmering look passing over his features just before Bensie returned moments later, clothing folded in hand. His mouth snapped shut.

“Bensie found some clothes that should suit the master and missus.” Josie couldn’t stop the mirth that curled her mouth as his eye twitched at the elves' words.

“Those should be lovely, Bensie. Thank you.” Josie managed through the sudden elation at the house elves impeccable timing. Across from her, Ominis silently placed his head in his hands. Bensie Diapparated away with another curtsey.

“You do realize I was going to ask for a second room.” Ominis finally said, his voice accusing once they were left alone. “That’s going to be a little difficult to do after that show.”

“You started it.” Josie shrugged, no longer feeling nearly as embarrassed in the wake of his dismay. When he didn’t respond, ignoring her by burying his face in his hands again, she stood and took up the night clothes. Her's was a fashionable shift made of nice material, with a modest neckline and no sleeves for the spring. She held up the cream colored gown, satisfied by it's length.

“We can share, you know.” Josie started after a few moments, sensing his unease and watching him with a creasing brow, guilt creeping through her. “The bed's more than large enough for two people.” When he didn’t respond, she set down the clothes and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.

She was surprised that he didn't startle, instead his head raised minutely quietly acknowledging her presence. "It really wouldn't bother me, if it wouldn't bother you."

"It's up to you, I don't mind." He mumbled, some of the tension gone from his shoulder. Josie gave him a squeeze before releasing his shoulder.

"I'm going to get changed. You better keep that wand on the table." Ominis huffed a laugh, the hints of a smirk visible in the space between his head and hands.

Josie stepped away, eyes trained on the shift she'd let fall to the bed but stopped as she felt the gentle tug of his hand taking hers. Surprised, Josie glanced back at Ominis and watched as he absently rubbed small circles into the back of her hand.

Suddenly Josie understood his trepidation. Though he smiled she could feel the tremor in his fingers. There was a truth he couldn't yet voice, a worry that he wanted to share but did not have the words for. So she took his hand in hers, grabbing one with both of her smaller ones as she slipped his well fitting glove off finger by finger before reaching for his other and repeated.

They hadn't spoken about their kiss or the emotions that passed between them afterwards. There'd been so much to say but, even now, Josie couldn't find the words to fill the space with the right meaning. So instead of speaking she simply raised his hand to her lips and pressed gently, enjoying the feel of him untethered by fine fabrics.

His head raised, eyes cast upwards as though to watch the motion, the remnants of his small smile lingering. Josie lowered his hand and pressed his palm against the fabric of her shirt over her quickening heartbeat.

Ominis closed his eyes, tilting his head into her; he leaned so closely, he almost rested his forehead against her stomach as he felt what she wanted him to feel. The gentle rhythm of her heart was an anchor between them, both guiding and heavy as her composure wavered in the wake of his softening expression. Eyes opening and free hand bracing against the table, he stood.

He came to stand so close to her that his arm pressed flush between them as she held his hand over her heart. His breath, quiet but uneven, as it tickled the delicate exposed skin of her neck and face caused her pulse to quicken. With slow, careful movements, Ominis caressed her arm. Dragging his fingertips the distance of her elbow to her shoulder and then back again, a smile pressed into the edges of his mouth as he felt her shutter.

Josie wondered if he would kiss her again. The thought made her float with anticipation and desire for something she could easily reach up and take for herself. But she wanted him to do it. To show her what he wanted to say where his words had failed him. To show her that the first time was more than a muddle of emotions neither of them had been able to make sense of.

"I like this feeling." He said suddenly, his voice a hair above a whisper. Josie wasn't sure exactly which feeling he was referring to, but she was inclined to agree. She thought he'd elaborate, give her some hint or perhaps even say something witty, but instead he just grinned down at her.

Closing the distance, he kissed her softly. Slow and languid as though they had all the time in the world to explore this feeling together. It was nice, feeling that they both wanted more; a man of pure reverence and gentility in the face of all else, finding ardent intimacy in her arms.

Josie released his hands and brought hers to cup his face, pulling him downwards until her back arched to fit herself against him. Splayed hand still resting against her chest, she could feel his hesitation as she shifted along him, his hand no longer innocently pressed over her heart but rather over the soft curve of her breast.

Gooseflesh raised along her arms at the sensation and small noise escaping her as he slowly dragged his hand down her waist. Ominis stilled at the sound, eyes fluttering open and his breath hitching before deepening their kiss.

His mouth searing into hers as he kissed her with a renewed fervor. Lips parting, she felt his tongue, warm and searching, as he stepped into her, seeking to close a distance between them that did not exist. Josie stumbled back a few steps, leg slightly pained and balance lost by the motion and suddenly they were tumbling.

They landed on something soft and plush their bodies pressed firmly together, she gasped into his mouth at the sensation; clutching around his neck she momentarily pulled her lips from his. The feeling was overwhelming, even more so as he pressed his knee between her legs in an attempt to pull his weight from her.

"Are you alright?" He asked, breathlessly. He was so close she could feel as he formed the syllables of each word against the tender part of her throat, his elbows coming to brace on either side of her shoulders.

"Yes." She breathed, amazed at the rate her heart pounded and at her sudden disappointment at their separation. "I was just startled, is all."

His brows crunched together as he hesitated, the words once again stuck. But Josie could read the worry in his eyes and shook her head.

"I'm alright, we can keep going." She offered earnestly as she unhooked her arms from his neck to push back the strands of light colored hair that dropped to cover his face. He looked positively handsome like this; breathless and disheveled.

He leaned into her touch, eyes momentarily blinking shut as she gathered his fringe away from his face.

"I like when you do that." Ominis said, eyes opening to stare down towards her. "Touch my hair." She smiled up at him before taking both hands and running them through his typically well kept locks.

"I've always wanted to touch your hair. It always looked so well maintained… I really wanted to mess it up." He laughed, a lovely deep sound, his head dipping downwards to capture her mouth in his once again.

It was like being drunk, one moment they're laughing and the next she's lost in the feeling of him all over again. She ran her fingers through his hair, enjoying the feel as she made sure it was all terribly out of place.

He smiled into their kiss, a feeling she'd be happy to keep in her heart and remember for the rest of her life. His teeth grazed her bottom lip, teasing and the right kind of painful. He coaxed from her a needy sound, her tongue soothing her lip before gently taking his own between her teeth; she felt his shutter around her, a rigidness that tightened his grip and urged a rumble to escape his throat.

She pressed closely into him, bringing her hands to drift against the rumpled fabric of his shirt and vest, trying desperately to feel more of him. Beneath her fingers his heart beat wildly as she dragged her own teeth over his lip again before pulling away. He tried to follow in a quick, desperate motion but Josie buried herself into his sensitive space where his jaw dipped into his throat; feeling with great pleasure his pounding pulse as she kissed him there too.

A quiet sigh escaped him as she sucked on his tender skin before running her tongue over the space to placate the pain; not that Ominis seemed to mind. His legs shifted between them as he twisted his head into her. His nose brushed her ear and just as she sucked on the delicate skin of his throat again, lowering herself slightly to follow the tense cord of his neck, he craned himself to nibble playfully the soft skin of her ear. She giggled at the sensation, having not expected the feeling as much as she liked the way she could feel the quiet rumble that originated deep within his throat.

She'd lost all sense of time, nothing keeping her bound to the reign of ticking clocks, not while Ominis held her close and dragged the edges of his teeth along the length of her throat, his tongue finding the sensitive spaces along the way before sucking lightly near the divet between her collarbones. Josie pressed her face into the crown of his hair, inhaling the scent of him as her breath hitched and his body reacted again to the sound.

He liked that sort of thing, Josie realized, feeling how his body wound up against hers each time she lost composure. A people pleaser, this one. It excited her to no end as he sought to elicit the noise from her again.

Ominis shifted, one leg rising between hers and offering her the smallest release of building pressure as he pressed into the most intimate part of her. She shuddered against him, body shaking as she felt evidence of his arousal.

He reached up, hand clutching the soft fabric of her blouse sleeve before finding the edge along her exposed skin and paused. He pulled away from her, face flushed and gaze hungry for something more than they'd already shared. He slowly dipped down again pressing his lips along the fringe of her blouse, toying with the skin beneath the fabric but delving no further as he waited for her reaction.

Josie arched into him, his mouth warm and inviting as he explored the parts of her unbound by fabric. Digging her fingers into his hair she pulled him down towards her chest; eyes fluttering shut, she felt his nose trail down the cotton material covering her sternum as his hot breath exhaled in the space between her breasts.

Fingers dragging along the curve of her, caressing the softness of her more intimate swell of her breast, his hand came to grip her waist; external corset thicker than the material of her blouse, he tightened his hold until she could feel each digit as it seared into her skin beneath. It never quite felt like enough.

They twisted together as Ominis pulled her with great strength farther up the bed to rest beneath him. The motion was too quick, her injured leg having been forgotten in their exploration. Josie let out a sharp breath at the pain, eyes squeezing shut and hands twitching as the echo of her wound ached.

Ominis nearly jumped off of her, worry marring his otherwise disheveled appearance as his hand reached up and gently found her face.

"Did I hurt you?" He asked, fingers tracing her jaw.

“It was my leg. It’s a bit more sore than I thought it’d be.” She explained, feeling more than seeing how he tensed at the realization. Carefully he untangled himself from atop her, kneeling next to her as she moved herself to a more comfortable sitting position.

“I should have realized, that was… reckless of me. I’m sorry, I’ll be more careful next time.” Josie felt her heart grow despite the ache of her leg, pressing her lips together as he sat back against the pillows of the bed.

“Next time.” She agreed. As though he hadn’t realized the implications of what he’d said, Ominis suddenly brought his hand to his mouth, massaging his hand over it before dropping it into his lap.

“Was that alright?” He asked after a few moments, a careful neutralness to his voice as he gently loosened his cravat.

“Did it seem like I thought it was alright?” Josie pressed, a hint of teasing lilting her voice despite the sudden severity of his face. He looked rather dashing with his disheveled hair and pensive stare. “I would have said something if we were doing something I didn’t want or like… that being said, you seemed very aware of when I liked something.”

Ominis coughed to hide his growing smirk, hand coming up to smooth his flyaway hairs before glancing in her direction, his own sort of teasing dancing across his features. He looked as though he thought to say something quite rakish before chewing into his cheek to quell his smirk and words alike.

“Next time, then.” He said instead, a promise dangling between them like a lightning lure.

They rested in companionable silence, not touching but closer than any two simply friends would. Eventually it was Ominis who suggested they get ready for bed, sounding almost more knackered than she felt once the headiness of their embrace simmered.

They took turns getting dressed, Josie understanding that he couldn’t actually see her but knowing where his mind wandered as he heard the shifting of fabric, his face lighting up like the lights on a Christmas tree. More bashful then than when he was pressed against the most sensitive parts of her, she mused before bringing him his wand and granting him the privacy he needed to do the same.

“Nox.” He cast, tucked within his half of the bed. Josie was distantly curious as to why he'd bothered to learn the spell but decided it was the question for another day. The room dimmed bar the warm flicker of the fireplace; Josie settled into her pillows sighing at the softness of it as she closed her eyes.

There was a shift in their relationship, one that Josie hadn’t realized she’d wanted until she’d put the pieces together earlier that day. She liked knowing he’d be there when she awoke, and enjoyed the idea of the first thing she saw being him all tired and disheveled before he put himself together for the day.

Josie hadn’t realized the extent that she loved this new, special thing that was growing between them; she didn’t quite have a word for it, but cared only that when they woke tomorrow, she would feel it again.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11: Darkening Skies

Sebastian drummed his fingers along the length of Josie’s reading desk, eyes glazed over at the Hufflepuff across from him as she tittered around a well-loved potion station muttering worriedly under her breath. She was an absolute mess, hair pulled back with two flower clips and sleeves stained with her last failed concoction; it was no wonder she was in Professor Sharp's remedial potions course.

She was absolutely hopeless.

Far be it from Sebastian’s problem, yet somehow mere hours after Ominis and Josie left for muggle London he found himself tucked away in the Room of Requirement watching the Hufflepuff give her seventh go at whatever it was she was trying to make. At this point, Sebastian thought she could be making dinner for all he knew; she’d grabbed so many different ingredients that didn’t go together that he stopped trying to figure it out twenty minutes ago.

Gaze drifting along her frantic movements, Sebastian suddenly froze eyes widening as he sat ramrod straight.

“Wait, don’t!” He interjected. Poppy paused, looking nowhere near terrified enough by what he’d just saved her from as her fingers were still poised to tap a thick liquid into her volatile ochre colored concoction. “You can’t mix Hellebore with Shrivelfig, it’ll literally explode.”

“Will it?” She asked, head cocking curiously as he nearly kicked back his chair to take the vial from her hand. Her face scrunched in response but she didn’t fight him, instead she took a quiet step back and worried her nails.

Sebastian quickly tightened the stopper on the vial of Hellebore Syrup, panic averting as he waved his wand over the botched potion, watching as the simmering mixture magically drained. Setting down the syrup on the edge of the potion station, he turned to say something but hesitated at her downtrodden expression.

All snarky remarks and prodding jokes died on his lips as he watched her turn away from him, hand squeezing together as she walked a few paces away. Glancing down towards her array of potion ingredients, Sebastian’s gaze landed on the edges of the various containers, frowning at the way the powders and sloshing liquids melded and mixed from dirty finger prints and spills. He snuck another look at his sulking companion as she gingerly petted the exposed leaves of a potted Mandrake. Never having considered himself a bleeding heart before that moment, Sebastian sighed before massaging the annoyance out of his face and clearing his throat.

“What are you trying to brew?”

Poppy paused, brows crunching together as she looked him over, considering him with no small amount of distrust. “Why?”

Biting the inside of his cheek, Sebastian exhaled slowly through his nose. “Tickle me curious.” She straightened, lips pursed.

“It’s supposed to be a Draught of Peace.” She admitted after a few moments, eyes averted and face reddening. “But there’s something about the blasted recipe that doesn’t work! Professor says to just read it again but if I have to read that blasted thing one more time I think my head will explode!”

“Alright, alright. I get it.” Sebastian started, hands up defensively and sounding more like a man approaching a wild beast than his exasperated classmate. “Show me what Sharp gave you. Maybe there’s just a… finesse to it.”

At his offer she hesitated, stuck between some desperation for help and her severe want to not ask him for help. Sebastian was more than aware that the only reason she’s been even the slight bit cordial with him was because Josie asked her to work with him in her stead. In the end she joined him at the potion station, huffing as she tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. She motioned towards the spell instruction pinned against the wall behind the station.

Sebastian leaned over the empty cauldron and read the list before shoving all unnecessary ingredients away. Poppy watched on with a frown, arms crossed and looking as though she wanted to say something but didn’t. Glad for her silence, he picked up the first vial of blue powder as well as taking up a cleaning cloth.

“You always want to start with the least volatile ingredients first. If you start with the powerful stuff your brew will be more likely to explode.” He cleaned the glass of the vial before offering it to her. “This is powdered moonstone, get the water started and add the four dashes.”

Poppy took the cleaned vial from him, her fingers fiddling with the stopper before she quietly summoned the water base and did as he instructed. Sebastian nodded at her application, satisfied that she was at least good at following his lead before grabbing for the small pot of silvery powder. Taking the cleaning cloth to it, he spun it around as he spoke.

“Unicorn Horn, here. Careful when you add this one, you’ll need to add it slowly over the course of a minute.”

The process was repeated over and over. Cleaned, added, then mixed until the potion began to take on the correct coloration. Poppy was elated, practically giddy at the realization that she’d managed to do what was seemingly impossible. Sebastian considered it entirely possible that the fumes had something to do with it, but he kept that thought to himself.

He watched as she quietly stirred the concoction, a small smile playing on her lips before her gaze caught his and the smile quickly dissipated, replaced by a flickering annoyance.

Sebastian blinked at the sudden change, features twisting in confusion. Confusion for the sharpness in her glare as much as the cause of it all. He just spent an hour helping her brew her bloody potion, for Merlin's sake.

“I’ll have you know that Josie is my best friend.” She suddenly started, tone brusque and doing nothing to help his confusion.

“...Right?”

“And she tells me about most of the things that bother her.” Poppy continued cryptically, eyes peering down the strait of her nose at her potion as she stopped and began mixing counterclockwise as the instructions expected her to do.

“Alright? I’m very happy for you two.” Sebastian offered sardonically, not following her in the slightest. “You’re not terribly good at small talk, are you?” Poppy shot him another sharp look.

“But she didn’t tell me what you did at the end of term last year.” Brows pulling together and noise of indignation escaping him, Sebastian crossed his arms. He couldn’t believe the gall of this woman.

“What I did?”

“Yes. What you did, because I’m certain it wasn’t Ominis Gaunt or Natty or me, so it must have been you.” She quickly cast an incantation to magically continue the mixing before she rounded on Sebastian, arms crossing over her chest as she glared at him pointedly. “Out of everything that’s happened since I met her in fifth year, she’s never avoided a conversation like the one about whatever you and her got up to at the end of last year. So, what did you do, Sallow?”

Like a splash of icy water Sebastian suddenly understood what she was referring to. Poppy must have noticed his sudden comprehension because she settled into her hip and watched him expectantly. As though she thought he was about to explain how he’d cast the Cruciatus Curse on her out of necessity to enter a Scriptorium that had none of the answers they were looking for.

“She was acting so weird right before our O.W.L’s last year, Natty was the one who put the pieces together that something must have happened with you and her. Josie was avoiding you, even going so far as to partner with Leander so she wasn’t sitting next to you. Leander!” Poppy explained when he didn’t immediately respond; her exasperation at the prickish Gryffindor bleeding into her annoyance with Sebastian. “Then, when I tried to ask her about it she might as well have been a Gringotts Goblin. So, what did you do?”

Pressed back on his heels Sebastian finally put the pieces together. The determined look in her eye, her aggressive stance, how it’d been all thrown together as though she’d suddenly remembered she was supposed to be angry with him. As though he was somehow her enemy. Her and Onai’s sudden animosity at the beginning of this year finally made so much more sense.

“We… argued.” He lied with ease, jaw tightening as her gaze flicked to meet him filled with fire and curiosity. “It was about something very… personal to me and I’m thankful that despite everything she kept it private. Even from you. It’s not something that I shared openly with others.”

Poppy frowned, her features still contorted with distrust and annoyance but there was now an underlying Hufflepuff empathy that Sebastian's hope clung to. He uncrossed his arms, leaning gently against the potion station as he continued.

“That’s why I visited her here last night. I needed to apologize for it and a few other things while I was at it.” With that admission, Poppy nodded, lips pursing at the small truths and half-lies he threw at her. Eventually she huffed, glancing at him with more curiosity than annoyance.

“One more question then and I’ll get out of your hair.” She started, eyes scouring his face as though searching for the cracks in his story. One last strand of tension strung between them like the wire of a violin. Sebastian raised his brow in question, prompting her to continue. “Were you courting her?”

Sebastian narrowed his eyes, suddenly feeling tense all over and dry mouthed but trying desperately not to show it. Of all things for her to assume. Some distant part of him recognized that this was a great boon. If Poppy thought that was the worst he could do, then she truly had no clue as to what really occurred in that Scriptorium. Even so, that didn’t stop the sudden warmth and unease that filled him equally.

“Not really sure what you think you’re onto, but,” Sebastian hesitated, gathering himself so as not to sound defensive at the assumption made, “I think you’ve severely misread things. Ominis and Josie are my best mates.”

Poppy huffed again, a sound that almost seemed like she didn’t believe him, eyes rolling as she turned back towards her potion.

“You know,” She hummed in a singsong tone as though she’d put something together that Sebastian dreaded to hear, “the three of you Slytherins always seem to be together. Visiting your family home over the breaks, studying together, eating dinner together - ”

“As though you don’t also spend time in the library with her or skulk the Forbidden Forest together on weekends.” Sebastian retorted, feeling his patience wearing thin.

“I’m just saying that if there’s anything else you’d like to say, now’s the time to do it.”

Sebastian deadpanned, meeting her curiously pointed gaze. She was absolutely ridiculous.

“You’ve… I’m not - ” Sebastian shook his head, deciding that the woman would not be satisfied so easily; she wouldn’t drop the topic until she was satisfied. “I’m not the one who’s pursuing her.” At that Poppy’s jaw opened and her head swiveled. In that moment, she looked far more Slytherin than Hufflepuff as her gaze snapped to him with the intensity of the Devil in her eye and the word dropped from her lips almost as soon as he had finished speaking.

“Who?”

“Oh, come off it, Sweeting.”

“Tell me or I’ll just assume it’s you.” Sebastian scoffed, eyes narrowing. What a terribly manipulative woman. She shrugged at him, lip quirking as she looked him over again. “Hey, you’re not the loyal one. Do I know this person?”

Sebastian frowned. “Hufflepuff or not, I’m not going to out my mate. Especially to Josie’s close friend.”

“Best friend.” She amended, brow raising before nodding. “Alright, fine.” Sebastian eyed her uneasily, not believing for a moment that she’d drop the subject so quickly. Merlin, how’d they even get to that subject? She lasted all of fifteen seconds before adding, “You don’t need to say a word, you’ve already given it away, anyway.”

Sebastian scowled, letting out an exasperated sound in frustration.

“I helped you with your bloody potion and you decided to interrogate me as thanks?” She simply shrugged, a lopsided grin pressing into her cheek in the most irritating way.

“I suppose that was a little rude. Thanks for the help, I just needed to use this chance to get down to the bottom of it all. We’ve been pretty worried. I guess we could… start over a bit? Pretend like we're back in sixth year before this all happened?"

Sebastian shook his head, not wanting to be the type of person who could simply pretend things hadn't happened. At least not anymore. "How about, instead, you find Onai and explain to her this misunderstanding so she stops trying to kill me in Transfigurations? That sounds like a grand idea."

Poppy aimlessly grabbed the stirring spoon, taking it between her fingers as she took over the movement. As though she hadn't heard him, she leaned over the potion and inhaled deeply; eyes fluttering at the heady odor, she reared back and coughed. "Merlin that's pungent."

"You're not denying it." Sebastian pressed, frown tugging at his mouth at her utter lack of potion safety. Really, where was she their first year when Professor Sharp went over all this?

"I mean, she wasn't trying to kill you." Sebastian scoffed, not believing her tone for a second.

"Oh, no. Of course not. She was simply trying to transform me instead of the rat into a chair." To his great indignation, she chuckled. A soft sound that made his frown deepen.

"You have to admit that your freckles would give the wood a lovely speckled quality. Very dashing."

"I have to do no such thing." He simmered, jaw tight and face warming. "And don't smell your draught like that, you'll end up knocking yourself out for half the day. Now," he cleared his throat before motioning up the stairs towards the exit of the Room of Requirement. "Go on, I have Transfigurations tomorrow and I doubt she'll listen to me if I try to explain it."

Poppy smirked at him; smirked as though the sanctity of his form were somehow funny to her because she bloody knew it was true. With purposefully slow movements she enchanted the cauldron to finish the job before scourgifying her robes back into order.

"Alright, I'll see if I can find her. You should stay here though."

"Right, right, the stupid egg. Listen, can you at least grab some snacks from the kitchen if you're going back to your nest of a common room? I'm withering away over here after all that brewing." He watched her shrug, her expression feigning disinterest but he knew enough about the Hufflepuff to be sure she wouldn't leave him to starve.

With her gone and the Room of Requirement quiet bar the bubbling of her potion, Sebastian slouched into Josie's chair, head lulling back against the plush back. Eyes closing and tension dropping from his shoulders, he let out a long winded sigh; today was going to be a very long day. He felt his consciousness drift from him.

Unfortunately, his cat nap was interrupted by the loud trill of an alarm Poppy had set for her potion. Heart pounding and eyes blinking away the ebbings of sleep, he stood and flicked the jumping toy cabbage off the desk and into the far recesses of the room where it croaked before the sound petered out. Disenchanting the heat, Sebastian levitated the cauldron off to the side before stretching.

He rather fancied a trip on his broom.

Feeling the pull towards the Quidditch pitch on such a perfect day, Sebastian decided instead to try out something he'd only ever done with Josie once before; the vivarium.

Entering the glen he watched the round puffskeins bounce about in the breeze like dandelion fluff before moving to the small wooden rack near the entrance. He stared intently at the broom choices Josie left behind, packing her favored one in her bag, no doubt, before taking one and jumping on.

Even within the questionably real biome, flying was still the most cathartic thing he'd ever known. Attempting the more dangerous maneuvers far from the prying eyes of the diricawl and wide-eyed mooncalves, Sebastian lost himself in the feeling for what felt like hours. It wasn't until he got the sneaking feeling Poppy would soon return with potentially many snacks that he touched down and pressed the broom back into its holder.

A strange sound pulled his attention, like the ticking of a clock but in the wrong pitch. He swiveled, instinctually reaching for his wand. The puffskeins were lazing about near the water and the kneazels were sunbathing on a large rock. The clicking continued, growing louder. Suddenly Sebastian’s gaze fell on the source; eyes widening in wordless surprise he lowered his wand as the first shard of the egg fell to the grassy floor.

“Bloody hell.”

Sebastian rushed towards the breaking egg, panic rising as he quickly stowed his wand and reached to grab the next falling piece as though to keep it together. As his fingers wrapped around the silky surface of the egg, it shattered.

Cursing so loudly the diricawl squawked and dispersed from around his feet where they had pooled at the commotion, Sebastian felt the shards of shell slip between his fingers as the singular creature emerged.

It was a small, dark feathered thing with shining black eyes crested in small, golden feathers like powdered gold. Sebastian froze, staring in awe as the creature cocked its head and opened its sharp beak in silent call.

He wasn’t sure why he reached towards the creature; he'd never considered himself a lover of beasts beyond the myths and legends that he and his sister used to listen to when they were children. He’d never been a snuggler of kneazles nor a scritcher of puffskeins yet there was something categorically different about this creature. It was regal, it was power incarnate, and in its eyes he could see a reflection of himself better than he’s ever been before. Stronger than before.

A sincerely happy to see him.

Sebastian pressed back his shoulders and with a heavy swallow he banished as much of his nervous fear as he could, burying it deep down in the catacombs of his mind where all his dark thoughts lay dormant. Hand outstretched, he paused long enough for the bird to investigate him; pitch colored eyes blinking rapidly as its head nestled into his palm.

Surprised, Sebastian stayed still and simply watched as the bird elongated its already feathered wings before hopping upwards and onto his forearm. Its claws, sharp and talon-like, bit into him painfully. Grimacing at the pressure, Sebastian nodded down at the creature, realizing then that the feathers he thought were dark were actually a brilliant shade of vermillion red, darkened by the dark powder lining the inside of its shell.

“Hello there,” He greeted like one would a pet or small child. The bird moved up his arm, talons digging into a particularly sensitive spot where his forearm met the crook of his elbow. Cringing he chuckled awkwardly. “Strong one aren’t you? Uh, well. Poppy is going to be very cross when she realizes you’ve popped out after I sent her away. Don’t worry though, she’ll be cross with me, not you.”

He flinched as the bird drew blood, a small trickle of red sliding down his arm as he bit his cheek. He’d felt pain far worse than this, he reminded himself as he moved away from the bird's incubator. Pulling the bird into direct sunlight, he could see more golden feathers hidden amongst the red.

Suddenly the creature took flight, drawing itself away from Sebastian’s arm and careening through the sky as though it was the most amazing thing in the world, as though its life didn’t begin until its wings took to the wind. He watched it soar and spin in playful movements, winding its way through tree branches before diving towards the feeding trough. He felt his smile widen as it stole a piece of feed from an unsuspecting mooncalf, soaring away at great speeds long before the skittish creature even knew what happened.

The bird flew in spirals overhead, chewing its snack in victory before releasing a quiet and otherwise unassuming chirp as it descended. To Sebastian’s great surprise and excitement, the bird landed on his shoulder with powerful legs easing much of the landing. He flinched at the impact before reaching up and rubbing the feathers under its chin.

“A right Slytherin you are, taking what you need like that. I ought to go find Poppy, she’ll know what to do with you now that your out of that hovel. I’ll tell you what, Josie’s made this place with impeckable taste, you’ll love it. Ha!” He laughed as the creature ducked its head into him.

Sebastian tilted his neck away from the bird, the creature jumped from his shoulder immediately, taking flight again without so much as a moment's hesitation. Watching after it for a few seconds longer, Sebastian exited the vivarium in search of Poppy.

He should have known that she’d be elbow deep in potting soil. If he’d thought about it for more than a few moments he’d have realized how obvious it’d been; thankfully Samantha Dale was able to point him in the right direction, albeit with an odd look on her face.

Even then he found her outside of the herbology wing, enjoying the sunshine while he was cooped up in the castle watching over their charge. The sky, empty of clouds and a beautiful shade of blue gave way to a steep chill; he was surprised as he approached her, wearing only her uniform, her spring robes and a wide-brimmed gardening hat; she seemed oblivious to the briskness.

She glanced over her shoulder as he approached, looking unsurprised to see him. “I already talked to Natty. Don’t expect an apology or anything but I think you won’t have to fear for your life in Transfigurations anymore.”

“Right, thanks.” He replied somewhat dismissively. Opening his mouth to speak, she cut him off.

“Oh! How’d my potion turn out? It should be done by now.” The edges of her eyes crinkled happily as she straightened and brushed the dirt from her hands.

“It’s as good as any draught I’ve ever made. Might want to take a dose before brewing your next batch in Sharp’s class.” He added with a grin, enjoying the way she dramatically sighed.

“That actually might be the right idea.” She mumbled. “I still have no idea what I did differently.” Sebastian tsked, pursing his lips as she turned to stare at him. “Do you know?” She asked accusingly.

“You’re messy.” He explains simply. At her insulted expression, he continued. “Brewing isn’t like herbology, you can’t let the ingredients go everywhere like dirt. You have to be careful with everything.”

She scrunched her face, approaching him completely and looking as though she had something more to say. Some quip or other likely defending herbology but his point still stood. Her gaze drifted past him, cast upwards towards the bright sky before her expression dropped to one of confusion and then growing fear.

Feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end, Sebastian spun, wand outstretched before he could even comprehend what danger approached. Eyes rising towards the sky, he no longer saw a bright blue canvas of a brisk spring day; rather he saw a rapidly darkening sky as arrows the size of carriages arced across the horizon and slammed into the protective barriers surrounding Hogwarts. The transparent barriers shimmered before blooming with dark, inky magic that spread like an infestation across the sky. One after another they came, careening through the sky before imbedding themselves into the bubble of arcane magic as it rattled and bowed under the pressure.

In the distance Sebastian could hear the startled gasps and cries of students at the sight and then he saw them running. The sky becoming more and more dark and Sebastian didn’t hesitate. He flung himself backwards and grabbed Poppy by the wrist and started running towards the safety of the castle.

The panic around them was electrically charged as students brandished their wands but no enemies stood in view; none at least they could fend off themselves. They hurried into the inner sanctum of Hogwarts, heads trailing over their shoulders as the sky was blotted out by darkness. Professor Garlick stood at the large double doors, calling out to the rushing students looking far more dire than he ever thought she was previously capable. He and Poppy pressed through the threshold, almost separated by the rushing masses before pulling off to a narrow corridor. Distantly they both watched as students clung to each other before stumbling deeper into the safety of the castle.

“What in Merlin's name was that?” Poppy asked from beside him, her voice bewildered. “Is Hogwarts under attack?” Sebastian swallowed heavily at the sight of students falling over one another as they hurried through the courtyard entrance and further into the castle. It was one thing to fight goblins in the Highlands, it was a completely different thing to get a first hand account of siege warfare.

“I’m not sure.” He mumbled dumbly, mind whirling. They stood there for a moment, wands in hand as they silently watched the last few students tumble in as a heavy ringing sound filled the chamber not unlike the baritone of a massive gong. Poppy and Sebastian simply flinched at the foreign cacophonous noise, glancing at one another as though waiting for the other to make the first move in forward. Emerging from within the castle, dozens of little bright slips of parchment flew like tiny birds around corners and through the air until they found a witch or wizard. Sebastian tensed and began to pull himself and Poppy away as two came directly at them, stopping only when the birds spoke in unison in the familiar voice of Professor Weasley.

“All students are to report to their common rooms immediately. All students go to their common rooms.” There was a rush to her voice, a strain that was almost hidden by her well tuned professional air but anyone with half a mind could sense the truth in her fear.

Sebastian and Poppy shared another strained glance, neither able to discern which emotion took paramount; the fear of the unknown or the not so subtle spark of adrenaline they recognized in each other's stare. Sebastian watched Poppy swallow nervously before stepping closer, her eyes wide and sparked with simmering flame that surprised him.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” She whispered, her voice taking on a wicked edge that caused Sebastian to pause. He watched as the beginnings of a toothy grin began to crease her lips, as though she’d just experienced the most exhilarating thing imaginable to wizarding kind. She looked absolutely mental. “Fancy a little reconnaissance mission? It’s not everyday Hogwarts goes under lockdown.”

He blinked down at her, feeling as though he was seeing Poppy - truly seeing Poppy Sweeting, the beast-loving, kind hearted Hufflepuff - for the very first time. Something clicked within him; a none subtle recognition of an echo of familiarity that reflected between them that he truly would have never expected. He saw her for what she was and he smiled a toothy grin that echoed her own.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12: A Quiet Hamlet

Josie's eyes fluttered open, breathing in deeply as she was pulled from her rest by the gentle caress of something along her cheek. Consciousness began to return to her; she gazed at Ominis resting beside her, his eyes half opened and gaze cast downwards. He ran his finger along the planes of her face, seeing her before pressing loose strands of her hair aside. His touch was feather soft, brushing the delicate space beneath her eye as though to be sure she were real.

Smiling, she gathered the blankets around herself and watched as he quickly pulled his hand away, face contorting in guilt.

"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" He asked, brows pulling together and hand stilling between them. His hair, loose over his forehead and falling into his eyes, was far lighter in color in the soft morning light of their room. She'd always thought it was a deeper brown but here, untethered and free she could easily see its slightly golden hue. Scooting towards him, she reached between them and smoothed his hair back, exposing his features as she slowly ran her nails along his scalp.

"It's a nice way to wake up." She admitted, watching as his eyes slowly closed at the sensation. "Have you been awake long?"

He hummed in response, the sound low and quiet as he leaned into her touch. Josie closed her eyes too, laying her head to rest on her pillow as she absently massaged her hand through his hair.

With great ease she drifted to sleep again, the brightness and warmth of their room lulling her deeper into the plush sheets of the bed until she could no longer tell how long her eyes had been shut. Josie awakened some time later feeling much too warm and the room much too bright. There was no longer space between her and Ominis, his arm wrapped completely around her waist; she'd been pulled close against him, her hand still tangled in his hair and cheek resting on the contour of his chest. He arched over her, head dipping down and burying his nose and mouth into her hair.

She could feel as much as hear the slow, rhythmic rise and fall of his chest; though the true telltale sign of his deep slumber was the quiet snore that rumbled against the crown of her head. Heart fluttering at the sensation as much as at the intimacy she leaned into him, unsure of where else to go. She couldn’t bring herself to simply pull herself away.

It was surreal, the way their relationship shifted so quickly yet so dramatically. But when she thought about it, when she really considered the last few years, she could glean what she’d otherwise been oblivious to. He’d always been so kind to her and she’d always sought out his kindness like a moth to the flame; he was funny, clever even, but despite all his good qualities there’d been plenty of quiet warnings and shifting eyes from somber classmates warning her of the notorious Gaunt scion.

They’d been wrong, of course. But even with their assumptions and tact severely out of place, Josie considered the possibility that he simply did not show them the same reverence he showed his friends.

Ominis was one of the first people she met at Hogwarts but it took months for them to speak beyond casual pleasantries. In fact, it wasn’t until Sebastian invited her to the Undercroft without Ominis' blessing that she truly spoke more than a few sentences to him, of which most of them were not terribly kind.

She’d always assumed he saw her like an impending disaster. Something that would eventually collide with Sebastian and implode long before they’d finished their fifth year. Especially after they’d pressured him into the Scriptorium in search of something terribly dark and desperate. Then he’d been so angry with Sebastian, a simmering, deep hurt at the sheer ability to cast an Unforgivable and the quickness to do so on her. Their relationship had shifted then, too.

Ominis was right; hurt and hardship truly did bring people together.

Then there was yesterday, where they delved into yet another dangerous and ancient tomb, one of books and magic that sought to snuff her from existence for simply being. His fear, so palpable that if she conjured the memory she felt a lump lodge in her throat and emotion well within her, for her survival and her pain caused from a place he had brought her to.

She buried herself against him. Pressing harder into his chest as she reconciled his pain, her near death experience, and his affections in a world that did not want her to exist.

She heard the subtle catch in his snoring as her shifting dragged him to consciousness. Hand roaming the plane of her back, searching - seeing - her before tilting his head so that his face pressed further into the top of her head.

"What's wrong?" He asked, his voice worried and misty from sleep. Josie paused, a lie stuck in her throat; the sort of lie that was meant to press down her emotions and the worry of others for another day but she couldn’t bring herself to give life to either the lie or the full truth.

“I was just thinking of things.” She compromised, cryptically. Around her she felt Ominis tense and she knew at once that he sensed her hesitancy. His arm, already pressed snuggly against her waist with hand reaching towards her upper back, tightened against her; fingers threading through long strands of her loose hair, she felt the uneasy shift in his body.

“When muggles talk about magic, what they really mean is miracles.” She tried to explain in earnest, searching deep within herself for the root of her emotions. “They talk about fairy tales with evil witches and good fairies who grant wishes and cast curses that eventually can be outdone by goodness. But real magic isn’t like that. There’s no unilateral wish; there’s rules and limitations that even the most powerful witches and wizards can’t bend. So when I see things,” Josie paused, lifting her head to peer at her companion. He listened silently, brows creased. “Things like Anne’s curse. We have all the magic in all of wizarding Britain at our disposal but nothing can cure her.

“Then there’s the Lyceum. With ancient and powerful knowledge so great it’s been locked away dormant just in case it's ever needed by the right sort of witch or wizard. But it’s so hateful and flawed. I guess I’m just coming to see that despite everything being so vastly different, it’s exactly the same.”

“There’s some of us who’d like things to be different.” Ominis offered quietly after a short moment. “Not hateful and not quite so flawed.” Josie nodded, her chin brushing his chest as she did. She knew that was true, this all would be unbearable otherwise. Wizards like Ominis who wanted to bridge the gap. There’d been many, as far as Josie could tell.

“I know.” She agreed, meaning it. He most certainly wouldn’t have kissed her if that hadn’t been the case. He squeezed her into him, pressing his face into her mess of hair for a long few moments as he reconciled his own inner thoughts. Josie wrapped her arm around him and enjoyed the feeling of them together.

Ominis was the first to pull away, hand rising to her face to press away the wrinkled skin of her forehead. She was baffled by his ability to know the face she’d been making. They had much to do today and, from the look on his face, she knew he was thinking the same thing.

So they got up, taking turns dressing and using the washroom located down the hall. When Josie returned, wrapping her scarf around her neck snuggly, she found Ominis with all his pieces properly put back together as he sat reading at the small table. Hair precisely combed, attire properly pressed and in place, his wand glowed and filled the room with the quiet murmur of the familiar dictation charm.

Upon her entry, he waved his wand to pause the dictation, a troubled look falling across his face. Josie came to his side, peering down at the book in his hand, careful not to touch it.

"I imagine it's not a light read." She said absently, gaze rolling over the scrawled Latin while understanding very little of it. Ominis made a noise of agreement.

"My spell is struggling to dictate the words, even without needing to translate it." He explained, his bothered expression marring his otherwise regal features. Josie's eyes snapped to her companion, watching as his jaw shifted in annoyance. Ominis was excellent in Latin, he was excellent in most romance languages apparently also having been taught French and Italian when he was a boy. By muggle standards the man was a right polyglot.

"Is it the handwriting?" Josie pressed, but at the subtle shake of his head she asked, "Do you know what's causing the issue?"

"It's possible," he started, his tone thoughtful despite his obvious annoyance. "That it has to do with her writing style or something of that nature. My charm isn't perfect but it can usually get me by even the most difficult texts at Hogwarts."

Josie nodded in agreement, wishing that she had the same ease with languages as he did. "I know, your spell could even dictate Professor Binns' assigned reading of, what was it? Wendelin the Weird?" Ominis grimaced at the memory of the two of them and Sebastian gathered round the book in their common room trying for the fourth time to get through the chapter. It'd taken mounds of tea and biscuits and sheer willpower.

“She was an interesting witch, too. Absolutely mental but someone I’d rather looked forward to learning more about after finding her mural in the hall our second year. Sebastians’ only response when I asked after the painting was that he was glad it wasn’t an enchanted portrait. I cannot figure out how in the world Professor Binns managed to make her trite.” Josie pressed her lips to hide her growing smile; Ominis did indeed love the idea of magical history. It was such a shame that his secret favorite subject was hampered by a professor who was more focused on how many bracelets a witch wore than the six main charges that had her burned at the stake.

"I think Sebastian might have better luck than I, I'm afraid." Ominis said suddenly, fingers wrapping around the edge of the book and pulling it closed as he dispelled his frustration at their professor.

Josie, still gazing down at the journal from over his shoulder, came to terms with the reality that if Ominis couldn't make heads nor tails of it, she'd likely be worse for the ware. From beside her, she heard him sigh through his nose as he took the small journal and stowed it in the folds of his robe.

"The hard part is done." She whispered, head turning to speak quietly into the shell of his ear. He paused, fingers stilling in the motion of pulling his robe closed.

"Yes, I'd like to think you're right." He agreed. Sensing he dwelled on the events of the day before, Josie pressed a gentle kiss into the arch of his cheekbone, along the speckling of birthmarks that she'd come to think of fondly. It was soft, nothing more than a lingering reminder that she was standing right beside him, yet when she pulled away she watched with rising warmth as he smiled toothily, pressing his gloves hand into the spot where her lips had been.

"How's your leg feeling this morning?" He inquired, his voice taking on a different lilt entirely in the wake of his smile. Truthfully, Josie had felt the twinge of a deep ache when she first stood from bed but as she walked herself to and from the washroom and even as she now stood beside him, she hardly noticed it.

"Quite well, surprisingly. If I twist it too quickly I feel a dull pain but walking isn't so difficult." He eyed her suspiciously, head tilting as he listened for the truth in her voice. She assumed he was satisfied when he moved to stand. At their proximity, he towered over her by nearly a full head. If he cared about their closeness, his face didn't show it. Instead he spoke quietly, head tilting down as though sharing a secret.

“Should we head back then?” There was an odd dimension to his question, one that made Josie wonder if he truly wanted to go back at all.

Face warming and heart beginning to quicken, she recognized the look he gave her. An offer, she realized, to stay in London for longer than they needed; a hope to prolong their time together before needing to return to the rigidness of Hogwarts where prying eyes and expectations would make what they’d discovered in each other's company difficult.

They could spend all day in Flourish and Blotts, drinking tea and sharing stories they found interesting or ridiculous or even shop for new supplies that neither of them actually needed. They could even visit a Saturday showing at the Royal Albert Hall if their nerves would allow them such proximity to the Lyceum without bursting. But even as she considered it she knew that today wasn’t the right time, not with Ambrasta’s journal burning a hole in Ominis’ robes. Not when Sebastian was waiting for answers to his sister’s curse.

“We should head back.” She finally said, watching with no small amount of her own melancholy as his expression dropped. She reached up and placed her hand against his chest, smoothing out the already perfect lapel of his blazer. “But we should return to London soon.”

“Very soon.” He agreed, another quiet promise between them. Josie stepped away, using her wand to summon her satchel and her robe. Ominis swished his wand before offering her his arm. “I admit that the closest Apparition point to Hogwarts I know is Feldcroft.”

“That’s fine, it’s not terribly far.” Ominis’ downturned expression told her he didn’t agree. “Alternatively you can hop on the back of my broom and I can - ”

“No, no that sounds like a nightmare.” He interjected, head shaking. Josie laughed, knowing very well that broom flying caused him great discomfort. She imagined it would bother her too, not being able to see while moving so quickly. “I’d sooner jump on the back of a cabbage cart.”

“Most improper.” Josie teased, grinning up at him as she wrapped her arm around his. Hearing the upwards lilt of her voice, he rolled his eyes.

“Vexing, aren’t you?” Was the last thing Josie heard before the room was snuffed out from around them and they were plunged into darkness.

The sensation was familiar though not nearly as discombobulating as the last time they’d Apparated together. This time she felt the exact moment that Ominis slipped away, replaced by a radiating warmth where they’d been entangled. She felt herself be dragged forward like a ship to a lighthouse on a dark coast. Suddenly she could smell the fragrant scent of resthallow and creeping buttercup accompanied by the savory smell of a home cooked meal.

Josie opened her eyes to the southern fields of Feldcroft, eyes drawn outwards over the rolling green hills and livestock that surrounded the hamlet. Beside her, Ominis breathed in deeply the scent of the tranquil highlands, his hold on her lingering when she didn’t immediately pull away. It was peaceful and quiet, unlike the streets of London or even the busy halls of Hogwarts. Though they’d never spoken to it directly, she could sense in the easing of his shoulders that he adored the countryside as much as she did.

“Are we close to Anne’s house?” Ominis asked suddenly, breaking the silence as he tilted his head and listened. Josie stood on the tips of her toes to glance over the nearest rise.

“A bit away I think, but we’re definitely in Feldcroft.” Ominis hummed in dissatisfaction, scanning with his wand. “We’re closer to Colm’s farm, by the looks of it.”

“I think you’re right.” Ominis agreed, his wand pointed in the direction of the dark wood house about thirty paces away. “Is there anyone around?”

“No, Colm’s not in his field and the road looks empty. Should we pop in and check on Anne?” In lieu of a response Ominis tilted his head, straining to hear something Josie couldn’t. He looked troubled.

“Since we’re here.” He agreed after a moment before Josie could ask what bothered him. It was unsettling feeling the tension in his arm shift while his face stayed carefully neutral. Josie squeezed his arm before releasing him and began down the hillside towards the dirt road. Ominis followed closely after, the dull blinking of his sensor charm another quiet companion on their journey into Feldcroft.

If something bothered him, he didn’t speak life to it. Instead he swiveled his wand across the path as they walked, searching for something. Rounding the rise of earth, the entrance into Feldcroft came into view and with it the few homes that dotted the hamlet including the Sallow residence.

“Where is everyone?” Ominis whispered, coming to a stop beside her. Josie hesitated, gaze cast over the barron hamlet. The fields were bare of farmers, the square left empty, and the shutters of homes pulled tightly closed; even the house belonging to the Sallows showed very little signs of life.

"I… don't know, there's no one outside." Without another word or second of hesitation they both hurried into the hamlet center, rushing towards the familiar home and knocking on the door. Even from the feel, Josie knew it was locked.

Hand pressing down on her shoulder, Ominis pulled Josie back from the door and pointed the tip of his wand downwards. Feeling the kick of magic pulse through the ring, Josie reached out and grabbed his wand hand to stop the incantation just as a small voice called out from within.

"Of all the spells you know, you were going to bombarda the door open?" Josie whispered in bewilderment. The tension in him lessened as he let out a short breath and shrugged.

“It seemed to work for you in the Lyceum.” He retorted, lowering his wand subtly and flashing her an odd look. As the door opened, Josie and Ominis released their holds on each other. Standing before them, wrapped in a knitted blanket, was Anne Sallow.

Her wide gaze flitted between the two of them in disbelief before leaning out the door, her head swiveling. “How are you both here? Where’s my brother?” Upon not finding Sebastian and before either Ominis or Josie could reply she reached out with both hands and pulled them inside.

Stumbling, Ominis caught himself on a hip height end table with an audible oof while Josie nearly tripped on a thin rug laid out before the entryway. Anne, in a movement that would be quick for her more frail form, hurried past the both of them to quickly shut the front door and lock it again. Anne paused, huffing from the exertion as she pulled her shawl closer and spun on Ominis and Josie.

“Well?” She pressed, her voice sounding fatigued as she braced against the support beam of the house.

“Sebastian is back at the castle.” Ominis started, his brows lowering as he considered her questions. “What’s wrong here? Has something happened?”

Josie watched as Anne worried her lip, a new wave of fear washing over her as she moved between them to sit on the couch. Ominis paced the length of the home, his own concern plain across his face as he waited for her to gather her words.

“My uncle and a few of the others are meeting in Patrick's farmhouse right now. Bernard says Hogwarts has been attacked but we’re not able to get any news as to what’s been happening. What do you know about it all?”

Ominis paused, cord of his neck taut as he turned away from Anne. Josie rounded the couch, sparing Anne a hesitant look before seating herself next to the other woman.

"We… haven't been at Hogwarts in a few days." Josie started. Neither Ominis nor Anne relaxed at her hesitant admission. A question immediately raised in Anne but it was released as a shutter. Reaching behind them, Josie pulled over another blanket and covered Anne with it. "We were on a mission in London since yesterday."

"Why were you in London?" Anne asked, brow creased and gaze shifting towards Ominis. "How in the world did you get to London and back so quickly?" By her slightly intense tone, Josie suspected Anne already knew the answer. Ominis grimaced in response before turning towards his companions.

"Looking for something that might help… and I've been practicing a few spells for transportation but I wouldn't recommend telling your uncle about it quite yet." Anne huffed in response, a small smile softened her otherwise tense expression.

"I'm surprised at you, Ominis. Usually so prim and proper." Anne said quietly, no judgment in her tone as her gaze shifted to Josie. "And you, ever the bad influence, I'm sure. Uncle will be back soon and he'll have more information about what's happened at Hogwarts."

"He shouldn't know we've been to London." Josie added, apologetically. "Maybe we should go before he returns?"

Ominis shook his head in response, using his wand to find the single chair across from Anne. He paused before letting out a heavy sigh, his face contorting into a frown.

"We don't know what's happening at Hogwarts; the more we can find out before we approach, the better. We could go and investigate ourselves or… we could see what they've found first. For all there's been tension with your uncle, Anne, I do trust that he’ll keep us informed."

"I'm worried he won't let you leave." Anne said in a small voice, like a secret she was ashamed to share. "If Sebastian was here, he'd assume the worst, but since it's just the two of you… I don't know how long you could keep your time away from Hogwarts a secret. He's always thought you a respectable man, Ominis; and Josie, despite his words a few months ago, he's grateful - I'm grateful - for your friendship."

Josie nodded in solemn understanding. Solomon Sallow would not approve of their actions, even if they'd been as inane as picking wildflowers there'd been one too many times things had gotten out of hand for him to believe it was all a coincidence.

"How long do you think we have, Anne?" Ominis asked, hand reaching up and massaging some of the tension from his face.

"A while yet." Anne replied, gaze shifting towards the front door. "He'd left only a short while before you knocked. I had thought he'd forgotten something and sought to retrieve it."

The silence that followed was heavy as the question lingered between them. Considering their options, Josie didn’t feel fear in the unknown; surprise and worry for those not prepared to defend themselves thrummed beneath the surface but she’d faced so many challenges before that there seemed nothing too daunting for them to face.

"Let's stay." Josie said, breaking the silence and pulling the others' attention. "Come what may I think you're right, Ominis. Mr. Sallow might be able to share vital information with us."

Ominis nodded, leaning back in his chair and closing his eyes. "I dislike lying to that man. I've never been good at it."

"I'll do it." Josie offered quietly. "I'm a bit ashamed to say that I'm a good liar. Sometimes, at least." From beside her, Anne huffed a laugh. It was a soft sound, quiet and delicate but with so much mirth.

"Let me put on some tea while you two get your story straight. Something warm sounds lovely right about now."

Both Josie and Ominis made noises of agreement, the former watched Anne move with a slightly renewed vigor towards the kitchen. She heard Ominis stand before feeling him seat himself in Anne's old resting place. Sitting so close that their legs touched, Josie glanced up at him, somewhat surprised when he did not separate himself from her; much to say he felt no need to, she gathered.

In quiet voices, they discussed what to say to Solomon Sallow that would both be believable and not raise suspicion. There were many things that Josie thought would be realistic considering her track record over the last few years. Tracking a herd of thestrals, following the trail of Rookwood’s goons, or even exploring the Highlands for sources of ancient magic all would’ve been the sorts of things Mr. Sallow might have heard tidbits of Josie's time at Hogwarts, but none of them were the sort he’d approve of.

Then there was the entirely different issue of how they’d convince him to let them leave Feldcroft without a shouting match.

Josie stood to help Anne pass out the tea, leading her to the open chair across from Ominis before bringing over the teapot and sugar. As Josie poured the tea, Anne shifted.

“Why didn’t Sebastian come with you two? It seems unlike him to offer to stay behind.” Anne asked before adding a kind thanks as Josie handed her a cup of tea with two sugars.

“I can’t Apparate with two other people.” Ominis explained as Josie handed him his tea, their fingers brushing. A small blush heated her cheeks not so much at the contact but more in the way he paused and smiled in her direction at the feeling. “So, in order for the side-along to work, I could only take Josie or Sebastian.”

“We were going to muggle London.” Josie explained further in an attempt to shake off her obvious reaction to his touch. “Sebastian would’ve been hopeless.”

Anne slowly sipped her tea, eyes darting from Ominis to Josie as they each spoke in turn. After a few moments she nodded in understanding, resting her teacup on her thigh.

“That makes sense. I was worried something had happened to him, it seemed the only likely reason he’d not come with you both. It wouldn’t be the first time he’s broken something flying around on that hellish broom of his.”

“If I remember correctly, you love flying as well.” Ominis offered, head tilting downwards as he took in the aroma of his tea. Josie sat herself beside him, brow raised, intrigued.

“You love flying, too, Anne?”

“I like flying. Sebastian would live on a broom if you let him. He’d be insulted that you compared us.” Anne said mirthfully, warming her hands along the thin china of her cup. Josie smiled into her tea cup, enjoying the warmth the beverage brought her on an otherwise brisk day.

Glancing up, Josie met Anne's curious stare. At the suddenness of the shift, Josie simply blinked at her friend.

"Anything new happening about Hogwarts these days? Sebastian is terribly descriptive about things I have little interest in." Anne asked suddenly. Josie squirmed slightly under her gaze; there was a look in her eye, not so exhausted as one would believe with the flicker of interest resting wholly on Josie.

"Well, we're choosing our N.E.W.Ts soon. I doubt Sebastian has even opened the booklet yet. Not that I have any questions about what he's going to choose." Josie said, choosing the first topic that popped into her head. At the academic subject, Anne frowned slightly.

Ominis huffed an indignant laugh into his tea.

"With the way he's been in Hecat's class I'm inclined to agree."

"Defense Against the Dark Arts as a solid start." Josie clarified for Anne who watched her and Ominis, nodding. "He's quite good at dueling."

"He told me that's how you two met." Anne added, head tilting sideways towards Ominis. "But it was Ominis who explained that the duel wasn't as closely matched as Sebastian was making it seem." Ominis smirked without restraint.

"Yes, well he's always been good at twisting stories." Ominis replied evenly. "I'd imagine you'd make a good Auror." Ominis added, inclining his head towards Josie. She considered his words, eyes roving over the planes of his face before deciding he was being terribly sincere.

"I'm considering it. I'd need five top marks though and that feels daunting." Josie said before turning the question on him. "My guess is that if Professor Binn's lectures weren't so notoriously terrible, you'd choose History of Magic as your focus, maybe a sort of researcher? You've got an incredible memory." Ominis grimaced, face contorting.

"It's such a shame, I rather like learning about history. I'm not sure if I can imagine getting an O in his exam."

"I'd be needing one too," Josie said with a shrug and a wry grin, "between the two of us I'm sure we could manage something."

"I really liked Potions and fancied myself as having a good mind for alchemy if given the chance." Anne admitted somewhat reluctantly, smiling widely after a few moments before she added, "Sebastian has been sending me notes from Professor Sharp's class and I've been trying things here."

"He has been more diligent in his note taking." Ominis observed. "What have you been practicing?"

Before Anne had a chance to answer there was the sound of distant voices from outside the house. All heads swiveled towards the front door but it was Anne who stood.

"Let me speak to him first. I think it'll lighten the load a bit." She offered with a smile before untangling herself from the extra blanket and moving towards the entrance with purpose. Josie watched, wand at the ready as she unlocked the door and peered outside. As her expression shifted to one of recognition, Josie relaxed and watched her exit their home, leaving her and Ominis momentarily alone.

Josie quietly set her empty tea cup on the tray, eyes trained on the front door as they waited. Beside her Ominis stretched his legs before standing up, straightening his robes before placing his cup on the tray as well.

"She seems well.” Ominis observed. Joise couldn’t help but agree; not better by any means but most definitely not any worse. She actually seemed to have some life in her. Josie dared not hope that the book Ominis carried would bring her back to how he and Sebastian knew. Josie would love nothing more than to see Anne in her Slytherin robes, flying with her brother on the pitch.

“She has far more energy than before. I’m glad my ancient magic worked even just a little bit. Do you suspect he’s still upset at me?” Josie asked, frowning towards the door and remembering the lingering chill of their last argument before the beginning of seventh year term.

“I’m not sure, but… if things get out of hand, we’ll leave.” Ominis offered, his voice quiet as voices began to approach the house. “He should be thankful.” Josie squashed the thought that Ominis sounded rather like Sebastian in that moment as she steeled herself for Solomon Sallow.

Mr. Sallow entered, face pinched and eyes scanning his home until they landed on Josie and then Ominis in turn. He made a noise of recognition, almost as though he wasn’t sure if Anne had truly seen them before holding the door open for his niece and allowing her to pass under his arm. She glanced at Josie sheepishly before looking back at her uncle.

“I made some tea, would you like some?” At her offer, Mr. Sallow paused. His gaze softened as he looked her over before nodding. She moved to find him a tea cup with a small smile.

“Anne tells me that you’ve only just learned of what happened with Hogwarts.” Mr. Sallow started, crossing his arms and moving to join Josie and Ominis. “I have to say it’s a bad time to have been on the road.”

Josie nodded in agreement, her spun story at the ready but stopped as Anne interjected from across the room with great ease. “I’m afraid that’s my fault. I invited them out for the weekend but they had to stop in Keenbridge last night. Josie was saying she had a friend there in need.” Mr. Sallow hesitantly nodded, slowly shifting his gaze towards Josie as he thought over Anne's explanation.

“I hope your journey was a safe one? Things have seemed to be getting more and more dangerous in the last few years." He started with no small amount of worry creasing his brow. His gaze flicked towards Anne. "You should have told me you invited them."

Annie shrugged in apology, bringing over his cup to fill it. Josie picked up the teapot for her and poured Mr. Sallow his tea. "It slipped my mind after we heard something happened at Hogwarts, sorry uncle." He frowned as Anne handed him his drink but there was an understanding in his gaze that made Josie think he rather liked her desire to spend time with people her own age. Mr. Sallow sipped his tea before encouraging Anne to sit in the single chair; she obliged, taking up the spare blanket and tucking it over her lap.

"Well, I suppose the silver lining is that you're both safe." Mr. Sallow started after a few moments of thought. "This morning we heard shocking news that Hogwarts barriers were penetrated or, at least, that something was attempting to break through. We're not sure how or by who but someone was trying to break into the school. A runner from Lower Hogsfield spread the word; we've been keeping indoors ever since."

"Has the Ministry been alerted?" Ominis asked, arms crossing as he tilted his head in thought. "If you heard about it this morning, surely they've managed to enter." Mr. Sallow shrugged, an odd movement for his broad shoulders.

"You'd think so, but we haven't heard anything about that. The runner said he saw encampments surrounding the castle and the rumors say they've sprouted up even as far north as Hogsmeade."

"Encampments?" Josie repeated, her brows crunching and gaze flicking to Ominis. "There's been more and more goblin camps, is it possible they've moved against Hogwarts?" Mr. Sallow scoffed.

"If they did so, they'd be fools. Hogwarts is a fortress. No one has been able to break the barriers and no one ever will." A silence fell over the home at Mr. Sallow's words. Josie wasn't so convinced. Not after what she'd seen what goblin magic and goblin silver could do. There was so much the wizarding world didn't know about goblins and their ilk.

Instead of voicing her opinion, Josie nodded in solemn agreement with Mr. Sallow, finding that, at his core, he wanted to believe they sought his authority in it all.

"I'm worried for my friend in Keenbridge." Josie started redirecting her nervousness for lying to the ex-auror, twisting her hands in her lap. Though, if she considered it long enough, she did actually have friends in the outlying towns of the Highlands; feigning worry for them wasn't so difficult, in the end.

"The Ministry will keep them safe." Mr. Sallow offered, his hard expression softening at her act. He looked as though he wanted to say more but he hesitated, gaze distant.

"Feldcroft is quite a distance from Hogwarts." Josie tried, her tone light and thoughtful despite her rising nerves. Mr. Sallow met her gaze again, brow raised in question. "I'd worry if we stay away too long from the school. If things get sorted quickly, we'd want to be informed. Keenbridge is much closer, Ominis and I were considering traveling back before nightfall."

"That's absurd." Mr. Sallow retorted, his voice taking on a new edge. His shoulders tensed and his jaw shifted stubbornly as his gaze darted between her and Ominis. Josie watched the minute shift as Ominis squeezed his fingers along his wand, tempering himself at the elder gentleman's tone. "It's far too dangerous for children to be traveling on their own - "

"We're no longer children. We haven't been for a while, sir." Ominis interjected to Josie's great surprise. He spoke with the same confident edge Mr. Sallow had used; the tinge of an insult taken at the elder mans implications. Mr. Sallow glared at Ominis, his jaw twitching.

"I brought my broom." Josie said quickly. "Ominis and I could fly together and be at Keenbridge hours before dusk. It's nothing we haven't done before and, as you said, the valley has been dangerous. We've come to know how to stay safe on our journeys."

To his credit, Josie was impressed how Ominis didn't react, perhaps too wrapped up in his more obvious annoyance at Mr. Sallow for infantilizing them. It was Anne whose eyebrows shot up into her dark hairline in a not-so-subtle show of blatant surprise that she quickly tried to hide with her empty tea cup.

Though Ominis' eyes could not hold Mr. Sallow's glare, the sentiment of his seriousness was not lost in his expression. Josie pressed her lips into a thin line as the two men stood at a stalemate, quiet yet simmering with the fight for authority. As they had discussed earlier, Ominis was right. Mr. Sallow was family to neither of them; he had no more authority than any other family friend would. Suggestions, yes but forced action, no.

"When did you grow a backbone?" Mr. Sallow asked, his tone none impressed. Josie bristled but stopped herself from snapping when she saw Ominis tilt his head upwards.

"I know my limits and I know what Josephine can do. We're capable enough and it's insulting that you refuse to see it. Unless your worry resides in my lack of sight? If that were the case, I'd fear I'd lose much of my respect for you." He said cooly, instead of rising to Mr. Sallows prodding.

From their seats across from one another both Anne and Josie gapped at Ominis. It was apparent that Anne had expected the outburst as much as Josie had. They both sat in tense silence as Mr. Sallow grew red.

"No, of course not." Mr. Sallow gritted out, his frustration at Ominis' low blow palpable.

"Then it'd be advantageous for us to leave soon. We'll send word if there's any update from Keenbridge." Ominis retorted, his voice laced with sturdy finality.

They sat in tense silence so thick it felt as though Josie could reach out and pluck the taut cords between them like a macabre lute. It was Anne who broke the silence, her bravery commendable in that moment.

"Let me put together a bundle for you two. I'd rest easy knowing you didn't have to worry about finding anything to eat on your journey north." She offered, her voice quiet and kind as she moved to stand. Ominis tore his attention from Mr. Sallow to help his friend to her feet, his expression softening. She murmured a quiet thanks before busying herself with her task.

Josie wasn't sure which one of them decided first that it'd be more palatable to wait outside but both Ominis and Josie said tense goodbyes to Mr. Sallow before exiting the home. Once away from the enclosed space, Ominis released a heavy breath, reaching up and massaging the back of his neck.

"You did well. Especially considering that wasn't exactly the plan of attack we had in mind." Josie mumbled quietly, brows creasing as she looked him over. He looked rather exhausted from the exchange.

"I let my anger get the better of me." He replied, disappointment clear in his voice. Josie reached up and gently ran her thumb over his cheek. His gaze drifted upwards, finding a space near the curve of her hairline as he let out a resolute sigh.

"I think he needed to hear it. Otherwise he'd likely think of us children until we were forty." She said wryly, hoping a small amount of levity could be shared between them. He nodded in response, the hint of a smile curving his mouth.

After a short while the tension in Ominis' shoulders finally released, his arm dropping as he leaned into her touch. The hamlet, bar their quiet talking and tucked away livestock, was empty; the residents returning to the safety of their homes after their meeting.

"How did you know I was going to cast bombarda on the door earlier?" He asked, his expression twisting curiously as though having just remembered the oddness of it. Josie was inclined to agree, it wasn't typical to be able to tell what someone would cast before they've cast it.

"The ring, I believe." She started after a moment of consideration. He seemed perplexed by the possibility, heading tilting downwards as his free hand took hers. His thumb ran over the pearl thoughtfully. "It was subtle but I could… feel your intent."

"To cast that spell specifically?" Josie nodded, vocalizing a noise of agreement in reply. Ominis' brows pulled together in deep thought. "I've never heard of that happening. When I researched the ritual there was no mention of… that. It's meant to be an engagement and nothing more." Ominis paused, blinking before adding. "Well, a blood engagement but you understand what I mean."

"It was almost like you yourself were telling me." Josie added, gaze flitting dowards to watch him caress the ring. It was a comforting feeling. "I could feel your panic." Ominis huffed, a smirk pressing into his cheek.

"I doubt you needed the ring to have noticed that." She smiled, squeezing her fingers into his palm.

"I suppose you're right, I don't really need the magic of your ring to know how you're feeling, but it helps. It'll be a shame when it's gone, I've become quite fond of being oddly attuned to you."

"You've felt it before?" Ominis inquired, brow raising.

"Quite often, actually. You weren't kidding when you said it'd remind me of you when you're gone." At her words a light dusting of pink crawled up his neck as his jaw shifted. He tilted his head away as though to avert his gaze.

"Ah, yes. I suppose that fits with the enchantment. It was created in a time when ones intended might spend a lot of time away. I imagine it's pair works much the same." Josie squeezed his hand again feeling as though he was rambling. Clearing his throat, Ominis added, "Before we get too close to Hogwarts we'll dispel the engagement. I don't want you to be kept tethered any longer than you feel comfortable."

Josie quirked her head at him, listening to his hesitant tone as he danced around something she wasn't sure he'd completely thought through. As though he was completely oblivious to what sounded dangerously like an offer for her to keep the ring as it were.

"Truthfully, it doesn't bother me by any means. But it would be smart to dispel it while we have the chance to do so in private." Ominis nodded in agreement despite the small flicker of another emotion across his features. "Mostly because there's too much we don't know about the blood ritual. This ring is old and powerful; you were right to be wary of using it and its pair to complete the engagement."

"Whose engagement?" At Anne's quiet voice, both Ominis and Josie swiveled to face their friend, separating as though caught in some explicit act. Anne's eyes were wide and her face flush. In her arms she clung tightly to a wrapped bundle as though it were a lifeline. Her gaze flickered between them both as though seeing them in a new light. "I knew that was a promise ring. You never wear jewelry." Anne accused in bewilderment. "When exactly were you going to tell me? Honestly, I knew something had changed between you two but I didn't think you were engaged to one another."

Josie found herself at a loss for words, struggling to reconcile Anne's duality of pure elation at the idea and her frustration at being kept in the dark. Ominis, frozen where he stood, grew as red as a tomato; his worst nightmare come to life, Josie realized.

“Well, it’s not really what it looks like.” Josie tried to explain, knowing even as the words fell from her lips that they were incredibly unbelievable. Anne cocked her head, her eyes raking over Josie and Ominis as she jerked her arms towards them.

“He was holding your hand. As if that wasn’t scandalous as it were.” Anne said pointedly. “I distinctly remember Ominis telling me in our third year that he absolutely loathed being touched. And that was because Joala Butterby brushed off some lint from his robes.”

“Yes, well, that’s true, but we were just - ”

“You've proven my point!” Anne interrupted, moving towards him and Josie before shoving the bundle into his chest with considerable force. Ominis reached up and wrapped his arms around it, gaze panicked. “Were you really going to leave here without telling me? We had all that time in private before uncle came, I even asked Josie hoping she’d tell me who the bloke was. You two are the worst.”

Josie swallowed hard, clasping her hands in front of herself. She somehow felt more nervous in that moment than during Ominis and Mr. Sallows tiff minutes before.

“It’s not permanent, Anne. We were using Ominis’ family blood to bypass pureblood magic. It was... it was for the mission.” Josie explained, her voice low and gaze darting toward Ominis who looked ready to Apparate himself away. “In fact we were discussing when to disenchant it now that it’s no longer needed.”

Anne paused, her gaze sliding from Ominis towards Josie. Cheeks rosy from frustration, Anne crossed her arms tightly over her chest. “It’s not permanent?”

“No,” Ominis finally said, his voice wavering, “I know a way to dispel it.” At that Anne frowned, her frustration at the two giving way to disappointment.

“So you’re not engaged, not really? Oh Merlin, Ominis here I am so excited to plan something but so bloody angry that you were keeping it from me.” Anne shook her head, glancing over her shoulder back at her home. “Does Sebastian know?”

“No, no, of course not.” Ominis responded, too quickly for it to appear natural. Anne flicked her gaze between Ominis and Josie, her lips pressing together tightly as her mind reeled with some growing thought. Her shoulders relaxed slightly as she let out a quiet breath.

“Well… have you at least asked to court her?” Anne asked in a small voice, almost pleading. “Merlin knows this wasn’t the most subtle way of doing it.” Josie stared openly at Ominis as his jaw shifted and his head tilted downwards.

“I was getting to that.” He whispered back as though she were nothing more than a statue made of flesh and bone and not the real life witch standing before them. Josie cleared her throat, dragging Anne's attention her way.

"We would have told you, Anne. Truly." Josie, her heart beating quickly, reached out to her friend and took her hand. Anne paused looking more forlorn than angry as she stared down at where she and Josie connected. "We'll talk about this more next time, just the two of us, if you'd like. But we have to find out what's happening at the castle."

Anne nodded at the promise, a small smile snaking its way across her face and for the first time Josie saw a flicker of the Slytherin in her. "I'm glad there's more to tell." She whispered to Josie, though they both knew Ominis could easily hear her words. Josie flushed at the none so subtle implications as her cold fingers tightened around her own hands. "I'll hold you to that, Josephine."

With a sly glance towards Ominis, Anne grinned widely before embracing Josie tightly. Josie returned the hug, feeling as the lithe witch squeezed her gently; leaving Ominis to listen on as Anne hummed happily to herself at whatever insights she'd gleamed from their short visit.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13: Mettle Maketh Man

Mere hours after the initial assault, dusk came and so all of Hogwarts students were corralled into their common rooms. Sebastian, not quite so taken with the idea of being cooped up with so many folk with very little else to do other than panic, used the time-tested excuse to leave the common room afterdark; using the toilet. There were many perks of being a Slytherin, one that he would often brag about to his like-minded classmates from other houses, was that their bathrooms were uniquely outside their common room entrance.

He cared very little if the Prefect Amelia what’s-her-face noticed he was gone. Tonight, she’d have far more to worry about than one Slytherin in the lou for a few hours.

Sebastian crept along the length of the quiet corridor, listening intently as he made his way out of the dungeons and towards the familiar path of the Astronomy Tower. When he and Poppy separated a few hours before they’d both agreed a high vantage point would be their best bet for potentially seeing what they hadn’t earlier that day; what lay beyond the walls of Hogwarts and what remained of the barrier. Plus they’d have the added bonus of the telescopes which with a small charm Sebastian picked up a few years prior could lessen their intensity. Between the two of them they’d devised a quite clever plan of attack.

Sebastian frowned as yet another duo of Prefects rounded the corner; their wands out as they glanced around the halls nervously as if they were going into war. He paused, tucking his disillusioned form alongside an animated knight, distantly wondering what in Merlin's name Professor Weasley told them to make them so skittish. The knight shifted, helmet twisting downwards in his direction but otherwise didn’t seem to mind his presence.

The two Ravenclaw Prefects passed by in deathly silence. One paused in the hallway, pushing himself on the tips of his toes to peer out the arched window. He and the Prefect both knew there was likely nothing to see after nightfall, especially as the Prefect would see nothing but dark cliffside and the exterior walls of the Grand Staircase from that vantage point even in broad daylight. Without finding whatever he’d been searching for, the Prefect hurried along after his housemate. Watching them disappear, Sebastian patted the suit of armor cordially before scurrying up the steps of the opposite corridor.

Sebastian found Poppy as he crept up the long winded staircase of the Astronomy Tower. He’d thought to meet her near the top at the observation deck but something had her hiding, wand poised in her disillusioned form. Even under the charm, Sebastian was able to follow her gaze upwards, landing on the familiar sight of the starry sky contained along the highest point of the tower. It was a beautiful sight, Sebastian had to admit; the sort of thing he’d been awestruck by in his first year at Hogwarts but it wasn’t until he saw the subtle flicker of magic as she cast a spell that he fully came to a stop a few paces away.

“Nox.” She incanted just before the spectral projection of the galaxy blinked out of existence. Sebastian crunched his brow in confusion as they were plunged into deep darkness. As his eyes adjusted, he suddenly saw the phantasmal form of the silent ghost as he sulked away, melding through the railing and into the tower walls, leaving them alone in the dark tower.

“Well done.” He whispered in the form of a greeting. She jumped, foot slipping on the step as she twirled towards him. Dispeling his concealment charm Sebastian stood his full height, smirk biting into his cheek as he watched her right herself, her own charm dropping. She caught herself on the railing, clutching her wand as though it were a lifeline as she glared up at him.

“You’re going to give me a heart attack!” She whispered before pointing her wand at him threateningly. Sebastian simply stared at her, seriously doubted she’d jinx him considering their plans for that evening.

“My sincerest apologies.” He offered, his voice offering no such true sentiment. Poppy frowned at him before placing her wand hand over her heart and breathing deeply. She stood up straight, her feet finding solid ground on a step a few above his own. From there she was able to look him in the eye and, in the darkness, he was just able to make out as she rolled her eyes at him.

“Merlin, you’re a brute. Come on then before someone sees us.” She mumbled, turning from him and hurrying up the remainder of the staircase. Despite himself he leaned over the tower railing to glance down the long, dark drop of the stairwell; seeing nothing below he followed Poppy, wand at the ready just in case. They emerged at the observation deck, a circular balcony to open sky lined with telescopes. From here they overlook the Hogwarts Grounds and a muted starry night sky.

Despite the immensity of its view, both he and Poppy came to stop short of the balcony’s edge. Where what should have been a clear night void of clouds or obstructions in viewing the night sky was an unusual darkness. As though the celestial bodies had been plucked one-by-one from their resting place, the stars and the moon glowed dulling as though being viewed through a thick mesh. Sebastian frowned, jaw opening at the strangeness of the scene before slowly making his way to the observation deck railing.

Far down below the darkness of night made all details murky but within the walls of Hogwarts he could just barely make out the outline of the Quidditch pitch, the hedge maze, and Professor Ronen’s Summoner’s Court arena. Yet as his gaze drifted further and further out, past the walls of the grounds in the direction of Hogsmeade, his vision was muted and he saw nothing but obscured terrain.

With his gaze cast downwards, Poppy came to his side and peered upwards. Her own frown creasing her brow, she let out a rattling, sorrowful sigh as she clutched her arms around herself.

“It looks so… dismal. Almost like looking through the sunglass while counting sunspots with Professor Shah.” Sebastian remembered that lesson from last year. He’d seen one too many students blind themselves because they weren’t paying attention and tried to stare at the sun directly. Sebastian pointed his wand at the nearest telescope.

“Oculus abbreviatio.” He cast, his frown deepening. He worried the incantation would be worthless now, but it was worth a try. They both watched as the telescope shortened in length in its stand. “I haven’t really figured out how to reverse the spell, so it’d probably be best for us to take turns.” Poppy approached the telescope, her annoyance at him long forgotten as she peered through the lens. Tilting the viewer downwards, she adjusted its field of view and slowly scanned the landscape below.

Sebastian waited, elbows relaxed on the railing, his back pressed against the stone as he stared back into the stairwell of the tower. It was deeply silent; there was no quiet shifting within the walls nor distant creakings of passages opening and closing. Instead all he could hear was the faint rush of a brisk evening breeze and the quiet mumblings of his companion as she focused on something in the distance.

Mind wandering, his lips pressed into a thin line as he thought of his friends who had left earlier that day for London. They’d be none the wiser to these strange circumstances and wished desperately to know of their findings. He kicked himself for not sending an owl earlier that day before all communications outside the castle were halted. Perhaps then they could have given him some inkling of the fruits of their labors or a warning in preparation for their return.

“I’ve never seen magical darkness quite like this before.” Poppy murmured as she stood, hand holding the telescope in place. Her gaze slid to meet his, her face contorted in confusion as she offered the view to him. Pushing off the railing he joined her, crouching down to peer through the augmented lens, frowning.

As he suspected, the lens did nothing to grant them vision beyond the darkness. He swept the telescope the length of its capabilities, following the distinct line where sight became impossible.

“The barrier’s visible. Or maybe it's been made dark.” He observed. From beside him, he heard Poppy make a dissatisfied noise.

“Someone doesn’t want us to be able to see beyond the barrier then, but to what end?” She mused. Standing up straight, Sebastian let the telescope drop to its natural resting space.

“Whoever it is doesn’t want us to see what they’re doing out there.”

“Or,” Poppy offered, her voice thoughtful and she tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. Sebastian watched the motion wordlessly as she considered something at length, “that’s simply a side effect of whatever else they’re trying to do.”

Sebastian nodded minutely, mind reeling and mouth pressing into a thin line as he cursed their wasted good plan. They’d gain nothing if they couldn’t see beyond the barrier.

“We could go out there.” He said, knowing the moment he offered the plan it’d be struck down. “Pass through the barrier and see for ourselves what’s hiding beyond. Witches and wizards can pass through the magic freely, we’d have little to worry about in that regard.”

To his surprise, Poppy considered his idea. Her hands dropped to the railing as she looked out over the castle grounds, gaze distant as her mind churned. When she eventually spoke, her voice was confident.

“No, there’s too much risk. For all we know whoever did this is hoping for someone to do exactly that. There must be something we can do to find more information.” Sebastian sighed but otherwise acquiesced to her reasoning; it was more than he was usually given for his schemes.

Sebastian watched her consider something, gaze flickering between the space between them and the distant darkness. Brow rising, he wondered if she was reconsidering her own words; a pleasant surprise if that were the case. He had plenty of spells he itched to try out on whoever had the gall to attack what was his. He began to ask after her thoughts but stilled at the sound of two voices approaching. His gaze snapped to Poppy, who moved without panic to look through the telescope once again.

He reached out and grabbed her forearm, stilling her with one glance, his head tilting towards the stairwell. Brought back to the present, Poppy disillusioned herself just as Sebastian did and together they moved swiftly to hug the outer wall of the observation deck, ears straining to listen in the otherwise vacant tower.

The Prefects approached, their voices loud whispers with nearly just as loud steps. He was thankful in that moment that they were so woefully incompetent or else they'd likely have been too engrossed in their investigation to have noticed their approach.

"I told you to stop following so closely. You're stepping on my robes." The witch Prefect snapped, doing a far better job of speaking quietly than her wizard counterpart. Sebastian scrunched his features; her voice sounded oddly familiar. Leaning closely against the wall beside him, he felt Poppy freeze, translucent head swiveling towards the approaching Prefects.

"You said to follow your lead and I'm doing just that - oof! That was wholly unnecessary." The wizard stopped suddenly as the sound of him being struck echoed through the tower. Sebastian grimaced; at this rate, the two idiots would likely call the whole castle down on them with all the commotion they're making.

“Then perhaps you shouldn’t stand so close to me.” The witch replied, no sense of remorse in her voice. To Sebastian’s great dismay, Poppy suddenly stood and dispelled her concealment charm. Gapping at her, he could only stare dumbly as his companion as he watched on in gibbering silence.

"Natty?" She called out into the stairwell. Sebastian felt his heart rattle and blood pressure rise, wand at the ready he peered around the corner just in time to see two familiar Gryffindors freeze at the top of the stairs.

Natsai Onai and Garreth Weasley watched Poppy with wide, surprised eyes. Natty separated herself from Garreth and moved to Poppy's side, her expression shifting from utter annoyance to disbelief.

"Poppy! I should have known you'd be out tonight. Using the telescopes no less, very clever." She commented before turning towards Weasley. "Change of plans."

"I gathered as much." Garreth mumbled, rubbing his side. Sebastian emerged from his hiding space, brow raised at the newcomers.

"Well, well what an unlikely pair. Fancy meeting you two here." He greeted, stowing his wand as he became visible. For all the surprise the Gryffindors had at finding Poppy alone, their efforts tripled in realizing that she'd been galavanting through the Astronomy Tower with him. "I assume we're all here for the same thing?"

Poppy grinned at Natty before either Gryffindor had a chance to respond; turning her excitement towards Sebastian. He watched her with muted interest as she motioned to the newcomers as though he’d otherwise not have known who she referred to. "I can hardly believe this! This changes everything.”

“Everything?” Sebastian inquired, brow raising and wondering if she’d thought their reconnaissance through the barrier was, somehow, now a more viable option. She never clarified further, gaze turning on Natty and Garreth as they joined them on the balcony proper.

“Were you able to see anything?” Garreth asked, eyes gazing behind Poppy towards the line of telescopes. “Natty had the idea to see if we could find anything from up here.”

Sebastian was the one who spoke first, explaining to the newcomers what he and Poppy had discovered and what he thought was a feasible next plan of attack. He could see immediately the disapproval in Natty’s expression and simply shrugged when she shot it down.

“I’d rather see what we can find within the walls first.” Natty commented, gaze shifting over to Weasley. The two shared a look before Garreth nodded in agreement. Sebastian narrowed his gaze and glanced between the two. They knew something they hadn’t yet shared with him and Poppy.

“What do you know?” Sebastian accused, head tilting back as he crossed his arms over his chest. Their eyes snapped back to him and, to his surprise, it was Natty who gave them away while Garreth stared him down.

When Natty hesitated, her voice unsure, Garreth glanced down at his companion. “We don’t have to tell them.” Sebastian bristled at his gall, especially after he’d just shared so openly their findings; especially after Poppy and Natty had both shown interest in working together. Natty shook her head, gaze darting from him before returning to Sebastian, hands folded neatly in front of her.

“It’s fine, it’s just… disturbing to repeat.” Onai started. At her slightly troubled tone, Poppy moved towards her friend.

“Did something happen?” Poppy asked, her voice carefully encouraging. Natty shook her head, her brow pulled downwards as she considered her words.

“When we were first forced into our common rooms, Professor Weasley was there making sure everyone was accounted for and knew the expectations. But as she went to leave… well, a few first years were concerned about dinner so I went to ask after her about it but I overheard her speaking to Headmaster Black.”

Natty motioned towards Garreth before continuing. Sebastian watched as his lip quirked into a smirk before shrugging. “I’d been told off by Black apparently I’d been taking too long gathering my unessentials from the Potions classroom. My aunt emerged from the common room just as I was getting reamed and told me to leave them. I ran into Natty on the stairs and we both heard something we shouldn’t have.”

“Professor Weasley informed the Headmaster that something had made it through the barrier. Apparently Professor Ronen and Professor Sharp had tested the defenses and found something anomalous near the Herbology wing. Upon investigating further they, apparently, were certain there was an intruder within Hogwarts.”

“Merlin, that’s terrifying.” Poppy managed, her expression not quite matching the alarm in her voice. Sebastian shifted uncomfortably at the news, his gaze meeting Natty’s before sliding over to Garreth as the reality of their words sunk in.

“And you’re certain of what you’ve heard?” He pressed, his tone more severe than he intended. Natty nodded as Weasley inclined his head, the tension in their shoulders more than enough proof. “So you both then decided to investigate on your own.”

“Naturally,” Natty started with a huff, “it’s hard to sit still when you feel unsafe in your home. Some people wait, and some people take action. We thought we’d be able to see the crack in the barrier if we came up here; maybe then we’d get an idea of what broke through.”

Poppy reached out and took Natty’s hand, pulling her towards the enchanted telescope. Garreth and Sebastian watched on as the two busied themselves in trying to maneuver the telescope to the northernmost edge of their unobstructed view.

“I hadn’t seen anything like a crack.” Sebastian quietly restated to Garreth after a few moments of silence. The taller man nodded with pursed lips.

“I was afraid of that. At this rate, I don’t think it’s safe to return to our common rooms. Not with you and Poppy needing to go off alone.” Sebastian held back his retort of being well able to take care of himself; he wasn’t so proud that he couldn’t see Weasley’s reasoning.

“Fancy a night time escapade, Weasley?” Sebastian asked instead, his voice airy and seemingly nonplussed. The red head grinned despite himself, the edge of worry still marring the peripheral of his features but the sentiment was shared.

“Oh, go on then.” At Garreth’s excessive tone, Sebastian felt his smirk widen into a toothy grin as the girls stood and spoke quietly to one another a few paces away. Sebastian had never considered Garreth Weasley a friend, maybe an acquaintance at best despite their years of schooling together and dozens of classes shared. But there was something in his smirk that made Sebastian wonder if they had a bit more in common than he’d given the Gryffindor credit for.

When Poppy and Natty finished their conversation, both girls paused as they faced Sebastian and his new friend. Natty looked unimpressed as her gaze slid between the two men, smirks wide and eyes jovial.

“This might prove to be a mistake.” Natty mumbled to Poppy who watched both of them with a much more accepting demeanor.

“Oh, I don’t know about that. It’s nice to see them getting along.” She offered.

Sebastian thought them a rather odd group; two Gryffindors, both of which toting their own merits of bravery and equal parts stupidity. Natsai was clever and assertive with not quiet enough sense to have made it into Slytherin while Garreth was all gall and challenge; too easily tempted by the promise of something exciting, willing to jump headfirst into something with very little convincing. Then there was Poppy, the easily excitable Hufflepuff with a disregard for danger in the face of adventure that he hadn’t quite decided was a boon or bane. He’d need to keep an eye on this lot lest they dive headlong into peril and find themselves stuck there without a chance.

They decided unanimously to travel as a unit - a team, as Poppy put it - with the intent of keeping their ears to the ground and eyes scanning for signs of anything or anyone that should not be there. As Natty magically silenced their steps, Sebastian found himself flabbergasted at how easily he’d forgotten the small detail that she could do wandless magic almost as easily as breathing itself. They moved through the corridors of Hogwarts, taking comfort in their numbers and their familiarity with its otherwise confusing twists and turns.

Sebastian was surprised by the ease at which they dodged Prefects despite their more numerous forms. There was something spooking them, Garreth voiced as much after a short while but it was Poppy who gave breath to what Sebastian had noticed before.

“They’ve been told something.” She whispered as they circled down one of the dual staircases leading into the Herbology wing. “Do you think Professor Weasley told them about the intruder?”

“No, I think not.” Natty replied, her voice equally quiet. They all paused as Sebastian and Garreth slowly opened the large doors to the greenhouse before peering inside. With no Prefects or Professor Garlick in sight, they entered and Natty continued. “Professor Weasley would risk spreading panic if she did. It’s more likely they’re simply scared of the unknown.”

“I don’t think she’d share the break-in with students.” Garreth agreed, voice taking on an odd lilt. “Do you smell that?”

At his sudden change in tone, the group paused, sniffing the air. Sebastian thought it smelled rather fresh all things considered. Far more crisp than it ever had in the past. In fact, it smelled so refreshing he thought it worth thanking Professor Garlick for whatever change in enchantment she was attempting.

“It’s a bit more brisk. Do you feel a draft?” Poppy thought aloud, her voice also taking on a strange quality. Between the two of them, Sebastian and Natty watched as their brows crunched downwards before recognition suddenly shot across Weasley’s face.

“A window is open.” He hissed, head turning as he glanced about the greenhouse. Just as Sebastian was about to ask after the supposed significance of that particular detail, Poppy interjected.

“Over there!” She nearly shouted, pointing to the far end of the greenhouse. Without another word the group hurried down the final steps and across the path until they came to the half-moon bend of translucent greenhouse walls. Or windows, as it were, Sebastian realized.

Garreth leaned out the open window, glancing back and forth before reaching up and pulling the window down tightly. He whirled around, his face blanched of color as his adrenaline shot through him.

“Saboteur.” He whispered, eyes wide.

“I didn’t realize he spoke French.” Sebastian commented blandly, his gaze sliding to the person nearest him. Poppy shook her head, her brows knit as she watched the Gryffindor carefully.

“I don’t actually think he does.” She mumbled back.

“Garreth, please - ” Garreth interrupted Natty’s exasperated plea with a violent shake of his head as Poppy and Sebastian exchanged mixed glances.

“No, these windows don’t open without casting a spell. I know because for detention I had to clean the blasted things and Professor Garlick had to show me how. Whoever opened this could cast magic.”

The reality of his meaning slowly came to a head. Eyes widening and glances shooting between them, Sebastian hadn’t considered the possibility that the intruder was a witch or wizard capable of wizarding magic. He’d heard of tracing charms, the sort that can follow and name the caster of any strand of magic cast from a found wand.

“Magic cast from a wand can be traced.” Sebastian reasoned, his voice taking on a serious edge. “If they thought to try it, they could test everyone's wand in Hogwarts to find who opened this window and let them in.”

“Unless the intruder themselves were the one who cast it.” Poppy added, frowning. “I think that’d be more likely than a student helping.”

“Or unless they could use wandless magic.” Natty retorted, her expression severe. “I know it’s not uncommon for witches and wizards here to learn a spell or two without words, but I’ve never seen someone here use wandless magic for anything more than picking up their brooms.”

“So, what then?” Garreth asked, arms thrown out before him as he sighed and walked past the others. “If we brought that to my aunt, she’d be able to do nothing.” Sebastian was inclined to agree, lips pressed into a thin line he thought it’d rather be a waste of their foreseeable freetime considering all the detention they'd get for breaking curfew during a lockdown if they showed their hand with only that card.

“We keep looking.” Sebastian said, confidently. He moved to stand next to Garreth, looking up at the Gryffindor with enough determination for the two of them. “The odds seemed against us when we started but look what you found. If they left that clue, there’s bound to be more.”

“He’s right.” Natty agreed, dark eyes staring up at her housemate. “This is nothing but a bump in the road. Let’s check the library next, it’s possible whoevers here was looking to find something tucked away in the Restricted Section.” Poppy nodded in agreement, her hopeful gaze rising to meet Garreth as his jaw wavered.

“Right. No, of course, you’re all right.” He relented, hand coming up to massage the nape of his neck as he awkwardly glanced away. “Let’s take a look.”

The group moved as one, footsteps once again silenced and concealment charms placed as they returned to the Central Hall. They paused as two sets of Prefects passed each other, wands out and quiet confirmations of nothing seen shared. Sebastian strained his ears to hear one group say they were heading up the Astronomy Tower while the other into the library. He cursed under his breath, pulling the others up the upward staircase. There they waited, eyes trained both up and down the stairs, unsure of which direction was most safe from Prefects.

They waited for what felt like minutes as the four Prefects chatted downstairs, lingering in the hall.

“This is aggravating.” Natty mumbled, her patience wearing thin only moments before Sebastian's own. He had half a mind to petrify the lot and stow them in some far closet just to get it over with.

“Well never find the intruder at this rate.” Poppy agreed, her voice downtrodden as she shifted against the far wall.

“You’re looking for the intruder?”

All four bodies swiveled round to face the disembodied voice. Sebastian did not recognize him though when he looked up he mentally kicked himself for not thinking of it earlier.

“The painting!” Garreth pointed out in a rushed whisper. Sebastian nodded up at the familiar performer lounging with his lute, his brow quirked questionably as he glanced between the four members of their party.

“Quite. A little late for a stroll, don’t you think? Don’t worry, I don’t care enough to mention it, but it’d be better off if you hurry back to safety. I fear you’re not alone here.” The painting quietly said, his expression far more serious than Sebastian had ever seen it before.

“Do you know anything about that?” Poppy asked, her tone hopeful. The bard turned his gaze towards her, his expression softening. “We don’t know who we’re supposed to avoid, they could be anywhere.”

He set down his lute, wringing his hands as he glanced somewhere off the side of his canvas. He seemed to consider their group before finally responding.

“Stay far away from the Slytherin common room.” He warned, brown eyes landing on Sebastian. “We’ve heard something… inhuman skulking near the dungeons. It sounded like no manner of wizard nor beast I’ve ever heard before. No, you should accompany the Gryffindor’s back to their common room. It’ll be far safer than trying to head back to yours now.” Sebastian nodded in understanding at the painting who seemed easily convinced.

“What do you mean by inhuman?” Sebastian pressed, his grip on his wand tightening as the bard shivered in an unfelt breeze. The bard simply shook his head, his expression dire.

“Go to the safety of the Gryffindor common rooms. The professors are out and will likely find it by morning. And if they don’t… you’d be better off somewhere safer than anywhere near the dungeons.”

Seemingly done with their conversation, the painting of the bard receded further into his canvas, leaving his lute behind and he hurried away out of sight. For a moment no one breathed a word in the newfound silence of the Central Hall.

“The others don’t know the thing is down there.” Sebastian spat in annoyance. “Even if I hide, there’s plenty of students who leave the common room and know nothing of the intruder.” He thought of how easily he escaped the stuffiness of the full common room with just a few words of needing the restroom. If a first or second year student did the same…

“I think we know what we must do.” Natty stated in a calm whisper, her gaze meeting Sebastian's with a newfound respect he didn’t think she’d ever be capable of giving him.

He felt something at that moment click into place. Whether it be his resolution to do what he thought was right or their odd groups sudden unity in the face of an unknown adversary, Sebastian didn’t care. Together they moved down the stairs leading to the Central Hall and pressed forward towards the dungeons.

Chapter Text

The Lovers Bridge

Ominis and Josie lasted nearly three hours of walking from Feldcroft and her leg ached terribly. She tried desperately to hide her discomfort from her companion, knowing he'd be displeased at their travel pace. With the sudden urgency in their approach to Hogwarts, she felt the need to push herself in silence.

They'd passed through Irondale which looked much the same as Feldcroft had; barren but safe as folks hid in their homes and watched them curiously as they passed through. Josie had bridged the gap of their impromptu visit when she found Personia Ferrow in her home, wares haphazardly stuffed away and expression surprised yet pleased to see her.

They’d learned little more than what Mr. Sallow had shared back in Feldcroft but found that their presence sent a small wave of life through Irondale before they continued north in the direction of Keenbridge. Now, the next hamlet in sight, Josie sighed heavily, feeling as though it’d be quite a long time since she walked anywhere; her wound throbbing in pain she stifled a sigh of relief at their arrival.

“We'll be at Keenbridge in a few moments.” She explained to Ominis. He made a noise of understanding before stretching his back as they walked. “Then we should be about halfway to Hogwarts.”

“Remind me again why we didn’t just Floo from Feldcroft?” He asked, his exhaustion evident. Josie shot him a worried glance, unsure how’d they’d ever last another three hours of walking through the Highlands. Evening was already approaching as it were.

“We didn’t exactly leave Mr. Sallow in any mood to ask for Floo powder. I doubt he has any, anyway. We usually bring it with us from Hogwarts when we visit.”

“Blast it all.”

Josie huffed a laugh despite their predicament, reaching into her bag and looking for any spare pouch of Floo powder but emerging moments later empty handed.

They walked along the rushing river of the Black Lake, accompanied by its coursing water and powerful flow as it mixed with sediment from the bank and settled into rich swampland. They approached from the south, coming to the famously lovely bridge of Keenbridge.

Upon sensing the bridge as they stepped onto it, Ominis reached out with his free hand and brushed his fingers along the wooden railing. Josie cast her gaze forward, eyes catching a few moving bodies from within the hamlet, hinting that perhaps they knew something Irondale and Feldcroft didn’t.

“Is the bridge beautifully made?” Ominis suddenly asked, pulling Josie’s attention towards him. Her eyes caught on his curious expression as his slender fingers trailing the length of the arched railing, his wand aimed high towards the well made pitched roof.

“Yes, I suppose it is. Especially considering its closeness to the swamp, I’d imagine no small amount of upkeep would be needed for something like this.” She offered, slowing her steps and shifting her weight to one leg as his wand sweeped around them, investigating the truth of her words.

Eventually his wand landed on Josie, his expression troubled yet thoughtful. She wondered if it was in no small part because of the exertion of their long journey by land. By anyone's standards, their trek would be more than enough energy expended for the week as a whole. But as his wand lingered on her, she paused, waiting for him to say whatever it was that was on his mind.

“Sebastian told me there was great significance to this bridge though I can’t remember for the life of me what was so special about it.” He started, eyes blinking away some thought as his head tilted away. Lacking the words gave him great frustration, she recognized. Reaching out and gently tugging on the sleeve of his robe towards the hamlet, Josie smiled knowing he could sense it in his spell.

“We could always ask while we’re here. I really do have a friend here, Anne wasn’t fully making things up.” At the name of their close friend, Ominis dropped his wand hand slightly and aimed it towards Keenbridge. She was not the sort to be the first to address the graphorn in the room; not when what Anne had asked both affected him so. Josie was happy to pretend she was none the wiser until he felt it was time to bring it up.

“Maybe… there’s a place we can rest here.”

“Merlin, I hope so.” Josie agreed as she crossed the remainder of the bridge. As her footfalls touched down on hard packed earth she looked back towards Ominis who simply watched her from the peak of the arched bridge. “Come on, Ominis! The sooner we go the sooner we can sit down.”

At the mirthfulness in her tone he huffed a laugh, face relaxing and he followed to meet her on the other side of the bridge, whatever worry that had clouded his mind, momentarily forgotten as she reached down and laced her fingers around his. Instinctually, his gloved fingers sought out the ring, pressing over it softly as though to confirm that it were in place. In Keenbridge she cared not if someone saw their exchange. Here, very few would know of their difference in blood status and even fewer would care.

Josie led them to the familiar home of Fatimah Lawang, the rather infamous merchant she met years ago in doing a favor for Mr. Pippin. She’d learned since then that they’d remained penpals despite their constant annoyance with one another. Josie rapped on the door, taking a few steps back as she waited.

The sun was beginning to dip low on the horizon, sending rays of orange to meld with rich purple as it began to recede beyond the mountains of the valley. It was breathtaking.

The door before them opened, and Josie turned to greet the familiar face of Ms. Lawang. Dark hair tied back messily and warm spring dress a particularly lovely shade of ocher, the older woman glanced between Josie and her companion.

“Oh, Merlin, I didn’t expect to see you out tonight. How does the castle fare? Oh, hold on, please come inside for a spell.” Fatimah stepped back and allowed her and Ominis entry into her humble home. Many of her wears were placed along the periphery of the room, bottles and tinctures of potions some recognizable and others not placed on windowsill and end table alike. With a quiet incantation, her potioneering equipment took flight and stowed itself into the far corner of the sitting room.

“Ms. Lawang, it’s good to see you. This is my friend and classmate, Ominis. We’re actually trying to head back to Hogwarts as it were. We’d been visiting family friends in Feldcroft when we heard the news and have found ourselves a little stuck.” Ominis subtly released her hand before nodding politely towards the potion maker.

“It’s nice to meet you, Ms. Lawang.” He offered, at his misty gaze and polite smile in her general direction, the elder woman nodded understanding flashing across her face before she offered them a seat.

“You both can call me Fatimah, it’s not like I’m one of your stuffy professors, please have a seat.” Ominis and Josie moved to sit, finding a few single seats across from their host. Fatimah summoned a bowl of confectionary from the kitchen behind her, her wand dragging it through the air before setting it on the table between them. “Please, help yourself. Now, you’ve found yourselves outside of the castle at a worrisome time. I’m assuming you know what's transpired?”

Ominis slowly reached out and took one of the hand pies, never one to deny a gracious offer. Josie followed suit, smiling at Fatimah as she did. The older woman was crass but at her core she was kind; she just desperately didn’t want anyone to know about it. As they nodded through their nibbling, Fatimah continued.

“Good, at least you’re informed. Word is that Hogwarts sent for the Ministry’s help but they’re taking their sweet time getting to the valley. Bralin said it’s possible someone is messing with the magic field, stopping them from Apparating in the valley but I think it’s just bureaucracy.”

Although Ominis and Josie knew that couldn’t be true, neither of them moved to confirm it. Instead devouring their hand pies politely as the older woman’s face turned critical.

“How are the pies?” She asked with no small amount of intensity. Caught off guard by the sudden shift, Ominis coughed into his sleeve.

“Delicious, I love apricots.” Josie shared, meaning it.

“Yes, it’s the right amount of sweet to not overwhelm the flavor.” Ominis added after he composed himself. Josie felt a rising of mirth as a light blush dusted his ears at the exertion. Fatimah’s face softened and she leaned back against her chair.

“Good, I rather have a knack for it, I think. Baking and potion making are similar sciences, believe it or not.”

“Am I right in understanding you baked these the muggle way?” Josie inquired, impressed beyond imagination. It was exceedingly rare to see a witch or wizard dirty their hands in the kitchen when magic was at their fingertips. Having said the right thing to cause their host great pleasure, Fatimah smiled wistfully.

“Mostly muggle but, admittedly, there are some things I still prefer to do with magic. It’s just more precise that way.” She explained, her gaze longing as she glanced past them. “I’m muggleborn, you see. I discovered my magic when I was just a child but my parents' occupation was that of bakers."

“Apologies for my ignorance,” Ominis suddenly said, hand pie held aloft as though understanding the creation in a new light, “but do muggles cook food much differently than we do?” Josie laughed, covering her mouth as Fatimah’s smile widened.

“No magic or house elves, for one.” Josie explained, unable to keep the mirth from her voice as she explained. Ominis’ brows pulled together as his head tilted in her direction. “Everything is done by hand and by memory. We use recipes to help us remember from trial and error; Fatimah is right though, it’s very similar to potion making.” Their host made a sound of understanding that pulled both her and Ominis’ attention.

“Another muggleborn witch, I should have known from the moment we met. There was something about you that told me you understood the hard work needed for the job.” Josie felt herself blush at the compliment, busying herself as she finished the last of the hand pie. “Tell me, what did your mum make that you miss most?”

Truthfully there was so much, Josie reconciled. Eyes downcast for a few moments before returning the kinder stare of their host. “My mum makes the most amazing scones. Every summer we’d travel to Cornwall to visit my aunt there. My mum would bake them especially for the clotted cream my aunt made.”

“Goodness.” Fatimah whispered, her tone soft. “Yes, that sounds lovely. Well, it won’t be as memorable as your mums, but next time I bake scones I’ll send you an owl.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Josie watched Ominis take up another hand pie and eat it slowly; chewing with purpose as though searching for the moment he could tell the difference. She leaned towards him, her voice lowering in feigned secrecy. “My mum always said the secret ingredient was love.”

His brow raised in disbelief as both Fatimah and Josie laughed lightly into their hand pies. After a quick offer of tea, Fatimah stood and began magically preparing the brew. Ominis listened to the familiar sounds of clinking china and heating water before shifting towards Josie.

“Do you… have you often cooked without magic?” He asked, his tone genuinely curious, as though he’d never considered it a possibility.

“Not since coming to Hogwarts. I’ve visited the kitchen and spoken to the house elves there and it seems they take great offense to someone trying to cook for themselves. But before I discovered my magic, I cooked and baked with my mum often.” Josie paused, wiping her hands on her trousers as she thought. “My mum comes from a well-off family but my father is a commoner. Their relationship is… unusual by muggle standards. They say my mum married down but really she married for love in place of status. She could have easily found a match where she’d never have to lift a finger a day in her life, but instead she chose him. She learned how to cook because she wanted to, so there was a great love for it in my house. In my mum's childhood home, she had servants who did all the cooking for her family; sort of like house elves but without magic still.”

“I hadn’t realized your family dealt with status as well.” Ominis commented after a moment, his throat bobbing as he leaned against the back of his chair. “It always felt exhausting.”

“My mum would agree with you wholeheartedly. Her family isn’t quite the equivalent of being pureblood, not at least to my understanding, but she comes from an upper class family with old money. She grew up in a manor house in Cornwall, having another manor just outside of London.” At her description, Ominis made a noise of understanding.

“I presume she had to attend balls and stuffy garden parties, too?”

“Oh yes, and learn languages and instruments she’d never use simply because it was seen as being proper.” Josie agreed, leaning towards Ominis as she spoke. His mouth twitched upwards at her proximity, his head inclining towards her. “She loathed it all and the moment she met my dad she found her reason to leave it all behind.”

A smile broke across his lips and whatever tension he’d felt before melted from his features. She wanted to reach out and run her fingers through his hair but stopped herself, not wanting to be rude to their host.

“And they know of the wizarding world.” Ominis started, after a moment. Josie remembered his question from the day before while the road the muggle carriage and nodded, voicing a sound of agreement.

“Yes, they do. Mr. Osric said it was too complicated to Obliviate people who were so strong willed. Apparently, it’s common practice to allow the parents of muggleborns to know the truth, while others are Obliviated only when they’re… unaccepting of the change.” Josie leaned away from Ominis as Fatimah returned with some tea and placed it on the table between them beside the bowl of remaining hand pies. They both thanked her as they accepted their cups.

“So, what’s your plan now?” Fatimah asked, inhaling the nutty aroma of her tea, her gaze landing wholly on Josie.

“Well, we’re currently making our way back to Hogwarts but it’s been slow going.” Fatimah frowned, head tilting.

“You usually fly, is your broom not a reasonable option for travel?” At her tone it was Ominis who interjected, his voice apologetic.

“That, I fear, is my fault. I’m none too comfortable on a broom and Josie has been more than accommodating about that.” Without another thought, Fatimah made a noise of understanding before sipping her tea.

“And the Floo?” Josie shifted in her seat, eyes darting towards the pile of hand pies.

“We’ve run out of powder, so it’s walking for now. Unless we find a cabbage cart.” Out of the corner of her eye she watched Ominis smirk into his tea. The elder woman made a noise of understanding before thinking quietly to herself.

“I don’t have much but I can give you enough Floo powder to get you to Lower Hogsfield. It’s much too dangerous to try and Floo into the castle, what with all the uncertainty. I’d worry they’ve shut off the network and you’d not only waste the powder but also risk emerging somewhere else entirely.”

“That’s terribly kind, Fatimah.” She waved Josie off, one hand holding her tea as she nodded towards the pile of hand pies.

“No, none of that. Consider it a gift. In the meantime, eat those pies. You’re going to burn holes in them at the rate your staring.” Embarrassed, Josie quickly took up another pie and took a bite. Face heating she shot Ominis a look as he quietly chuckled. Reaching past her, he took one for himself, his smirk spreading at her expense. “Finish your tea and nibbles, I’ll gather the powder and get you two sorted once you’re done. There’s no rush.” At that Fatimah busied herself with finishing her own tea, eyes closing as she enjoyed the effect a warm drink often gave on brisk evenings.

Ominis and Josie did the same, finishing their tea politely and eating a few more hand pies with a bit less decorum before Josie offered to clean up the dishes while Fatimah gathered the powder. The older woman agreed, heading upstairs while Josie floated the teaset over to the sink and began rinsing them. To her surprise, Ominis joined her, floating the bowl of confection in the air beside him she gently took it and placed it on the free space beside the sink.

“You’ll have to tell me more of what it’s like back home.” He said quietly, his voice no louder than a whisper as his shoulder grazed hers. “I’d quite like to know more.”

“Aright.” Josie agreed, taking a moment to stare up at him and breathe in his closeness. He smelled of nutty tea and apricots; a smile pressed into her lips she felt the sudden urge to close the distance between them and taste it for herself. There was something intoxicating about the look he gave her, his eyes clouded yet untethered in restraint. It caused her heart to flutter.

Fatimah returned, descending the stairs with a small bag in hand. Josie pulled herself away from Ominis, meeting their host halfway as she held out the bag.

“Floo is on the other side of the street, you can’t miss it.” Fatimah explained, eyes darting between Josie and Ominis in a way that made it clear their moment hadn’t been missed. Even then, Josie couldn’t bring herself to feel embarrassed as she clutched the bag close to her.

“Thanks, Fatimah. This is a great help.” Once again waving off Josie’s thanks, Fatimah motioned for the door. “Right, right. Don’t forget my kindness when people ask where’s the best place to get a potion in a pinch.”

Saying their goodbyes, they left Fatimah Lawang for her evening at home. Making their way down the hard dirt path of Keenbridge, Ominis suddenly spoke.

“Oh, we forgot to ask after the bridge.” He intonated, sounding moderately disappointed. Josie glanced behind them, the bridge in question now shrouded in evening light.

“There’s always next time.” She offered as they approached the Floo, its green light flickering in an unfelt breeze. The face of Ignatia Wildsmith blinked up at them as she waited patiently. Josie divided up the powder before knocking against Ominis’ elbow in jest.

“Careful in your enunciation dear, I wouldn't want you to end up in Spain.” He scoffed, the posh sound bringing Josie much joy as she readied herself for travel.

“I suppose you’ll never let me live that down.”

“No, not really.” Josie retorted just before throwing the powder into the flame. “Lower Hogsfield.” She said carefully before stepping forward and disappearing.

Chapter Text

On a Dark and Stormy Night

If Feldcroft and Keenbridge were hamlets, Lower Hogsfield was a scattering of three houses along the lake and a single farm. Yet, its Floo worked just as well as any other. Josie emerged along the steep incline of a hillside followed closely by Ominis as he stumbled slightly upon landing. Josie reached out and caught his forearms, bracing against his larger form as he nearly tumbled downwards. Ominis let slip a low curse at the motion, one that Josie had never heard him speak before which caused a smirk to press into her cheek.

"Are you alright?" She asked, her voice quiet as he slowly regained his composure.

"Lovely." Ominis grumbled. With a heavy breath released, he loosened his grip on her and righted himself. They separated and, in the darkness, Josie struggled to see more than Ominis and the distant reflection of the moon on the Black Lake. Even then, dark clouds moved across the sky and blocked out some of the moonlight and gave way to the telltale scent of oncoming rain.

"We should hurry." Josie said, the worry in her voice evident. Ominis agreed, his wand sweeping around them before he moved towards the narrow walking path and descended.

"We should be very close to Hogwarts. At this rate we'll be able to make it before the storm." He explained, none perturbed by the intense darkness or the writhing shadows that found their home between the scattering of trees north of the hamlet.

"Any idea how long we have?" She asked, dragging her eyes away from their dark surroundings; she cast her sight upwards as she watched the clouds skim across the sky at an alarming pace.

"No more than an hour at most. I’d wager less than that. Here." Ominis reached behind him, free hand outstretched for her to take. "Don't think I haven't noticed how you're favoring your leg. You’re bumbling around like a Mooncalf on a cliff." Josie grimaced at his observation, taking his hand and allowing him to guide her down the slope. Now it was her turn to lean into him, accepting his help with as much grace as possible as to not appear bumbling, he drew her to solid ground.

They came to a stop along the well-worn road. Ominis raised her hand to his face, pressing her knuckles against his forehead before dropping them to her lips. "Don't hesitate to ask." He murmurs against her skin, sending her heart a flutter as he pressed a gentle kiss along her knuckles.

Releasing her hand, he stepped back before turning his wand down the path. Despite that they both knew the way to go, Josie realized that the terrain was far more difficult to traverse in the darkness. She found herself leaning on Ominis far more often than she'd ever done before, not that he seemed to mind; Josie could practically feel his growing smirk at her need for him.

The edges of the swampland gave way to the widening of the Black Lake. The subtle sounds of tide filled the otherwise quiet night as they hurried along the road to Hogwarts. They were close now, the castle towering above the rest of the terrain in the sparse light of the moon. It was so prominent that Josie almost missed the sounds of guttural conversation over the western ridge.

She stilled, pulling Ominis to a stop and dispelling her light spell as she listened. The voices were speaking in English but their dictation was all too familiar. As her gaze drifted towards the ridge, eyes no longer used to seeing in pure darkness she relied on her ears to place the sounds. A goblin camp. One terribly close to Hogwarts and overlooking the main road into the school.

She felt Ominis pull her along the ridge, pressing their bodies against the rise of earth beneath the camp with ease. Mind racing and heart beginning to pick up pace she considered the approaching storm, her aching leg, and their rising exhaustion from hours of travel and knew it would be better to retreat and return another day. But on evenings like tonight, she didn't feel like there was another day.

As her eyes came to focus and her heart calmed as she realized they had not been spotted, Josie could see the southern bridge leading into Hogwarts and the dark gathering of tents and barricades that surrounded its entrance.

“I heard one of them say something about Ranrok.” Ominis quietly shared, his focus having been upwards instead of out. “By the sounds of it they’re waiting for something.”

“There’s at least one more camp by the southern bridge.” Josie shared in a voice just as quiet. “I don’t know how we’ll make it into the school otherwise. We can try to cross the river but - ”

“That river’s nearly fifty meters wide.” Ominis replied resentfully, his hand squeezing hers, he added, “Third year I listened to Sebastian get in a lot of trouble when he took part in an unsanctioned rafting race. It’s apparently quite turbulent.”

Eyes scouring the castle for as much as she could see from their vantage point, Josie paused. Around the castle was a dark sheen, very difficult to see in the darkness of night and in the wake of an oncoming storm. Peering more closely she could see the proper outline of something, like a bubble, fully encircling their home like a dark embrace.

“The barrier, I can see it.” She whispered, feeling more than seeing Ominis as he turned into her.

“The barrier?”

“It’s dark and when the moonlight pokes through I can easily see the domed outline of it. Something’s very wrong.” Josie felt as Ominis tensed.

“If the barrier is active and visible there’s a possibility we’ll struggle to enter even if we cross the river.”

“How's that?” Josie asked, her brows pinching together and peering up at him in the darkness.

“Depending on if the professors have changed the enchantments it might simply reject outside bodies until the Ministry arrives… unless the Ministry is already here and then they would have bolstered it.” Ominis explained quietly, his tone lowering as he stepped closer. “There are more threats to Hogwarts than the non-wizarding kind.”

Josie nodded solemnly, understanding the point he was making. Crossing the river only to be rejected by the barrier would not only set them back but also leave them among goblin camps and storms. If they waited here there was no protection from goblin scouts, not even if they hid themselves in one of the homes in Lower Hogsfield. Then again, if they traveled back to the small hamlet at least they’d be dry albeit, not terribly warm.

Her arm encircling Ominis’, Josie had the spark of an idea. Sensing the change in tension, Ominis stared down at her, wand hand reaching to rest on her arm as though to keep her stable in her sudden excitement.

“If we could get to Hogsmeade, we might be able to take a tunnel into the castle.” She whispered carefully, her heart pumping at the realization.

“But the barrier - ”

“You’re right of course, but if we can get to Hogsmeade we can wait for the barrier to relax before slipping through the tunnel. Plus, we can test its integrity in secret without worry of the goblins finding us.”

Ominis paused, considering her plan as the first drop of water fell between them. Their heads tilted upwards, Ominis’ eyes closed and Josie watched on with worry as the dark clouds nearly covered the sky.

“We’d need to get to Hogsmeade.” Ominis countered, sounding more apologetic than anything else. “It’d take days to circumvent the lake and you’re already struggling to walk as it is.” To that Josie had little counter argument. Perhaps they’d be better off Apparating to Spain as it were.

Josie felt Ominis shift against her, towering over her as another sparse few drops of rain fell between them. Through his gloved hands she could feel the slight tremor of her fingers before he squeezed her.

“We could fly over the lake and make our way to Hogsmeade.” He offered, voice carefully even as Josie blinked up at him.

“I wouldn’t ask you to - ”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering.” He interjected, voice tightening slightly. He let out an even breath, before loosening his grip on her. “I’ve done it before, I know what to expect. I can handle fifteen minutes.” Another scattering of rain pattered against the material of their robes, the distant crack of lightning momentarily brightening the sky and illuminating Ominis’ determined expression. “I trust you.”

Josie gulped at the sincerity in his voice and at the determination that coursed through him so palpably that she could feel an echo of it through the ring. She clenched her hand at the feeling.

“Alright.” She said finally, unsure of what else one would say to a man like Ominis in a moment like that. He nodded in understanding before leaning down and planting a lingering kiss along the creases of her forehead.

When they separated, Josie could hear the voices of the goblins pointing out the oncoming storm and she used the commotion to reach into her enchanted satchel and pull forth her broom. She’d ridden dual before but only with experienced flyers, though she’d be dead long before she ever mentioned that to her companion who now stood with his wand out waiting patiently for her instruction.

Mounting her broom, Josie quietly called to Ominis and guided him through stradling the broom behind her; feeling as he stowed his wand and wrapped his arms around her waist to hold the handle in front of her lap. She hadn’t remembered feeling quite so snug when she flew with Poppy but shook off the rising blush.

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.” He said simply, his hold was more akin to an embrace as he nodded into her back. “Just talk me through it and I think I’ll be fine.” He explained, his voice quiet but sure. Josie hesitated, not because she didn't believe in his resolve nor because of the impending roll of thunder, but because of the sharp call in their direction.

"There's someone here!" A goblin shouted, his voice gruff as he held a lit torch out towards them. Feeling Ominis brace against her, knowing what she intended to do in the moments before she reacted; Josie took flight.

The voice trailed after her, drowned out by another shock of lightning that illuminated them as she steered the broom over the dark lake.

"We're staying low." She nearly shouted to Ominis, their legs nearly skimming the water as she tried to keep out of sight. Glancing over her shoulder, Josie watched as the goblin hurried up the slope towards his encampment, torch forgotten in the dirt below. "Hold tight, I'll slow down in a few moments."

She felt him follow her instructions, his head pressed firmly against her back and his arms rigid around her. A wide-rimmed brazier was lit at the camp on the ridge and a few moments later Josie watched with crawling skin as the encampment near the bridge did so as well.

"What's happening?" Ominis shouted, likely feeling her own shift in tension.

"They're alerting each other, they lit the alarms." She explained, pulling her broom upwards along the gentle rise of boulders just off the shore. "I think we're in the - "

Just then, two glowing arrows shot through the air one right after the other, whistling by with high shrieks. Josie and Ominis flinched, twisting the broom quickly to the right in wordless panic. With shaking hands, Josie felt as Ominis released his hold on the broom handle, one hand diving into his robes.

"Crap!" Josie cursed, turning her attention back forward just in time to dodge the jutting rock camouflaged by the dark waters.

Another shriek of arrows barreled towards them before slamming against the familiar sound of an arcane barrier.

"Protego!" Ominis shouted, sending up a protective layer of shimmering light just in time to send the projectiles careening off course. Josie gripped one of her hands over the top of his, holding tight for the both of them as they twisted back on course, eyes set to the north.

Even over the roar of thunder overhead she could still hear their distant shouts as they raced over the lake, water displacing around them in massive waves as they rocketed around the curve of the translucent barrier. They swerved around the bend of the boathouse and finally out of line of sight.

Gasping for breath, Josie reached behind her as Ominis began to slip; his body sliding away from hers as the space between them grew distant and cold. He was falling, falling into what would be nothing more than icy cold water and darkness. Josie felt panic grip her heart, pulling her broom upwards she desperately reached back and grabbed for a fist full of fabric, fingers painfully digging into him as he scrambled to stay on the broom. They clung to one another as though life itself depended on it as they spun and accelerated towards the storm. Josie yelled his name, eyes wide in the dark storm as she struggled to tell if she held him or only his cloak in place. A crack of lightning screamed across the sky just as she felt Ominis squeeze both arms around her waist, his face white as a ghost.

Josie righted them, slowing the broom and grabbing hold of the handle with a vice like grip. She felt terribly lightheaded, chest heaving as around them the storm continued to rage. She wanted to ask if he was alright, she wanted to land and swear off the sport for good but the crash of adrenaline and the sudden wash of fear for what almost happened twisted her tongue.

Instead she pressed forward, allowing his embrace to be almost painful as they flew towards the northern shore of the Black Lake. It was an agonizingly long few minutes before they coasted over the last stretch of the lake and found themselves skimming along quiet farmland and fields on the approach to Hogsmeade.

Watching for the familiar rise leading into the wizarding village, Josie let out an exasperated breath when she saw the spotting of dark, jagged tents. Two or three large encampments, forced along the side of the road leading into Hogsmeade, all blocking their path into the village.

Josie pulled low, dodging along the cliffside to the south of Hogsmeade on their approach.

“There’s goblin camps here too.” She explained to Ominis. His head shifted against her, rising slightly as though to cock his head and listen. He was shaking and Josie knew it was a mix of the bone chilling cold with his one adrenaline and likely disbelief for what had almost happened.

“Brilliant. Can we get into town?” Josie paused, eyes darting along the dark ridge and peering between the shops. Deeper within, Josie frowned as she saw the lumbering form of a troll, deep red manacle wrapped around its torso as it moved along the cobble street.

“... I believe so.” She whispered, gliding along the length of town, head just barely peeking over the cliff as she searched for anything else of interest. “A few camps on the outside, but it looks like there’s a troll in the streets.” At Ominis’ somber nod against her back, she added, “They’re not terribly clever. We can sneak past it if we can manage to not set off the goblin camp alarm.”

“Where exactly are we trying to go?” He asked suddenly as they dipped to the water's edge, his voice taking on a less strained quality as he focused on the task at hand. Josie felt the cushion of his feet hitting the dirt before her own before they both dismounted. She quickly stowed away her broom, giving him the space he needed to right himself on jelly-like legs.

“Honeydukes, believe it or not.” She answered, scanning him with a critical eye. Considering what they had just gone through, he seemed to be taking it considerably well; he was sopping wet from head-to-toe, his hair falling into loose ribbons over his forehead and cheeks. She imagined she looked much like he did, her own hands shaking from the cold rain as much as the stress from their near disaster. Even in the storming darkness as they crouched along the path up to Hogsmeade proper, she could read the scrunching of his face in his voice.

“The sweets shop?”

“There’s a secret passage in the basement.” She elaborated, pausing under the awning of a home at the twinge in her leg; it was painful, an agitated injury to go with a rather difficult day. At the rattling footsteps of the troll, Ominis came to a complete stop by her side. His wand at the ready and head tilted as he listened, Josie waited until the bulking creature passed to continue in a low voice. “I don’t know if we can get through Honeydukes tonight. I think the troll is drawn to the flashing lights and smells.”

Watching the troll linger by the sweets shop would be endearing in any other situation, but for now she simply felt fatigued. Eyes darting from business to home, it was Ominis who voiced their shared thoughts.

“Let’s find a place to rest for now, we can try for Honeydukes when the coast is clear.” He said, his own exhaustion evident. Josie made a noise of agreement and slipped through the narrow passage between two buildings looking for a place to hide.

She hoped that the residents of Hogsmeade had fled somewhere safe; somewhere far enough away that the trolls and goblins would be nothing but a distant worry to deal with after the Ministry finally swooped in and dispersed the rebels. From the look of things, Josie gathered that the residents had at least a small amount of time to prepare for the take over. Many buildings were locked with arcane latches riddled with anti-unlocking wards while others had sigils of power that Josie didn’t even want to begin to try a break; if she wasn’t mistaken, Josie thought there was an entire division within the Ministry whose job it was to break the curses things like those placed on thieves.

But it wasn’t until they crept along the alley leading to where the Three Broomsticks should be that she realized the extent Sirona went to in order to keep her establishment untouched. The building appeared as a janky, decrepit, and otherwise unwelcoming hovel. Half as large as the actual establishment, Josie saw a brick wall in place of the double-door entrance and found herself struggling to look directly at it. At her hesitation, Ominis placed his hand on her shoulder, his hand just as soaked to the bone as she was.

“What is it?” He quietly asked. Josie paused and forced herself to find where the doors should have been, eyes drifting away at the distant hum of goblin conversation before snapping back towards the wall.

“The Three Broomsticks. I think Sirona placed a Notice-Me-Not charm on it.” She whispered in explanation, eyes darting towards the rove of goblins across the street. They were peering at the establishments surrounding Ollivander's when Ominis made a noise of understanding.

“Ah, clever. Reach for the door as though it were normal, you’ll be able to open it.” He explained. Josie did just that. She waited for the four goblins across the road to begin bickering before she reached out and felt for where the door handle should have been. Fingers caressing hardwood instead of brick she smiled to herself as her fingers wrapped around an unseen handle.

If she was surprised by the charm she was absolutely elated at the door opening. The two rushed inside the pub before shutting the door behind them just as quickly. Breathing somewhat heavily and leaning against the wall for support, Josie took quick stock of the ground floor.

Empty and quiet, with unlit braziers and a cold fireplace, there was no sign of Sirona. Josie didn’t blame Ominis one bit as he pointed his wand at himself and scourgifyed the storm from his hair and clothes before searching for her and repeating the process. She closed her eyes at the process, grateful for the brief respite the lack of bone chilling water gave now that it wasn’t clinging to every inch of her.

“Thanks.” She said in earnest, stepping away from the small puddle she’d left in the entrance. Ominis did the same, brows crunching together as his wand pointed around the room.

“It’s odd seeing this place so empty.” He turned his wand on her and paused before asking, “How’re you feeling?” Josie huffed, eyeing the fireplace before her gaze dragged to the barrels of butterbear.

“I was going to ask you the same thing.”

“You first.” Josie straightened herself, kicking out her leg and carefully stretching it. She could easily walk, it was just painful to do so.

“I’ll manage. I think not using it for a while will help a lot.” Ominis looked as though he wanted to say more but pressed his lips together. His wand tilted upwards towards the upper stories.

“I’m alright. I don’t really think there’s much to say.” Josie frowned, setting her satchel down on the bar before pulling herself onto a stool.

“Of course there is, that was terrible. I’m sorry it got so out of hand, I didn’t realize - ”

“The goblins finding us wasn’t your fault.” He interjected, his tone serious, if not defensive on her behalf. Her mouth snapped shut as he continued. “Nor was it your fault that they attacked us. If we’d stayed there they would have found us eventually, we were lucky you had your broom.” Josie couldn’t help but dwell on the fact that, for all that he affirmed her for blameless action, he'd still been caused great distress. “Do you apologize to Sebastian when you fight goblins or trolls? What about Poppy when you’re chasing after poachers?”

To that Josie had no comment. He was right, Sebastian would never accept an apology for something he’d wanted to take part in, nor Poppy who saw herself as the trailblazer for magical creature rights.

“Ah, you’re right.” She managed to echo instead, shaking her head of just how differently this all felt than when she traveled with her other friends. There was something more to his expression, Josie realized, her eyes trailing over the minute edge in his expression; a hardness that spoke volumes of a man who'd faced trauma head on time and time again. She swallowed heavily as her understanding came to a head; this had been a small thing, a necessity to get them to safety in a dire situation and comparatively he seemed rather unbothered by what Josie would otherwise have called traumatic.

“How long do you need for your leg? Truthfully.” He inquired, his voice losing its defensive edge as he approached where she sat at the bar. In her tall chair she almost looked him in the eye as he stood before her, his wand casually pointed in her direction as he waited. She frowned at his pointed change of subject and at his ease in directing their concern back to her. She was an experienced flyer and fighter of goblin rebels yet as he stared down at her she saw only concern for her injured leg that, at this point, was more sore and annoying than anything else.

“Truthfully?” She repeated, pressing her lips into a thin line she watched him nod singularly, his brows pulled together as though he could detect a potential lie from a mile away. Her head tilting downwards, she assessed herself. Josie felt exhausted; after hours of travel by foot to then flying through a storm under goblin attack, Josie wasn’t so sure she had much left in her. “An evening's rest would do me well.”

At her honesty, his mouth quirked upwards and he nodded.

“I’m sure Sirona would understand us staying here for the evening. As far as I can tell, she has quite the soft spot for you.” Josie smiled at the admission, forgetting her annoyance with him at his first flash of happiness.

“She’s been a great friend. We’ll pay her… let’s leave the money for a night under the counter.”

“And maybe for a few butterbeers.” At his addition, Josie’s brows shot up into her hairline.

“Did my ears deceive me? Sebastian will be sad to miss the day you decided to order butterbeers without his insistence.” Ominis scoffed, head tilting downwards, smirk pulling until it revealed the white of his teeth.

“He fancies himself a right casanova, but some of us can see right through his charms and antics.” Josie laughed, thinking of the last time they’d spent an evening in the Three Broomsticks and remembered how Ominis had sipped on a single butterbeer in the time Sebastian downed four. He’d been livid when they all met in the common room the next morning and Ominis was all business-as-usual while he babied a hangover.

“Just one then.” Josie agreed, liking the way his smirk widened into a toothy grin as he flicked his wand in the direction of the barrels and began pouring two drafts of warming butterbeer.

Chapter Text

The Three Broomsticks

Josie levitated the payment for the nights stay and the two butterbeers under the counter where Sirona would easily find the coinage once she eventually felt it was safe to return to the Three Broomsticks. After having debated for a long few minutes about the pros and cons of lighting a fire in the hearth, they decided together that there were plenty of ever-burning fireplaces within Hogsmeade and it would more than likely go unnoticed. To counter their worry, Josie cast colloportus on the front doors and firmly locked them in place.

The butterbeer was a good choice, immediately warming their insides while the fire did the rest. For the first time since they left the White Wyvern, Josie felt at ease - slightly sore - but a better tomorrow in sight now that they were tucked away safely for the evening.

Ominis slouched against the bar, the day's exhaustion having taken its toll on him as much as her. Every once and a while he’d glance in her direction, head inclining and mouth parting as though there were something he wished to say before taking up his butterbeer and taking a slow sip from it instead. Not wanting to pressure him, she simply gave him the space he needed until he found his voice.

When he did finally speak of it, his butterbeer was mostly empty and, for the first time since they’d known each other, he poured himself another. Silently, Josie placed the extra few Galleons alongside the others as she eyed him curiously.

“I feel as though I’ve done this all in the wrong order.” He started reluctantly. Josie watched him in silence, eyes roving the angular planes of his face as they were illuminated in the firelight. Her butterbeer long finished, she held its mug firmly in one hand, glancing down to peer at the leftover froth. “If I’d realized how it would make me feel, I wouldn’t have used the ring to gain entry into the Lyceum.”

“How does it make you feel?” She asked after a moment, watching as he dipped his face towards his drink, not so much as to drink it but rather take in its distractingly sweet scent.

“Terribly good.” He replied with a grumble, finally bringing the drink to his lips. “I feel it every time I look at you. My charm sees you as familiar, as a part of me that is simply just a little ways away. I shouldn’t be surprised, that was the point.” He hesitated, brow furrowing as he thought on something further before adding, “And then you mention how you can feel me through the ring or something that makes it seem like I’m there and I…”

He trailed off, the words either lost or unwilling come forth as he let out a weighty sigh. Josie waited patiently, wondering if she should also pull another draught of butterbeer just so he wouldn't feel her burning holes in the side of his head as she waited with bated breath for him to continue. Instead she swallowed hard and glanced away towards a distant, uninteresting wall.

“I’ve come to care a lot for you but have found that I’ve asked something of you that’s unfair before laying the truth of my feelings out to bare.” He enunciated carefully, his head tilting in her direction. “Forgive me, but I feel conflicted.”

Josie’s mouth went dry as she pressed her lips together and let out a slow, shaky breath. The quiet sincerity in his voice resonated deeply within her, settling along the curve of her heart as it beat against her chest. Squeezing her hands around her empty mug, she longed for something that she could not name.

“I care for you as well.” The words fell from her lips as though summoned by magic. In her peripherals she watched Ominis still, his head tilting minutely in her direction as his shoulders went rigid. “If you’re worried the ring has somehow influenced the way I feel… know that’s not the case. I’ve fancied you for a while now, I just didn’t think anything would ever come of it. I thought…” Josie paused. Searching for the words she was not quite able to look at Ominis, not yet, “I thought you saw me only as a friend.”

At that, Ominis shifted, turning bodily to face her. One arm falling loosely by his side and the other lingering on his mug. His face contorted, eyes unseeing yet seeing all the same as he pinned her in place with such an incredulous look she could only sit and wait for him to speak his mind as her face heated.

“I was certain in Potions last year Sebastian had told you. He had such a snide tone when he went to speak to you and then, suddenly, you decided to be my partner instead of his.” He accused her in disbelief. Josie racked her brain to find the day he mentioned. It’d been halfway through their sixth year, nearly a month before their trip into the Scriptorium.

“Oh!” Josie exclaimed, feeling the blush spread over her cheeks. “Sebastian did pull me aside but it was to tell me to help you with your potion making. Something about you being hopeless and in need of help before our exams.” The realization of their friend's scheming made Ominis’ ears turn red.

Taking another long drink, Ominis ran his hand over his face before massaging out as much tension as he could muster. When his hand pulled away his face was left redder than before, hair pulled out of place.

“Right, well. Now that the kneazle’s out of the knapsack it shouldn’t come to a great surprise to you that I’d like to… continue as we are - as we’ve been.”

“Kissing and all that?” Josie offered, finding the reserves deep within herself to tease him despite her own fluttering heart at the conversation. He grimaced at her phrasing, as though he’d tried to hold onto the last strand of decorum between the two of them and she’d taken sheers to it without a second thought or hesitation.

“Yes, well - I mean, I’d like to court you. Merlin, why are you like this?” He whispered, his jaw offsetting as he glared in her direction; Josie quirked her brow at his expression, his eyes narrowed in annoyance but with no fire behind them. “What made me hesitant, the reason why I hadn’t said anything prior, is that I know my family offers much to be desired. There would be little love from them if they knew we were friends and I’m hesitant to ask… to ask you to consider me beyond that despite their hate.”

Gaze softening, Josie found herself empathizing with the inner struggle Ominis had to contend with. It was not the first time he’d been open about his family's notorious bigotry that often crossed the line into hate. They had a fixation with keeping their bloodline pure to the point that mere association with a half-blood was enough to send a howler. Josie remembered in their fifth year when her and Ominis chatted in the halls after Transfigurations only to be accosted by Headmaster Black; there’d been more than a few snide, thinly veiled comments on his behalf. Josie had got the impression that it would be daunting then to approach someone even one step removed from perfection to take on the uphill battle associating with him would entail.

“Strangers have made it clear to me since the first day I met you of your family’s history, you’ve made it clear the reality of their forms of love. I’ve known their hatred for me for nearly as long as I’ve known you.” Josie watched Ominis’ expression shift, the edges of his face softened as he slowly let out a held breath. “Maybe I should be more hesitant, but I’m not. You are a far better person than most of us, and that's more than enough to have been your friend despite their bigotry and hate.” She paused, breath catching as she watched the understanding register on his face, the flicker of hope as he listened so intently it was as though he’d forgotten to breathe. “Your family cannot scare me away, Ominis. Nor can you.”

“So, you accept?” He asked, eyes cast in her direction as hand flexed in his lap. Josie smiled, watching the tension coil within him.

“Yes. Of course, you ninny.”

A smile, as large as any Josie had ever seen spread across his face, toothy and full as his head dipped downwards in a slow nod. The tension that had built in his shoulders and neck loosened and the large breath he’d been holding was released in a shaky huff.

“Thank, Merlin.” He mumbled, reaching up with both hands and pressing his hair out of his face. “Right, well, that’s one part fixed.” Josie laughed, brows rising into her hairline as she leaned against the bar, her own relief palpable.

“Oh?” She vocalized as he smiled into his drink, taking a long draw of the warming liquid. She liked the way his smile fit so well across his features; he was handsome, even in exhaustion.

"Ah, there's also the order of things." He set down his mug, it sounding far more empty than it had been moments ago. "I'd like to start again. I think it would do us well to disenchant the ring and start from the beginning. At our own pace."

“Oh, yes. That makes sense.” Josie agreed, surprised that she felt an elation at the idea in place of remorse. Maybe it was the high of their budding relationship or simply that she felt justified in that he cared for her as she cared for him but she simply smiled, mimicking his wide grin.

"Is it much like before?” She asked, flexing her hand and observing the ring. It looked so beautiful yet unassuming, like a second skin of just another color. It shined under her observation, a dull pink glow at her flushed face and quick pulse in the wake of their confessions.

“I will bear the brunt of the burden. The process means I must draw your blood from the ring and…” Ominis explained, pushing away from the bar and reaching for his wand that laid between. He hesitated, thumb rolling over the curve of wood as his smile abated before he added a tad more quietly, “It will… be painful for me, I won’t lie to you. Nothing as bad as the Cruciatus curse, but it will seek to punish me.”

Josie’s elation dwindled, her eyes widening as she nearly slid off the stool. Ominis inclined his head towards her, seemingly predicting the incoming conversation.

“Why in Merlin’s name would it want to punish you?” She asked incredulously, her eyes searching his expression for something beyond quiet resignation at what was to come.

“Before I brought the ring to Hogwarts, I kept it and its pair at my family manor. I spent a week studying it in secret, hoping to find any and all important details before the beginning of our last term. I found the vows and a detailed explanation of the blood ritual; it was there I found the loophole, as it were. This half engagement where we were bound yet unbound. Usually the bond is near permanent.” Ominis explained instead, voice placating but words doing nothing to settle Josie’s rising frustration. “I found that in order for the ritual to work and for the ring to recognize you as my… intended, I needed to sacrifice a large part of myself to it, and so I did. Sort of as proof of my intent. But the engagement can be severed. In doing so, I’m going back on my word and old magic doesn’t take that lightly. Doing the ritual by only half means that I get off far more lightly than had we done it to its completion.”

Josie scoffed in frustration, her hands squeezing closed so that she didn’t try to rend the artifact from her digit herself. Old magic rituals be damned; she wondered what manner of sacrifice he needed to offer for an ancient engagement. Likely one in blood and malady. Josie realized with no pleasure then that old magic always seemed to toe the line of pain.

“And if I refuse? I don’t want to part with the ring so badly that I’m willing to let it harm you.” She stated, her voice taking on a petulant tone. She watched as Ominis’ face contorted, almost flinching as he gripped his wand and aimed it in her direction. As he finally saw the tension that set around her, he shook his head and attempted to explain again in a calmer tone.

“Josie, it’s fine. I can handle it if - ”

“It’s not fine.” Shaking her head Josie glanced away, unable to watch as his expression shifted. The range of emotions he felt were too plain across his face, too open and too pleading for something she didn’t fully believe they wanted. “If it were reversed, if I had to struggle through the torment you’re so willing to subject yourself to, you'd never let me do it."

Ominis stayed silent, jaw tightening as he inhaled a slow, steady breath. She did not want him to feel pain on her behalf. She’d much rather live with the ring and the bond as they were until another opportunity presented itself; one without causing injury and strife.

Josie’s mind raced, memories of the ritual and their time within the depths of the Lyceum bubbling within her like a boiling pot threatening to spill over. The blood ritual wasn’t dark magic, but it was seeded in absolutes; the Lyceum was ancient and tied to a hatred as old as wizarding kind itself, yet both allowed for her - even just for the smallest bit of time - as she settled herself where she otherwise would rightly not belong. Ominis had told her that she must believe in her belonging to make it so, she must be present and focused but if she truly felt as though she were worthy to walk within the lines of ancient pureblood magic, they both must mean it to its fullest extent.

In aeternum.

Josie inhaled sharply at her sudden understanding, her gaze darting towards Ominis as he waited tensely for her to speak. He was patient and he was kind and so terribly clever yet he hadn’t realized the truth of what he’d done. Of what they’d done.

For eternity.

“How, exactly, does it punish you?” She asked, her voice quiet despite her pounding heart. Limbs stiff she watched as he eased at her question, as though the mere fact that she was speaking to him was enough to keep him going. His expression was pained as he swallowed heavily.

“I’m unsure.” He admitted in a quiet voice, his head tilting away as though to avery his gaze. “I know the incantation to sever the bond, I… I imagine once I’ve drawn your blood from the ring it will take what it demands from me.”

Josie nodded wordlessly, unable to speak as he summoned her satchel and placed it on the empty space between them on the bar. She watched him in deathly silence as his free hand ran over the tattered material of her bag as though soothing it in place of himself. He paused, head tilting towards her and mouth opening as though he hoped to placate her but no words came forward. Instead his brows furrowed, unseeing eyes finding her as she sat ramrod still and waited; her own heart feeling deceptively calm despite his obvious trepidation.

His expression only became more hesitant as she gingerly reached into her satchel to retrieve the dagger. Eyeing him as she carefully handed it over as she’d done just the day before. Ominis took it, jaw tightening as he mulled over some errant thought before nodding his head and steeling himself.

He reached between them and took her hand in his. In his other hand he held the dagger over the pearl of the ring; Josie felt the magic stir from within, the familiar thrum of power that connected them at any distance vibrating with excitement. It obeyed him without pause as one would command their own eyes to blink or hand to stretch. Tip of the knife pointed downwards, his face grew dire as spoke the incantation under his breath.

At first he spoke quickly and quietly, the Latin falling from his lips with practiced cadence. She listened to the words but found very little meaning in them, a distant part of her recognized that he’d memorized the blood rites, making sure he knew every word and syllable down to the letter to be certain it would work but he hadn’t considered what would happen if the words themselves were not enough. Ominis paused, his magic shimmering in the spaces between them as his eyes blinked rapidly. Pressing his lips together, he started again.

This time, the authority at which he commanded was like no other Josie had heard from him before. It was forceful and angry, as though the process of coaxing her blood from the ring were a matter of sheer will instead of raw magic. It was so foreign on his lips that even as he continued, brows furrowed and tension taut through his body, she could feel the slight tremble as his hand held hers.

Josie watched as his determination turned to confusion. The bond swelled within the ring but would not obey as he tried to pull it forth. Instead the magic warmed her, radiating through her hand, up her arm, and into the core of her being as he slowly settled the dagger against the bar with a cold clank.

Ominis sat still for a long few moments, his eyes blinking down at the ring as his thumb slowly rolled over the pearl. It was then that she saw the understanding wash over him. Gaze darting away, a warmth raised up his neck as his Adam’s Apple bobbed.

"How did you know?" He asked after a long moment, the dagger forgotten on the bar between them. "You knew it wouldn’t work. You gave in far too quickly."

Eyes rising and head tilting in her direction, Josie was stuck between relief and hesitancy as she tried to decipher the emotions he hid behind averted eyes.

"Because nothing about this blood magic has worked by half and you don't want to break the bond. Not really." She replied, voice careful as she watched the small muscles in his face shift before she admitted quietly, "And neither do I."

Despite the failed ritual and despite the range of emotions that morphed his features, to her great relief his mouth curled upwards. "Dammit all." Then to her surprise he laughed, a deep, carrying sound that filled the empty rooms of the Three Broomsticks. Josie felt herself distantly smile at the sound, its contagiousness and his sudden curse filled the dark spaces with levity despite it all.

"What's courting anyway, if not simply a half-engagement?" She asked quietly, her own levity hesitant but burgeoning at his acceptance. Ominis took his free hand and ran it through his hair, his grin still pressing into his cheek as he considered her.

"This is… not what I had envisioned." He admitted as Josie huffed in response, their entire predicament absolutely ridiculous. She shrugged, a feeling she knew he felt through their connected hands.

“Is it technically still all out of order?” She asked, more joking than serious.

“Yes.” He enunciated pointedly, the edge of his voice softened despite his faux-dire tone. They sat there, almost exactly as they were when this all started the day before. So much of them was exactly the same yet so much between them had changed.

With a small squeeze, she took her hand from his and stowed the dagger back into her satchel, not quite sure what else to do with the gaudy thing before reaching over and taking his mug of butterbeer and drinking some for herself.

“Does it bother you?” Josie asked after a moment. Ominis, who’d taken their lull in conversation as a chance to stand and stretch his legs, paused by the fire. “Me having the ring still?”

At her clarification he shook his head. “No, it doesn’t. If anything it’ll continue to be incredibly easy to find you in a crowd.” He joked. Josie smiled, hearing the honesty in his answer despite his jest. “As long as you’re happy with it and don’t mind the potential questions the ring will bring, I’m content.”

Josie glanced down at the ring, twisting it in the firelight. It, in truth, didn’t bother her in the slightest yet she understood his point. Once they returned to school it would be advantageous to keep the ring hidden beneath a pair of gloves just to stop the odd question or pureblood fanatics from jumping down their throats if they were to figure out what family the artifact belonged to. Banishing the thoughts from her mind, she stifled a yawn and stretched her leg.

“Shall we head up then?” He asked, eyes cast over the flames as he ran his fingers along the fine material of his robes. “I imagine tomorrow will be just as long as today was… hopefully with a bit less rain and flying.” Josie sighed at the truth of his words but agreed nonetheless.

Together they ascended the stairs of the Three Broomsticks and made their way to the highest chamber at the pinnacle of the establishment. It was odd traveling through a space that was usually full of vibrant life. As they passed by shuttered windows where the walls were the thinnest, Josie could hear the howling of the wind and distant crack of thunder just beyond. Pressing open the door, Ominis entered after her and set her satchel on the coffee table near the center of the room.

Josie did not need any great prowess in legilimens nor did she need to feel any pulse of magic from within the ring to understand the nature of Ominis’ lingering. He stood, wand scanning each corner of the room as she gently pulled off her outer robe and scarf before throwing them over the back of the cushioned chair. She knew he wouldn’t ask for what he wanted and, by all merits of propriety, he shouldn’t even have passed through the threshold of her room. Yet they’d already breached that, that barrier had melted away before she’d even realized she should have been perhaps slightly more hesitant to allow it.

“Is everything to your liking?” She asked instead, her voice holding none of the thoughts of sending him away especially as he swiveled around to face her, eyes wide and brows well into his hairline as though caught doing something he shouldn’t be.

“Well, uh - yes, it’s fine.” He mumbled before clearing his throat and shaking his head.

“Are you staying?” Josie pressed, as she walked over to her satchel and began rummaging through it, careful to pretend not to notice his hesitation. She found Ominis’ night clothes and her shift gifted to them by the White Wyvern the evening before. She looked them over before gingerly placing them beside her satchel.

“I didn’t think… I had wanted to simply - '' He cut himself off, shaking his head. Josie waited, allowing him a moment to gather himself before standing back up and facing him.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. It was just an offer.” She said after a moment of strangled silence. His face contorted in thought, head tilting away as he seemed to consider her blatant proposal. Out of the corner of her eye she watched as a thin, modest smile pressed into his lips.

“That sort of thing doesn’t bother you? Before it was our only option, but here…” He trailed off, tone light. Josie shrugged as a grin spread across her face, hoping that the sentiment would carry through her voice as she approached him.

“If it had, I wouldn't have let you kiss me yesterday.” She chuckled. “It doesn’t bother me, Ominis. It was nice.”

He nodded, his wand lowering slightly at her levity as the slight tension in his jaw relaxed. Whatever inner conflict he had was abated enough that he wordlessly accepted her offer. Ominis moved away from her and took a moment to remove his outer robe before hanging it neatly on the far wall. Watching him shrug off the article of clothing was equally domestic as it was attractive. Josie watched him unabashedly, eyes lingering on the way his shoulders rolled into the movement against his regal stature.

Robe carefully hung, Ominis slid his gloves from his hands and quietly tucked them in his robe pocket. He stretched his fingers before reaching into his vest pocket and procuring a pocket watch Josie had seen him listen to from time to time. It was remarkable how he could tell the time with only sound and touch.

Shaking her head she quickly turned, not having entirely meant to stare for as long as she had. Josie called out a word of warning of her intent to change before swiping her shift from the table and beginning the process of peeling off her layers of clothes.

At the sound of him quietly casting a spell to ignite the room's narrow fireplace a few moments later, her face heated at the realization that he had his wand in hand. Releasing a steady breath she finished pulling her shift overhead before turning to face him. He leaned towards the fire, his back towards Josie, hands extended and vest missing. Despite her initial embarrassment she was glad he lit the flame, it chased off the slight chill of the storm now that her heavier travel clothes were discarded and exchanged for the thin gown.

Josie padded over to stand beside him, gaze lingering on the flickering flame as her bare shoulder brushed the sleeve of his shirt. He paused, head inclining in her direction, his brow raised.

“Are you decent?” She scoffed, flicking an incredulous look at him as she recounted his feigned ignorance.

“That’d be quite bold of me to come all the way over here if I wasn’t.” She responded sardonically. A smirk pressed into his cheek as his head swiveled in her direction. Though his eyes were unseeing, the simmering glance he gave her caused her heart to flutter and pulse to race. Her gaze darted away, suddenly feeling far hotter than the fire should have warmed her.

Josie’s eyes wandered towards the rightmost end of the room, stare roving over the slightly askew nightstand and the low, roomy bed they’d be sharing that evening. She hesitated, feeling the thrum of power along her digit. Gaze darting down, she lifted her hand to observe how the ring pulsed; a red swirl within a pale pink sphere, it was just as calming as it was intriguing.

Ominis’ knuckles grazed her arm, pulling her attention towards him and his concerned stare. “Are you alright?”

His question was layered. She assumed he could likely sense her slight bashfulness as well as the pulse of his family ring. She made a noise of affirmation, swallowing at the tremor his touch sent through her.

In response, his hand raised to graze her face, knuckles brushing against the length of her neck before skimming her cheek. Josie let out a steady breath as she shuttered, leaning into the sensation and allowing her eyes to flutter shut.

“Shall we go to bed?” He asked, voice low. Josie nodded into his touch, allowing him to guide her in the correct direction. She crawled onto the bed as he placed his wand on the bedside table and took a moment to unhook his cufflinks. Josie watched him do so deftly, fingers carefully pulling the metal clasps from their resting places.

“You dressed quite smart for our trip.” She observed for the first time aloud, her own voice taking on a rougher quality likely from exhaustion. She’d noticed his effort before, but hadn’t seen the sheen of his metallic cufflinks. Ominis paused, the metal pieces held aloft between two fingers as though to consider them.

“Well… we were going to London.” He replied, smirk pressing deeper into his cheek before adding. “Together.” Josie smiled up at him as, pulse quickening, she sat up onto her knees to get a closer look.

“They seem lovely, what’s the design of?” She knew men of good nature often had designs of family crests or clan insignias or even coats of arms as they applied, but that didn’t seem the sort of thing Ominis would pride himself in enough to wear as a choice. He ran his finger over the design absently.

“It’s a constellation.” Josie’s eyes widened in interest. “They were a gift from my eldest brother. He meant it as a cruel joke. The idea of astronomy has been terribly interesting to me ever since I was a young boy. Unfortunately my lack of sight puts a damper on stargazing.”

“Which constellation is it?” Josie asked, struggling to keep her tone light at the revelation of his brother's cruelty. He tilted the design in her direction and she recounted her study sessions with Amit in hopes to remember the correct one; but Ominis explained further before she could come to any conclusion.

“The Strix constellation. You know, the owl? The creature who eats snakes.” Josie scoffed in annoyance on his behalf, feeling half the mind to show his elder brother a thing or two she’d learned since fighting goblins and dark wizards, but Ominis simply chuckled. He placed the cufflinks alongside his wand before leaning down towards her.

He towered over Josie, hands bracing on either side of her as his laughter turned into a rakish grin. “What, are you going to jinx my brother for being mean to me as a boy?” Josie leaned slightly away if only so that she didn’t go cross-eyed as he entered her personal space. She grumbled despite the heat that rose within her as his breath rushed over her.

“Among other reasons, I’m sure I can make a comprehensive list by the time I get the chance.” He barked another laugh as though the mere idea of it were the funniest thing she’d ever said to him. Josie pouted, tilting her chin upwards in defiance.

“I don’t doubt you would. Not for a second.” He replied, his voice becoming far more quiet as his grin turned into a soft smile and his eyes held a warmth beyond measure. “You really aren’t scared of them?”

“Of course I am.” Josie said, voice dropping to match his in earesty, nose dipping forward to brush the soft skin of his cheek. “But that’s never stopped me from hexing someone before.”

She hadn’t expected his lips to suddenly press against hers, a searing feeling like flames against flesh as he bore down upon her. Josie reached up to catch her balance, the action of it sending her falling backwards onto the bed with Ominis soon after.

They landed softly among the quilt and covers, Ominis’ own heart thumping against her chest as their bodies intertwined in a mix of fabric and limbs. His mouth moved against hers as though she were water in the desert, one hand coming to grip her hair as their mouths parted. Fingers running through her locks, she felt her bun slowly begin to unwind and fall loose over her shoulders.

She grabbed fistfuls of his shirt, pulling him into her again as he kissed her without reservation. Heart pounding, Josie pressed her tongue between his parted lips; he groaned into the feeling, the sound sending a new and intense sensation to her core. His other hand, not quite so gently as the first, gripped at the curve of her hip; she liked the feel of him pressing into her, she loved how he let go of all decorum when she was the subject of his affection but it wasn't until she felt the proof of his arousal against the sheer material of her shift that she truly understood how much he enjoyed it too.

His hands slowly roamed her body, touching the spaces he'd been allowed to feel before with eager fingers as he felt her through nothing but her shift. Her neck, shoulders, arms, the gentle curve of her waist, his hands came to a stop at her hips again as he kissed her with the intensity of a man in desperation. They pressed so closely to one another, mouths so feral in their search for more, she thought her lips could easily be bruised come the morning. There was a difference in this embrace and, as Josie threw her own hands into his hair and then down his back, she could feel the urgency in every brush of skin and every stuttered breath.

Wanting to be closer, Josie pressed her chest against him and slid her leg between his as they rolled to one side; Ominis froze, the hitched sound of his voice sending a shiver down her spine as she felt him twitch against her. Despite their already entangled bodies, Josie felt her face flush at the sensation.

“Josie,” He mumbled, his voice a quiet rumble against her skin as he pulled away just far enough to speak. Josie gasped into his chin as he gently pressed his thigh against the apex of her thighs. “Is that what you want?”

The tension within her coiled, their contact was both too much and not enough as he waited for her reply, moving not another inch against her.

"Yes." She managed, voice shaking from want. How had she never felt quite like this before? Never once, even as they embraced the day before nor in her dreams where they moved against one another just as they did now. There was purpose, intent in the way he held her but also a shaking hesitancy as his hand crawled its way up her waist, grazing her neck before resting on her cheek. He pressed his forehead against hers, eyes shut as he let out a muted, ragged breath.

"If you're sure, I won't stop. Not until you tell me to." At the rawness of his voice Josie felt a wave of relief; relief in their shared nervousness and relief as she fully realized the trust she held for him.

"I'm sure." She murmured as she closed the distance and kissed him again. He relented without hesitation, pressing his lips against her in a far sweeter kiss than before. Her heart swelled at the feeling, a sigh escaping her as her body settled comfortably into his embrace.

Josie ran her hands up his back until they came to rest on the collar of his shirt, the fabric crinkled and out of place long before she’d yanked on it like a handle pulling him forward. When next he pressed between her legs again the feeling elicited a sound from deep within her; she felt him smirk into their kiss as his hand slowed to caress the soft curve of her breast.

Through the cotton of her night gown he saw her, fingers and palm tracing the curve of her before dragging down the sensitive planes of her ribs then returning to the peak of her breast. His head tilted downwards as he sought to trace a line of kisses down her jaw and to the pulse point of her throat as his thumb found particular interest in the tautness of her nipple.

Josie arched into his touch, squirming against his leg as she felt him nip her throat. At her movement, his soft exploration became more firm, palm massaging her breast as he breathed heavily, his nose nuzzling the curve of her ear.

“You’re beautiful.” He whispered, fingers rolling over her nipple before descending along the contour of her rib. His voice filled with awe and lust in equal measure coaxed something from deep within her; the sheer want in his expression paired with something far more intimate left unsaid wisped away any last echoes of hesitancy. Joise captured his lips in hers, scraping her teeth along the softness of his lip, satisfied only when his breath stifled and his fingers dug into her.

With renewed agency his hands explored lower, fingers splayed over her stomach he massaged across the planes of her abdomen, pulling at the soft fabric of her shift as his thumb dipped into the crease of her navel before drifting lower again. She felt the hem of her gown crawl up her thighs until the bareness of herself was nearly exposed.

Breath hitched into the top of his head, his hand roamed the round of her hip to the fullness of her thigh. He pressed his leg further against her core as he dipped his mouth along the curve of her jaw.

“Can I touch you?” Josie shuttered at the heaviness of his voice, his hand slowly rubbing circles along the tenderness of her inner thigh. She hummed in affirmation, head nodding as he nipped her throat before returning his lips to hers. He kissed her gently, a soft feeling despite their pounding hearts.

He pulled away his leg, leaving a momentary emptiness where the sweet pressure of him had once been though he soon replaced it with the gentle exploration of his fingers. Carefully, he felt the tender skin of her most intimate parts; hesitantly, as her hips jolted slightly at the new sensation. He paused, pulling his lips away from hers to give space for any words of weariness. With a gentle tug, she pulled him back to her, her body shaking in anticipation as she waited for him to continue.

It should have come to no surprise that a man who lived his life by his sense of touch would be deft in things of that nature. He explored where no one had ever gone before, gentle yet urgent as he found the spot at the apex of her entrance that caused her to tremble with want. Dexterous fingers slowly solicited the reaction again, pressing down firmly and pulling a moan originating from deep within her.

Ominis chased the sound, enjoying the way her body trembled beneath him as he meticulously rubbed his fingers along her to elicit the sound again, this time pressing his mouth over hers as though to swallow it as he redoubled his efforts. She squirmed beneath his touch, feeling as heat pooled between her legs, warmth flooding through her as his own arousal pressed rigidly against her thigh.

Her wetness coated him, his fingers growing slick from his slow but steady efforts. He released a shaky breath against her lips and jaw, his eyes squeezing shut as he slowly pressed his fingers lower. Josie griped at the fabric of his shirt, feeling as though she were going to rip the buttons clean off as he slowly dipping one finger inside.

Her body grew taut as her walls contracted against him. He gradually moved inside her, pumping his finger in careful, deft motions as she hummed into his throat. He smiled at the feeling, the curve of his mouth pressing against her cheek as he slowly pressed in a second finger. Her thighs tightened around his digits, feeling far fuller even in that change despite the sheer wetness she coated him in. He paused, allowing her body to relax around his fingers before leisurely moving again.

Josie bucked her hips towards him at the new, breathtaking feeling. Face heated and breath ragged, she pressed her hips into his unhurried motion wanting more even as he coaxed sounds of pleasure from her lips. He kissed her again, mouth crashing against hers with painful intensity. They were all teeth and wetness as their kiss grew sloppier with every lewd sound he urged from her.

She felt pressure from deep within her core build as his fingers curled inside of her. She panting into his open mouth, loving more than anything the feeling of his own control began to unravel as his thumb grazed the mound near her entrance and she pushed her hip into his arousal. She moved against him, feeling his length against her twitching as her own walls contracted around his fingers. She cried out, heart pounding against her chest as she rode out her climax along his long digits.

He pulled his fingers from her, mouth pressing against her lips before trailing down to her throat as her lower half shook from exertion and want. Her eyes fluttered open as he sucked on the tender skin of her neck, his hand resting against her thigh protectively.

Despite her ragged breath and utter disbelief at the sheer pleasure such an act could draw from her, she suddenly felt he had entirely too many clothes on.

Her hands lowered, following the crumpled texture of his shirt before pressing into the length of his arousal. In response, he bit hard into the muscle that connected her neck and shoulder as he sucked in air at the sensation. Josie inhaled sharply, her body twitching at the heady feeling and not entirely sure if he’d done it on purpose. The pain was far too close to pleasure for her to care in the slightest if he’d left a mark.

“Take them off.” She said; he paused, pressing numerous apology kisses along the bruise that’d likely form in the sensitive dip of her shoulder. He pulled his head away, leveling himself so he could feel her breath on his face. Josie stared into his eyes, enamored by the desire he expressed plainly as he brought his other hand up.

“Are you sure?” He asked again, voice rough. Josie nodded, hands moving to the buttons of his shirt. He allowed her to undo them at her rate, her eyes cast downwards in focus as his hand raised to his face. Her gaze lingered on him as he pressed his two fingers, slick with her wetness, into his mouth and sucked. Heat bloomed throughout her body at the sheer lewdness of the act; her movements stuttered and she felt her heart pound against her ears. Merlin, she wanted him to do it all again.

Encouraged by thoughts of what else he could do, Josie nearly ripped the buttons off his shirt. He helped discard the clothing before reaching to cup her face in his hand. She paused as he tilted her head upwards as though to kiss her but he simply held her there for a moment. Eyes lidded, noses touching, and breath ragged, she could feel his wordless sentiment pass between them; in that moment she felt their shared affection mingled with the promise of gentle intimacy.

She placed a soft kiss against his lips. It was tender and gentle and held so much more than just the heat of sex. She didn’t dare voice her deepest thoughts, knowing that she shouldn’t allow herself to fall so quickly so fast, but there were no boundaries between them and she knew he understood what she dared not speak aloud.

When she pulled away, his eyes were closed and brows pulled together as he swallowed thickly. He quietly reached between them, finding her hand and placing it against his chest as she’d done just the day before. She felt his heart under her fingertips. His chest, speckled in dark beauty marks and a smattering of golden hair near his sternum, rose in heavy breathes as his heart pounded beneath her palm. It took a moment before she saw them, the faded scars of curses long cast but not forgotten. She recounted them, finding the largest near the space where his ribs met and pressed her lips against it. The skin of his abdomen was cool compared to her love-worn lips but he didn’t jerk away from the gentle kiss. Instead he seemed to savor the feeling, eyes fluttering shut and head tilting downwards before squeezing her hand and pulling away. She mourned the loss of contact immediately, but held her tongue as he pulled her to sit up along the edge of the bed.

He stood, hands caressing down the length of her arms and to her hips until he found the hem of her gown. Josie smiled to herself as he pulled gently, allowing him to carefully remove her shift over her head, leaving her as naked as her name day. She sat, bare on the edge of the bed, watching him as he rather respectfully folded her nightgown before placing it near the foot of the bed.

“Lay on the pillow, love.” Blinking up at him and the sudden term of endearment that sent a whole new sort of feeling through her, she glanced back towards the head of the bed before doing as he requested. Scooting so that she lay more fully on the bed, she watched as he undid his trousers. It felt terribly invasive to watch him do so, despite all he’d done to her thus far, she couldn’t help the heat that rose to her cheeks as he slipped off his trousers before removing his socks and pants.

He moved, body as bare as hers, along the bed until he found the soft skin of her foot and paused. A small smile pressed into his cheek as his fingers grazed the curve of her arch and moved up her exposed ankle. She stifled a laugh, pressing her lips together desperately as his ghostlike touch tickled her. His smile grew into a grin as he hesitated before doing it again.

“Ominis!” She gasped between stuttering laughter, she moved to pull her foot away but he caught it, yanking her towards him slightly, causing her to fall flat against the pillows and blankets.

“You’re ticklish.” He realized, teasing plain in his voice. Josie shook her head as though to deny it but stopped short as he delicately ran his fingers along her arch again eliciting a muffled laugh that she tried desperately to hide.

“Ominis Gaunt, if you know what’s good for you - ” His grin widened into a rakish smirk as he released her foot and allowed his hands to travel up her ankle to rest on the curve of her calf.

“Yes, yes, alright. My sincerest apologies. I simply like the sound of your laugh. It’s melodic.” He mumbled, leaning down to place apologetic kisses along the muscles of her calf. “You’re so soft.” He added as his lips trailing up her leg and to the swell of her thigh.

Josie pressed her lips together as his nose drew lazy circles in her skin there, nipping lightly as he drew close to where her legs joined. Bracing himself on either side of her hips, he leaned into her before dragging his tongue along the length of her core. The single motion was enough to make her legs shake as he paused before doing it again.

Her breath hitched and her back arched at the feeling of his tongue, warm and eager, as he tased her. Her thighs parted for him as he sought to bury himself inside her. For all that he’d done with his fingers, he explored again with his mouth; searching and sucking on the most sensitive parts of her as he tasted the wetness he created. She stifled a quiet moan, eyes closing as he swirled his tongue along her sensitive mound. Too soon, he pulled away, head tilting up towards her as he scooted forward, her legs pressed out of the way.

“I’m not sure which I crave more,” He suddenly said, leaning forward as he helped her legs up and around his, “but the sounds you make will haunt my dreams for the rest of my life.”

She watched Ominis take hold of himself, massaging his own length as his other hand followed her knee, down her thigh, and across the plains of her hip before settling on the bed beside her waist. His brows pulled together as he touched himself, drawing his manhood closer.

“I’ve heard that it can hurt for a womans first time.” He admitted quietly as he poised himself just beyond her core. Josie made a noise of understanding, having heard as much from others who had experienced sex for the first time. “Please, tell me if it becomes too much. I don’t want this if it harms you.”

“I trust you.” She replied, a smile pressing in her cheek as she felt her adrenaline pump at the sight of him. Ominis nodded, slow breath exhaled as he slowly pressed himself into her.

The pressure was so immense that Josie gasped at the feeling of it almost immediately, he slid into her with ease despite the tightness that surrounded him. He moved slowly, careful and slow as her body tensed and continued only once she’d relaxed enough for his liking. It was overwhelming; the deep, foreign pressure of his manhood was not so painful as it was slightly uncomfortable as something large entered a much too small space. He stilled, his face contorted as he breathed out a slow, ragged breath.

“Relax, love.” He managed, voice taking on a deeper quality. Josie focused on doing so, closing her own eyes and breathing carefully through her nose. Her hand reached down and found his, grasping a fistful of blankets. After a few moments, she felt herself relax and the walls of her core stretch to accommodate him.

He moved again, this time slowly pulling out. Eyes shooting open, Josie blinked up at him as the slightly uncomfortable pressure very quickly became pure pleasure. Slick with her wetness, he moved against her slowly pressing into her with slightly more vigor as the resistance lessened. She let out a ragged breath as he picked up pace, filling her as far as he dared for their first time. Face no longer contorted, Ominis gently leaned forward into her, lifting her legs slightly higher as his towered over her, both hands moving to trap her against the bed.

She gasped as her core began to tighten again, his pace quickening, rhythm found. She felt herself arching into him, hands reaching up to wrap around his neck and pull him towards her. He fell forward onto her, continuing the motion with fervor as their lips crashed together. She whined into his embrace, fingers running through his hair as his own deep groan vibrated between them. She’d never felt so much pleasure nor a simple notion of ecstasy as in the moments that he was inside her. It was as though they were complete, two parts of the same whole joined together and never again meant to be part.

As her climax came she clung to him like a lifeline, moaning into his open mouth and scratching along his shoulders as her walls contracted around his length. A long moment of continual pleasure rolled between them as he rode out her orgasm, his own climax fogging his mind to the likely pain she inflicted with her nails. He grunted, a deep guttural grown as he whispered her name until his last thrust.

They collapsed together, panting, drenched in sweat, and still joined. He pulled them to their side, rolling off of her so as not to crush her. Ominis pulled Josie against him. They laid together in breathless silence, embracing each other in the warmth of the firelit chamber.

Once her heart slowed to a normal pace, Josie lifted her head to glance up at him. Ominis’ eyes were closed and he looked as exhausted as she felt. Smiling to herself, she ran her hand along his exposed back. Eyes opening and nose brushing her forehead, he smiled blissfully into their contact.

“Let me clean us up and we can rest.” He offered, untangling his arm from around her to lean towards the bedside table. In doing so he pressed his chest against her face; Josie stuck out her tongue and allowed it to drag over him. He huffed a laugh at the sensation, pulling back once his wand was in hand and chasing her tongue away with a kiss.

“Clean up what, exactly?” Ominis hesitated before his lips curled into a smirk.

“It’s entirely my fault, I’m afraid.” Josie rolled her eyes but didn’t comment further, especially after he pulled himself from her core, separating them at last. She nearly gasped at the sensation as warm liquid leaked between her legs beyond her control. Without missing a beat Ominis cast a basic cleaning charm and the sticky substance disappeared. “If you’d like, we can talk about it more later.”

She stuttered slightly, more surprised than embarrassed before simply nodding. Placing his wand back on the nightstand, he coaxed her under the covers.

“Do you want your nightgown?” He asked after a moment, pausing as he waited for her reply. She shook her head, already far too tired to keep her eyes properly open let alone dress herself. Ominis pulled the covers over them and settled against the pile of pillows. Josie twisted towards him and kissed him. There was a warmth in the embrace, one that made her wonder how one was ever supposed to actually sleep when sharing a bed with one's lover.

They separated, if only because of their sheer exhaustion from the day's toils. Ominis pressed soft kisses along the tender skin of her eyelids before settling against his side of the bed.

“Good night.” She breathed, cuddling herself in a cocoon of blankets and quilt as her eyes drew closed. His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her and her blankets into him as he settled against his pillow.

“Night, love.”

Chapter Text

Trespasser

For all that Sebastian considered himself brave, daring, and even dashingly roguish he hadn't quite realized how unnerving the unknown could be. Not while skulking the corridors of the place he'd called home for nearly seven years, unsure what manner of villain or beast lurked near the bowels of the castle. In those first few moments, he quietly saw Gryffindor bravery at its finest. For all Sebastian had written Garreth Weasley off as a git, the redhead crossed the walking bridge into the Slytherin dungeons alongside Natsai as though they were trailblazers through uncharted lands. 

Sebastian followed closely behind, eyes darting from the Gryffindors at the front to the Hufflepuff behind him as they passed through the familiar wooden doors and began descending the steps below, all the while listening intently for any errant sound that might hint at the whereabouts of the intruder.

Wands at the ready, they passed the kelpie statue in utter silence. Their steps were deathly quiet in a space that usually echoed with every small sound, it was even oddly absent of the murmur of ghosts that usually reverberated from distant spaces. Something felt off kilter to Sebastian though he couldn't quite put his finger on it. It was as though they'd stuffed cotton in their ears. 

"Do you feel that?" Sebastian finally asked. Natsai glanced back at him, her wand pointed forward as her brows pulled together. Garreth continued forward a few steps, either ignoring Sebastian or strategically keeping his eyes forward as he idiotically distracted her. 

"What?" She replied, eyes darting to Garreth as she slowed to close their distance. He opened his mouth to elaborate but she interrupted him, her expression contorting in confusion. "What'd you say?"

It suddenly struck Sebastian that Natsai's whisper sounded muffled, as though she stood at the far end of the corridor and whispered at him. He pointed at his ears and shook his head before twisting to look at Poppy who came to stop beside him. 

"I can barely hear her." He said to her a tad louder than he typically would. Poppy nodded, her own confusion obvious as she swished her wand, casting a soundless spell despite her moving lips. Garreth, just as impulsive as Sebastian, aimed his wand at a decorative shield and armament hanging against the stone wall and mouthed a spell. A heavy force of magic slammed against the metal before it all tumbled to the stone floor, barely making a sound. 

All eyes darted to one another as they all seemed to come to the same conclusion. A muffling spell. And one far stronger than what Natsai had used on them to help them quietly traverse the halls. It was subtle, difficult to notice unless you knew what to look for, and seemed to encompass the halls of the dungeon in their entirety.

Sebastian pushed past Natty and Garreth, peering down the long passageway that led towards the Slytherin common room entrance. It was empty, bar the dull flickering light of the sconces that lined the walls. Moving with sure steps, he hurried down the corridor; eyes darting around corners he hesitated near the coiling stone snake as it glimmered with magic at his approach. Not daring to utter the password, he frowned. As the others caught up to him, his gaze slid to the unassuming exit of the Scriptorium, still untouched beyond how Ominis, Josie, and himself had left it. Nothing but bad memories and disappointment was left in there, but it didn’t stop him from wondering how much knowledge the intruder had of Hogwarts. 

There was a chance they were a witch or wizard that had attended the school, someone who’d explored the halls and stumbled upon all the same hidden gems he and his friends had. If so, Sebastian worried what secrets they’d known of that caused them to delve into Hogwarts in such a showy way. 

Shaking his head, Sebastian decided it didn’t make sense. A witch or wizard could have easily made their way into the school without having mounted an attack on the barrier; it would have been a wholly unnecessary step.    

A hand gently settled on Sebastian’s shoulder, pulling his attention from the concealed exit to the Scriptorium to find Poppy staring at him with no small amount of concern. Right. He probably looked like a right git standing in the middle of the corridor staring into space. He shook his head at her, certain she wouldn’t be able to hear him even if he felt inclined to share his thoughts. 

Just then down the distant, narrow corridor leading towards the bathrooms, Sebastian saw something move. It was nothing more than a ripple of magic reflecting dulling against the firelight as it passed by the arch of the far hallway. Sebastian stilled and, at the feeling, he saw Poppy mimic his stiffness. Simultaneously they lifted their wands, eyes wide as Garreth wordlessly moved towards the subject of their intense focus. He nudged Natty and the four of them made their way past the common room after the dark mass that haunted the dungeon corridors. 

It was Garreth, with his overly long legs and reckless abandon who arrived at the location first, not likely having seen what Sebastian and Poppy had seen though he glanced around the correct area. They came to a stop and Sebastian crouched near the remnants the intruder left behind.

Inky black footprints, twice the size of Sebastian’s own and two-pronged as though a wizard's foot had been painfully severed from the ball of his foot upwards. Almost human, but undoubtedly not. The trail led deeper into the dungeons and around the corner yet, as Sebastian raised his wand to follow them it was Natsai this time who stopped him. 

Her expression dire she pulled him to a stop before motioning with her hands. Sebastian watched her, brow cocked as she pointed to the two closest dark prints on the stone floor. She measured them using both arms and demonstrating to all of them how abnormally wide the gait of the intruder was. Sebastian swallowed as he nodded in understanding.

Whoever or whatever this was, they were hulking and large with heavy steps and a wide gait. Garreth grimaced, free hand coming to his face as he pressed away strands of red hair that clung to his forehead. 

Suddenly Sebastian pointed, his movement jerked as he worked to gather their attention as the nearest footprint slowly disappeared into nothingness; leaving no trace that it’d ever been there. A few moments later the next in the series began to dissipate causing a panic to rise within the group. Without need for explanation, they followed down the corridor following the trail before it literally disappeared. 

They sprinted down the corridor, their footsteps muffled by whatever charm had been placed over the dungeons before skidding to a stop between the bathrooms. It was Poppy who pointed out the odd pathing of the intruder, steps lingering by the witch’s bathroom before heading through the hall in the direction of the entrance to the Great Hall. Sebastian pressed past his companions eyes trained on the entrance to Scriptorium as the steps led towards the end of that corridor but the inky marks twisted left instead, towards detention. 

Letting out a slightly shaky breath in relief, the sound quiet in the otherwise silent hallway, Sebastian glanced back at his approaching friends. He was glad that he no longer had the daunting task of explaining how he knew what lay beyond the hidden Slytherin passageway.

Suddenly Sebastian heard the sound of metal on stone, the distinct rattle of chains as they were dragged along evenly set masonry. The sensation sent a chill up his spine, unable to stop his head from swiveling down the far hall towards the source of the sound. 

Natsai and Garreth hesitated only a heartbeat before their eyes lit with the realization that they could hear again. To his surprise it was Poppy who continued forward without pause, her head twisting as though straining to hear what otherwise echoed through the halls. Poppy pressed forward, carefully stepping around the inky footprints as she followed them.

“Sebastian, do you know what’s down here?” She asked, her voice far too loud for his nerves despite her whisper. 

“Detention.” He murmured, too on-edge to feel bashful of exactly how familiar he was with that particular route from the common room. He followed after her, not bothering to disillusion himself in the wake of Poppy’s clomping. Behind them, Natty and Garreth flanked them looking positively like aurors-in-training. “A prison cell and the Deathday party room are right...” He stopped himself, watching as Poppy stilled at the portcullis opening leading to the room in question. Black pools of liquid in the shape of not-so-wizardly feet led down the narrow passageway. 

“What in the world is a Deathday party room?” Natsai asked from behind, Sebastian turned slightly, eyes still glued forward as he considered how to best describe the oddness of that chamber but Garreth was the one to answer.

“It's a chamber where the ghosts party.” He explained, his voice low. Natty’s expression scrunched. “No, really, it is. They have balls and hor d’oeuvres and everything.”

“Can ghosts even eat?” Natty pressed as she moved between Sebastian and Poppy, tapping her wand along the remnants of a shattered lock. 

“Ghost food, yes; regular food, I’d assume not.” Garreth continued though it was obvious Natty no longer listened. She bent down, fingers brushing the chunks of metal tentatively before scooping it up and bringing it towards her face.  

“Someone shattered the lock.” She observed, holding it out. Sebastian took some from her, fingers dragging over the jagged edges before his eyes darted down the ghostlight corridor. 

She was right, the lock was obliterated into hundreds of tiny pieces. Not the sort of thing someone who learned alohomora in their first year Charms class would need to resort to. 

“It looks as though someone ripped it apart with their bare hands.” Poppy observed in a quiet yet curious voice. Sebastian was inclined to agree, now that she pointed it out there were clear indentations near what - he assumed - was the remains of the center of the lock where someone’s fingers might grip in the effort. 

 Hulking body, powerful magic, and now inhuman strength. Sebastian did not like their growing description of their intruder. 

“Have you been in the Deathday party room before?” Poppy asked Sebastian, her gaze flitting to meet him. They all stood huddled around the portcullis door and, in their proximity, Poppy seemed so very lithe in stature compared to Garreth’s towering form, Natty’s prim posture, and Sebastian's own height. 

“Only twice.” He started, gaining the attention of the Gryffindors. Even Garreth, who’d been the one to explain what the chamber was, glanced at him curiously. “My third year I undid the lock and wanted to see what all the commotion was about. By that point, I’d walked by this hallway dozens of times and I’d never seen anyone come and go… except for ghosts. They’d rave about their parties and talk about meeting for the next, so I figured I’d let myself in.” 

Poppy’s curious gaze quirked with mirth at some unsaid joke at his expense. He furrowed his brows at her before continuing. “There was a ghost band in the back corner and they were all dancing together and having a fantastic time. It was absolutely mental to see. They floated a meter right over my head before disappearing through the walls.” 

“Cheeky of you to look up.” Garreth mumbled with a smirk. Natty swatted Garreth, tossing him a simmering look at his lewd comment before stowing her wand. 

“Regardless of what was inside before, I doubt there’s a party happening now. Here, help me with this.” She took hold of the horizontal bar at her hip height and began pulling it upwards. Poppy quickly cast her own muffling sound on the device as Sebastian scooted beside the Gryffindor and helped. Under both of their strength, the door gave out easily. The screeching was nothing more than a whisper thanks to Poppy’s quick thinking. 

“We need to be ready for a fight.” Sebastian said once the door was pressed completely open. Natty seemed unperturbed by his words while Garreth shrugged. 

“I’ve been itching for one.” The redhead commented before his gaze landed on Natsai. “I hate to admit it but Sal - Sebastian is probably the best duelist of the lot of us. You should take the front with him while Poppy and I support from a little ways back.” 

Sebastian made a noise of approval at his strangely intelligent observation, smirking despite the tense situation at the compliment. His gaze flicked to Poppy.

“You have any of those cabbages Josie keeps going on about?” Her eyes lit up and a smile spread widely across her face. Natty made a noise of understanding.

“Chinese Chomping Cabbages! Professor Garlick showed them to us in our first year, how in the world have you not learned what they’re called? Yes, I have some here.” Poppy explained, patting her robe pocket. Sebastian shrugged, looking more than a tad sheepish.

“I was distracted.” 

“I think we all were, mate.” Garreth added, his voice understanding.

“ Boys .” At Natsai’s sudden shift in demeanor, they all swiveled towards the far end of the hall, wands at the ready and tension strung taut. After a moment of silence, Sebastian could hear what Natty had clocked. The woman had amazing hearing, he noted as the distant sound of conversation bounced along the stone corridor. 

Even with ears strained and all other conversation silenced he could only make out a few words clearly. Enchantment. Potion. Poison. Sebastian’s brows shot into his hairline, eyes darting to his companions but finding that only Natty shared the same level of panic as he did. When their eyes met, she nodded solemnly before quietly moving down the corridor towards the intruder.

Sebastian followed suit soon trailed after by Poppy and Weasley as they traversed the long, narrow corridor leading to the Deathday party room. Although the space was familiar to him, Sebastian could not shake the icy chill that clung to the space. He didn’t remember feeling this way when he was a child, yet there was something that lingered in the hall like a thick miasma that coated his lungs and constricted his throat. It could have been as simple as fear itself, but Sebastian had delved too far into the unknown to be so easily crushed by such danger; no matter how oppressive it may be.

Jaw clenched, Sebastian twisted his wand hand and readied whatever incantation he felt necessary. No matter the cost.

As they approached the sounds of conversation grew louder, the baritone cadence of the speakers sounding foreign despite their distinct Brummie accents. 

“ - you buffoon. The child is here somewhere, she can’t have just disappeared . Give me that.” The first voice chastised, followed by the distinct clinking of something made of glass. “No, no, just… go watch the things. You’ll end up poisoning us at this rate.” 

Another voice grumbled but otherwise seemed to do as the first commanded. Natty leaned towards Sebastian, entering his personal space with far too much familiarity but he allowed it because of the circumstances.

“Goblins.” She whispered, her voice sure and a fire ablaze in her stare. Her gaze flicked over Sebastian's shoulder. From the tension in the air between them, he was certain the others had heard her summation. 

In response Garreth held up his hand before flashing the numbers one, three, and then five as he looked on questioningly. Sebastian shrugged before holding up two fingers. He was certain there were at least two goblins but there was most definitely something else that lurked in the chamber beyond. 

More strange noises rose from within the ballroom proper accompanied by the familiar drag of chain against stone as another goblin spoke, their voice higher pitched than the first. 

“That’s a good Zaru, or should I say, Wilhelm Baumgärtner?” They intonated quietly in almost a sweet, sing-song way before their voice trailed off into a cackle. Their baby talk was quickly followed by the heavy sound of flesh striking stone hard and an abrupt stop to the laughing. Sebastian and Poppy flinched at the sound, unsure of exactly what they heard happen.

“Will you stop playing with the amalgamation? It’s bad enough it couldn’t get into that damned snake chamber Godrin told us about. Last I need is you bumbling on with the thing like it’s some pet.” 

Merlin, Sebastian didn’t know which snake chamber he’d be less relieved to find out the goblins wanted into. It could have been paranoia but surely goblins would simply die before finding entry into the Scriptorium. They couldn’t cast wizarding magic which meant they couldn’t cast Crucio . Let them rot there, Sebastian decided, he’d gladly show them how to open it, just to let them starve in darkness. 

Poppy pressed into him, pulling Sebastian from his musings as she gently leaned into his arm, her eyes closed as she listened intently to the goblins bicker. 

Garreth pointed towards the chamber, wand outstretched and determination in his eyes. He wanted to fight, he wanted bloodshed much as Sebastian did. It was oddly comforting to know that maybe he wasn’t overreacting; they were trespassers and unwelcome intruders into their home. They didn’t deserve mercy. 

 Natty nodded at Garreth before turning her gaze on Poppy who’s soft features twisted into her own form of fiery determination. Sebastian exhaled a long breath before pressing forward with Natsai, crouching low and moving as quickly as they dared.

The Deathday party room was a scene from a nightmare. The group peered around barrels and boxes only to see a number of ghostly figures frozen in place, eyes wide in panic trained right where Sebastian and his companions hid. What manner of thing did it take to terrify a ghost?

Sebastian gulped, eyes cast further into the room to see a mess of equipment that he knew did not belong there. A long table rested at the far end of the room and on it was a number of metallic, almost mechanical, devices powered by a broiling hearth that lit the room in a foreign orange glow. Standing before it, his back to them was a goblin wearing closely fitting dark clothing. He busied himself with something in his hands, far too preoccupied to notice their arrival. Much closer, unfortunately, was another goblin wearing similar garb with the addition of a hood, their ears cut short as they peered upwards at a beast with no comparison. 

The creature - the amalgamation, as the first goblin had called it - was not invisible though Sebastian wished it had been. Hulking was right, with skin that dripped in a liquid dark and thick like pitch. Its arms were bound by a great, glowing chain that reached the floor. But what really caused Sebastian’s insides to flip was the humanness of its features. Like a transfiguration stuck between both forms, the amalgamation was distinctly born of both wizard and goblin with unnaturally long limbs and the face of what once was a man. Where the goblin qualities ended they ended in a forceful split, as though someone had gripped two sides of the creature and simply pulled as hard as they could until the wizard bits could show. Its humanness was most palpable in its long spindly hands and in its hazel eyes that stared directly at Sebastian in his hiding spot. 

Panicked and disgusted, Sebastian pulled Natty back but it was too late. The creature let out a strangled sound that called the attention of both goblins. Sebastian made eye contact with Poppy for only a split section before she pulled from her enchanted robe pocket something full of vines and thorns before tossing it into the open chamber. 

All hell broke loose. 

Natsai and Sebastian burst from their hiding places, spells cast long before they saw their targets. He’d seen Natty duel in Defense Against the Dark Arts before and knew that she was quick on her feet and a fast caster, so when she spun and flung a heavy barrel at the approaching goblin, Sebastian simply ducked as it flew overhead. 

Spells ricocheted off the stone walls as Poppy’s Venomous Tentacula spat corrosive material at their assailants as they began their approach. The first goblin flung himself at Sebastian wielding two blades and body morphing into a dark shifting of magic as he tried to split Sebastian in two. Diving out of the way and casting a counter-jinx for good measure, Sebastian quickly threw up a protego as one of the goblins’ daggers came hurling towards him. It clattered off his barrier before disappearing into inky smoke and reappearing in the goblins grasp as he rounded back on Sebastian. 

Behind the goblin, Sebastian watched as Natsai spun into a casting of what looked to be a particularly nasty hex that he hadn’t expected to grace her repertoire but there she was, conjuring small vines to grow around the limbs of the other goblin. The bound enemy snarled, their arms shifting unnaturally until they burned white hot and the vines fell away in burnt pieces. 

Eyes snapping forward, Sebastian moved to dodge but was cut off by another thrown dagger, realizing too late that the bladed goblin charged him. It’d been a distraction, Sebastian distantly realized, throwing up a wordless protego forgoing power in place of speed. He had just enough time to watch his barrier be shattered by the attack before Garreth interceded with an echoing depulso that send the goblin flinging backwards and away. 

Sparing the redhead a glance in place of thanks, Sebastian suddenly was slammed downwards. Groaning into stone, he moved before his mind had fully registered his pain. Something had struck him, he guessed, something heavy and massive like a building toppling over. Mind swimming, he rolled out of the way as another strike from the same weapon slammed against the ground where he’d once been. Forcing himself to stand, Sebastian watched with distant understanding as the amalgamation turned on him, its heavy chain dragging along the ground where he’d fallen as its human face twisted in agony.  

At the far end of the room, Poppy flung cabbages from her pocket, wand outstretched as she cast impedimenta , successfully jinxing the second goblin who was far more adept with goblin magic than the blade wielder. Her gaze found him amongst the fight, her lips pressed into a thin line as her stare bounced between him and the creature. 

Sebastian backed away, trying desperately to make sense of his thoughts as he stared at Poppy. He couldn’t form coherent thoughts let alone string together an incantation; all he could really think about was how hard he must have hit his head. He watched Garreth grab Poppy by the shoulder and roughly pull her out of the way as the goblin assassin lept at her, all Sebastian could feel was relief. Beside them Natty clung to her limp arm, wand held loosely in her grip as she levitated the assassin, giving their friends time to back off. 

Sebastian ran into something hard, feeling behind him he realized it was the goblins’ work table. His hand ran over a number of odd feeling instruments, some familiar enough while others feeling wholly of another world. Darkness and distortion augmented his vision and he suddenly wasn’t terribly sure if he was standing or not. He leaned into the table like a crutch as the monster approached him, its bounding gait more like a troll than either wizard or goblin. It raised its chain up and over its head just as Sebastian felt the familiar warmth of a cauldron. 

Someone screamed, he wasn’t sure who - a womans scream, he thought - as the chain came crashing down with incredible force. He stumbled sideways, pulling the cauldron and its contents with him as he fell. The chain slammed heavily against the table sending chunks of wood and debris flying in his wake. A number of spells slammed into the creature's back, doing nowhere near as much damage as the corrosive liquid did against its inky flesh. 

“No, you idiot! The prototype!” The assassin yelled from where he floated midair. “Don’t let it die!” 

The goblin spellcaster recovered from their disorientation before rounding themselves on the amalgamation and Sebastian. He could taste the metallic sheet of goblin magic as whatever magic they conjured began to take hold. He was beginning to lose his vision, his eyes trained on the creature as it writhed in the dark green liquid as though it were hellfire. 

Chain flailing wildly the creature reared its head back and screamed; the sound was wholly human but with the augmented sharpness of a Mandrake but that might have been because of his evident concussion. Sebastian aimed his wand at the creature, hating it, everything it stood for, and every one of its kind. 

He hated that it trespassed in his home, he hated the way it stalked their halls, and he bloody hated how hard it hit him.

Diffindo . He cast wordlessly, the first real spell he’d ever done so with. The magic leapt from his wand with far more ferocity than he thought he could have managed the old fashion way. “ Glacius. ” He whispered as the creature staggered, head tilting dumbly as the corrosive contents of the cauldron seeped into it and melded with whatever was hidden beneath. The amalgamation slowed but did not freeze as it stared at him wide-eyed and hungry. “ Gytrash vocare .” He enunciated through his teeth. The immense power of the spell took from him his breath and the last of his waning consciousness. There was a darkness hidden there, a simmering flame that hungered as his vision blurring just as streams of green light flowed from his wand.

Heavy lids blinking against his fatigue, Sebastian was vaguely aware of six spectral Gytrashes as they descended upon the creature. Their lupine bodies were lean like greyhounds but the viciousness of their teeth and claws were anything but domestic. In the corner of his vision he saw Garreth approach, hesitating at the sight of Sebastian’s summons before raising his wand at Sebastian’s crumpled form. 

He felt more than saw as Garreth cast accio on him, pulling him somewhat violently towards the Gryffindor just as the goblin assassin descended, blades out, on where Sebastian had been resting. Poppy’s voice called out, though Sebastian couldn’t understand a word of it, and then he heard her cast the most aggressive flipendo-descendo combo he’s ever heard her utter. He was absurdly proud of the Hufflepuff in his semi-conscious state.

“I am not a healer.” Sebastian heard Natty hiss as he was placed on the hard floor. The sounds of battle still rang through the chamber and Sebastian was unsure if it was Poppy taking on two goblins and a monster or simply the sounds of his summons ripping the amalgamation into shreds. 

“Seems like a real oversight in our party make up.” Garreth commented through gritted teeth as he slung spells. “Hang in there, one goblin’s already dead and that… thing is melting, I think.” 

Sebastian coughed, regretting the motion as it seemed to split his head in two. Natty cursed under her breath before throwing up a barrier. Attempting to sit up, he felt Garreth press him down. “Hang in there, mate. We got this.”

“Keep the bastard alive.” Sebatian managed, breath ragged and eyes unable to open. “Cut his legs off for all I care, but don’t let him die.” 

“Bloody hell, you don’t have to tell me twice.” Garreth mumbled, before shouting, “ Ligare corpus !”

Sebastian hadn’t learned a spell for binding a person magically and vaguely wondered where in the world the redhead found purpose for that sort of magic. Regardless, in that moment he cared terribly little for anything else other than the sluggish allure of sleep that strangled all other senses as it pulled him deep into unconsciousness.

***

Gytrash image

Chapter Text

Gunhilda de Gorsemoor

Josie blinked the bleariness from her eyes, pressing her face further into the quilt as she remembered where she slept. She breathed in deeply the scent of their shared bed, committing it to memory as her mind wandered to the events of the evening before. A warm sensation spread through her at the thought, a smile pressing into her cheek.

In the room beyond she heard the sound of a smoldering fire, one lit for hours on the verge of dwindling if not properly tended to. The room was warm and even through closed eyes she could feel the light of morning pulling her fully into consciousness. It wasn’t until her eyes opened that she became aware of the quiet muttering of her other half. Peering over her shoulder Josie realized Ominis was no longer in bed beside her, but rather sat, fully clothed for the day, on the sofa near the fireplace. 

Wand glowing slightly with a charm, Ominis’ head dipped downward, brow furrowed as he listened intently to his dictation spell. The journal laid in his lap, opened part way through the text. Although his focus seemed wholly on deciphering Ambrasta’s words, his head lifted at her stirring, unseeing eyes landing on where he knew she rested. 

With the silent wave of his wand the dictation stopped. “I’m sorry, did I wake you again?” He asked, tone light and apologetic. He carefully closed the journal, placing it on the coffee table near her satchel. Josie scooted her body so she could look at him properly, clinging to the added warmth of the blankets as she remembered that she’d slept nude. 

“No, I believe it was the sun.” She offered instead, her voice marred by sleep. She watched a small smile linger at the edges of his lips, the crease of his brow smoothing as he leaned back against the sofa. 

“It seems the storm passed some time last night.” He added, tone taking on a lilting curiosity. “With the way it was coming down, one would have thought we’d be in for a week's worth of downpour.” Josie pushed back loose strands of her hair, her gaze flicking to the shuttered window behind him.

“I imagine it was terribly loud for you. I think it woke me up a few times throughout the night.” Ominis shrugged, brows lifting at the slight motion as he moved to stand. She watched as he straightened the sleeve of his shirt, the glimmer of his cufflinks catching on the morning light in a way that made Josie’s cheeks warm at the memory of it all. 

“I like the sound.” He explained after a few moments his voice taking on an odd quality. Her brow quirked as she waited for him to elaborate and, for a moment, she was convinced he’d simply move on. After another few beats of consideration his shoulders loosened and his head tilted back in her direction. “Josie, there’s something I want you to know.” 

At the hesitation in his voice, Josie’s pulse quickened. She didn’t dare to speak, knowing fully well that if she did he’d hear her nerves plain as day. He quietly walked to her side of the bed, wand in hand but sensing spell unneeded for the short distance. She found herself sitting up against her pillows and headrest, quilt clinging to her chest less for modesty and more for comfort as he felt for the edge of the bed and seated himself there. 

“You don’t have to be so tense, love, it’s nothing you need to worry about.” He offered, eyes blinking as concern tinged the edges of his features. “It’s simply something about myself I’ve decided I want you to know.” Despite his reassuring tone she relaxed only partially as she watched him gently place his wand back on her bedside table. 

“I wanted to tell you a bit more… about my blindness.” He started, face inclined away as his hand lingered on the nightstand. “I was born without my sight as you’ve undoubtedly heard before. I’m not the first wizard to be born blind, but I was the first in quite a long time for my family. For them, it was a point of shame; an imperfection on what’s supposed to be an exemplary pureblood lineage.” 

Josie remained silent as she watched his head tilt towards her, his lidded gaze thoughtful as he spoke. She slowly reached between them, relinquishing her vice-like grip on the quilt to place her hand on his in quiet solidarity. He paused, chin dipping downwards.

“I attribute their hatred of my blindness as the foundation of my reluctance to be like them. They wanted me to hate myself and feel contempt for my apparent imperfection; if I could not be perfect, I would grovel to be accepted among them. I refused to hate myself in the ways that they hated me.” 

“Ominis,” Josie started quietly but as he shook his head she stopped. She struggled to reconcile his reserved resolution, opting instead to simply squeeze his hand.

“That’s not… there’s something I wanted you to know. Something I never shared with anyone openly, but I’d like to share it with you. It might not seem like much but it’s been my secret to keep and I, well,” Josie waited, her heart beating against her chest as he drew an even calming breath. “I can see dark shadows. It’s not much but it’s enough that I can sometimes…” 

Ominis paused, hesitantly pulling his hand from hers as he slowly lifted it. Josie watched with mouth slightly agape as he reached out and placed his hand atop her head with incredible accuracy without his wand. He absently threaded his fingers through her sleep-tangled hair as a small smile graced his lips. “There you are.” 

“That’s amazing.” She whispered, not knowing what else to say as heavy emotion weighed down on her heart. 

“It’s nothing too awe inspiring.” He amended, mouth quirking as his hand trailed along her cheek. “It doesn’t really change anything. Not really, but I wanted you to know. No one else knows; partially because I couldn’t be bothered to share something so personal, but also because they never had the gall to ask.”

“Not even Sebastian or Anne?” At that Ominis paused, his brows rising in slight surprise as he considered it.

“If they’d asked, I’d have told them.” He admitted, head tilting as his thumb dropped to caress the dip to her mouth, running along her cupid's bow. “But I wanted you to know.” 

He kissed her then, his mouth a warm reminder of what they were and what they now shared. She leaned into the kiss, her eyes pricking with emotion as he towered over her. Lips parting, she sighed into him as he languidly drew his mouth along hers. 

Quilt forgotten, she reached up and cupped his face in both her hands, pulling him gently until he pressed completely against her. She felt the scratchy yet fine fabric of his vest as it caressed the sensitive curves of her naked chest and, as his arm sought to hold her tightly against him, the cold metal of his cufflinks as they seared her warm skin in a way she would’ve never thought she’d love. 

Heat coiled deep within her in a sensation she felt all too familiar with where he was concerned; despite the ache that echoed between her legs she eagerly sought to deepen the kiss further, urgency on her tongue as he pressed bodily into her. 

He pulled away, breaking their kiss just long enough to flutter a trail of searing grazes along the juncture of her throat. “How’re you feeling?” He asked, his voice taking on an entirely different tone than before. She could hear his arousal in his voice, the quiet want that floated between them.

“Better now.” She replied. To her great pleasure he chuckled into her neck, the sensation sending gooseflesh the length of her body.

“I meant after last night. Are you in pain?” 

Josie’s eyes blinked open as his musings paused, his head tilting towards her face as his nose slid along the length of her jaw. Waiting. Her breath uneven, she frowned as she considered honesty versus desire. He pinned her in place with his stare and now that she knew the truth of his ability to find where her eyes should be, she wasn’t terribly surprised as he nearly held her gaze.

“It’s like… a deep ache.” She tried to explain, unsure of how else to describe the new feeling. He nodded, his nose running up her cheek. “I’m not sure if I’m in pain or not, it's unlike anything I’ve ever felt before.” She added, honestly. Despite her obvious disappointment, he smiled into the curve of her neck.

“I won’t apologize.” She scoffed at his nerve, her own smile snaking across her features. 

“I’d be terribly cross with you if you did.” She retorted, skin prickling as he huffed another laugh into her throat. 

“There’ll be more time for us to spend together like this, I don’t want to… make it worse before we enter the castle. We have no way of knowing what waits for us there.” He mumbled against her, the quiet apology evident. Regardless of his kind reasoning, Josie let out a slow sigh before seeking out his lips. He kissed her back sweetly before slowly untangling himself from her. 

“Promise?” She asked after a moment, knowing just as well as he did that there’d be no privacy within the castle. He grinned down at her as he took his wand in hand and stood. 

“Without a doubt.” She huffed a laugh, moving to follow him in search of her outerwear. They found it where she’d left it the evening before, folded along the curve of an elegant chair. Ominis stoked the fireplace, sending a warm wave of heat through the room as he packed away the journal and their other spare belongings before sliding on his own robes.

When they were both dressed and ready, Josie peered through the slats of the shuttered window in hopes to gleam the state of the streets below. From their high perch she could see the curved entrance of Ollivander’s; the doors still firmly locked in place as a number of goblins seemed to muse over it with renewed interest. It appeared that Ollivander was indeed just as skilled in charms and enchantments as most other residents of Hogsmeade. 

“We need to sneak past the goblins and find entry into Honeydukes.” Josie explained, eyes still cast outwards. She heard Ominis shift behind her, his footfalls stopping just behind her. “If I’m not mistaken, there’s a backdoor behind the shop near the alley. We might have better luck entering through there than the front door.”

“And the troll?” Ominis enunciated, his tone sounding almost bored though Josie knew that mannerism well enough to recognize his acute interest. Her gaze scoured the street but saw no evidence of the bumbling creature. 

“Not in sight. I’d almost want to wait and watch to see if he returns. Maybe they’ve placed him on some sort of watch?” Ominis hummed at the idea.

“Are they clever enough to follow that sort of directive? I’d wonder if it’s more likely the chap simply wandered off.” 

“Normally I’d agree with you.” She started, pulling back from the window to haul her satchel over her shoulder. “But considering it was under the influence of goblin metal, I’m not so sure.” 

“It’s up to you. Either way I’ll keep my ear to the ground.” Josie nodded before biting her lip and making her decision.

“I think we should leave now and keep an eye out. He’s bound to be hard to miss anyway.” Ominis nodded in agreement, aiming his wand towards the exit. They traveled down the steps to the ground floor of the Three Broomsticks, awareness spreading and they searched for any evidence of goblin invasion. Satisfied the establishment had remained untouched, Josie unlocked the front door and slipped outside. 

In the bright morning light she flinched as her and Ominis disillusioned themselves and quickly ducked out of sight. Luckily for them the goblins were too busy arguing at Ollivander’s entrance to have noticed them emerge from the concealed brick wall. Wand in hand and her partner close behind her, they hurried around the far end of the Three Broomsticks pausing only when they came to another group of goblins who sat out front of what once was a sweets trolley. They held something aloft as though it would just as likely catch them on fire as it would taste of mint and, with what she’d learned of wizarding candy, she couldn’t really place blame in their hesitancy. 

Using their focused conversation as a distraction, they hurried along the edge of the alley before darting across the street and into the cover between two buildings. Ominis was terribly quiet on his feet, his shoes barely so much as squeaking as he hurried after her. She distantly wondered if he’d ever thought of being an auror himself, he was most definitely clever enough and his skillset unique. Merlin, he’d even been able to cast a spell while racing on the back of a broom during a downpour. She tucked that thought for later as she suddenly felt the distinct rumble of massive footfalls approaching. 

Ominis simply pointed in the correct direction, his head tilted so he could listen. “It seems agitated.” He commented, his voice a whisper. Josie scrunched her face as she peered around the corner towards the creature. The troll stood, hunched in the center of the street, its hands digging into its face as a number of goblins corralled it. Standing off to the side was a decorated looking goblin, not quite so austere as Ranrok but holding himself with the same authority as he watched the scene unfold. She could hear their distant mumblings but couldn’t quite make out the details.

“They want the troll to break through the entrance of Ollivander’s but the creature isn’t complying.” Ominis suddenly explained, his face twisting unhappily as he inclined his head. Josie watched as the leader pointed aggressively before turning and heading in their direction. Josie quickly ducked along the stone wall, out of sight, “Godrin, is someone of importance here. They’re referring to him…” Ominis paused, his eyes darting in Josie’s general direction before his hand shot towards hers, grabbing her by the arm as he pressed them further into the alleyway. “They’re going to try and coax it into doing as they say by breaking into Honeydukes.”

At Ominis’ urgent tone, Josie made a noise of understanding before taking control and leading them in the direction of the sweets shop. They hurried, not bothering to be as quiet as they could in the wake of the tantruming troll. 

“This should be it.” Ominis called in a quiet voice. Josie was none surprised that he was correct, he relied on so much more than sight to traverse the world, it wasn’t a shock that he’d been able to follow their path through a place as familiar to him as Hogsmeade. 

Josie pulled them to the back entrance of Honeydukes, fiddling with the arcane lock for a moment before preparing a rather powerful version of alohomora . She fought against the lock, feeling as if it desperately didn’t want to give into her incantation. Approaching along the nearby street, she could hear the far more clear voices of the goblins. 

“We’ve gotten word from the southern encampment about a wizard and a witch who flew by broom in our direction.” A goblin stated, his voice gruff but strained. 

“Likely just those who were outside the barrier before the assault.” An authoritative voice replied, sounding none patient with his inferior. “Unimportant. While the amalgam searches for the girl in the castle, and the potion set, we’ll send the creature down to do its job.” there was a pause as the authoritative voice was called after, the other squeaky goblin voice sounding worried. 

"Godrin, sir!"

"If you bring up that bloody trolls' emotional state one more time you'll be what we use to pummel the front door open." Godrin snapped, his exasperation evident. "The witch can't work bloody fast enough - "

Just then the lock clicked open, the sound echoing through the alley. To her great dismay, the goblins stopped, the leader swiveling his head so his large ears twisted in their direction. 

Josie needed to make a split second decision, deciding with only a small amount of crawling dread to press open the door to Honeydukes and slip inside despite the alerted goblins. Ominis followed quickly after, his muted panic clear across his face as he shut the door behind them before turning towards it with his wand outstretched. 

“ Obice praesidium !” A spark of shimmering magic fell over the wooden door, hardening it in a sheen of powerful magic. With only a moment's respite, Josie and Ominis flinched at the sound of banging just beyond. Breath held and incantations at the ready, they watched on in heavy silence as the goblins thrashed against his magic. 

Ominis suddenly reached between them and tugged Josie along, his wand still pointed at the door as he ushered them away. She eyed him, never having heard that particular spell before; then again, Josie distantly thought as she shook out her nerves, there seemed to be plenty of spells he’d learned outside of his studies at Hogwarts. 

Josie hurried further into the shop, bounding down the steps to the display floor multiple at a time with Ominis close on her heels. It didn’t take her long to find the door she was searching for. In a quiet voice, she pointed it out, her words not carrying through the shop as he grew near. 

“Down here! Watch your step. Last I remember there were dozens of boxes left on the stairs.” She warned as she pressed open the door and hurried down the steps, leaving behind the angry sounds of banging. 

She’d been right to remind them, she surmised as she nearly toppled over a half dozen sweets boxes of all sorts of ridiculous sizes. Behind her, Ominis reached out to grab hold, steadying her almost at his own expense. The door to the cellar closed behind them, Josie heard as Ominis cast the same foreign incantation before guiding them both down the steps.

“That’s an awfully strong spell. Almost can’t believe it’s keeping them at bay.” She observed, glancing up at her partner in the darkness. She heard him grunt in agreement as they came to the flat stone of the basement.

“It only works on small entrances.” He explained, his voice slightly hesitant as Josie cast lumos . The illuminated space showed shelves and shelves of materials just as she remembered them. “Or at least, I can only manage it in smaller spaces. It can keep all manner of things out.” 

At the sad tinge to his voice Josie considered, not for the first time, the reality of Ominis’ upbringing. He didn’t like to speak to it, but Josie could read enough between the lines to see the extent a young Ominis had to go to in order to feel safe in his own home. 

She paused near the secret entrance, knowing he’d reject any kind words she had to offer; so instead she leaned against the nearby wall and breathed out a ragged sigh of relief. Ominis stopped beside her, his hand searching for her in the dark with astounding accuracy. She felt his cold fingers caress the curve of her cheek in silent question.

“I’m fine, just tired.” She offered before slowly righting herself. “Unfortunately, I think the girl they’re looking for is likely me.” Ominis made a noise of agreement, his hand lingers before dropping away.

“That thought had crossed my mind as well. I never would have expected Ranrok to attack the school while you were inside.”

“Like a siege.” Josie observed, frowning. “I know he hates our kind but this will likely call the attention of the Ministry for real this time. Before they’ve been slow to do anything but with something like this?” Josie simply shook her head in answer to her own question. Picking up on her implication, Ominis shifted his stance.

“But why would they want the Ministry here? Surely that’d make things all the more difficult for them.” To that Josie didn’t have an answer. It could be as simple as wanting to prove that they could break through the barrier but Josie had a sinking feeling that there was so much more to it all. 

Stepping away from the wall, Josie motioned with her lit wand at the hidden entrance. “If we pass through here, we’ll pass through an underground corridor that will bring us up towards the Grand Staircase in the castle.” 

“Seriously?” Her lip quirked at his incredulous tone.

“Well, I wouldn’t have staked all of this on chance. I’ve used it before. It’ll open up the One-Eyed-Witch statue.”

“The one of Gunhilda de Gorsemoor? How strange.” Ominis mumbled as Josie moved to open the entrance. She smirked to herself as he continued his musings whether or not he was certain she was following. “She’s the one who crafted a cure for the Dragon Pox. Absolutely astounding witch; she brewed the potions herself before traveling all of Britain to administer the cure to those on their deathbeds.”

Josie hadn’t heard of such a witch, wondering if she’d been the topic of Professor Binns' droning lectures or if it’d been in the curriculum during the years before her arrival at Hogwarts.  

They traveled the length of the corridor, winding around natural stone outcroppings and small pools of still water before coming to the lift she’d fixed on her first dalliance. As they called the lift, Josie’s eyes suddenly widened in realization.

“The barrier, did you feel us pass through it?” She asked hurriedly. Ominis inclined his head, brows furrowing as he thought. 

“No, nothing that was obvious. I assumed you’d say something if you saw it.” Josie bit her cheek as the lift came to a rattling stop before them. She pressed open the metal gate so that both her and Ominis could ascend.

She’d seen nothing, no glimmer of magic nor dark charm tinting its palette muted. She hadn’t even felt the shift of power she sometimes could feel when she passed through it on the way to Hogsmeade. There’d been no sign of it and Josie was left with the sinking reality of the castle and its defenses.

“Is it possible the barrier doesn’t reach underground?” She asked Ominis as the lift began winding its way up. His head inclined upwards as though to watch as they climbed up the stone shaft, his wand aimed and searching. After a few moments of nothing but his spell silently blinking dull red, he pressed his lips into a thin line and replied.

“If that were the case, they’ll be a point where we pass through the barrier from the bottom or simply not at all.” 

Josie considered the reality of the information they’d just discovered as the lift came to a creaking halt at the top. The tension snapped between them as Josie let out a long sigh before exiting the lift and moving towards the backend of the One-Eyed-Witch statue. 

“It’s good to know we can come and go without being stopped.” Josie mumbled, her voice not sounding happy by the discovery. 

“Along with everyone else.” Ominis agreed. 

With a wave of her wand, Josie opened the exit and quietly stepped through into the halls of Hogwarts. The statue allowed them through wordlessly, her crumpled form terribly deceiving for the great and kind witch she was in truth. 

Although it was still before noon and bright light shone through the stained glass of the halls, there wasn’t a single witch or wizard in sight. Josie frowned as the statue morphed back into place behind them, eyes scanning the patterns on the floor. There wasn’t a single cat prowling or lounging in the streams of sunlight. The Grand Staircase rested dormant as not a single soul traversed it.  

“Where is everyone?” Josie asked without hope for an answer. She thought of the warning Solomon Sallow and Fatimah Lawang had received concerning the castle. 

“It’s likely everyone has been confined to their common rooms while the danger is present.” Ominis offered, his own wand searching the area and noticing all that she saw. He suddenly paused, head tilting in the direction of the faculty tower. “Someone’s coming.” He quietly added before making himself translucent. Josie followed suit before tucking themselves around the statue of Gunhilda de Gorsemoor. 

A group of four Prefects descended the staircase from the faculty tower, walking down the long corridor in strangled silence. As they grew close Josie could see the stricken looks that crossed their features, ones who barely slept the night before yet who needed to be alert in case of danger. She empathized with the difficultness of their job as they passed by her and Ominis’ hiding spot.  

The continued past, two continuing up the Grand Staircase while the other two breaking off towards the Reception Hall. Josie hesitated, a frown marring her features as she watched their classmates move as though they were set to hang. 

“We need to find Sebastian.” She said finally once the Prefects were far out of sight. “He’ll be able to tell us more of what’s been going on.” They silently agreed to descend the Grand Staircase down to the Slytherin common room. In their journey they stopped three more times as they found themselves in the path of more Prefects and even Professor Ronen who walked the halls with an uncharacteristic dower expression. With Ominis’ impressive skills in stealth and Josie doing her best to follow suit, they managed to make it outside the Slytherin common room with no actual confrontation. 

Wasting no time, Ominis whispered the password sending the coiled snake hiding within the floor to bend upwards and slither aside to reveal the entrance. Wordlessly the opened the door and descended into the familiar chamber below. 

The Slytherin common room was loud . And for all that Josie immediately scrunched her face at the foreign sound, Ominis nearly stopped completely in his tracks. Stopping near the fountain at the bottom of the stairs, they looked out into a jam packed common space with dozens and dozens of students. 

Josie scoured the crowd in search for their friend, seeing far more first and second years than she could count. Many of the seventh years were Prefects and likely were roaming the halls as scared sentries. After a long few moments of not finding Sebastian, Josie leaned towards Ominis and whispered.

“Is it possible he’s in your dorm room?” Ominis agreed quietly.

“I’d doubt he’d enjoy being here . Follow me.” Ominis led them both along the outskirts of the crowd, the sour faces of their lowerclassmen too enthralled by their distracting conversations to notice two quiet bodies making their way to the boys dormitories. 

When they finally came to their shared seventh year dorm room, Josie was surprised to see it mostly empty. She searched for the cause, her eyes landing on one boy's bed along the far wall; mounds of face tissues piled in a small, personal trash can and empty vials of sleeping draught telling enough of a story as to why the others likely avoided this room like the plague. 

Ominis pulled Josie towards the opposite end of the room before casting a muffling spell on them and pulling one side of his emerald green privacy curtain closed. She watched the action, noting how he easily blocked them from view of the entrance if someone were to wander in. Dispelling their disillusionment Josie glanced around the remainder of the room that was visible. 

“Two of our bunkmates are Prefects.” Ominis explained after a moment, a frown creasing his face. 

“Sharp’s doing, I assume?” Josie asked despite herself. Sebastian had a notorious reputation among the Prefects and professors alike. Ominis rolled his eyes, the expression on his face more than enough to confirm her suspicions. “If Sebastian’s not here, I’m assuming he’s out wandering the halls?”

“Skulking, more like.” Ominis offered, a small smile pulling at his mouth. “He’d rather be in the Undercroft than a place like this. And I’d be inclined to agree.” Josie nodded, her mind wandering to the conversations her and Sebastian had over the years. Ominis preferred the Undercroft because of its isolated solitude but Sebastian? He’d go for moments of respite but she foresaw an adoration of amenities from her friend. 

“He’s probably in the Come and Go Room.” Josie amended, seating herself on the edge of Ominis’ bed. “Remember that I asked him to watch over the egg? It’s entirely possible he was already in there when the lockdown started.” He blinked.

“Oh, quite right.” Ominis paced the length of his bed, glancing around the dark privacy curtain with his wand before returning to stand before her. She stared up at him, brow quirked as he seemed to consider her in silence. “It has only just struck me that you should wear your gloves, if you feel so inclined.” 

Josie glanced down at her hand, the dark ring wrapped around her finger glistening with their proximity. Although it felt natural and she held no embarrassment for what it represented, she agreed that it’d be an unnecessary distraction. Its striking design would easily draw the eye of anyone who knew she didn’t typically wear jewelry and who thought for more than two seconds about its purposeful placement. If Anne had noticed it after only a short hour of seeing them, surely others would as well.

“I have my riding gloves in my bag.” Josie commented, shifting her satchel onto Ominis’ bed. She rummaged around, pushing aside a number of potions and their night clothes before pulling out a pair of dark gloves. She began pulling them on but stopped as Ominis reached out and gently took her ringed hand.

Josie glanced up at him with a question on her lips as he quietly ran his thumb over the shape of the ring as though it were something to be missed. The movement was gentle and it was then that she realized he’d never donned his own gloves when they dressed at the Three Broomsticks. His thumb encircled the pearl eliciting a gentle glow and the all too familiar thrum that she could only describe as the magical tether between them. She smiled sadly, the forlorn look that flickered in his gaze not unnoticed. 

“For now.” She murmured, eyes crinkling as his face contorted in astonishment before his chin jerked in stuttered movement. He looked desperately like he wished to say something but the words wouldn’t quite form. Instead of watching him suffer, she stood, gently pushing him back a few steps as she took up her satchel again and pulled her gloves on tightly. “Come on, let’s go find Sebastian. Merlin knows what he’s gotten himself into.”

Chapter Text

 Dark Omen

As though summoned by their return to the castle, there was a foreboding change within the walls of Hogwarts. As eerie as it was to travel the corridors when tensions were high, it was an entirely different beast in the wake whatever had caused the strained atmosphere of a castle set in motion. Ominis had surmised that the Prefects and professors had communicated some change in protocol; there were whispers in the halls that weren’t there before, ones that only Ominis could hear as Josie fought to keep herself silent and unseen. Whispers of an intruder and the impending arrival of the Ministry.

With nerves frayed at the idea of being caught so close to then end, the most trepidatious part was the sheer level of arcane abilities their professors commanded. They stalked the halls with fierce agency, wands at the ready and incantations to search dark corners and hidden forms shimmering through the corridors as Ominis and Josie shrunk against the walls in hopes to hide from their intense gaze. 

When Josie finally pushed open the secret passage leading into the Room of Requirement, she nearly collapsed against the wall from the exertion. She shook out her tension with a heavy, exasperated breath as Ominis shut the door behind them. Eyes roving the space, her expression contorted at the unfamiliar layout; where once was her large circular room with high ceilings leading to the multiple vivariums now was something far more grounded and foreign. 

Josie placed her hand on Ominis’ shoulder to still him as her gaze flickered from face to face of the two familiar students before them. Eyes comically wide, Garreth Weasley stood with tense shoulders and gibbering jaw behind a worn sofa, knuckles almost white as his gaze darted between her and Ominis. His usually well coiffed red hair was a mess atop his head as though he’d flown for hours on a broom and simply wrestled his fingers through his locks to tame it. But what was most obvious was the cut along his bottom lip, slightly purple and raised against cream freckled skin. His wide eyes dropped to the other inhabitant, looking to her as though to confirm if Josie was in fact actually there. 

Natsai Onai sat on one of the couches at the center of the room and watched them with a distant expression, her kind eyes narrowed under furrowed brow as she registered their arrival. Josie scoured her form for injury in the wake of Garreth’s bruise but found nothing more than her robes tattered and frayed around her sleeves and lapel that spoke volumes to whatever had occurred between them. Suddenly her expression shifted to a weary excitement at their unexpected return; her scowl slowly raised to a strained smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she stood.

“Josephine?” She greeted, sounding unsure of herself as Josie took her first few steps into the room. Ominis followed at her hip, his wand sweeping the space with just as much surprise as she felt. Natty and Garreth shared a look of relief that didn’t seem to ease their shared tension. 

“Natty. Garreth,” Josie managed, her brows pulled in worry at their state and grave disposition. “What happened? Are you alright?” 

Natty beckoned her deeper into the space, encouraging her to join them. Josie did so as Ominis remained back. She was distantly aware of his discomfort as he searched the space. “We have… much to discuss.” Natty said in the form of an answer as her gaze followed Ominis and his movement around the furniture, mapping the room as Josie had seen him do many times before.

At her distraction Josie took in the space for herself, noting the aged and well-loved design of the walls and furniture. The Room of Requirement had taken on the appearance of a cottage, multiple stories high from what Josie could tell thanks to the narrow stairwell behind Garreth. Walls of plaster and crawling vines, it appeared something straight out of the Hufflepuff common room but there was something less refined about; this was someones’ home, with a private collection of unmatching furniture and hanging paintings far more personal than she’d ever seen in Hogwarts before.  

Natty closed the distance between herself and her friend, gently taking Josie’s arm before guiding her towards the dual sofas at the center of the sitting room, a space used to receive guests away from the more personal chambers of a home. “Ominis… it’s good to see you, too. Garreth, go and see if you can fetch Poppy.” Natty requested evenly, although Josie could hear the strain that made its way into her voice.

“You’ve all been busy.” Josie managed, brow crunching as Garreth inched out of the room through a wooden door on their left; she craned her head to see what lay beyond but saw very little past his gangly limbs and mess of hair. Josie allowed Natty to guide her to one of the couches as Ominis came to stand by the rightmost wooden door. Natty watched him wearily, her lips pressing into a thin line but otherwise not commenting. He frowned, his wand trailing the door as though he could see what lay beyond and did not like its contents.

“From the sounds of it, so have you.” Natty retorted lightly. It was an easy deflection but one that made Josie feel self conscious. She’d momentarily forgotten the point of their journey away from Hogwarts, her face reddening as all she could think of was the new secrets her and Ominis shared. She laughed awkwardly, not entirely sure where all of her composure had gone. Natty blinked at her in surprise, head tilting as she crossed her hands in her lap primly.  

“Sorry, it’s been a long few days.” Josie said, waving off her friends' concerned glance, feeling much too warm and uncomfortable at what was supposed to be small talk. “Especially after hearing that Hogwarts had gone into lockdown.”

“Yes, Poppy had mentioned that you and Ominis had a mission of sorts you needed to take care of off campus.” Josie didn’t like the edge to Natsai’s voice, sounding much as though she struggled to maintain a sense of normality that walked the line of dishonesty. It was very unlike her and sounded very much as though Josie was floating in the limbo of an ill-planned distraction. Before Josie could question her friend, the leftmost door swung open to reveal Poppy. 

Sweet Poppy with wide hazel eyes that looked stricken with emotion, hurried into the sitting room, leaving Garreth behind as she rushed to Josie’s side. “Josie?” At the sound of her name from her dear friend, Josie smiled despite her growing concern as Garreth averted his gaze. “Oh thank Merlin you made it back! Sebastian seemed to think you’d only be gone yesterday but, with everything that happened, I was worried you’d been… I don’t know, captured?”  

Josie accepted her hug, clinging to her affectionate friend as her eyes strayed to Garreth. He lingered in the leftmost doorway, his gaze flitting backwards as though deciding where he belonged.

“Is everything alright?” Josie asked finally. She felt Poppy tense in their embrace as Ominis paused his exploration to turn his sensing charm on the Gryffindor wizard. Garreth paused, gaze darting to Natty before he relented. 

“Sebastian’s injured. I brewed a few potions to help with the pain and the head injury but…” He hesitated, gaze dropping, unable to maintain eye contact with anyone in the room. “He’s not waking up. I don’t know any healing spells, so I can’t do much else.”

“You’ve done quite a lot.” Poppy murmured gently as she moved from Josie and approached him again. Josie felt a burst of panic bloom through her and she fought the urge to search for Sebastian then and there. Inhaling a quick breath she glanced over her friends and clocked their ragged expressions and tired body language. Poppy especially looked as though she hadn’t slept, worry creasing her otherwise kind demeanor. Natty stared at him with a severe expression, lips pressed into a thin line despite her attempts at normality while Garreth looked as though someone had blown all the wind from his sails. 

“Where is he?” Ominis asked, crossing the room with only a few long strides, moving towards Garreth as his expression twisted in annoyance. His voice held all the frustration and anxiety Josie felt but without the softness familiarity offered. “What the hell happened that he’s unconscious ?” Natty suddenly stood, hands outstretched in a placating manner.

“Please, Ominis. There’s no need for that.” She quipped, her exhaustion destroying her attempts at level-headed conversation. Josie stood and moved to Garreth, knowing that Sebastian was behind him by the way his hand gripped the door at Ominis’ outburst. Josie stilled herself, breathing out a shaky breath as she gave him a lingering glance. He slowly moved out of her way. 

“Go and find a place to rest, you all look dead on your feet. But… stay here, the professors are out in force right now and you’ll likely get caught with how exhausted everyone looks.” Josie said, her words edged in frustration and worry as she tried to be the voice of reason. She heard Ominis approach, coming to her side in an instant as he came to the same conclusion on Sebastian’s whereabouts. He placed a sturdy hand on her shoulder as he wordlessly pressed between her and Garreth, his face pale and his lips twisted into a scowl. 

Poppy looked as though she was going to deny it just as there was a magical shift in the house above them. All eyes bar Ominis’ darted upwards, seeing nothing but a high wooden ceiling as the room shifted magically beyond their vision. Josie huffed in disbelief despite the situation. 

“Go on, I’ll grab everyone in an hour.” Josie encouraged, watching as Poppy and Garreth exchanged tense glances while Natty sighed.

“Even the room requests it.” Natty observed in a quiet voice, her eyes saying give them space as she looked towards Poppy and Garreth. She swiveled, nodding towards her companions. “We’re no help to anyone like this. We should rest while we have the chance.” Poppy seemed to want to say more, but instead simply shot Josie a remorseful look before tugging Garreth upstairs alongside Natsai. 

Hearing their footsteps echo up the old staircase, Josie pressed into the leftern room in search of Ominis and Sebastian. The space she found beyond was a family room, the sort that was meant to be less formal and more intimate with unmatching furniture, worn and beloved with evidence of hand stitching and stuffing many times redone. An open threshold arched on one wall leading into a kitchen, deeper inside Josie could see the bubbling cauldrons that undoubtedly belonged to Garreth. Within the room, Ominis leaned over the resting form of Sebastian who laid with eyes closed and a slowly rising chest on a long blue couch.  

His face was marred with an aggressive looking bruise, no longer swollen and luckily in the late stages of healing; Josie swallowed heavily, not sure if she could have handled seeing it in its worsened state. His brows were pinched as though he dreamed of an argument and there was a tremor to his hands as though he shook with fear. Josie felt her own hands shake, clasping them together as she averted her gaze to allow herself a moment to regain her composure. 

Turning her back to them and squeezing her eyes shut she could hear the quiet murmuring of Ominis as he incanted. A diagnostic spell, Josie assumed, swallowing heavily as she searched for the power within to join him; to support him as he sought to help their closest friend. 

Josie turned back and moved to Ominis’ side, her gaze hesitantly looking over his form in search of other trauma or injury. Hands resting on his stomach, they twitched at something in his sleep but he had two arms and two legs with all the pieces in between where they should be. Letting out an emotion filled breath, Josie lowered herself to kneel beside him and ran her hand over his wrist before pulling off her gloves to press the back of her palm to his forehead. No fever.

Feeling as though she’d begun to properly pull herself together, Josie recognized the care that had been offered to him; his hair was pressed gently out of his face in a way that mimicked how he preferred it, his shoes and vest were discarded along the other sofa to offer comfort, and it appeared as though his hands and face had been washed of some dark material not unlike a thick soot.

Ominis let out a stuttered breath, sounding just as stricken as Josie did. She tilted her head up at him and swallowed heavily at the fear she saw there. She stood, not daring to touch him as he cast his spell, though she knew he was aware of her presence and hoped she could be a pillar of solidarity alongside him as he finished his incantations. She knew better than to interrupt something as complex as healing magic. 

Not for the first time since she’s known him, Josie ruminated on the myriad of reasons he was so adept in healing magic, all of which made her heart cinch. It could have easily been because of the already morose atmosphere or maybe just the emotional whiplash she’d felt in the last few days, but Josie felt tears prick her eyes.

“He had a concussion.” Ominis commented after a few moments more of silence, his tone lifting slightly with subtle relief. He tilted his head towards her, his chin dipping as his scowl faltered at the sound of her quiet sniffle. She exhaled heavily, the sound wet and uneven with emotion at the relief in his voice. 

“Had?” Josie asked, reaching down with a slightly shaky hand to Sebastian and brushing off black ink that had stained the back of his hand. Her brows furrowed when it didn’t wipe away as easily as she’d hoped.

“Whatever Weasley did seemed to work. He likely just needs some time to rest.” Letting out another heavy sigh of relief, Josie clenched her hands into fists. 

“Thank Merlin for that. Is there anything you can do in the meantime?” She asked, turning towards him in time to see him blink at the ease of tension, his own eyes glassy as he sightlessly stared down at his best friend. She reached between them, taking his hand in hers as they both trembled from the disquiet. What would they have done if they’d slowly lost Sebastian too? 

Ominis gripped her hand in his with fervor, jaw tight as he let out a slow breath. “Maybe, yes. I… don’t know if it’ll help but it’s worth a try.” He answered, his voice low. They stood like that for a few silent moments before Ominis wordlessly slipped his hand from hers and cast a healing spell over Sebastian’s sleeping form. 

For two and a half hours they waited. Josie and Ominis resting in the family room in the loveseat perpendicular to Sebastian while the others stayed upstairs. Josie felt no guilt in her decision to let them continue to sleep, thinking it’d do everyone well to rest in solitude for as long as possible. Not to mention neither she nor Ominis were in the mood to discuss what had happened; or at least, Josie knew that if they breached that subject too soon, Ominis would likely say something he’d come to later regret. 

Josie checked on Garreth’s brews, standing in the surprisingly large L-shaped kitchen and peering over the three bubbling cauldrons. She was rather impressed by his implied breadth of knowledge and not entirely surprised at his obviously refined techniques and overall organized approach to his work station. He brewed a few draughts for pain, the sort that dulled the senses but would take away the majority of ache any moderate injury would inflict as well as another dosage of the concussion cure. She recognized the anti-swelling agents as well as the familiar twist of thestral hair. She paused, lifting the material she’d sold him just the day before for some half-baked scheme now dwindled to a single remaining thread the rest used to heal her friend. 

“Where in the bloody hell am I?” Josie swiveled at the sound of their friends' voices groggy from unconsciousness, nearly dropping the thestrals hair into the potion. She scrambled to catch it and return the ingredient to the counter before hurrying out of the kitchen just in time to watch as Sebastian pushed up on one elbow, his free hand scratching his head as he flinched. She smiled broadly at the familiar sight as he grumbled at his surroundings. Ominis was at his side in an instant, nearly leaping from his chair. “Merlin, why is my head pounding?”  

Josie hadn’t cared about the potential damage she could do as she threw herself onto her friend, squeezing him into a hug until he released a muffled oof . 

“You dolt!” She nearly yelled through her grin, not quite meaning the sentiment as she let out a breathy laugh, her emotion returning in full force. “Gave us both a right scare.” On cue Josie felt Ominis press himself around them, hugging them both together as Sebastian awkwardly lounged in limbo waiting for his friends to decide to release him. 

She heard him mumble something into her shoulder, completely unintelligible in his current position. She shifted herself so his mouth was free, leaning away to give him space to speak but hesitated at his utterly annoyed expression.

“Thank Merlin, you let me breathe. Was about to be strangled by my best mates, not exactly the way I expected to go.” Josie huffed a laugh before releasing him entirely, taking Ominis with her. The two separated as Sebastian moved to sit up completely, rubbing his eyes before aggressively massaging his head. “Feels like a billywig is bumbling around in there.” 

“Garreth’s brewing you a potion for the pain, it should be ready relatively soon.” Josie offered, rubbing the wetness from her eyes. At the mention of their Gryffindor friend, Sebastian’s face twisted in recognition and suddenly he was staring wide-eyed at Josie.

“Where are they, is everyone alright?” He asked hurriedly, concern evident in his voice as his brows suddenly furrowed. 

“They're alright.” Ominis replied, gaining Sebastian's attention. “They’re resting upstairs at Josie’s behest. It appears Weasley was able to brew some rather potent potions that worked wonders. You were lucky.” 

“They were worried about you.” Josie added, gaze softening as Sebastian glanced away, jaw setting in frustration. He’d never enjoyed people worrying about him. He suddenly shook his head and moved to stand; Josie reached out to help him, but stopped herself as he gently swatted her away.  

“I was careless. I hadn’t expected that… thing.” Deep cut frown lines marred Ominis’ face, his expression grave as he motioned towards Josie; it was a gentle movement that brushed her robe sleeve to garner her attention.

“It might be wise to gather the others, they’ll want to know he’s awake.” Ominis paused, head tilting towards their friend before adding. “I think we all have much to discuss but it can all wait if you’d rather rest some more.” Sebastian stared after Ominis, his gaze lingering where they'd connected, albeit momentarily. His jaw tensed and his expression pulled as he recalled a forgotten detail.

“The library! Did you find it?” Sebastian inquired suddenly, his voice pained as though he tried to temper the pain his excitement brought. Josie, who had moved to the door, paused as her gaze drifted between the two men. 

“Yes, we did… but not without consequence.” Ominis replied in a hushed voice. “I presume not to speak of this in front of the others.”

“Then let's do so now.” Sebastian quipped, his headache likely taking its toll on him. Josie’s gaze dropped, her own frown forming at his pain induced frustration. There was no putting it off, not when Sebastian set his mind to something. Josie lifted her chin and met his gaze. “Come on then, you can’t leave a chap wondering forever, I’ll implode if you make me wait.” He added a tad more lightly, his gaze lingering on her.

“So impatient.” Josie mumbled at his irritated expression that softened as he felt a harsh looking wave of pain; she thought he looked rather like a puppy instead of a snake at that moment. Eyes glancing towards Ominis she recognized the way his face shifted minutely, likely agreeing that now would be more ideal than later. “Alright then, but only if you drink something and have a snack.”

“Sure, mum, thanks. I’d love some biscuits.” Sebastian mumbled to himself, eyes rolling as Josie moved towards the kitchen. She paused, swatting at him lightly as a grin spread across his face. “ Ow , hey! I’m an injured man!” 

Ominis smirked, pushing their friend until he sat unceremoniously on the long sofa. Josie moved into the kitchen, ignoring their familiar bickering as she searched for something for them to drink. Rounding the corner of the L-shaped space she came to an open pantry with a number of ingredients for cooking, including some tea bags of English Breakfast tea. It’d do the job nicely along with the pristine pack of digestives she found. 

Waving her wand, Josie summoned a teapot from its hiding place within a nearby cabinet and filled it with water. The set was sunflower yellow with sweet hummingbirds around the rim and brought a renewed smile to her face. With the help of magic, the process of brewing tea took only moments as she coaxed enough cups for the three of them onto a tray and set the biscuits out in a pretty semicircle like her own mum used to do. 

Josie paused as the loose tea leaves mingled with the boiling water in the teapot as she realized with a wave of subtle embarrassment that she was acting like her mum. Merlin. 

Ignoring the heat that warmed her face, Josie levitated the tray into the family room ahead of herself. She watched as Sebastian greedily took up a few biscuits before the tray settled on the table, Ominis waited patiently raising a brow in slight indignation before picking up a single biscuit for himself and taking a respectful bite. 

“Right, after you.” Josie said as she moved to join them, her eyes landing on Ominis. “It was all your plan to start with.” Ominis nodded, his head inclining towards Sebastian as he finished the biscuit and waited for the enchanted teapot to serve him a cup. 

“The artifact worked… relatively well.” Ominis started, taking up his tea cup and taking a sip. Josie watched for the small rise of tension in the cord of his throat as he steadied himself. For what it was worth, where Sebastian would normally interject immediately he simply sat and waited, chewing on his digestives with a curious glance between her and Ominis. “When we entered the Lyceum I began to feel strange. Only afterwards did I realize I’d been put under some sort of possession charm.”

“You? Bloody hell, why would the library target you?” Sebastian blurted out, swallowing as his face contorted in confusion. “If anything it’s supposed to lay out the red carpet for you, right? Why in the world would it mess with a Gaunt?” 

Ominis didn’t reply, head tilted away as his mind traveled to some distant thought. Josie and Sebastian shared concerned glances as Ominis gripped his cup tightly, his lips pressed into a thin line. After a long bout of silence, he waved his wand in the direction of the tea set, summoning the teapot to refill his cup though it was only partially empty.

Josie didn’t like the look on his face, twisted in hesitancy from whatever thought he held within the privacy of his mind. She wanted to soothe what ailed him, but Josie couldn’t deny her own curiosity at the development. Now that she’d been given the opportunity to consider it a greater length, she agreed it was odd. She expected outward hostility to be aimed at her, but Ominis was from a prestigious pureblood family; spaces like the Lyceum were born for people like him to enjoy as they saw fit. 

Ominis brought the cup to his lips, blowing lightly before finally answering the question in a quiet voice. “It’s because the Lyceum knows that I’m a blood traitor.” 

Josie had heard the term before but didn’t fully grasp its meaning. She looked to Sebastian when Ominis didn’t elaborate and watched as quiet understanding filled his eyes. There was a tenderness in the way he leaned back and watched his friend as he began to pace with rigid spine at the admission. It was a loaded phrase, Josie surmised.

“We both know that’s a good thing.” Sebastian offered, his eyes silently meeting Josie’s. At her questioning glance, his mouth pressed upwards into a cheerless half-smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “We both are. It’s what they call purebloods who… sympathize with muggleborns.”

“Or marry them.” Ominis added, bringing his cup to his lips finally as he came to a stop. His eyes slid shut at the act. Josie’s eyes widened as she stared up at Ominis, finally understanding the extent of their mistake. By doing the ritual by its half, it left an opening for the library to see them for what they were: a muggleborn and her sympathizer. Based on what he’d mentioned before, Josie wondered if they’d done the ritual to its completion if the Lyceum would have truly been fooled at all. 

“Yeah, that too.” Sebastian agreed, eyes downcast as he frowned. “It’s worse for him, there’s an added expectation for families like the Gaunts but it’s especially troubling that the library knew so quickly. So you were possessed because the artifact only partially worked, but you managed to get what you went for?” Ominis’ eyes opened, his head inclining towards the two of them.

“Josie was attacked by the Lyceum while I was under the charm, it almost killed her.” There was a flatness to his voice, something almost clinical that was edged in guilt. “She managed to get the journal despite it and I managed to pull us somewhere safe before her injuries became permanent.” 

“Merlin, Ominis.” Sebastian whispered, head falling into his hands. Josie sat awkwardly between the two of them; Ominis glaring a hole in the threadbare rug and Sebastian massaging his frustration from his temples.

“I’m alright.” She offered after a few moments, gingerly taking up her own cup of tea as though to prove that she wasn’t shattered into bits. “Ominis managed to get us both out of there and I managed to get the book.” 

“Is that why you didn’t come back yesterday?” Sebastian suddenly asked, his sudden aggression turning on Josie. She paused, taken aback by the annoyance that set through his shoulders and jaw. She hadn’t expected him to be that upset but under close inspection she could see the underlying truth. The same frustration she felt when she’d learned of his injury was mirrored in him. She opened her mouth to explain but found that she couldn’t think of a way to phrase it. Instead she simply nodded, averting her gaze as she drank from her cup.

“I’m feeling much better now.” She murmured instead. Josie dared not to look at either man, not certain she could handle the added feeling of her heart dropping like lead. “You should show him the journal, Ominis.” 

Ominis reached into the breast pocket of his robe to retrieve the journal, hesitating only to set down his cup of half finished tea. Sebastian glanced wearily at the book, almost as though he couldn’t believe something so small and unassuming could have caused such difficulties. 

“Ambrasta’s journal.” Ominis introduced, holding the book aloft in Sebastian's general direction. “It’s quill written entirely in Latin and my dictation charm can’t make heads or tales of her writing style.” Sebastian gingerly took it, pressing it between his two hands with a resigned expression. After a moment he opened it, eyes scanning the words in silence before his gaze lifted. 

“I can see why.” At Ominis’ curiously raised brow, Sebastian shrugged into his frown and drew his finger along the first line of the text. “ Within the graces of both things living and dead, we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that darkness begets light. All else matters not as the fulfillment, purity, and betterment of our ilk pushes all else to the periphery. Here I settle on the one truth our antediluvians nurtured beyond debate: for us to prevail all others must fall and become subservient to our will. I know not what steps are needed for such an endeavor, but I know that nothing shall stop my thirst for knowledge where it matters more than all else. ”  

Josie stared at Sebastian, her shock plain as day across her features as she froze reaching for a biscuit. Ominis grimaced but seemed unsurprised. 

“That’s my fathers’ godmother, alright.” He mumbled dryly. 

“Merlin, and you’re certain this isn’t dark magic?” Sebastian asked in disbelief. Handling the book with a renewed tenderness as he investigated the spine and hard outer cover.

“There’s a difference between dark magic and unhidden racism and bigotry.” Ominis retorted lightly. “The point is that Josie can’t read Latin fluently and my dictation spell struggles with her prose. We thought it best for you to be in charge of finding the section we need.” 

“And when will I know when I’ve found what I’m looking for?” Sebastian asked, his tone still unsure as he decidedly shut the journal and settled it against his knee. 

“When she discusses her findings concerning the curing of curses.” Ominis instructed with ease. Sebastian nodded at that, his grip on the spine tightening. 

“Yes, alright. I’ll give it a go once we’re properly away from the others. I don’t particularly feel ready to share with them what we’ve done to try and save Anne.” There was an edge to Sebastian’s voice that caused both Ominis and Josie to make similarly bleak expressions. “Anything else?” 

At that Josie paused, her gaze sliding to Ominis as he quirked his head, his gaze narrowing at Sebastian as though considering something. Josie wondered with no small amount of bashful panic what, exactly, Ominis would feel inclined to share with their best friend. 

“We Apparated back to Feldcroft earlier yesterday. Anne was worried about you and sent her well wishes.” Sebastian nodded slowly, his mouth quirking upwards at the mention of his twin.

“That’s all then?”

“Your sister’s concern isn’t enough? Were you hoping for more?” Ominis pressed, his brow rising in challenge. Josie glanced between the two men, her breath caught in her throat as she grew more and more uncomfortable. Sebastian deadpanned at Ominis despite the fact that the latter couldn’t actually see the expression. 

“How’s she doing?” Sebastian asked after a few moments, his stubborn countenance melting into a relenting exhaustion. Ominis’ tense shoulders loosened. 

“Well, all things considered. She was very lively; she even managed to push us both around while we were there. We tried to be civil with your uncle but we had a bit of a spat concerning whether or not he’d let us leave.” Ominis explained, expression distant as he stood ramrod straight. Sebastian clocked the tension, brows furrowing before his gaze slid to meet Josie’s. She tried not to look too guilty, her memory of Anne discovering their half-engagement at the very front of her mind despite Ominis specifically not mentioning it. It was difficult, Josie realized, lying to Sebastian when he looked so ghostly pale and slightly bruised from some terrifying fight. 

“I wish circumstances were different, Anne seemed really happy to see us once we got past the initial panic. It would’ve been nice to visit for longer.” Josie admitted in lieu of voicing her guilt. Sebastian’s expression softened as he inclined his head in a subtle nod. 

“Yeah, she loves you quite a lot. It’s… nice knowing that when we figure this all out she’ll fit right back in where she’s supposed to be.” Josie glanced towards Ominis at Sebastian’s words, slightly surprised to hear their friend's admission. Ominis, whose wand was poised at her, simply nodded, his brow cocked.

“She does and she will.” Ominis added, pulling Sebastian’s attention as his voice directed towards her. “Anne’s always been very particular about who she spends time with. I’m glad she’s also fond of you.” 

Josie grinned, enjoying the praise as her gaze slid back to Sebastian. Her grin faltered slightly as she saw his eyes narrow and lip quirk upwards as he leaned back against the sofa, his eyes roving over Ominis.

“Oh, yeah?” He hummed, his jaw lazily drooping into the last syllable. Ominis tilted his head at the sound, his brow twitching in response but held his tongue at the obvious jab. Josie glanced away, unsure exactly what she was meant to do with herself. Instead she set down her tea cup and quietly moved to the exit. Gripping the doorknob, she pulled it open. 

“I’m going to wake the others, they were terribly worried about you.” Josie cut through whatever silent back-and-forth they were having, her voice filling the awkward lull in conversation. Sebastian flicked his gaze towards her before nodding. 

“How was Natsai’s arm?” Josie blinked in surprise.

“I… didn’t notice anything, was she also injured?” Sebastian nodded, head leaning back against the sofa as though its weight was suddenly too much.

“I’m not sure how but it looked like she couldn’t use it properly after the fight.” Josie glanced past Ominis into the kitchen, recalling the second cauldron for pain relief. “But if you didn’t notice anything, that’s good at least.”

It was a sweet gesture, Josie thought, that he remembered to ask after her even though he was far more injured. “Garreth took care of her, so no need to fret. Right, I’ll be back.” 

Josie hurried up the stairs to the first floor. A long narrow hall spanning to her left and right was lined in a number of doors only one of which was ajar. Padding over to it, she peered in to see a full toilet, porcelain tub and all. With less hesitancy she moved from door to door in search of her companions. 

She found them, Poppy and Natsai sprawled on a large double bed, their robes hung on hooks on the far wall. Out like a light, Josie came all the way to the foot of the bed before Natty stirred. 

“Sebastian’s awake.” Josie said in lieu of a greeting. It took a moment for her Gryffindor friend to fully register what she’d said before her eyes blinked rapidly and a toothy smile spread. Reaching over to their sleeping friend, Natty shook Poppy until she popped up. 

“Poppy, he’s awake!” 

“Oh, that’s fantastic!” Poppy exclaimed, fighting through the heaviness of deep sleep before slipping off the side of the bed. “Merlin, I was worried.” She mumbled to no one in particular as she toed on her shoes and patted down her hair. Natty stood as well, stretching before flicking her gaze to the wall clock.

“An hour, hmm?” She accused, shooting Josie a raised brow her tone testing for the strained frustration that had overtaken both Josie and Ominis before. In response Josie simply shrugged, eyes darting to her arms and noting that the Gryffindor seemed to have her full range of motion.

“It seemed better to let you all rest while he came to.” Josie explained with no remorse for her decision. “I’ll grab Garreth, you two head to the family room.” They left without another word, hurrying across the landing and down the stairs as Josie knocked before she pressed open the next door.

Garreth laid on the double bed, face down and shoes still on. Considering his gangly limbs Josie kept her distance as she prodded him with a small tickling jinx. Garreth jolted away, arms flailing around him as he spun to face her, looking far more embarrassed than he ought to be for a man simply sleeping in his own room. 

“Sebastian’s awake.” She explained, watching as his embarrassment shifted into sheer relief and he collapsed back onto the bed.

“Thank Merlin. I didn’t know what else to do.” He mumbled into the blankets. 

“He’s in need of that pain draught you brewed. Said he had a pounding headache when he woke up.” Garreth nodded into the fabric before slowly pulling himself up again this time coming to stand at the end of his bed as he straightened his clothing. 

Garreth and Josie made their way back downstairs and through to the family room, the sounds of their friends filling the ground floor. Garreth was first to the door, pressing it open with quickened steps before holding it for her to follow through. 

Sebastian smirked at Poppy while she pressed her hands against her cheeks, the linger of laughter falling from her lips as she happily glanced over at Natty who simply rolled her eyes with a small smile. Ominis was in the process of summoning more tea cups, he looked uncomfortable at the shift in atmosphere that was filled with acquaintances in the wake of what had been a harrowing experience. The proceeding objects were unmatching to the hummingbird teapot with blooming roses and blush pink porcelain as three more cups levitated through the open threshold. 

“Good to see you, mate.” Garreth greeted, shoulders relaxing as he saw Sebastian sitting up and chatting with the others. Josie watched in amazement as her friends from different circles commingled easily in the wake of hardship. After a few moments Garreth popped over to the kitchen and busied himself with his brewing potions. 

“I watched them while you slept!” Josie called after him, eliciting a shout of thanks from the kitchen. Poppy sat herself between Sebastian and Ominis on the long sofa to Ominis’ chagrin though he was feeling generous enough to not comment. Poppy reached out and took a lovely pink cup in hand, her elation leaving a lovely rosiness to her cheeks. Josie settled herself beside Natty, smiling at her friend's more relaxed posture as she nibbled on a biscuit.

She and Natsai exchanged a look of understanding, the underlying tension that had filled the space at Sebastian’s injury and their own animosity was forgotten and forgiven.  

Shortly thereafter Garreth rejoined them, three small glass vials in hand before casually slipping one to Natsai. Josie held onto Natty’s teacup as she took her potion while Garreth revealed two vials to Sebastian, one a deep purple and the other a lime green. He pushed them into Sebastian’s hands before instructing him to drink them both. Giving the purple one a sniff, Sebastian grimaced before downing the green one. 

“The purple one’s for the pain, I’d assume you’d like to take it.” Garreth commented with a shrug before settling himself on the other side of Josie. Josie snorted, knowing full well the green one was for pain but deciding against any other comment as Sebastian begrudgingly did as Garreth requested, hacking as the Gryffindor sipped his tea smugly.

“Merlin, Garreth blatantly lied with no remorse.” Natty observed, keen gaze sliding towards Sebastian who practically threw the vials onto the table beside the tea. 

“What exactly happened that rendered him unconscious?” Ominis asked once the lot of them had settled down, their elation at Sebastian’s recovery making it difficult to have a serious conversation. Josie heard the edge of impatience in his voice. The others hesitated, their smiles drawing downwards as they shared a glance.

“We were following the intruder.” Natty explained, her voice far more confident and stable that the others would have been. She elaborated to the best of her ability about the evidence they’d all found. Sebastian and Poppy retold their experience as the barrier was attacked, then the resounding lockdown and how they all found themselves out of their dorms in search of answers. Josie found herself blinking in surprise when Natty brought up the bard's portrait who tipped them off about the monster in the dungeons. 

“It was invisible.” Poppy explained further. “It left inky footprints and when we followed it, it ended up in the Deathday Party room.” Josie nodded, a chill running down her spine at the proximity to her common room. 

“We ended up fighting there. The ghosts were… frozen and the goblins were brewing something. The creature noticed us so we reacted. Sebastian was struck by its, uh… massive metal chain.” Garreth added, his jaw setting as he remembered the event. “We learned that they were looking for someone but that thing was trying to beat Sebastian into a pulp.” 

“They called it the amalgamation.” Sebastian interjected airly, seemingly unperturbed by the topic though Josie could see through his act as he impatiently tried to move past how he was injured. “Some kind of forceful combination of a wizard and a goblin. Poor sod.” 

“The two goblins were much stronger than other ones we’ve faced before.” Poppy explained, catching Josie’s eye, her face contorted in concern. “Natty, Garreth, and I could barely keep them from cutting us into bits while the amalgamation chased after Sebastian. He managed to do some handy wandwork; even got the creature to destroy the potion station.” 

“I could hardly believe you were able to summon six creatures to defend yourself all while having a concussion. You looked dead on your feet at that point.” Natty commented, her head tilting. Ominis looked up, his brows furrowing. 

“You summoned creatures?” Ominis asked, her voice hesitant; Josie watched as a string of tension pulled through her partner. In response Sebastian waved away the conversation.

“Nothing to shake a stick at.” 

“I beg to differ, those dogs looked positively ravenous.” Garreth mumbled, watching his Slytherin counterpart in bewilderment. There was a heavy pause as Ominis mulled over something before pressing his lips into a thin line. From his obvious attempt at restraint, Josie felt her slight panic return. There was something that severely unsettled Ominis and it left her with an echo of worry.

“Did you tell the professors?” Josie asked, gaze darting to Poppy who she thought the most likely to have suggested that course of action. It would make sense then and explain the shift in their searching of the castle. 

“Ah, with Sebastian unconscious and the threat taken care of, we didn’t think to.” Garreth explained hesitantly. Josie blanched, not quite able to wrap her mind around it all yet not truly feeling as though she could blame them. She didn’t know how in the world she’d explain to their professors what’d occurred. “Poppy brought us here and she explained how the room works. We’ve been here since… very early this morning.” 

“I feel like we should talk with Professor Sharp.” Josie said after a moment of pause, her gaze dropping to her lap. If her friends found the break in and the intruders, it made most sense to let everyone know so this whole lockdown could end.

“Ah, yes.” Garreth mumbled, scratching the back of his head before shooting Sebastian a side eye. Sebastian blinked for a long few moments before something clicked and his face contorted angrily.

“Where is it?” Sebastian asked, fists clenching in his lap.

“Where’s what?” Ominis inquired, his voice strained as he inclined his head towards Poppy and Sebastian.

“We captured a goblin. Alive.” Garreth explained before shrugging, eyes darting away as he considered something. “He’s in the other room.” 

All the pieces fell together. Josie stared at each of her companions in turn, watching as they came to terms with the fact that none of them were equipt for what keeping a captured enemy would entail. Josie’s gaze landed on Sebastian, seething with hate for goblinkind as she remembered all too well what he was capable of. 

There was a fire in his eyes that made Josie’s insides churn; a terrible omen of what was to come unless they found some sort of alternative. But even then Josie knew nothing else would likely grant the results they wanted. She frowned at him, unable to hide her utter disappointment as his mouth twisted into a snarl. 

“Show me him.”

Chapter Text

 Always Pure

What could one expect to do when someone they love spirals? Josie imagined the answer was to stop them from destroying themselves but it was far harder in practice than in theory. She watched Sebastian as he stared down at his wand, his face carefully blank and calm despite the lack of brightness behind his eyes. The others seemed not to notice, not knowing what to look for in their ignorance and nerves. All except for Ominis. 

Josie longed to speak to him in private, to discuss a plan to talk Sebastian down from what he thought he must do in hopes to protect those around him. Part of her had half a mind to run and find Professor Sharp before it was too late; if she was quick enough, maybe he wouldn’t have time to cast the Unforgivable. Even as she mulled over each avenue as they popped into her mind, Josie struggled to think of reasons Sebastian would agree with for not torturing someone who sought to kill so many students. For that, she almost couldn’t blame him. 

“Garreth,” Josie suddenly called, pulling the attention of their hodgepodge group. He turned, brows furrowed and wand out. He seemed grateful for her interruption, something else to focus on and postpone their impending interrogation. “Have you ever been to the Headmaster’s office?” 

His face twisted in confusion before he hesitantly nodded. “More than once, I’m afraid. He doesn’t like feeling as though I’m taking advantage of my aunt's position to get away with… flagrant brewing . Why?” Josie pressed her lips together, squeezing her hands so not to wring them as she thought carefully. 

“I approached Professor Sharp at the beginning of this year about the N.E.W.T.s for Potion’s class. I had hoped he’d tell me what he was considering as the benchmark.”

“Surely he didn’t say anything?” Garreth asked, his tone incredulous. Josie shrugged. “By Merlin’s Beard, he told you?”

“I wasn’t trying to cheat, simply to find out what ingredients I might need before people buy out Pippin’s. I don’t mind traveling to far vendors to get my things, but it can be a hassle when exams are coming up and for our N.E.W.T’s, I wanted to find the best.” Josie explained, feeling a tad bit defensive. “In any case, professor confided in me his frustration that he couldn’t get clearance from the Ministry to have us produce a particularly gruesome brew.”

“What was it?” Poppy asked, glancing between Garreth and Josie; feeling the tension but not fully understanding where it stemmed from, she offered Josie a placating smile. “There’s not many of us seventh years who plan on taking Advanced Potions N.E.W.T.s. It couldn’t be worse than when he had the seventh year's brew Amortentia. Now that was a travesty. I heard there were nearly a half dozen confiscated vials.” Garreth snorted in response, arms crossing as he watched Josie, waiting for her elaboration. 

“Professor never did tell me what he was planning, but he said enough that I’d… figured it out.” 

“What was it?” Natty asked, brow quirked and interest pulled. Josie paused, her gaze sliding towards Sebastian. He leaned against the far wall, his arms crossed and his expression distant; she couldn’t tell if he was lost in thought or simply avoiding her gaze completely. 

“Veritaserum.” She finally said, watching as Sebastian’s eyes darted to meet hers, his tense jaw shifting and his curiosity piqued. 

“Bloody hell, truth potions ? Now that’s a controlled substance.” Garreth nearly shouted, his face morphing into an interesting mix of excitement and dread.

“Technically, so is Amortentia.” Poppy offered lightly, watching the redhead as he took a lap around the room, a smirk growing as he considered what Josie had shared. 

“I have an idea that might get us in a bit more trouble on top of breaking curfew and abducting a war criminal.” Josie announced, watching as Sebastian nodded slowly, his clouded gaze becoming more clear. 

“You think there’s some in the Headmaster’s stash.” He stated matter-of-factly. Josie made a noise of affirmation before turning her gaze towards Natsai.

“Either in the Headmaster’s office or in Professor Sharps’ office. We’d need to check both and then whoever finds it would bring it back here.” She elaborated. 

“I’ll go to the Headmaster’s.” Garreth offered, arms crossed and a small smirk still pulling at his features. “The only person who’d likely have been there more than me is Sallow.” At the playfulness of his tone, a smirk broke through Sebastian’s mask of false calmness. 

“Easy there, Weasley. I’m sure he hates you just as much as he hates me.” 

“I’ll go to the professor’s office.” Natty said, her voice confident as she stepped forward. “I’ve helped him put away enough materials after class to know where he’d keep such a potion.” 

“I can come with you, we shouldn’t be going anywhere alone. Not while things are the way they are.” Poppy added, placing her hand on Natty’s shoulder and flashing her a determined look. 

“And what about you two, where will you go?” Sebastian asked, pushing off the wall and motioning between Josie and Ominis. 

“I’m not fond of the idea of us leaving a goblin who’d been trusted with such a risky task to be left alone in the Room of Requirement.” Ominis said, his wand turning towards the door Garreth had pointed as where the goblin was kept. “I’ll stay here and make sure nothing goes awry while you find the serum.” 

“I’ll go with you two to the Headmaster’s office.” Josie decided, thankful that Ominis had considered the possibility that the goblin would pose an issue. “I doubt Professor Black is walking the halls on sentry duty right now. We’re more likely to run into trouble there.” 

A simmering understanding washed over the group. Despite their renewed determination Josie couldn’t shake the feeling of impending dread. Even so, Garreth and Poppy stuffed the last few digestives into their mouths as some strange show of competitiveness born from frayed nerves and dangerous circumstances; all the while Natty pressed through the entrance of the Come and Go Room checking that the coast was clear. 

When Natty returned and Garreth and Poppy finally wiped the last few crumbs from their faces, Ominis spoke up. 

“I’d like to speak with Josephine before everyone leaves. Alone.” Odd glances were shared but the other acquiesced, deigning to leave the Room of Requirement to give them their needed privacy. Only Sebastian lingered, glare evident as he’d put together the topic of their impending conversation. 

“Don’t look at me like that.” Sebastian snapped, the anger gone from him despite his closed-off stance. The side of Sebastian that Josie feared had passed for now, leaving behind a far more exhausted looking version of himself in its wake.

“I need to speak to her alone.” Ominis reiterated, his own irritation flaring. “In case you haven’t put the pieces together, the goblins were searching for her and we’re about to send her across the other side of the castle.” 

“I’ll be there, too.” Sebastian said evenly, his eyes flicking to meet Josie’s. He held her gaze, searching for the trust he desperately hoped to find there. She nodded in response, a resolute gesture that she earnestly meant so long as she walked alongside the Sebastian she’d come to know.

“Give us two minutes.” Ominis insisted gently. “Then she’ll meet you down the corridor.” Sebastian hesitated, eyes darting from his two best mates before silently leaving the Room of Requirement. As the door shut behind him, Ominis audibly sighed, fingers pressing on the bridge of his nose. “This is a problem.”  

“I know.” Josie agreed solemnly. “I didn’t know he’d be so quick to want to do it again.” 

“I’m sure he sees it as justified. When he used it on you it was life or death. Here, it’d be against an enemy. His enemy.” Josie nodded along with Ominis’ words, biting her cheek at the shared realization. After a moment, Ominis added, “That was quick thinking with the potion.” 

“I only hope I’m right.” Josie whispered as Ominis approached her. She watched him with tired eyes, gaze drawn to the sad smile he offered her. “We’ll convince him there’s always another way. Always.”

Placing a sturdy hand on her shoulder, Ominis leaned down as pressed his lips to hers, his mouth moving in slow and deliberate motions as though he hoped to savor every breath he could take from her. Her heart fluttered at the tenderness of it, leaning into their shared moment of respite as all the tension left her body. Gently, he lingered against her, nose brushing hers as his head tilted against her. “Be careful.” He mumbled against her skin.

“You too.” She repeated, smiling up at him as he scoffed.

“I’m not the one sneaking into the Headmaster’s office.” He replied, pulling away with a wry expression. “With Weasley and Sebastian of all people. They’re not the best for votes of confidence, if I’m being honest.” 

“I’ve managed more with less.” Ominis huffed a laugh as he released her shoulder and took a step back. With a quiet glance back, Josie exited the Room of Requirement. 

Outside stood the uncomfortable looking duo of Garreth and Sebastian, who both jolted slightly as she suddenly emerged from the stone. She cast them an odd look as she retrieved her wand from her robe.

Disillusionment cast, they hurried down the Astronomy Tower, over the suspension bridge leading into Quad Court, before making their way to the Grand Staircase. They moved at a terribly slow pace, hiding themselves from the professors and their noted fervor. On the lower level of the Ravenclaw Tower, Garreth spotted Professor Sharp speaking quietly to a small group of Prefects. They hesitated, ears straining for scraps of information but coming back with very little more learned as they grew antsy. 

The long climb up the Grand Staircase was a difficult one. With the stairs jumping to the assistance of anyone who approaches, it made their silent romp not quite as silent as they wanted. From down below they heard the shuffled steps of confident feet following along their path as they clung to the center spire of the staircase. They moved as fast as they dared as Josie recognized the distinct gait of a wizard with a limp. 

Grimacing, they came to the Trophy Room and quickly darted through the bits, bobs, and oddities a school like Hogwarts would collect. Just as Josie was about to hurry out the opposite exit, Sebastian grabbed her forearm and yanked her back. Garreth and Josie stumbled into Sebastian as he tucked the three of them into one of the deep recesses between a curio cabinet and a grandiose display just as Professor Sharp rounded the threshold, wand at the ready and suspicious eyes darting in the space Josie had previously occupied.

“I know you’re in here.” His voice called out, quiet yet intimidating all the same. Josie felt both Garreth and Sebastian still at his voice, her own breath catching in her throat. A heavy sinking feeling filled her as Professor Sharp slowly moved further into the Trophy Room; despite his limp, he was incredibly nimble as he moved through the small space with the ease of someone trained for exactly that. “Come out now so I don’t accidentally hex you.” 

Josie stared at the exit, mind reeling as she considered all possibilities of them escaping without the professor noticing them. At the rate he was investigating the Trophy Room, Josie wasn’t convinced it was possible. She felt one of her companions shift beside her, glancing up and she watched as Garreth dropped his concealment charm and stepped out of their hiding place. Josie reached to pull him back but her hand was caught again by Sebastian.

“It’s… me, Professor.” Garreth called out, having moved many paces away from their hiding spot before he spoke. Professor Sharp turned, his wand pointed at Garreth before dropping it with a resigned look. 

“Mr. Weasley, I wish I could say I was surprised.” Their professor intonated, his eyes cast over the redhead with the same subtle distaste he held for most students. “I’d love to hear your reasoning for being all the way up here during a lockdown, no less.” 

Garreth inclined his head, staring at the floorboards between himself and the professor for a long few moments before glaring up and meeting the elder mans gaze. Sharp raised his brow in response, moving to approach Garreth with a look more akin to curiosity. 

“It’s not just the Prefects who can help, you know.” Garreth accused in a low tone, the tension in his shoulders pulled taut as he glared at their professor. Sharp rocked back on his heels, listening. “You expect us to stay hidden in our common rooms but I’m just as qualified to defend our home as any Prefect is… there’s something hiding in the dungeon.” 

“And how, exactly, do you know that?” Sharp inquired, his tone taking on an acute edge. 

“I saw an open window in the Herbology Wing.” Garreth explained hurriedly, his jaw twitching at Sharp’s blatant annoyance. “It can only be opened by a spell , professor. Someone who can cast wizarding magic. One of the portraits warned me that there was something lurking near the Slytherin common room and when I went I saw it.” 

Professor Sharp paused, his gaze simmering in annoyance as he considered Garreth. Josie had come to really like their Potion’s professor; he was harsh and difficult to please, but he was the sort of wizard Josie knew would listen to reason if given the chance.

“Take me to it.” Sharp said, his voice taking on an urgent tone. “I presume you were heading to inform the headmaster?” Garreth nodded swiftly, glancing behind him at the open hall leading up to the highest point in the school. 

“I’m sorry, professor, I was just trying to help - ”

“Enough of that, Mr. Weasley. Your Gryffindor antics scream your intent loud and clear.” Professor Sharp interjected with a stifled sigh. Sharp moved towards the Headmaster’s office, pausing by Garreth as he shot the younger man an acknowledging glance. “And never apologize for doing what you think is right.” 

Garreth blinked in surprise, his jaw dropping slightly as their professor continued forward towards the Headmaster’s office. Garreth hesitated as he chanced a glance back towards Josie and Sebastian, his eyes carrying the sentiment of a man who was wholly winging it as he hurried after Professor Sharp. 

“What in the world did we just witness?” Josie heard Sebastian mumble under his breath after a few moments of silence. They waited, concealed by magic in the far corner of the Trophy Room. “This is all great, but once they find what’s down there, we’re not going to have much time before things get hairy.” 

“We have plenty of time.” Josie reassured him, her voice caring far more confidence than she knew what to do with. She felt Sebastian shrug before he quietly slid down to sit on the floor. Josie followed suit, finding it far more comfortable as they waited out whatever Garreth had gotten himself into. 

“Merlin, Sharp is so cool.” Josie felt her smile return, the old Sebastian returning in full swing; no aggressive words nor distant looks. “I bet he was an absolutely wicked auror.”    

“He told me about it, you know. His time as an auror.” 

“Seriously? Merlin, you’re such a teacher's pet.” Josie swatted at him blindly, making contact against his arm. He let out a huff at her retaliation. “What was it like?” 

Josie shrugged against the wall, eyes trained on the hallway where they’d watched Garreth disappear. “Honestly? He sounded sad, maybe even remorseful, but you can tell he loved it.” 

“No juicy love affairs?” To that, Josie shot him an incredulous look despite their charms concealing the majority of their features. 

“You really think that’s what he’d share?” 

“All the good stories have them.” Sebastian observed unapologetically. Josie made a noise of surprise, a soft sound in the otherwise quiet space.

“Huh, even years later and I’m still learning new things about you. Sounds like Ominis was right.”

“Wait, what did Ominis say?” Josie smirked at his untrusting tone, crossing her arms over her chest.

“That you fancy yourself a right Casanova, but you’re more of a hopeless romantic.” Sebastian huffed in indignation, but didn’t reply as the sound of creaking iron bars filled the chamber. They both quietly pulled their legs back into their hiding spot just before Garreth, Professor Sharp, and Headmaster Black hurried through the Trophy Room. They moved with purpose, long legs carrying them in and out of the space in moments flat. Josie tried to catch Garreth’s eye, but he seemed determined to ignore the space he knew they were hiding, his face slightly more pale than it was when they last saw him.  

Josie and Sebastian waited a breathless thirty seconds before hurrying from their hiding space and bounding up the steps towards the Headmaster’s office. They came to a skidding stop outside the golden bird that marked the passage into the Headmaster’s office. 

“ Toujours Pur. ” She enunciated, watching on with a sigh of relief as the statue twisted to reveal the path forward.

“Seriously, that’s the password?” Josie shrugged, dispelling her concealment charm as she entered the office. The passage closed behind them, amazingly high and brilliantly welcoming despite its current resident’s demeanor, the office was thankfully empty. “We probably have loads of time but I’d rather not linger.” 

“Let’s spread out then, we’re looking for some kind of potion cabinet. If he’s keeping it here, we might need to break a lock.” She said, agreeing with his gut feeling. They did just that, dividing and conquering the jumbled space with urgency. 

Sebastian searched near the entrance, glancing over the various shelves of books and nooks as Josie made her way towards the Headmaster’s writing desk. It took Sebastian all of two minutes to break their silent focus.

“So, you going to tell me how things went with you and Ominis or am I going to have to guess?” Josie pressed her lips into a thin line, not deigning to even so much as glance in Sebastian’s direction as she carefully shuffled through a small chest near the winding stairs upward.

“Now hardly seems like the time, Sebastian.” 

“I think it’s the perfect time.” Sebastian retorted evenly, causing Josie to roll her eyes. “He’s been awfully friendly towards you since you both got back.” 

“Probably because we’re friends, Sebastian.” She goaded, her tone taking on a very Slytherin edge as she pointedly did not look his way. Instead she shifted the tiny box, peering behind it to find a bound roll of parchment. Pulling it into view, Josie saw that they were correspondences from the Ministry.

“Hmm see, I’ve known Ominis for a very long time and he’s never been…” Sebastian paused, the sound of something tapping making it incredibly difficult for Josie to snoop. “Smiley.” She scoffed, glancing over her shoulder to shoot him a pointed glare. 

“He’s hardly smiley .” 

“Ah, but for him he is. Usually he’s in a perpetual scowl but since you’ve returned from your little trip he’s been decidedly neutral.” Sebastian explained, his grin growing as their eyes met. “As if there’s something on his mind that’s not all that terrible?” Josie rolled her eyes, turning back towards Black’s hidden papers as much to ignore her friend as to hide her warming face. 

Josie couldn’t decide if she agreed with Sebastian or not, Ominis didn’t seem all that different from when they left. Well, except for the obvious of course. Josie didn’t know why Ominis wanted to keep Sebastian in the dark, but assumed it had something to do with him not wanting to breach the subject of the blood ritual and the bond they forged but couldn’t break.

Ominis was an exceedingly private person. There was much she didn’t know about him, even after two years of friendship. Josie wondered if his hesitation was as simple as not knowing how to deal with Sebastian’s incessant teasing. Anne seemed happy enough despite the oddness of her finding out they were “engaged” but not courting. He had obviously confided in the twins about his interest in her but now…

Josie sighed, realizing that she hadn’t read more than two words on the parchment. “He’s in your space a lot more.” Sebastian said after a few moments.

“He thought I died, Sebastian.” Josie quipped, her eyes shutting as she inhaled a deep breath. “It’s hard not to get closer to someone when you go through something like that.” She wouldn’t lie to Sebastian, she hated the feeling of it; like a wet cloth over her mouth, suffocating and anxiety inducing. She already would have to lie to him for the rest of their lives about the true contents of the Scriptorium, she didn’t want her courtship with Ominis to become another she needed to dance around.  

The room grew quiet and tense as she clung to the correspondence. She stared down at the even typewriter script, blinking away her frustration. It wasn’t a lie, but that didn’t make any of it feel any better. Setting down the bundle and hiding it back behind the small chest, Josie realized the core truth of her issue; she hated feeling like she had to hide what she and Ominis shared. 

“I’m sorry, that was unfair of me.” Josie relented after a few moments, stepping away from the alcove and turning to face her friend. He was watching her, arms crossed over his chest as he leaned his shoulder against the wall a dozen paces away, the look on his face one of quiet understanding. 

“He doesn’t want you to tell me, does he?” Josie’s mouth opened and closed, not quite sure what to say. Technically she doubted he cared if Sebastian knew they were courting, what he cared about was the artifact and all that came with it. When she didn’t immediately answer, Sebastian pushed off the wall, eyes glued to hers. “Is it complicated?” 

Josie moved to the Headmaster’s desk, legs feeling stiff as she gently pulled open the drawers and sifted through the various oddities and parchment. She threw him a wry smile. “If you want to know so bad, you should just ask Ominis next time you’re alone together.” 

“Ha, like he’s going to choose to have alone time with me when you’re an option.” Sebastian mumbled loud enough for her to hear as he set down a small container he’d held in the palm of his hand, flipping its lid open and peering inside. 

“It’s not mine to tell.” Josie absently said as she pushed aside a rather expensive looking quill box before shutting the drawer and crouching towards the larger one towards the bottom. 

Suddenly Sebastian was leaning over the desk, sending a jolt of panic through Josie as she stumbled back. Seemingly unperturbed by her surprised expression and slightly flushed face at the exertion, Sebastian raised his brow at her, “I assume he’s been nothing but a gentleman?” 

Josie’s eyes widened in panic, her mind remembering their evening together at the Three Broomsticks. Josie grimaced as she hurried back to her crouched position, determined to appear as though she had nothing to say lest she die of embarrassment. To her dismay, Josie heard him make a quiet noise of understanding.

“You know, it’s a poor choice to let me in on a kept secret when I’m actively searching for a truth serum.” 

“You wouldn’t.” Josie said, glaring up at him despite her warmed face. He shrugged, a boyish grin creasing his features in excited mirth.

“No, of course not, but watching you turn into a tomato is too hard to pass up.” Josie had some choice words ready for her friend but paused as her fingers brushed against curved glass. Expression shifting to one of surprise, she pulled the vials out.

Standing, Josie placed the first three potion bottles on the writing desk. Sebastian’s smirk dwindled as he recognized what she’d found. 

“Merlin’s balls.” He whispered, rounding the desk to stand beside her. They stared at the vials in studious silence, both of them taking one in hand before uncorking them one at a time. Josie and Sebastian brought a vial apiece to their noses and wafted the scents.

Sebastian made a grotesque sound before crumpling dramatically with a groan. He carefully set the vial down with shaky hands as Josie inhaled. She smelled the lovely soft mixture of resthallow and buttercup meld with old parchment and binding glue. It was like nothing she’d ever experienced before; most potions smelled medicinal or even just simply of their main ingredient, but this smelled of all sorts of nice things mixed together. Eyes flying open, Josie pulled the vial away from her and stared at it in growing disbelief.

“Mine was some kind of topical salve. I really don’t recommend smelling it.” Sebastian managed through shaky breaths. “I’m almost certain the main ingredient must be some kind of bile or… yeast.” Josie glanced at her companion as he righted himself, eyeing her with as much alarm as she felt. “What, are you alright?” 

He reached out and slowly took the bottle from her, concern pinching his brows as one hand came to steady her. He looked her over, holding the vial away from her as though it might leap from his hand to bite her. 

“Yes, yes, I’m fine.” She started, eyes darting between Sebastian and the bottle. “I just wasn’t expecting that.” 

“Expecting what?” Josie pressed her lips together in a thin line as he hesitantly brought the vial towards his face and fanned the scent in his direction. Her surprise shifted to genuine curiosity as she watched him react to its scent. He blinked multiple times before leaning down and smelling it again. “Bloody hell, is this Amortentia?” 

Josie simply nodded as he stiffly pressed the stopper into place. “That man is mental if he keeps those two rattling in the same drawer. Imagine that mix up waiting to happen.” Josie nodded again, her voice failing her as she watched him shake off some invisibly hold the potion had over him. “Let’s just agree to tell no one we found this.” 

“What’d yours smell like?” She asked, unable to ignore the way he stared into the middle distance, lost in thought. 

“I really… it’s familiar, but somehow not. Kind of like the Quidditch pitch, but that’s not quite right. I need to think about it, I’m sure it’ll come to me.” He explained quickly, his eyes slid over to meet hers in a show of bravery Josie didn’t know she’d have if in his position. “What’d yours smell like?” 

“An assortment of flowers and… books.” She explained vaguely, a frown tugging at her mouth. They stared at each other for a long few moments, his eyes slowly blinking. “Are you going to tell me what else yours smelled like?”

“Don’t recognize it, I’m afraid.” He replied airly, brow quirking in challenge.

“You’re a good liar, Sallow, but you’ve never been good at lying to me.” 

“Don’t delude yourself. You’re the one who didn’t realize Prewett took the O.W.L for Care of Magical Creatures just so he could work with you on the end of year project last year.” Josie cringed at the memory, before settling herself into one hip and drilling a pointed look through Sebastian’s skull. 

“Me ignoring his advances and me knowing your tells are two very different skills.” Sebastian looked affronted, his head shaking and his lips curling downwards as though she’d offered him the most grievous insult. 

“I do not have any tells.” Josie rolled her eyes. “Oh yeah? What are they then? Please enlighten me.”  

“Like I’d tell you.” Josie mumbled, shooting him a smirk as she took up the last bottle. She rolled the black glassed vial in her palm as Sebastian scoffed beside her, pulling off the stopper and she wafted the scent in her direction. 

There was no smell.

“Sebastian, what does Veritaserum smell like?” She glanced towards her companion and watched as he gave her a curious look. He took the vial from her gently before peering downwards into the container.

“I’m aware you know the answer to that, but… it should be scentless.” He explained as he wafted the potion. After a moment he nodded in her direction, a small smile creasing the freckles of his cheek. “Well done.” 

Josie chuckled, feeling her own laugh bubble up from within her. The sheer roguishness Sebastian exuded when there was a job well done was palpable; as though he were a swashbuckler with a years worth of haul  strapped to his ship. 

“Never send an auror to do what a Slytherin can, I always say. Garreth will be disappointed to have missed it.” 

“I don’t know about that.” Josie started, carefully replacing all items taken from the drawer as she had found them. “He’s likely going to be touted as the Hero of Hogwarts if all goes well. Professor Sharp seemed mighty impressed with his deductions before he was pulled away.” At that Sebastian’s grin simmered.

“The rat, and here I thought it was Gryffindor altruism at its finest.” Josie shook her head at her friend as he lamented, taking the vial from his hand and shoving it into her robe pocket. 

“Surely it has to be one or the other, and couldn’t possibly be a little of both.” They moved towards the exit, riding the high of their success as the sound of grinding stone caused them to still. Eyes darting towards one another, they had only moments before the passageway to the Headmaster’s office would spiral open and, in a space like this, they’d have very little options for where to hide. 

Acting without thought, Josie yanked Sebastian and hurried towards the door on the far wall before throwing it open and shoving herself and her friend through. Quickly shutting the door behind them, Josie reached into her satchel with panicked hurry. 

“Merlin’s Beard, we’re screwed.” She heard Sebastian murmur as he paced along the length of the balcony leading towards Headmaster Black’s personal chamber. She didn’t bother replying as she quietly cursed under her breath. “He’s going to come through here, and we’ll be found. Unless you want to climb? It’s awfully chilly all the way up here.” She could hear the grimace in his mumbling as she pulled forth the item she’d be searching for. 

“Oh stop it, Sallow. When have we ever just let ourselves be caught when there’s plenty of other options.” She chastised, holding up her broom between the two of them. She caught Sebastian’s gaze and watched as his eyes darted to her favorite broom. She didn’t have to wait long for his grimace to shift into the largest grin she’d ever seen.

Chapter Text

A Troubling Interrogation

Ominis Gaunt pressed his fingers along the line of well-loved books, sensing charm forgotten as he felt for the embellished curve of letters along their spines. The books were eclectic and worn in a way that led Ominis to believe they were often in use for many, many years. One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi, Healing at Home with Herbs, Goshawk's Guide to Herbology, The Monster Book of Monsters, and a compendium of Quiac Marinus’ dissertation concerning underwater plants being a few that Ominis found at least vaguely familiar. 

From what Josie had told him, the Room of Requirement pulled from one's subconscious and conscious needs to create a space to fill them, but he hadn't considered until now that it could also pull from memory. The possibilities were truly limitless. 

It stood to reason that when the room had been accessed by three frantic students carrying an unconscious body and a magically contained goblin, that the room summoned a place of comfort straight from the minds of one of them. It wasn’t a grand stretch of logic then for Ominis to decide the house was somewhere beloved of Poppy Sweeting. 

Ominis pulled one of the books from the shelf, meandering through the family room to enter the sitting room where he’d be far more likely to hear anyone who entered the Room of Requirement. Settling himself on one of the sofas, Ominis silently willed his dictation charm to begin reading from the dissertation. 

Ominis listened through nearly five minutes of the wizard’s ramblings before he waved off his incantation and settled the book squarely on the coffee table in defeat. Despite the terribly interesting field of study, that of sub-aquatic botanical uses and their mysterious properties, Ominis couldn’t stand the Herbologist’s writing style. It lacked refinement. 

A creak.

Slight and barely audible, it caught his ear. He tilted his head to better listen, ears perked to hear throughout the foreign house for the source. Old houses wallowed and creaked under age, even the most magically sound ones, but this was not an old house - not truly. 

Another sound, much like the first, whispered through the home. Ominis pressed his lips into a thin line and tightened his jaw as he recognized the room it originated from. Standing and clenching his wand, Ominis moved towards the door without making a sound. 

He waited, the sound of creaking floorboards acting like a beacon for his prepared incantation. He felt his magic surge as it melded with his sensing charm; a pulse of power that showed him exactly where his target stood as the dark shadow emerged, bursting through the threshold at an incredible speed and leaping in his direction. 

“ Impedimenta!” He snapped, his jinx lashing out long before his incantation finished. The vibration shattered around the leaping goblin, slowing his movements as his daggers resonated with Ominis’ flare of magic. Stepping back into a deeper dueling stance, Ominis arced his wand and cast another spell. 

“ Brachiabindo!” Slivers of a lighter shade of darkness sprung from the floorboards and the walls like muted strands of light in his vision. They flung far faster than his sensing charm could register, lashing like whips as they coiled around the slowed form of the goblin as they bound him in place.

 Ominis paused, listening intently as the goblin struggled against his jinx before slightly lowering his wand and inclining his head in greeting.

“Pleasure to meet you, how’re you liking the castle?” The goblin grunted against his binds, spitting what Ominis presumed to be slurs in his direction before settling on English.

“Sniveling wizards, always relying on their spells to save them. Take up a dagger and let me down.” Ominis furrowed his brow as the goblin yanked against his holding jinx. It took very little energy to maintain his grasp on his spell as he angled his wand to keep the goblin wrapped up in place.

“Why in Merlin’s name would I ever do that? I have nothing to prove to you, and… you're just asking for a do-over like a child. It seems to me that your skillset is simply severely flawed.” The goblin growled a guttural sound, thrashing backwards so quickly he almost came into contact with the wall behind him. “Did you know I could hear you breathing?” 

The goblin paused, daggers pressed into the arcane strings as he listened. Ominis pulled his wand backwards, reinforcing the jinx minutely as the goblin silver daggers cut through his jinx and slightly loosened his hold. “With all the others gone, I could hear every breath you took as you undid your manacles and waited for me to settle. So quiet, yet not quiet enough, I’m afraid.” 

“I could hear you, too.” The goblin growled, his voice like gravel underfoot. Ominis lifted his chin and stared at the space between the goblin’s two ears in the way he knew was unsettling for many. “Talking to that witch of yours.” Ominis ground his jaw, wand raising again as he took a step closer.

“Careful, goblin.” 

“Josie, was it? Sounds awfully like the witch Josephine Ranrok has us looking for. Tell me, do you have any idea how many enemies she’s made? She’s murdered more of my brothers than I can count and our kind aren’t likely to forget a face or a name for generations . We live for centuries, boy.” 

The goblin pressed forward against his binds, his voice taunting and cruel. A wave of fury washed over Ominis, the goblin’s voice grating as his words and threat sunk in.

“It was so sweet hearing her worry for you. Stuck here by yourself as she runs off with those other wizards as though all is well. If you care so much about her you should have been more vigilant. She’s in danger, you know.” The goblin’s dark gaze flicked over Ominis and, although he couldn’t see his look of pity, Ominis could hear the mocking sympathy seeping into his voice.

Ominis’ jaw set like steel against his throat, the cords of his neck tightening. “Angry, we dismantled your little infiltration attempt? It sounds to me like I’m to be exposed to the ravings of a desperate goblin.” He could feel it in the air, the sickening scent of some foreign magic seeping into his space. Ominis blinked, trying to dismiss the effect.

 “Are you prepared to watch her die? Maybe not today, but we’re a patient people.” The goblin started, his voice hazy as though being heard through dense mist. Ominis held his breath, his heart beating against his chest at the goblin’s words. 

He wanted Josephine dead even if it was the last thing he did, even if that wasn’t Ranrok’s plan. What would they do if they succeeded? If Rakrok took what he needed from her he’d surely leave her to his flock to do away with as they saw fit. Ominis could taste his hatred for her through his flavor of magic and he believed in the deepest parts of him that the goblin did not bluff nor lie.

“Maybe in ten years when you’ve finally had a few terrible little children of your own one of my kin will find you all. It doesn’t matter how far you’ll go nor how alert you are, there’s always going to be something you miss. When my kin takes from you what she’s taken from me, then you’ll both know the pain of loss as your children and then your precious witch is murdered by the people you hate. So long as they’re kin of Josephine Clarke, they will never truly be safe and there’s nothing you can do to stop it.” 

A tense silence fell between them, Ominis felt his blood boil just beneath his skin like a writhing flame. The Cruciatus Curse ebbed in his mind like a dark whisper not for the first time offering itself as an easy solution. Pain for pain; this goblin would kill her and him in an instant when next given the chance. If not now, if not this goblin than another. The curse would offer a chance to learn everything Ominis needed to know to protect him and his own.

Shivering under the weight of it all, Ominis felt sick as deep anger threatened to lash without restraint. It was a terrible power, one he’d done well in keeping at bay despite its alluring call. Grip tightening on his wand, Ominis smiled with a faux comical huff.

“You know precious little about her after all this time.” He whispered back, his voice taking on an odd quality that even he himself didn’t recognize. It was foreign and malicious. He sensed the goblin shift as Ominis urged a new strand of magic through his wand, tightening the goblin in place. “And you know even less about me.” 

Smile dissipating, Ominis thurst his wand aggressively into the chest of the goblin. The spell shot through his bound target like a bolt of lightning, with it carrying all his bottled frustration and fear the goblin had caused. Held within Ominis’ binding jinx, the goblin had very few places to go. Ominis felt very little pleasure even as the goblin hung still and lifeless.

* * *  

Josie and Sebastian stumbled into the Room of Requirement with a newfound giddiness that could only have been encouraged by their high speed race around the outskirts of the castle. Both were grinning from ear to ear, Josie half yanking her satchel over her head as Sebastian came to an abrupt stop in the middle of her walking path. She ran into him, nose slamming into his shoulder blades.

“ Ow. Sebastian could you - ” Josie paused, rubbing her nose and glaring at her friend before her eyes shifted to follow his slack jawed stare. Gaze roving over the sitting room, Josie inhaled sharply.

A goblin assassin, frozen in mid leaping strike, was held aloft three feet off the ground by ribbonlike strands of arcane magic pulled taut against his limbs and torso. His skin like the craggy shores of Wales, slate gray and rigid, made him look nothing more than an intricate statue poised for battle with the light drawn from his eyes. Ominis sat facing the goblin, sipping on a fresh cup of tea as he tilted his head towards the entrance of the Room of Requirement. 

“Bloody hell, Ominis.” Sebastian mumbled, taking a few hesitant steps towards the goblin. “Well done then.” Josie slid her gaze from Sebastian’s curious approach to Ominis who pointedly drank from his cup.

“He attacked me.” Ominis finally offered with an elegant shrug, placing the tea cup on its saucer.

“Are you alright?” Josie asked, finally finding her voice. She moved to join him, seating herself beside him as he settled against the stuffed back of the couch. He sighed, eyes cast upwards as he sank into the cushion. It looked as though he deflated, tension expelling as his tight expression smoothed. Wordlessly his hand moved to rest on her knee, his long arms reaching her without difficulty as his eyes slid closed. 

Josie’s face contorted in worry, lingering on her partner before shifting towards Sebastian as he peered closely at the goblin with his back to them as though he were the finest piece of art. 

“Was this… Petrificus Totalus used with the Brachiabindo jinx? That’s a bit redundant, but not bad wandwork in a pinch.” Sebastian commented lightly, turning towards his two friends. When he saw the heaviness of Ominis’ expression and the way he subtly sought comfort from Josie he looked towards her, his own concern mirroring hers. Whatever teasing comment he might have offered otherwise died against his lips at his realization. “You tried talking to the goblin.” 

It wasn’t a question, but a sure statement that rode the line of quiet accusation. Without explanation Ominis simply nodded, eyes closed and head leaned back against the sofa. Sebastian shot Josie a knowing look, one that meant they’d be getting no information from their tight-lipped friend. She nodded, reaching out and placing her gloved hand over his.

“We found the Veritaserum.” She whispered to him, allowing her voice to take on a lilt of hope. “And from what I see, you’ve put the goblin in the perfect position for us to administer it.” 

At that Ominis stirred, eyes opening as the smallest upwards twitch betrayed his otherwise sullen expression. “Glad to be of help.” He mumbled with a hint of jest. 

“You can be of good use from time to time.” Ominis smirked, head inclining slightly in her direction as some of the life returned to his features. She was glad he wasn’t trying to hide from Sebastian, his touch and soft expression a testament to her misunderstanding. He simply hadn’t voiced the shift in their relationship yet. Perhaps it was as simple as a cruel joke on their friend, who so desperately wished to know everything.

“Ugh, please. I’m standing right here.” Sebastian pleaded, hand flying to his temples as he glanced away. Josie shot Sebastian a look which he pointedly ignored in place of staring at the ceiling. Huffing a laugh, Josie turned to glance at Ominis, happy to see he’d been pulled out of whatever rut he’d fallen into. 

“It’s hard to forget you’re here when you’re so loud.” Ominis mumbled, brow raising and smirk widening. Sebastian feigned insult; hand flying to his chest as he huffed an indignant sound. He winked at Josie, his own toothy grin spreading in a charming expression. 

The door to the Room of Requirement swung open and in hurried Poppy and Natty. They looked terribly winded and slightly disgruntled, as they pressed the door shut behind them and slowed at the state of the sitting room. It was an odd sort of déjà vu, Josie considered it even more jarring to see the goblin in his current state while the three of them laughed and joked mere feet away.  

They made quick work explaining how the goblin had attacked Ominis and easing their worry that the goblin was, in fact, still living; just simply hexed into stone until Ominis saw it fit to reverse the effect. Josie fished around in her satchel before pulling out the dark bottle of Veritaserum and placing it on the table beside Ominis’ empty tea cup. 

In the end, it was Natsai who first noticed Garreth’s absence; Poppy voiced her assumption that he was in the kitchen or maybe even in the lavatory. 

“We were almost caught by Sharp.” Sebastian explained on their behalf, gaining the attention of everyone as he paced back and forth, the stone goblin as his backdrop. “Sharp heard us as we moved up the Grand Staircase and nearly cornered us in the Trophy Room. When Sharp called out for us to show ourselves, Garreth stepped out.”

“Is he alright?” Poppy inquired, hands wringing as she glanced towards Josie. Josie nodded at her friend, offering her a quiet smile as Sebastian continued.

“Oh, yes. Might even be knighted by the end of it all. Made a big speech that turned the professor into putty in his hands. Managed to distract both Professor Sharp and Headmaster Black as he took them to the dungeons to show them what he’d - well, we’d - found.”

“Brilliant.” Natty mumbled, looking pleased as she finally relaxed on the couch. “That solves that step. Now all we have to do is take care of this one.” She said, nodding her head in the goblins direction.

“It was alright.” Sebastian offered, waving his hand flippantly. Josie rolled her eyes, watching as Poppy suppressed a mirthful grin before sharing a knowing glance. “Needless to say, I doubt he’ll be joining us for this last trek. Shall we?” 

Josie took up the potion bottle from the table and came to her feet, eyes drifting over the charcoal dyed glass as her smile slowly melted away. Gaze flicking upwards towards the goblin infiltrator she felt a renewed sense of urgency fill her. Before she could so much as take a step in their prisoners direction, she felt a gentle pull tugging her back.

“He knows who you are.” Ominis said reluctantly, his own smile dissipating. Josie paused, staring down at him as she considered the meaning of his words. His fingers wrapped around her wrist, firmly holding her in place while the others watched on with hesitant curiosity.

“How is the world would he - ”

“He heard us speaking. I called you by your name and he recognized you.” Ominis explained gently, head tilting away in a manner very unlike him; as though he couldn’t bring himself to look at her. 

“I’ve faced many goblin rebels in the last few years.” She urged, gaze softening along with her tone. “What did he say to you?” She asked lightly. Ominis swallowed, the small muscles of his jaw tensing as he tilted his chin in her direction.

“Let someone else administer the potion, he was… aggressive in the moments before I petrified him.” Ominis said instead, his voice masking his true emotions as he released her. She hesitated, wanting to placate his worry but not entirely sure where that worry stemmed from. He knew she was capable of handling Ranrok’s goblins. Even if she wasn’t, she still felt well prepared for whatever the goblin was going to try to do, especially in a room full of her most trusted companions. But in the end she relented, if not just to ease some of the tension in Ominis’ shoulders. 

Sebastian was suddenly at her side, staring down at their friend with similar recognition as he offered Josie his open palm. With a sad smile she relinquished it, gaze flicking to meet Natty for a single moment before deciding that was too much.

Natsai Onai was a clever witch. The sort someone with a secret couldn’t hide from for long and Josie was no exception. But the expression that crossed the Gryffindor’s face was not one of knowing coyness nor excited understanding, it was a look of solemn insight that flickered with worry. Perhaps not at the relationship she gleamed, but of his hesitation; of whatever caused someone like Ominis to fear for someone like Josie. A quietus of an omen to come.

Sebastian inclined his head at Poppy, inviting her by his side as he did the honors. Poppy followed suit, eyes lingering on Natty before falling in step behind him. She brandished her wand, pointing it at the goblin as she readied herself for the exchange. Sebastian watched her, staring down at her smaller form for a few moments before smirking. “If I somehow mess this up, I trust you can flip him into the ceiling?” 

She laughed, a sweet sound as her gaze flicked from her quarry to her companion. “If that’s what you’d like. I could also manage the floor or even backwards.” He snorted in response, his grin growing as he shot a glance backwards at Josie and Ominis.

“On three, old chap.” He called back boisterously despite the otherwise tender tone of the room. Ominis stood, wand outstretched towards the goblin and nodded. 

“Do we know how much to use?” Poppy inquired. A good question, one that Josie didn’t know the answer to. 

“Garreth would likely know.” Josie offered instead, rather unhelpfully. “I don’t imagine it’d be a lot.” To that Sebastian shrugged.

“More the merrier, I always say.” He mused as he pulled off the stopper and pocketed it. “Honestly, what's the worst that could happen?”

“He dies.” Natty said, the edges of her features marred with inquisitive hesitancy as she considered the scene before her, her gaze flicking back towards Josie.  

“Well, I mean, other than that. Alright, fine I’ll settle for half the bottle.” 

“A few drops is all you need.” Ominis supplied as he positioned himself beside Josie. She watched him, brushing his forearm with her fingertips through the material of his cloak. 

Sebastian paused, staring down at the potion with a renewed respect. “Seriously, only a few drops? That’s a potent brew. How in the world do you know that?” Ominis grimaced, chin tilting down as he recalled something particularly unenjoyable.

“My family keeps some at the manor.” He answered cryptically, pausing as he felt the heavy stares of all in the room. “Ah… we do not want to feed him more than three drops.”

“What happens?” Poppy asked, her brows crunching but her interest piqued. Sebastian and her exchanged interested glances. 

“The truth can be… unbearable for some. Too much makes anyone overly compliant.” 

“You don’t mean…” Sebastian began to ask, his eyes widening before dropping to the vial in wonder. 

“It destroys them, and it’d be no help for what we’re after.” Ominis clipped, jaw setting as their intrigue in something fowl. 

“We want the unobstructed truth.” Natty echoed, stepping towards Poppy and Sebastian, her gaze lingering on the suspended goblin. “If we push this too far, we risk undermining everything.” Reluctantly Sebastian nodded, gaze landing on Poppy who made a noise of agreement.

“Three drops then. At your mark, Ominis.” Josie eyed Sebastian, surprised to see him relenting that possible avenue. Ominis lifted his wand again, breathing out as he prepared himself.

“One, two… three.” He counted before flicking his wand and releasing the petrification just as Sebastian finished the dosage into the open mouth of the goblin. 

All at once the incantation dropped. The goblin’s skin shifted back to its more natural coloration as he sucked in a harsh breath. Sebastian stepped back swiftly, pulling the stopper from his robes and refixing it as they all watched on. The goblins eyes shined like oil, reflecting back at them their own faces as his head swiveled in comprehension. His eyes finally landed on Josie and in his gaze she saw not only her reflection but subdued recognition.

“Josephine Clarke. The one who stole everything.” He murmured, sounding more drunk than anything else. Josie pressed her lips together, straightening her shoulder as she clenched her wand. Her friends, not daring to intervene just yet, eyed her wordlessly. Even without contact she could feel as Ominis tensed beside her, his shoulder setting as his wand twitched. 

“I don’t remember stealing anything.” She retorted quietly, watching him with a level gaze as he glanced down towards his bindings, considering them wordlessly before continuing. 

“Magic from life itself is for our kind to use, and no others. You stole it and now use it as your own, tainting it with your witch magic as though they should be mixed.” 

Josie blinked in confusion, mind reeling as she remembered her and Ominis' conversation before the blood bond where this all started. “Like the force of the earth - ”

“Power pulled from nature, power from metal and stone as much as air and water.” The goblin corrected angrily, his face twisting as he pulled against his binds. Ominis’ wand raised in an instant, pulling backwards as though to bolster his hold. “It is of my kin and with every drop you waste an ocean is lost to us.” 

Natty stepped forward, her wand aimed at the goblin and anger in her eyes. “Why did you bring that monster into Hogwarts?” She insisted, Josie felt herself inhale deeply, not having realized she’d held her breath. The goblin’s seething gaze drifted towards Natty, taking her in before his lips curled.

“Your one of the ones who attacked us, I recognize you three.” His head lulled as his gaze slid from Natty, to Poppy, before finally landing on Sebastian. His vision phased out of focus before suddenly snapping back up. “You killed it.” 

“Killed what?” Sebastian asked, eyes the only thing betraying his feigned ignorance.

“One of its kind; a true monster meant to fight monsters.” The goblin replied. His eyes narrowed angrily and his jaw twitched but he continued nonetheless. “A caster of wizard magic made by blood, earth, and metal. Who could… who could…” The goblin viciously jerked his head back, the milky sheen of the potion turning almost red at the effort. “ Rip the magic from her .” 

Josie stumbled back against the sofa as the ribbons of light began to crack. Ominis kicked the furniture backwards out of her way so she could escape to the far end of the room; wand poised and shaking, Ominis violently cast his spell again sending whip-like beams of light sailing from the far corners of the room to wrap themselves around the goblin as he nearly broke free. 

Sebastian raised his wand, stepping back as the goblin roared, his eyes red like blood, just as Natty and Poppy did the same; but it was Poppy whose spell took hold first, the others simmering around them like a static charge as they became moot. 

The goblin once again grew rigid, his skin like the stone of the earth he revered so heavily. They stood in silence, wands drawn and wordless. As Josie righted herself, gingerly moving between Natty and Ominis as she looked over the goblin in horror.

“I didn’t… I didn’t realize they wanted to take my magic.” 

“They can’t.” Sebastian said with confidence, his furrowed brow betraying his certainty despite his obvious growing anger. “Over my dead body.”

“Don’t say things like that.” Josie strained, pulling his attention with her sharp tone. Josie and Sebastian stared at each other, jaws tight and emotions running high; it wasn’t until Ominis shifted between them that her gaze wandered, leaving Sebastian to sigh heavily as he took a walk around the family room. 

“Last night before we were caught in the fight,” Natty supplied, her tone serious yet thoughtful, “they mentioned that the creature was a prototype and here he said it was one of a kind.”

“Yes, that’s a good point.” Poppy agreed, stepping towards Josie and slowly pulling her into a hug. “We’ve disposed of the one they had.” 

“They can still make more.” Sebastian interjected, his voice tight as he paced with arms crossed. 

“But it’ll take time.” Natty reasoned. 

“They have far more time than we do.” Ominis added quietly as he turned to face Josie. “We need to dispose of the root of the problem or this will always be a problem.” 

“Maybe the Ministry will help now that they’ll have proof that Ranrok is becoming more bold?” Poppy asked, releasing Josie from their hug and glancing towards Ominis. 

“Doubtful.” Natty mumbled, arms crossing as she settled back down onto one of the cushioned seats. She sighed, gaze lingering on the half filled tea pot. “He’s not going to tell us anything more. I suspect something terrible might happen if we unpetrify him again.” 

“Yeah, we’ll kill him.” Sebastian said dryly.

“Yes, we would.” Natty agreed. They lingered in silence again, Natsai and Sebastian locked in a tense stare. When he eventually blinked away, a sudden wave of tiredness settled over them as the clock on the wall ticked. 

“We should take the goblin to a professor.” Poppy decided, voice raising as she settled opposite Natty. “We can levitate him down the stairs. We’re bound to find someone.”

“And tell them we interrogated him in the hidden room of the Astronomy Tower under the effects of a controlled substance?” Sebastian asked, shooting her a glance that bordered on annoyed. Josie crinkled her face at him, recognizing the small amount of wry humor laced between his words. 

“Well,” Poppy started, her gaze tilting upwards as she pursed her lips, “I figured we could say we came across him in the halls and caught him off guard.”

“That’d mean we’d have to come clean about breaking curfew during the lockdown.” Josie reminded them, watching as Natty frowned. Her own hands still shook, her heart unable to calm as adrenaline pumped through her veins.  

“Seems a small price to pay at this point.”

“We could say we were going to the lavatory when we found him.” Sebastian interjected. At the sudden odd looks from the room, he waved his hand. Josie sputtered a laugh, an odd sound that came out more than a little hysterical. Ominis pressed his shaking hand against her shoulder, his throat bobbing as he squeezed. Sebastian continued, gaze locked on Natty and then Poppy. “Slytherin bathrooms are outside the common room. It’d have to be the three of us… or rather at least one of us.” 

“That’s assuming we can levitate a stone goblin from the Astronomy Tower all the way to our common room.” Ominis pointed out, scoffing at the idea; his irritation setting in as Josie let out a shaky breath. “Part of me would love to see us try but I’d imagine it’d be noisy and cumbersome.”  

Josie agreed that if Garreth, Sebastian, and herself struggled to stay out of sight on their way to the Headmaster’s office, there was no reason to believe they could manage a similar trek all the while maintaining a floating assassin. She was certain she couldn’t even cast a concealment charm on him. “Wait.” Josie suddenly said, eyes brightening as she reached to the floor by her feet. Pulling up her satchel she held it out, a growing smile crawling across her face despite her tremoring hands. 

Ominis furrowed his brows as he twisted his wand towards Josie and her bag, Natty stared at her with a perplexed expression and mouth opening in question, while Sebastian blinked as though she’d just offered to throw the goblin a party. It was only Poppy who shared her sudden elation. 

“Will it work?” The Hufflepuff asked, eyes shining as she glanced between Josie’s enchanted bag and the goblin. 

“If it works on thestrals and nifflers…” Josie offered with a cheeky shrug as she flipped open the flap. “Stand back everyone!” 

And just like that, Josie urged the bag to inhale; pulling at the hanging pictures of the wall as she coaxed the stone goblin to enter.

“Drop the binding spell, Ominis!” Poppy urged. Without question Ominis relented and the goblin spiraled and stretched before disappearing from sight. 

“Did you just - ” Ominis was cut off by a squeal from Poppy who hopped in excitement. 

“How absolutely clever !” She exclaimed, twisting towards Natty. “Merlin, there’s an end in sight.” Natty’s lip quirked as she huffed a laugh that sounded like a chime. 

“One battle of a war, but I look forward to resting properly.” Natty responded before glancing towards her Slytherin counterparts. “Shall we stay here while you three return to your common room?”

Josie and Sebastian exchanged glances. Now that the goblin was out of sight and properly packed away, the trio of Slytherin’s seemed far less tense. Sebastian shrugged, his boyish smirk pressing into his cheek.

“It’s not that weird for friends to walk to the lav together, right?” Josie laughed a loud belly laugh sending the room into a fit of joyous sound as the others couldn’t contain their mirth. Ominis huffed and Sebastian’s smirk widened into a grand, toothy smile as Poppy’s face reddened and Natty placed her hand over her smiling mouth. 

“Not when it’s dangerous out.” Josie offered. “Come on then, boys. Off to the loo we go.”

Chapter Text

Fiddler in the Dungeon

Matilda Weasley stood with her back straight and a believable sort of surprised expression as the Ministry officer walked through the Deathday Party room with a glowing wand and a severe face. Beside her, Aesop Sharp and her nephew stood like rigid statues, one from nerves while the other out of exasperation. 

Officer Singer tilted her head back towards the three of them, her deep blue Ministry dress robes pristine and dry despite the heavy rain beyond the castle walls. The Officer had arrived only twenty minutes before, alerted by headmaster Black's reluctant admittance that something was terribly wrong within Hogwarts. Her dark eyes landed on Matilda’s nephew in a way that made the Deputy Headmistress bristle. 

“Mr. Weasley, you’re sure you have no further knowledge of this?” Garreth looked ragged, eyes darting to meet his aunts' before attempting a placating, respectful smile towards the officer. 

“No, ma’am. I was by the entrance to the Slytherin common room when I saw the creature. I was running straight to the Headmaster when Professor Sharp found me.” The officer glanced towards Aesop who sternly nodded, his reputation screaming far more loudly than her eighteen year old kin. Officer Singer straightened, glancing around the room before motioning towards the long table of destroyed brewing equipment. It looked as though a troll had stumbled through and sat itself unceremoniously atop it all. Officer Singer pursed her lips as she waved her wand in that direction, watching as it - once again - pulsed a deep green in response. 

“Whoever took this goblin and creature down was formidable. That creature would have held immense strength, I presume it was some more vigilante students.” At her accusatory tone, Matilda watched her nephew press his lips into a thin line, his frustration becoming more and more evident; it was Aesop who quietly schooled the boy, hand pressing down on his shoulder and intense look enough of a reminder how precarious this all could be for him. 

The officer must not learn of his involvement. 

Tipping her wand towards a dark pillar scuffed by magical scarring, Officer Singer paused. “I am concerned that a dark curse was cast. It still lingers in the air despite the potion and fire being long cold. Whoever cast it is practiced and was likely in a great deal of danger to have cast it so strongly.” 

“What curse was cast?” Aesop asked, his head tilting in the proper sort of interest for the head of a Hogwarts house. 

“I can’t tell exactly, not without their wand for cross examination. It wasn't an Unforgivable, mind you. I’d imagine some sort of summoning with this particular… flavor, if you will.” Officer Singer elaborated before turning and joining their three stalwart forms. Matilda squeezed his hands together behind her back as the officer stared at Garreth. 

“I’d like to check your wand, Mr. Weasley.” The officer said sternly. Garreth tilted his head in subtle challenge as he glanced towards his aunt again. Officer Singer followed his gaze, meeting the stare of the Deputy Headmistress. “He’s no longer a child. The protections of the school no longer apply to him.”

“Is this an official inquiry?” Matilda asked, her tone light as she glanced towards Aesop who, in his day, far outranked Officer Singer. Taking his queue, he looked towards Garreth hand outstretched. 

“Hand over your wand, Mr. Weasley. I’ll conduct the search for your dark curse.” When the officer began to protest, Aesop shot her a look of pure authority as Garreth hesitantly reached into his robes and procured his wand. “He may be an adult but he’s still a student and resident of Hogwarts. We will comply with the Ministry’s wishes but, as previously agreed when I took up this job, I’ll conduct the investigation on behalf of Headmaster Black.” 

To that, Officer Singer sighed, eyes darting towards Matilda but finding no help from her as Aesop began the process of examining her nephew's wand. A strand of magical light pulled from one wand towards the tip of the other, levitating like a mote of light as Aesop scrutinized it. 

“No dark curses.” Aesop relented, eyeing Garreth before dissipating his spell. “Although there’s signs of some precise dueling spells that imply extra practice. Tell me, Mr. Weasley, did you partake in extracurricular dueling this weekend?” 

The relief that broke Garreth’s expression mirrored her own as Matilda watched his shoulders nearly shutter as he took back his wand. “Yes, Professor. Just before the lockdown.” Aesop nodded, heavy gaze landing on the officer with an air of dismissiveness. "There you have it. Now, do you expect me to investigate the wands of all thousand students enrolled?"

Officer Singer frowned as she let out a breath of air, deflating. Matilda knew as well as Aesop that the officer would not request such actions be taken. Especially when it could easily be reasoned that a creature who could break through the wards of Hogwarts and use wizarding magic to enter the castle proper, could also cast a dark curse.

So instead Officer Singer nodded stiffly as she pulled out a notebook and enchanted quill. She turned and quietly began dictating, the ink scrawling over the pages as swiftly as she spoke, the others clearly dismissed. 

***

Josie, Ominis, and Sebastian found themselves at the steps of the Slytherin common room after a long romp through Hogwarts halls. There had been the added complication of a number of Ministry officers patrolling the hall, seemingly on the lookout for more of the intruders that might still roam the corridors. This time they were far more careful than Sebatian, Garreth and herself had been; something about Ominis’ perchance for silence and his keen hearing leant itself to their more successful travel.

They didn’t slow until they reached the Slytherin common room, a collective sigh passing between them as they emerged from their concealing charms.

 “At this rate, I think I’d be happy to rest for a week straight.” Josie mumbled, stretching her lower back as it ached from all the crouching and creeping they’d done. 

“You wouldn’t have to do much to convince me.” Ominis agreed listlessly. Sebastian leaned against the stone pillar, eyes closing as he rubbed his face dramatically. 

“Might as well make a right slumber party out of it. I’m knackered.” Sebastian added, his gaze flicking down the corridor as his hands dropped to his side. “Right, one more step and then the rest is lullabies and counting sheep.”

Josie nodded in agreement, grip reaching up to tighten around the band of her satchel as they hurried down the corridor towards the lavatories. 

“This is where I first saw it.” Sebastian suddenly said, pointing at an otherwise uninteresting curve of the corridor. Josie looked closely and, upon finding nothing of value, she glanced up at her freckled companion who shrugged. “It was disillusioned or something similar. I saw the light bounce off it strangely and, when we followed it, it left black footprints on the floor that disappeared.” 

“That’s rather peculiar.” Ominis thought aloud, his wand passing over the spot before rising towards Josie and Sebastian. “It’s a wonder what allowed it to possess that quality. I know we’ve established how it was… well, sort of how it was formed, but that doesn’t really explain the disappearing footprints.” 

As Ominis' observation settled between them, they slowly made their way outside the bathrooms. Sebastian and Josie glanced into the boys and girls rooms respectively while Ominis stood and listened for any other oncoming footsteps. When Josie pressed back through the girls' lavatory doors, she was met with the sight of Ominis hurrying towards her; she paused, her brows furrowing and lips parting as he suddenly grabbed the crook of her arm and pulled her out into the open.

"Someone's coming." Ominis whispered hurriedly. Josie swallowed heavily, eyes darting in search of Sebastian who emerged from the boys' lavatory. He watched them oddly, the tension between them palpable as Ominis nearly dragged her from the restroom. Pulling off her satchel in a rushed movement Josie summoned forth the petrified form of the goblin. 

He loudly came tumbling forward, his limbs slamming into the stone floor of the dungeons with a deafening echo. Ominis and Josie flinched as Sebastian grimaced at the sounds. Sebastian opened his mouth to speak as he hurried over, his wand out in an instant before his gaze darted down the corridor towards the Grand Hall.

Only a few moments passed before Josie could hear the quickly approaching footsteps as Ominis moved himself as though to stand between her and the approaching masses. She quickly pulled her wand from her robe, trying her best to ignore the way his fingers dug into her arm protectively.

Then emerged the forms of Deputy Headmistress Weasley, Professor Sharp, and Officer Singer, their wands outstretched as they came to a stop and observed the scene. Josie’s gaze landed on Sharp whose expression was that of exasperation as he registered the scene that laid before him. With rising panic, Josie recognized his look of disbelief and disappointment. She hesitated as Garreth quietly joined them, his face extremely pale and his wand lax in his grip. Garreth stared at the petrified goblin much as the two elder women did, their gazes drifting from the neutralized threat towards the three Slytherin students standing before them. 

“Ms. Clarke.” Officer Singer greeted, her voice showing her lack of surprise as her shoulders relaxed. She approached the goblin, eyes staring down the straight of her nose as she pursed her lips. 

“Mr. Gaunt and Mr. Sallow.” Professor Weasley half-introduced, half-accused as she hurried towards her students. Out of the corner of her eye, Josie could see Sebastian flinch at the familiar tone.

“Afternoon, Professor.” Sebastian offered, his own gaze lingering on the Ministry officer before glancing towards Josie and Ominis. Josie silently watched on as Officer Singer crouched down next to the goblin, her wand glowing a dull blue as she waved it over the body. “I think we found part of the problem.” 

“Indeed you did.” Professor Weasley intonated, sounding none impressed as she looked him over. “Are you feeling quite alright, Mr. Sallow? You’re looking rather unwell.” 

“Ah,” Josie chanced a glance over her shoulder as Sebastian blinked away his hesitation, his own gaze shifting towards the goblin and the officer. “Yes, Professor. Maybe just a tad surprised.” 

“Who cast the petrification spell?” Officer Singer asked, her voice carrying and gaining the attention of all present. Ominis shifted at her side, his head raising to face the general direction of the officer.

“I did, Officer Singer.” Ominis admitted, his voice unwavering. It painted quite the picture; Sebastian frightened while Ominis calm and collected, all the while Josie stood between them appearing utterly speechless. Despite having a plan, she thought they rather looked accidentally convincing in the face of all three imposing figures.

“And why were you three out of your dorms?” Professor Sharp asked listlessly as Officer Singer stood up, brushing off her deep blue cloak and eyeing them curiously.

“We were heading towards the lavatories, Officer Singer.” Josie explained, slowly stowing away her wand. The Officer glanced behind Josie at the clearly labeled restroom door before shooting Professor Weasley a questioning glance. 

“These are the designated Slytherin lavatories.” Professor Sharp confirmed with a stiff nod, his face softening as he glanced between his students. Josie nodded along, gaze lingering on their Head of House at the hidden spark of understanding held in his stare. It was subtle, the sort of look that implied both a job well done and a curiosity that was unsated. 

Ominis shifted, his wand glowing a dull red as his head tilted towards their professors; he quietly released the crook of her arm, shifting slightly away before he spoke. “Is there anything you need us for? I think I’d rather like to use the lavatory and then rest. I don’t believe any of us slept particularly well last night.” 

Officer Singer made a quiet noise of understanding before interrogating Josie, Sebastian, and lastly Ominis on their noticing and intentions at their traveling together. Josie and Sebastian dealt with a number more questions than Ominis, his clipped yet regal disposition working wonders on the Ministry officer. Eventually Officer Singer glanced towards Professor Sharp, who'd been listening on behind them all, his expression pensive and carefully neutral.

“I won’t be needing anything else, Professor Sharp. This goblin is alive and can do as much talking as we need.” 

The students were dismissed and the goblin carted off by Professor Sharp in the short time it took the three of them to hide in their respective lavatories for a reasonable amount of time. When they reemerged, Garreth still stood beside his aunt, his eyes following the last few of the officers as they came to speak with Officer Singer, their voices carrying down the corridor as they moved to a warmer part of the castle. There was a brief moment of pause as Josie met his gaze, his brows raising for a moment before he let out a quiet, controlled breath. Josie couldn’t help but agree with the sentiment; they’d done it. Well, as much as they could manage with what they had to work with. Josie knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that the next chance he got, Garreth would seek them out. There was much to discuss.

Eventually Garreth was escorted back to his own dorms by Professor Weasley. Shortly after Josie, Ominis, and Sebastian were safely deposited at the entrance of their common room by another officer who hadn’t bothered to introduce himself.

The three of them stalked down the long staircase in silence, not quite feeling daring enough to voice their thoughts, especially as the hum of many voices filled the chamber below. Josie's eyes swept over the populated common area, most of which were first and second years who clung to one another and stared after Josie and her companions as though they might be some sliver of salvation. Most other students must have been tucked away inside their designated dorms, the central space of the common room feeling far too wide and open for comfortable conversation. Josie, Ominis, and Sebastian were set with their own decision to be made. Feeling rather dead on their feet, they wordlessly found their quarry.

They moved as a group towards the expansive watery view of the Black Lake, the glow of deep water sending calming ripples through this part of the common room. Josie wasn’t surprised the younger students avoided it like the plague; it was cold here, the enchanted glass protected them from moisture and a torrent of water but not the alarming drop in temperature. 

Josie rested on the green velvet couch beside the fireplace, eyes cast towards the flames as Ominis took the seat to her left and Sebastian to her right. It was only then, once they were settled into the familiar embrace of their common room that they collectively sighed into the softness of the space. 

“I could sleep for a week.” Ominis whispered, his words an echo of their earlier conversation as his hand gently found hers amongst the sleeves of their robes. Her own eyes sliding closed as Josie leaned into him, her head fell lightly against his shoulder, a sigh of quiet relief escaping her. Sebastian let out a loud yawn, sinking further and further into the sofa until his legs stretched to reach the posh coffee table, ankles crossing as his head dipped backwards over the far arm of the couch. 

“Now's your chance, mate.”

That was all the permission needed. They drifted to sleep to the sounds of the large, crackling fireplace in the half empty Slytherin common room. Josie was unsure how long they rested; the lack of natural sunlight their underground common room allowed into the space made time seem to stand still. When she finally roused consciousness, there was a large commotion at the far end of the common room somewhere near the entrance. 

She lifted her head from Ominis’ shoulder and wiped the sleep from her eyes as she reached out with both hands to wake the men on either side of her. Ominis woke quickly, his hand coming to his neck to massage a kink while Sebastian took a few extra hard shoves to bring him back to consciousness. It took Josie a few long minutes to realize that Professor Sharp was addressing the Slytherin house. 

“Yes, yes, Ms. Reyes is correct. As of now the lockdown order has been lifted. You’ll be able to dine in the Great Hall this evening as long as there’s no stampede or quickening charms on the way there.” Professor Sharp gave a particular student a pointed look before stepping to one side. “Don’t panic at the sight of the lingering auror, he’s concluding the investigation. That being said, do be on your best behavior.” 

Masses of green and black robes hurried up the stairs past their professor who stepped back four large steps so as to not get swept away in the throng. Josie watched as Sharp moved towards the rather uneasy looking first years and spoke quietly to them, his stern expression softening slightly as he motioned for them to follow after him. Like ducklings following their mother, they did just that.

“Merlin, did you hear that?” Josie asked, her voice low as Sebastian stretched out further across the sofa now that she and Ominis no longer rested where his legs could rightly go. 

“It appears the intruders have been taken care of.” Ominis observed, his wand pointed towards the escaping Slytherins though Josie was unsure if his sensing charm could reach that far. “There’s something that’s not quite adding up here.” 

“Looking a gift horse in the mouth, Ominis.” Sebastian commented, eyes closed as he tucked one hand behind his head. “If I were to make a taskforce with the purpose of finding one person in a massive castle, I wouldn’t send in twenty goblins to do the job. I’d send in two.”

“We’re just lucky they weren’t as formidable as Ranrok hoped.” Josie added, brow crunching as she glanced over Sebastian’s form. He still looked rather exhausted despite his content smirk; she wondered if she appeared just as worse for the wear. Ominis, other than the small bit of lingering sleep, looked much the same.

“They mentioned someone named Godrin before we were found out. Something about him having information about what to find here.” Sebastian said airly. Ominis’ head swiveled towards their lounging friend, his expression turning quizzical. 

“Godrin? That’s what they called the goblin at Hogsmeade.” He thought aloud, his voice lowering as the last of the other students filed out of the common room. Josie hesitated, staring at Ominis as the name registered.

“Oh, yes. He was the one with the troll who chased us.” She recounted with an air of recognition. Sebastian sat up, his expression twisted to surprise as he glanced between Josie and Ominis. 

“A troll chased you through where ?” Josie laughed, unable to hide her gut reaction to his incredulous expression. Ominis smirked, head shaking as he grabbed Josie by the crook of her elbow. She glanced at him in time to see his pointed look towards the exit.

“Come one, maybe we’ll tell you about it at dinner.” To that, she could hardly argue, her stomach was decisively empty bar the odd biscuit and tea. Sebastian blinked after them both, but eventually joined them not being one to say no to a good meal.

The trio ate supper with the rest of the Slytherin’s at their table. The energy was magnetic and excited as houses commingled and laughed together more flagrantly than ever before. Professor Weasley and Professor Garlick shined with pride at the comradery as the sheer elation of no longer being trapped positively vibrated through the halls of Hogwarts. Professor Ronen sent charmed dinner plates flying through the air, serving treats to unsuspecting students; uproarious fun was had when one of said plates came to a stop before Professor Sharp who dramatically ignore the gesture for a long few moments before smirking and stuffing the hand pie into his mouth in one go. 

As evening fell on the castle and as the boisterous nature of the students showed no signs of settling, Professor Weasley made an announcement to prolong the toll of curfew for an extra two hours - just this once. 

There were whispers floating around the room, quiet and electric of a get together being planned. Josie hadn’t been able to tell where they originated from, but had readily learned it’d all be coming together in twenty minutes in the Slytherin common room. Only a select few from other houses were welcomed as apparently one of their fellow seventh years had a way of bypassing the Slytherin only access. 

Whoever was orchestrating it all was terribly well organized, Josie surmised, finding that the number of folks outside of the Slytherin house who were actually invited was a reasonable number as to not accrue too much suspicion. It wasn’t until people started quietly exiting the Great Hall twenty minutes later that Ominis finally leaned into Josie and whispered. 

“Why do I get the distinctive feeling that we won't be resting again any time soon?” There was a duality to his tone; both equally excited and mournful of his lost peaceful hours before bed. She smiled at him, leaning into him so her mouth brushed the shell of his ear. 

“I’m sure there’s plenty of things we can do that’d be just as enjoyable.” She whispered back, not entirely meaning it to sound as lewd as it had. At his suppressed smirk and slight flush, Josie's own face heated before she pulled herself from him and glanced at Sebastian on her other side. 

To her great relief he was chatting with another student who stood at his shoulder, his own smirk pressing deep grooves into his cheek as she rolled her eyes. Josie recognized her as a Gryffindor sixth year, Jalisa Founders. 

“You can’t expect me to believe you had nothing to do with this?” She accused, blue eyes sharp and clear as she stared down at him with distaste.

“I’m absolutely flattered, but unfortunately, girl wonder, you’re just simply wrong about this one. Not me, I’m afraid.” He relented, his voice taking on a faux-apology as he dipped his head. “Now if you won’t excuse me, my friends and I are exhausted. I think we’ll be tucking in for the evening.” 

Jalisa snorted, eyes rolling as she turned sharply from Sebastian and stomped out of the hall. Josie blinked after her before her gaze slid to meet the unapologetic grin of her friend. 

“Did I just witness a domestic spat?” Sebastian barked a laugh as he moved to stand.

“No, Merlin, no. Someone told the girl wonder that there’d be a party out on the Quidditch pitch tonight.” He explained, eyes twinkling as Josie and Ominis stood to join him. Ominis’ brow raised in response. 

“That sounds like a terribly frigid gathering.” He commented, tone dry as he settled his robes so that they laid flat. 

“Which is why part of me wants to watch as she tries to bring a professor out there at midnight to bust a party that doesn’t exist.” Sebastian went on, his voice barely containing his mirth. “Merlin knows we need a release after the weekend we’ve had.” 

To that, all three of them could agree. They made their way back to the Slytherin common room. As they rounded into the familiar dark corridors no longer filled with invisible monsters nor Ministry officers, it was Sebastian who broke the silence.

“How many Galleons do you want to bet that there’ll be less than six Gryffindor’s in attendance?” 

Josie and Ominis both let out incredulous huffs, sounding like echoes of each other which didn’t escape the notice of their freckled friend. Sebastian’s smile widened. 

“I take it neither of you will take me up on it? Fine, there’s plenty of other ways to live it up.” As they approached the entrance proper, Josie’s gaze landed on the single Slytherin seventh year leaning against one of the many pillars. Arms crossed and wand out, his dark gaze followed the three of them as they approached. He flashed a toothy grin at them before nodding. Josie recognized him from their shared classes, Deloni Booker. His thick, dark hair was twisted into dreads to frame his angular face and handsomely prominent brow. A rather well known Advanced Charms student who Josie had once or twice been paired with. He was right clever and more than a little ambitious.  

“Evening, Booker.” She greeted with a smile of her own as Sebastian called out the password to activate their common room entrance. He offered her a rather dramatic wave of his hand before tilting his head towards their dorms. 

“Evening, Clarke. Hope you get a good rest tonight.” She grinned at him as she took Ominis’ hand and quickly guided them both through the entrance. 

“I suppose we should have guessed it’d be Booker who put this all together. The mans’ a mad lad.” Sebastian mumbled, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. 

“He’s definitely a talented enough caster to do what he claims he can.” Ominis observed, seemingly far more at ease with the idea of an unsanctioned gathering than Josie would have initially given him credit for. 

As they descended the stairs, Josie’s senses were immediately accosted by the smell of burning cigars and the sounds of animated chatter. By the way Ominis squeezed her hand and grimaced, she knew he felt more than slightly assaulted at the senses too. Sebastian on the other hand practically galloped down the steps until he was out of sight. 

It wasn’t until they came to the bottom steps and peered into the boisterous common room that Josie finally saw the raised stage and chattering masses. The area where they’d rested mere hours ago was now a lounge for upperclassmen while the space where dorm passages all convened housed three Slytherin sixth years as they enchanted a number of musical instruments that levitated on a transfigured stage. 

Another group of students stood around an enchanted decanter of dark liquid, one that Sebastian and Josie shared a conspiratorial look of recognition as it was very reminiscent of one they’d seen in Headmaster Black’s office earlier that day. Cheeky. 

Temperance Jones, a rather lanky fifth year with a knack for transfiguration, hurried towards the three of them as they paused by the entrance. Her cheeks rosy, olive skin glistening from set up, she excitedly clasped her hands together.

“Josephine, Sebastian! How do you like the stage?” She asked, her gaze completely sliding past Ominis; not that he minded terribly. Josie doubted he wanted to talk to someone quite so loud though it still sent a wave of annoyance through her despite it. 

“Looks good, did you make it?” Sebastian answered for the both of them as he stuffed his hands in his pockets and flicked his gaze over the set up.

“Yes! It used to be a few of the settees and one of the side tables for the color.” Temperance tittered on, gaze locking Sebastian in place as she told him in great detail where she got her inspiration for the transfiguration. Josie silently pulled Ominis away, a motion he readily followed with the ghost of a smirk.  

Just then the instruments jumped to life. A bodhrán rolled through the air before settling beside its tipper, its goatskin well loved and recently tightened. Flanking the Irish drum were two fiddles bobbed weightlessly to an unheard tune as a deep red accordion struggled to find a comfortable orientation as it moved sluggishly through the air. The three students who’d worked hard to enchant them counted together before waving their wands in sync.

The room filled with the excited sounds of folk music, unapologetic and fun as the charms found their rhythm, and began making a jaunty tune easy to dance to. A few dozen students hollered and applauded the effort before grabbing one another as they began to twirl. 

“Sounds like a herd of graphorns are stumbling through here.” Ominis joked lightly, his voice lilting at the contagious levity as he took a few steps out of the way of a passing crowd. Josie huffed a laugh as two Slytherin girls spun and spun each other with reckless abandon; beyond them a Hufflepuff bowed dramatically towards his Slytherin counterpart who laughed into her hands, her gaze flitting towards her friends before he swooped her up and they too began to spin. 

“Everyone’s so happy.” Josie observed, unable to hide the awe from her voice. Black’s glass decanter made its way across the thoroughfare and into the hands of a few seventh years who cheered as it haphazardly poured three small glasses of the dark liquid. 

“I’ve always fancied this sort of music. It’s not quite as precise as Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff but I think that’s what I enjoy about it.” Ominis said lightly, his attention tilting towards the raised platform where the instruments bounced as they played. Josie stared at the side of his head in unhidden surprise.

“Aren’t those muggle composers?” She inquired, watching as his smirk grew into a lopsided smile. 

“Yes, well, blood status hardly changes the quality of someone’s lifes work. Rachmaninoff is up and coming and I’d like to be one of the first to enjoy more of what he has to offer.” He gave her a pointed look in her general direction before pulling his arm from hers and squaring his shoulders. “Now, I know what you were going to ask me, so go on and do it before I come to my senses.” A grin crawled across her face as her heart fluttered.

“Would you dance with me, Ominis?” 

“I rightly don’t know how to dance to this music, mind you. I’ve only been taught classics like the minuet, but I doubt that’ll help with this particular time signature.” He mused, inclining his head slightly in a courteous bow. “But I’ll give it a go as long as you make sure I don’t fall into the fireplace or anything like that.” She laughed, taking his outstretched hands in hers as she leaned towards him conspiratorially. 

“The others look absolutely batty, so I wouldn’t be too worried about what we look like.” Ominis snorted, the most improper sound Josie thought she’d ever heard grace his lips as his thumb began tapping against her hand along with the rhythm.

“I never care what I look like.” Josie rolled her eyes, knowing full well that was a barefaced lie; especially with the way she’s seen him care for his clothing and hair, but she didn’t have a chance to voice her thoughts. He pulled her forward and began to spin, feet stepping to the beat.

She clung to him as they went, unable to contain the mirth that escaped her as he slid on hand around her waist and guided her round and round with impressive dexterity. With a gentle push he raised his other arm and twirled her before stepping away, his own expression graced with pure elation as she squeaked into the movement. It was wonderful and far more amazing that she ever would have given it credit if boasted by anyone else. He was so charming; all soft smiles and excited eyes as a few golden strands of hair fell out of place amongst their shared felicity. 

He pulled her in close once again, hand snaking a tad too low around her waist in the eyes of high society but here no one minded, most of all not Josie. Free hands clasped, they dipped and spun together as though dancing on clouds, the heaviness of the cloaks the only things tethering them to earth as laughter fell from Ominis; the most poetic sound of them all as his face grew rosy from the exertion. The way he appeared then wouldn't be something she forgot anytime soon, an image burned into her mind to settle nicely with the other good memories just before he urged her to spin away from him. 

He stepped away from her, giving her the space to spin two - three - times before stumbling back into him, their hands coming together as he began to pull her counterclockwise. He was amazing at keeping the rhythm, pulling her close as they moved in opposition to the other couples around them.

Exhilarated as she was, she knew Ominis could sense her growing fatigue. He pulled her towards him as they slowed their spinning, his own forehead glistening from exertion. He looked as though he wanted to say something but instead took a step back, squeezing her hands as he did. It was not missed the way his thumb rolled over the ring on her right hand, hidden away by thin gloves.

After a few moments of catching their breath, Josie felt as though she was being watched and glanced around the room to find its source. Most others were too busy partaking in the festivities, either dancing, drinking, or smoking as the band played and good conversation was had. It wasn’t until Josie’s gaze fell on Sebastian who leaned against the far wall watching them with a wide grin that she felt slightly self conscious as he hurried across the impromptu dance floor. 

“That was quite a sight for sore eyes, when’s my turn?” Josie huffed as Sebastian stared at Ominis who, in turn tilted his head towards Josie in respectful agreement obviously believing Sebastian meant to dance with her. When Josie simply laughed, Ominis raised a brow before suddenly rolling his eyes. 

“You dolt.” He said in good humor, his head shaking as he released Josie’s hands. “Feel free to dance amongst yourselves, I’m rather exhausted.”

“Ah, but the night’s young!” Sebastian called out feigning heartbreak as Ominis found an empty seat nearby. “It was worth a shot.” 

“No one can ever say you’re a quitter, I’ll give you that.” She mumbled as he took her hands in his. His grip was far more respectful than Ominis’ had been as they began to spin at a manageable pace; not quite as lost in the throws as her and Ominis but she thoroughly enjoyed the almost jaunty bounce in his step, likely from a familiarity with this genre of social dance. 

“I’ll have you know I spoke to Booker while you two were making eyes at each other.” Sebastian started, spinning her before raising their joined hand to spin himself in the most awkward of ways due to their height difference. Her mouth quirked in elation at the silliness of it. “He’s been convinced to let in a few Gryffindors and an odd Hufflepuff if they feel so inclined to stop by.” Josie smiled widely in response. 

“You’ve taken a liking to them!” She accused with no small amount of happiness. He scowled as though insulted she’d imply as much. 

“Oh, please I’m not that sentimental. Garreth was likely already invited and I doubt the other two will make it, but I figured we’d all been through enough together it made sense to at least make it possible for them to join us.”

“You’re ninety percent a sentimental fool, you don’t have to hide it.” She prodded, not caring to hide the smile in her voice as his brows pulled inwardly. “And ten percent wrong. Look who’s here.” Josie nodded her head towards the entrance. Sebastian’s face contorted in confusion as he spun them so he could more easily see the stone staircase and the forms of Natsai Onai and Garreth Weasley as they descended into the common room.  

His jaw dropped before making a sound of surprise. “Well, I’ll be damned. Onai decided to up and come.” Sebastian and Josie spun each other one last time before separating. Sebastian shot her a glance before motioning towards Ominis. “You wait here and rest, I’ll grab them and bring them over.” 

Josie didn’t have to be told twice. She settled into the empty seat beside Ominis, sighing loudly as she enjoyed the feeling of taking the weight off her feet. He'd shucked both his outer robe and his blazer before having rolled the material of his shirt sleeves to his forearms making him look ever dashing amongst the vibrant party goers and excited music.

“That was a fast dance.” Ominis observed, as he summoned an enchanted glass from a nearby side table. She recognized that it was one enchanted by the house elves to ever-fill with water as he floated it over to her. She took it readily and drank it. 

“Believe it or not, Natty and Garreth just arrived. Sebastian was grabbing them.” Ominis raised a brow before nodding. 

“I’m not terribly surprised, he gets on with Garreth.” 

“I don’t think he realizes he gets on with both of them.” Josie commented. Ominis chuckled, a deep rumble that filled her with a different sort of joy.  

“No, I suppose you’re right.” He relented, a smirk pressed into his cheek. “Admittedly, I think I’m rather fond of that little group. I… wouldn’t have predicted any of it, but they're enough good folk." 

"I'm glad you like them." Josie said in earnest, sipping on her water as she eyed her friends in between dancing classmates. 

"It's hard to not like people who care so much about you." Josie felt the truth in his words, knowing that it would have been otherwise unlikely that he'd ever spoken to any of them more than passing pleasantries had they not been brought together by circumstance. 

Josie wanted to say more or even simply kiss him but stopped herself as Garreth, Natty, and Sebastian dodged dancers and made their way over. 

Sebastian and Garreth quickly decided they wanted to try cigars before the night's end and when they did they severely regretted it, swearing off the practice for life from then on out. Natty and Josie danced, laughing and giddy at the way neither quite knew how to lead, her own outer robe forgotten on the sofa. Ominis offered her a second dance, the offer in of itself enough to make her face flush and heart flutter as he spun her again and again. It wasn't until he pulled her in close and whispered a quiet promise that she felt herself truly grow weak at the knees. 

"One of these days I'll have to treat you to a classical dance. I think I'd rather enjoy that." Josie felt her heart pound at the intimate quality to his voice, a promise only for her to hear. He dragged the tip of his nose along the warm skin of her cheek before pulling away and depositing her into the arms of Garreth who simply blinked after the sudden transaction. 

“Fancy meeting you here, Weasley.” She said airly, her blush surly engulfing her other features as she watched Ominis join Sebastian and Natsai near the decanter of alcohol. Garreth craned his neck backwards as he also watched Ominis.

“How in Merlin’s name did he know I was standing here? I could have been any old bloke.” He asked, his gaze returning to hers with sincere surprise. She smirked up at her friend, shaking her head.

“I believe it’s the way you walk, but I’m not exactly privy to those intimate details.” She replied, enjoying the way he shot her a look of disbelief. “I’m pleasantly surprised you were able to slip away. I thought for sure Professor Weasley wouldn’t let you out of her sight tonight.” He huffed a laugh, his eyes rolling in a way that implied a long story that he wasn’t excited to relive.

“Ah, well let’s just say my punishment started a few hours before dinner and will resume tomorrow morning.” 

“Punishment?” Josie echoed. “You’re the whole reason this finally came to an end!” Garreth shrugged as he awkwardly began leading her, his limbs far too long to be a good fit dance partner for Josie’s much smaller frame. It hardly mattered as he sought to ignore any further discussion on the matter by rocking to the lovely lilt of music. She dropped the subject, hoping to give him a small respite before the promise of tomorrow bore down upon him.

Nearly an hour into the festivities Natty called out as Poppy descended the stairs with Deloni Booker. The duo were chatting animatedly, they stopped only as Natsai came to retrieve her for her first dance. Josie and Garreth separated as their eyes sought out the scene of their Hufflepuff friend descending the winding steps. Sebastian cut into whatever conversation Poppy and Booker were having to ferry the Hufflepuff onto the dance floor. Garreth paused, giving Josie a polite squeeze of her hands before scooping up Natty who watched Sebastian with a not-so-subtle amount of disdain at her stolen friend. The lads acted proper gentlemen as they took up a partner each and threw themselves into the throng of dancers. 

It was lovely seeing them all together, Poppy all bright faced as she led Sebastian in a twirl that made him nearly tear up in revelry. Garreth was far too tall for his own good, nearly hunching despite his obvious familiarity with the social dance as Natty watched on, looking positively timid for the first time in her life. It wasn't until Garreth leaned down and spoke to her that a smile finally broke across her lips and she seemed to relax into his hold; as though a dam had been broken, Garreth straightened and they jumped into their own tune, severely off beat but without a care in the world. 

It all made Josie's heart swell, she was more than content to simply watch them make merry for the remainder of the evening; especially as Sebastian pretended to promenade with Poppy, one hand connecting them as they put on posh airs of walking forward and then back before descending into a fit of laughter as they pulled back together again.

Josie felt more than heard Ominis' request to speak in private as he guided her gently away from the dance floor. She agreed, not entirely sure where they could go for privacy considering the number of folks who populated their common spaces. Ominis seemed to have the same thought before he guided them towards the boys dorms. Josie didn't mind as he pressed open the seventh year room to find it empty. Apparently even the sick student felt inclined to eat and be merry. 

In the quiet space, the silence was almost jarring; the sounds of the band echoing through the corridor, it sounded distant and muffled. Josie sat herself on his bed, not quite feeling comfortable enough to touch anyone else's but feet feeling too sore to continue standing. Ominis joined her, standing before her and seemingly noticing her reluctance to be on her feet. 

"How're you feeling?" He asked, a hint of concerned brows pulling at his features. Josie assessed herself, face heating once again at the memory of the days before. 

"Truthfully, I'm fine. The worst of it is my sore feet. These boots weren't really made for dancing and I'm reaping the consequences now." His expression softened, nodding before settling himself beside her and releasing a sigh that sounded dangerously like an admission that his feet also ached. 

"I had a realization, one that I'm ashamed to say happened only just earlier today at dinner." He started, his lips pursing as he thought. Josie cocked a brow, the headiness of the evening more than enough to curb the slight creeping worry that filled her at his hesitant tone. "It suddenly occurred to me that we haven't taken… precautions." 

Josie stared at him, eyes roving the sharp edge of his cheekbone as she thought over his words before it suddenly dawned on her. "Oh, goodness," Josie murmured, the muggle-ism slipping through as her face heated. "With everything I hadn't… I forgot - "

"Everything will be fine, Josie." He soothed, his voice confident. He continued quickly, the small hint of his own blush creeping up his neck. "Potions of that nature work especially well even after the fact."

"Yes, I… I know where to get the recipe." Josie added quickly, unbelieving her lack of self-awareness. Thank Merlin Ominis was aware enough to remember something of that nature. She felt herself let out a shaky breath as Ominis reached out and gingerly enveloped her in an embrace. 

"You're alright, love." He mumbled into her hair, his words unraveling the tension that had begun to build within her. He was right, they had plenty of time. She reached up to return the hug, burying her face in the fabric of his shirt and vest as he slowly ran his palm down and up her back. Part of her wanted to sprint from their common room and brew the potion then and there, but there was so much that would likely go wrong if she did that, so much that would need explaining which she’d rather it never came to.

They rested together like that until Ominis was convinced her worry had completely dissipated from her heart with the plan to deal with it on the morrow. When she finally pulled out of their embrace, Ominis didn't release her. Instead he lowered her head and pressed warm kisses into her temples and across the soft skin of her eyelids as she let out a stifled breath.

"I'm not going to let them hurt you." He whispered across her skin, Josie's breath caught at the rawness of his voice as her eyes opened. Where her mind had been a buzz with potions his was obviously wracked with something else, she frowned up at him. His eyes closed and brow furrowed he looked deeply troubled as he pressed his forehead against her cheek. 

"Hogwarts is safe again." She managed, her own worry cresting her features as he rested against her. "You won't have to worry, nobody will, while we're here." 

"And then after?" He inquired, his voice carefully soft as he danced around the subject he both did and did not want to breach. "I'd like to… come with you next time you do whatever it is you do. I know you're so very capable but I'd like to be of assistance where I can."

His voice was so carefully tailored to be even and calm that Josie felt herself frown into him as she gently pressed him away so she could see him more clearly. He found her gaze for a moment, his stare resting somewhere between her eyes, his shoulders tense as he struggled to reconcile something within his heart. 

"If you'd like to join me, I'd love to have you." She started, head inclining towards him as he slowly nodded, eyes blinking rapidly as his mind raced. She wanted to ask more but couldn’t find the words to; she knew something was on his mind but he didn’t seem terribly inclined to elaborate as his neutral expression shifted to a small smile. 

“Won’t be the first time, as it were.” Josie huffed a laugh, glad to hear the upwards lilt to his voice. She kissed him softly, her lips pressing into the gentle curve where his cheek met his mouth. Beneath her lips she could feel his smile grow as he tilted his head down and over so that he could capture her in a proper kiss.

It was sweet and slow as they moved together, their mouths searching and warm as they found each other in growing familiarity. She no longer had to guess the feel of the curve of his jaw as he pressed her mouth open with his, nor wonder what to expect when his tongue gently ran over the soft skin of her lower lip; it was familiar as it was exciting. 

His hand came to rest on the slope above her knee as he leaned into her, and Josie craned her neck to keep contact as he bowed over her in their embrace. Her own hands slid up his front to grip the fine material of his vest, her fingers fiddling with the smooth underside as his free arms snaked possessively around her waist.

All the days turmoil had brought them were a distant memory, the stress and pain of the Lyceum nothing more than a story they’d one day tell the others as Ominis mapped the contours of her with his mouth, searing yet gentle as he captured her bottom lip with his teeth. Her eyes fluttered open and she sharply inhaled at the sensation before he gently kissed the abused skin before nuzzling into her hair and pulling her close to him. 

“What in Merlin’s name am I going to do with you?” He whispered into the crown of her head. Now pressed against his chest, Josie could feel the syncopated beats of his heart as he breathed her in. There was so much to the quality of his voice that she felt a small prick of emotion gather in her throat. 

“Suffocate me at this rate.” She joked into his chest, smiling as he barked a laugh. He pulled back slightly, releasing her enough so that she could peer up into his face and count the lines of mirth that pressed into his face so naturally nowadays.

“Can’t be having that.” 

“I suppose it wouldn’t be the worst way to go.” She grinned as he shook his head, reaching up with one hand to smooth his hair that had fallen out of place as he hummed in response. 

They rested together until they heard the sounds of the festivities settling down, the music becoming more faint until it was silenced completely. By the time they emerged from the dormitories Sebastian caught them in the hallway moments before all other students were ushered back to their common rooms by Professor Sharp who’d apparently made an impromptu appearance marking the end of the merrymaking.

Rejoining the throng just in time to bid their professor goodnight, it coming to no great surprise to Josiethat Professor Sharp seemed annoyed but uncaring for their brand of celebration; announcing to all that classes would be postponed an extra day to give the students a day of rest as the auror finishes up his investigation.

Bidding goodnight to all her companions before they were whisked away, Josie waited as Ominis spoke to their professor before the last of the throng dispersed. Leaving them nearly alone in the once vibrant space, Josie caught Sebastian sipping a small glass of dark liquid she recognized from the celebration. He held it up to her to share and she took it lightly.

“That was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.” Sebastian mused, a lingering smile plastered on his mouth. He tipped his head towards her, eyes flicking to the drink. “It’s strong, so don’t down it.” Josie nodded, doing as he instructed and sipping the liquor. 

It was very smooth and settled in her stomach like it was made of nothing more than air. Josie blinked in surprise, her gaze darting down to stare at the drink. She brought it back to her lips to try it again. 

“A dangerous drink, that.” Sebastian said as he pulled the remainder from her and downing it. She rolled her eyes, lip quirking as he set the empty glass on the nearest table. 

“Speaking of dangerous drinks…” Josie drawled, her face lighting up as his eyes flashed with recognition before his expression settled into a simmering grumble. “Did you smell that scent again?” 

“ No , thank you very much. Alas, not even here can my heart find its pair.” Josie hummed, her disbelief unhidden as he massaged his cheek.

“With all these people? I don’t know Sebastian, I’m starting to believe your match simply might just be Imelda.” He scoffed, a truly unhappy sound rising out of his throat as he glared at her. 

“That’s not even a funny joke, Clarke.” She shrugged, head turning at the sound of quiet footsteps approaching. Ominis joined them, the three of them the only ones remaining in the common room after all others had been ushered away.

“Well, you didn’t give me much material to work with. If I knew the rest…” 

“Shush you or I’m never sharing a drink with you again.” Josie snorted, knowing full well it’d take far more than this transgression to make that happen. By the way Ominis tried to hide his growing smirk, Josie knew he’d heard at least the tail end of their conversation. 

His wand flashing the familiar dull red, he moved to stand beside Josie, his head tilting gently in her direction. She smiled at him, knowing he couldn’t see the small mark of affection but offering it to him nonetheless. 

“Do flowers and books mean anything to you, Ominis?” Sebastian suddenly asked airily as though the topic had only just wandered into his mind. Josie shoved her elbow into his rib, sending him forward slightly as he let out a breath of air that stuttered into a laugh. Ominis raised his brow at Sebastian, leaning back on his heels and shoving his free hand into his trouser pocket. 

“Is that a trick question or have you grown drunk on Black’s stash?” Ominis asked dryly. Josie snickered, her eyes roving over her friend's mirthful face, growing red from some combination of alcohol and their stupid joke. 

“Perhaps a bit of both.” Josie replied as Sebastian righted himself, his freckles light against his ruddy skin. 

“I see you both take pleasure in ganging up on me. What a terrible couple you make.” Sebastian stared at Josie, his expression unyieldingly knowing as though egging her on to deny it. 

“It’s not our fault you make it so easy.” Ominis deflected, the slight twitch of his brow hard to miss in the glow of the Black Lake. She frowned, hoping that he’d say more and feeling disappointed that he didn’t. So she stepped closer to him, gently tugging on the sleeve of his crisp white shirt.

“Ominis.” Josie interrupted as Sebastian opened his mouth to retort with something equally snippy. She drew both of their attention, Ominis pausing with the slight tug of a frown pressed into his cheek. Although she could not truly hold his gaze, she knew that he understood her sentiment.

“Fine, fine.” Ominis relented, his head inclining to where they connected, his hand flexing. “If you must know… Josie and I are courting.” 

“ I knew it !” Sebastian shouted, finger pointing accusatory at his friend before his head swiveled towards Josie. She felt her barely managed blush begin to spread at his intense stare. She shouldn’t feel bashful, Sebastian had practically screamed that he’d known, yet she couldn’t help feeling as though the proverbial cat was finally out of the bag. They’d told someone willingly and it’d be their closest mate. 

“Sebastian, please - ”

“Don’t Sebastian, please me, Ominis. I’ve waited two bloody long years for this and I’m not going to let you throw water on the flame now that it’s finally happened.” Sebastian interrupted, expression more annoyed than elated. “At the rate you were going, I thought you’d ask her by the time we were thirty. Do you know how many times I had to tell off that curly haired Ravenclaw for giving her doe eyes? No wonder Poppy thought I was the one who was interested in her.” 

“Poppy thought what ?” Ominis interjected, his tone wavering as Josie groaned; her face fully red as Sebastian shook his head dismissively, waving her concern away as though it was nothing.

“I’ve sorted it, please don’t ever mention it again.”

“...Everett?” Josie supplied lightly, desperate to change the subject. “Samatha Dale seems to think he’s a bit of a basket case.” 

“Yes, Everett. And don’t look at me like that Josie, I set both of them straight.”

“Merlin, is that why she’s been so annoyed at you?” Josie pressed as she rubbed her cheeks in dismay. “I just assumed you’d done something stupid.”

“So rude, why does everyone think I’m a pleb? But yes, that’s what she told me.” Sebastian answered, his own face pinching at the memory. “Anyway, believe it or not I’m ecstatic. Can’t wait for the day I get to watch a dozen little Gaun - ” Sebastian flinched as Ominis sent a handful of assorted nuts sailing through the air with the flick of his wand from their disk on the nearby side table and into his friend's face. Sebastian sputtered, wiping salt from his hair and shirt as he shot Ominis a wide dastardly grin. “Two dozen then?”

“ Don’t .” Ominis warned, his expression severe despite the red that crawled up his neck. The blush did nothing but encourage Sebastian. 

“Sebastian Sallow.” Josie interjected as she stood, gaze holding him in place like a petulant child. “You’re going to make him implode.” 

“Well, what’d you expect me to do? My two best mates are courting. Did you think I’d be all: right-o, well done, anyway this is a lovely view ?” Sebastian asked, taking on a posh accent remnant of Ominis’ own dictation as he motioned towards the large observation window. At her unwavering stare Sebastian rolled his eyes, taking up a small handful of nuts and popping a few in his mouth as he looked between the two of them. “Fine, fine. I’ll table it for now, but just know that by putting it off all you’ve done is give me time to think of better material.” 

Josie shook her head, her own smile sliding into place as Ominis grimaced and let out a long sigh. She reached down and took his free hand in hers, squeezing as their friend watched on smugly. 

They took that as a cue to head to bed for the evening, going separate ways at the split between girls and boys dormitories. Sebastian gave them a gleeful look before he shoved his hands in trousers and hurried down the hall before Josie even had a chance to say goodnight, leaving Ominis and Josie alone. 

“He seems terribly pleased with himself.” Ominis grumbled as he frowned after his friend. Josie stood on the tips of her toes and pressed a chaste kiss along the hollow of his cheek. He tilted his head towards her, eyes blinking in surprise at the sudden contact.

“Is that really so terrible?” She asked, causing his mouth to quirk as he tilted his chin downwards. He swallowed thickly as though suddenly nervous. Josie furrowed her brows and looked him over; seeing nothing out of the ordinary other than the slight blush that touched his ears and neck, she glanced down the hall. Sebastian leaned against the far wall of the boys dorms at the end of the bend, arms crossed and pretending to not notice their lingering closeness, a wide grin plastered on his face as he pointedly looked away. 

Josie let out a heavy sigh. That’s why he’s so nervous. Just as she was about to step away and offer Ominis a respite from their friend’s teasing, she felt him gently grab her wrist and hold her in place. 

 “No, it’s not. He’s just insufferable.” Ominis relented, voice quiet. She offered him a small smile.

 “Give him a little bit, he’ll mellow out.” 

“Merlin, I hope so.” Ominis mumbled as he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss into her hairline. Surprised Josie felt her heart flutter, feeling something powerful thrum from the metal around her finger. She swore he must’ve felt it too as his fingers twitched around her wrist.

Chapter Text

Firebird  

The following morning, it felt as though the entire castle rose late. The auror and his entourage kept Headmaster Black occupied as the number of folks who made it in time to morning breakfast were less than half the typical number. Not daring to brew the potion she needed in the public space of the Potions classroom, lest Professor Sharp notice the telltale signs of the concoction, Josie did so in the privacy of the Room of Requirement long before her companions woke. 

She was surprised to find that the room she opened the door to was actually the house-like space birthed from the needs of her friends the day before. She paused in the doorway, gaze drifting towards the kitchen where Garreth’s equipment would do just as well as any other for her needs but she hesitated. Instead she moved upstairs, wondering if there was a possibility that she could find shelter behind one of the free doors. 

Emerging on the first floor, Josie glanced around and cataloged where Garreth, Natty, and Poppy had rested the day before, deciding to move to the far end of the hall before pressing it open and peering inside. Within was a large bedchamber set like the private quarters for the head of the house. She hesitated for just a moment before quickly shutting the door behind her and entering the room proper.   

Large and rectangular, the chamber housed a wide and magnificent bed made of earthy tones. Dressers and a vanity of aged wood lined the walls and at the far corner there was another door, slightly ajar to reveal a porcelain sink. Smiling to herself, Josie pulled out her wand and found an empty corner just large enough to fit a small brewing station. 

The process was easy enough as Josie used materials she’d collected from her times traveling and, by the end of the hour, she had more than a few doses of the brew in question. Waiting just long enough for the potion to cool, Josie acquiesced, flinching slightly at the bitter taste before rinsing out the potion bottle and setting it aside for later use. 

Waving away the evidence but leaving behind the brewing station, Josie hurried from the Room of Requirement to find some peace in the sunny spring breeze. By noon the grounds of Hogwarts were speckled by students flying kites and playing a rather competitive game of Summoner’s Court alongside Professor Ronen who watched on like a proud papa as his students discussed new ways to make the course more dynamic and challenging. 

After a long few moments of considering joining the professor and his throng, Josie instead sought solitude. She searched for a quiet space before finding a lush green grassy knoll near the edge of the Black Lake. Reaching into her satchel, she pulled forth a large quilted blanket Professor Fig had gifted her after completing her first year at Hogwarts. She pulled all the moisture from the grass with a spell before she evenly flattened it and settled herself along the quilt, gaze resting upwards as she allowed the gentle lap of the water coax her into a relaxing rest. 

She shouldn’t have been surprised when nearly forty minutes later she was found by none other than Sebastian and Ominis. She didn’t have to ask how they knew where she was, her thumb rolling over the ring from beneath her glove as she glanced towards her partner. She invited them to join her and they did so readily, Sebastian flopping nonchalantly alongside her as Ominis lowered himself with far more dignity. 

“I thought it’d be a good idea to enjoy the weather while I can.” She started after a few moments of her companions shifting to find comfort. “In about a month the weather might get blistering.” 

“I’m inclined to agree.” Sebastian mumbled, eyes closed as he basked in the soft breeze and warm sunlight. There was a long stretch of companionable silence before Ominis spoke, his voice cutting through both her and Sebastian’s thoughts like a knife.

“I think it’d be advantageous if you take Ambrasta’s journal.” Ominis said reluctantly as though the decision had been heavily mulled over. At his words, Sebastian sat up, massaging the back of his neck as he registered his friends' words. After a few moments he nodded sturdily, a noise of understanding leaving his throat.

“Yes, of course. I’d thought of it this morning but wanted to wait until we had a private moment to speak about it.” Sebastian glanced over his shoulder, eyes scanning over the rise of the small hills before turning back to them. “I’d be happy to take a look now, if we have it here.”

Josie sat up, scooting herself into a cross legged position as she rummaged through her pack in search of it. She’d remembered that after their last conversation, Ominis had taken it back from Sebastian to place in her satchel for safe keeping. Considering the things they’d gotten into since then, she thought that’d been a rather insightful decision. 

Pulling free the book, she handed it to Sebastian wordlessly. He took it with care before silently diving into the process, his brows crunching as he mouthed the words to himself.

“She writes so… poetically.” Sebastian deadpanned after a few moments, his brows crunching as his eyes continued along the page, his comment far from a compliment. 

“Is it possible for you to understand it?” Ominis asked, his own concern returning. Sebastian shooed him away, eyes not leaving the words on the page.

“Yes, I’d say so. I might need a journal of my own for notes, but this is definitely possible to understand… just give me some time.” 

Sebastian leaned forward, legs criss-crossed as he lost himself in the book. After a short while of the usually boisterous man’s silence, Josie pressed herself into Ominis finding that he was more than willing to wrap his arms around her and pull them both down to the blanket. 

They laid there, quietly talking to pass the time as Sebastian mumbled to himself and hunched over the book. Every once and a while Sebastian would call out to Ominis, asking for his opinion on a particular phrasing in Latin; the two men would muse over context and meaning while Josie simply enjoyed the feeling of Ominis’ chest rising beneath her as he spoke. They idled about anything and everything, finding easy conversation in their coursework as much as their plans for summer recess in nearly two months' time. They even discussed a return trip to Flourish and Blotts and the possibility of catching a performance at the Royal Albert Hall, if time before exams allowed.

Some time later Ominis alerted her to the approach of familiar feet. Sitting up, she glanced over her shoulder just as Poppy, Natty, and Garreth came into view. It was an odd sort of relief as they sought each other out; as though something especially good had come from what could have been a terrible situation. At the sound of Poppy’s cry of elation, Sebastian turned to peer at them, rubbing his eyes and folding shut the journal before storing it in the breast pocket of his jacket.  

Josie smiled at her friends, pulling herself away from Ominis as they came to the edge of the blanket. The motion didn’t go unnoticed by her approaching companions, Natsai offering her a simple raised brow while Garreth blinking as though he had something in his eye and must've seen it all wrong. Only Poppy seemed oblivious her curious gaze landing on Sebastian as he gingerly hid the small book alongside his heart. Josie motioned for her approaching friends to join them on the quilt, an impressive feat as they squeezed onto the single blanket with no small amount of effort thanks to the three mens’ long legs. 

“A job well done then, folks.” Garreth said in the form of a greeting, his gaze sliding between Ominis and Josie. He didn’t comment, but the look of absolute knowing made Josie almost dread the silent understanding more. “The Ministry’s wrapped up and are heading to Hogsmeade. I’m afraid we’ve all been asked to stay put for the time being as, apparently, the goblins have been using it as a sort of base of operations.” 

“Ah yes,” Ominis interjected, his tone light as he settled his wand in his lap, “we saw them on approach when we snuck back into the castle. There were a fair few of them.” 

“And a troll, I presume?” Sebastian questioned, brow raising as the others watched on in surprise. Josie nodded, shrugging minutely. 

“Just one, but yes.”

“The One-Eyed Witch statue?” Garreth asked after a few moments, his eyes darting over Josie’s features as though searching for something she otherwise wasn’t saying. The act of it made her pause.

“Yes, but let’s not be sharing it too much around. Apparently the barriers protecting Hogwarts don’t reach that far below ground.” The sobering reality of that oversight seemed too big a task for even them to tackle, so instead Josie turned her attention to Garreth.

“So what’s the verdict? How did everything go on your end?” Garreth blanched, his expression turning from content to exhausted in a matter of moments as his gaze slid from Josie to Sebastian. 

“Got a stern talking to by my aunt, that’s for sure but… it could have been a lot worse.” Garreth started as he ran his fingers through his hair. He paused, mind lingering on something distant before continuing. "Officer Singer had Sharp check my wand for dark curses, apparently… there was something sinister cast in that room." 

Ominis stilled beside her, the muscles of his back growing taut just before he carefully slid his mask of subtle surprise into place. Josie swallowed, her gaze lingering on her partner before slowly drifting towards Sebastian. Eyes unblinking and body language relaxed, he raised his brow at Garreth curiously. There was something Josie was forgetting, some detail left behind in the wake of all that’d happened that had slipped her memory. 

“ - Then I interviewed with Auror Nott, an absolute psychopath if you ask me. He had me walk through the entire thing on a second-by-second play.” Josie refocused on Garreth, a strange feeling writhing in her stomach as she desperately tried to remember what she’d forgotten. She paused her musings as Garreth turned his gaze on her, his brown eyes flecked with apprehension. “Nott was asking after you. Specifically asking if you’d spoken to the goblin.” 

“What, why?” Poppy interjected, his expression twisting into hesitant worry. “That’s ridiculous, why in the world would he think to ask about Josie . She wasn’t even there for most of it!” Her worry gave way to frustration as her jaw set into a tense line. Josie glanced away, her own curiosity mingling with growing concern at any attention from the Ministry.  

“That is very worrying, indeed. Has Auror Nott said anything to you?” Natsai asked, her own gaze darkening in consideration as her attention pulled towards Josie. It took all of her willpower not to flinch at the mention of the intimidating man. She’d seen him only once, a tall imposing figure in regal dark blue auror robes. She was certain the man hadn’t seen her, his sunken dark eyes cast outwards as she’d scurried by to the Great Halls earlier that morning, but there’d been an… aura about him. Like a black hole that pulled all towards him even as one hoped to disappear into the background at the mere mention of him.

"No, nothing like that." She denied, eyes sliding away again. She tried to hide the shiver that rolled over her like a splash of icy water. The serenity of the grassy knoll at the bank of the Black Lake suddenly felt sullied, heavy and threatening though she wasn’t sure where the fear stemmed. She’d never spoken to the man, not even when she’d been at the Ministry with Professor Fig, yet she felt her body react to the simple mention of his name and the memory of a sparse glance she’d gotten in the corridor.

“Have you ever met him?” Sebastian asked, his voice low. Josie snapped her gaze back towards her friend as he addressed Ominis. The others grew still, their curiosity peaked as Sebastian broached a subject they normally wouldn’t be privy to. In fact, Josie realized, it’d been almost brash in the way Sebastian wished to pull Ominis’ family connections in front of friendships so new. Ominis frowned, her brows pulling as he shifted his jaw. His wand, dully blinking and held tightly in his grasp, pointed towards the others and read the tension that suddenly strung between them. 

“Yes, briefly.” Ominis acknowledged, his voice tight. He paused, his clouded gaze lifting as though to watch something in the far distance. “A few times for formal dinners. He and my father are… not friends, but close.” 

Josie hadn’t considered how close Ominis’ family must’ve been to important folk in the Ministry. From what she’d come to learn of the Gaunt patriarch she wasn’t entirely surprised to find that he and Auror Nott were apparently birds of a feather. At the strain in Ominis’ jaw, Josie felt that her instincts concerning the auror were suddenly justified.

When Ominis offered up no further explanation, Sebastian stifled a sigh before flicking a concerned glance at Josie. She was unsure what he’d hoped to get from Ominis, maybe some understanding as to the auror’s disposition or some deep secret they could discuss. In the end Josie just shook her head, her gaze averting as she sought to change the subject.

“Other than all that, what’s this punishment Professor Weasley has you suffering?” Josie asked, uneasily. She’d hoped to hide her discomfort but took as a consolation prize that her companions deigned to simply ignore the way she faltered.

“It’s a lot of one-on-one conversations while I clean.” Garreth explained, his voice suddenly exhausted despite his lingering gaze; Josie pursed her lips, knowing full well her red headed friend noticed her deflection. “She seems to think I wasn’t alone. Don’t look so sour, I haven’t budged on my story.” He intonated as his gaze flicked to Sebastian. The man in question groaned, his frustration palpable as he aimlessly tossed a rock into the glassy waters of the lake.

“It’s only a matter of time, the paintings saw us.” Sebastian grumbled, running his hand through his hair. Natsai frowned at the realization. 

“My mother would not be pleased to learn of my involvement… but it’ll be fine. They needed us, whether they’d like to admit it or not.” Natty offered, her lips pursing in thought.

“As long as we don’t mention the potion, that is.” Poppy added, her tone wispy and hesitant. “Merlin, that’d be a whole different story.” 

“Ah, some good news,” Garreth interjected, his eyes darting from person to person as he sought to lighten the suddenly soured mood, “I overheard my aunt speaking to Professor Kogawa. Apparently, Black’s consideration is somehow still on the table.”  

The group mused on the likelihood of Quidditch being resumed before the end of the year. Before the goblins forced their way into Hogwarts, there’d been promising potential, spearheaded by none other than Professor Kogawa and Imelda Reyes, but with the sudden incursion on Hogwarts grounds all of them had assumed the sport would be easily written off once again. Josie could practically feel their collective sighs as conversation took a lighter lilt. They were tired and likely all shared the feeling of walking on a razors edge in the wake on the Ministry, the goblins, and the potential for being caught, even eventually. 

Sebastian was nodding along to Natsai’s point about rebounding student morale when he suddenly froze, eyes widening before his gaze slid to Poppy before coming to rest on Josie. Both women stared at him with odd expressions as he straightened himself from his lounged position, pulling the attention of everyone. 

“Oh Merlin, I forgot - ” He let out a huff, a small smile creeping along his freckled cheeks as he looked between the two friends. “The egg, it hatched!” 

“What! When?” Poppy exclaimed, leaning towards him as her eyes widened in excitement. She swiveled towards Josie, a shine reflecting in her gaze like no other. “Josie, the egg!” She repeated as though Josie might have not been paying attention. 

“Right before the attack. That's why I was coming to find you.” Sebastian explained as Poppy hurried to stand, reaching down to help Josie up. The others watched on, interest piqued but details missed as even Sebastian scrambled to his feet. “Merlin, you should see it! Handsome devil, he is.” 

Ominis came to stand beside them, a content smile pressed into his cheek as he listened to the trio titter about the creature egg as the two Gryffindor’s moved to help quickly fold Josie’s blanket. 

“How do you know the creature is a he ?” Poppy asked as they hurried up the knoll. Josie stuffed her quilt into her satchel, curious as well how Sebastian came to that conclusion. 

“Just have a sense for these sorts of things, I reckon.” He offered, sniffing as they briskly walked past a pack of Ravenclaws practicing their broom summoning before take off. Behind her, Josie heard the quiet sound of Natty’s voice as she whispered to Garreth.

“I don’t think I’d put much faith in that.” 

“No, I’d be inclined to agree. Do you know anything about this egg they’re talking about?” Garreth inquired as they hurried into the castle and towards the Grand Staircase. 

“No, but I’d wager it’s something Josie or Poppy found and have been taking care of.” 

“Ah, I knew there must’ve been a reason Josie had such ready access to creature materials.” Josie smiled to herself as Sebastian and Poppy nearly sprinted up the steps of the staircase, leaving the rest of them in their proverbial dust.

“If I didn’t know any better I’d say Sebastian’s taken a liking to the creature.” Ominis observed, his pace only slightly faster than his typical cadence, head tilting towards Josie as she led the way.

“I dare say he sounded a bit like a papa , don’t you?” Josie teased, her grin widening as they exited the staircase and made their way towards the Astronomy Tower. Ominis chuckled, his teeth flashing as Natty and Garreth moved to flank them in the wider corridor. 

“He’ll absolutely throttle us if he heard you say that.” Ominis commented, sounding not at all like he cared. 

“Should I be worried that you’re keeping a magical creature somewhere in Hogwarts?” Garreth interjected, his tone light and playful but the glint in his eye far too focused to be only a passing curiosity. 

“Don’t worry, Garreth. You’ve already been where I keep my magical creatures.” It took only a few ticks of the clock for Garreth’s eyes to widen in recognition, his mouth opening a few times before the words eventually fell out. 

“Bloody brilliant, Clarke.” He laughed at the realization, the sound carrying through the mostly empty halls. “And here I thought I had you mostly figured out.” 

“Can’t say I’m terribly surprised.” Natty added, her own smile pressed into her cheeks as she watched the corridor. “It makes sense that you’d keep Highwing somewhere close by.” 

“Who’s Highwing?” Garreth asked, to which the only response he got was a shared glance between Natty and Josie. When they arrived at the Room of Requirement, neither Poppy nor Sebastian were anywhere in sight. Josie opened the door to the Come and Go room and frowned as she once again was met with the familiar sight of the house.

The four of them lingered in the entry room, eyes darting towards each other before Natty thought to explore upstairs for the excited duo before anything else. They did so, hurrying up the steps of the staircase only to find that it wound upwards an extra flight. Josie practically ran up the steps before coming to the top floor and finding a colorful landing.

The landing had four familiar biome entrances all laid out in a prim line. Josie couldn’t contain herself, she twirled to shout down the stairs at her approaching friends. “Here, it’s all here!” 

She heard the longer gait of Garreth as he managed to reach the top before the others, his own toothy grin spreading incredibly wide as he took in the sight. “You’ve been holding out on me.” 

“Only so you don’t help yourself to my beasts.” Josie quipped, her smirk twitching into a smile as he came to her side. He shrugged boyishly, acquiescing to her precautions as Natty and Ominis followed behind at a far slower pace. “We left the egg in this one, follow me.” Josie entered into the glen biome, Garreth following at her heels as a bright light engulfed them before color bled back into their vision. 

The sight was wonderful. Sebastian and Poppy stood shoulder to shoulder, eyes trained up in the sky as a beautiful red bird flew with ease in the space. The creature spiraled down before coming to press itself heavily into Sebastian’s shoulder. He cringed at the weight of it though hardly seemed to mind as he met Poppy’s gaze. “See? I told you he liked me.” 

“ She , Sebastian. The identification spell is always right. A spell which we learned in third year, by the way. I’m certain you and I shared that course.” She chastised, her mirth none bothered by his inability to listen as she reached out and gently caressed the creature. 

Josie hated to interrupt them but did so anyway, Garreth in tow. “Absolutely beautiful.” She murmured, head tilting at the lovely creature, her gold and deep red feathers glistening in the sunlight. 

“A phoenix.” Poppy introduced, gaze flicking towards the new additions to the glen. “She’s amazing, Josie. I can’t believe you found her.” 

“We need to get you a falconer's glove or something.” Josie commented, eyes wandering to the way the phoenix’s talons bit into Sebastian's shoulder. Sebastian tilted his head in lieu of a shrug, his expression contorting as though to share that none of it bothered him.

“I don’t know, she’s pretty gentle. Give her some practice and she’ll be shoulder-fit in no time.” 

“She’s only a baby.” Poppy pointed out, offering the bird soft scritches under her chin. “In a few months she’ll be even bigger and her talons even sharper.” To that Sebastian couldn’t hide his grimace.

“You’ll have to think of a name.” Garreth said to no one in particular. It surprised Josie to no end that Sebastian shook his head, a smile growing.

“No need for that, I already have one.” Both Poppy and Josie looked at him suspiciously, in response he gazed towards the phoenix, eyes softening as he got lost in thought. “Remember learning about the hag Baba Yaga? Well there’s a bunch of tales about her and this witch named Vasilisa. I'm not certain which is true but sometimes the story goes that the hag cursed her because she refused to marry some gross tzar, other times it was the hag herself who saved her from the despots terrible plans; either way, she was cursed to turn into a firebird when the sun dipped below the horizon. She destroyed towns and castles alike, all with the sheer intensity of her emotions. She almost kills her suiter who's sent to slay her by the tzar, but... well, you know how those love stories go. Anyway, it was one of my and Anne’s favorite stories our parents used to tell us when we were young.” 

“Vasilisa is a lovely name.” Josie offered, having heard of Baba Yaga long before she became a witch herself; she hadn’t considered she’d been a real witch - or hag, not knowing the distinction. At her agreement, Sebastian smiled broadly at her just as Garreth threw something shining and warm into the air, sending the phoenix flying after it. Sebastian flinched at the motion as Poppy cheered on the deft maneuvering as Vasilisa caught the ferret-like tail of the toy in her beak before soaring away. 

Josie watched on as Garreth, Poppy, and Sebastian chased after the phoenix, eyes cast upwards as they took turns throwing the toy into the sky; it didn’t go unnoticed how Sebastian cradled his left arm when he thought the others weren’t looking, the proud sod. Turning, she was met with the odd sight of Ominis and Natty seated together on the grass surrounded by nifflers who tried so desperately to wiggle their way into the laps of the newly ground level potential treasure hoards. 

Ominis held one at arm's length, before bringing it into his chest not unlike a baby, seemingly more in order to keep it still rather than as a show of affection as he fished his pocket watch out of the nifflers’ treasure pocket. Natty threw out a few knuts, watching with soft eyes as the greedy creatures scurried around to gather them before creating a neat pile a few meters away. 

“You definitely have to keep your eyes peeled for these ones. They’re quite slippery.” Natty mused, her tone light. Ominis huffed in indignation, unwilling to let his captured niffler go lest it simply steal from him again. 

“That explains why they keep trying to wiggle their way into my pockets. I don’t know how they’re not absconding with your belongings.” Ominis commented pointedly to Natty who simply raised her brow and glanced in his direction. 

“Because I carry loose change and let them play with it.” 

“Ah, I prefer not to jingle when I can help it.” Ominis explained poshly, as he absently pet the niffler in his arms. Natty rolled her eyes at Ominis, shaking her head as Josie settled before them. 

“They don’t steal from you if you take care of them.” Josie observed lightly, watching as Suzanna snuggled into Ominis’ hold like a lovesick puppy; she stared up at him with begging eyes unknowing that he was impervious to it. “When I first brought them here I had to pay them off.” She added, smirking towards Natty who shrugged, her own smile gracing her lips.

“A tried and true method.” Natsai mused as she fished out another few knuts and tossed them into the nearby grass. Josie settled beside them, eyes lingering on Ominis and his captured quarry as he slowly ran his fingers down the buttons of his vest seemingly counting them. 

***

As the day went on the group went their separate ways for dinner in preparation for a full day of classes tomorrow. Sebastian sequestered himself in the Room of Requirement for some privacy to continue with Ambrasta’s journal in a space where he’d not be questioned and be left to his own devices. Ominis had offered to make himself available to help but after the first thirty minutes of study, Sebastian waved him away seemingly having come to some mutual understanding between himself and the journal. Despite that, Ominis whispered his intent to Josie to stay close by, if not simply to keep an eye on their friend and be sure he didn’t stay up until morning to continue his research.

Josie sought to busy herself, feeling as though it’d been ages since she’d roamed the halls of Hogwarts without the added worry of distress and danger. She’d traveled to the library with only a few hours to go until curfew struck, knowing full well that Madam Scribner would give her a wary look despite it being Josie’s N.E.W.T year. Giving herself a little more than an hour to find what she was looking for, Josie eventually bid the librarian a good evening before setting off for her dorms and her somewhat neglected bed.

It wasn’t until she descended the steps down from the Central Hall that Josie felt the odd sensation of being watched. She walked the corridors leading from the library to the Slytherin common room, hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. As she rounded the corner, she suddenly became aware of hushed voices that abruptly came to a stop at her approach.

Gaze raising from the two books she kept stashed under her arm, Josie glanced between the prim form of Headmaster Black and an auror. The same auror who Garreth claimed had vacated the premises earlier that day now that the investigation had been completed. She slowly continued her steps, unsure if she should avert her gaze or greet them politely. Like a mantra she reminded herself that she was allowed in the halls of Hogwarts; although as she grew closer to the staring duo she felt herself questioning that assumption. She settled on averting her gaze, the headmaster never being one for small talk with anyone with a less than ideal lineage.  

“Ah… Ms. Clarke.” Headmaster Black greeted, sounding about as excited to see her as she felt to see him. “A late night book run, I see.” His gaze slid to meet the man standing at his elbow. To her great dismay Josie felt as though she were commanded to stop, the auror’s piercing blue eyes landing on Josie with the disdain usually saved for those being sent to Azkaban. 

“Yes, headmaster. Some research on an extra credit assignment.” She explained as respectfully as she dared, lest she sounded like she was hiding something. The headmaster pressed his mouth into a thin line.

“Is this the student you were telling me about, Black?” The auror asked, his voice far deeper than Josie had expected. With the way he looked at her, she came to a stop a few feet away, joining them for what felt like some sort of reprimanding. 

“What? Oh, yes. It is.” Black replied, his dark gaze flicking towards Josie as the auror pressed back his shoulders and stared her down. Josie did her best to ignore the terrible sinking feeling that writhed within her and set off her instinct to rush for her wand.

“Auror Cassius Nott. It’s come to my attention that you and a few of your pureblood counterparts were unaccounted for during a large portion of the lockdown.” He stated, his gaze unblinking as he watched her expression closely. Josie tried not to react but found herself surprised. 

“Is that so?” She asked, lightly before tearing her gaze from Auror Nott towards Headmaster Black but finding very little help in him. 

“Considering the nature of this investigation, I find it highly suspicious that you were also the three who managed to stumble upon the final goblin intruder. Officer Singer has further informed me that, in your first year at Hogwarts, you found yourself and one of the gentlemen coincidentally at Hogsmeade during the troll attack.” Josie frowned, clutching the books to her chest. She didn’t know how to respond to the man. 

“I was in Hogsmeade at the request of one of our professors, sir.” She started, her voice wavering despite her desperate attempts to sound calm and collected. Auror Nott raised a brow, waiting for her to continue. 

He might have been handsome, had his glare not been tinged with such an unhidden disgust for, what appeared to be, her mere existence. Josie felt her throat run dry, unsure of what else he hoped for her to say.  

“Ms. Clarke!” Came the piercing shout of Professor Sharp; he sounded hurried, injured leg carrying down the corridor in their direction with a pace she’d ascribe to an emergency in the making. Josie gawked at her Potions professor as Auror Nott and Headmaster Black swiveled to watch his approach. His expression did nothing to hide his irritation, his dark eyes glaring holes into her face as he practically stomped in her direction. 

“Aesop,” The auror greeted cordially, his stern voice tinged in surprise as the professor shot him a simmering glare.

“ Professor Sharp , Nott. There’s a student present.” Sharp snapped, coming to a stop a respectable distance from Josie before reaching out his hand. “Did you grab the books I requested? Time is of the essence.” Josie hesitated, eyes flicking down to her magical beast tomes before rising to meet her professor’s intense gaze. Her favorite professor, at this rate. 

“Yes, professor, I was just on my way to - ” She offered the books out and he took them in a snappy motion. His eyes skimmed the titles not entirely reading them before nodding as though finding what he was looking for. 

“Gentlemen, unless there’s dire need for Ms. Clarke, her assistance is required elsewhere.” Auror Nott scrunched his face at Professor Sharp’s annoyed countenance, huffing in indignation as he glanced towards the headmaster. 

“Isn't there a curfew in fifteen minutes? Surely whatever assignment - ” Headmaster Black began, his tone more confused than annoyed. Josie would almost feel sorry for her headmaster, if it weren’t for his obvious displeasure in her attendance at his school.

“Detention has no curfew. Gentlemen. Good evening.” Professor Sharp explained curtly before jerking his head down the hall as he looked back towards Josie. She nodded, readily following his lead despite the hot embarrassment at the idea of needing to serve detention . Auror Nott seemed more than pleased at the idea, a mocking smirk cresting his pockmarked cheeks as he watched her hurry down the hall. 

“Evening, Sharp. We’ll have to catch up another time then.” 

Josie and Professor Sharp hurried down the corridor towards the Potions classroom without so much as a wave goodbye. Josie could have sworn she heard her professor whisper prick under his breath, sending a new wave of appreciation for the potions master. 

They didn’t speak until the door to the Potions classroom shut behind her. Sharp let out a heavy sigh before turning on Josie, his feigned anger now nothing more than tired, weary eyes. 

“It would do you well to not choose to strike up a conversation with Auror Cassius Nott.” He warned, handing her back her books. “He has no love for muggleborn witches, especially clever ones. Now, please tell me you aren’t caring for a phoenix.”  Josie felt her mouth grow dry as she stared up at the ex-auror who’d saved her from likely one of the most difficult conversations of her life.

“Well… I’m afraid I am.” She replied dumbly, watching as his expression hardly shifted; as though the idea wasn’t nearly as ridiculous to him as it would have been to anyone else. 

“I presume she is safe and out of harm's way?” Josie nodded, blinking in confusion as he carefully handed her the books. 

“How’d you know she was a female?” Josie asked, her brows furrowing suspiciously as she gave her professor an assessing once over. To that, Sharp’s lip curled upwards. 

“All phoenixes are female. They have offspring once in their lives and it requires a complicated mix of fire and the power of Litha.” He explained, the professorial edge returning to his voice and he motioned towards the books in her arms. “You’ll be able to read all about it in one of those books, I’d imagine.” 

‘Thank you, Professor. I feel like I would have talked myself into a night in Azkaban with the way Auror Nott was looking right through me. It was like nothing I could have said would have mattered.”

“It likely wouldn’t have.” Professor Sharp murmured, his gaze softening. “He seems to have decided to stay at Hogwarts longer than necessary. I’m not sure what he’s looking for but, in the meantime… do your best to avoid him.” 

“Do you know him? From before, I mean.” Sharp frowned, his gaze darting past her as though to see him through the doors behind Josie. 

“When I was an established auror he was just starting in our unit, a transfer from the Department of Magical Transportation. Needless to say, he’s made a few impressive career leaps since I’ve retired.” From the dryness of his tone, Josie couldn’t help but assume Sharp implied nepotism worked greatly in favor of Auror Nott. She nodded in understanding, her own expression twisting to match her professors’ in her realization. “Regardless, you should hurry back to your common room before curfew strikes. It’s likely they’ll be looking for a reason to detain you.”

“Can they..?” Josie asked, squeezing her books to her chest as Sharp sighed. 

“Technically no, but he does have the right to question you. You can request my presence as your house head. Also,” Professor Sharp paused, a surprising smirk pressing into his cheek as he held open the Potion’s door for her to pass through. “If there’s any molted feathers you need to dispose of…”

Josie barked a laugh,  mirthfully glancing at her professor as her own grin widened despite the heaviness Auror Nott dragged through her mind like swamp sludge. 

“It’s a deal, Professor.” 

Chapter Text

Distractions

Josie did as Professor Sharp instructed. As the remainder of the week went by Josie attended classes mostly as usual. She made a point to stay as out of sight as much as possible as Auror Nott roamed the halls, eyes scanning like a hawk and shoulders tense as though on a mission. There’d been much to do as class assignments ramped back up in preparation for their N.E.W.T’s at the end of year, leaving Josie and her friends with very little time to simply relax.

At the end of the week, mere hours after their final classes before their rest days, Ominis and Sebastian joined her in the Room of Requirement. It’d been the first time since Sebastian had shared the hatching of the phoenix that they’d had time together beyond idle moments between classes. They were not ecstatic at the idea that Auror Nott had singled her out - singled them out, really - but informed Josie of his blood status preference now that they finally had more than a few moments in privacy.

“His family is as old and powerful as the Gaunts.” Sebastian explained, head lulling into his palm as he balanced Ambrasta’s journal on his knee. “Super blood purists. He probably hates the idea that the three of us are friends.” 

Ominis scowled as he paced the length of the room on the ground floor that Poppy had described as, “my Gran’s crafting room.” Along its walls were a number of alchemy, potion, and preparation tables and shelves along with three empty large potting stations near the far end of the room; an L-shaped space mimicking the kitchen where the goblin had been bound and stowed away in the days previous. It also held a large work desk with quilting materials as well as a number of dyes and frilly pieces; all of which Sebastian had scooted away to make room for his notetaking. 

“At the risk of sounding proud of my heritage, I’d like to point out my family would not agree with that description, but… the point stands, they’re a very old and well respected pureblood family that has - ” Ominis hesitated, face scrunching as he bit out the words he wanted to say, “maintained the integrity of their bloodline.”

Josie made a noise of understanding, now making the connection as to why Professor Sharp seemed to loathe the auror while Headmaster Black so obviously loved him. It was entirely possible the reason she'd been brought to his attention in the first place was because of her closeness to Ominis and, to a smaller degree, Sebastian. That being said, Josie has come to realize that Sebastian's family was in far lower standing than Ominis' despite his pureblood status; it was all very complicated. 

"It’s been so stuffy in the common room, I feel like everyone and everything is suffocating me. If Auror Nott’s going to be here much longer, maybe I'll just stay here for as long as he stays at Hogwarts." Josie said decidedly, glancing around the craft room with a shrug. "There's worse places to be cooped up. I'll go to classes and sleep in the dorms, obviously but this way there's a much smaller likelihood I'll run into him in the halls again." 

At Ominis' perturbed look, Sebastian set down his quill and shook the book out in front of him. "Don’t even start with that, Ominis. I'll be here to keep her company in the meantime. She’s not cooping herself up in some looney bin. I'm finally making headway here and would rather enjoy the sanctity of this house than anywhere else. Plus, you and the others can visit any time." He placated before laying the book to rest on the table. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to see if we can find some variety in tea. I'm starting to get sick of what Poppy’s Gran had in the pantry."

"We can always call Deek. It's still the Room of Requirement and he'll likely come once he has a free moment." Josie reminded him. Sebastian leaned back in the chair, brows rising as he considered her words. 

"We'll have to be careful. We've never had this many people coming and going from this room." Ominis observed, his mind obviously not on tea. Despite the levity between her and Sebastian his expression was still pinched. 

"We'll be fine , Ominis. We have a plan and we have a professor's protection." Sebastian relented, brow raising as he swiveled on his oldest friend. "Why don't you two see if you can get Deek to bring some nice tea. I'd like to get back to it but you're making it difficult to focus." 

Josie snorted, flicking a small frilly edge for quilting at her friend who deftly dodged it as it sailed right past his head. "Someone's cranky." She observed dryly before moving towards Ominis and gently wrapping her arm in his. Sebastian took up his quill again, rubbing his face with his free hand as he dipped the sharp end in ink.

Wordlessly resuming his work, Sebastian sighed. Making it entirely clear that he wanted to work in silence, Josie shrugged against her partner. Ominis guided them from the craft room, passing through the sitting room to come to rest in the family room where the tea was much nearer by. Head shaking, it was incredibly apparent that Ominis hadn’t actually listened to a lick of what her and Sebastian were saying.

"Deek?" She called out after a moment, enjoying as Ominis stayed at her side despite there being no need to be. He listened to her, seemingly cataloging her voice and the small movements she made as the house elf popped into existence before them. She flinched as she almost always did; but someone like Ominis, someone who grew up with the creatures, simply inclined his head at Deeks arrival. 

"Ms. Josephine, Mr. Ominis!" Deek greeted, wiping his hands on his apron to discard the bits of white powder that remained. "How can Deek be of help? It looks like there's been some redecorating." 

"Poppy's family house." Ominis elaborated for the house elf. "I admit it feels far more…" he hesitated, the words caught in his throat as he struggled to find the right ones that fit.

"Like a home?" Josie offered when she realized he struggled to find a good way to describe the lovely but old-looking space. He nodded, the idea seeming still foreign to him. There was a subtle sadness there, the sort that brought listless longing to the space between them as his mouth set into a firm line. 

"Yes, I suppose you're right." Ominis agreed in a quiet voice before inclining his head back towards Deek. "We were hoping for some tea and snacks; something a bit more adventurous than what we have here. Sebastian is studying in the other room and in need of something to keep him motivated."

"Deek understands. Deek will bring something through to Mr. Sebastian." Deek replied, a softness in his own eyes that wasn’t missed by Josie as his gaze lingered on Ominis. Satisfied by the house elves' response, her partner smirked down at Josie.

"And maybe something fruit flavored?” Josie felt warmth blossom within her at his memory of her favored drink. She squeezed his arm as Deek nodded in understanding.

“Deek will bring some loose tea leaves for a multitude of options! Deek knows Mr. Sebastian likes sweet honey cakes, too.” With a polite nod, Deek Disapperated leaving Ominis and Josie alone.

“Charmer, you are.” Josie mumbled, poking him with her elbow as he chuckled. 

“Shall I not make an effort to remember what you like? It’s not as though you don’t do the same.” Josie couldn’t stop her own smile spread as he reached between them and made a gentle effort to brush his fingers through her hair. 

“I made the potion.” Josie started in a much quieter voice, eyes fluttering shut under the feel of his caress. “I don’t think I ever actually told you that I’d managed it the day after the celebration.” She felt him take a loose strand of hair that usually framed her face in between his fingers.

“How do you feel?” 

“Perfectly fine. It’s a weekly brew that’s a tad bitter but otherwise unimposing.” He made a noise of understanding, nodding slightly as his head tilted down as though to get a better look at her; without his wand, she knew that wasn’t the case, but the feeling in of itself was terribly intimate regardless.

“And your leg?” Josie’s eyes opened, blinking up at her companion as he brought the loose strand of hair to his face. He pressed it against his lips as he inhaled slowly.

“I haven’t even thought about it.” She replied, curiously; the softness of his gesture caught her slightly off guard as her heart began to flutter. 

“And your… other soreness?” Josie felt her face flush, a proper tingle of warmth reaching her cheeks and stretching down her neck as he played with her lock of hair. It took everything in her being to not turn away from him in her sheer embarrassment; the idea of Sebastian being so nearby and the potential reappearance of Deek being enough to send a woman into a tizzy. 

“That hasn’t been… it’s not been an issue for a few days.” She admitted despite her sudden bashfulness. In truth she’d not truly been so upset to have to hide from Auror Nott. Not since it meant she wasn’t expected to ride her broom with Imelda or care for the magical creatures with Professor Howin as her and Poppy usually did after class. It’d given her ample opportunities to simply relax and settle into the warm waters of a lovely bath more often than she’d normally do in a given week. 

“I’m glad, I was worried it was affecting you.” He continued, tucking the strand of hair behind her ear. He ran his gloved thumb along the soft skin of her earlobe before resting his hand along the gentle curve of her neck. “You were walking strangely.” 

“ Ominis - ” Her mouth snapped shut at the sound of Deek Apparating in the other room, she moved to glance at the door that separated them from the sound but Ominis caught her face and pulled her attention towards him. 

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of.” He murmured, his voice nothing more than a whisper as he gently pressed his lips to the wrinkled skin of her forehead. 

“I’m not ashamed , I’m just…” Even as Josie went to finish the sentence, all she could think of was the word embarrassed which, admittedly, wasn’t a great choice to disprove his point. Instead she sighed, allowing him to pull her into an embrace as he wrapped his arms around her.

“It’s had an effect on me, too.” He admitted quietly, the breath of his words brushing her hair as he spoke. She paused before wrapping her own arms around him, enjoying the feel of him pressed so closely to her as she thought of the hesitancy in his tone; his own subtle embarrassment bleeding through. “Not in the same way, but it did. There were so many times I thought about… us together when I should have been thinking about literally anything else.”

Josie huffed a laugh, her warmth spreading to her chest as his own fluster became more evident. It helped, she realized, knowing that he was just as undid as she was. 

“At dinner, in Magical Studies, during the silent stretches in conversation when others are content and I’m simply… distracted.” He cleared his throat. Josie tilted her head upwards so that she could see the redness of his own features as he grimaced slightly. 

“You missed me?” She teased, watching the corners of his mouth twitch as his head dipped down towards her.

“Terribly.” He admitted without hesitation. Josie stood on the tips of her toes and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. His head inched in her direction, urging their lips to touch but she pulled away before he could manage it. He let out a small sound of frustration, almost needy in its timbre.

“I missed you too.” She whispered back, loosening her grip on him and stepping away despite his hesitancy to allow it. She smiled softly as she quietly removed her gloves and stowed them in her trouser back pocket as both of their robes had been left to hang at the door. He looked stricken at the motion, his wand not in hand as he was left on his own to decipher her detraction. She quickly grabbed his hand and removed his own gloves with a deftness of practice she’d earned from her newly found desire to wear the article of clothing herself. 

He stepped into her again at the feeling of her touch, the relief palpable as he quickly took his other glove off before throwing them down recklessly on the coffee table beside him. Josie momentarily marveled at his accuracy as he let out a slow, shaky breath that fanned over her cheeks and eyelashes in a soft wave.

Their hands intertwined, naked of all other material, bar the dark ring that wrapped around her finger. His thumb ran over it as he'd done many times before, a loving gesture; one he used almost as though to remind them both that what they had was real despite the circumstances of its offer. 

He slowly brought her hand up and gently pressed his lips to her knuckles. She could feel his rattling breath against her skin as he shut his eyes into the motion. 

"May we spend some time together?" He asked, his lips moving against her hand as his eyes slid open. Josie glanced back at the door, hesitant if only because of their friends' proximity. "Not here ." He elaborated, head tilted upwards so as to draw her attention to the ceiling. Josie let out a breath of relief, feeling her shoulders relax as her realization took hold. She nodded, making a noise of agreement in place of words, not quite sure where her voice fled to at that moment.

Feeling her affirmation and likely the loosening of her tense limbs, Ominis offered her a kind smile as he pulled forth his wand. Together they ascended the stairs. Josie on more than one occasion felt as though her heart would simply beat out of her chest as they hurried up the steps.

Upon arriving at the middle floor he seemed to pause as though unsure which space they should inhabit. Each door hung closed on their hinges, lining the landing in utter silence. Feeling bold enough to do so, Josie tugged him in the direction of the larger room, the one where she'd brewed her potion and had otherwise not been claimed by their companions. 

He pressed the door behind him shut. Waving his wand in wordless incantation, it took Josie a few moments to recognize the silencing charm; a warmth filled her as he leaned against the door as he pulled her close to him. She smiled at the sudden closeness, all other thoughts drowned and quieted as he gently pressed his lips to her in a chaste kiss. 

It was sweet, like a simple reminder of the sentiment they shared. Josie brought her hands up to cup his face, pulling him down to her level as she stood on the tips of her toes to prolong the kiss before finally leaning away. She gazed at him, her eyes lost in a sea of mist as his lips pressed into a lopsided grin, staring down at her with pure adoration. 

She'd dreamed of that expression so many times and to see it as a reality made her heart flutter. Allowing her thumbs to caress his high cheekbones, she tilted her head in thought.

“I’ve been wondering…” She started, eyes casting downwards as she reached for his free hand. He allowed her to take it, lifting it between them until her mouth pressed against the curve of his palm. A single brow raised curiously, Ominis tilted his head so as to best hear her, encouraging her to continue wordlessly. “Tell me what it's like when you dream.”

His eyes blinked in surprise as she kissed his palm again, her darker blue eyes watching him intently as his lips pursed slightly in thought. “My dreams are like my thoughts. I remember details like warmth and coldness, often I recall smells that are particularly unique and… how things feel and how I feel.” She hummed into his palm, feeling his fingers twitch against her skin.

“Like?” 

Ominis let out a huff, the ebbings of a smirk unsuccessfully dismissed as his mind traveled to a memory. She nuzzled into his hand, allowing him to cradle her as she closed her eyes and waited.

“Like… the first time we were partnered in Charms.” He started, his voice hesitant as though admitting something private. She tilted her face into his fingers, kissing there as well to encourage him. “You… we were enchanting parchment to fold itself into the shape of doves. We were tested on if they could fly around the classroom and back, but mine looked a little… strange." Josie smiled into his skin, enjoying the quietness of his voice as he brought her back to that day, years ago.

“I remember that, your design was pretty good for an educated guess.” Josie offered, recalling his frustration at the time. A subtle embarrassment mingled with a dash of perfectionism; he hadn't quite mastered the art of tempering his annoyance with visual spells but Professor Ronen had been right, Ominis was more than capable to do the activity. 

To help him along the way, she’d managed to charm the paper into the correct shape before handing the parchment dove to him and allowing him to feel its shape. It's taken an impressively short amount of time for him to get the form correct after that. 

“Someone’s dove landed on you and pulled your hair loose.” Josie made a noise of recognition, remembering how she'd lost most of her hair pins that day in the attempt to bat the enchanted parchment away before salvaging what was left of her hairstyle. “We were sitting quite close and your hair - well, it smelled very nice.” 

“You remember that from years ago?” She asked, her eyes fluttering open and her cheeks warming at his admission. Suddenly, the warmth of his hand left her face as he wrapped it around her. He dug his fingers into her hair, threading his fingers through her locks and grabbing with just the right sort of strength to cause a gasp of surprise to escape her.

“Yes and no.” Josie stilled, breath catching as her eyes darted towards Ominis. He ran his fingers through her hair, taking her dark locks between his fingers. Head tilting curiously and brow furrowed, he massaged until her bun began to fall loose. Her eyes fluttered shut at the sensation, a chill rolling up her spine as he continued. “The scent has been the same as long as I’ve known you; I don’t really have to remember something if I experience it everyday.” 

Hand slipping down to the nape of her neck and then to the front of her shoulder, he guided her backwards. Pushing himself from the door until she reeled back at a slow pace. "Are you asking if I dream of you?" He intonated, voice lowering into the question. Josie felt herself swallow, her pulse racing as he continued forward. "Because I think we both know the answer to that."

She felt the soft material of the bed press into the back of her legs but he didn't push her down. Instead he twisted, setting his wand aside as he settled himself into the edge of the bed and pulled her to stand between his legs.

With the height of the bed neither of them needed to lean down into the other, she felt his face press against the rise of her chest as he listened to the rapid beat of her heart. He dipped his head against the soft material of her blouse, eyes shutting as he leaned against her.

“I don’t think you realize how distracting you are.” He said under his breath. An admission, one that he’d been keeping close to his heart for quite a long time. Josie felt her heart begin to race at his closeness. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pulling him into her. 

“You can be pretty distracting too, you know.” She offered, massaging gentle circles along his upper back. He breathed in steadily, as she pressed a gentle kiss into his crown. “And I know what you’re thinking. I’m not just saying it. You’re a very attentive friend and I… I like how kind you are.” He scoffed, a smile rising against his cheek.

“People hardly would describe me as kind .” 

“You’re kind to me.” She retorted as he raised himself from his resting place, eyes roving over her as though seeing her in earnest. She smiled down at him as she lifted her hands to cup his face.

“Yes, well… that’s quite different.” Josie laughed as he tilted his chin upwards, reaching for her. In his cloudy gaze she saw the request, the desire to close the distance between them. She leaned down to meet him.

His kiss was soft but held more urgency than the last. He moved in slow, languid motions along with her as the tips of his fingers seared into the delicate skin at the nape of her neck. She felt him scoot towards the edge of the bed, pulling her with his free hand between his legs further. Sighing into him, it took precious little time for his tongue to find its way along hers; she tilted her head into him, allowing him to explore parts of her only he was allowed to go. 

His free hand came to rest on her waist, finding the hard material of her corseted bodice instead of soft cotton. A deep growl escaped his throat, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. “This blasted thing.” He murmured into her mouth as he fingered the taut cords that laced her. With the way he yanked, she thought he had half a mind to rip the lacing from it. 

Quickly she caught his hand in hers, pausing their kiss for a moment as she searched for the tucked ends and loosened them for him. He huffed, a sound somewhere between impatience and annoyance at the article of clothing as she allowed him to pull the last of the lacing free.

“And here I thought you were the most patient of us all.” She teased, watching his expression twist at the sheer effort it all took. He paused, gazing up at her through his brows and lashes, offering her nothing more than a simmering look as he wordlessly dethreaded the lacing through the last hole and let her bodice drop. 

Josie’s teasing smirk wavered as she recognized the hunger in his expression. It was the sort that hung on a string, waiting to be severed so one may satiate their need. It sent an entirely new wave of anticipation through her as he slowly brushed his fingers under her blouse to caress the skin of her waist, uninhibited. This time when he returned his lips to her, it was against the soft skin of her neck.

Josie swallowed thickly, feeling her own arousal build as he sucked on the delicate dip of her throat before trailing down a breathy line to her collar bone. She reached between them as he pulled away and began unfastening the buttons of his vest, careful not to send it flying with quite as much vigor he’d offered her own garments. 

He shrugged off the article of clothing as she ran her fingers along the line of buttons on his shirt before doing away with them as well. Before she could press his shoulders out of his crisp white shirt he grabbed her wrists and pulled her into him again. 

She landed with knees pressed lightly against the covers of the bed, his lap taking the majority of her weight as he tangled his fingers in her hair, his nose trailing along the dip of her brow as he let out a steady breath. He waited, Josie realized a moment later; despite his obvious want for her he waited for her to react to him, to show some hint that this was still what she wanted. 

Josie took a calming breath, eyes fluttering and cheeks burning as she took his free hand in hers and brought it to her breast.

Through the soft material of her blouse he cupped her, running his palm over her and swallowing heavily as he felt her grow taut against his touch. She inhaled sharply as his thumb rolled over her nipple. His own body growing rigid at the sound, he crashed his lips against hers, seeking to swallow the sound whole as he did the motion again and again. 

A stifled moan escaped her as his fingers pressed roughly into the skin of her ribs, wrapping around her as his mouth proved far more dominant than before when he put half his mind to it. It was as though he were lost in her, jaw trembling and fingers searing as he forced himself to take only what she’d given him. 

Heart beating wildly, she bit down on his lip. Dragging her teeth along the warm skin she coaxed a noise of pleasure from him; a throaty groan originating from deep within him that caused his legs to shift beneath her. She felt his arousal as it rigidly rubbed against the material of her trousers, pressing against her own core as she rocked into him. 

Their breathing grew short and heavy, hands reaching indiscriminately as she whined into him. That sound was enough to make something snap within him. 

One moment she was kissing him deeply and frantically from upon his lap and the next he'd lifted her high in the air, his arms encapsulating her as he stood and spun her to lay on her back. She bounced slightly on impact, watching as he shucked his shirt allowing it to fall into a crumpled pile on the floor before leaning over her. Hands searching, he found her legs; roaming the curve of them he crouched over her as he came to her hips. Thumb trailing along where her stomach met material he breathed deeply, lowering himself so his mouth left searing kisses along the sensitive skin of her lower abdomen. 

Josie arched into him, breath hitching as he nipped the delicate rise of her hip. " Ominis ." She whispered, his name falling from her lips like a plea as he teased the warmth that grew between her legs. Her blouse rose up her stomach, the soft material catching just beneath her breasts as he left a lingering kiss where he'd bit her.

"Yes, darling?" Josie huffed, heady indignation filling her at his feigned ignorance. He ran his nose along her stomach, following the line where her ribs met before gently pushing up her blouse until his warm breath rolled over the space between her exposed breasts. "All you need to do is say the word and I'm yours." 

Not quite knowing exactly what the word was Josie let out a groan as he gently tilted his head and kissed the inner curve of her breast. "Ominis, please ." 

Something in her voice, or perhaps it was as simple as the word pl ease, gave him all the encouragement he needed. Ominis ran his tongue over her taut peak, capturing her in his mouth before rolling over her nipple. She squirmed beneath him as he adored the soft contours of her chest, taking his time as though to commit her to memory with only his tongue and mouth. 

She tried to press herself into him, searching for even the slightest release as his hand gripped the divot of her waist as she wriggled beneath him before reaching down and pressing her against the bed. His breath uneven, he breathed out heavily and paused, settling a soft kiss along the space between her breasts.  He slowly pulled her blouse overhead, discarding it off the side of the bed. 

Josie hadn't realized how much she'd wanted him. They'd been so busy with the lockdown and then the auror that she hadn't had time to think that this was again possible. He played with the hem of her trousers, head tilted towards her face as he watched on with a half-lidded stare. She reached down and placed her hand over his, guiding the beginnings of the motion to pull them off.

Together they removed the last of her clothing. She laid there, watching as he carefully placed them all together, using far more gentle movements than with his own clothes. When he returned to her properly she pulled him to her mouth, kissing him intently; as though reminding him of her taste. He smiled into it, allowing her to take what she wanted from him as he slowly removed his own trousers until he was just as naked as she was. 

Slowly he pulled himself away, his mouth peppering languid kisses along her jaw, her throat, the curve of her breasts, and down to her navel. He paused there, hands gripping either side of her waist as he nuzzled against the plane of her stomach before delving lower. 

She had felt him do it before, the lewd act of kissing her most intimate space, but there was something about his greediness in it, something in the way he fearlessly dragged his tongue along her core that made her realize he enjoyed it maybe just as much as she did. He enjoyed the taste of her, she realized, as much as he enjoyed the way she came undone from only his mouth, he sought the sounds she made as he buried himself in her most sensitive spot. 

He took his time tasting her. Slowly at first as she jerked beneath the feeling of his tongue exploring her core before pressing further along her and finding the spot just above her entrance. It was salacious the way he slowly coaxed the feeling from deep within her. A well learnéd man who sought perfection in all that he did, especially between the legs of his lover. 

Following how her body reacted to him, he pressed his lips against the bundle at her entrance and sucked; slowly running his tongue over her mound so as to placate the sensitivity as she shook beneath him. She couldn't help the noises he pulled from her, breathy moans as he found a rhythm she easily rocked against.

 She couldn't tell if the wetness surrounding him came from her core or from his own mouth as he consumed her without restraint. She felt herself beginning to build as the length of his tongue pressed into her. She gasped at the feeling, his tongue dipping into her greedily over and over as she struggled to keep still. He reached up and pressed her hips down with one hand, fingers searing into the skin of her hips as he devoured her.

She bucked into him, feeling as he groaned against her in the precious moments of bliss before she climaxed into his mouth. He tasted her in her completion, his tongue searching and finding all that she left for him before his movements became more gentle, lapping and lazy as she raggedly caught her breath. 

He raised himself to join her further up the bed, his expression overcome with as much lust as she felt. Hands trailing along the curve of her waist, then the softness of her breasts, before settling against her cheek. He ran his thumb along her jaw, searching for her mouth before slowly pressing a chaste kiss on her lips. She could taste herself on him, unique from anything she'd ever tasted before and despite her continued arousal she was grateful for the break in stimulation; she felt tender between her legs even though she pressed against his manhood in search of more. 

For all that he touched her, Josie had yet to touch him. She longed to feel him for herself, more than curious to see if she could make him feel half the things he made her feel with only his tongue. 

Josie reached between them, her hand trailing down his chest as it heaved from want and exertion. He reacted to her exploring hands, breath stifling against her lips before pulling away from her to tilt his chin downwards. She stopped near the mound of golden hair at his base, from their proximity she struggled to see where her hand groped. 

She felt him freeze, his hand raising as though to intervene but stopping as she ran the tips of her nails along his abdomen and down the rise of his hip bone. She allowed her forearm to brush him, eliciting a strangled exhale from him as his hand snaked its way to cradle her neck, twisting her head to face him. 

"Josie," He murmured in a strained voice, his eyes blinking rapidly as she repeated the motion, amazed by the velveteen texture of his manhood. "I want you to, but - " he hesitated as a shutter wracked him. 

She watched in awe as he gripped her head as though she were his lifeline, holding her to him as he worked to maintain his composure.

"Not this time." He managed with a steadying breath. Josie frowned, her gaze drifting between them but respecting his wishes as he instead lowered his hand back to her core. 

"I look forward to it then." She whispered into his ear, smiling to herself as she visibly saw his body react to her words. He kissed her, a searing almost painful feeling as he plunged his finger into her core. Josie gasped in pleasure, feeling as her wetness coated him and dripped between them despite his efforts to do away with all traces. She panted into his mouth, opening her legs further to him as he easily slid a second finger in. 

"I can't tell which one you prefer." He groaned into her mouth. She clung to him, one arm wrapped around his naked back while the other became lost in his disheveled hair. "But I'm sure I'll find out, one of these days." 

"Ominis - " She gasped his name like a prayer, feeling as though with every second they shared wrapped around one another he must be stealing her breath from her lungs for she hardly had any left for herself. He groaned again, her sheer wetness causing his body to press intensely against her. 

She wanted him, all of him. She rocked against his deft fingers, lost in the bliss of her pleasure as he sought to unravel her. "I want you." She breathed into him, face flushed as he pressed deeply into her. 

Ominis ran his thumb over her sensitive mound before slowly pulling his fingers from her. He positioned himself, lifting her legs and settling himself between them as she watched him take his manhood in hand, her words being the permission he needed. 

He massaged his length, squeezing himself as he clung to her thigh. She saw pearly liquid drip from his tip just before he found her entrance and pressed in. 

There was far less uncomfortable pressure this time, the feeling far more natural and simply overwhelming as he slowly pressed himself into her. Warm and wet, Josie struggled to keep composure at the pleasurable expression he made, brows furrowing and shaky breath released.

He leaned over her, his mouth grazing her throat before finding her lips. He kissed her deeply as her body shifted to accommodate him and, slowly, he sunk into her. They rocked together this time, Josie pressing herself into his motions as he found his rhythm. She swallowed heavily at the feeling of him sheathing deeper and deeper inside of her, far further than he’d gone their first time.

“I’ve missed you.” He mumbled against the skin of her cheek, his uneven breath rolling over her face as he thrust into her. She groaned at the sensation, enjoying the unrestrained honesty in his voice as he showed her exactly how often he’d thought of her since the last time they’d been together. 

She dragged her leg up the side of his torso, allowing him to press deeper into her. At the sensation her breath hitched and she clung to him and his arms wrapped around her, bringing their bodies flush as they explored the new depth together. She couldn’t stifle the lewd noises she made at the feeling of him, so fully inside her and so obviously at his own wits end. He covered her mouth in his, his kiss sloppy and fierce as his own groans of pleasure wracked him. 

She had wanted him to know that she missed him too but couldn’t find the breath to spare as her core tightened wholly, her words coming out in a gibbering mess against his tongue and teeth. His body twitched against the feeling of her walls constricting around him and he released a strangled sound as she bit his lip hard into her climax. 

He squeezed her against him, his own eyes pinching shut as he followed her soon thereafter. His skin was salty against her lips as he stilled, fully thrusting into her as he gasped into the space where her cheek met her hairline. They panted together, neither having words for the intense bliss they’d shared. He propped himself above her, elbows digging into the material of the bed as his swollen lips parted and eyes blinked down at her. 

Despite the way his arms shook from the exertion, he leaned down as rested a gentle kiss against her lips; so terribly soft compared to all else they’d done as their hearts beat furiously.

“I missed you, too.” She finally said, tilting her chin into him to press their mouths against one another again. He allowed her to kiss him fully, the headiness of their intimate embrace giving an easiness to the movement as she deeply and slowly dragged her lips against his. It was by far the most sensual thing she’d ever experienced before; despite feeling as his arms shook around them, he allowed her to take her time as she coaxed every ounce of strength he had left in him so that he could give her what she wanted. 

He let out a rattled breath against her mouth and she wished nothing more than to consume him wholly, body and mind as she wrapped her arms around him again, digging her fingers into his golden locks and feeling as he twitched inside her. It was an empowering feeling, one that fueled her passion, as she realized the extent of his want for her and her for him. Even in exhaustion he still craved her as much as she craved him. 

Josie pulled away mouth and he collapsed against her, sticky body falling flush against her own as his head came to rest along the crook of her neck. He was heavy, but not unbearably so, in fact, she rather liked the feeling of being trapped beneath him. Even so, he tried to lift his weight as his head tilted into her, his nose nuzzling the length of her hairline from her neck to her ear as he slowly breathed. She could feel the harsh pounding of his heart against her own chest.

“You are insatiable.” He murmured, eyes closed as he inhaled deeply. Something in his accusation caused her to smile as she dragged her fingertips along the skin of his back.

“Pot calling the kettle.” She retorted quietly, her own voice slightly hoarse. He huffed a laugh into her, shaking his head though he didn’t deny it. They rested a few moments longer until his heart settled in his chest and her own breath grew even. He raised himself off of her just enough to grab his wand from the bedside table and slowly pull himself from her. 

She blinked at the strange sensation as he left her feeling empty bar the warm liquid that followed in his wake as he pulled free. She watched as he wordlessly cleaned them, his spell doing only so much in the way of making them presentable. 

She allowed herself a lewd moment to stare at his naked form as he half-leaned over her, eyes roving his torso and most intimate parts as he finished with the silent incantation. He was terribly handsome as his head tilted towards her, hair fully mused and face flush from exertion.

His wand lazily pointed in her direction, he paused before his cheeks darkened in color, his jaw twitching. "Do you want to get cleaned up?" He asked, his wand suddenly pointed away as though to offer her some modesty; Josie stifled a teasing grin, finding it so funny how bashful he was despite everything they'd done together.

"That might be nice." She responded, pressing herself upwards to sit fully up and cringing at the immediate soreness between her legs. Her mirth fell from her face and she made a noise of disappointment. She shouldn't have been surprised, they'd gone deeper. He reacted to her pain, his frown pulling at his mouth as he considered her. 

"A warm bath might help." He offered. She was thankful he didn't ask after her, already knowing the sort of answer she'd give. Her gaze drifted past him, towards the open door along the same wall as the bed. 

“I don’t know if it has anything in it.” 

“We can always ask Deek.” At his idea, Josie nearly groaned in embarrassment at the idea of the house elf knowing what they’d been up to. Ominis chuckled, moving from the bed to gather his clothing. “If you start the bath I can summon him elsewhere and ask him to leave it in this room.” He suggested as a small, content smile pulled against face. He pulled on his pants and trousers. “I’ll do my best to be as nonchalant as possible.” 

Josie watched him dress, bringing the covers to rest over her naked form as she enjoyed the view of him in various states of dress. She particularly liked the way he looked, shirtless and disheveled as he searched for the last of his clothing. “Alright.” She acquiesce, dropping the covers to pick up his shirt from the floor. She shook it out before dragging it along his skin and helping him shrug it on. His smile grew, his teeth peeking through as he leaned down and kissed her on the edge of her mouth. 

“Thanks, love.” 

“I like it when you say that.” She admitted, redoing the buttons of his shirt for him. Gaze focused downwards, she saw in her peripherals how he brought up his free hand to press his hair into place. “People have said that sort of thing to me before, but it feels far nicer when it’s coming from you.” 

“Do you?” She knew without looking up that he was smirking, his tone making it crystal clear that he’d already known that. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Josie rolled her eyes, finishing the last of the buttons before tugging on the bottom hem of his shirt with as much force as she dared on the posh material. He stumbled forward slightly, one foot catching his weight as his hands came forward to brace against her. 

He grabbed her shoulders, bare and still slick with sweat. He blinked at the reminder of her nakedness, fingers pressing into her skin with a bit more intensity than the movement would typically call for. She cocked her head at him, watching as he fought for composure.

“I’d like my bath, if it’s all the same to you.” She said, her voice lowering as his fingers grazed the curve of her shoulders and down the length of her arms. He nodded in response, head tilting away as he pulled his hands away as though remembering himself. 

“I’ll, uh, call him now.” 

“Thanks, love.” She mumbled back, placing a gentle kiss along his jaw and hurrying away before he could reach out and grab her. She entered the bathroom, eyes taking in the antique and nicely designed space. A large porcelain soaking tub resting at the center of the far wall, its fixtures beautiful and brass against teal tiles. A sink and vanity rested beneath a narrow mirror to her left causing her to pause as she caught sight of her own reflection.

Stark naked and dark hair rightly tousled, she could see dark marks forming along the sensitive spaces of her body; her hip and her neck pulling the most attention as she slowly approached the mirror. She was flushed, cheeks and nose spattered with red blush as her long deep brown hair was left in ruins over her shoulders. Even her eyes, almond and wide, appeared more lively as she pressed her lips together at the realization of how good he looked on her. 

It took Josie a moment to pull her attention away from the mirror, shaking her head and running her fingers through her messy hair as she turned the brass fixture to begin filling the large tub with hot water. Quickly running back into the bedroom in search of her wand, Josie realized Ominis was gone, likely finding another room to speak to Deek in. She moved back into the bathroom, encouraging the water to flow and swirl as she gently shut the door behind her. 

Nearly a minute later, just as Josie was considering jumping into the partially filled tub, she heard the distinct sound of Deek Apparating into the bedroom proper. She glanced at the closed door, considering her options as the sound of his Disapparating away moments later with a telltale snap. Eyes darting back to the warm steam that raised from the tub, she didn’t have to think long as the bathroom door suddenly opened.

Panicked, she swiveled around to see Ominis, wand emerging through the door as he pressed it open, the other hand holding a small bundle. Realizing her state, he nodded his head in apology before quickly entering and shutting the door behind him.

“Apologies, I thought you’d already be in the water.” She let out a steady breath before taking the bundle from him and sifting through the materials. Her brows raised into her hairline as she recognized the soap from the Prefect’s bathroom.

“It’s alright, I was just lost in thought. Are you going to join me?” At her request, Ominis tilted his wand towards the tub and frowned.

“I barely fit in most tubs on my own, I hate to say that I’m unsure how we’d fare with the two of us.” She made a noise of understanding as she placed the materials on the tray beside the tub before slowly stepping into the steaming water. 

“What a despoiled life you must’ve had.” She murmured wistfully, sighing as the heat sent a warm shiver up her spine. Ominis snorted, crossing his arms as he moved to lean against the far wall. “Would you like a chair or something?” She offered instead, reaching for her wand.

He thought for a moment before nodding, a small smile tilting up the corners of his lips as he heard her summon the piece of furniture. It was a simple chair for such a cottage-style lavatory, but it worked. Ominis seated himself, scooting the chair along the edge of the porcelain tub. 

“Did you ask Deek for anything in particular?” Josie asked as she took the lightly perfumed liquid into her hand and uncorked it. It had a lovely floral smell, slight and as soft of spring as she poured a few seconds worth under the running water. 

“I told him you weren’t feeling well and needed something nice to help you relax.” He explained, taking a moment to roll up the sleeves of his shirt to his elbows, the heat of her bath already affecting him. “Technically none of it is untrue.” Josie snorted, corking the vial before gently setting with the others.

“Technically.” She repeated wryly before dropping herself below the waterline, allowing her hair to be completely submerged. When she reemerged, her gaze slid to Ominis who leaned back against the chair, his eyes shut. 

“I could always enlarge the tub, you know.” She offered again, smirking as his own grin twitched against his cheek, his eyes remaining shut. “Alternatively, I know of a massive bath here in Hogwarts.” To that his eyes slid open, a single brow raised as he tilted his head in her direction. “It could likely hold seven people.” 

“You’re overexaggerating.” He accused as she grabbed the solution for her hair, tipping it towards her nose. She was quietly pleased to find another subtle scent as she began lathering. 

“Very Romanesque in design. If you’re interested I’ll have to show you some time.” 

“The Romans, really? I’ve always enjoyed their architecture. I actually grew up near an amphitheater.” Josie smiled at him as he lost himself in the memory. He continued on telling her of the Roman barracks that lay in ruin along the lane approaching his childhood manor and its proximity to the amphitheater and the implications of their closeness. It was terribly endearing that her implications of sharing a bath together had somehow dissolved into his musings and obvious interest in British history.

“Once my mother and I stopped in a small town called Caerleon in Wales. I begged her to take me to the ruins of the legionary fortress, even all overgrowth and stone it was still immense. Right along the River Usk you could still see the tower where the bridge used to connect.” 

By the time he’d finished, Josie was mostly done with the essentials of her bath, now simply leaning over the edge of her porcelain tub as she listened to him wax about a town in Wales she’d never been to. He was animated, seemingly uncaring of the heavy steam that filled the small room and the way her hair dripped water noisily on the floor. They sat like that for another twenty minutes, Josie simply enjoying his recollection of the Romans while offering small, urging questions here and there. It wasn’t until the water began to cool and Josie quietly cast a spell to reheat it that Ominis seemed to realize what’d transpired. 

To stop his apology, sincerely feeling that it was wholly unnecessary, she leaned out of the tub and pressed a gentle kiss along his jaw before asking after the Roman city of Bath and what it was like when he last visited.

Chapter Text

Flourish and Blotts

With another week of classes passed with Josie sequestering herself away from Auror Nott, there'd been precious else to do but study for her N.E.W.T’s at the end of the year. Not daring to draw more attention to herself, she'd left their dealings throughout the Highlands in the capable hands of Natty and Poppy. Garreth, Ominis, and Sebastian kept her company often; settling into the new form of the Room of Requirement with ease and familiarity. Poppy had even informed them of its name, Hollygate House. 

Garreth, as it turned out, was a whizz at Advanced Potions, easily working through the preparatory assignments with Josie as Professor Sharp heavily encouraged them to do. All the while Sebastian, in the moments when he wasn't deciphering the journal, sought to revitalize some aspect of Crossed Wands in one of the vivariums between those of them who were interested. As it turned out, both Garreth and Sebastian were terribly competitive and sought to throw each other ass-over-teakettle as often as possible while Josie was just happy to have an outlet and good company. 

In the sparing moments where she and Ominis had time alone, it was never for terribly long; her caring friends not quite realizing the damper they were putting on their newfound courtship. Nevertheless, he was often there with her, listening on as she and Garreth discussed ingredients or time variations on potion recipes or as she mediated between Sebastian and Garreth as they argued over “regulations,” of which were often invented and changed on the fly. 

Of course, Josie realized her and Ominis hadn't exactly made themselves public knowledge, not even to their close friend group. Garreth seemed to have a keen eye for their small interactions, watching with lingering glances as Ominis helped her to her feet or stood far closer than socially typical of even close friends of the opposite sex. Josie didn’t mind and, if anything, Sebastian simply found it amusing; as though Garreth was slowly putting the pieces together to something he thought wholly impossible. 

That was all in the privacy of their friendship group, in the Great Hall and in class they dared not do more than the odd conversation in case of prying ears and eyes. Josie was still the subject of many rumors, most of which had to do with trolls and goblins; the last thing they needed was to add vixen to the list. The idea of the masses knowing how Ominis Gaunt chose to sully himself with a muggleborn was not a terribly appealing idea to either party involved, meaning that it was all kept under lock and key.

Not that much escaped the eagle eye of one Natsai Onai who’d taken a particularly interesting approach to sharing her newfound knowledge. Natty would ask after Ominis, her voice airy as the wind itself as though it were typical for her to inquire about the Syltherin heir. Her dark gaze would be drawn away, face carefully neutral as she waited for Josie to acquiesce and finally share the details Natty rightfully sought. But even in the face of one of her closest friends, Josie couldn’t find the right way to breach the subject in public or in private.

Not to mention the state of shock she’d send Natty into if she let slip the half-engagement.

So, instead Natty settled on flashing Josie knowing glances as Josie and Ominis sought each other out in quiet togetherness during dinner and in classes. Even earlier that day as Natty helped Josie prepare for what was supposed to be a low profile escape from the school after another weeks worth of studying and hiding from a Ministry officer Natty simply watched her with brows raised high as she helped tuck in the final hair pin to keep her coiled locks in place. 

Now, Josie and Ominis stood arm in arm outside of Flourish and Blotts, the distinct scent of old vellum and binding glue stuck in her nose. They'd Appartated with no issue, leaving the grounds of Hogwarts with a written note from Professor Sharp under the guise of retrieving a rather large package from Mr. Pippins that may or may not be ready anytime within the hours of eleven in the morning and three in the afternoon. 

In the meantime, Ominis had slipped his arm around Josie's and wordlessly whisked them away to wizarding London amidst the gentle May drizzle. Josie pulled the hood of her cloak overhead as Ominis guided them from the sidewalk to the covered emerald awning over the entrance of the famed bookstore. 

"It's raining a bit heavier here." Josie observed, brows raising as she watched another group of witches dart into the café across the street to get out of the rain. Ominis made a noise in agreement, pulling her attention back to him as he aimed his wand towards the shop.

He'd made the effort to look terribly dashing for a simple outing to a bookshop. His suit color was a handsome shade of tan with deep brogue shoes charmed to displace water. Josie smiled despite herself, feeling as though her own burgundy walking skirt and cream blouse looked almost out of place when brushed against the fine fabric of his ensemble. 

"I fear it's likely only to get worse." He started, brows low and frown pressed deeply into his cheek. "It'd be best for us to enter the shop, the last thing we need is to come under the weather." Josie laughed lightly, allowing him to pull her towards the entrance.

"I'd say were made of resilient stuff, you and I, but go on." He reached out and pulled open the front door, allowing Josie to pass first before stepping in closely behind her. 

"I'm not one to frolic in the rain. It's almost like you want to get sick." He admonished, his tone lilting upwards in the wake of his growing smirk. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, watching as he pulled her towards him and out of the way of an enchanted stack of books. 

"Shame, I rather like the idea of you taking care of me." His brow raised, his smirk pressing deeper into his cheek as he bit down on some errant comment; the look that passed over his face was dastardly. 

"You alright?" Josie glanced around them, searching for the source of the voice before finding him. Peering down at them from atop a rolling ladder was an older wizard. He was wire thin and likely a decade older than her own father, yet watched them with keen eyes as he waved his wand wordlessly through the air, sending another stack of books further into the shop. 

"Good morning, Mr. Waldridge. Just browsing, thanks." Ominis said politely, head angling away and wand dragging upwards so as to pinpoint the man. Satisfied, the elder gentleman nodded and went back to organizing his books, a wide grin pressing into his cheeks as he mumbled something to himself. 

The shop was much longer than it was wide, rows and rows of books stacked high in odd piles beside ancient bookcases filled to the brim with all sorts of reading materials. Just barely visible beyond that, was what appeared to be a reading area. 

"Well, where shall we start?" Josie asked, slightly overwhelmed by the sheer size of the space and the number of choices. Ominis slid his arm from hers, his head inclining in her direction. 

"It depends entirely on your mood. Books or knick knacks?" Josie folding her hands in front of the swell of her skirt, eyes roving the shelves.

"I think I'd rather like to peruse the books." He nodded, wand tilting along the slope of the building before he paused. 

"You find a spot and I'll follow." He instructed simply. Josie hesitated for only a moment before moving from his side and pushing deeper into the bookstore. Finding a place in seclusion, she glanced over her shoulder as Ominis silently followed, wand aimed at her and loose hand respectfully placed in his trouser pocket. Despite his lack of need, Ominis usually walked with his eyes open and alert but here she watched them slide shut as he navigated the rows and corners of Flourish and Blotts; quiet and content even as Josie came to a stop and began searching the shelves. 

Eyes tearing from his form, Josie read the spines of the books. Running her fingers along their leather binding, she smiled to herself as she recognized the first few. "Textbooks for Hogwarts curriculum." She murmured as he came to join her. They skimmed the texts together, her with narrowed eyes and him with fingers pressed along the spines of books as he crunched his brows. 

Josie found books she’d never read before if only because of her late arrival to Hogwarts. They were all ones that students and professors referenced often; she’d often have to ask her friends or Professor Fig for a shortened summary to catch her up. Luckily no one expected her to be able to read six years worth of wizarding material in one year and simply allowed much of the reading to fall by the wayside. 

"Now that 's a book chockablock with interesting stories." He commented after a long few moments as he paused on a rather large tome. It took Josie a few moments to realize that they were no longer in the textbook section and had scurried to another, unnamed area. She pressed onto the tips of her toes to read the title herself, her own fingers dragging down the spine. 

" History of Barek Swan . I don't think I've ever heard of it." Josie said thoughtfully. "Who's Barek Swan?" Ominis reached between them, hand brushing hers as he pulled the book from the shelf and held it between them. When she simply watched the motion he flashed her a smile, offering her a half shrug in response.

"Telling you that would ruin the surprise." Josie scoffed, thinking that she should have known better than to think he’d so easily tell her the answer when the alternative was that he could make her read it instead. “At the risk of encouraging some of your more risk-taking behavior, I’d say I think you’d rather like this story if you gave it a chance.” Josie cocked her brow at him, knowing he couldn’t see the silent motion but willing the sentiment through the universe in hopes that he’d feel it. Instead he tucked it under his arm.

In typical Ominis fashion he wouldn’t budge on the matter, and simply forced them to continue their perusal with the tome firming in his grasp and small, knowing smile plastered across his face. 

“You’re lucky you look dashing today.” She mumbled into his shoulder as she passed by him nearly five minutes later, catching him with another smirk. His head swiveled as though he wished to keep in her such proximity, but his standard of decorum in public spaces proved too strong to act on it. Insead he grinned down at her, expression jovial in a way that made Josie’s heart flutter. 

“You always think I look dashing.” Josie’s jaw dropped at the gall, a slightly strangled noise escaping her before she regained her composure as she glanced around to see if others had heard. The shop was relatively empty with only a few other patrons who mostly kept to themselves and Mr. Waldridge who she hadn’t spotted since they first entered. 

“How very humble of you.” She mumbled, her face taking on a warmth as she straightened her already well-maintained skirt.

“It’s not vanity if it’s also a fact. Unless you would like to deny my statement?” He explained in an airy tone, unseeing gaze gliding across the books to find the space she generally inhabited. 

“Ah, I see. You’re fishing for compliments.” She realized making a noise of recognition as she stepped into him, decorum be damned. His body reacted to her, free hand twitching as he clutched the material of her skirt until he found her waist beneath.

“I’ve never been fishing a day in my life.” He retorted, unblinking with feigned seriousness despite the simmering look he settled on her. She pressed her hand against his chest, sliding it beneath the cover of his outer robe so that it rested over his heart before trailing down his ribs. His fingers curled into her fabric, raising to the softer material of her blouse as the skirt had precious little give under his touch.

“You are terribly handsome.” She whispered to him, so quiet only he could hear even in the most crowded of spaces. She felt his breath stutter slightly and his chest raise as he inhaled a slow, calming breath. She stared up at him, her face pressed so close her nose feathered along his chin. He surprised her, for all his propriety he simply breathed out a steady breath before gently brushing his lips along the space between her brows.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.” He murmured back, his tone soft and meaningful yet measured. Josie smiled widely, pressing her own gentle kiss into his cheek before stepping back and giving him a once over.

One could argue that phrase in of itself meant very little considering his lack of sight, but the honesty in his words leant itself to an adoration beyond physical appearance that made her ache to kiss him properly.

“Is that so?” She breathed, face unquestionably flushed as she took a few more steps backwards, eyes lingering on the way the corner of his mouth twitched upwards. “Then maybe we should find a few more books to take home.” 

Something in her words sent a palpable reaction through him, his eyes blinking and jaw moving as though to comment but nothing of true meaning making it through. Instead he tilted his chin down, averting his gaze as it were, as a slight redness rose up his neck. He nodded as a response, his eyes flitting downwards as his mind was dragged off somewhere else.

Satisfied by his reaction, she continued her search through the shelves. Eventually Ominis rejoined her, his mind far off as he shadowed her movements. Even as she paused on a new book and pulled it forward he didn't comment, it wasn't until she purposefully held it out between them and cleared her throat that she saw the shade of a thoughtful mind dissipate. 

"Your thoughts?" She asked, as he slowly took the book before running his index finger along the front cover. His finger found the decorative groove, tip tracing the odd shape. 

"Peonies?"

"Impressive." She commented, entirely meaning it. She almost couldn't believe he'd recognized the flower so quickly. Ominis twisted the book to read the spine, head nodding as he found what he was looking for. 

"Ah, Mystical Studies of Flora . Not a textbook, if I'm not mistaken. I believe it's a chronicler of meanings and uses." 

"Merlin, you're quick. Yes, that's what it seems to be."

"Would you like something like this?" 

Josie thought on it, her lips pursing as he quietly opened the front and felt the first few pages. There was a lovely colored drawing of a thistle that wiggled under his touch. 

"I think so, it's very well made." He nodded, placing it under his arm with the other. She opened her mouth to ask after his intent but was interrupted. 

"Can you tell me more of what it was like growing up in Devon?" At his quiet tone, Josie paused. Blinking at the sudden change of subject she took a moment to gather herself before responding. 

"I was raised in a house near the coast. It's this lovely two story home on a winding hill overlooking the English Channel. On a clear day, we could even see the far shore of France if you looked hard enough." She started, fiddling with her dark brown gloves as she recalled her childhood home. "My mum always referred to our home as quaint but I'd say it's actually quite large. With my parents, myself, and my younger brother we still had an extra room for guests and a music room on the ground floor." 

"I didn't realize you had a brother." Ominis commented, his head tilting curiously. She hadn't shared much of her family with her classmates, since so many of them found the topic of muggle families to be taboo.

"His name's Elias. He's ten this year." Josie said, a smile spreading at his curious expression. He nodded, looking as though he wished to ask more but hesitated. "You can ask."

"Is he a… does he - " Ominis stopped himself, jaw rolling as he mulled over his thoughts. 

"He's a muggle." Josie answered for Ominis, not wanting him to flounder with the difficult question. She offered him a small smile as she took his free hand in hers. "It's fine to ask after, it's not something my family is ashamed of." He nodded, expression twisted as though unable to reconcile the fate of her sibling; mundane in the wake of the wizarding world, right on the cusp of a wizarding education if his life had been different. 

"He has a love of the Romans too, you know." To that Ominis raised a single brow, gloved fingers grasping hers as he pulled her deeper into the bookstore. "He's always been a clever boy. He made a model of a Roman ballista last year. Got a ribbon from the mayor and everything." 

"That's rather impressive, they were complex weapons." Ominis said thoughtfully. Suddenly he paused, his grip on her tightening as he heard something she hadn’t. At the tension that spread through him, Josie reached for her wand as he urged her to hide around a corner.

"Ominis Gaunt, is that you?" A woman's voice lilted from nearby. Josie pressed herself against the opposite side of the bookshelf as Ominis went rigid, his hand leaving hers as they were separated by a single row of books. 

"Ms. Carrow." Ominis greeted, his pleasantry edged in tension. Josie held her breath as she turned towards the bookshelf and peered through the thin openings between slats of books. 

Through the opening Josie could see the gentle curls of amber hair laid neatly against powder white skin. The woman was young and dainty in features, appearing doll-like in the enchanted light of Flourish and Blotts. She wore exquisite robin egg robes with delicate white embroidery. She inclined her head at Ominis, smirking to herself as she looked at him unabashedly. 

"How many times must I remind you, you may call me Iris. We've known each other for years." She lamented, hands gently folding against the girth of her skirt. "What brings you to Diagon Alley? It's my understanding that Hogwarts is still in session. You’re not the type to have forgotten to purchase something before the beginning of the year." 

"Errands, unfortunately." He answered politely, the lines of annoyance veiled but barely as she hummed, eyes darting across his handsome features before dropping to the books tucked under his arm. 

"Work or pleasure?" She asked, large brown eyes lingering on him with a familiarity that made Josie uncomfortable, as though she were intruding on something far more intimate than mere acquaintances. 

Ominis inclined his head, seemingly deciding not to deign an answer. Instead he pulled out his pocket watch, placing his thumb over its surface and frowned. "It was good to see you, Ms. Carrow, but I do have somewhere to be quite soon. Have a great day." He offered her a polite nod of goodbye as he slipped around her towards the front of the store. 

Josie moved to follow, not wanting to linger longer than necessary but stopped as Ominis suddenly froze. It took Josie a few moments to realize Iris Carrow gripped his elbow, holding him in place. Anger flared within Josie as she stared at the way her fingers curled around him. It was a dainty gesture, the sort that if Ominis had wished he could have easily ripped his arm from her grasp but instead he simply frowned down at where they connected.

"You're really going to leave so soon? I was hoping to get some lunch and I was hoping you'd escort me." Josie silently bristled, lips pressing into a thin line at the assumed intimacy as much as for blatant disregard for propriety. Ominis, a fountain of patience and likely a man with years of practiced expressions, simply inclined his head towards the other woman and dug his heels in as she tried to pull him back towards her. 

“Ms. Carrow, you put me in a difficult spot.” He started, his tone taking a more serious note but even that wasn’t enough to encourage the woman to release him. Ominis moved to continue but was cut off.

“Your mother would be pleased if you joined me. From my understanding it’d be advantageous for both of us to have a… little chat.” She started lightly, her gaze sharp as she pressed closer to him when he wouldn’t step towards her. She frowned at him, her expression shifting to one of thinly veiled malice. “Unless you’d rather spend time with the woman you brought here? Was it Sylesna Greengrass or maybe Charlène Rosier? I heard the owner talking about you two to his wife.” She accused, her tone turning annoyed as Ominis paused, his expression carefully neutral even as his brows furrowed in response. “He described her to his wife and I knew it must be Greengrass with hair that color. Where is she? I’d like to have a few words.” 

Josie grimaced as she pushed away from the bookshelf, no longer wishing to hear any more of that drabble. Ominis had obviously wished to shield her from Iris Carrow and Josie was clever enough to put the pieces together as to why. Squeezing her hands together against the indent of her waist, Josie quietly made her escape towards the front of the shop, her heels clicking along the hardwood floor at a carefully even pace. 

She moved to a section her and Ominis hadn’t touched, one that was tucked into a far corner near the front of the store where others would often overlook a woman, unaccompanied as she were. Gloved hand trailing along the bindings of books she let out a shaky sigh as her emotions welled within her. 

“Can I help you, dear?” A kind voice asked and, for once, Josie struggled to smile as she turned to address the speaker. Standing before her was an elder witch near the age of her own mother with a thick mane of salt and pepper hair pulled back with a single clip at the crown of her head. Her skin was olive in complexion, pulling slightly with age lines that framed her kind eyes pleasantly. 

“Oh, no, thank you.” Josie managed with a polite nod before turning back towards the shelves of books. Despite her shortness the elder witch didn’t move away, instead she came to stand at Josie’s side, her kind eyes cast upwards as she waved her wand and verbally cast a spell to rearrange the books near the ceiling. Josie watched on silently, the witches' antics a welcome distraction from her other thoughts. 

The witch incanted in Welsh, her soft lilting accent far more noticeable when she next spoke to Josie a few moments later. Josie had only ever learned spells in Latin, she hadn’t even considered that spells could be translated and used with similar power. “I’m Mrs. Waldridge and I must say, you seem like an accomplished witch. Could you help me pull the books to check them for bookworms? I'm afraid it's a daunting task on one's own.” 

Josie blinked at the odd request, she'd never had an establishment's owner ask for help before but found herself more than willing to offer an extra wand to the process. Josie watched as the witch incanted again, her Welsh foreign to Josie's ears but the flavor of magic was familiar enough that she got the jist. 

With a swish and flick, Josie summoned books from their high resting place and brought them closer for inspection. Mrs. Waldridge hummed at each one in turn before motioning for Josie to replace them atop the highest shelf. Josie watched carefully when the elder witch found something peculiar, dragging the book closer with her own spell before aggressively prodding the book until a tiny, squirming green worm came tumbling out to the floor. She scooped it up in a glass jar before requesting Josie place it back on its shelf. 

Josie turned to ask Mrs. Waldridge a question but quieted her tongue as she saw the wordless charm being cast. The witch was being subtle, small movements as the charm shimmered around the two of them. Josie's heart swelled and emotion gathered in her throat again as she recognized the Notice-Me-Not charm as it settled into place. Instead, Josie spun and continued their search for bookworms with a renewed fervor.

Josie found another three bookworms in the following fifteen minutes, placing them in the perforated jar with the others. In the short time Josie had learned quite a lot about the little creatures, and rather thought they were cute despite Mrs. Waldridge’s understandable annoyance with them. Apparently they were very invasive if left to their own devices among looseleaf.

“I’m not one to pry,” Mrs. Waldridge started after the fourth bookworm was sequestered away in the jar. Josie glanced up at the older witch, steadying the book she was levitating, “but I hope you know you may stay as long as you need. Feel free to finish up over here, my husband and I were going to pop back home for a quick nibble.” 

“You’re… leaving the store unattended?” Josie asked, her voice wavering slightly. Mrs. Waldridge shrugged, her delicate frame shifting lithely as she stowed away her wand. 

“Oh, don’t you worry about the shop, dear. It could run itself if need be.” Josie nodded quietly, her own gaze darting out back into the shop. “I do have a favor to ask of you, if you’re inclined.” 

“Sure, if you need more help.” Josie offered, unsure if she could say no after the older witch had offered her a safe space to calm herself. Mrs. Waldridge smiled, a gentle gesture as she motioned towards the jar of bookworms.

“I simply ask you to find a place to release the bookworms. My husband is quite fond of them and would rather think they’re rolling along the hills in leisure than to be killed.” Josie’s brows shot into her hairline, glancing down at the cute insects with a deeper understanding.

“I can do that. My… classmate and I will be returning to Scotland soon. Please let Mr. Waldridge know that they’re in safe hands.” She nodded, her smile growing as she gently rested her hand against Josie’s shoulder before leaving her to her own thoughts. 

Josie sighed, staring after the elder witch long after she passed through the front door, her husband in tow. It wasn't until there was the quick clicking of heels on the wooden floor approaching from the back of the establishment that Josie snapped out of her musings and backed up against the bookcase, grabbing for the jar of bookworms and pressing it against her chest defensively. 

  Gaze set firmly forward as she hurried out the front door of Flourish and Blotts was Iris Carrow. Her robin egg blue dress crumpled beneath her vice like grip as she stormed past Josie without so much as a glance her way. Her face was beautiful even in its angry contortion as she unceremoniously shoved her way through the threshold and out of sight.

Josie let out a slow breath, brows raised into her hairline as she blinked after the witch. There was something terribly perplexing about a woman of good breeding storming out of a bookshop not unlike a petulant child despite her being of marrying age.

Loosening her grip on the glass jar, Josie froze as Ominis suddenly came into view. Hand sliding along the bookshelf for guidance and expression wide-eyed and panicked as he rounded the corner. Wand tilted in her direction he pushed his way through the Notice-Me-Not charm as though it weren’t there. The magic shimmered around him as he came to an abrupt stop, his jaw tense and wand circling the space in search of something.

"Ominis?" Josie intonated, her surprise bleeding through her expression and words. She watched as he straightened himself, free hand pressing back his fringe that'd fallen out of place at the exertion. He approached her slowly, hand squeezing his wand as he stopped short of Josie, just out of reach. 

"Josephine, I - " he cut himself off, mouth clamping shut as he settled some frayed nerve, his wand turning back towards her as though taking in her intact form. "I'm sorry, I couldn't let her see you; couldn't let her know you were here with me. I - "

This time it was Josie who interrupted, her heart clenching at the reminder as she stepped into him. Pressing herself against his chest she let out a quiet breath as his arm wrapped around her without hesitation. He held her tight, his apology felt through the strength in his arms as much as the way his head dipped down to meet the crown of her head as though to encircle her completely. 

Like a shield from the pain, he clung to her. Josie hadn't known that she could feel such a terrible ache in her heart from such a small interaction. By any other means a woman like Iris Carrow should have been an annoyance at worst, yet the memory of the way she'd looked at him sent an angry shiver down her spine. She recognized the look the witch had given Ominis and it'd been downright predatory. 

Sensing her rising frustrations, Ominis' hand came to lift her face towards his. Fingers splayed over her cheek, he kissed her breathless. Against her face his hands trembled as though he thought she'd slip away if he loosened his hold for even a moment. Even as his lips moved against hers in the ways they'd only explored together in the privacy of bed chambers, Josie couldn't shake the rising dread of their reality; there'd be a part of them that they'd always need to hide.

She allowed his tongue to part her lips in his desperation to prove something. She trembled in his grasp as tears welled and a tremor shook her jaw at her sudden realization. Ominis pulled away, a terrible sadness cresting his features as his hand came to caress her jaw. 

"I'm so sorry." He whispered. From his expression she saw his sad understanding, something he'd tried to warn her of at the Three Broomsticks when he asked to court her. The reality of what he hoped to shield her from was too great for one man to do alone. Josie shook her head, blinking away as much of the tears as she could. Unsuccessful as she was, she didn't turn away; allowing him to reach up and brush the errant drops away. 

"I simply wasn't expecting it today. I don't know what's come over me." Josie said, unsure if her trackless mind could make sense of her jumbled thoughts and emotions. Her words did nothing to placate him, his frown deepening. "I wasn't expecting to be…" left alone . She refused to say the rest aloud, not wanting him to feel guilty for his decision. 

"Once we've graduated," Ominis started when it became evident that she wouldn't continue. "There will be very little power my family can command over me and this will never happen again." He brushed another tear from her cheek before pulling her close again. Josie sighed into the feeling, her heart fluttering despite her other mixed emotions. "We'll walk together without worry of being stopped or having to hide from pureblood families, my father will have no say in what we do because he won't be able to touch you ." 

Like a splash of cold water, her understanding of his trepidation - of his biggest fear - became plain as day. There was so much a powerful pureblood family could do to her future while she was still attending Hogwarts. They must have known of their friendship and simply hoped it would pass once their graduation came and went. Merlin, if even Poppy thought that she and Sebastian were courting, of course those informing on Ominis would see her as nothing but a mild annoyance to be easily dispatched of once he was ready for the reality of his lineage. 

"I understand, I see it now." She whispered into his chest, feeling as he squeezed her impossibly tight at her words. Josie pressed the poor jar of bookworms out from between them, setting it on the nearby table before wrapping her own arms around him. "It changes nothing." 

They stayed like that, clinging to one another as she reconciled the long year they'd weather together in spite of his family and their expectations. Eventually it was Ominis who pulled away first, face down turned so that she could feel his breath as he spoke. 

"Shall we head home?" There was something to the quality of his voice that made Josie's pulse quicken. She hadn't thought how intimate a simple phrase could be even when home was a castle deep within the Scottish Highlands. She looked up at him, her mouth grazing his jaw due to their proximity as she considered cutting their trip short and simply heading back. 

"Mrs. Waldridge had said we could stay as long as we wanted. I'm inclined to take her up on that, even just for a bit longer." Josie said finally, Ominis nodded in response, his unseeing gaze lingering on her as though to watch her down the slope of his nose before slowly untangling himself from her. 

They walked the length of Flourish and Blotts side by side as Ominis searched for where he’d stashed the books they’d taken an interest in. Josie wanted to ask what had transpired between him and Iris Carrow but decided that it was better to not spoil the remainder of their excursion with the topic and scratched the idea completely. For now at least, she decided as he made a small noise of triumph as he found the two books. He twisted towards her, a soft smile pressing into his cheek as he held the first aloft.

“Would you fancy a quick read?”

“Here?” Josie inquired, a single brow raising as she glanced around the seemingly empty bookshop. She would honestly love to, but she felt her excitement tempered in the wake of the pureblood witch’s confrontation. They’d not seen a single other since the owners absconded and Ms. Carrow retreated down the rain-trodden street. Ominis shrugged, a rather boyish movement for someone so posh and put together.

“Where would be a better place to read a book than in a bookshop?” Josie rolled her eyes, her mouth quaking at his obviously leading joke.

“A library, perhaps?” She offered wryly, eyes dragging along the rows of books before returning to him.

“Ah, yes. Clever lass.” He intonated, his smile widening as he moved further into Flourish and Blotts. “Then I suppose we can overlook the nook?” Josie craned her neck so as to see beyond him, eyes finally landing on the small space he referenced as he turned round the final corner. A cozy sort of space, seemingly one of many, the nook held a loveseat and a single, circular table that all just barely fit in the small alcove. 

Josie watched him walk around the small table before seating himself on the small sofa as he placed the other book aside. His head inclined in her direction, not needing his wand to know that she stood at the entrance of the alcove, arms crossed over her chest. After a moment she joined him, settling beside him and pulling away much of the girth of her skirt so she could share the space without covering him like a blanket. Not that he seemed to mind, ever the tactile man as he reached for the fabric and gently grazed it with his ungloved fingers. 

They’d read books together many times before, sometimes in the Hogwarts library but more often than not in the Slytherin common room where few would bother an heir of the founder of their house. But this time felt far different as he levitated the book between them, his wand glowing with familiar enchantment as he flipped through the foreword and table of contents. His free arm snaked around hers and pulled her close as though she needed to see the text for herself; she acquiesced, leaning against his shoulder as he tapped for the spell to begin its dictation.  

The voice was soothing and quiet against her wounded heart with perfect diction as it introduced the story of Barek Swan with very little description in a way of what the gentleman looked like. In fact, Josie soon came to be distracted by the fact that the book almost went out of its way to keep the true identity of its protagonist as secretive as possible. 

They sat like that, Josie leaning against Ominis while they both listened to the first few chapters of the daring feats of Barek Swan. He was both a caitiff and thief as much as he was a man of gentle birth who took odd jobs braving even the most dangerous spaces in search of both glory and justice. For just over thirty minutes Josie listened to the interesting wizard before she finally shook her head, her dark hair brushing Ominis’ shoulder as she frowned. 

"Barek Swan is a scoundrel." She commented, eyes flitting up towards Ominis who laid against the high back of the loveseat with eyes closed and expression content. At her words his lip twitched upwards ever so slightly. 

"Seems to be, yes. Charming though." Josie paused, her gaze drifting over his relaxed features as he spoke; not forgetting for a second that he'd already read the book. Josie hummed, turning her body into him and sending his eyes blinking open in surprise. 

"Don't play with me, Ominis. Acting like you don't know." He grinned at her, gaze settling approximately between her eyes as he tilted himself to face her properly. 

"Never dream of it, love. In fact, if you're not enjoying it, I can put it back on the shelf and do away with the scoundrel for good." Josie huffed, annoyed at her body's reaction to his choice of endearment in such a public space.

"I didn't say that." She relented, eyes trailing out towards the main thoroughfare of Flourish and Blotts. She had heard maybe ten minutes ago the sounds of chatter but hadn't seen anyone stumble upon their reading party. "It might be smart to head back soon, Professor Sharp will be expecting that delivery at some point. Plus I do want to check in on a few residents of Hogsmeade since we have the rare permission to enter the town."

Ominis nodded in agreement, his wand flicking as the two books levitated together. He stood and offered her a hand, which she readily took. His touch lingered, fingers pressing tightly against the material of her glove as he helped to right her. 

"I'd like to make it up to you." He whispered, voice quiet and promising once she was pulled up at his side. Josie blinked up at him, not having to guess for what he was implying but still taken aback by his words. Although she didn't blame him for the status of his birth nor the bigotry of the wizarding gentry as a whole, she couldn't deny the heaviness the realization brought when she dragged the memory to the surface. 

She simply nodded, gaze trained on him as he moved to pay for the books they’d found together. Going through all the polite motions with Mr. Waldridge who’d since returned with his wife. The owner smiled widely at her when he saw the container of bookworms held loosely in her grasp before wishing them a pleasant afternoon before inviting them to visit again sometime soon. 

It wasn’t until he slipped his arm around hers at the entrance of Flourish and Blotts that he inclined his head in her direction, using their bodies to orient himself towards her. She paused, clutching the jar in her free arm as he stared at her on the very public stoop looking as though he wished to kiss her. But instead he drew himself close, leaning into her ear as he spoke quietly.

“Meet me at Hollygate House after curfew tonight.”

Chapter Text

The Witching Hour 

Josie should have known that when Ominis said he’d like to make it up to her, it’d be in the privacy of their shared room as the clock struck for the witching hour. He’d most definitely thought himself clever, finding a time when no others would be there and vying for her attention. Josie had been hesitant to join him, not for anything Ominis said or did himself, but simply because Auror Nott still resided in Hogwarts and seemed particularly keen on keeping an eye on her. She’d not snuck around the castle after curfew in over two weeks thanks to the auror and felt far more scandalized to be caught tonight of all nights; she’d taken her time, deciding to err on the side of caution.

Her worries had been drained away once the entrance to the Room of Requirement presented itself and led her into the familiar space of Hollygate House. She saw Ominis in the sitting room, unseeing eyes cast downwards in thought in the moments before she pressed through the front door. He moved to her at once, taking her in his arms and kissing her fully on the mouth as he hadn’t been able to do all day.

The act left her reeling, pressing back on her heels from the sheer intensity of it; it wasn’t an embrace of passion but rather another sort of longing she’d yet to feel so wholly from him. By the time she’d regained her senses he’d pulled away, eyes downcast once again as he sought to put distance between them.

“Forgive me,” He started suddenly, expression contorted morosely. He let out a quiet breath, it struck Josie then that he’d planned to apologize again. She frowned, closing the distance between them.

“You know…” She started as she shucked her robe and threw it on the back of the couch. His head tilted at the sound, brows still pulled together as he listened intently. “We’ve been through a lot together, not just us but our friends too.” And they were their friends now, whether or not Ominis would admit it. He’d been more than hesitant to get to know Garreth and Poppy, their personalities clashing so heavily with his that he often reverted to a handsome wallflower when they took front and center. Even then she’d seen him enjoying the way Poppy made Sebastian act a right fool and how Garreth could actually be quite respectable when he had half a mind to be. “And I think sometimes we forget that we choose to be here with each other especially when things get sticky.” She offered quietly.

Ominis’ jaw set and the cord in his neck grew taut as she ran her hands up his arms as though to hold him in place. She frowned at the way his eyes closed, not in reverence for the feeling but as though he was torn between the want to pull away and to press closer.

“I sincerely hope you hadn’t thought I’d want to end everything over that.” She whispered as her hands came to rest on the gentle incline of his neck where it connected to his jaw. His eyes slid shut at the feeling, her gloveless hands pressing lightly into the most tense part of him as he suddenly exhaled heavily. He simply shook his head as though to deny it, but the relief that filled him moments later when his eyes reopened told another story.

He was a man who’d allowed his thoughts to get the better of him, ignoring all the good and enjoyable parts of the day to highlight only the worst of it. 

“I care about you far too much to simply give up so quickly. You’ll not be rid of me that easily.” She added lightly, smiling as his own subtle grin quirked upwards. “Now, I really hope you’ve managed to gather some of those honey cakes Sebastian likes so much because it’s all I’ve been thinking about since he took the last two at supper.” 

His mood lifted and his worries squashed, Ominis led her upstairs; bringing her into the room they’d shared. It was as she remembered it bar the addition of a small table where he’d apparently asked Deek to gather the things she liked the most. Honey cakes included. It was a small gesture but one she appreciated greatly nonetheless even as a small huff left her throat. 

Confection forgotten, Josie found herself lost in a delicacy of another sort as Ominis approached her from behind and placed a gentle kiss on her exposed neck. She shivered into the featherlike touch, her mind immediately counting the days since they’d last spent time of that nature together. Nearly a week and far too long. 

Eyes fluttering shut she leaned into him as his free arm coiled around her waist. It was a wonderful feeling to be pressed against him, his nose dragging along her neck as he kissed her lightly. She hummed into the feeling, tilting her neck so he could better reach the sensitive spot just behind her ear. “I’d like to try something a little different, if that’s alright.” He whispered against her skin, causing gooseprickles to rise starting from the trail he left behind and then radiating outwards. She nodded in response, his grip around her waist tightened as he bit gently.

She wanted desperately to touch him, to run her fingers through his hair and press her lips to his but he firmly held her in place, even as she tried to turn in his grasp. Instead she felt him pocket his wand before his free hand pressed into the curve of her hip. 

She'd changed clothes since they returned from Diagon Alley, her favored burgundy walking skirt traded for well-worn trousers to pair with her cream blouse. She found that the loveliness of the well put together - rather womanly - ensemble encouraged too many prying eyes and made her uncomfortable. Ominis hadn't seemed to mind as his hand dipped into the front of her trousers, displacing her tucked in blouse and he gently caressed her. 

Josie's breath stuttered at the sudden touch, his mouth pressing more firmly into the skin of her throat as his teeth scraped against her. He found her sensitive mound despite the confined space, fingers massaging her slowly as she became more accustomed to the sudden intrusion. 

Her desperation to touch him grew, her hands groping for him despite her limited reach; she held onto his forearm as his fingers pressed against her before reaching up to find the softness of his hair as he left marks along the length of her exposed neck. He hummed into the feeling, the sound rumbling against her as he pressed more firmly against her sensitive bundle above her entrance. She sucked in breath, his name falling from her lips without any end of thought other than a plea to continue. 

He kissed where he'd bit her neck, a gently yet sensual feeling as he sucked on the tender skin softly. His fingers delved deeper, finding the wetness that coated her and releasing a stuttered breath against her throat. She gripped his hair, pulling his head from her overly sensitive neck with just enough force that she heard him hiss. In response he pushed his long fingers inside her, two digits stroking her in shallow, short movements. Josie moaned into the feeling, knowing that he did it on purpose; her legs separated, allowing for a better angle but he didn't take it. Irritation mingling with arousal, Josie gripped his hand that rested on her waist and pried his fingers from her form until she pulled his hand free. He huffed a laugh in her ear as she placed his palm over her breast for him to feel through her blouse. He needed very little prompting as he ran his fingers over the curve of her and relished the feeling as she arched back into him. 

Sucking in a breath he pressed himself farther into her, fingers dipping to the knuckle as he held himself there, unmoving bar the constant pressure against her core. A breathy moan fell from her lips as her eyes fluttered closed and she swallowed heavily at the sensation. She wanted more, so much so her face flushed as she felt him pulse against her, his palm pressing her sensitive mound atop her entrance as his head attempted to pull out of her grip. She allowed him his freedom and immediately his mouth came to press into the shell of her ear. 

"I've been thinking of touching you like this." He murmured, his voice heavy with his own growing want as her legs began to tremble. "Sometimes I wonder what it'd be like to find you between classes and…" 

His fingers curled within her gentle and repetitive until he heard her breath hitch, then he sought to quicken his pace. Her hips buckled against him yet even then he firmly held her in place as she squirmed under his touch. He rolled her nipple between her fingers as she pressed further into him, groaning as he moved to extract his fingers only to plunge them deeply once again. 

He made a noise of frustration as the material of her trousers hindered the movement. At the brief respite, Josie's heart pounded in her chest as she let out a slow and uneven breath. "Why don't you then?" She managed, causing him to tilt his head into her, nuzzling her with his nose and mouth as he found a new rhythm. He made a sound of question, his attention drawn elsewhere as she reached down and loosened the waist of the obstructing attire. "Why don't you find me between classes?" She clarified between shallow breaths. 

He huffed a laugh into her skin, his smile caressing her as he doubled his efforts. Her body reacted in kind as she writhed beneath his touch, something in his demeanor filling her with a desire for more even as his fingers pounded into her. She felt herself building, the feeling bringing her to her knees if his grip on her wasn't so tight. 

"Because I know you," he said, voice tight as she rode him. Her breaths came out in heavy pants as he cursed into her hairline, "you'd never be quiet enough for us to get away with it." Her orgasm radiated from her core, coaxed by his words and voice as much as his touch. She moaned and arched against him as her climax rolled through her, his fingers slowing only as her own movements against him slowed. 

He held her tight, his nose buried in her hair as he breathed slowly and she came down from her climax, her most sensitive spaces thoroughly overstimulated even as he pulled his fingers from her. "Then again," He added thoughtfully into her locks of dark hair as she leaned fully into his chest, "I suppose there is a spell or two that comes to mind that might help with that." 

Her face heated at the promise of it, she couldn't even deny his point not that she cared to as her eyes followed the movement of his now free hand as he brought his fingers, slick with her to his mouth and sucked. The lewd sound caused her legs to tremble as he held her in place. Josie had half a mind to rend herself from his grasp but came to the conclusion she rather liked being trapped by him.

By the time her body had calmed down from its high, Ominis had cleaned his fingers and dropped both of his hands to her waist. She felt him fish for the edges of her blouse before pulling it overhead, the soft fabric giving to his commands without any resistance. Josie used his momentary release of her body to twist towards him, her hands grasping forward to take his shirt in hand and kiss him fiercely. 

He relented against the assault, her half naked body pushing so closely into him, he took a step back to keep them stable from falling to the hardwood floor. Her mouth moved against his, lips moving like silent prayers as she stood on the tips of her toes to press herself flush against him. 

Tongue darting into his mouth, he greedily allowed her entry as her hands began unfastening the buttons of his vest and shirt but his hands came up to gently stop her. Making a noise of protest, she pulled away to stare up at him in confusion. His expression was difficult to read through the cloud of lust that had fallen between them. 

"Tonight's about you, love." Josie blinked at him, her heart pounding as he leaned back down to capture her lips with his. The kiss was tender, yearning as he sought to pull whines of pleasure from her. Josie stifled a sigh as she forced herself to pull away, pressing into him so she could whisper along his jaw as her figures continued down the front of his shirt. 

"I don't want any of this on." She murmured to him, feeling as a quiet, strangled sound fell from him before he allowed her to finish the job she started. 

When his shirt, vest, and tie lay in a pile on the ground her hands felt down the length of his chest; fingers roaming through the gathering of golden hair at his sternum, tracing down over his nipples, before finding the trail leading to his manhood pressed painfully against the fine material of his trousers. His body hitched at the feeling so she took to exploring him again, this time her fingertips ghosted over the sensitive skin of his ribs before stroking down to the edge of his trousers, her palm subtly brushing the bulge of his arousal. He sucked in air sharply at the sensation, his mouth moving against hers with more aggression as she encouraged his unraveling. 

She dragged him backwards towards the bed, allowing herself to be seated and their lips to part as he reached up and took a fistful of her hair in his hand. She stared at him, gaze lidded as she waited. He especially liked her hair, she distantly realized as he massaged his fingers through it, maintaining a hold on her as she reached up between them and fingered the fastening of his trousers. 

As she undid the fastens, she leaned towards him, his grip allowing her as she pressed her mouth against his chest and down his sternum. His skin was warm to the touch, almost feverish. His chest heaved as she brushed his manhood with her hand, gentle and slow as to truly feel the length of him through his pants. He twitched beneath her, his grip on her hair almost painful in the moments before he released her. Hands coming down on her own trousers, he pulled them from her body in haste, leaving her stark naked and wanting as he crawled on top of her. 

He was still overdressed as his mouth came to her breast, a rough yet pleasurable sensation as his other hand roamed the rest of her exposed form. She clung to him in the motion, feeling as though his particularly slow musings were causing her to become more desperate in her need as his hand grazed the rise of her hips and thighs in reverence as his mouth dipped between her ribs. She reached down and lost her fingers in his mess of hair, running her nails along his scalp and causing him pause. 

She watched as in response he left a trail of kisses downwards until he came to where her legs met, she separated for him as he pressed open her knees and placed a searing kiss along her hip bone. 

He kissed her there, mouth wide and wanting as drank the core of her being, tongue slipping into her without hesitation as one arm coiled around her leg to keep her in place while the other left hand splayed over her abdomen. Josie bucked into the feeling, his mouth eliciting sounds from her she never thought to hear fall from her own lips; her arousal rising as he enjoyed the act beyond measure, as he sought all of her to be coiled like a tight spring. His thumb pressed into her bundle of nerves and she convulsed into him. 

He hummed against her, the sound devolving into a rumble as he replaced his tongue with his fingers, his mouth moving to suck on her sensitive rise above her entrance. No longer inhibited by clothing he sought to undo her starting from the core of her being as she rocked against the feeling, a whine escaping her as she pressed her lips together at the sheer intensity of it. 

She groaned loudly as two fingers became three; she hadn't thought it possible but even as he pulled his mouth away to leave breathless kisses along her mound she couldn't contain the lewd moans that wracked her as she felt totally and completely full. His grip on her became painful, finger digging into the soft skin of her thighs as she sought to meet his motions with her own. Her body adjusted to him quickly as he pressed all three to the knuckle, his breath ragged against her. 

She fell apart in his arms, his head buried between her thighs and fingers wet and punishing as she climaxed around him. She rode his fingers, rocking against the fullness before they were replaced with his mouth once again. Slow, methodical laps as he paid mind to the way her hips jolted against the sensation. 

Panting, Josie watched as Ominis came to rest beside her his clouded gaze heavy with awe and lust as his hands dragged over her. She wanted so fiercely to touch him, to kiss him again but felt her heart would explode if she moved in that moment. So instead her eyes slid closed as she sucked in a deep breath; she'd never cease to be amazing at the range of pleasure this one man could bring her. She'd thought of sex as unilateral and singularly dimensioned, but Ominis seemed determined to show her as many facets of its revelry.

Finding the energy to do so, Josie sat up, pulling the attention of her lover as she leaned over him. Pressing light kisses along his chest, she followed the line of scars; this time pressing her adoration into each one in turn until he settled back against the bed, his eyes fluttering shut. She wanted him, but her body simply wasn't ready for another go, not yet; so instead she sought to pull him loose from the last of his clothing.

He looked as though he intended to stop her but paused, hands frozen mid movement as his manhood sprang free and she discarded the rest of his clothing. She finally got a good look at him, the skin of his length creamy white in contrast to her darker tones. She reached between them, her hand wrapping around him gently as she mimicked the motions she'd seen him do for himself. His hips bucked at the sensation, the skin of him like velvet under her touch as she enjoyed the feel of him entirely. She ran her thumb over his head, amazed by how sensitive that part alone was. 

"Josie," he mumbled, his eyes blinking rapidly as he allowed her to explore him, his face flushed as she continued the languid motion from base to tip. She moved herself closer, enjoying the way his body reacted to her as she experimented with pressure but realizing there was too much friction. 

She leaned down, her nose grazing his upper thigh he held his breath as her tongue ran the length of him. He twitched against her mouth as a groan escaped his lips. She sought out the sound again with renewed vigor, eyes watching his expression contort in pleasure as she did for him what he'd done for her. She took his tip into her mouth and sucked gently, tasting a sweetness she hadn't expected as a low rumble escaped him. And he had the audacity to call her noisy. 

So she did both, one hand running up and down the length of him while her mouth mused over his head. Tongue swirling as she lazily massaged his manhood, pressure tightening as he clutched the material of the bed beneath him and bucked into her. It was incredibly arousing to watch him fall apart beneath her; Josie had to think very little on why he enjoyed performing the act on her. 

He gasped, hand shooting to grip her and pulling her from her musings. She was amazed by his strength to do so, as she slid along his form until he could nuzzle his face into her slick tresses as she pressed bodily into him. He was panting, swallowing heavily as his arms came to wrap around her. "That's… enough, love. This is supposed it be - "

"For me, I know. And I very much wanted to continue." She grumbled into his bare shoulder, enjoying the way his manhood reacted to her words against her thigh. He kissed her then, mouth wet and chest heaving as she sighed into him. The kiss was sloppy and unrefined as their hands roamed across one another, no longer searching but simply enjoying the feel of intimacy. Josie lifted herself from his side, not breaking their kiss as she straddled him. 

He bit her lip in the way she'd done to him many times before and she felt her stomach coil at the sensation. She took him in her hand again, his length slick from her mouth as she pressed him against her entrance. His eyes opened, unseeing but alert as she slowly lowered herself onto him. 

She slid down his length, coming to stop at the base of him so that they were completely connected. Both of them made noises of pleasure at the feeling, Josie in sheer surprise at the ease of it and Ominis sharply inhaling, his body freezing. She felt full, far more than in any position before. She tightened around him, a motion she hadn't realized she could control until his hands shot to grip her hips as she did it again. 

In defiance, she leaned back until she'd straightened completely, towering over Ominis in the way he'd always done to her as she kept them connected. Feeling powerful and enamored all at once, his fingers dug into her hips and head tilted to one side. 

"I like seeing you like this." Josie admitted, reaching down to run her hand over his chest. His face relaxed slightly as a grin spread across his features, eyes sliding open as his head tilted towards her. Knowing he could see her outline, even just as a lighter shadow in the darkness made her heart quicken. Slowly she rocked against him.

 The feeling was immense and perfect as though she'd finally found the feeling she'd been chasing. Her slow movements built delicious pressure from within her but she didn't seek it out, instead she kept a languid pace and enjoyed the way they both sighed into the feeling. It wasn't quick and jolting but rather sensual and mounting, eliciting mewling sounds from her lips at the pace she set for herself. She was taking from him what she wanted, and he seemed more than happy to comply as a curse pulled from somewhere deep within him. 

Bracing against his chest, she raised herself along his manhood before slowly lowering herself down to his base. She did it again and again savoring how she coaxed a low hiss from between his teeth. If the slowness of her movements bothered him, he showed no evidence that he was in a hurry to quicken the pace; instead she felt him encourage her, his hands easing her weight as she languidly moved along his length with the reverence of worship. 

It wasn't until he gently brushed the bundle of nerves near where they connected that she felt her hips jerk and her want heighten. She leaned into his touch, her legs pumping so that she could chase the feeling she'd been pointedly ignoring. She bounced against him, her wetness making the movement slick and powerful. She panted, eyes squeezing shut as he sought to guide her over the edge, his own hips raising to meet hers as they slammed together. She let out a long moan, unable to stop her legs from shaking at the exertion; feeling her waning energy his grip on her hips tightened as he sat up into her, thrusting upwards as she more easily bounced against him. 

He took her open mouth in his, his lips crashing over hers as she groaned into him and her pleasure mounted along his punishing length. Her fingers wrapped in his hair as she moaned into his mouth, her core tightening around him and sending her over the edge. The sound she released, had it not been muffled by his own mouth, would have been closer to a scream as he pounded up into her, coaxing her orgasm from her with such fervor and need she fell to pieces in his arms. 

His climax came alongside hers, his own strangled sounds sending a tightness within her as he held her in place and gasped into her open mouth. With a few final thrusts, he wrapped his arms around her and collapsed against the bed. 

They laid there, chests heaving and skin slick with sweat. Josie stared at Ominis, watching as his brow crinkled and eyes squeezed shut in the wake of their intimacy. She pressed her lips against the skin of his brow, soothing whatever troubled him there before pulling away from his feverous skin. Thinking on it she carefully blew cool air onto his forehead, watching as he relaxed into the feeling.

They rested together until their hearts calmed and their bodies had little energy for much else. Even the idea of sliding out of bed for a bath made Josie groan, though that didn't stop Ominis from pressing his lips against hers at the sound, his own sort of placating. 

"How're you feeling?" He asked, his voice low and hoarse. She frowned into him, nuzzling herself against his neck for comfort. 

"Sore and tender." She grumbled honestly, not having the energy to do much else as he hummed into her hair. His hand dragged along her back to rest on her waist as he slowly pulled away. 

Josie frowned at the sensation as he pulled himself from her and sat along the edge of the bed. He pushed his fringe out of his face before picking up his wand and standing. She quietly watched him walk around the edge of the bed and disappear into the bathroom. 

The sound of rushing water and a quiet enlarging incantation made Josie's mouth quirk. His silent request was evident as she rolled to the edge of the bed and moved to join him. 

They settled together silently, the enlarged tub a bit overwhelming in the space but doing the job as expected. There was something profoundly intimate about leaning against his naked chest of one's lover; it was far more revealing than any cardinal act they'd sought otherwise. He seemed unbothered, if not a bit red but Josie considered that may simply be because of the heated water. 

It was soothing and quiet, the sort that would have easily allowed her to drift to sleep if there weren't subtle reminders of Ominis' presence. The shift of his leg, the graze of his hand, and the dull red blinking of his wand as he held it. That, more than anything, set her heart aflutter and a blush to rise along the delicate skin of her throat and cheeks; he wanted to see her, something he hadn’t made a terribly big deal about during their intimate encounters. She hadn’t thought to question it, assuming he enjoyed the feel and other senses far more than focusing on his sensing charm and a perpetually occupied right hand.

But as she allowed herself to relax into him, her heart swelling at both his desire for closeness after sex but also the relief the warm water offered her aching body, she felt her mind drift towards topics that didn't fully allow her respite.

Josie twisted slightly, turning herself so she could more easily half face Ominis as the words threatened to leap from her lips. He stirred at her shifting, wand leaning on the edge of the porcelain tub as he tucked his chin to address her wordlessly. 

"Will you tell me what happened at Flourish and Blotts?" Josie asked, hating herself for ruining their calm moment, but she would likely never relax until she knew. The moment they’d return to their lives beyond the Room of Requirement her mind would swirl with apprehension and festering worry. The woman had been so forward and so frustrating that Josie felt herself squirm at the possibilities that rushed through her own anxious mind. It'd do her better to simply know. 

Ominis frowned, eyes blinking in surprise before his expression dropped. He looked as though he wished to never speak of it, his head suddenly tilting away as though to catch something that could distract from the impending conversation. 

She felt his hesitancy in their proximity even as he finally spoke. "She invited me to dine with her family at their manor this weekend. She's one of the women… well, she's someone my family would like me to marry." He relented, his tone reflecting his shared displeasure. Josie nodded, having assumed as much by her forced familiarity with him. She tried so desperately not to hint at her own disappointment and anxiety at his confirmation, hoping that her silence would lend itself for him to continue. “She was rather… insistent, but I made my disinterest known.” 

Josie frowned, feeling the way he held his breath as she leaned gently against his chest. “Ominis, please don’t sugar coat it. I’m having a… if you can, I’d like for you to tell me what happened.” All of it . She added in her mind, allowing the sanctity of it to hold the slight aggressive edge she felt but tried so desperately to shield from him. She felt his free hand squeeze the naked skin of her waist before sliding around so he encased her against him. “I don’t like how she touched you.”

Ominis groaned in response, a stifled sigh brushing her face as he scowled. Josie had the capacity to understand his frustration was two-fold, he heavily loathed something about Iris Carrow but perhaps there was a teeny tiny part of him that had hoped Josie wouldn’t press.

“She’s terrible.” Ominis finally relented, his voice quiet even in the sanctity of their private space. Josie swallowed heavily at the thickly laced annoyance in his voice; it lent itself to years of experience. “She was originally promised to my eldest brother, but he ended up marrying Lysethia Malfoy after a rather underhanded bidding war. It was purely pragmatic, but the Carrows fully expected some sort of… compensation for the slight. When my other brother graduated, Anrathus not Marvolo, and he became of age he then married someone else again. It’s… complicated.” Ominis paused, eyes blinking at some memory as Josie mulled over the express mention of his family.

He’d never mentioned his brothers before. She’d known he had them, too many people warned her of their vile and vindictive personalities with enough terror that she knew better than to ask after them casually. She’d always assumed Ominis would either bring them up when he felt ready or simply never at all. Marvolo and Anrathus Gaunt, she mused, finally able to put names to the actions of those who likely helped make his childhood a living Hell. 

"So the Carrows likely assume you're to marry her." Josie surmised, her frown evident in her voice. Ominis shifted somewhat uncomfortably despite the lack of options of where to go. “Are you actually promised?”

“No, no.” Ominis replied quickly, his head shaking minutely as his grip on her twitched. “Our half-engagement wouldn’t have worked if that were the case. If anything, we can thank my fathers persistence of keeping options open for that. He has a rather tenuous relationship with the Carrow patriarch.” 

Josie thought of that implication. There'd been a Mrs. Carrow at the Ministry when she arrived with Mr. Osric, she'd been terribly important and obviously quite wealthy; it made Josie wonder exactly why Ominis' father wouldn't commit to their previous arrangement. Politics, she presumed.

“She mentioned some others. Ms. Greenglass and…” Josie couldn’t recall the second lady that'd been mentioned in the moments before Josie had absconded elsewhere but from the way Ominis grunted Josie knew she’d said enough. 

"Greengrass." Ominis mumbled, his frown deepening as a light blush began to crawl down his throat. Josie tilted her head as she watched him squirm uncomfortably, one knee raising as he settled himself into a more comfortable position. "That was a misunderstanding. My mother, well - she assumed that… I, well, rather…" He cleared his throat, cloudy gaze shaking as his mind worked to formulate his thoughts. 

It was not the most comforting feeling to watch Ominis grow flustered while speaking about another woman, but Josie did her best to be as neutral as possible. Nevertheless, she reached out to touch his face, fingertips running along the length of his jaw until he pressed his lips together and regained his composure. 

“When we were younger, Sylesna and I were… friends, I’d say. She was kind when most others weren’t. When I started at Hogwarts she was a fourth year and we grew relatively close; more like comfortable acquaintances than anything. My mother misinterpreted our friendship in our adulthood. She and I correspond every few months even now. She’s traveling through Scandinavia currently.” Ominis explained more evenly, his eyes blinking far more often as he listened intently for Josie’s reaction; his own expression carefully schooled.

“Any attempts of us becoming actual friends was thoroughly thwarted by my elder sister. It’s kind of her to try and maintain a semblance of contact despite what my family put her through.” Josie crunched her brows, the noose around her heart loosening ever so slightly at his own calmed nerves. 

“Your family doesn’t like her?” Ominis grimaced.

“My father bid for her to marry Anrathus, but the Greengrass family were disinterested to say the least. My elder brothers have quite the notorious reputation even by pureblood standards, not to mention my sister hated her for some reason; I hardly can blame them for not wanting to marry Sylesna into my family.” He went on rather bitterly.

It didn’t go unnoticed the way he seemed resigned at the fact, as though the thought had crossed his mind of their potential match. She felt the acidic pool of jealousy rise within her, something wholly wild and foreign as she considered the sort of woman Ominis would not only love but his family would approve of. It was ridiculous; she didn’t want their approval, yet in the absence of it she felt the shard of shame that pressed into her like a sharp knife against her heart.

“So Ms. Carrow is being held off because your mother hopes to convince Sylesna Greengrass?” Josie managed, swallowing as much of her heavy jealousy as she could. Josie wasn’t convinced she’d done a good enough job, especially as Ominis slowly set his blinking wand against the small table beside the tub. 

He wrapped himself around her, water sloshing dangerously close to the edge as he pulled her flat against his chest in an embrace. Fingers rising to find her face, he cradled her. 

"Please, don't think that either of those options are what I want. I was being honest when I told you I had no intention of marrying a pureblood." He hurriedly whispered into the crown of her head. Josie swallowed thickly, wishing more than anything it was as simple as that. Simply don't plan on it, tell his family no as if that's all it took. 

He pulled her upwards and kissed her, brows furrowed in worry as he carefully tried to comfort her in the most meaningful way he could think of. Josie felt emotion swell in her again, an odd swirl of guilt, frustration, and embarrassment as she leaned heavily against his slick form. 

Josie was unsure if this were the resolution she'd hoped for, if his explanation helped calm her heart of its rising anxieties. Even as he kissed her, his mouth moving against hers intensely as he sought to make a point, she knew deep down that this trouble with pureblood society would not so easily be banished and forgotten. 

Ominis leaned forward, pressing Josie back slightly and sloshing water as he held her against him, mouth so hot and intent that she lost her train of thought. His tongue eagerly plunged into her open mouth, searching and claiming her as her fingers sought his wet strands of hair. He pulled from her, just enough to allow her breath as her chest began to heave, his eyes clouded and intense. 

"Now that I know what I want, I won't settle." Ominis whispered against her skin, warm and enticing like a spell of its own. Josie swallowed heavily, the heady feeling of him holding her so tightly mixed with his tone sending a sudden thrill down to her core. His head tilted, sending his nose across her cheek and along the edge of her jawline. He let out a breath, unsteady and possessive as his hands massaged the naked planes of her back and the thickness of her hips. "I need you, and if I have you it'd be more than enough."

With very little between them beyond water and steam, Josie's breath hitched as his manhood pressed harshly against her hip. She felt dizzy, maybe because of the heat but more likely because she forgot to breathe as one of his hands took her chin between his fingers and held her firmly in place. She stared up at him, seeing in bright light and close proximity the desire and determination of his expression. "Tell me you understand."

Those four words did something to her. Her throat ran dry as arousal coiled tightly within her, it felt so much more erotic to think he'd make demands of her when they were pressed so close and he whispered words of his need for her. 

"I-I understand." She managed, her heart pounding against her chest as his heady stare bore down into her. Ominis considered her, head inclining slightly as though to listen to how her heart bounced erratically at such simple words and the firm promise of a need to be together. 

Despite her aching core Josie suddenly shifted, determined to share just how much she understood. He didn't stop her as she straddled him, the water fully spilling over the edge of the tub at the quick movement. He gripped her, fingers digging harshly into her thigh as she pressed herself over his hardness, his other hand coming to wind around the nape of her neck. 

She reached down between them and held his manhood at its base. Ominis exhaled shakily through his nose, the minute muscles of his face twitching at the sensation. She brought him to her core, feeling as though she were bewitched. 

"Don't look away from me." He said lowly, his voice like gravel as she pressed herself over him. He squeezed her tightly, so tight it was almost painful. Almost. "I want you to see how much I need you." 

Josie let out a strangled breath as he pushed up into her, his length painfully hard. It took very little for her to forget her previous soreness, the overwhelming feeling of their desire ripping from her throat a shaky moan. Her eyes fluttered shut at the intensity of it, she wanted him so badly that her legs shook beneath her as he pulled from her almost completely. Her eyes abruptly shot open as he squeezed the back of her neck, a warning and small yank to remind her. Josie had no understanding as to how he knew she'd closed her eyes, but felt her arousal mount as he thrust into her once again.

His gaze lidded and jaw tight, Ominis panted against her as he held her in place. Irises shaking at a lack of focus, Josie watched in awe as he slowly came undone by the feeling of her. His breaths were short, his own body struggling to maintain the slow yet fierce pace he'd set for them. 

Her legs quaked from the profound way he filled her completely, she was malleable in his hands; alert yet willing to give him the world if he'd thought to ask for it. She whimpered into the realization, the sound like nothing she'd ever made before. Ominis' jaw twitched, his own breathing changing at the sound as his unseeing gaze flicked around her face as though urging his eyes to see. 

Josie reached up and peeling her hand from around her neck, bringing him to splay his fingers along her cheek and jaw, imploring him to feel the way she unraveled under his heady ministrations. He took to her like water in the desert, fingers searching and caressing both gentle and needy as he thrust into her. There was a rawness to his expression, one of adoration and need as though she’d offered him a light in a long suffered darkness.

For the first time she watched the mounting of his own climax, the cords of his neck suddenly pulling taut as he bared his teeth, the sharp white tips poking out visibly between heavy pants. Josie groaned into the realization, unable to control herself as his pace quickened again. He was otherworldly handsome, almost feral with want as his face grew red from exertion. His eyes fluttered as his hips jerked as he released a throaty moan.

Josie slammed her mouth against his, swallowing the sound and giving him permission to enjoy and lose himself in his climax and their closeness. They rocked together violently, Ominis far more noisy than ever before even while pressed so wholly against her lips. He let out a strangled groan, the feeling rumbling against her as he lurched into his completion. Josie gasped into his mouth at the feeling, never having before felt his climax beyond the rocking of his hips and length. 

They rode out the feeling, his jerkiness settling into an exhaustive embrace as they panted against each other; his breath was warm and stuttered against her throat as he bowed his head to rest it there. Josie wrapped herself around him, nearly collapsing against him as his own arm snaked around the small of her waist. He pressed a warm kiss along the curve of her shoulder, the sensation lingering and tepid as he trailed along the slackened muscle.  

Distantly she mused that they’d need another bath, the point of this one thoroughly ravaged in their licentious embrace. It was late and they had nowhere to be but their own beds, there was no hurry as Ominis continued his quiet ministrations along her skin, still buried fully inside her.

“Let’s stay here tonight.” He murmured against her throat, the possessive edge to his voice returning as he sought to enshrine himself in the soft skin of her neck. Josie nuzzled into him, enjoying the feel of her being so wholly pressed against him, a sensation she’d hardly noticed during their salacious act.

“I’d love that.” She responded, a hum escaping her at the feeling of him. Ominis paused, his nose trailing along the gentle curve connecting her throat and jaw. It took her a few moments of tense silence to understand his hesitation, the thoughtful pause heavy and palpable in the moments before he raised himself to softly kiss her fully on the lips. She relaxed into the feeling, grateful he neither questioned her choice of words nor jumped to define her intentions.

“Alright, love.”   

***

Josie watched as Sebastian hurriedly entered the Undercroft, nearly jumping over the bottom lip as he rushed into the large stone space. She’d been the first to arrive, chewing on a honey cake she’d taken from Hollygate House as she waited for her friend to stumble over at the bright hour of seven in the morning. He smiled widely at her as he righted himself, Ambrasta’s journal in hand as he nearly skipped to join her.

She’d received his owl early that morning when she and Ominis had returned to their respective dorms at the wee hour of five in the morning with the intentions to find proper changes of clothes before the proper beginning of the day. She found her owl with the familiar parchment of Sebastian Sallow where he’d penned a rather ubiquitous note telling her to meet him at their original hang out. 

She thought she knew the reason for his sudden elation but it wasn’t until Ominis entered the Undercroft a few moments later that she felt it all cement into place. Her mouth quirked upwards at the sight of him; all prim and well put together despite their evening spent together, from the look of him she’d be none the wiser. Unlike herself, Josie reflected somewhat embarrassedly; it’d taken hours to tame her devastatingly mused hair and practice the dinky healing spells for the more obviously placed love bites. 

"This journal is amazing ." Sebastian intonated, all greetings thrown out the window in place of his wide smirk. Josie frowned, her own expression mimicked by Ominis as she remembered the inhumane methods of Ambrasta's research but chose not to comment in the wake of her friend's elation. 

"Good morning, Sebastian." Ominis deadpanned, moving into the Undercroft properly as the door opened completely to allow him entry. He aimed his wand at his friend before subtly angling it in her direction. Sebastian rolled his eyes, holding the book out towards Ominis as though to encourage him to physically look at it. 

"Don't give me a trove of arcane knowledge and then expect me to ask how you slept." Sebastian retorted, his brows furrowed as Ominis broke into a rather unceremonious smirk. Josie covered her warming face, turning from her two companions as Sebastian continued, seemingly none the wiser. "I think I found it, the section you said might be here.” 

At his clarification Josie and Ominis’ brows raised into their hairlines, all smirks and flushed cheeks forgotten as the three of them converged together. Sebastian held out the book as he thumbed through its pages. Josie watched in subtle awe at the sheer number of bookmarks he’d added to its pages; she thought he could be rather studious when he put half his mind to it. “Here she talks about her work as a cursebreaker and how there were certain qualities of curses that simply can’t be undone. Unless …” Sebastian continued flipping through the journal until he came to a bright yellow ribbon he’d used to mark a particularly important page. “Something more powerful is used.”

Josie offers him a hesitant smile, her gloved hands squeezing together as she mustered her support for him all the while trying to mediate her own hope. “She doesn’t happen to say what’s more powerful than a goblin curse, does she?”

“ Yes , she does.” At Sebastian’s triumph and toothy smile, Josie let out an incredulous breath, her gaze shifting towards Ominis whose face rested in careful neutrality. “All curses, but goblin curses in particular, come from a sort of natural magic. The sort of thing that, well… she refers to it like a well deep in the earth that they draw from. It’s a bit odd, but it makes sense I suppose.” Sebastian explained, his brows pulling together as he recalled the information. Ominis frowned.

“I know what she speaks of. It’s the same source as…” Ominis pauses, the shift in his voice allowing Josie to fill in the blanks with ease; blood magic , he was going to say, before he amended himself. “Old pureblood magic. I was taught aspects of it as a child.” Sebastian shot his friend a bewildered look, as though he’d been holding out on them.

“Seriously?” 

“Deadly, I’m afraid.” Ominis acquiesce, before turning his wand and proverbial gaze on Josie. “It’s for the best if you don’t handle that book, I fear I was right about Ambrasta. This old magic is tied to similar rites we discussed before; in fact, it’s likely pureblood artifacts were forged from this sort of well of magic.”

"Ah, right," Sebastian mused, his gaze sliding between his two friends as he thought, "I suppose that pureblood magic didn't go quite as planned thanks to that library. Did Ominis' family artifact harm you at all?" 

Josie inwardly cringed at his question, doing her best to school her reaction as Sebastian turned his rather worried gaze on her. "No, if anything it was the Lyceum that tried to harm me. The… artifact did its job, the library simply took some extra time deciphering my blood status thanks to it." She explained to the best of her ability, unsure how else to describe its effect. 

"Needless to say, we'll not be toying with that sort of magic again where Josephine is concerned." Ominis reiterated, his gaze pointed at Sebastian. Sebastian scoffed, eyes rolling as he held the journal close to his chest. 

"Oh please, it's not like I was going to play hot potato with the book and Josie. I get your point." He shot Josie a pleading glance, the sort that begged her to help him. 

"I think he gets it, Ominis." Josie placated, her voice far more steady as the conversation concerning the artifact and blood magic had dwindled. Ominis nodded, his single brow raising wordlessly. Josie watched him settle into his tried and true nonchalant expression before turning her gaze on Sebastian. She paused, eyes blinking as he smirked at their unseeing companion before huffing a breath. 

"Well, I'd say domestication looks good on you, Ominis, but come to think of it, she's always been able to bend you to her will with just a few words. So maybe she's just always had that effect on you." Sebastian teased, his voice lilting jovially as he took a few steps towards his oldest friend. Josie sighed heavily as her forehead fell into her hand. At Sebastian’s obvious attempt to rile up his friend, Ominis' brow quirked in annoyance as he tilted his head and set his jaw.

"I sincerely look forward to you finding someone who has a way with shutting you up. I pray for sooner, rather than later." Ominis goaded back evenly. Sebastian pursed his lips, obviously not having expected that response from Ominis. His gaze slid back to Josie who openly glared at her closest friend. 

"I'm not going to ask him to apologize for that." She whispered to Sebastian knowing full well Ominis could hear. Sebastian frowned into his shrug. 

"Merlin, fine. Anyway, the point I was trying to make is that Ambrasta's come up with a ritual… or at least the bare bones of one to counter curses from this well of natural magic." Sebastian explained, waving away his friends as he glanced back down towards the journal. He ran his finger along the ink until he found what he was looking for. "We'll need to find the parts and improvise the rest. Apparently it's most important for us to find an appropriate place to host this ritual. Can't just be any old ruins or gathering of odd rocks." 

"Improvise?" Ominis repeated incredulously, causing Sebastian to make a face. 

"Well, if it makes you more comfortable you can think of it as less of improvisation and more of… educated guesses." Ominis groaned at his lackluster clarification, turning his back on her friends as he shook his head. 

"We've done more with less." Josie offered, gloved hand coming to rest on her face as she thought. Out of her periphery, Josie saw Sebastian's face twist in subtle surprise before motioning towards her. 

"See, Ominis? More with less, she says." Sebastian said in equal parts appeasing and as if to say I-told-you-so . "Once we find wherever that place is, we can bring the pieces of the ritual together there."

"You only need to find a place of power?" Ominis asked, mind reeling as he began to pace a good few feet away.

"Yeah, the kind of place where that magic gathers naturally." Sebastian clarified, gaze cast down at the journal. Josie glanced between the two men. 

"Like in the Forbidden Forest?" She pressed, her voice light as her mind wandered to recent memory. Her companions dragged their attention to her. Sebastian crunched his brow before glancing towards Ominis. 

"Do you think that'd work?" Sebastian asked, voice hesitantly hopeful. Ominis slowly nodded, his opalescent gaze caught on something far away as his pacing came to a slow stop. 

"I'd imagine so. There's plenty of untouched magic there. It's one of the reasons the forest can be so dangerous." Ominis mused, his head tilting towards Josie despite his wand pointing away. She moved between the two of them, reaching to pull Ominis towards her and Sebastian.

"There's the plan then," Josie started grabbing both of her companions by the shoulder and holding them together, "I'll scout out one of these places of power in the Forbidden Forest while you two figure out the missing links from the ritual."

"It'd be best for you not to go into the forest alone." Sebastian said, surprising her. Josie blinked at her friend, wondering if in that moment she'd somehow mistaken his and Ominis' voices. Equally taken aback, Ominis furrowed his brows. 

"I… yes, I agree.” He managed expression bewildered before angling his head more towards Josie, a familiar conviction set across his angular features. “I can go with you.” Josie remembered his determination to join her on her next adventure outside the castle and felt the palpable weight in the air between them. 

“It might be best for you to help me here.” Sebastian intervened, his brows crunched at Ominis’ seriousness. To his credit, Josie thought her freckled friend seemed unsurprised by Ominis’ offer, more than likely thinking of his invaluable book knowledge that would help with solidifying the details of the ritual. Josie glanced between her two companions, unsure where her voice rightly aligned. Luckily it was Ominis who broke the prolonged silence, his thoughts plain as day across his features.

“You could take Poppy, Natty, or even Garreth with you at the very least… or they could help Sebastian here.” Ominis agreed after a few moments. Josie flicked her gaze towards her friend in question, watching as Sebastian nodded, eyes downcast as he thought.

"I need to know what we’re planning on telling them, no matter who goes where. If they knew it was all to help Anne…" Josie started, unable to finish as Sebastian's eyes widened. She couldn't read the emotion that struck his features, only that he turned his face away as he thought. 

"They can… you can tell them, but just keep in mind how mental it all sounds. We can't go and just push my sister's life story on everyone we like. They might not understand." Sebastian countered hesitantly. 

Josie remembered when she first met Sebastian, a clever boy who'd guided her through the awkward first few weeks of classes as she started in their fifth year. He'd take her to meet Anne and eventually gathered her and Ominis as a triumvirate in the face of his family's immense tragedy. He'd take a huge step in trusting her with that knowledge, she could understand his hesitancy to let others in. 

"What if… we only asked one of them. That way there will be safety in numbers and mind power. Even then, there's nothing that says we have to tell them everything. We can decide what's necessary and then leave out the rest." Josie reasoned, squeezing her friend's shoulder in punctuation. 

Sebastian nodded, a slow and minute movement as his mind traveled elsewhere. "It should be Poppy." He offered, his voice taking on a resolve she hadn't expected. Josie nodded, a small smile pressing into her lips as his expression grew more and more sure. "She's been in the Forbidden Forest more times than any of us and I don't… I don't think this sort of research would bother her as much as it might the others." 

Josie pursed her lips, feeling inclined to agree on his assessment of her good friend. It was odd hearing someone else understand someone in the way she did, especially after such a short time of them properly knowing each other. She retracted her hand, glancing sideways at Ominis who stared at Sebastian with a strange expression, unhidden despite his capabilities to hide it if he so wished. 

Sebastian seemed oblivious all the same as he gently patted the cover of the journal. "Now the only issue is that I don't really know what sort of things Ambrasta means by the ritual parts." 

"Give me an example." Ominis requested, his jaw setting as he listened intently. Sebastian flipped back a few pages before finding what he was looking for and translating. 

"Like I've never heard of billowswon . She says it's a necessary ingredient but when I look up herbology books nothing comes up. I'm half tempted to ask Professor Sharp, but only as a last resort."

Her ingredient knowledge isn’t quite robust enough to help him, the word sounding as foreign as all wizarding phrases and names did when she was first introduced to them. To her credit, Ominis looked just as baffled, his expression contorting. 

"It might be smart to ask Garreth first. He'd tell you without us worrying about someone like Sharp putting the pieces together." Ominis thought aloud, his arms crossing before he inclined his head between his two friends. “Assuming you don’t mind him potentially asking questions.” Sebastian grimaced.

“Right, I’ll think about it. In the meantime let’s figure out these ingredients and find a place for this whole thing.” Sebastian settled, shutting Ambrasta’s journal as he mulled over what was undoubtedly his next plan of attack. 

Beside her Ominis stifled a sigh, his own tasks decided for him. She’d have been happy to take him with her into the Forbidden Forest, but she understood his usefulness back at Hogwarts. It all fell on Poppy’s willingness, of which Josie wasn’t particularly concerned.

“The good news is,” Josie added suddenly, pulling her friend's attention as they made their way towards the Undercroft exit. Sebastian glanced at her curiously, his own elation returning to his features as he summoned the door, “we have time to do this right. There’s no need to rush things.” She concluded smiling at her friends with the utmost confidence despite Ominis’ pessimistic frown.

Chapter Text

 Snake in the Garden

There was, in fact, a desperate need to rush things as it turned out. Whatever Auror Nott had been investigating at Hogwarts came to a head the following Monday morning during Sebastian and Josie’s shared Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts class. One moment they were partners in a wordless duel and the next three auror’s came storming into the classroom, sending the entire class into a state of shock.

Josie’s own wordless depulso sent poor Sebastian flying, the distraction happened just as he lifted his wand to defend himself. She quickly called him towards her, catching him mid air with a mumbled levitation charm before carefully depositing him back on the platform. Professor Hecat saw red, her cool yet intense demeanor like Death’s shroud as she descended on the three interlopers. All eyes watched the smaller witch as she came toe-to-toe with the formidable Ministry figures. 

“ Out. ” She enunciated with no room for conversation. Even so, the largest of the three, a hulking man with broad shoulders and a mass of curling blonde hair, glanced down at the professor curiously.

“Ministry business, Miss. We have orders from - ”

“ Professor Hecat. Don’t come barging in here and expect that reciting Ministry blabber will intimidate me or my ilk. You have until the count of three before I jettison you from the premises, warrant or not. This classroom has more rights than you ludheads think.” Hecat chastised, her wand still in hand from her teaching.

The witch auror raised placating hands, her soft gaze drifting from the professor towards the students just as Sebastian and Josie came to stand side by side, their posture not entirely civil. 

“Professor Hecat, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” The witch auror enunciated softly, her trilling voice oddly soothing as her wide gaze landed on Josie. “We’re here under allowance by Headmaster Black.” 

“One.” Hecat replied, her tone leaving very little room for interpretation as the beautiful auror frowned delicately. 

“You’d do well to cooperate, we have reason to believe that an intruder still resides within Hogwarts. Your - ” The thinner auror tried, his tone taking on a sharper edge at Hecat’s refusal to back down. 

“Two.” Hecat interrupted, her gaze hard and unyielding. Josie and Sebastian made eye contact, his face drained of color as much as she was sure hers was. Another intruder. One they’d not dispatched of somewhere hiding all this time or even one that’d found a new entrance into the castle. No wonder the goblins seemed none too worried about those in their ranks being caught. No wonder Auror Nott overstayed his welcome.

“We need to speak with Ms. Josephine Clarke.” The burly auror stated, sending a roar of adrenaline through Josie’s veins as all eyes turned to stare at her. Sebastian stepped closer to her, his own wand tight in his grasp as his eyes darted from classmate to classmate before landing on the auror’s. Professor Hecat seemed to be the only one unperturbed, her wand raising as she pressed it into the burly auror’s chest. “She could be in grave danger.” 

“Three.” Hecat intonated lowly, her voice taking on a gravelly voice. The three auror’s backed up as she tilted her head, the exit to the classroom slammed open aggressively in an impressive show of not only wordless but technically wandless magic. She needed only to watch them as they shuffled out of the room. The moment the door closed she swiveled towards her class, eyes scouring their faces.

“Continue drills, this time imagine those auror’s were coming for you. Ms. Clarke, a word.” Professor Hecat commanded as she moved past the eight students in her advanced class. Josie and Sebastian stared at each other, her with sheer surprise and him with a look that screamed over-my-dead-body . She offered him a pacifying look before hurrying after the professor. 

Josie entered Professor Hecat’s private office, closing the door behind her as her professor motioned for her to do so. Josie stood awkwardly as the Hecat’s gaze darted past Josie and towards the door which pressed open again about five seconds later to reveal Sebastian looking ready to argue. 

“Mr. Sallow - ”

“I can help, professor, don’t send me away.” Sebastian interrupted, shutting the door behind him as he moved to Josie’s side, she watched him, her expression concerned. “Those auror’s have been targeting her - ”

“I’m well aware, Mr. Sallow. I was just about to ask a favor of you.” Professor Hecat interjected, watching him with a cocked brow. Sebastian’s mouth snapped shut, his eyes blinking in surprise. “Go and find Professor Sharp. He’s the one we need right now. Tell him what you heard the auror’s say and tell him that Ms. Clarke will be in my classroom for the remaining fifteen minutes of class before I have to turn her over to them.” 

For what it was worth, Sebastian didn’t hesitate as her words took hold. He nodded, gaze determined as he hurried out of Hecat’s office. Josie watched after him, her frown growing as adrenaline shook her. She gripped her hands together, gloved fingers interlocking as she let out a sturdy breath before turning back to Professor Hecat.

“Get in control, Ms. Clarke. We can’t let them see you nervous.” Hecat observed, nodding and motioning for her to sit. “They’ll call you into the Headmaster’s office, show me how you sit.” Josie paused for only a moment, the reminder of the time constraint stilling her tongue of questions as she acquiesced. 

Josie settled herself into the chair opposite Professor Hecat’s desk, watching with hawk-like eyes as her professor joined her. Eyes holding each other, Josie remembered their conversation from last year when Professor Hecat explained how she’d been an Unspeakable at the Ministry, a terribly mysterious job where very little can be spoken about but there was a hardness to her professor that told Josie all that she needed to know about the witch.  

"They are not your enemy, but you should assume they feel you are theirs. Auror’s of that caliber hold no love for clever witches of your blood status." Hecat began, her gaze set seriously on Josie. Josie nodded, having heard much the same lecture from Professor Sharp; she swallowed hard as she wondered what, exactly, her professor knew about Auror Notts' investigation that she didn’t. "Decide now what you wish them not to know and find a shelf in your mind to sequester it." Josie furrowed her brow, eyes searching her professor’s face as her words sunk in. 

Sebastian’s use of an Unforgivable, her and Ominis breaking and entering into the Lyceum, and perhaps her courtship to a scion of an ancient pureblood lineage were the first few that came to mind.

Josie nodded, gaze snapping back to her professor. "Approach this like a duel, Ms. Clarke. They will seek to pull the arena in their favor by taking you to a space of high stress before they attack. You must clear your mind of all thoughts and find tranquility before they can delve too deep." 

"Professor?" 

Hecat pressed her mouth into a thin line, her dark eyes scanning Josie's questioning face before sighing. Even in her tired expression Josie could read the underlying worry. "Eleazar Fig is a talented wizard and a friend. You’ve been registered with the Ministry so there’s nothing innately that you truly need to hide, not even that.” Josie could hear the but coming a mile away, Hecat’s sturdy gaze landing on Josie heavily as though to will her into understanding. “Wizards in their position, when searching for answers, will often simply manifest them wherever they are most convenient.” 

Josie’s mouth went dry as her meaning clicked into place. Even as a muggle, Josie had known the truth of gentlemen in uniform. A woman should never discuss details of trauma nor crime alone with a man of that nature lest she were happy to have her words twisted and blame falsely placed. Josie’s father had taught her that as soon as she was old enough to understand his dire meaning.

 Hecat’s expression softened at Josie’s apparent comprehension, the elder witch's gaze darted to the door of her office before flicking to her wall clock. "I'm no Legilimens, but I'm still qualified to give you the building blocks to protect against those who are."

Josie wondered how much, exactly, Hecat knew. Did she know of her courtship with Ominis; or worse, the intimacy they shared that any pureblood family would love to use as a reason to burn her where she stood? Or had she somehow known of Sebastian’s dark turn to an Unforgivable? No matter what, it unsettled Josie, making her hair stand on end as the witch’s gaze bore into her. Then again, Josie mused, her frayed nerves abated slightly as she recognized the look in her professor’s stare; there was a fondness Hecat held for her that dissolved any judgment from the elder witches gaze. 

"Close your eyes and imagine a place without distraction; calm and serene where you can go. You must hide it within an iron trap where you can ensnare any and all who force their way into your mind.” Hecat continued, her voice low and deadly serious. After a moment, she motioned towards Josie expectantly.

Not needing any more direction, Josie closed her eyes and leaned back against her chair. She searched for a memory of a place that fit Professor Hecat’s description, deciding against the quiet and eerie roads of the Forbidden Forest and the Sallow household in Feldcroft, worried that she’d be unable to stop herself from thinking of her friends and their associations. Briefly she considered the coastline of Exmouth where she’d grown from a child to an adolescent before discovering her magic but even that seemed too specific and deeply personal. Instead her mind settled on another beach, void of connection despite its closeness to her heart. 

When Josie reopened her eyes, Professor Hecat smiled minutely. “You must bolster it and contain it so that no other thoughts or people can slip through. If they try to enter your mind it can be painful. If they don’t, this technique will be just as useful to maintain your composure in the face of adversity.” 

Josie opened her mouth to ask a question but stopped as the door behind her pushed open to reveal Professor Sharp and Sebastian. Relief filled Sebastian’s expression as he realized she was still held within the office while Professor Sharp looked wholly perturbed. 

“Please tell me Mr. Sallow was misinformed.” 

“Unfortunately not.” Hecat retorted, all softness banished from her expression at the entrance of her colleague. “I was preparing Ms. Clarke for the potentiality of Legilimens but thought it rather pertinent that you be present when the auror’s return.” Sharp nodded discernibly, his gaze sliding towards Josie with an unsurprised expression to see that she was the fixation of the Ministry officials.

“It’s a good skill to practice.” Sharp said suddenly, a curiosity in his voice that caught both Josie and Sebastian off guard. “If you decide to become an auror, it’ll be a skill they expect you to master, although… they usually have you practice it against a skilled Legilimens.” Hecat and Sharp stared at each other for a long few moments, silent conversation passing between them. “Of which neither of us are.” 

Hecat shrugged, her expression uncaring in the face of the point he made. “True but we had only fifteen minutes. I made due with what I had at my fingertips.” 

“Why do they want Josie?” Sebastian asked, raising the question she’d not bothered to ask after. She glanced towards her friend, reading the tension in his shoulders that came from the inability to help. “They said she could be in danger.” 

“It could simply be to interrogate her on her knowledge of the goblin incursion.” Professor Sharp said, his hand going to the muscle of his thigh as he moved to lean on Hecat’s desk, his leg seeming to bother him more and more these days. 

“Or?” Sebastian urged, pushing their professor to say what he obviously didn’t want to voice. Sharp glowered at the younger wizard, his dark gaze boring into Sebastian as a test against his student’s defiant expression.

“Or they suspect that she and Mr. Gaunt had something to do with how they entered Hogwarts barriers in the first place.” Josie and Sebastian grimaced, their fears brought to light right before their two favorite professors. "If the latter is the case, they will likely blame Ms. Clarke over Mr. Gaunt thanks to his father's Ministry connections." To that, Sebastian had very little else to say, his mouth clamping shut as his mind whirred. Professor Sharp watched the two of them for a few moments before Josie caught his deceptively aloof stare. “I will be there to assist but I can’t stop them if they ask to investigate your wand or question you. Please be honest with me now and tell me: are there any spells you cast that I should be made aware of?” Josie pressed her lips together as she shook her head, doing everything in her power to not glance at Sebastian as she truly began to realize how dangerous this all could be for him - for them. 

“No, professor.” She needed to get Sebastian as far from these auror’s as possible. Hecat nodded, her gaze lingering on Josie and for a brief moment of panic, she worried that one of her professors actually was a Legilimens.

“A talented Legilimens can enter a mind without the target being aware.” Professor Sharp explained, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder, pulling her attention and grounding her. “Start building your walls up now. The more truth and tangibility you put into it, the easier it’ll be to defend if someone tries to break into your mind.”  

Josie nodded, blinking away as much of her panic as she could as she watched her professors stand. Sebastian leaned against Josie’s chair, a frown pulling at the edges of his mouth as Hecat moved towards the door, her hand poised on the handle.

“I’ll send notice to Eleazar, he’ll want to know about this development.” Hecat said to Professor Sharp as he straightened his robes. He paused, eyes blinking in thought. 

“He won’t receive it until tomorrow at the earliest. Assuming the Ministry doesn’t impose another lockdown after this.” Sharp retorted, before his gaze trailed down to Josie before drifting towards Sebastian. “You have another three minutes, Ms. Clarke. Spend them wisely.” With a final nod, Professor Sharp exited the office after Professor Hecat, both looking rather ready to go to war. The moment the door clicked shut Sebastian and Josie turned towards each other, eyes wide and faces pale. 

“What in Merlin’s name are we - ”

“You can’t come with me.” They both started in unison. Sebastian stopped speaking looking terribly affronted, his head shaking as his jaw fell loose. “We can’t… you can’t go into that office with me. If they ask to see your wand…” Josie stopped herself, feeling her emotions rise in her throat.

Sebastian clenched his jaw, grinding his teeth together as he gripped the back of her chair. She’d only ever seen him so angry once before, and this time his uncle wasn’t there to be his outlet. Head hanging as he let out a short breath, Sebastian suddenly stood from his leaning position, expression distant and unsatisfied. “So, what? I’m just supposed to let you walk in there by yourself?”

Josie squeezed her hands together, shoulders tense under her friend's heated gaze. He was angry and feeling powerless, two states she and Ominis sought to avoid at all costs. “Better me than you.” She held his stern gaze, their expressions echoes of each other. It took Josie a long few moments to tear her gaze from his as her eyes darted to the wall. Two minutes. 

“And if they decide to take you?” Sebastian pressed, his head angling so to catch her stare. Josie swallowed, her head tilting upwards as his expression shifted slightly. “You think I’d rather you get taken?” 

Josie had no words for that, not wanting to share how her and Ominis felt entirely responsible for his well being. He’d gone too far when he willingly cast an Unforgivable, even if Josie understood his reason why, but Josie refused to let him lose himself to it. Sebastian was so much more than that.

“You need to find Ominis and tell him what’s happened.” Josie said instead, her voice quieter than she intended. Sebastian frowned, his anger giving way to disconcertment. 

“If you think he’ll be easier to convince than me, you’ve lost your Gobstones.” Josie shook her head, gaze averted as she heard the ticking of the clock. One minute. 

“If they find out we’re courting, Black will inform his family.” She explained as evenly as possible, bracing herself on Hecat’s desk so that she could more easily stand. She looked to her friend, trying to stand as straight as she could as she sucked in what was supposed to be a calming breath, but it did very little in the way of that effect. 

“Fuck.” Sebastian shot, his body turning from her as the realization washed over him. Josie flinched at the crudeness of the word, having heard Sebastian curse before but still feeling unsettled by the veracity he spoke it with. 

“He deserves a warning just in case. There’s… more to this, Sebastian.” She continued, her own fingers running over his family's ring hidden beneath the thin fabric of her glove. She pressed her hands against her waist to still the way they trembled, her breath falling from her lips unevenly. He turned back to her, his eyes darting over her in sheer panic as his gaze landed on her clasped hands folded over her stomach. 

“You’re not - ” He cut himself off, face suddenly drained of all color as she shook her head abruptly, head jerking from side-to-side as her face heated terribly at his line of thought. She set her jaw, suddenly unable to look her friend in the eye, her embarrassment giving way to a tremor. 

“Merlin, Sebastian. Please, y-you should… talk to Ominis. Tell him that I think you should know and that he should not come. There’s nothing his family name could do to help me without raising suspicion even further. Especially since all three of us have been implicated in some way.” He shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting around her form as though searching for some further clue. 

The door to Professor Hecat’s office opened to reveal the elder witch, her eyes trained on Josie; she did them both a favor in ignoring the obviously high strung conversation she’d interrupted, the air in the room tense and uncomfortable. “The auror’s would like to speak to you, Ms. Clarke.”  

Josie nodded, letting out a slow breath as she pressed back her shoulders and met her professor's hard stare. She followed after Hecat, glancing over her shoulder at her friend, eyes pleading.

“Find him, Sebastian.” 

***

The auror’s wasted no time escorting her to the Headmaster’s office. They got lost more than once and sought Josie’s help in navigating them through the labyrinthine halls; she hadn’t felt particularly inclined to offer her assistance, but knew she had precious little choice. Like a poor sod digging her own grave. She paid attention to their frustration, watching their reactions and listened to their bickering. The two men seemed close, more like rivals than friends while the woman watched on like a moth along a window.

It was increasingly obvious that the two wizards didn’t like one another. The witch auror seemed equally unperturbed by their arguments as she was intrigued by their bickering. There was an odd quality to her beauty and she didn’t have quite the right reactions to things that should rightly bother her. Josie racked her brain for the right words to describe her, instead finding that the woman was just simply odd. 

The beautiful witch was called Auror Chastain, she realized as the burley auror spat something about her in his tirade. She stood beside Josie like an angel on her shoulder the entire time the two other auror’s argued. It was rather disarming, watching them lose their decorum; but it was also annoying. It became incredibly obvious that they did not believe Chastain was at the same tier of them and it didn’t take a genius to understand why. 

She was too kind looking, too disarming, and too soft spoken when she did choose to speak. Josie had met many muggle men like them long before she found out she was a witch. 

“No need for that.” Chastain murmured without blinking. Josie swiveled her head towards the older witch, her expression pleasant despite the tiring situation. “They’re simply struggling to come to terms with their own imperfections.” Josie schooled her annoyed expression, realizing she was projecting her emotions on her face clear as day.

“Would it be rude for me to simply offer to show them the way?” Josie asked quietly, eyes darting between the two auror’s. She assumed these three had only just arrived at Hogwarts. Chastain had a subtle lilt to her voice that made Josie think she was likely French or… something. Her pronunciation of words in English weren’t quite French-like, inconsistent and sometimes simply wrong; it was likely to Josie that she learned both languages when she was young but was brought up English.

“No, but they would think so nonetheless.” Josie eyed the witch before subtly pointing down the hall in the correct direction of the Headmaster’s office. Chastain nodded, eyeing the motion before her face settled into a pleasant grin. “Wilde.”

The thinner auror glanced towards Auror Chastain, his umber skin glistening with perspiration at the exertion he and the other auror expended in their argument. 

“The office is this way.” Chastain explained, gliding down the hall ahead of them. Josie hesitated, eyes lingering on Auror Wilde as he righted himself before shooting the larger auror a glare and following after her. Josie fell into line behind them, pointing the correct direction towards the Headmaster’s office until they came to the Grand Staircase where Chastain seemed to be able to navigate without further assistance. 

By the time that Josie and the trio of officers arrived at the familiar golden statue, Josie felt oddly content. There was something not right about it all, as though the intimidating nature of the two wizards in uniform was heavily overshadowed by the ease of Chastain as she guided Josie politely up the stairs and into the Headmaster’s office. Disarmed , she recognized with a nervous glance towards Auror Chastain. She felt a kinship with the witch that made Josie swallow nervously. 

Slowly, so as not to attract more attention to herself, Josie let out an even breath as she began to create her scene. A white sand beach with water so crystal clear one could see meters out before the darkness took one's vision. The air was crisp and smelled heavily of salt and tide. There was no one around bar Josie herself as she stood, toes in the sand and eyes half-closed overlooking the gently lapping tide. 

She felt calm, she felt at ease, and she felt the tiny prick of awareness as something brushed her consciousness. Josie opened her eyes to find that she was face to face with Headmaster Black; they were seated across from each other at his desk, the auror’s flanking him while Josie sat beside the standing form of Professor Sharp. She hadn’t remembered entering the chamber, nor did she remember any sort of pleasantry as she was told to take a seat. 

“Ms. Clarke, I would like you to explain the nature of your involvement with the goblins of the Highlands since your arrival at Hogwarts.” Headmaster Black enunciated, his brow furrowing and voice shifting as though it hadn’t been the first time he’d asked her that. Josie nodded, feeling oddly serene despite the extent his inquiry entailed. 

“In what sense, Headmaster?” Josie asked, her clarifying question bringing some semblance of annoyance to his features. “I found the goblin in the dungeon with my friends a few weeks ago, if that’s what you mean.” 

“No. Before that.” He urged, his tone droll as he waited for her. Josie swallowed, her gaze drifting towards Chastain - Auror Chastain, she reminded herself. The witch stood with long platinum blonde hair completely straight as it framed her face, head tilted as she listened intently. White sandy beach and clear, crisp sky.

“I’ve explored some of the Highlands.” Josie started, averting her gaze from the beautiful witch and instead focused on the space between Auror Wilde and Headmaster Black. “They’ve made a home of much of it, even going as far as to bother the hamlets from time to time.” 

“Are you implying you’ve fought them?” Auror Wilde inquired, his incredulous voice piercing through her with great ease. Josie swallowed heavily as she worked to rebuild it; clear waters rolling onto the shore, pillars of earth jutted from the sea like craggy beacons. 

“When they attacked, yes. I wasn’t going to let them hurt the people of the valley.” Josie stared at Auror Wilde, her chin lifted in defiance as her snare remained in place. The sounds of breaking water and the heavy smell of salt clouded her nervousness. 

“Another question,” The larger auror started, his expression unmoved by her words, “have you ever cast any form of dark magic or an Unforgivable?” Josie frowned and shook her head.

“No.” The burley auror turned towards Headmaster Black and looked as though he was going to say something but was interrupted by Auror Chastain. 

“Why is it that the goblins of the Highlands want you dead?” Her question sent a shiver through Josie, one that pressed heavily against her mind and rattled her serene beach. They didn’t want her dead, sort of. They wanted her alive so to… she didn’t know, it was never a problem before she got her Anci -  

Josie blinked her eyes closed, imagining the way the cold water would feel on her skin if she’d plunged herself into it, clothes and all. The temperature was brisk, the water would likely be frigid. Beside her, Josie was vaguely aware that Professor Sharp stiffened, the tension in his body held almost entirely in the way he gripped the arm of her chair. 

“Legilimency hardly seems necessary when interviewing a student.” Sharp offered, his voice taking on an air of annoyance for time wasted and long drawn out conversations. Headmaster Black blinked at the professor in confusion while Auror Chastain cocked her head at him, a small smile gracing her lips. 

“But she keeps information from us.” She replied simply, her smile widening at Sharp’s growing annoyance. 

“Yes, she likely doesn’t want you to know the face of her paramour.” Sharp retorts rather abruptly, sending a rush of fear through Josie despite him meaning it as a flippant comment. She banished all mist from her beach as her mind traveled to the longing stare of her lover. He stood beside her on the beach, his feet submerged in white sand as he leaned into her, pressing a soft kiss along her jaw.

“The goblins want her alive, Professor Sharp. Don’t you think that’s worth exploring? Especially since there’s something still in this school searching for her.” Josie felt her mouth run dry, her vision of the serene, empty beach growing harder and harder to conjure. “If you’d prefer we could use a dose of Veritaserum instead. It’s less invasive and she’ll simply be honest.” 

“You need not explain the substance to me of all people.” Sharp snapped, his gaze catching Headmaster Black as the other man shifted. Black leaned down towards his desk drawer searching for what Josie knew wouldn’t be there.

Veritaserum. Her and Sebastian standing together conspiratorially, a vial in hand and triumph across their faces. An aged house, surrounded by friends. Eyes, milky white mingled with bloodshot rage, seeing yet unseeing they remind Josie of his eyes but all wrong , they wish to rip her magic from - 

“It’s in here somewhere.” Headmaster Black’s voice cuts through her tirade of thoughts. Josie blinked up at the man in momentary confusion as she quickly built walls of stone around herself, like a quiet home on the coast. 

By the time Josie felt that her defenses were pulled back into place, Black was speaking to one of the auror’s, his voice apologetic as he explained that he must’ve misplaced the serum. 

“Auror Savidge, I’ll find where I put it. It’s likely among my more… well organized and well protected spaces.” He explained, eyes darting away from the broad shouldered auror. Savidge simply frowned at Headmaster Black, holding his tongue for what he would have otherwise chastised. 

 "It's no matter, Headmaster Black. What we cannot manage with potions, we can do with something far more potent." Josie watched as the change happened; one moment Chastain was blinking prettily at Headmaster Black and the next her gaze snapped to Josie, all pleasantness drained, leaving behind nothing but hollow annoyance. Before Josie could react, whether to bolster her imaginary beach or even brace against her chair, she saw a burst of white.

Josie felt something within her snap. 

***

Sebastian trailed after Ominis wondering exactly when his friends’ legs had gotten so damn long. "Ominis, wait!" He called after him, unsurprised when his friend simply pushed through the large door of the Herbology wing and continued on. Sebastian had to jog to gain on him, stopping in front of his friend before he did something stupid. "Woah, mate. Let's think this through - "

"Think it through?" Ominis snapped, his expression angry and cold and for some reason wholly aimed at Sebastian as though this was all his fault. "What is there to think about? The auror said Josie is in danger just before they dragged her off to the Headmaster's office to interrogate her. What exactly am I supposed to think about?" 

Sebastian pressed his mouth into a thin line, his gaze flicking around them as a few curious heads swiveled towards them. "Yelling isn't going to help anything; walk and talk with me, Gaunt." Sebastian bit, his own patience frayed beyond measure. 

Ominis looked as though he was going to simply push past him and storm directly up to Black's office but to Sebastian's great surprise he let out a heavy, exasperated breath, his vice-like grip on his blinking wand not loosening as he nodded. 

"Hecat was teaching her Occlumency when I came back with Sharp." Sebastian continued where he left off once they were walking at a more reasonable pace, his eyes roving over Ominis not unlike one would watch a brooding graphorn. “Sharp’s with her now, it’s the only reason I felt at all comfortable letting her go; that and…” 

“And what?” Ominis spat, his tone allowing for no wiggle room as worked their way up the small spiral staircase. Sebastian paused, feeling green at the gills as he glanced downwards to see if anyone had joined them in their ascent. It appeared that their rather public tiff had led others to give them a wide berth. 

“And that she asked me to come find you.” He finally replied, feeling strangely on edge. It was entirely possible his friends' fear mixed in the air between them with his own anxiety in a way that weighed them both down. At his shift in tone Ominis slowed, his head swiveling towards Sebastian his own expression softening.

Only once he was sure they were alone did Sebastian take a step closer to his closest mate, voice lowering and ears pricked for intruders. For once Sebastian was thankful for Ominis’ insightfulness because Merlin knew he wasn’t good at subtlety. 

“Before you go sprinting up the stairs, let me say my piece. She wanted you to know what was happening but she specifically told me not to let you go after her.” Sebastian explained, his ears strained for approaching footsteps; his brows shot into his hairline and eyes darted downwards as, instead, he heard the sound of Ominis’ fingers digging into the banister. He paused, stuck somewhere between immense worry and feeling immensely impressed as he continued. “She was dead serious, Ominis. She was mortified by what they’d do or who’d they tell if they push into her mind and they learn of your courtship. The last thing she needs is you bursting through the door like a Whomping Willow defending its roots.” Sebastian huffed, his face feeling hot at the line of thought that followed, watching as Ominis scowled and the tense cord in his neck twitch. Sebastian got the distinct impression he was somehow making this whole thing worse.

“Are you finished?” Ominis bit out, the tension mingling with his anger in a rather intimidating way. If Sebastian didn’t know his best mate he’d be aghast to see this side of him. Sebastian shuffled his feet, gaze averting momentarily. 

“No, I… she wanted you to tell me what’s been going on; she said there was more to all this and she wanted you to tell me. Ominis,” Sebastian gulped in a breath of air as his friend went rigid, his surprise unhidden and palpable. “Is Josie with child?” Even though his question came as a whisper, it still felt far too loud even for the small space between them. 

Ominis’ face went ghost white as he released a sharp breath as though Sebastian had reeled back and punched him in the gut. Sebastian reached out as though to catch his friend but stopped himself as Ominis remained upright. The jerking motion and his unveiled response was more than enough proof that the subject of his worry was entirely plausible.

“Did she… tell you she was?” Ominis asked, his voice tight and careful as his unseeing eyes blinked and his mind whirled. For a moment Sebastian struggled to remember the finer details of his and Josie's recent conversation, the momentous confirmation of his two best mates romantic entanglement sending his thoughts into oblivion. Merlin, this was bad.

“No, no I don't think… she said you’d tell me whatever it was.” Sebastian replied quickly, not liking the color his friend was turning. He’d mulled over in his own mind what a child from their union would mean for them and, although he really didn’t enjoy dwelling on the topic, his sense of dread heavily outweighed the uncomfortable nature of it all. Ominis relaxed a fragment as he registered Sebastian’s lack of sureness in response, his jaw twitching as he let out a ragged breath.

Ominis brought his free hand to his face and massaged the heavy tension that clung to him. “We’re wasting time, we need to hurry.” Ominis murmured, his quiet resolve somehow more sure despite his absolutely ragged appearance. Sebastian pressed his mouth into a thin line, following along his friend and allowing the small victory that came with the shard of knowledge shared to settle between them. It felt like a confirmation without the actual words being shared, but even so, Ominis appeared to know nothing of a child. The guilt of springing that information of his best friend was heavily subdued by the direness of their current situation.

“Tell me what else it is then.” Sebastian started again, his voice taking on a callousness he didn’t quite know the origins of. Ominis seemed happy to ignore him as they continued their ascension, his wand poised forwards and upwards. His gaze was distant, mind lost to the turmoil of free thought as he likely dwelled on whatever emotion he felt at the shock. “Tell me or she’ll be cross with you. She wants me to know and you’re making it incredibly hard for me to respect her wishes. If there's something more, then what is it?" 

At Sebastian’s petulant tone, sounding more like a child caught between his parents' spat than a man standing between a secret held by his two best friends, Ominis whirled around gaze fierce and positively annoyed. 

“Knowing won’t help.” He enunciated through his teeth defensively. 

“She wanted me to know in case things go - ” Ominis let out a growl of frustration, the sound the most un-Ominis like thing Sebastian had ever heard and Ominis’ head flicked up the stairs in the direction of Black’s office before his head tilted to level with Sebastian’s.

“We are engaged.”

Sebastian felt his foot slip on the step of the staircase, a rather ungentlemanly yelp falling from his lips as his heart jumped into his throat. In the time it’d taken him to right himself Ominis had continued up the stairs and out of sight. Pressing his hand over his face and smoothing out his hair, Sebastian reeled internally as he sprinted up the steps after his friend. When he next saw Ominis it was at the top of the stairs, Ominis a good forty paces ahead as he made his way towards the Grand Staircase. He opened his mouth to call out but his words died as he saw the number of students who populated the hall.

Deciding it was far more important to catch up to his friend than appear composed, Sebastian sprinted past a number of them, pressing into their shoulders as they stood in his way. By the time he caught up to his friend again, they were ascending the heavy stone steps of the Grand Staircase. 

“ You’re eng - ” Sebastian started, but was cut off by a scathing glare over his shoulder. Right, far too public. “Going to have to explain how that came to be, mate. One minute you’re all goo-goo eyes and the next you’re - oof !” Catching Ominis’ elbow to his sternum Sebastian coughed. Right, he got the point. “I mean… congrats?” 

Sebastian was utterly confused when Ominis scoffed as though that hadn’t been the appropriate response to finding out your two best mates were promised to be married. Sebastian nodded awkwardly as a group of fourth years bumbled past them, their eyes trained on Ominis as though he were a feral thestral. Neither of them spoke the remainder to the walk round the Grand Staircase, moving through the Trophy Room in tense silence. Suddenly Ominis tilted his head in Sebastian’s direction.

“Don’t, just don’t. It’s… it’s not real.” Ominis relented finally, his voice dejected and conflicted. Sebastian paused as he saw how close they were to the Headmaster’s office, his gaze flicking to his best mate. 

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Sebastian mumbled, unsure what else to say, “is your courtship…” 

“Yes, that’s real.” Ominis relented, eyes sliding shut as he seemed to steel himself for what was to come. “Thank Merlin.” Sebastian felt his chest grow heavy as he watched his friend’s internal struggle. There was so much there he wasn’t sharing and Sebastian knew he was pushing his luck when he moved to his friend’s side and placed a sturdy hand on his shoulder. Ominis reacted to his touch, nodding his head as he breathed in a long breath. “The artifact. It was my family ring.” 

“Oh.” Sebastian replied dumbly, knowing he could fill in the blanks but not entirely sure if he currently had the brainpower to do so as Ominis’ eyes slid open and his shoulders pressed back. He wanted to comfort his friend, tell him Josephine was obviously besotted with him and that whatever the details surrounding the engagement likely didn’t matter. Even as he thought over what he should or should not say, Sebastian realized the true problem of the matter. 

Real or not, an engagement to a muggleborn was a death sentence for her. Especially if she were in the family way.

Sebastian opened his mouth, the heaviness of his realization closing his throat as he finally understood why Ominis was so damned insistent on storming into the Headmaster’s office. If anyone of those purebloods learned of their entanglement the news would find its way quickly to Corvus Gaunt, patriarch and head of the Gaunt bloodline and father to Ominis, and then Josephine would be handled . 

Suddenly there was a deep rumble that shook the walls, wood and metal rattled around them as Sebastian jolted. Ominis and Sebastian searched for the source, freezing at the sound of a terrible crack that sent a shudder through both men, the air electrified. Eyes flashing towards the entrance to the Headmaster’s office, Sebastian nearly shouted the password as he and Ominis sprinted up the path to Black’s office and towards the source.

Chapter Text

Hell Hath No Fury

“ Confringo. ” The spell left Ominis’ lips before he and Sebastian fully entered the Headmaster’s office, the stone door sliding open just enough for his senses to reach inside. The form that stood over Josie went sailing back from the sheer force of it, the smell of burning hair and flesh filling the already chaotic space. There were so many sounds, loud and clumsy as many people moved within the narrow office; unfamiliar voices shouted commands while the familiar grunt of Professor Sharp cast devastating spells all while the sounds of a writhing storm cracked and echoed from within the chamber. 

“Bloody hell.” Sebastian murmured beside him, his own wand at the ready. Ominis tilted his wand upwards and frowned as he registered the mass of Ancient Magic that coalesced along the tall ceiling like an uncontained storm threatening to rupture. His senses honing in on the scene, Ominis realized the two unfamiliar wizards were working to contain the odd magic, wands pointed upwards and incantations muttered as they diagnosed and prodded it among the mounting chaos. Magic of another language wrapped around the core of Ancient Magic, mixing like hot oil and water. “They’re gonna make it explode at this rate.” Ominis didn’t bother to respond to Sebastian's likely correct observation, stepping forward into the office with his wand poised and senses snapping to where the attacker had been. 

He could feel Josie like the thrum of a heartbeat piercing through the crowd. She lay crumpled on the floor near the Headmaster’s desk; as his awareness wrapped around her, registering her unmoving form he felt his heart sink like stone as a line of panic pulled taut around his throat. The only saving grace was her proximity to Professor Sharp, who stood over her like a hound, his own wand aimed towards the other side of the desk. 

“Gentlemen.” Sharp greeted Ominis and Sebastian, the edge of annoyance laced in his voice despite his obvious invitation to join him. He and Sebastian needed no more words of encouragement as they pressed forward, their steps careful and their senses spread. 

Ominis reacted first. It took a moment to register the attacker as she crawled on hands and knees beneath the headmaster’s desk, his sensing charm caught the movement with far more clarity than either his friend or professor could hope to with their eyes alone. He tried to freeze her in place, his spell bouncing off her in wordless incantation. She cackled like a hag as she crawled along the floor on all fours, head twisting as she ducked out of sight. Beside him he heard Sebastian groan in disgust, his own spell spiraling out only to be similarly rebuffed. 

“I recognize you from her mind.” The witch called out in a singsong voice, the sound of it shrill against the roar of the storm. Though Ominis' couldn't see where her eyes landed, he could sense her gaze on him, searching and prodding the edges of his mind with no avail. Like nails digging into his psyche, Ominis set his jaw and mentally shoved her away with practiced ease.

Her voice wasn’t quite right, almost otherworldly yet augmented as though going through a chance as she spoke. “Your eyes. She rather likes your eyes.” Ominis felt the furnace in his chest rumble as he let loose another grouping of spells just as she disappeared behind the desk. 

He felt as Sebastian began to flank towards his right and Professor Sharp to his left as Ominis moved forward, the three of them focusing on the assailant while the others - auror’s, he realized - began incanting in unison. Ominis blocked them out, his focus needing to be completely on the witch as he felt her drill into his mind. She clawed and searched for a weakness in his barrier, aggressive and sinister in her search as she was unable to break through. The process left Ominis reeling, staggering a step back as he sucked in a cold breath at the splitting headache that bloomed in her wake like an aching wound.

Suddenly two arcane bolts shot from the far end of the room catching them all off guard. Sharp ducked out of the way just as Sebastian was hit in the shoulder; his friend hissed into the feeling, his left arm falling to his side like jelly. Ominis raised his wand to pull the witch into him but was stopped by her quicker incantation. 

“ Imperio! ” Her voice rang out, echoing through the room as the spell hit Ominis square in the chest. He heard Professor Sharp shout and Sebastian stumble in his direction as his body became feather-light.

He was overcome with the familiar sensation of tranquility as the tension in his shoulders and the anger in his heart disappeared and left him with something near empty - null. The sounds of the storm and likely the ongoing battle sounded terribly far away, enough that he easily could assume it all was nothing more than a distant memory.  

Ominis blinked, his vision unseeing but the cloudiness there all the same. He never liked this feeling. It was as though he’d been stripped of all that made him him and left him simply as a shell; then again, Ominis knew as his head lifted to stare approximately towards the witch, that was precisely the point. 

He couldn’t properly see her due to both his lack of acute focus and her wiley dance as she bounced around the office like a spineless dementor, but in that moment he got a glimpse of something. Legilimency, as Ominis was intimately acquainted with, was a connection bridging two people; information traveled both ways. Ominis swallowed heavily as he dove down the line of connectivity, head pounding as he was suddenly berated with the overwhelming feeling of vertigo.  

“Kill them. Now.” He frowned at her changing voice, like a shapeshifter slow on the transformation. He saw her through his spell; one moment humanlike and lithe and the next growing in height, one half bulkier than the other. Ominis tilted his head towards Professor Sharp, the pull of the command terribly alluring. He’d never used the Killing Curse before, the idea of it feeling like the ultimate sin, so despite everything he instead raised his wand and flicked it gregariously upwards in a massive arc.

He was sure Sharp flinched. Ominis could hardly blame his professor; the man had seen Ominis fall to the Imperious Curse and likely knew in intimate detail the pain and struggle he was going through. The witch let out a terrible whine as though the wind had been sciphoned from her lungs as she was swept off her feet at his command. 

The witch went flying upwards, sailing into the volatile storm of lightning and pressure. It was sickening, Ominis recognized, the sounds far too familiar and close to the tortuous sounds of the innocents who’d been harmed by his kin in his childhood. Nevertheless he held her there, her body fighting tooth and nail against his strongest confinement spell. The only thing that truly caused him discomfort was the fact that the spell he defaulted to in that moment was one of his fathers favorites. The sort where the target was not only restrained but caused heavy pain. 

Ominis heard her scream, his own frown deepening as the people around him didn’t react. 

“Are you going to make me restrain her, professor?” He asked, his tone goading. He’d usually never speak to the man that way but there was something different when they stood side-by-side against a foe that made him bold. Ominis felt different in that moment. It was great and terrible, the sort of thing he typically sought to sequester away and keep under heavy lock and key. 

His words seemed enough to pull his companions into action, the witch’s scream filling the space as Sebastian sought to hold her in place within the storm with a spell of his own. It was Sharp who pulled her down, the auror’s shouting for him to do so as it interrupted their spell to contain the writhing storm of Ancient Magic. 

There was another rumble that shook the floor beneath his feet, sending Ominis stumbling forward until his hands slammed against the floorboards. He cursed, feeling around for his wand that had lurched from his grasp as Sebastian shouted to their professor and a crack of lightning deafened the room. 

There was something wholly terrifying about being unable to hear. When Ominis had been a child, it was his greatest fear that one day his sense of hearing would slowly dwindle, leaving him in nothing but silence and darkness. He let out a shaky breath, fingers grasping around in desperation for his wand. 

The ring.

Ominis paused, his unseeing gaze tilting towards where the artifact called to him, like a siren plunged deep within dark waters; he hadn’t realized he could sense it without his wand. Slowly he crawled towards her, bumping into a toppled chair as he reached out. There was no guessing, he wrapped his hand around hers and felt the familiar texture of her glove. He clung to her as sound slowly began to seep back into his periphery. 

The sound of crashing china and snapping wood filled the space but Ominis didn’t bother to look up, instead he patted up the length of her arm until he felt the curve of her shoulder that led into the slope of her neck. He paused as his hand came to the soft flesh of her cheek, his breath stifling at the familiarity of the sensation. Ripping off his own glove he placed his finger gently over her mouth and beneath her nose. He felt a rush of relief as he felt her slow breath brush his skin. Someone called his surname and then suddenly there was the feeling of a wand being poked into his bicep. 

Ominis reached up and took it, immediately recognizing its handle and familiar buzz of magic. Whoever handed him his wand jolted at the sensation, his notoriously rigid wand punishing them with a lick of sharp magic that lingered under Ominis' grasp. 

The room around him popped back into life, he saw that Sebastian and Sharp battled the witch two-on-one as she crept her way towards the leftern wall. She appeared different, she was no longer lithe of form, instead she stood nearly as tall as Sebastian with wider shoulders and curling hair that spread around her like a halo. The auror who handed him his wand pulled him to his feet and away from Josie; he almost shouted in frustration before he remembered himself and held his tongue. Pretending as though it hadn’t bothered him in the slightest, he ground his jaw. 

“Astounding, Mr. Gaunt.” One of the auror’s said his voice filled with awe, though Ominis did not feel particularly astounding. Shaking off the auror's grip, he aimed his wand towards the fight and moved to join them.

The door on the far side of the room flung open to reveal the scent of fresh air and a strong breeze. The witch darted outside, quickly followed by the more nimble form of Sebastian. Professor Sharp ducked through the threshold before pulling in sharply as a blast hit the wall where he’d once been. Ominis could taste the magic in the air, coiled like a snake and ready to snap at any moment.

“ Haesito !” Sebastian’s voice boomed as Ominis hurried to the door. In the wake of Sebastian’s muddlement hex Professor Sharp cast a particularly nasty sounding version of the freezing spell; upcasting as though to freeze the witch's body, mind, and soul. Yet as Ominis peered through the threshold he bore witness to the witch standing on the railing along the highest point of Hogwarts castle just before she leapt into nothingness.  

Sebastian and Ominis ran to the edge, senses searching over the railing after the woman. Ominis felt her magic snap, much like when someone Apparated but this was different; there was a strange flavor to it that left Ominis with a scrunched expression as Sebastian cursed beside him, slamming his fist against the railing before staggering back inside. 

With the witch gone, Professor Sharp assisted the auror’s with their containment of the arcane storm. Soon after Ominis was singled out and introduced to both Auror Wilde and Auror Savidge; not that he rightly cared at that moment, but he was used to the extra attention when it came to their likes. 

He stood against the far wall, arms crossed and wand tilted subtly towards Josie as Sebastian crouched beside her, looking down at her as though she were made of glass. Ominis set his jaw, carefully forcing out a calm breath as Sebastian brushed her hair from her face and called to their professor, his voice laced in worry.

Ominis did all he could to appear aloof.

“She’s just unconscious.” Sharp explained as he moved to join them, his voice taking on a lighter edge as he helped lay Josephine in a more comfortable position. “That impersonator tried to rip into her mind with a very invasive magic and brute force.” Ominis frowned, his heart pounding against his chest as Wilde and Savidge finally managed to erect a barrier over the storm when they otherwise couldn’t dispel it. Of course they couldn’t, only Josie could. 

“Why? Why would she do that?” Sebastian asked, his own frustration mirroring Ominis’. It was good to know at least one of them could ask without getting suspicious looks. 

“I don’t know, Mr. Sallow, but what I do know is that it’d do her good to visit Nurse Blainey.”

“That was amazing, I’ve never seen someone your age so easily resist the Imperius Curse like that.” Easily. The man had said, Ominis felt a surge of anger rise within his chest at each syllable. As though it’d been some parlor trick and not something born of necessity and strife. 

The man who’d spoken was Auror Wilde, the smaller of the two Ministry officers and the one who’d likely reunited him with his wand during the fight. Ominis carefully pushed away his seething anger at the man, some of which was misplaced but a good portion of it not. Ominis had been listening to Sebastian and Sharp so closely he hadn’t noticed the auror approach him. He dragged his attention towards the auror feeling not at all willing to engage in idle conversation. Tilting his wand at the auror, he paused because he knew the man; not personally, but by name.

Emmett Wilde. Wilde was a friend of Ominis’ uncle.

Ominis sighed into his faux appreciative nod. “She’s not the first person to cast that spell on me.” He intonated flatly as would be expected of him and his kin. Auror Wilde chuckled lightly.

“Off the record, of course.” Ominis simply nodded, his face carefully neutral as he tried to listen to Sharp and Sebastian talk despite the auror’s intent to continue. “What brings you up here? We didn’t have orders to interview you, only the… girl.” Ominis quirked his brow, his unseeing gaze pointedly finding the space between Auror Wilde’s eyes, knowing full well it unsettled people. To Ominis’ satisfaction the elder man shifted slightly at the act.

“My classmate was in distress when he heard Ms. Clarke was in danger.” Ominis explained with ease, his half-truth sounding bored and uninterested. “Sebastian and I are friends, so I sought to make sure he didn’t get killed.” 

“A noble gesture to be sure.” Auror Wilde voiced, his head turning away from Ominis and finding the unconscious form of Josie. “She did surprisingly well in her Occlumency; I was impressed at what a muggleborn could manage. I hadn’t known that Claire had been a Legilimens, now I know why.” Ominis hummed, watching through his wand as Sebastian lifted Josie off the ground as though she were a bride. Sharp chastised him before casting a levitation spell so that he wouldn’t appear to be groping her. Ominis shook his head, the scene likely funny if he hadn't felt so terrible.

It was all for the better, really, Ominis reasoned. Sebastian's disinterest in what others thought lent itself heavily to their assumptions surrounding his two closest friends' relationship. His jealousy wasn't aimed at Sebastian, but rather his friend's ability to be so obvious and unabashed by it. He knew Sebastian cared for Josephine like a sister, he'd admitted as much to Ominis when the truth had come out concerning Ominis' own feelings, but to most others they couldn't tell the difference between Sebastian's romantic interest and familiar protectiveness.

“Is Claire the woman who jumped?” Ominis asked suddenly, his comprehension of the auror’s words sinking in. 

“Ah, no. Auror Savidge has gone to report to Auror Nott on that particular development. The real Claire Chastain is missing.” Ominis could hear the frown in Wilde’s voice as he tried to appear nonchalant about the whole thing. Ominis pointed his wand around the room, finding that indeed Auror Savidge had left the office with Headmaster Black. Goes to show how much Ominis was paying attention to the two luds. “I’d guess the imposter used a sort of impersonation magic to disguise herself as an auror. That’s a lot of years in Azkaban.” 

“So is casting the Imperius curse.” Ominis added dryly, his interest pulled back towards Josie and Sebastian as Professor Sharp levitated her form gently between them. “I’m going to join them, it was nice speaking to you Auror Wilde.” 

“Yes, of course! Next you see Mr. Thorin Gaunt, please send him my regards.” 

Ominis joined his flock, feeling none inclined to ever do as the auror asked. Ominis sensed Sebastian as his friend looked him over, shooting him a cold stare in hopes to demoralize any idea of speaking on anything until they had some decent privacy. 

“Mr. Gaunt,” Professor Sharp inclined, catching Ominis’ attention as the trio exited the Headmaster’s office. Ominis nodded in acknowledgment, his expression carefully neutral. “Could I trust you to continue this spell and take Ms. Clarke to the Hospital Wing? I will need to split off once I see you both there and believe it’ll be easier in transition if you simply take over now.” 

Ominis ground his jaw, the sympathy in his professor’s voice was nearly undetectable but it was there nonetheless. Professor Sharp knew . “Yes, professor.” Ominis agreed instead, his voice quiet and even despite all they’d been through. He recast the incantation, careful to keep Josie steady as she rested. He pulled her close to him, unlike Sharp who’d kept her at quite the distance. Ominis had no intention of smacking her legs and head against the columns and railings on the way to the Hospital Wing. 

***

When Josie came to consciousness, she saw the familiar tall walls and high ceiling of the Hospital Wing. At first she was confused, eyes darting and feeling entirely too warm, but as she moved to sit up Josie felt the full effects of what a splitting headache actually meant. She groaned, head slowly lowering back down to the pillow with great effort.

She tried to remember the series of events that brought her to the Hospital Wing, but it hurt to even think let alone string together coherent thoughts. She’d been in class the events a blur of faces and spells, and then she was suddenly on a distant beach with Ominis. Waves lapping up along spires of eroded stone and bone white sand, Josie furrowed her brow at the vivid memory until a spark of pain struck between her temples causing her eyes to slide shut. Josie stifled a heavy groan in response. 

“Josie?” A hesitant voice called out, quiet and unsure. Her mind was so muddled, it took her a long few moments to recognize the voice of Garreth Weasley. She peered in the direction of his voice, eyes slanting open just enough to see him hurry in her direction from nearly ten beds over. His expression was pinched and ghostlike, his typically pinkish skin looking drained of color as he hurried to her side. “Merlin’s beard, you just love giving everyone a fright.” 

Josie flinched at the loudness of his voice, even his lower register not acting as enough of a buffer for her tender head. He paused as he saw her reaction and grimaced guiltily. He silently approached her the rest of the way, his steps quiet as he took up a large potion bottle from her bedside table and offered it to her. Josie took it in hand, needing to look it over for only a few moments to recognize it as a large and potent draught for pain. 

She downed it immediately, not allowing herself the luxury to savor its disgusting flavor. 

Josie knew the concoction would talk only minutes to begin its magic but mourned those minutes as she pouted up at her friend. Garreth offered her a sorrowful smile before carefully picking up the visitor's chair and settling it beside her bed. She didn’t care how pitiful she looked and for what it was worth Garreth allowed her all the pity she desired as he quietly dotted over her until the medicine did its job. 

“What in Merlin’s name happened?” She asked once she could stand her own voice, head lifting minutely from her pillow to test the feeling. When she was satisfied that the worst of the pain had ebbed she settled against the metal slatted backboard, two pillows stuffed behind her back so she could more easily view her friend. He hesitated, eyes downcast as he massaged the freckled backs of his hands.

“What do you remember last?” He asked carefully. Josie narrowed her eyes at him, both in suspicion for his dodgy answer but then even more so in confusion as she struggled to pull the information forward.

“Well, I…” Josie paused, mouth stopping mid sentence as she blinked through the fogginess of her mind. “I was in Professor Hecat’s class.” He nodded encouragingly, though she knew from their schedules that he did not take Advanced DADA even though he rightfully could have. “We were dueling. Wordless dueling, I think, and - Oh! Sebastian. We were partners. Where is he? Did I get hit with something nasty? I feel like my brain got rattled into mush.” She glanced around Garreth, hoping to see the familiar brunet at the far end of the chamber.

“Got kicked out, I’m afraid.” Garreth said with an apologetic shrug that seemed far less genuine when paired with his weary expression. “I warned him not to fight with Nurse Blainey. Her word is law here.” 

“What happened, why was he fighting with the nurse?” Josie asked, her own exasperation bleeding through despite her aching head. Garreth shook his head.

“Let’s… get through the details then I’ll fill you in on what happened while you were out. What do you remember after dueling with Sebastian?” He pressed. Josie wanted to argue but from his expression she gleaned that Sebastian wasn’t severely maimed or worse so she thought on his question. 

She’d hit Sebastian with something, not the other way around, Josie realized. She remembered him soaring backwards, his feet nearly touching Hecat’s prized dragon skull in the process. It’d been very unlike her close friend, his attention drawn elsewhere despite their competitive row; he’d never lose focus and get hit, not unless - 

“Auror’s came? Goodness, that’s right. They were so rude to Professor Hecat. There were three of them and then Hecat pulled me into her office because - ” Sandy shores and clear, icy water. Pillars of craggy stone and the scent of tide and salt. Josie groaned, her hand flying to her temples as it all came crashing down on her. “Occlumency. They tried to read my mind and… and the witch, she - ” Josie stopped herself, massaging her temples as she slowly breathed. 

She felt the awkward hand of Garreth as he rested it on her shoulder, trying to be supportive but desperately hopeless as to how. “Right, I think you broke through the hard part. Professor Sharp said that I couldn’t help you, you had to manage it on your own or else we could cause brain damage.” She shot him a weary glare that wordlessly shared the sentiment that she thought that ship had already sailed. Her redhead friend simply shrugged. 

Hands dropping from her temples Josie sighed heavily. “She saw so much, Garreth. She saw Hollygate House and the goblin we captured. She saw us use the Veritaserum and she saw…” Josie swallowed hard, her emotions pricking her eyes in a sudden wave of intense sadness. “She saw Ominis.” 

Garreth paused, his grip on her going rigid as she allowed him a silent moment to mull over her implication. She’d not shared it with them, not any of them bar Sebastian. Of all of them, she thought Garreth would’ve been the last to know; for no other reason than it wasn’t the sort of thing they discussed in their friendship. More potions and mischief than who they fancy. 

“Ah, I had a feeling that was the way things were.” He replied softly after a few moments, offering her shoulder a small squeeze before retracting his hand. “He’s pretty standoffish with most people. I thought it was strange how he wasn’t like that with you.” 

“Figured it out, did you?” Josie teased despite her warming face and delicate grasp on her emotions. “He’s going to be displeased. It’s… quite important that nobody knows.” 

“I can understand, it can be difficult to be with whoever you want, well, uh… I’ve heard enough to get why you’d be hush-hush about all this.” Garreth said kindly, no ounce of resentment in his voice. She looked at her friend and was surprised by the sly grin that crawled across his face. "So, how long has this been going on?" 

Josie rolled her eyes, her face properly reddening under his critical stare. “Just before the lockdown.” 

“Ah, when you were both off frolicing doing Merlin knows what.” He nodded in understanding. Josie pushed his shoulder only half hoping he’d fall to the floor. To her disappointment he righted himself, his wide grin dimming slightly. “Ominis and Sebastian stormed into the Headmaster’s office when they realized something was wrong and fought the witch who did this. They brought you here and then Nurse Blainey told Sebastian he had to leave for curfew but he tried to hide and stay behind.” 

Josie blinked as she worked through all he said. 

“What time is it?” 

“Eleven at night.” Josie cocked her brow, earning herself a pointed look as Garreth leaned back into the visitors chair.

“How’re you here then?” She pressed, watching as he scratched the back of his head before peering over his shoulder. 

“My aunt asked that someone keep you company. Sallow had been here for hours and was getting a bit… irate, so Nurse Blainey tried to send him off to bed.” Josie flashed him a confused glance as she followed his gaze. She saw no one but heard the quiet titter of Nurse Blainey in the distance. “He was asking after every potion she tried to administer. Acting like a mother hen and all as if needed to watch what you took or you’d implode.” Josie crunched her brow, staring at Garreth for a few long moments before having the distinct memory of the awkward moment when Sebastian thought she might be in the family way.

Josie groaned, throwing her face forward into her hands to hide her bright red face. What an absolute idiot, she’d told him that wasn’t the case. Or, at least, she thought she did. To his credit, Garreth pretended not to notice; standing and bringing her a glass of water which she took readily.

“Ominis wasn’t allowed to come see you either, so it’s just been Poppy, Natsai, and I.” 

“Why?” She asked, her sadness immediately twisting her expression, her embarrassment forgotten. She desperately wanted to see him. Garreth frowned, worrying his cheek as he thought over his next words carefully. 

“He was kept back by one of the auror’s.” 

“Is he alright?” She asked, clutching the glass of water to her chest. He stared at her, his eyes wide and panicked; she knew right away he didn’t know the answer. “Can you… let him know I’m here and… awake?” Garreth’s gaze softened.

“I’ll try to go get him if you’d like. It's late, you'd think the auror's would have left him alone." She nodded without hesitation, her heart heavy as she reconciled the reasons he wouldn’t be there with her. “Right, I’ll, uh, check your common room and then Hollygate House. What’s your password?” Josie smiled weakly, telling him the password to enter the Slytherin common room before bidding him good evening as he hurried off. She watched him leave, sighing into her cup as she waited for someone to return. 

She waited nearly an hour. All the while her heart grew more like a sinking stone as she waited like a widow wishing her lover back from sea. Or worse, she felt equally like a daft girl hoping to be fawned over by the man she fancied. 

When next she was visited, Josie saw the familiar form of Ominis as he hurried through the wing towards her. Lingering far behind, Garreth watched as Ominis crossed the space, seemingly satisfied that they'd been united as he disappeared around the corner to give them privacy. 

She sat up abruptly, her eyes filling with tears as he wrapped her in his arms and held her tight. He smelled heavily of cigar smoke, such a crass and foreign scent clung to him like a parasite. Josie ignored it, eyes squeezing shut as she shuttered into the feel of his embrace. She clung to him, squeezing herself beneath his robe as he breathed her in. "You're awake." 

She nodded into his chest, simply feeling happy that he was there and they were well. His hand slowly pressed in small circles along her upper back, a terribly soothing feeling that caused her to release a ragged breath. "You weren't here." 

He flinched. Maybe it was unfair of her but she'd been scared. He pressed his mouth against the top of her head as though to envelope himself around her. "I came and checked on you while you were unconscious, but… Auror Wilde was getting suspicious as to why I kept visiting a muggleborn witch in the infirmary. He wanted to talk with me incessantly , he knows my uncle and it'd be difficult if he realized I… cared for you. So, I asked Sebastian to wait with you for as long as he could, but…" Ominis trailed off, voice taking an odd wavering quality.

"I heard." Josie said into his chest, not quite ready to pull herself from his embrace. "Daft man, he's going to get banned from this whole wing at this rate. Why do you smell like… cigars?" 

Ominis grimaced, fingers twitching against her before he suddenly pulled away. Josie nearly whined at the sensation before she realized he aimed his wand at his clothes and dismissed the smell from him completely. "Wilde is a smoker. I'm sorry love, I didn't think after Garreth found me. Wilde would have kept me until the morning if Garreth hadn't claimed Professor Weasley requested my audience."

Josie looked over Ominis, seeing his exhaustion plain as day. That damned auror was running him ragged. "It's alright, come here." She requested, still feeling in desperate need of closeness to him. Ominis obeyed, his expression softening as he took up the space beside her again. 

He kissed her, light and careful along her cheeks and forehead before settling against her cupid's bow. A swell of emotion rose in her chest, heavy and trembling as tears threatened to prick her eyes. There was so much she didn't remember, her memories like a slideshow, and it terrified her to have gaps in her memory during such a high stress few hours.

For all her own quiet musings, Ominis seemed lost in thought as he rested their foreheads together. She swallowed thickly, feeling as his fingers pressed more harshly into her back; it was small, almost indiscernible even against the thin fabric of the hospital gown.

Ominis was eerily quiet, his body deceptively calm against her as he continued rubbing circles along her back. "Josie…" he started, his voice quiet and questioning as he hesitated. "Sebastian said something to me and I'd like to ask after it." Josie nodded, pulling her face away from him just far enough to see his face, her heart pounding at the tender edge to his voice as though he hoped not to scare her away. He held her so gently, she felt as though she were the most precious thing in the world; she hadn't realized how tired she was, tired of everything - all the responsibility and greatness that came with her newfound power. 

Josie could feel the soft brush of his words as he gently spoke along the crown of her head. "Are you with child?" 

His voice was near a whisper and carefully kind as though she might shatter if he spoke the words too loudly. She felt her body heat at the accusation, her mind reeling at the memory of Sebastian’s misunderstanding. "No, I'm… you know I've been taking the potions. Sebastian just jumped to conclusions when I think I was too anxious about the auror's to rightly set him straight." 

She expected him to breathe a heavy sigh of relief, she wouldn't have blamed him. Instead he simply nodded and kissed the top of her head, lingering as he breathed her in. 

"I'm sorry I wasn't here." He said into her hair. Josie pulled back so she could see him properly. Ominis stared down at her with a mournful expression, his brows pinched together. 

It wasn't just people like Iris Carrow, Josie thought, her gaze scouring his face for signs of something more. It was also people like Auror Wilde; those who sought his family's favor and would likely do anything to gain it. Or simply, she realized as she brought her fingers up to press against the slight darkening under his eyes, they just despised her existence enough that they'd seek to destroy her - destroy them - for nothing more than the recognition of a day's hard work. 

"Something happened." She observed, gloveless fingers gently caressing the tender skin beneath his eyes. The ring showed plain as day against her skin, but she could hardly bring herself to care as Ominis' eyes fluttered shut. 

"Yes, but I'm fine." Josie hummed, her fingers grazing his lashes. 

"Fine as in you're tired or fine as in you'd be cross with me if I lied to you the way you're lying to me?" He flinched again, his eyes blinking open as his mouth quirked slightly upwards despite the obvious heaviness on his shoulders. 

"That's a loaded question." She leaned in and kissed him lightly, just enough for her lips to brush against his. It was only loaded because she already knew the answer. He pressed forward into her as though he were starved for contact which, with the way their day had gone, she was sure that was the case. "The second." He replied quietly as she pulled away just enough to skim the skin of his cheek and jaw with her lips. 

She waited for him to explain, her mouth hovering over the hollow of his cheek as her nose drew small shapes against his skin. He let out a breath and she felt him give in. 

"I thought you were gone.” He murmured into her hair. Josie swallowed heavily at the strained edge to his voice. “The witch tried to… will me to kill the others through the Imperius Curse and I fear what would have happened to Sebastian and… you had it worked.” He admitted quietly as Josie’s body grew taut at the realization. 

The witch wanted them all dead. She didn’t care if Josie lived or perished; something completely different than Ranrok and his flock. It struck a discordant thread in Josie’s thoughts that the witch who’d invaded her mind worked for another party completely. Someone who sought information from her mind and had gotten it. “It didn't work, but that doesn't mean there was no price." Ominis added quietly through her musings. Josie shuttered, her body shaking involuntarily; her reaction stopped Ominis’ next words, his arms tightening around her. 

Josie threw her arms around him again, squeezing him so tight that his voice cut out. He accepted the embrace but decided to leave his unfinished words floating between them. 

"I was going to tell you, just not while you were in the infirmary." 

"I don't know if I believe that." She offered wryly, pressing her face into his neck so that her words brushed against the sensitive curve of his throat. "You'd tell me if it suited you. Otherwise you'd take it with you to the grave." His body reacted to the sensation but he otherwise didn’t deny her accusations. 

Reaching between them he tilted her chin so to bring them face-to-face once again. This time when their lips met he kissed her fully, no small brushes nor chaste graze; something far more intense that left her immediately breathless. A punctuation to then end of a difficult day. They moved together in slow and deliberate movements, Josie following his lead as he tilted her head into him. Together they boiled over with emotion, a tremor passing between them of what could have happened and of the forces they danced with. She pressed herself into him, seeking the warmth and comfort she knew he’d offer and feeling some small relief as he settled himself more fully on the narrow bed. 

He dug his fingers into her hair, holding her in place as he pressed farther into her, his tongue finding hers before moving to claim her mouth; he held her with an intensity somewhere between admiration and raw relief. She groaned into the sensation, her knees shifting so to face him fully she realized for the first time that she no longer wore her uniform, instead she'd been changed into a rather lackluster shift.

Ominis seemed to realize as well, one hand trailing down the curves of her body until he let it rest on the curve of her hip. He could have easily brushed the partially exposed skin of her thigh but he held her firm but the scratchy material of her gown.

"I was afraid you'd forgotten." He whispered, mouth pulling away with a frown as he cradled her face in his hand and kissed lightly along her jaw. Careful and slow as his fingers twitched against her. "Attacking someone's mind like that… it can have lasting effects when done so aggressively. I thought - " His voice broke, at the thought left unfinished. Josie swallowed, her emotions pricking her eyes as he settled himself against her, taking in a large breath.

"It'd take so much more than that for me to forget you." Josie managed, her hands coming up to massage the nape of his neck. He loosened a ragged breath, chin tilting up as though to gaze at her. Josie wondered, not for the first time, what terrible thoughts he kept to himself, that he dared not voice even to her. There was so much he felt on his own, it was no wonder he struggled to give life to his fears and worries. Even now as he so desperately tried to do just that, she could sense the restraint he put on himself.

"I think I've forgotten small things. Like how I got to Black’s office and the… faces of the auror’s." Josie admitted, her fingers burying into the soft hair at the base of his neck. Ominis paused, pulling back again slightly as though to consider her.

“Their faces?” He reiterated, his voice troubled. Josie cleared her throat, hurrying to remedy whatever strained the air between them.

“Just, um, some of the finer detail.” At her words he nodded, his expression giving way to his unconvinced thoughts. “It’s hardly a big deal, I’d only met them for a few minutes and I wasn’t exactly relaxed enough to try and be polite about it.” 

He hummed in response, the feeling rattling against her skin as he seemed to press away whatever worry he harbored momentarily. Josie was grateful, taking the undisturbed comfort he offered her in stride as his fingers trailed along the curve of her back. 

She felt uncomfortable as though she was balancing on the edge of a knife where falling either direction would land her deep into the throws of terror and anxiety. In the quiet of their soft embrace she felt her mind tugging for her to search for the memories. When she found them she saw nothing but pain; the feeling of the woman ripping her memories from her with fingers like talons causing a shiver to slide down her spine. She had curling carmine hair, crazed and wild like rivers of coiled blood. She was pale and deathly, with a heavy square jaw and piercing green eyes. Panic filled Josie’s chest; it clung to her ribs and squeezed her lungs at the vivid memory. It felt real and fresh as though the witch was there once again, stripping her mind for everything she had. The pain sent a heavy tremor through Josie as though she’d been plunged deep into the Black Lake at the heart of December. 

Ominis tensed at the feeling, scooting himself to cradle her further against him. Josie felt that she wanted something but desperately couldn’t figure out what. She swallowed heavily, hands dragging to cup his face as she pressed her lips firmly against his. It could have been his companionship, Josie decided, eager to forget the physical and mental pain the intruder had caused her. She felt cold and bare, no matter how close Ominis pulled her nor how willing he was to kiss her back. 

Almost as though he too could read her thoughts, Ominis pulled from her; gently yet stern fingers wrapping around her wrists as he let out a shaky breath. “Josie, what… what do you need?” He asked carefully, his voice tender and conflicted. Eyes flicking between his unseeing gaze, Josie swallowed heavily as her heart thumped in her chest; his concern only further fueling her own shaking dilemma.

That was the problem, she didn’t know.  

“I want…” Josie started her voice, surprising her in its meekness. She hesitated, never having truly felt so unwell without physically being harmed. She was shaking and she didn’t rightly know why; her grip on him pleading as the image and the feeling of the witch pouring herself into the deepest parts of Josie, not only the things she thought she’d wanted to hide, but all the precious things that she’d stored away. Her father taking her for ice cream along the beach, visiting her aunt with her mother in Cornwall, the feeling she had when she was first allowed to meet her baby brother, the quiet memory of Ominis when he genuinely smiled for her.

It was all too much.

Josie swallowed heavily, unsure when her tears first started to fall. She didn’t know what she wanted exactly, but she knew that Ominis was the answer. She reached between them and took his hand in hers before trailing to rest his palm against her breast. 

Ominis pressed his lips into a thin line, eyes blinking and glassy as he let out a quiet breath through his nose. She started up at him, pleading silently for him to take away whatever the feeling was and leave something far more wonderful in its place. 

Very carefully Ominis shifted, the palm resting on her breast lifting away in a way that felt like rejection as he reached backwards to take up his wand. Josie sat frozen, trying desperately to keep herself together as he searched around them for a moment before swishing his wand and summoning something from behind her. 

“Give me one second, love.” He murmured against her cheek, planting his lips there meaningfully before slowly untangling himself from her. Josie wanted to protest, fingers squeezing into fists as he stood. Wand dully flashing red, he glanced around the room before slowly pulling the privacy divider that separated them from the rest of the Hospital Wing. Josie could no longer see the long stretch of hall nor Nurse Blainey’s office in the distance, instead she watched as Ominis shucked his uniform down to his dress shirt and trousers, kicking off his shoes before summoning something from one of the empty beds nearby. 

Josie watched as a second blanket listed through the air and landed overtop her, wrapping minutely around her form as he reached down beyond the edge of the bed. She waited, hearing the familiar shift of her enchanted satchel that he must’ve summoned from the far counter that held her other belongings. He hesitantly reached inside, wand hand dutifully pointed into the space before gingerly reaching his other hand in. Eyes widening, Josie reached out towards him.

“I can - please, let me get whatever you’re looking for. I still have your family knife in there somewhere.” Her voice was still too soft but he paused all the same, head inclining in her direction before gently shaking his head. 

“I can manage. I knew it’d be good for me to try it on my own one of these days. I’ll be careful.” He responded, a small smile pulling at his lips for her benefit. He continued into her bag, searching and prodding for a few long moments before his brows rose upwards and he pulled forth a familiar book. 

The front cover read, History of Barek Swan and a thin purple ribbon hung from where they’d last read. Josie blinked up at Ominis as he placed her satchel on the ground beside her cot and lifted the covers to join her there. She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath until he leaned over and tucked her first blanket around her backside like a cocoon, securing her in place beside him as the other was draped easily over them both. He incanted under his breath and the book bobbed into the air, levitating between them and opening at the ribbon.

He commanded the quiet dictation to continue before placing his wand on the bedside table and gently pulling her close to him. She wanted to cry and she wanted him to hold her, the idea of this sort of intimacy far more appealing that what she’d embarrassingly chased after earlier. She let out a shaky breath as he pressed her cheek against the material of his shirt, his body beneath her warm and comforting.

It was staggering just how safe such a small gesture could make her feel and maybe that’s truly what she’d hoped for when she so desperately sought out something. He urged her to rest, the gentle tale of the rapscallion Barek Swan pulling just enough of her attention that she didn’t find her thoughts nearly so plagued by the recent attack on the most vulnerable spaces of her mind.

Chapter Text

Oncoming Excursion

Come the wee hours of the morning, Ominis reluctantly returned to their common room. When the clock ticked four in the morning Josie felt him stir beside her, pulling his arms from her body as he dragged himself from her cot in the Hospital Wing. She blinked into the darkness, eyes searching for him as her hand managed to capture his wrist, stilling his movement. In her sleepy haze she vaguely registered his quiet voice calming her sudden panic. 

Auror Wilde was expecting him in the morning. The dryness of his tone making it immeasurably clear that he would rather be anywhere else but with the pushy wizard vying for his family’s clout. Josie blinked through the darkness at him as his hand twisted to wrap his fingers around her smaller wrist. He was so much more sure in the absence of light than she was. Josie sighed as his other hand gently pressed her back down into the pillows of her bed without even a second guess, the length of his wand softly pushing into her shoulder. Her eyes fluttered shut as he pressed a gentle kiss against her forehead before promising to find her at breakfast. Josie nodded, comforted by the intimacy as much as his words; she drifted back to sleep before she even registered his receding footfalls.   

When morning proper came, Josie awoke alone and with a pounding headache. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she sat up, the doubled up blankets falling from her shoulders as she peered around the long, hall-like room. Nurse Blainey stood with her back to Josie, hair twisted into a neat and fashionable bun as she busied herself over something at her work table. Josie watched the older woman for a few long moments as her sluggish brain caught up with the events of the day before.

The auror. 

Josie stifled a groan. Hands rising to her temples, Josie massaged in hopes to dissipate some of the throbbing pain as a deluge of memories flooded her mind. She tried desperately not to dwell on any one thought for too long, the feeling of overwhelming helplessness like drowning in her own memories. Josie swallowed thickly, her eyes opening to land on the small curved vial on her bedside table. A draught for pain.

Josie took the vial in her hands greedily, popping off the stopper without a moment's hesitation and tipping it into her mouth. She hadn’t been quiet about it, her noisy relief calling the attention of Nurse Blainey.  

The ensuing conversation was far more palatable than Josie would have thought; the nurse making no comment on Ominis’ overnight stay. It was possible the nurse hadn’t realized he’d stayed in her bed, but it was just as likely Nurse Blainey simply felt pity for her after what’d occurred the day before. Either way Josie was relieved to be given approval to return about her schedule with the added understanding that any dizziness or prolonged headaches would bring Josie straight back to her for a good once over. Josie was also warned that any remaining lull in her memory would likely take days to return. The nurse explained that anything still missing after a week was likely lost forever; luckily the things Josie admitted to forgetting were relatively small. Bits and pieces of the passage of time, mostly, of which Josie had managed to recall the faces of the three auror’s by the time she tried to conjure their faces in her mind as she dressed in her grimy clothes from the day before behind her privacy curtain in the Hospital Wing. 

Once she made her way into the Slytherin common room, Josie changed into a new set of clothes, not liking the number of auror's she counted on the way down to the dungeons. 

Finally feeling more like herself than a ghost wandering the corridors, Josie paused at the top of the stairs leading from the girls dorm at the sight of her friend. Sebastian pushed off the wall, his brows rising into his hairline of unruly locks as his gaze scoured over her as though she were a stick of calcified dynamite near an open flame. 

"I'm fine , Sebastian." She insisted, reading his worried expression like an open book. She tried not to feel too affronted at how fragile he seemed to think she was. Josie hurried down the iron steps two at a time as though to prove a point, watching as his hands jerked as though to catch her. Josie swatted him away, leaning towards him before whispering. "And for the last time I'm not with child, so stop acting like it. You’re going to give poor Ominis a heart attack." 

Sebastian’s face turned red as he let out a breathy huff, eyes darting around her features, his hands raising in defeat. "Aye, aye, Ms. Clarke. I read you loud and clear." He paused, taking a few hesitant steps back as she straightened; her hands moving to straighten the sleeve of her robe. She watched him wearily, unsure if her words had finally sunk in; last she needed was him whispering words of concern to Ominis - or the nurse - next he thought she’d break under pressure. Suddenly, a mischievous smirk played across his features, the look so terribly familiar that it took Josie right back to the first moments of their friendship. His brow raising as he glanced down the empty corridor before adding, "Or should I call you Mrs. Gaunt? I’ve never seen Ominis quite so ready to burn down an entire - "

"Sebastian Sallow." She hissed, rounding on him with her wand brandished. He had the audacity to laugh at her serious tone, his expression crinkling as though teasing her and Ominis were his new favorite pastime. "None of that, these walls have ears and you know it." He shrugged sheepishly, his smirk abating if only slightly as he turned towards the exit.

“Right, right. Well… he was bloody terrifying. You should have seen him with he threw the witch up into - ”

“I don’t want to know the details, Seb.” Josie interrupted, her voice sounding far more tired than she felt. Sebastian wavered, his smirk lessening to a tightlipped line. It was difficult to share in his levity; she wanted more than anything to be able to volley quips back and forth with him, but there was a heaviness that settled in the deep pit of her stomach at the mere idea of being brought back to that difficult space.

“Ah, sorry, alright.” He mumbled, the apology rolling from him without second thought. Josie took a step back as the sounds of a small group of girls exited one of the nearby dorm rooms. They hesitated, the palpable feeling of Sebastian’s want to fill the void with anything other than heavy uncomfortableness settling like a leaden blanket between them.  

As the group of girls approached the two of them spun away, wordlessly making their way out of the Slytherin common room with the intent to scurry off to the Great Hall for breakfast. Sebastian made a noise of obvious distaste as they were assaulted at the entrance to the common room by two auror’s who flanked Professor Hecat. Josie clutched the strap of her bag to her chest, her gaze flicking between the two unfamiliar auror’s before landing on the familiar grimace of her professor. 

Josie didn’t recognize the auror’s, she was sure of it. The images of Auror Wilde and Auror Savidge a vague - but reliable - memory nestled in the forefront of her mind. These women carried themselves with stoic intensity; one old enough to be Josie’s grandmother, and the other with thick, rectangular glasses.

“Ms. Clarke, I’m glad to see that Nurse Blainey released you.” Professor Hecat said in way of greeting as her gaze slid over towards Sebastian. “Mr. Sallow, good morning.” 

“Morning professor.” Sebastian mumbled, his politeness edged in tension as he squared his shoulders towards the nearest auror. The spectacles witch eyed him comically, his posturing none intimidating to her. 

“I normally wouldn’t bother you this early in the morning, but Auror Nott had requested that you take care of the… addition in Headmaster Black’s office. Our headmaster had to spend his evening at home last night and well, he was most displeased.” Hecat explained, her obvious enjoyment of Black’s displacement bleeding into both her voice and her expression. 

Josie nodded along, her raising pulse at the idea of returning to his office so soon abated only slightly by the realization that Professor Hecat had interceded Auror Nott from finding her himself. 

“Professor, she - ” Sebastian began to protest but stopped as he felt Josie’s hand rest on his shoulder. He glanced towards her, his annoyance sliding away as she minutely shook her head in his direction.

“I think I get what you mean, professor. I can… we can go and take care of that now.” She offered, being sure to include her friend so that he wouldn’t throw a fit. Professor Hecat snorted, the sound reminding Josie heavily of her freckled friend.

“As I told you earlier, Ms. Clarke is more than happy to comply. Now,” Hecat made a shoo-ing motion towards the two auror’s, something that if done by anyone else would have earned them a stern tongue lashing. But there was something wholly different about the way Professor Hecat was built, so much so that the two auror’s simply nodded before sharing a quick glance and drifting away. 

Josie and Sebastian followed their professor up the many stairs and towards the office of their displaced headmaster. Hecat spoke the password before ascending the stairs before her students, allowing Josie and Sebastian to share an odd glance before ascending behind her. 

The moment they stepped foot onto the landing of the headmaster's office, Josie could sense the thrum of Ancient Magic barely contained. There was a magnetic pull that thrashed within the confines of the office, a heavy and powerful force that could easily rip the roof off the tower and send them tumbling down to the grounds below with nothing more than the severing of a few arcane cords. 

The office was destroyed. The walls, desk, chairs, and many decorative items were splintered and scattered across the space, the whirlwind of torrential power encased along the tall ceiling in a solidified, bubble-like barrier of magic. Within, Josie could see the swirl of silver and cobalt traces of Ancient Magic; withering away from the barrier deceptively before throwing itself against the solid surface like an animal thrashing against a cage. 

“Fuck.” Sebastian murmured, his voice stuck somewhere between gobsmacked and enthralled. Professor Hecat raised her wand towards the writhing mixture of magic, her gaze sliding to meet Josie as she tore her eyes from the part of her she’d left behind.

“Indeed, Mr. Sallow. Now, Ms. Clarke. If you would.” Hecat said, the implication obvious. Josie inhaled slowly, surprised that the emotions she felt that would otherwise have been all encompassing and crippling were overshadowed by the sheer amount of power that danced just beyond her fingertips. 

She’d never tried to stop the storms her Ancient Magic created, but there was something about this magic that wished to rejoin its source; as though it begged to sequester itself deep within Josie’s core of magic to be unleashed another day. Josie nodded towards her professor, her gaze drifting back up towards the storm. Empty hand rising, Josie inhaled sharply as Hecat created a fissure in the barriers surface. With the precision of a surgeon, her professor sliced the translucent barrier just enough so that Josie could grasp the released tendrils of her Ancient Magic before it had a chance to break through and do something to the space it so desperately wished to inhabit. 

Josie staggered back, her heels digging into the remains of the once plush carpet as Sebastian reached out to stabilize her. Her magic wasn’t gentle, nor was it soft as it bolted through the air like a strike of lightning that jumped between her arms and down to her chest. Sebastian shouted something; it could have easily just been a yell of surprise, but Josie heard nothing beyond the sound of her blood rushing through her body. Her magic thrummed deep within her, using her vitae as a conduit.

When Joise next heard Hecat, the brightness of her magic had dissipated and the Ancient Magic was contained where it rightfully belonged. Her heart was pumping and she felt exhausted, but the danger of her magic being loosed on the school was averted.

“Huh?” Josie managed after a long few moments, her arm lowering as Sebastian rounded towards her front, his expression awestruck and his face pale. 

“I asked how you felt, Ms. Clarke.” Hecat repeated, for the first time ever, her voice wavering slightly. It grounded Josie to hear her professor struggle to maintain composure; something in its quality dragging Josie’s attention and slowly bringing her back down to earth.

“Fine. A, um… a little shaky but I think it’s just adrenaline.” Josie explained, her gaze darting between her professor and her friend. Sebastian shook his head, his hands finally leaving her shoulders as he ran his fingers through his curls. She hadn’t even realized he was holding her in place. 

“Right, well… do you need to go back to the Hospital Wing?” Sebastian asked, his gaze sliding from Josie towards their professor, almost as though he asked Hecat more than Josie herself.

“Merlin, no, please. I just want to go get breakfast and move on.” Josie replied hurriedly, her gaze turned pleading. Hecat nodded slowly, her dark eyes scouring Josie’s form for signs of distress. “I’ll stick with my friends today so I’m not alone.” 

“I think that’s an intelligent decision, Ms. Clarke.” Hecat relented after another few moments of consideration. Josie let out a quiet sigh of relief, offering Sebastian a small smile in hopes to calm him. “I’ll escort you two to the Great Hall. I don’t think I need to remind you to keep your wits about you in the days to come.” 

Josie wasn’t at all surprised by the foreboding edge to their professor's words, Hecat always being a severe instructor. Josie and Sebastian followed her down the familiar path to the Great Hall. In the time it took for them to arrive, Josie watched the color return to Sebastian’s face, his normal cadence returning to him as he realized Josie hadn’t turned into a glowing bomb - or whatever he thought was going to happen. Hecat left them outside the large double doors, urging them to eat and have an uninteresting day, though neither Josie nor Sebastian thought that was particularly likely.

Upon entering the Great Hall, they were both surprised to see that Ominis sat amongst a number of auror's at the head table where the professors dined in the evening. Sebastian scrunched his face before sliding Josie a look of disbelief who shook her head and shot him an equally dubious glance in agreement. She’d momentarily forgotten his words earlier that morning concerning a meeting with Auror Wilde. This was getting ridiculous. 

They sat together, doing their best not to ogle the sheer number of auror's seated at the head table; when Josie felt bold enough to do so, she counted twelve, recognizing among them the familiar faces of Auror Wilde, Savidge, and Auror Nott among the throng of officials. 

"I don't get it." Sebastian suddenly said, annoyance lacing his voice and posture as he stabbed at his hash browns. "We get smacked around by a troll in goblin metal and then verbally threatened by a crime boss when we're sixteen and Officer Singer tells us to piss off back to Hogwarts. The castle gets invaded by goblins and they send one auror, but the moment an auror goes missing?" He shakes his head, stuffing a bite into his mouth rather forcefully as he motioned rudely with his fork towards the line of auror’s. 

Josie frowned into her toast, agreeing that there was something terribly wrong with the system in place, or at the very least, with the way the Ministry was handling the assaults on Hogwarts as a whole. The notion of it was enough to make Josie feel queasy at the idea of continuing with her plans to join their ranks. If it was anything like muggle law enforcement, even someone at the rank of an auror would struggle to do much in the face of systematic imperfections.

They ate in brooding silence, watching with judging eyes as the auror's began shuffling out of the Grand Hall, leaving Ominis to slowly descend the steps and approach where his friends usually sat. 

"Ah, he descends from his court to dine with the masses." Sebastian calls out just loud enough to pull Ominis' expression into a deeper scowl and to coax a few snickers from the Slytherin table. Josie kicked Sebastian under the table just as Ominis settled himself across from them. 

"I come bearing terrible news, I'm afraid." Ominis started, his voice quiet and dire. Sebastian's jesting halted as they both leaned in to listen. Ominis hesitated, turning his head to look at the group of third years seated to his right. They jolted, having been caught in their eavesdropping. Josie bristled and Sebastian raised a judgmental brow, bolstering Ominis’ own sneer as he stared at the younger girl beside him. " Move ." Ominis hissed, sending a group of them practically running.

Josie blinked at the exchange, feeling more than a little enticed by his ability to be so assertive. Shaking her head, she glanced around and watched as a few more groups of nearby Slytherins gathered their things and hurried away, all the while risking a last look at Ominis. By the end of the display, all other students had given them a wide berth leaving them looking rather unapproachable.  

"Bloody hell, Ominis." Sebastian mumbled, his brows in his hairline. "Thank Merlin you're on our side. Don't know what life would be like if you became an evil dictator or something." 

Ominis deadpanned, staring in the direction of their friend before continuing as though nothing had transpired. "There's nearly thirty auror's within the castle as we speak. They're searching for the witch who attacked Josephine, but haven't found her yet. Although…" he leaned forward, picking up his tie and throwing it over his shoulder so as not to dip it in porridge. "They did manage to find where she was brewing her Polyjuice potion." 

"That takes a month to brew. Minimum." Sebastian admonished, jaw falling open. "The break-in happened only two-ish weeks ago, that means she's been here even longer!" Ominis nodded solemnly. 

"And her cauldron was emptied of all potion bar a few scraps. Which means she either has a large number of doses remaining or she’s been pretending to be someone at Hogwarts for quite a long time."

Josie’s skin prickled as she glanced at the number of auror’s again. "What a terrible thought, do they at least have a plan?" Ominis hesitated, his head tilted downwards. 

"Yes, but you won't like it." He started. Josie crunched her brow, sparing Sebastian a glance before urging her partner to continue. "They're planning on taking you to London to keep you safe. The witch is targeting you and, in the meantime, they've been unable to apprehend her." Josie bristled, scoffing as she dropped the half of her toast she hadn't yet eaten. 

"I am more than capable of - " 

"I tried to tell them as much, but the one I’d have to convince is Nott himself." Ominis agreed, his expression troubled leading her to believe even his word was not enough. “Where you’re concerned he’s immotile. Luckily they need permission from the school to do so since your parents are muggles; Professor Weasley and Professor Sharp in particular are making it difficult for them to get clearance." 

"I can't fucking believe this." Sebastian grumbled, his gaze shifted back towards Josie apologetically. "Sorry, Josie." She shook her head, the curse not bothering her nearly as much as it would have when she first arrived at Hogwarts; the ease at which they curse was one of the many stark cultural differences between muggle convention and wizarding kind. "And they just told you all of this?" 

"A few of them, yes." Ominis admitted lightly, his expression still twisted. "Some believe they can vie for my father's favor if they associate with me. A Gaunt is a Gaunt. Thank Merlin they're not harassing my sister." 

"You have a sister?" Josie asked incredulously, pulling both of her companions' attention. Ominis blinked in surprise. 

"Yes, I'm… I didn't realize you never knew. She's a second year Slytherin. Her name is Sharlena." Josie nodded, feeling more than a little off-kilter at the idea of a mini Ominis somewhere that she hadn't met yet. Gaze flicking towards him, she wondered if his younger sister was more like him or his vile elder brothers.

"Josie… if they send you to London, there's no way they'll bring you back to finish the year." Sebastian observed quietly, his gaze steady on the pitcher of orange juice at the center of the table. 

There was a quiet understanding that passed between the three of them; a direness that called for quick action or she'd not be able to finish her schooling let alone follow through with Professor Fig concerning her Ancient Magic or take her N.E.W.T’s. 

"We need to get you out of here." Sebastian said resolutely, his gaze like angry fire as he considered her. Josie averted her gaze, staring down into her partially eaten breakfast as she thought on what that would all entail. 

"So, what? I just hide in Feldcroft until they find the witch?" She asked, not liking the idea of missing classes and missing her friends; the truth of the matter was that she loathed standing on the sidelines. She barely managed to stay sane these last few weeks as she hid in the Room of Requirement. 

"Could do." Sebastian agreed thoughtfully, seemingly oblivious to her musings. "My uncle is an ex-auror. We could ask Sharp to get approval." 

"What about the ritual?" Ominis intonated, snapping the attention to him. Josie was ashamed to admit she'd forgotten their plan in the wake of all that occurred. 

"What if…" Josie started, her gaze darting around them to confirm they still had some semblance of privacy. "I use this as a chance to leave the castle, before another lockdown is issued or I'm sent off to London? I could look for the location."

Ominis considered her words with furrowed brow, while Sebastian simply nodded. Her freckled friend smirked, a glint in his eye. 

"If that's the case, all three of us should go." Sebastian agreed, his voice taking on a tone of excited mischief. Ominis huffed in response, his lips pressing downwards. Sebastian shifted, dark eyes drifting from Josie to Ominis with a teasing lilt rising in his voice. "What, can't rough it for a few days while Josie does the heavy lifting?" 

"Sod off, Sallow." Ominis snapped, his jaw twitching at the implication. "I was thinking of how easily our presence would be missed. They noticed Josie and my absence after only a few days and that was before they realized she was being targeted. Now, they’d notice us missing after only an hour or so. " 

"Right, and before your auror fan club. Still, maybe if we wait until the weekend and sneak out during free time?" Sebastian mused. 

"It's only Tuesday, if we wait that long I might be sent to London or a lockdown might happen again." Josie reminded her companion, trying desperately to finish at least her toast despite her dwindling hunger. 

Just then the doors to the Great Hall opened loudly. Sebastian and Josie swiveled at the racket, eyes falling on the familiar form of one Professor Eleazar Fig. He looked windswept, as though Hogwarts and the Ministry hadn't been his only stops on his many weeks away. His eyes scanned the room, gaze finding her at the Slytherin table in a heartbeat. He hurried in her direction, taking a moment to greet the students who called out happily at his arrival. 

The closer her mentor drew to their table, the more of an idea swirled in her mind. Maybe, just maybe, they’d be able to do something after all. With just a little bit of help from a well meaning professor, they could solve their problems in one fell swoop. 

"Boys," Josie muttered under her breath, her smile widening across her face as Sebastian leaned backwards to get a good view of the commotion. "I've just had an idea." 

***

"Are you certain, Ms. Clarke?" Professor Fig asked, his gaze darting between her silent entourage. Sebastian and Ominis flanked her as she sat across from Fig in the privacy of his office. Behind her professor she could see his still-packed luggage leaning against the wall and a number of loose papers sprawled along his side tables. The room itself was by far the most inviting out of all the offices’ she’d had the pleasure of frequenting, with an eclectic - worldly - feel to it that spoke volumes to not only Professor Fig but also his late wife. 

Josie nodded resolutely, her determination by far the trait she most held in common with her mentor. He watched her curiously, his expression more of twisted interest than surprise. 

"I've decided it's ridiculous to do this alone. I think it'd do me well to bring people I trust with me as I search for the first trial." She explained, proud of herself for the way her voice not only didn’t falter, but sounded so terribly sure and convinced. 

Fig's gaze flicked between the two standing Slytherins, a slight worry pulling at his expression. Josie dared not glance towards her companions, hoping to instill as much faith as she could in her seemingly sudden decision. It was no secret that both Ominis and Sebastian were some of her closest friends; Professor Fig had even commented on it at the beginning of their sixth year that he was pleased at her ease of making friends. Yet sitting before him with them was something different all together, the feeling like no other when Ominis spoke on her behalf.

"They want to send her to London, professor. They plan to sequester her away from the issue that they can’t solve." Ominis interjects through the silence, his stern voice heavy in his revelation. Fig’s eyes landed on Ominis, a softness tapering at his worry. 

"She won't be able to do anything if that happens." Sebastian added more aggressively, his arms crossing. "Her and I have traveled together many times, I was with her when Rookwood marked her as his enemy and I'm familiar with the ire of Ranrok."

"It seems… you've made your decision already." Fig observed, back leaning against his chair as his gaze slid back towards Josie. There was a flicker of knowing in his expression, the sort a parent gives you before asking a question they already knew the answer to. "Tell me, is there anyone else who knows?" 

Josie glanced away, guilt crawling up her spine at the truth. He’d asked her to keep it a secret and she’d told everyone who showed her even a lick of kindness in her first year at Hogwarts. Telling Natsai, Poppy, and Sebastian all came with their travels and aligned interests; it was an accident, she would have claimed, but in retrospect Josie knew the real names for it. She was lonely and scared.

Swallowing hard, she felt Ominis’ hand graze her back as he shifted beside her. It grounded her, brought her back to the present as she considered the potential opportunity Professor Fig could offer them in her honesty.

"Well, ah… professor, yes. Natsai Onai, Poppy Sweeting, and Garreth Weasley are also informed and well traveled in the same regard as Ominis and Sebastian." She admitted, feeling not unlike a child about to be reprimanded. "They are my closest friends and when the goblins broke into Hogwarts they were the ones who apprehend the living intruder." 

Fig nodded slowly as he considered her words in comparison to the tale he’d been told by their professors. Josie glanced towards Sebastian and nodded when he met her with an unsure expression. Sebastian hesitated, eyes flicking towards Ominis in his trepidation to give an honest retelling of the events. 

So Sebastian did; his words clipped and awkward in his recollection of the events. Josie had asked him to trust their professor and he, in turn, trusted her judgment. When he came to the part where Josie, Garreth, and himself stole the Veritaserum from the headmasters office he paused, his voice trailing off without an ending as he shrugged. Josie inhaled slowly, understanding his hesitancy and deciding not to interfere. 

To their collective surprise, Fig had given them a rather dubious look but otherwise was business as usual, if not a tad bit proud as he leaned back in his plush chair. 

"Are you expecting to take them on this excursion?" Fig pressed after a long few moments of silence as Sebastian’s story settled in the spaces surrounding them, his hands folding together in thought. Josie’s eyebrows shot into her hairline. "It's possible with a few clever words to the Deputy Headmistress concerning her nephew and Professor Onai concerning her daughter. The only worry I have is that Rackham won't take kindly to your rather large party when it comes to completing the trial." 

Josie couldn’t believe his composed - almost blasé - expression in the face of what they’d admitted. He looked quizzically at Josie, brows crunched and mouth pressed into a thin line as he considered the Keeper and his perceived resistance to Josie’s companions. 

"Leave it to me to convince him, professor." Josie placated, her heart racing at the potential solution in sight. "Nothing like this should ever be done alone.”

Professor Fig observed Josie and her companions, watching with acute understanding as Sebastian puffed out his chest and Ominis waited with elegant lines and a set jaw. The three of them likely looked like a force for trouble in the making.

“Very well.” Fig relented with a bobbing nod, the waver of a smile pulling deep grooves along his cheeks and at the narrow of his eyes. “I will speak with the appropriate powers that be. I recommend you find these friends of yours and gather yourselves for a long journey. Speak to the professors you trust and gather as much insight as you think necessary for your trip, but be sparing in your details. Remember that even though they all want you to succeed, their allegiances are to Hogwarts not the greater good.” Fig shrugged, standing as his smile grew. “Not all of us, but you get my point.” 

As he moved to stand, so too did Josie, her own grin spreading across her face as she stood shoulder to shoulder with her companions. “Rackham’s Tower is somewhere in the north, I know exactly the area to head.” She admitted.

“Rightly so. It’s possible you’ll pass through the Forbidden Forest so please be on your guard. You’re no longer children so I’ll save the patronizing musings of a worried old man, but… be safe.” He finished with a slight flourish before glancing over his shoulder at the hanging clock that read half nine almost on the dot. “Right. I’ve got a long list of chores to do for you lot. I expect you to attend classes while you wait for me, Merlin forbid you fall back on your studies.” 

“Wouldn’t dream of it, professor.” Sebastian offered with a quivering smirk he fought to hide. Josie rolled her eyes at his tone while Ominis scoffed. 

“No, you wouldn’t waste your time with dreams. T’s rather come naturally to you, I’m afraid.” Ominis mumbled wryly. Professor Fig glanced between the two bickering Slytherins, a mirthful smirk wavering as Sebastian frowned dramatically.

“Hey, not all of us had tutors teaching us in our mansions - ”

“It’s a manor, you plebeian.” Josie sputtered a laugh, covering her mouth as she elbowed both of her companions, surprised as she heard Fig chuckle as he gathered his cap and shrugged on his robe. 

“What lively company you keep." He mused affectionately, eyes darting from the Slytherin boys before his smile wavered. "Ready yourselves promptly, Ms. Clarke. I fear you don't have much time before a decision is made for you. I'll do what I can, but you ought to be ready at the drop of a hat. Ta-ta.” Fig offered as he escorted them out of his office and hurried down the stairs. 

The three of them rushed to their next classes, Josie and Ominis heading to Ancient Runes while Sebastian bumbled his way to Herbology. Unfortunately, the only person she shared Ancient Runes with was Ominis, meaning that there was no way to inform the others of their plan until after the lecture hall ended. Ominis reminded her that Sebastian shared that particular Herbology course with Poppy and would likely have a chance to share the news in their stead. 

“Goodness, I didn’t even realize he liked Herbology.” Josie thought aloud, her eyes following their professor’s sharp lettering on the board. She glanced down and copied the line of script before raising it to get a proper look. “I despise the way Professor Monrati draws her Kaunan . All straight lines even though the texts clearly show it with a rounded tail.” Ominis huffed, his fingers running over the small slate tablet he kept for the class. She watched out of the corner of her eye as the professor scrawled another few runes just as they raised into the slate so Ominis could easily run his fingers over.    

“I think you just struggle to read runes.” Josie scoffed, rolling her eyes at him despite the smirk that pulled at her lip. The cheek. 

"When you remember I have considerably less practice than you, I think I'm managing just fine." She responded fairly, her brows raising poshly as she quickly began translating. Beside her, Ominis hummed in place of another jab, his own quill scratching along his parchment. 

"I fear we're going to have to finish the fifteen inches for this course by tomorrow if Fig is quick with his preparations." Josie's façade of airiness deflated as she grimaced. 

"Merlin, that's a lot for even two people to manage." She mumbled as the door to the Studies of Ancient Runes classroom opened causing Professor Monrati to suddenly stop speaking. 

Josie swiveled as Ominis subtly aimed his wand towards the entrance from under the table. In walked Auror Nott, his posture impeccable as he sauntered by their table, his hands clasped behind his back as his blue eyes scanned the room. 

Josie felt her heart leap into her throat, the mere sight of the man enough to make her blood pressure skyrocket. She turned from him, dipping her quill to continue her translating despite his rather dramatic entrance. His boots were heavy against the stone floor, echoing in his slow approach.

"I'm in need of Ms. Bloom and Mr. Callaway." Josie glanced up to watch as Professor Monrati frowned, her dark shaded lips curving downwards as her gaze slid towards the Gryffindor-Ravenclaw duo seated near the front of the room. 

Veronica Bloom and Sandrik Callaway shared a look of bare surprise as they both stood, Sandrik looking particularly green at the gills as they walked down the aisle to meet the intimidating auror. Josie made the mistake of meeting the gaze of Auror Nott as he turned to lead them from the lecture hall, his glare lingering on her until he passed her table. For a moment she watched his eyes flit to Ominis seated beside her, a curious raise of his brow the only indication that he recognized either of them before he exited the classroom.

The room grew silent for a long stretch of time before the whispers began. What had Veronica and Sandrik done to gain the attention of Auror Nott? They were friends and had been partners for many classes since fourth year - Josie heard someone point out. At the front of the room Professor Monrati chewed her thumb before hurrying after the auror and her two students, calling out one final instruction for study hour before slipping through the large door and into the hallway. 

“That doesn’t bode well.” Josie mumbled just loud enough for Ominis to hear. He nodded gravely, sliding away his slab of slate as his face contorted. They waited a few minutes before collecting their belongings and leaving the class early. It was a safe bet that Professor Monrati would not be returning to conclude the day's lecture so they planned to begin packing for their long trip. 

"I've never known those two to be troublemakers." Josie observed as they made their way to their common room. Ominis made a noise of agreement as his wand pulsed dully in the corridor.

"Nor have I. It begs the question of whether or not Auror Nott is grasping." Josie couldn’t help but agree but dared not say more as a duo of auror’s rounded the stairwell of the Defense Against the Dark Arts Tower. They walked the rest of the way in near silence as the auror’s mirrored their pathing. Josie felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end; the auror’s were following them, their sharp eyes boring holes into Josie as though to strike her from existence. This was the second time an auror would observe Josie and Ominis together without others as a buffer. To professors and other students it was normal, but to Ministry officials who Ominis wished to hide their closeness from, it would seem suspicious. 

Ominis and Josie escaped only once they ducked into the entrance of the Slytherin common room, the heavy door sliding shut behind them like a vault.

Josie was unsure if the auror’s close proximity had been purposeful or simply a coincidence, but by the way Ominis’ jaw set made her fear that his assumption was the more worrying of the two options. They were as subtle as they could be about it, using Josie’s satchel to stow changes of clothes and other important things from their dorm rooms as much out of sight from housemates as possible. Her headache began to return, the subtle pounding easily ignored at first, likely brought on by the appearance of the auror’s and the growing tension in the cords of her shoulders and neck.

Eventually they emerged from their dorm room, heading up the stairs towards the exit with Ominis emerging first to check to see if the auror’s lingered. He fetched her a few moments later and together they walked hurriedly to the Room of Requirement before doing the same there. By the time they needed to separate, her satchel was chockablock with everything from sweaters to snacks. 

Just before he exited Hollygate House, Ominis gripped Josie by the forearm and pulled her into an embrace. The swiftness of the action caused her to stumble into him, the weight of her satchel catching them both off guard as it dragged them against the wall of the room. Josie fell into him with a heavy oof as Ominis huffed a laugh into her hair. 

Josie began to apologize, her own laugh building in her throat, but it all died as he pressed his lips to hers. Holding her in place with his wand hand, she couldn’t help the way her heart thrashed about her chest as though it had been the first time.

The ridiculousness of it all left her reeling. The auror’s, the preparation, the plan; it all felt so far flung from what she’d expected their seventh year to be. Josie relished in the humor of it, the mirth bubbled between them like some private joke at their own expense. If nothing else, Josie thought as her mouth slowly moved along his, at least she had him.

He lingered. Holding her near him as his hand raised from her forearm to feel the curves of her face as though he thought he’d forgotten. Josie closed her eyes at the feeling, smiling into the expression of intimacy as he smoothed the lines of her forehead before guiding his fingers down the narrow of her throat.

“Go find Natsai or Garreth.” He murmured, the feeling of his breath rolling over her face causing her eyes to flutter open. He smirked down at her, his expression calm despite everything. It helped, she thought, to see him so relaxed. “They’ve been spending a lot of time in the Transfiguration Courtyard before dinner, you might be able to catch them if you head there now.” 

“Where are you going?” Josie asked, pressing into him so that her nose trailed along his jawline. Ominis frowned in response. It was subtle, but hard to miss at their close proximity.

“We have to… be more careful.” He started and at once Josie knew what he referred to. Too many auror’s had seen them choosing to be together. The fingers of his free hand found their way into the hair behind her ear, tangling ever so slightly as though to hold her in place. “Otherwise, I’d - ”

“I know.” She interrupted, meaning it.

“I’ll be close by.” He urged, his voice sure as his brows furrowed. “I’ll never be far.” Something in his tone felt like an everlasting promise; the sort that one could ingrain on their heart. She stood on the tips of her toes, pressing her lips into the delicate skin of his cheek.

“I’ll hold you to that.” She whispered back, smiling toothily as she felt the curve of his smirk press against her face. 

They separated, his grip lingering on her as a testament for his displeasure in leaving her alone. But in the end he held true to his intentions, leaving the Room of Requirement moments later. Josie waited a few moments, catching her breath and urging her beating heart to slow back to a typical pace before exiting and following after him. 

When she emerged into the hallway she was alone, the spiraling path down the Astronomy Tower a familiar friend as she hurried to the nearby courtyard in hopes to find her Gryffindor friends. But as she came to the ground level of the tower, Josie ran almost directly into Professor Sharp. For what it was worth, his gaze only partially lingered, not holding any of the careful pity her other professor’s offered her in the wake of her hospitalization. She nodded towards him politely, gripping the strap of her satchel as he moved to walk alongside her.

“Ms. Clarke, I was looking for you.” He intonated, his voice somewhat apprehensive as they passed a gaggle of younger students, all of which ducked away from their potion’s professor as though he were a basilisk in disguise. She tore her gaze from their quickened steps to acknowledge his words. “Join me in my office briefly.” 

Josie’s mind reeled as her feet held her firmly in place. She thought of the Polyjuice potion and of the witch that still lingered. Josie swallowed heavily, her eyes darting past her professor and into the more open common space beyond. 

“Professor,” Josie started, her voice far shakier than she’d hoped it would be. She paused, regaining herself as she cleared her voice and stood straighter along the final few steps of the tower stairwell. “I was going to ask after the details you’d mentioned. About male phoenixes, I mean.” 

Professor Sharp stared at her for a moment, his void-like gaze unwavering as he suddenly nodded in a slow, succinct motion. He let out a small breath akin to a sigh but otherwise leaned heavily away from her as though suddenly realizing her discomfort. 

“I’m afraid to inform you that there are no male phoenixes, Ms. Clarke. As I pointed out during your detention not so long ago.” He retorted evenly. Josie visibly deflated, his words a comfort as he caught on to her intentions. Thank Merlin.

Josie felt inclined to follow, trusting that this Sharp was the real Sharp. When they arrived at the Potion’s classroom, her professor urged her into his office before waving for her to shut the door behind her. She did so, setting her satchel down on the floor she paused. Josie reached into her bag and pulled forth two vermillion feathers, placing them on the table between them. Sharp glanced at the ingredient, his mouth quirking slightly as he settled into his chair. 

“This wasn’t a request for ingredient parts.” He said listlessly, taking the phoenix feathers between his fingers nonetheless. “A beautiful shade.” 

“A few had dropped when I saw her today.” Josie explained, shaking her head. “I don’t really have a need for them so I figured I’d bring them to you.” Sharp glanced over the feathers before nodding and placing them gently on the side of his desk. There was a subtle way the corner of his eyes crinkled that made Josie think he rather appreciated the gesture, but she’d be beyond herself to assume he’d offer any extra words of praise or thanks for the rare material. 

“I wanted to speak with you concerning what happened yesterday in the headmaster’s office.” Josie’s small amount of levity dwindled as she swallowed heavily. “Mr. Weasley told me you remembered a large portion of it on your own.” Josie nodded, her mouth moving but no words emerging for a few moments before she settled herself against the back of her chair.

“Yes, professor.” She responded simply in place of a more complex explanation, not quite able to manifest anything more. He nodded minutely, eyes cast away.

“Professor Fig has informed me of your… peculiar magical abilities. He was quite reluctant to but I imagine he needed to speak of it either to myself or Headmaster Black if he wanted to keep questions to a minimum, especially after the intense display you put on purposefully or otherwise. Luckily you’ve not kept this development secret from the Ministry; there’s very little they can, or should, do concerning this unique form of magic as of now. That being said, Auror Wilde and Savidge were thoroughly caught off guard at its manifestation yesterday.” 

“I’m surprised he told you.” Josie said evenly, her gaze regaining sharpness as she watched her professor’s stony appearance. It was like trying to read a brick wall. 

“He was very reluctant, if that’s any consolation.” Sharp added, head tilting slightly in a way that seemed almost like a small apology. “He’s also made mention of an assignment concerning that magic that would be set to begin forthwith. I am… hesitant to sign off on this if only because of the witch who impersonated Auror Chastain.” Josie’s blood ran cold as her fingers curled around the arm of her chair. 

"You… didn't find her." Josie said dumbly, her eyes averting. So many auror's remained at Hogwarts yet they couldn't find one witch. She'd assumed it all couldn't be kept a secret for long once they found her. There was no way someone so apparently skilled in wandwork wouldn't have some sort of failsafe in times of a quick needed exit. 

"No, they didn't." Sharp retorted, his displeasure and utter disappointment in the auror's abilities palpable. "I won't lie to you, Ms. Clarke, there's something not right happening at the Ministry. Normally, I'd never sanction a conversation like this, but… it is undoubtedly connected to you as a whole." 

"Me?" Josie echoed, her brows crunching. She stared at her professor incredulously, her gaze roving over him in search for more answers but finding nothing but a disgruntled ex-auror who was forced to make a difficult decision. 

"I explained my worry to Professor Fig and he agreed that some… extra measures are needed in order to maintain your admittance to Hogwarts." Panic jolted through Josie, she began to sputter in response to which Sharp quickly continued. "We're working to keep you where you belong, Ms. Clarke, just with some added precautions." 

Josie let out a shaky breath. The goblins wanted her magic ripped from her,the Ministry wanted her in the enigmatic elsewhere, and the witch wanted her dead. She wasn't sure which she loathed the idea more. "What precautions?" She asked after a moment of trying to steady her quickened heart. 

Sharp leaned back in his chair, hands steepled as he seemed to appraise her. "I'll tell you more once they're in place. In the meantime I trust you're preparing for your assignment?" Josie nodded, feeling that her anxiety was only slightly abated. "Good, I look forward to seeing you in Potions this week, presuming you're not away." 

Josie stood at the obvious dismissal, reaching up and grabbing her satchel before moving to press open the door. "Oh, and, Ms. Clarke." Josie paused, glancing back at her professor. "I'll take the serum off of you, in the meantime." 

Josie blanched and her panic spiked again. She opened her mouth to deny it but at his knowing stare that offered no wiggle room she shut her mouth. Josie quickly reached into her satchel and pulled out the dark vial of truth serum. 

"Professor, I - " Sharp shook his head, hand outstretched. 

"I don't need an explanation. I'm certain I've put together the pieces of what actually occurred.” Squeezing her fingers around the vial, she swallowed heavily before carefully placing the bottle on his table. Sharp’s eyes flicked down towards it with subtle acknowledgment. “Did you get what you wanted?” 

Josie gaped after her professor, wishing for nothing more than to disappear into the ether. His gaze was harsh and stern, an unrelenting force as their conversation turned into an interrogation. Her hand still rested on the handle of the door, there was an escape; one she could use to escape from her professor until the time Professor Fig called her away. Josie didn’t take it, no matter how much she wanted to run to protect herself and her friends; Sharp already knew the worst of it and she’d trusted him thus far.

“They want to steal my magic from me. My… unique magic.” She responded quietly, her shoulders tense as she watched her words settle around her professor. He paused, dark eyes calculating and unrelenting as he mulled over their resounding silence. Eventually he let out an aggravated sigh, shoulders pressing against the back of his chair as his gaze dropped towards the vial.

“Then I recommend you be vigilant, Ms. Clarke. Keep those friends of yours close and don’t do anything reckless if you can help it.” He offered, his voice heavy and serious. Josie felt her throat run dry, nodding meekly at her professor as her words dwindled away.

Even as his words left him, Josie knew they were both aware of her perchance for recklessness and the mootness of his warning. But he said it nonetheless, perhaps hoping that Josie would listen just this once as she scurried out of his office in search of Ominis who undoubtedly waited, rather anxiously, somewhere nearby.

Chapter Text

The Birth of a Plan

The following day after Professor Sharps’ slight confrontation and Josie’s release from the Hospital Wing, Sebastian spread the word amongst the group to meet after midmorning classes in the Room of Requirement. Garreth and Josie were the first to arrive, traveling together in the halls after their shared Advanced Potions class. Josie had worried that she’d feel an odd tension between her and the head of Slytherin, but Sharp had been just as indifferent and exhaustive as usual despite catching her in possession of a highly monitored - and illegal - substance. 

Her and Garreth had been careful not to speak of specifics during their walk from class to the Astronomy Tower. Although Garreth practically vibrated with questions concerning the special project Fig had put together for them; but Josie had kept him satiated with a promise to share it all once the whole group was together.

By the time they arrived at the Room of Requirement, Garreth and Josie had made their way to the kitchen, eyes set on snacks and comfort in the wake of the absurd series of events that had befallen their seventh year at Hogwarts. Garreth, almost as a compulsory motion, summoned two caldrons to brew potions in, at first Josie didn’t bat an eye at the motion but soon realized he thought to prepare for their journey - of which, he’d only been told it was an assignment for Fig and nothing more. 

Josie grimaced at the reminder, a terrible feeling of lying through omission making her feel gross in her own skin. The remedy was simple; explain it in its entirety and they’d surely understand. But as she’d laid the foundations for a grand conversation once the others arrived, Josie instead busied herself making tea and feeling little more than a coward by the end of it.  

Less than five minutes after their arrival, Josie heard the telltale signs of someone else entering the space, pulling her attention from Garreth’s very important decision between crisps or biscuits as a starter halted at the slogging steps that dragged through the family room.

Natsai shrugged her bag unceremoniously onto the floor of Hollygate House letting out a long breath, her eyes flicking over to Josie as she curiously passed through the threshold of the kitchen. Josie paused, warm cup in hand as she took in the tired form of her friend. 

“Merlin, is everything alright?” Josie asked, her brows furrowing in concern. Natty held out a placating hand, head shaking in exasperation and she settled on one of the couches. Josie glanced behind her, motioning towards Garreth to pour another cup as she moved to join her exhausted looking friend. 

“My mother said I could take part in this extracurricular assignment since it’ll count as our end of term project to go along with our Magical Theory marks.” Natsai started, bringing her hands up to her face and burying herself in them. Josie placed a hand on Natty's shoulder, she silently flashed Garreth a worried look as he brought over the cup of tea for their overwhelmed friend. His expression mimicked her own as the china clinked against the table. They all had their fair share of work to finish if they planned to make this agreement between Professor Fig and their other professors work; but Natsai had the added bonus of having a mother with a particularly keen eye. Not even Professor Weasley expected Garreth to complete all his work by the end of week; Professor Onai, on the other hand, had seemed to put her foot down on the subject completely. Josie wouldn’t put it past the divination professor to have done so with the expectation that Natty would fail, leaving her daughter to stay behind on whatever potentially dangerous extracurricular activity Fig had planned for them.

"My mother told Professor Fig I could participate only if I complete all my Arithmancy assignments for the next month before we leave." 

"Oh, uh. What sort of assignments do you have left?" Garreth asked hesitantly, his eyes roving over their friend hesitantly. Josie didn’t blame him for his reluctance, Natsai was usually so level headed and present, seeing her in distress was jarring. 

"I must write twenty inches on the efforts of Bridget Wenlock as well complete no less than twelve reductions." Natty lamented, her eyes drifting towards the steaming cup of tea. Garreth motioned for her to take it and she did so readily, glancing between her two friends with sad eyes. “It’s so much work, Garreth. I think one woman could not possibly do it all in a week let alone by the time we inevitably must leave.” 

"I wish I could help but there's a reason I didn't focus on Divination." Garreth relented as he shot Josie a look. "Why don't you rest for a bit and I can help get you set up in the craft room?" Natty nodded into her cup, her eyes sliding closed as Josie and Garreth took the cue to give her some peace and quiet.

Taking their tea with them along with a container of crisps, the duo moved into the sitting room. As Garreth shut the door behind him they shared a look of worry. "Twelve reductions seems like a lot of something to do." He mumbled, moving away from the door and lowering his voice so as to not disturb their friend. 

"I'd assume so, but I don't really know what a reduction is ." She lamented her own potential efforts to help flying out the window. Garreth grimaced and shot her a look that confirmed he also was none the wiser. 

They settled in the sitting room where they'd left Josie's enchanted satchel and Garreths bag both semi-packed for their impending trip. It wasn’t uncommon for seventh years to have half day classes in lieu of the rest being considered study hours, so this was the first real chance Josie had to speak to anyone other than Ominis or Sebastian concerning the reality of their trip. 

After a few moments of silence, Garreth set his cup on the table and reached into his bag, flipping open the top. Josie watched his search around before pulling out a long, rolled parchment of fine quality. She raised a single brow at the expensive looking item. 

Before she could ask, he pulled himself to the edge of the couch and attempted to elbow his tea cup out of the way, Josie quickly intervened and picked it up before it spilled, eyeing him curiously as she held his and hers one in each hand. Garreth pressed the long parchment flat on the table, fingers smoothing out the curling edges as he revealed a map of the northern Highlands. 

"Garreth!" She exclaimed, scooting herself alongside him so as to see the details more up close. 

"I can't take credit for this one, it was Poppy." He relented, a half smile pulling at his cheek. Josie nodded, eyes roaming over the well-made map in awe. "She made a request this morning and managed to convince Professor Howen to lend it to her. She hasn't even had time to pack, so I offered to hide it while she went to her Potions class."

Josie ran her hand along the curve of the valley, noting where small, dark marks had been made to indicate something of importance. If anything, it confirmed her and Ominis’ thoughts that Sebastian had informed Poppy of the truth of their plan yesterday in their shared Herbology course. Before she could point out the foreign marks on the map, the door to the Room of Requirement opened to reveal the grinning forms of Sebastian and Poppy. 

Poppy's lips curled upwards as she clutched her bookbag against her chest and walked through the door. Sebastian looked just as jovial, his gaze downcast as he slung his own bag over his shoulder. 

Josie met Poppy's gaze, sharing in her friend's sudden mirth as she came to stand behind the couch, leaning over to peer at the map. “Oh wow! I’d only gotten a glimpse of it earlier; it’s such a pretty thing.” Poppy gushed as her eyes roved across the view of the valley. Josie couldn’t help but agree, her finger trailing along the curve of the eastern rise until her nail rested on the dark mark. 

“Do you know what these are?” Josie asked her friend. Poppy’s brow furrowed as she pressed herself further over the couch. Josie moved her hand out of the way, finger dropping to another quill mark about a palms distance away. 

“They’re not hamlets or anything like that, they’re in the wrong places.” Garreth offered, leaning back as the girls crowded the map. Sebastian walked around the couch to stand so his shins bumped the table.

“No matter what they are, this map will do nicely.” He interjected, voice lilting carelessly as he unceremoniously dropped his back and took off his robe. He paused, glancing around the room before turning his gaze on Josie. “Where’s Ominis?” 

“I believe Professor Sharp requested to speak with him.” She responded, tilting her head to peer up at him in time to watch his expression contort. When Garreth and her had left their Advanced Potions course, Ominis had been waiting just outside to join them. Professor Sharp had seen him, calling to Ominis for a seemingly long overdue meeting that even Ominis himself hadn’t predicted. 

“That’s a bit odd.” He mumbled, eyes darting towards the door as though expecting him to enter. Josie frowned, her own gaze dropping in thought. Was it really so strange? Although Ominis wasn’t taking any Potions courses in their final year, Sharp was still the head of Slytherin house and likely a mentor to him. She shrugged in response.

“Is it?” 

“It is.” Sebastian retorted, his gaze sliding back towards hers just as the door to the family room opened to reveal Natsai. “Merlin, Onai, you look like someone drank all your pumpkin juice.” Josie flinched, her lips pressing into a thin line as she slowly glanced between Natty and Sebastian.

The woman in question threw Sebastian a simmering glare as she carried herself with shoulders pressed flat and bookbag in hand. She moved past him without so much as a whisper in response. Garreth grimaced, moving to stand and following after her with quick legs. They both disappeared into the craft room, the door shutting behind them. 

“What was that about?” Sebastian asked incredulously, staring after the two Gryffindors. Poppy leaned back, blinking after the scene. 

“Ah, her mum isn’t very excited at the idea of her leaving and has asked her for the impossible, I’m afraid.” Poppy explained, her voice softened by concern. “Unfortunately, the work she has to finish is all divination.” Sebastian nodded, his concern nowhere near as palpable as the Hufflepuffs, but Josie was surprised nonetheless at his tact to drop the subject, no final word nor japes left hanging in the air between them. 

The three of them settled around the map while Garreth graciously helped his housemate in her impossible endeavor. After a short while Josie offered to make another pot of tea and biscuits while the other two mused over where Poppy thought the most likely location of a place of power was. Josie had been stunned silent at the revelation that he’d told her the intimate details of their plan; not simply their plans to take a detour or subtle half-truths, he’d seemingly told her everything. Poppy casually echoed Josie’s idea of somewhere within the Forbidden Forest being a good starting place and Josie had nearly spat the last of her drink out over the expensive map. 

Needing a moment to compose herself, Josie enjoyed the busy work of preparing tea the muggle way. She’d come to feel accustomed to the cottage kitchen, thankful that Deek had stocked it with more variety as their study sessions and otherwise brought them more and more often to Hollygate House. 

She took her time, searching through the pantry to find a stash of chocolate and orange biscuits she knew Natty would love as she carefully levitated the tray into the sitting room. 

When she entered, Sebastian had taken her seat beside Poppy as they both huddled over the map. Poppy was trailing her finger along a path within the Forbidden Forest, her brows crunched together in thought and eyes honed onto the map as she spoke quietly about a rather large spider den in the area, but what caused Josie to pause was Sebastian. His gaze lingered on Poppy, his jaw twitching in thought as he watched her expression shift as she spoke. He was always so lacksidasical, as though life itself could wait for him to take his time; there was something hyperfocused in his stare, so much so he hadn’t bothered to respond to her quiet question. Blinking, his gaze slowly slid from her face to the map after registering her inquiry of if he had a possible fear of spiders.

“Hm? No, nothing of that sort. Can’t say the same for the others though.” He responded quietly just before his gaze flicked towards Josie standing dumbly in the doorway. He offered her an odd look before raising his wand and summoning the tray and taking over the incantation. She allowed it, blinking away her errant thoughts as he placed the tray on the table a careful distance from the map. 

Poppy made a happy sound as she took up one of the biscuits and nibbled on it. “Natty will love these.” She commented with a smile towards Josie as she stood and gathered some onto the small dessert plate. “I’ll take a few through to her and Garreth.” Josie nodded, finding her voice as she moved to sit back on the couch. 

“It might be worth checking to see if they want any more tea.” Josie reminded as her friend hurried into the other room. Once the door slid shut, Josie glanced towards Sebastian with an odd expression; he simply raised a brow at her. She wasn’t sure what subject she wanted to address first, chewing her cheek as she glaced over her friends stiffening form. “You told her?” She decided after a short moment. He shrugged, his face scrunching as though it’d been the most obvious thing in the world. “Everything?” She clarified.

“Of course I told her, other than you she’s the one of us who knows the most about the Forbidden Forest. Plus,” He paused, gaze flicking down towards the map, “from what I can tell, we’ll be needing creature components for the ritual and… she’s quite knowledgeable in that.” 

They hadn’t had much of a chance to discuss what he and Ominis had researched in the few days before the auror’s arrived, but Josie had known that they’d made a marked effort to spend a large portion of their free time on the project. “Anything specific yet?” 

Sebastian shook his head, his jaw slightly tense as he gazed, unseeing, at the map. “Something unicorn seems likely.” Josie frowned, a unicorn was one of the few creatures she couldn’t bring herself to capture. There was something about them that stilled her hand even when she reasoned that she could offer them a safer home. None of her biomes lent themselves to the dark mystery of the Forbidden Forest, it wouldn’t be the same and she worried her actions would simply echo the poachers.

“Horn or hair?” 

“That’s something we couldn’t figure out, not yet.” Sebastian admitted, his face contorting into a grimace. “We’re hoping it’s hair. Stealing a bit of unicorn horn is something only proper Magizoologists are allowed to do and for good reason.” Josie’s face distorted uncomfortably at the idea but decided against commenting further. 

Sebastian let out a tired sigh, the weight of it lingering in the space between them as he slouched back into the couch. “We need something as a catalyst, something for the magic to cling to instead of just disappearing back to wherever it goes.”

“It might be helpful to let others know, too.” Josie said carefully, her face purposefully neutral as she felt his gaze bore into her. “More heads and all that.” Sebastian stayed quiet and Josie wondered if he considered her request or simply stewed in the reality of it. 

In the end he never answered, instead drinking his tea and looking over the map in silence. Josie stifled a sigh of her own, her lips pressing into a thin line and joining him as he pulled out Ambrasta’s journal once again. By the time Poppy passed through the room, she flicked Josie a worried and slightly confused look at the rising tension but didn’t comment on it as she sought to deliver another pot of tea to Natty and Garreth. 

A few hours passed of subdued work. Eventually the tension in Sebastian’s shoulders relented and Poppy rejoined them in their efforts to discuss possible locations within the Forbidden Forest. She was more than happy to help, even when Sebastian hesitantly shared their predicament concerning unicorn horn Poppy simply frowned.

“That’s a dangerous endeavor, Sebastian.” She said after a few moments, smoothing her skirt over her knees as she thought. “Harming a unicorn has terrible consequences. Life threatening ones that never go away. We’d be back at square one dealing with a new curse if done incorrectly.” 

“I’ll deal with that if it comes to it, she’s my sister.” Sebastian retorted, his gaze averting. “By that point, you all will have done more than enough. No need for selfless theatrics.” Poppy looked as though she wanted to say something more, her expression contorting in frustrated concern. It was a familiar sight, one that Josie was sure her own face held quite often when dealing with the difficulties surrounding saving Anne. 

The door opened to the Room of Requirement, drawing the three of their attention as Ominis pressed into the sitting room of Hollygate House. Sebastian murmured a subdued greeting as Josie’s face pinched in concern. There was a tension in the way he held himself as he moved into the room and pulled off his robe. He hung it primly near the front door before inclining his head in greeting. 

“Apologies for keeping everyone waiting.” He replied, his voice carrying a slight tremor of tension that Sebastian seemed to also hear.

“Did something happen, mate?” Sebastian asked after a moment, causing Poppy to crunch her brow in surprise. Josie moved to stand and join him, not knowing what else to do. Ominis was an exceedingly private man, she knew he wouldn’t appreciate having that conversation in front of Poppy, no matter how welcoming he was of her new friendship. 

“All is well.” Ominis lied, her voice doing a surprisingly good job of not giving him away. Sebastian seemed to relax slightly, his eyes trailing Josie as she placed her hand on Ominis’ wrist and stilled him. 

“Will you help me bring through another pack of biscuits and tea?” She asked, her voice soft yet urging. He frowned but nodded. Josie ignored the questioning look from Poppy, silently apologizing to her friend as she gathered the empty teapot and Ominis moved into the family room for an iota of privacy. 

Josie placed the teapot on the counter in the kitchen, allowing Ominis a moment of respite. He breathed out steadily, lingering in the family room with his eyes shut before silently joining her. 

“It’s nothing you need to worry about.” He offered after a few moments, his tone softening as she summoned another packet of chocolate and orange biscuits. She hummed, not entirely believing him as she took off the lid and disposed of the spent tea leaves. “Professor Sharp has asked me to… do something.” 

To her surprise, Ominis came to stand beside her, gently scooting the teapot over to fill it with water through a mumbled spell. She watched him, his finger pressed within the opening as he felt for the water line. 

“Is it a difficult request?” She inquired as she readied the new tea leaves, placing them within the pot once Ominis pulled his wand away. He hesitated, head tilting as she used a spell to heat up the water.

“He’s asked me to help you with your Occlumency.” Josie glanced at Ominis suddenly, catching herself just before she almost set the teapot on fire. If Ominis noticed he either didn’t mention it or cared not to draw attention. Instead he swallowed, gaze dropping. “I’m a proficient Occlumens, which Sharp has known since I was a boy but he requested… he requested I help you through Legilimency.” 

“You know how to?” Josie asked, unable to keep her astonishment neutral. It wasn’t the sort of thing she thought Ominis would learn readily. He grimaced. 

“I was taught it by my eldest brother at the behest of our father. It’s something I never use as it makes me feel uncomfortable but they thought…” Ominis trailed off, his frown cutting deeply into his cheek. Josie reached between them to rest her hand on his, biting her lip as he flinched slightly. “I’m rather unassuming as far as Gaunts go. They’d hoped I could be the one to use it on those who were more easily disarmed by my lack of sight.” 

She wanted to embrace him, the look on his face alone enough to make her heart ache. Words caught in her throat she simply stood beside him, reeling at the idea of magic on that level being taught to a boy outside of the protections of school or even the Ministry.

“It was when I was a child and still hoped for a way to earn their favor.” Ominis explained further when she didn’t comment. “It seemed a far lighter burden than casting Unforgivables on muggles and I’d already tried denying them once. I… would have been pushing my luck to do so again.” 

A quiet moment passed between them, one where all Josie could do was think to what sort of man would weaponize his child son like that. But then again, Josie had heard enough about the Gaunt patriarch and his eldest son to know the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Ominis had tried to be somewhat gentle with his explanation of their malice and sincere hatred for those they viewed as beneath them. Even then, it painted a gruesome and dark portrait. 

“It’s a very invasive magic. The caster can see the most intimate details of their victim's mind, sometimes without the victim even realizing it. There is no privacy when you’re stripped bare like that.” Ominis continued quietly as his head tilted towards her. “And I know you’ve already felt what pain it can cause.” 

“Why,” Josie suddenly asked, pausing to shake her raising emotions from her voice as she stared up at him, “why does Sharp want you to practice this with me?” 

Ominis frowned, brows twitching inwards at Josie as though she’d missed the point completely. 

“They believe the witch escaped and will likely try again. He’s gathered to some degree the importance of whatever knowledge you keep which this woman wants. If we’re leaving the castle, he wants us to practice building your defenses against Legilimency.” Josie nodded slowly, her own hesitation likely felt through their connected hands. The witch had already seen so much, the question now was if it truly worth it to continue to build the skill. 

“Do you think practicing Occlumency would be a worthy pursuit?” Josie asked carefully. He let out a slow breath, the feel of it brushing over her face.

“Yes, I’d imagine so.” 

“You simply don’t want to use Legilimency on me.” Josie concluded, shifting herself so she faced him properly. He nodded minutely, the worry lines along his eyes and forehead creasing as he leaned back against the counter. Josie carefully stepped into his space, eyes watching his expression shift slightly as she pressed herself against his chest. After a quiet moment, she felt his head dip in quiet agreement. “You don’t have to, if it makes you feel uncomfortable, but I trust that you wouldn’t hurt me.”

“That’s not entirely the point.” He retorted, his tone taking on a slight edge as tension strung through his shoulders and neck. It was a sore topic then, Josie realized, her mouth pressing into a thin line as she gently smoothed over the material of his jacket, her hands coming to rest along his lapel. “ No one should be inside another’s mind.” 

“Alright.” She placated, her voice a whisper. She dropped the subject, unsure it was wise to try and come to an agreement on the matter when he was so high strung. 

She drew her hands up the curve of his neck, gloved fingers pressing slightly along his nape. He stifled a sigh as his eyes slid closed and his chin dropped towards his chest. His nose grazed along the crown of her head as she continued the motion, her frown growing but feeling unwilling to break the tenuous something that hung in the air. 

They stayed like that for so long that the tea significantly cooled, evident by the lack of steam. It hardly mattered, Josie wished to ease his burden but knew precious little about his experiences and what he truly went through. She could empathize, but even that had its limits when faced with the reality of his upbringing. His childhood must have been wrought with fear and guilt. Pain and anxiety. And likely much death. 

His hand slowly came to grip her forearm, stopping her efforts to sooth him. His eyes slid open, revealing cloudy blue peering beneath a half-lidded stare; she allowed him to press her hands away. His fingers trailed along the material covering her arm as he searched for the familiar contour of her jaw. He held her there, head dipping down to press a sweet and sorrowful kiss against her lips. 

It felt like an apology, but she wasn’t sure what for; it was as though he took every terrible thing that happened to her as his own burning flame of guilt, adding to the fire he carried with him as a heavy reminder of his own perceived shortcomings. 

Her hands shook at the realization, fingers wrapping in the material of his jacket. The sound of the door to the family room opening caused them both to pause. He slowly pulled his lips from hers as she stepped out of his reach, her expression a mangle of everything she felt. Unsure she could face whoever joined them, Josie hurried to the pantry, pretending to busy herself in finding the biscuits that were already on the counter. 

“You alright, mate?” Sebastian asked, from the doorway leading into the kitchen. He was trying to sound nonchalant, as though he hadn’t noticed the tension in the room or the sadness that stricken his friend's features.

“No, not really.” Ominis replied honestly to Josie’s great surprise. She paused, her back to her two closest companions; not daring to breathe let alone move from her spot. “We’ll discuss it later.” 

Josie could tell by the palpable silence that followed that Sebastian was hesitant. “Alright, well in the meantime I have something to take your mind off it.” Sebastian offered, his voice taking on a more familiar cadence. “Natsai and Garreth have taken a break from their work and I think it’s time we… well, properly tell them what they’ve signed up for.” 

Josie carried the reheated teapot back into the sitting room to find it full of her friends. Sebastian placed the unopened pack of biscuits on the table alongside the newly filled teapot and the nearly empty bag of crisps. Natty looked tired but in high spirits while Garreth stifled more than a few yawns by the time Josie settled herself in the corner of the sofa beside Poppy. Ominis moved unhurriedly through the room before perching himself on the stuffed arm of the sofa beside Josie, his wand lazily blinking against his knee. 

Sebastian strolled along the length of the coffee table, hands stuffed into his trouser pockets. “There’s something you all should know before Fig gives us the okay to start our little journey.” He started, the edges of his words tinted in apology that caused Natsai to raise her tired brow. 

“Shouldn’t Josie be the one explaining the assignment?” Garreth asked, his head lulling back against the sofa as he curiously glanced between Josie and Sebastian. Josie shrugged, trying to hide her nervous gaze as she urged Sebastian to continue with a nod in his direction. 

“Well…” Sebastian started, his shoulders taking on a small tension that was likely imperceivable to the others. “The assignment is important and something that should be dealt with but we have another task at hand. One that Fig may or may not be aware of.” At that Garreth sat up, his face twisting in subtle disbelief as he met Natty’s gaze. She stared at Sebastian unblinking, her exhaustion almost forgotten in the intensity of her stare. 

Sebastian cleared his throat, glancing down at the table before reaching into his jacket and pulling out the well-worn journal. He thumbed through the pages slowly as though biding his time while he gathered himself. 

“Are you two familiar with my sister, Anne?” He asked suddenly, his gaze carefully lifting to jump between the two Gryffindors, a subtle weariness to his voice that only grew as Garreth nodded in recognition but didn’t comment. Josie hadn’t considered that her absence had been noticed by more than those in Slytherin; it was a silly thought, almost as though she’d assumed Anne only spoke with Sebastian and Ominis. Josie blinked away her thoughts, her gaze drifting from Garreth back to Sebastian. “I know there’s been a lot of… rumors about what happened but, well - ” Sebastian let out a breath and shot Josie a pleading look as he huffed another uncomfortable breath. She sat up, pulling the attention of her friends.

“It’s Ranrok’s doing.” Josie interjected at her friends’ behest, her voice grave. Josie watched as Natsai’s eyes widened and then her mouth pressed into a thin line, her understanding beginning to bleed into her features. “She was cursed by his goblin flock and has been terribly ill ever since.”  

“Bloody hell.” Garreth murmured, his concern flicking to Sebastian who pointedly did not meet his gaze. Sebastian shook his head as though to dismiss their pity, his jaw setting as he worked to replace his sadness with frustration. 

“Ominis and Josie found a potential cure. This journal tells of a ritual that could save my sister.” Sebastian held up the closed book, his head tilted downwards as he swallowed heavily. “We need help finding all the components for the ritual and the location to perform it. We think the Forbidden Forest will do nicely.” He explained, steely gaze raising to meet Natsai before sliding towards Garreth. 

Beside her, Josie heard Poppy release a tense breath, her fingers squeezing together as she watched on. To ease the tension Josie placed her gloved hand atop her friends, offering a small smile as Poppy’s gaze lifted to meet her. She mirrored her slightly awkward smile and nodded.

“St. Mungo’s couldn’t cure her?” Natsai inquired, her tone appropriately quiet as her expression softened, knowing the answer even as she asked. Sebastian simply shook his head.

“Nothing could.” He responded resolutely, the finality in his tone ending all other avenues. Garreth slowly took up a cup and filled it with tea, his brows furrowed.

“So this is a last go.” Garreth observed, his hand resting along the curve of the warm china as he settled the teapot down. “Something crazy.” To Josie’s great surprise it was Ominis who spoke up. 

“It will work if we can get everything together. I’d like to hear your opinions on the missing components if you’re willing to help.” Ominis said, his voice steadfast as he tilted his head in the general direction of Natsai, Garreth, and Poppy. Josie nodded along, her own gaze falling on each of her friends in turn.

She hoped they appeared united and their understanding of Ranrok paired with their growing friendships with both Sebastian and Ominis would lend itself to their desire to help. It all felt terribly underhanded but sometimes one had to use the hand they were given.

“I’d like to know more about this… ritual.” Natty relented her gaze steadying on Josie as she considered the proposition. “Show me the book.” 

***

Up until dinner time they outlined all that Sebastian and Ominis had surmised. The vagueness of the ritual was what caused the most anxiety in the group but upon hearing their ideas for how to bridge the gap, much of the tension relaxed. 

Poppy busied her hands by passing out a few biscuits to everyone that wanted some, offering Sebastian three in an attempt to calm his nerves turned defensive. He took them from her wordlessly, his eyes flicking to meet hers seemingly unaware of her kind venture. On the far end, Garreth and Natty were all business. Garreth, an accomplished potioneer and aspiring alchemist, took particular interest in the use of unicorn and the need for a catalyst. While Natty was by far the most critical of the plan overall. She went toe-to-toe with Ominis in his reasoning and countered Sebastian in his assumptions about the translation of the incantation. 

In the end it was Poppy who was able to look at the map and excitedly identify the unlabeled black marks. She pulled all attention to a particular marcation deep within the Forbidden Forest. 

“I got this map from Professor Howen! It should have been so obvious.” She explained, eyes shining and smiling wide. “They’re creature dens!” Josie peered over her friend's shoulder, eyes darting around the map.

“Merlin, Poppy, I think you’re right!” Josie agreed, her own smile spreading at the realization. 

“That might actually be very useful.” Natty mused, her expression lifting as she looked over the map. “If you need a unicorn we can probably figure out which of these marks are dens for the creatures.” 

“Or any other magical creature we might need.” Ominis added, eyes closed but wand pointed towards the group as he listened. Josie glanced over towards him, enjoying the way his face softened when his eyes closed; no brows furrowed, no slight scowl, just simply content as he followed the conversation. 

“Wait,” Garreth suddenly interjected, pulling her from her musings. Garreth blinked multiple times over before tilting his head to meet Sebastian’s gaze. “A catalyst.” Sebastian crunched his brow as he nodded. Garreth perched himself at the edge of the couch as he pulled his wand from his robe pocket. “You mean something that maintains and channels magic?”

Sebastian’s eyes fell on the Gryffindor's wand and suddenly the understanding washed over him.

“Like a wand core.” 

“But we’re already in need of a unicorn part for the ritual.” Poppy mumbled, confusion twisting her expression. “Can we double the amount to cover both needs?”

“No, no it doesn’t work like that.” Garreth relented. “We’d need another core type.” Ominis scoffed as he scratched the nape of his neck.

“I think we should avoid trying to obtain a dragon heartstring, if it’s all the same to you.” Ominis offered wryly, his hand brushing Josie’s arm as he settled back slightly. Josie glanced up at him, her eyes roving over his form before an idea struck her.

Josie suddenly stood as Sebastian jolted upright, their eyes glued to each other as the same idea shot through them like a bullet. He smiled as her gaze flicked upwards towards the ceiling. 

“Phoenix feather.” Sebastian whispered like a madman on the verge of a life changing discovery. They darted upstairs out of sight, leaving behind the slightly flabbergasted forms of their remaining friend group.

Chapter Text

Cottage in the Glen

Josie's gaze flitted around the glen as Ominis stood by her side, his wand inclined upwards as Sebastian called out after Vasilisa. Poppy, Garreth, and Natty had stayed back in the sitting room, Natty having wanted a word with the others while Sebastian gathered their feathered companion. 

Brilliant vermillion feathers, so dark and luxurious they almost appeared pearlescent red as she swooped away, Sebastian gave chase. His wand forgotten at his side, he chose to hoof it after her leaping with long legs over the creak as he came to it. Josie smirked, eyes trailing after her friend as he narrowly made it across, his gaze set upwards.

Josie felt Ominis brush her hand, a small gesture; one that seemed intent to remind her of his presence as their friend shouted in a field after a firebird. She smiled, taking his hand in hers and pulling him towards the tall rise of rock and grass that overlooked the glen. He followed readily, his wand keeping his steps sure as they trekked up the incline. Once at the top she sat, pulling him down to the grass with her. 

“Be honest with me.” She started as he got comfortable. Brow raising into his hairline, Ominis shot her an odd look as he propped his forearm on his knee. “When you were taking me to the redstone ruins - before we did the blood ritual - did you actually need my help climbing up the incline? Because to me, you seemed more than capable of traversing this one which, mind you, is far more unsteady.” Ominis huffed a laugh, a grin spreading like wildfire across his features and immediately Josie knew the answer. In the soft sunlight he looked absolutely dashing, his hair catching the sun just right as he inclined his head towards her. 

“Are you hoping for an answer in particular?” 

“An honest one.” She replied wryly at his cheek, rolling her eyes as a proper chuckle escaped him. There were no words to describe how easily he could pull her heart rate to quicken than with that look and that laugh. It was intoxicating and somehow wholly legal. 

“No, of course not.” He replied evenly as though it should have been the most obvious thing in the world. Josie scoffed, the sound carrying both her slight embarrassment and her own smile at his admission. 

“You absolute cad.” She accused, her own smile widening as the corner of his mouth quirked upwards, revealing a flash of his white teeth. “There I was trying to be helpful.” 

“You were very willing to be helpful .” She elbowed him lightly in response, her face warming. He reached out and grabbed her hand, pulling off the glove with ease to reveal the ring. She was slightly stunned by the effortlessness of the movement, wondering quietly to herself if he’d cast a spell to make it so as he ran his naked fingers over hers greedily. “I should have realized that if your attentiveness wasn’t a hint enough, then your willingness to partake in the blood engagement should have confirmed your interest.” Josie hummed, liking the way the ring reacted to his touch as a wave of warmth pulsated between them.

“Half-engagement. Mind you, I’ve done many ridiculous things in the name of helping friends.” He paused, grin widening as he swiveled to face her properly, her hand pulled to the breast of his gray-green vest. He cocked his head at her pompously, pressing her fingers into the fine material of his attire directly over his heart.  

“Ah, I see. So you’d have done the engagement with Garreth or Sebastian if they’d asked?” Josie paused, blinking at his question. What an odd question, loaded as it were.

Josie had always thought Ominis to be handsome, his eyes being the first to draw her undivided attention before his surprisingly open smile when they’d first introduced themselves to one another years ago. Initially she’d pushed those thoughts away, especially after their confrontation outside the Undercroft, deciding that he likely saw her as a kindling to Sebastian’s flame - one that may or may not do more harm than otherwise. 

But, no. If Sebastian had asked her to marry him for the sake of curing his sister, no matter how real or fake it was, she’d have declined. She’d already felt that their owed favors tipped heavily to his benefit and would likely have felt… like a step too far. It struck Josie then and there that, even back then, there was a different sort of trust she held with Ominis; a trust that made her sure that he’d honestly do everything in his power to keep their standing equal.

And Garreth… well, mentioning him had simply been Ominis’ way to not make the conversation seem like it was only about his oldest friend.

“No… I don’t think I would have.” She admitted quietly, having underestimated how taken with him she’d been and wondered when things changed from him being her friend to her wanting something more. 

In response he pulled her towards him until she collapsed against his chest. Josie let out a small noise of surprise as his other arm snaked around her waist to hold her there. He hummed in response and she felt it resonate against her. She leaned into him, her eyes fluttering shut as she breathed him in.

"Garreth knows." Josie admitted after a few moments, her voice light. 

"I'm aware." Ominis responded. "When he came to fetch me after you'd woken up in the Hospital Wing, he gave me an earful." Josie's eyes opened and she raised her head to peer up at him in surprise; she hadn't expected Garreth to say something. 

"Oh, I was feeling quite… vulnerable and admitted to him what the witch saw." He nodded curtly, a slight tension returning to him at the mention of that day's events. Josie continued quickly, in hopes to temper his rising frustration. "I hope he wasn't a brute about it." 

"Nothing like that, he simply warned me of your emotional state. He was understandably worried for you." Josie nodded into him, quietly relieved. 

Her hand raised to brush his shoulder, feeling how the muscle was taut despite his even tone. She pressed him backwards until he allowed her to push him flat on his back. He did so without restraint, lowering himself the rest of the way and reaching up to pull her down as his back hit soft grass. If Sebastian decided to chase the firebird up the slope he’d find them more or less indecently tangled; surely something he’d never let them live down no matter how well he’d taken their courtship. Josie watched his gaze soften as the motion, Ominis’ wand forgotten in the grass beside them as he gingerly reached up to grip the fabric of her skirt. 

She leaned over him, her hands coming to the curve of his neck and his jaw as she rested bodily against him. She held him there, chin on his chest and fingers running over taut muscles as his eyes slid closed. She didn't say that she was alright, nor that he had nothing to worry about; she knew at this point there was very little she could say to ease his frustration. She needed to give him more time to hopefully begin believing it for himself. 

Beneath her touch his muscles loosened. Finally feeling as though his mind was more at ease, she wordlessly rose to press her lips against his, enjoying the feel of his mouth curling upwards at the sensation. It was sweet and soft as they both sighed into the closeness. 

She tilted herself to deepen the kiss as his chin pressing upwards to meet her; they way their lips moved together was unhurried and slow despite her quickening pulse. His grip around her waist tightened as his tongue slipped into her mouth, languid and searching; the material of her skirt hitching slightly as he sought to pull her impossibly closer. 

"Guys?" Sebastian's voice called from across the glen. Josie jolted slightly at the sound but Ominis held her firmly in place. He kissed her again, this time along her pulse point. "You're not off snogging are you?" He asked his voice carrying from below and making Josie snort; the sound was muffled as she buried her face in Ominis' hairline. She felt as his own huff caressed the skin of her throat. 

Josie kissed him on the cheek as she pulled herself away, patting down her hair to make sure her bun was still in place. She leaned over the ledge and waved down at their friend with a wide gesture. 

"Up here! Glad you see you finally caught her." She shouted, Sebastian swiveled towards her and offered a small wave in return. He moved to the bottom of the rise, not taking the incline but deciding instead to crane his neck upwards in the shade of the grassy hill. 

"There's a delicate finesse to it." He offered, hand raising to run his fingers along the head feathers of the phoenix. "It didn't take tha t long." 

From behind her she heard Ominis snort, loud and indignant with the heavy implication that he wanted his friend to hear his response. "Your perception of the passage of time is alarming." He retorted, not bothering to show himself over the edge.

Sebastian shot Josie a sardonic look before turning towards the exit, Vasilisa still perched along his shoulder. "Well, I humbly apologize for wasting your precious time. You seemed so bored." Josie rolled her eyes, warmth rising to her face. "We'll get the feathers and then meet you at dinner later." Sebastian called, voice sounding far less annoyed as he exited the vivarium. 

Josie watched him go, feeling more than slightly embarrassed at his obvious allowance for their private time together. Ominis felt for her, his fingers pressing along the grass before finding the hand she used to prop herself up with. 

He pulled her attention towards him as he pressed up into his elbow, fingers gently wrapped around her wrist. “Would you like to join them?” He asked, head inclining after their friend. Josie considered him; patient and level as he waited for her response. She did want to join them, but she also wanted to stay if not just for a little bit longer. 

“Yes, in a bit.” She responded, her voice quiet as his expression softened from his careful neutrality. “The weather is dreadful outside today, it’s nice to have something far more… sunny.” 

It wasn’t really a lie, Josie reminded herself as she averted her gaze to look out over their high view. The glen was her favorite vivarium, not the most complex, nor interesting yet it was perpetually serene no matter what occurred beyond its proverbial walls. But she wouldn’t lie to herself, not in the safety of her own mind when it came to her desire to spend time alone with Ominis. 

She wasn’t easily overwhelmed by others, feeling used to the attention of many folks after the discovery of her Ancient Magic, then her survival of the dragon attack, and sequentially the astute rumors of her dalliances throughout the Highlands. Yet the sensation of friendships being put under pressure felt like another beast entirely. She didn’t want to face them, not yet. Even if she felt confidence in their understanding of their forced hand and their not-entirely purposeful inclusion of their involvement. Josie decided she was being cowardly, even as she sought resolution in the companionship she held most dear. 

Ominis nodded aimlessly, his own introverted tendencies making the choice more than easy for him, she was sure. He released her wrist before lowering himself back against the grass, eyes sliding shut as one arm moved to rest behind his head. Staring at his comfortable state, Josie shooed away the approaching nifflers with a few snacks and shiny baubles she kept in her satchel. She watched his lip quirk at the sound of it, he simply crossed his legs at the ankles. 

Watching the little creatures scamper off after being properly placated, Josie settled herself beside him. Her own eyes sliding shut she enjoyed the feeling of the sun on her skin and the softness of the grass beneath her. 

They rested for a long few minutes, the feeling of serene silence bar the flapping of jobberknolls’ as they flew overhead the only real interruption to their quiet listing. Josie must have dozed slightly, as she was jolted by the sound of Ominis sputtering. Eyes shooting open as she twisted towards him, she didn’t have time to stifle her laugh at the sight of two puffskeins rolling into her companion. He shooed them away, scowling at the soft creatures as they sought to roll beneath him, encouraging him on his side and into her. 

He grasped for his wand as he sat up, head swiveling on Josie accusingly. She reached out and grabbed his arm, helping both of them stand as the playful puffskeins wiggled and rolled around their ankles. He huffed in indignation as Josie hurriedly pulled him down the hill, enjoying the way he mumbled words of annoyance under his breath, his free hand raising to press against his heart. 

“I’d like to think they’ve taken quite a liking to you.” Josie said, her smile evident in her voice. Ominis scowled, his expression both embarrassed and annoyed as he allowed her to guide him down the slope.

“I’d like it if they didn’t .” He retorted, the harshness of it nothing more than the memory of frustration as he subconsciously squeezed her hand in his.

“Come on, let me show you the area the puffskeins and mooncalfs can’t get into.” Josie led him around the rise of the hill out of view from the feeder and the entrance. Ominis regained his senses, aiming his wand forward as she pulled him to the stone half wall. “This is where I practice my conjuration.” 

Ominis raised his brow, pressing open the wooden gate once she allowed him to move forward on his own. Wand sweeping over the pasture, his head tilted curiously. Jutting from the flat grass were a number of tall, broken pillars of varying sizes along a stone pathway leading further in. 

“I suppose that’s one way to practice.” He commented, brows in his hairline as he understood the sheer scale of the tallest one. “Merlin, you could construct a whole building here at this rate.” 

“I suppose I could. Should I?” He paused, head turning as though to watch her over his shoulder as she slowly followed behind him.  

“Surely you actually can’t.” She smiled, her teeth shining as she procured her wand from her pocket and hummed, aiming it at the small space between two pillars. Using the stone from their creation she transfigured them into stone walls and floors before conjuring a thatched roof that was very reminiscent of the one’s she’d seen out in the Highlands. The materials cracked and twisted into place right before her eyes. The dull red of Ominis’ wand bathed the creation in blinking light as he took a few steps forward. 

She watched him approach the single room cottage, small and unassuming in its design. He ran his fingers along the material, stopping as he came to the wooden door. Ominis pressed it open and entered, his wand aimed upwards before lowering to one side as he disappeared inside. 

Josie’s mouth quirked upwards at his exploration, slowly pulling open the front door and entering the space for herself. It was small with very little in the way of luxuries. A bed pressed into the corner of the cottage, a long piece of driftwood tacked to the wall as a shelf, and a small stump-like table surrounded by two similar material chairs. He stood in the center, expression unreadable as his wand turned towards her.

“Do you fancy this sort of home?” He asked suddenly, his eyes falling on her general location. She shrugged, moving into the room and pressing her satchel down on one of the chairs as she discarded both of her gloves. 

“I think I do to a degree. Something a tad bigger would be preferable.” She responded, not having thought too much about it. “I don’t like spaces that are too big, I hate feeling lost in a place that’s meant to be familiar. Homes that are massive make me feel like I’m unwelcomed.” He nodded, wand lowering as he mused over her words. 

“Coming to Hogwarts must have been a nightmare then.” She huffed, leaning against the table as she turned to face him properly. 

“It likely would have if I wasn’t so overwhelmed with everything else. I don’t think I really had the luxury of thinking about it. If anything, the size of Hogwarts made it easier to distract myself as I… figured everything out.” Josie paused as he moved to sit on the empty chair, his knee grazing her thigh as he stretched out his long legs. “That being said… I’ve always fancied the idea of a home just big enough for me and my own.”

“Just big enough?” He asked, wand hand resting on the table beside her, his charm seemingly unneeded in that moment. Josie huffed, feeling slightly embarrassed for having thought this far ahead. A small dream, something she’d considered even before her magic awakened. 

“Natty told me that when witches and wizards make homes for themselves they can add and change things at will; or at least, it’s as easy as any other spell to add rooms or what have you. Muggles have to spend hundreds of pounds and months of time to do the same.” 

Ominis raised his brow in surprise, that particular difference between wizarding kind and muggles seemingly never having crossed his mind before. “There’s more to it. Conjuration has its limits and, in order to make changes safely livable and permanent there’s a number of spells and likely help one would need to employ to make it so. That being said… living as a muggle sounds exhausting.” Josie laughed, the sound filling the small space.

“I’d imagine many things seem exhausting when you grew up with magic everywhere, but truly it’s not so bad.” She explained with a wry smile as his expression twisted at her mirth at his expense. “Unless you’d like to live in a massive house with magic everywhere?” He shook his head, the decision immediate. 

“I’d be quite happy with a smaller home, thank you. I manage well in our tiny dorms.” Ominis responded, his voice lilting as though a point was being made, his jaw shifted as a small smirk pulled at the edge of his mouth. “Magic would be a must though.” 

“I’d hardly call the Slytherin common room and dorms a small home. Especially since it’s inside a massive castle, but your point is made.” She added, her smile growing into a grin as she reached between them and mused his hair. Her idea of a small home and his were likely different, but that didn’t bother her in the slightest. His eyes closed in response, the feeling unexpected but welcomed.

He leaned into the feeling, offering her better access as his unseeing gaze encouraged her. Her heart stuttered at the sight, something so sheepish and yearning it almost felt salacious to indulge. With very little hesitation she acquiesced, threading her fingers through his golden hair and pulling it loose. Long strands of gold slid through her fingers, his hair soft and likely charmed to hold its position. He sighed into the sensation, his eyes sliding shut as she mused his locks, her nails scraping along his scalp. 

“You’ve been so on edge.” She whispered after a long few moments. Josie felt ready to discuss it, to lay her feelings bare about not only what had happened in Headmaster Black’s office but also with Iris Carrow. She couldn’t help but feel they were connected in some weird way, not directly but as though they mounted on each other, growing from the same womb despite their different origins. 

He frowned, brows furrowing slightly as he slowly brought up his hand to one of hers, capturing it. He pulled her hand from his hair and brought her palm against his mouth to press his lips into it. She swallowed at the movement, the ring vibrating at his touch yet she could feel the impending walls around his mind beginning to build.

“Nothing to be worried about.” He mumbled against her skin. “It’ll pass.” She frowned, unbelieving his words despite the deceptively earnest lilt to his voice. She stood properly, pressing her way between his legs. His eyes opened, brow raising questionably as she pulled back her hand and pressed it back into his hair. 

“I don’t know if I believe that, but,” she brushed his hair out of his face, watching the minute shift in his jaw, “if you really don’t want to talk about it, we don’t have to yet.” He shot her a derisive look with none of his usual fervor; his expression looked rather like an admittance to her assumption, something that he’d rather have buried and forgotten about.

He sighed, his arms snaked around her thighs to pull her closer as the minute muscles around his eyes loosened. She stumbled slightly, not expecting to be pulled flush against him, his nose and mouth pressing lightly against the space where her breasts met.

“I don’t like seeing you harmed.” He admitted quietly, a sadness in his voice that hinted at a far deeper meaning beyond his words. “It’s difficult to… feel what’s happened. And to remember.” 

There was the stem of it all, what caused his sporadic aloofness which seemed to be rooted in what had happened in the Headmaster’s office. She had very little memory of what actually had occurred, the conversation with the auror’s feeling blurry and capricious at best. Professor Sharp had spoken to her at length when she was finally discharged from the Hospital Wing; he’d informed her of the strangeness of the witch auror, the sudden attack on her psyche, the immediate arrival of her friends, and the ensuing attack that ended with the witch’s escape.

“That doesn’t make it your fault.” Josie offered after a moment of consideration. Ominis was a hard man to read when he wanted to be, but there was something in the way he bristled that revealed the truth in his trepidation.

“No, but I should be able to do more to stop it.” He retorted rather harshly, his voice taking on an edge. Josie sighed minutely, combing her fingers through his hair in a paltry attempt to soothe him. 

“You did plenty to help. Far more than - ”

“Then what I can offer isn’t nearly enough.” He snapped, his arms twitching around her at his admission. Josie stared down at him, her hands sliding to rest on his shoulders.

“Is that what you’re worried about?” Josie asked quietly, unsure what else to say to a man so heavily convinced. He rested against her, his head tilted away and his arms like an iron trap holding her in place. 

“There’s a lot of things I’m worried about.” He relented softly, his body reflecting the tension he hid behind his carefully crafted façade. It was jarring to feel his dismissal so fully, as though she could feel him dragging himself away even as he clung to her.

“I’m happy to be with you, that’s not going to change anytime soon.” She murmured, running her fingertips along the rise of his neck. “So at the very least you can rest easy if that was causing you distress.” Despite himself, he huffed; his breath caressing the material of her dress. She dragged his head to face her, hands rising to hold him by his jaw. His misty eyes rose to find her face. “I’d love to show you, if that’s alright with you.”

The easiest of all sentiments, she could see the twist of lust pool within him, something primitive and far less complicated than the fear and frustration he felt. Desire was something easily named and grasped, something he could let loose and let take control. His throat bobbed as his pulse beat against her fingers, she could feel the rising intent as his fingers caressed her longingly. He felt her through the woolen material of her skirt and bodice, searching for the clasps and familiarizing himself with its design.

She felt her own arousal mount, the sight of him uncontained by gentle delicacies urging something deep and cardinal within her. She was a fool to think she could break through to him here - like this. All they’d do tonight was momentarily forget what he hid from her, cloud it in pleasure as he buried his frustrations deep within her. 

Josie thought to try something different, something that would punctuate their impending entanglement in a way she’d hoped would lessen the strain on his heart. She leaned down, brushing her nose against him as his grip on her loosened just enough to allow the motion, his chin jerking to capture her but she moved just out of reach. “I think I’d be quite happy to share a little hovel like this with you.” She murmured against his skin, finding something that straddled both sentiments; one of admiration and another of lust, she watched as his brows pulled upwards and jaw tightened under her touch. He paused, his clever mind even within the haze of desire seemed clear just enough to understand her dual intent. “If you’ll join me, that is.”

She dragged her lips along the bridge of his nose, pressing a kiss into his furrowed brow to smooth the tension there. She felt him nod against her, a minute movement easily missed as he breathed out steadily. “Use your voice, love.” 

“Yes.” He said hoarsely. She leaned down and kissed the corner of his mouth, feeling as he twitched his head to meet her, this time a tad more gently than before. She smiled at the feeling, he kissed her softly as though they were strung together by something delicate that he didn’t dare sever; as though he too wished to desperately straddle the line laid between them of lust and comfort.

“Then show me.” 

He pulled her against him, moving to stand in one quick motion. She rose alongside him, his hands moving to cradle her face as he held her in place. He engulfed her, his larger form eclipsing hers as he arched over her, their lips moving gently together in quivering motions; fear and hesitation seeping through the familiar feel of their embrace.

Her heart beat heavily against her chest as his fingers dug into the back of her dress, bunching the woolen material. She pressed up onto her toes, parting her lips and taking his tongue greedily as his hand slid from her face into her hair. He pulled at her hair pins, carefully and gently discarding them until her hair fell loose around her shoulders, leaving them scattered along the stone floor of the cottage. 

He pulled his mouth away, breathing heavily as he held her close, foreheads pressed together and eyes half-lidded. Josie stared up at him, her own chest heaving from their embrace. Even then Josie could see the waxing of his affliction, the creeping thoughts like devil’s snare that clung to his mind. With shaking hands she pressed back his locks that had fallen into his face, light strands stuck on curled lashes until she brushed them aside.

“I trust you more than anyone." She murmured, her eyes searching for his expression but finding very little beyond the growing turmoil he kept locked away in his mind. "I hope you know that." 

Slowly she lowered her hands, allowing her fingers to graze the material of his shirt and vest before catching on his buttons and gently pulling them apart. He didn’t stop her, body incredibly still until her hands reached the very bottom of his vest, pushing aside the material until it exposed the white shirt underneath. With the intentions of making slow and similar work of the shirt beneath, Josie raised her hands to his collar but was stopped as his fingers wrapped around her wrist. 

Josie blinked, eyes snapping back towards his face just in time to watch his jaw twitch. 

“I mean it,” Josie said after a few moments of silence, Ominis seemingly lost within the confines of his mind, “you managed to find me even when I didn’t want you to. I wouldn’t…” Josie paused, twisting her wrist in his until his fingers gripped hers, his family’s artifact pressing against the pads of his digits. “I wouldn’t let just anyone share this with me.” 

She felt him drag his fingertips along the metal of the ring in quiet investigation, his brows furrowing as he let out an even breath. Josie smiled softly at the slight release of tension in the moments before he released her hands and dug his fingers through her loose hair. 

He captured her lips again, mouth moving in slow deliberate motions as he held her in place. She dragged her nails alone his chest, testing his reaction before finding the knot of his tie and slowly loosening it. The smooth silk came undone with ease, sliding away with one long, drawn out pull as he took her bottom lip between his teeth and gently grazed the sensitive skin. 

A moan escaped her, the feeling making her swallow hard as he pressed his mouth along the curve of her jaw. His reverie in her flesh was both soft and possessive. Her hands trembled as she unbuttoned his white shirt, trying to keep her focus on the task as he sucked gently on the tender skin of her throat.

“Stay with me.” He murmured against her skin, his voice quiet as a whisper. Josie sucked in a harsh breath as he bit down, her mind reeling as the last ebbing of her sober mind tried desperately to comprehend his meaning. Her heart leapt at his voice, at the feeling of him, and at the whispered promise his request implied. Josie nodded into him, her head tilting back to accommodate his musing. He pressed a kiss against the abused skin like a balm for the lasting ache, his own breath heavy against her growingly slick flesh.

Josie was unsure how she’d managed to focus enough to complete the task but when the last button was undone she ran her palms along his naked waist up over his ribs and to his shoulders, fingers grazing his skin as she urged his layers off. He reluctantly obliged, releasing his hold on her hair and back to allow his clothing to fall to the ground, his suspenders rolling off the subtle muscles of his shoulders to be left dangling from his trousers.

With his hold loosened she pulled away, stepping back just enough to be out of reach as her chest heaved. She admired his form as he huffed again, his expression contorting in aroused frustration at her separation; the back of his hand coming to wipe his mouth as he tilted his head in her direction. “You laughing at me, Gaunt?” She taunted, taking another few steps away. The room was too small for her to truly put any distance between them and, even though his wand laid on the table forgotten, he stalked forward with ease his steps unimpeded as he followed the sound of her voice. It was a thrilling sight, one that sent a tingle from the top of her head down to the tips of her toes. He looked positively possessive and borderline predatory. He scoffed, the sound deep and heady as his frustration formed into a smirk. 

“Never dream of it.” Josie smiled, biting her lip and he crossed the distance in a few easy steps; truly she could have escaped through the front door, but there was no part of her large or small that seriously wished to separate herself from him. The small cottage easily traversed in only a few long strides, Ominis found her without a moment's hesitation, his unseeing eyes trained slightly downwards as the heels of her shoes lightly tapped the stone wall behind her. His smirk widened as he pushed her against the wall and pressed himself against her bodily. 

The feeling was all encompassing, warm, and electrifying as his hands pressed heavily along the waist of her bodice and his hips ground against hers. He paused only a moment to find her lips, his chin nudging her until she arched into him. An enticing ferocity engulfed their kiss, his lips moving against hers intensely; Josie gasped as his leg slid between her thighs, pressing against her core. Sucking in a surprised breath, Josie searched for purchase along his skin, fingers dragging along the edges of his elbows and along his triceps until she found his face. He pawed at her bodice, the stiff material unrelenting even in his relentless exploration.

 She lowered one hand to run her fingers along the button of his trousers but her wrist was caught mid motion. He hummed into her throat, as he slowly pressed her hand above her head and against the stone wall. Josie swallowed heavily, her heart pounded against the confines of her bodice as he kept himself flush against her. Her other hand froze, tangled in his hair even as his eyes fluttered open. He paused, head tilted out from the crook of her neck with a piercing stare. 

Josie was captivated by him, his body so warm and his expression so demanding. In the times they’d been together before he’d always acquiesced to her wants, teasing her and enjoying her, but never quite being so insistent.   

It was thrilling to see the tiny show of playful domination shadow his expression; the angled lines of his jaw, nose, and the sharp upturn of his mouth pulling her attention as though begging her affection. She waited, stilling her body baring her raging heart until this new sort of Ominis released her from his spell. 

He held her there with one hand while the other came to the front of her dress, his fingers finding the buttons and slowly undoing them. Ominis pressed her legs further apart, his thigh purposefully brushing against her core as he pinned her in place. 

With a whimper her bodice came loose, the woolen fabric revealing the soft material of her shift beneath as Josie’s hands groped against the stone wall, her mouth pressed into a thin line as his fingers grazed over the curve of her breasts. He took his time, head tilted and eyes lidded as he traced her figure with only the tips of his fingers. She squirmed against him, her body reacting as though his flesh were electricity, until his fingers traced the valley between her breasts. Fingers splayed along her sternum he dipped his head towards her temple, nose nudging the top of her ear as he inhaled deeply.

“Do you like this?” He asked, his voice deep and heady as though he dragged the words through leagues of ocean to find her. Josie inhaled suddenly, the chill he left behind acting in direct opposition to the burning warmth of his body pressed firmly against her.

She nodded in response, her voice seemingly lost at the mixing of sensations. She wanted more, she wanted him to be both loving and fierce because she knew - she knew  - he could tell exactly how much she liked it.

“Use your voice, love.” He mimicked, his rising smirk a testament to his intent to throw her own teasing words against her. Josie huffed, enjoying the feel as his fingers twitched against her shift as her breasts moved along him. 

“Yes.” She replied breathlessly, not caring that he could easily sense the effect he had on her. He was pleased, Josie could tell by the unsubtle way his smirk widened and his eyes flashed with something. She was surprised when he finally released her wrist from where he’d kept it pinned against the stone wall. She lowered her arm only once she felt him shift her bodice over her shoulders before gently laying it along the nearby table. 

Feather light, he dragged his fingers along the cotton material of her chemise, the gossamer material leaving very little to the imagination as he found the dip of her waist where her shift disappeared beneath the gathering of her skirt. The headiness of his arousal pressing firmly against her combined with his thumb ghosting over the peak of her breast caused her breath to stutter again.

His hands roamed downwards, finding the waist of her skirt before lifting the heavy material over her head. She moved to assist him, watching with a heavily beating heart as he slowly and purposefully folded the clothing in half before discarding it with her bodice. 

Some semblance of soberness returned to him, his head tilting as he took her hand in his; his thumb massaging her knuckles and brushing his ring. He paused, his brow crunching as he felt the pulse deep within as his other hand came to rest on her hip almost as though to keep them both steady. It was such a unique feeling. Josie thought that when she eventually would come to tell Poppy some of the details about their entanglement that she’d struggle to truly do the binding any justice. It was like physical proof of their shared affection, a sort that bloomed when they were close and sought the other when they were apart.

The emotion that crossed his face wasn’t frustration nor fear but simply a startled recollection as he breathed out steadily. He pressed his lips against her ring, eyes fluttering shut as he slowly pulled her from the wall. He searched from the bed with his leg, bumping into the hardwood before gently setting her there. He crouched before her, palms guiding along her calf to find the tie of her shoes and pulling them loose. One at a time he undid them, mouth pressing against her knee as it brushed him. 

His expression spoke volumes to the words he couldn’t voice, a subtle regret as he sought to form a wordless apology; both for everything and for nothing in particular. It was a bookend to the trepidation he felt at the onset, a feeling that seemed no longer like weights pulling him beneath the surface but simply a memory of where this began. 

Josie traced her fingertips along the edge of his jaw until she cupped his cheek, head tilting as she watched him slowly and carefully discard her shoes and stockings. There was a reverence in his gaze that she hadn’t fully expected, the sort one couldn’t mimic nor fake. 

A determination settled over her, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth she pulled him up from between her knees. He followed suit, standing after a few moments as his hands gently found her shoulders for stability. Fingers pressing along the waist of his trousers, she undid them. If he thought to stop her this time, he stilled his own hands, allowing her the moment to discard them. Understanding her intent to some degree, Ominis kicked off his expensive shoes, leaving them forgotten as he stood before her completely bare. 

She touched his hips lightly, enjoying the way he reacted to even the slightest sensation. His skin was so soft there; small, dark freckles trailing from his waist to the gathering of blond hair below. She watched his expression shift, his jaw twitching as he inhaled slowly through his nose as though he dared not move. 

She gingerly reached for him, caressing his length with soft and experimental movements. Her eyes followed her efforts, enraptured by the way he responded to even the gentlest of touches. She took her time, enjoying the sight of him, unhidden from clothes or the rushed passion of other salacious acts. His manhood jumped excitedly as she intensified the pressure, if only slightly, his fingers digging into her shoulder where he held her. 

Josie paused, worried that she’d chafe him but at her hesitation he let out a sudden breath he’d been holding. She looked up to him, taking in his reddened face and slightly bared teeth. Encouraged by his expression she gently took him in her mouth. The action elicited a groan from deep within his throat as she ran her tongue along his head. He jerked slightly against her, his manhood sensitive and receptive to her languid touch. She gingerly moved along his length, enjoying the power of having his writhe from her touch in the way he’d done so many times before to her. 

A tension bloomed within her, encouraged by his gripping fingers along the soft material of her chemise as much by his sheer hardness. Any hesitation she had before simmered away into nothing as she experimented with her grasp and her tongue. She’d wanted so badly to taste him the way he’d tasted her, somewhat hurt by his hesitancy to allow her to do so but never quite having the courage to ask after it. But now as she pressed her lips firmly around the length of him and watched him react so viscerally, it reminded her of his expressions last they were together in the bath. 

She blushed fiercely at the memory as much as at the sound that rattled from his throat as she licked her tongue broadly along the entirety of his length. She could taste his sweetness, a surprising but not unwelcomed addition to the taste of him.

His breath hitched and then suddenly his grip on her shoulder tightened. Josie paused only as he gently pulled away, stepping back from her just enough to create some distance as the cord in his neck tightened. She worried she’d done something wrong, taken the act too far or perhaps not far enough; but her negative thoughts were all expelled when he scooped her under his arm and dragged her upwards so they could lay together side by side further on the bed; his mouth came to the shell of her ear.

“You’ll be my undoing.” He murmured into her ear, his arousal evident in the thickness of his voice as he pressed her close to him. She could hear the unevenness of his voice and they way his chest heaved against hers as his arms encircled her protectively as though she might slither through the cracks if he let her. His mouth was on hers in an instant in growing intensity as his tongue darted into her mouth, searching for hers with fervor. She arched into him, her palms running along his naked torso and caressing the tender skin of his scars as his hands explored the planes of her nearly exposed breasts. She gasped into his mouth as he pressed his naked thigh against her core, his manhood, slickened by her mouth, pushed hard against her hip and he kissed her deeply. 

His mouth dragged along hers, his own heavy breathes stifled as she ran her fingers along the curve of his ribs before crawling up the lean muscles of his back. He bit down along the soft skin of her lower lip, coaxing a sound from her only he'd ever roused before. Intimacy finally finding its pace, she no longer could sense his fearful frustration nor his clouding lust, just simply her Ominis as they lost themselves in the throws of familiar admiration.  

He pulled off her chemise in an easy motion that left her as bare as him; he buried his face along the dip of her collarbone, breathing in her scent as he left love bites near the rise of her breast. He gathered her in his arms and pulled her atop him. She straddled his hips, his manhood pressing into the warmth of her core. He paused, keeping his hands on her hips and slowing her. 

"Are you ready enough?" He asked rather breathlessly, his fingers twitching against her skin as though she burned beneath his grasp. Josie pressed herself along him, enjoying the hiss that escaped his lips at her wetness as it skated against his length. 

"Yes, love." She murmured, rolling slowly along his manhood two, three, four more times. He spasmed beneath her, locked in place as his finger dug further into her hips; encouraging her as her own breathing became uneven. Ominis’ jaw set rigid and his eyes bleary, she brought herself to his tip, taking him in her hand and guiding him against her entrance. 

She saw his chest heave as she inched onto him, her wish to prolong his need superseding her mounting want to take him fully. He pressed up into her, Adam's apple bobbing as he pulled her down against him in a slow motion. A whine escaped her as she let him, the feeling as overwhelming as it was breathtaking and familiar. 

Bodies shaking, he showed more restraint than she thought possible as he slowly lifted her along his length before lowering her again. She placed her hands over his, encouraging him as the act became easier. Using her own legs, she helped as he quickened the pace; they moved together as he nearly filled her completely. Her breath hitched, one of his hands finding her breast and her wetness completely coating him. He groaned, fingers digging into her hip so harshly that they'd likely bruise her there but she hardly cared and she dropped herself with force until he was fully inside her. 

She swallowed heavily as she panted into the feeling, beneath her he shook with the same desire she felt as they both caught their breath. "Come here." He murmured his voice strained as one hand wrapped around her wrist and pulled her down against his chest. 

His lips crashed against hers, warm and sloppy as he slowly thrust upwards already fully sheathed within her. Her breath hitched at the feeling, so full and wonderful that he repeated the motion as many times as it took to make her come undone. Her body felt hot and sweaty at the slow, sensual pace; her mouth opened to his, taking his tongue at the same slow rhythm as she took his manhood. He groaned into her mouth words that lost their meaning as one hand came to cup her face, his fingers lost in her tresses at her mounting climax. 

She whispered his name against his skin as she felt her core build in pleasure. He held her tightly in place as her walls constricted around his length, her hips spasming against him as she moaned into the crook of his neck. He groaned at the feeling, riding out her orgasm until she collapsed against his chest, legs shaking and heart pounding. 

He held her there, hearts beating heavily against each other as she came down from her climax. She rose to kiss him along his chest and then neck, enjoying how he moved like putty in her hands before she came to press sweet, languid kisses against his lips. He let her do it all; his arms wrapped around her, his hands lazily running patterns along her waist and back. 

As his energy returned to him, he reached up and grasped the back of her head, pulling her down so he could bury his face into her hair. He breathed slowly, even breaths. 

"Ominis." She urged, feeling as he twitched within her. He ran his fingertips along the rise of her breast, down the dent of her waist, and to the curve of her hips as he understood her willingness for more.

"I want you like before." He whispered against her skin, pulling away and kissing her along swollen lips before pressing her to sit up. Her breath stuttered at the feeling, him still fully inside her as she straddled him. His clouded eyes seemed dark against the attractive ruddiness of his cheeks. Josie felt a pulling at her core and his words, enjoying the realization that he wanted her to control the pace.

He gripped the thickness of her thigh, his other hand pressed against her abdomen as though to keep her steady. She breathed out as she slowly started rocking against him, taking all of his length as he pushed into her fully. 

He swallowed shakily at the motion as her hands came to grip his arm on her abdomen like a lifeline. She felt powerful in his want for her and what they shared; his expression contorted as he struggled to keep composure, a dusting of pink painting his face and neck as he thrust upwards to meet her. 

The wetness that drenched between them was obscene and the sounds they made as they rocked together was as lewd as it was arousing. She moaned his name, distantly enthralled by her want for him to finish inside her; a need for him to feel ravished by her body and her love for him until there were no other thoughts in his mind but of them together. 

She wanted him to know the lust she felt as she rocked faster against him, his body reacting to the medley of her moans and her core he wrecked. She wrapped her fingers around his hand, lifting it from her stomach and then brought it to her face. She took his finger in her mouth and sucked until her cheeks were hollow and she felt him twitch inside her. 

He came undone within her, eyes sliding closed as her hips jerked against her motions. Panting wild and erratic she felt him release inside her, her own core tightening and climax mounting as he cursed and called her name. She moaned around his finger, her orgasm hitting harder than before as he ran his thumb over her sensitive mound to help her finish. She spasmed around him, his finger falling from her lips as she yelled his name like a prayer. 

They slowed their movements, chests heaving and breath lost as she came down from her high. The feeling of him inside her was suddenly too much; her core thoroughly debased and overstimulated. As she jerked from his touch, he slowly dragged her down against the bed and pulled himself from her.

He held her tight, his body uncharacteristically warm against hers as he buried his face in her hair. They clung to one another, no words passing between them in the wake of their intimacy, her mind racing alongside her heart. He held her like she was life itself, his long arms encasing himself around her as though to protect her from some unseen force.

Josie's hands tranced circles along his back, urging her heart to slow as he nuzzled into her. Feeling him breath in and out steadily, she shifted so to better see him. His eyes closed as he slowly pulled away from her hair, his arms unwrapped from around her and his hands brushed against her ribs before settling there. 

"It doesn't need to be too big to fit us." Josie murmured, leaning towards him to brush her lips against the top of his chin. His eyes blinked open as his mouth quirked. 

"The house or the bed?" He asked wryly as he ran the tip of his nose along her jaw. Josie huffed, bringing her hands between them to brace against his chest.

"The house. We'd most definitely need a big bed, you're all legs." He chuckled, a lovely deep sound that rumbled against her. "You didn't used to be so tall, sometime after I returned from Christmas break last year I swore you grew a head taller." He smiled toothily, his clouded gaze brightening. 

"I see you were paying close attention." She rolled her eyes at him, enjoying the way he smirked down at her as though caught in some scandalous admission. 

Josie rolled on top of him, coming to rest on his chest as she settled her chin along his sternum. He tilted his chin downwards as though to peer at her, his curved brows raising at the sudden shift. 

"It's hard not to when you grow like a beanstalk." She replied, eyes roving across the planes of his face before lingering on the speckling of birthmarks along his cheek. "It helped that I always thought you were handsome." 

He blinked, his grin wavering slightly as he considered her words. Josie thought the concept of attraction by looks likely seemed strange to him, even if he understood other forms of physical attraction. She tilted her head into his chest, finding a birthmark near his gathering of golden hair and pressed her lips to it. 

"You have these little marks on your skin. They're very charming." She admitted, hoping to help him through the compliment. She gently dragged a finger from one to another, connecting his dark freckles one by one until he twisted to press his lips to her digit. 

"If I knew you thought I was so charming, I would have said something sooner." Josie raised her brow, dropping her hand to rest it along the curve of his neck. 

"Don't get me wrong, you could also be an uppity arse when you wanted to be." She added dryly, he chuckled as he shrugged, not even bothering to deny it. In response he pulled her closer to him, dragging her up his chest so they rested face to face. 

He pressed his lips to hers again, drinking her in as she sighed into the unexpected embrace. Hands gathering against slick skin and caressing disheveled hair, she moved against him at a slow and lovely pace. The feeling pulled a deep comfort from within her, the sort that'd allow her to sleep then and there if it weren't for their expected eventual arrival at dinner. 

If he remembered, he seemed unworried about their lateness in the shadow of his mouth dragging along hers with swollen lips. When he eventually pulled away for breath, Josie rested herself in the crook of his neck, huffing out a breath of her own. 

His mind had been cleared of clouded thoughts but it was only a matter of time until the musings of his idle mind would stir up his deep worries once again. She could see it already taking hold as his fingers dragged along the delicate line of her jaw and his misty gaze slid closed. They would eventually need to discuss what caused him so much turmoil, lest it drive a wedge between them. She frowned, worry suddenly gripping her heart at the mere thought of it. 

He felt the shift in her emotion, his own expression mimicking hers as his fingers stilled. "Is something wrong?" Josie let out a surprised breath, kicking herself before shaking her head. 

"We should head to dinner. The others are expecting us." She relented instead, her voice sounding relatively believable as Ominis hummed against her skin. He looked as though he had something to say, his lips pressing thinly against his slightly tensed jaw. Instead he nodded as neither of them moved to stand. 

It took very little for Josie to realize that he felt her hesitation and troubled thoughts.

Chapter Text

Nightstalker

Josie and Ominis entered the Great Hall together yet distinctively apart, nearly an hour after their time together in the vivarium. Ominis' focus had retreated somewhere deep into his mind as they pushed through the double doors though he tried desperately to appear unaffected by his own musings. Josie pointedly ignored him, the familiar spark of magic the bound them together fighting her attempts tooth and nail as he pressed on ahead of her as though it were mere coincidence they'd arrived together.

At the head table sat some of the professors and a number of unfamiliar auror's all dining together. Josie wasn't terribly surprised to see Professor Sharp not among the present, his dislike for Auror Nott a glaring reason as the auror in question chatted with the rather animated Headmaster Black; his keen smirk pressing deeply into his cheek as his sharp gaze scanned the room not unlike a vulture.

Eyes averting to follow the length of the Slytherin table, she felt a shiver run down her spine just before she found Sebastian’s gaze among the crowd of black and green. He jerked his chin towards the opposite end of the hall, Josie followed his motion until she saw the waving arm of Garreth sitting beside Natsai at the Gryffindor table. Her heart fluttered at the invitation; both as a show of their want to help but also as an easy excuse not to sit so near Ominis. 

“I’m going to check on Natty and Garreth, I’ll join you both in a minute.” Josie explained to Ominis who nodded cordially already a few long strides ahead of her. He slowed, pausing as though to fix an imperfection on his cuff as she strode by.

“Hopefully they’ve come to a decision.” He commented, his voice lilting in slight concern. “How do they seem?” Josie glanced over at the duo, her steps turning in their direction. They both appeared tired, a day of classes, classwork, and planning having taken its toll on them.

“I’m not sure, but I’ll let you both know once I find out.” Josie offered, flicking her gaze towards him as he agreed and moved towards their regular seats at the Slytherin table. He was careful not to brush her as he left her side, his arms tucked closely against his body under the impending gazes of the Ministry. She assumed he felt the odd tension in the room as readily and she did. Josie breathed out slowly as she made her way over towards the Gryffindor table hoping that maybe he could find comfort in the familiarity of Sebastian's company. 

Other than a few odd glances, no one commented on her green cloak joining the sea of red. Natty waved goodbye to a few of her friends as Garreth made room for her to sit between them. 

Josie greeted them but otherwise didn't know how to breach the impending conversation, especially in such a public space in the wake of revelation with Ominis just a short while before. Natty was all steel faced despite her kind features while Garreth looked ready to retire from the adventuring life for good by the way he hooked his thumb under his tie and loosened it. 

"This could have been handled better." Garreth started, to Josie's surprise. She'd expected Natsai to take the lead but at his weary expression she felt his trepidation. "Feels a bit… underhanded." 

"That wasn't my intention." Josie offered, understanding that wasn't the point. "It came down to setting us up for the potential to invite you all or not at all. I took the choice I thought would give us more options; I hadn't expected Fig to immediately speak to your families about it before I had a chance to explain… it, well, the details of it weren’t mine to tell.” Josie admitted in a quieter voice. Natty and Garreth exchanged quiet glances, the memory of Sebastian and Anne’s story obviously fresh in their minds as they spoke wordlessly. Josie tried again.

"It took a lot for him to be comfortable sharing that information with you all. He… hasn't been well since Anne got sick." Josie explained carefully, hoping the context would better shed light on their choices. 

"We'll come." Natsai said after a few moments, her brows furrowed as she looked over Josie's disposition. "Very little has stopped me when I see something that needs to be done. I see no reason why this should be different." 

"Besides," Garreth added, deep brown eyes sliding from Natty to Josie as a sly smile settled on his features, "Sallow loves us. He can't seem to get enough of us, and mates help mates." 

Natsai snorted, obviously not agreeing with his words but not arguing the sentiment. "What a better way to make sure you all come back in one piece than by joining you." Josie glanced between her two friends, noting their exhaustion and the tension that strung between them. 

She smiled despite it all, happy to feel that something settled rightly into place. "Thank you." She said earnestly. 

She dined with the Gryffindors, feeling absolutely ravenous after recent events. Garreth and Natty were great company, finding all sorts of manner of things to talk about whether it be exams, tactful rumors, or heavily veiled ideas for their upcoming travel. 

She was having such a nice time that she hadn't realized the number of auror's who'd begun meandering around the room. They were like scavengers, eyes on the student body as they finished their meals and tried their best to respectfully ignore the auror’s presence. It wasn't until she saw Professor Fig speaking to Sebastian and Ominis at the Slytherin table that she felt comfortable enough to do much else other than idle. She frowned, her goblet pausing at her lips as she looked over the scene. 

"Is it time?" Garreth asked, following her gaze. Josie paused for only a moment, eyes trained on Ominis and Sebastians’ suddenly serious expressions. Ominis spoke quietly, his mouth moving as he inclined his head towards Sebastian. In response both her friend and Professor Fig glanced across the Great Hall towards Josie and her Gryffindor companions. Josie silently set down her goblet, the shining gaze of her professor telling her as much as she needed to know as she moved to stand. 

"Grab Poppy, we'll meet on the Viaduct Bridge in fifteen minutes." 

***

The group briefing gathered their things and met together an hour before curfew along the Viaduct Bridge. Professor Fig had warned them of Auror Notts’ intent to mobilize in some way tomorrow morning, meaning that the meeting on the Viaduct Bridge turned into their brief meeting spot before departure from the castle completely. Josie had quickly dressed for heavy travel, dark trousers and light material exchanged for woolen skirts and blouses. Her companions had thought to do much the same, changing into clothing more fit for traversing the Highlands and entering the Forbidden Forest; they looked well put together and positively roguish in their ensembles and dark cloaks for travel. 

Once all together they moved quietly and quickly to the northern exit along the Hogwarts Grounds, their hoods pulled up and cloaks billowing behind them. Fear of the auror's made the halls sparsely populated long before the curfew bell rang, making their exit relatively quick and painless other than a brief conversation with Mr. Moon concerning their sudden interest to check on the thestrals. Which wasn’t the best excuse Sebastian could have likely come up with, but Mr. Moon simply shrugged and told them he left the side gate locked so good luck. 

They slowed their pace only once they passed over the bridge connecting the Hogwarts Grounds with the road to Hogsmeade, hearts pumping and hoods pulled down in the dark cover of night. The beginnings of their plan had been to enter the Forbidden Forest but beyond that they knew precious little about the whereabouts of the unicorn den let alone the exact location of the place of power. They needed to consult the map, but doing so on the open road felt far too exposed, especially in the wake of the goblin attacks and encampments that seemed to disappear overnight. 

It was odd, their camps were usually semi-permanent structures with large stumps thrust into the ground like spikes to protect their perimeter but once their ploy had been discovered and disassembled they almost seemed to vanish into thin air. Rumors would lead everyone to believe that the auror’s had gone in and demolished them, goblins and all but with the way the auror’s stuck very close to Hogwarts, Josie didn’t think that was the case. If they’d truly been tasked with uprooting the goblins camps they’d have roved the land between the castle and Hogsmeade. According to Sirona there were reports of the goblins flee ing Hogsmeade upon the return of the village folk in what appeared to be the middle of their organized retreat. 

Josie didn’t like at all that it felt that they’d gotten what they came for. 

The group decided to bypass Hogsmeade, the prying eyes for a group of students on the road so late at night would cause too much attention to be thrown their way. Even by Professor Fig’s recommendation, they knew it’d be better off for them to travel as discreetly as possible while folks might be awake.

From her enchanted satchel Josie had made mention of her two flying companions who’d be more than willing to help the group travel given only two people ride each creature. That left the final two to straddle the much less comfortable broom up until they came to the thick treeline of the Forbidden Forest; then it seemed unlikely they’d be able to reliably do anything other than walk the forest floor.

Poppy, Natsai, and Sebastian were very familiar with traveling alongside Josie on her various adventures; their countenance was that of alert readiness as the group stuck to the main roads. Garreth was a bit tense, this being his first romp outside the castle with the group, but there was nothing about him that was hesitant; in fact, he seemed almost thrilled at the prospects of what was to come. Walking behind Josie, Ominis seemed rather at ease, his shoulders pressed back and face fixed with a perpetual frown as he spread his awareness as far as his spell could go; Josie wished with all her heart that he didn’t feel so distant. Even after their departure from the Great Hall and the prying eyes of the auror's he couldn't seem to shake the cold exterior he held in place to keep their curious states at bay. Despite the ring and the constant reminder of their bond, their steps felt discordant, as though they were on separate planes of existence; mirrors of each other until one reached across the void to pluck the other from their perch.

When they spoke all was much the same other than Josie’s foreboding feelings on the matter; the changes appeared in the way he occupied her space, more distantly though fully focused on her. It was almost like he was making an effort to separate them, creating a distance while he considered whatever terrible thoughts writhed in his mind. 

Once Ominis’ pocket watch struck ten in the evening and they were well past the lights and activity of Hogsmeade Josie pulled forth the forms of Highwing and Caligo from her satchel. Each in turn the group introduced themselves to the hippogriffs, bowing and preening the creatures before any flying arrangements could be decided.

“I'm happy to fly with Highwing." Poppy offered, smiling as her hand ran through the cream feathers of the hippogriff. 

"The real question is who'd be happy to fly on a broom.” Sebastian added wryly, eyes darting from the Hufflepuff to the large winged beast with subtle discomfort. His love for magical flying creatures seemed to begin and end with phoenixes, Josie observed as Garreth ran his own hand through the feathers of Caligo, enjoying the way the onyx feather smoothed beneath his palms. 

“I can fly, but I won’t lie to you. I desperately want to give flying on the back of a hippogriff a go.” Garreth added, his eyes widening as Caligo tilted his head in his direction, smaller feathers around his eyes shifting as the hippogriff focused on him. 

“I’d rather not, if it’s all the same to everyone.” Ominis eased, his voice tense. No one needed to ask which he was referring to. Eventually Josie and Poppy decided to take the helm for the two hippogriffs while Sebastian took hold of Josie’s broom. In the end, Garreth joined Poppy on the back of Highwing, the hippogriff inclined her head as they both mounted. Poppy hopped up effortlessly before leaning down to take Garreth's arm and pull him up alongside her.

Josie watched as Ominis quietly approached Caligo, his head inclining politely towards the proud creature. They looked quite the duo as he stood with his fingers combing through the onyx feathers softly. Josie moved to stand beside him.

"Have you met a hippogriff before?" She asked quietly, her gaze watching the way Caligo leaned into Ominis' touch. 

"No, never." He replied simply, his voice curious as he trailed Caligo along the length of his back. Josie moved to stop him, knowing the creature didn't like to be touched towards his hind quarters but hesitated as Caligo clicked happily. 

"He likes you." Josie observed, as Sebastian and Natsai took off on the broom. Ominis huffed in disbelief.

"I doubt it. Gaunt’s don't have great relationships with magical creatures." He retorted, his frown deepening as he retracted his hand from his feathers. "It doesn't tend to end well for the poor things." Ominis seemed to lose himself in his thoughts, head inclining along the creatures as though to map it with sightless eyes. There was a vulnerable edge to his voice, sorrowful; it struck Josie that he must have held witness to many abused creatures along with people, she hardly thought the Gaunts’ would take kindly to noble beasts who required respect.

“When I first tried to groom Caligo he nearly bucked me with his hind legs.” Josie offered, remembering the cold fear she’d had at what was almost a grievous injury. As a child there’d been tales in Exmouth of folk being struck by horses in a similar way and never getting back up. “I almost learned the hard way that he doesn’t like to be touched often, especially there.” Josie indicated gently against his shoulder, pointing towards the area Ominis had accidentally caressed. 

Ominis let out a breath through his nose as he glowered at the beast in question. Caligo seemed to not notice or at the very least not care, his head tilted towards Highwing as Poppy led her a few paces away, speaking over her shoulder to Garreth as the redhead chuckled in mirth. Josie steeled herself for the flight as Sebastian and Natty seemed to have a sort of stalemate a few feet further again. What an odd mix of stubbornness. 

“Would you like a lift up?” Josie offered after a long bout of silence. Ominis raised his brow in surprise at the offer, as though he hadn’t considered a need for it. His hand slowly moved to rest on the beasts’ back as he sought to understand its scale. He frowned, brows pinching as Josie’s hand came to rest on his. “Caligo.” She requested in his non-answer. 

The hippogriff relented, his knees bending to grant ease of access to her and Ominis both. Ominis made a noise of surprise at the sudden shift, leaning backwards a step to offer the beast the needed space. Josie encouraged him, hand on his back.

“I’ll be guiding us, I’m afraid. Follow my lead, love.” She whispered along the exposed skin of his neck, he shivered slightly, seemingly on edge as she threw her leg over Caligo and settled herself as forward as she felt comfortable. Hand taking his, Josie guided him to follow. 

Ominis did so, somewhat unceremoniously, his arms coming to encircle her waist in jagged movements. “Believe it or not, Caligo is the more subdued of the mates.” Josie offered as the hippogriff rose back to his full height. Ominis pressed forward against her back, his heat inviting as his arms tightened around her. “Highwing is far more impulsive and brash. Caligo will take care of us.” Ominis grunted in response as his nose ducked into the twist of her hair. 

Sebastian and Natsai flew off ahead, quickly outpacing the winged beasts in the name of scouting ahead , but the excuse was thinly veiled at best. As Poppy took off, Josie could see that Garreth was awestruck by the experience. Left alone, Josie glanced over her shoulder to peer back at her partner.

Ominis nuzzled into the crook of her neck, his expression carefully controlled as he tilted his head in wordless agreement. She kissed him, soft and sweet along his hairline as he squeezed around her waist. He tried so hard not to make a fuss, the lack of adrenaline from chasing goblins leaving his apprehension unhidden and unforgotten. 

“Caligo is different than a broom.” Josie whispered, her words brushing along the top of his head. “He doesn’t want to be harmed any more than we do. This will be a much easier ride, I think.” Ominis finally lifted his head, eyes sliding open as he offered her a look close to determination and understanding. 

Beneath them, she felt Caligo shift, his wide wings unfurling as Josie settled into a position more suited for flying. She mumbled to the creature, explaining to him her intentions and a quiet request to take it slow. Unhurriedly they ascended. The grass beneath them sprang away as the hippogriff took off, Ominis held tightly around her waist as she gently guided the beast north.

Josie could just barely make out the rolling hills of the Highlands as they flew low, banking slightly to give a wide berth to a dilapidated cottage surrounding a forgotten pasture; Josie considered it’s abandoned state was likely due to its proximity to the Forbidden Forest, the foreboding shade of the tall forest acting like a wave of void in the darkness. After a long few moments of smooth travel, Ominis’ hold loosened gingerly and his head lifted from her shoulder. She smiled to herself as she felt the tension slowly drain from his grasp. As the edge of the Forbidden Forest came closer and closer, Josie commanded Caligo to rest himself at the base of a hilly rise.

Ahead of them Garreth was already dismounted, his wand alight and acting as a bright beacon in the dark night. Josie urged Caligo to land nearby, coming to a stop just in time to hear Garreth’s mirth filled voice.

“That’s loads better than walking!” Garreth exclaimed as Poppy absently pet Highwing, her form bathed in bright light; she looked just as exhilarated. Josie dismounted, brushing Ominis' arms lightly to indicate her intent. She slid from the beast's back, her gaze lingering on her animated friends. Behind her Ominis slowly descended, the act one of the few things that he hadn't mastered despite his blindness. Josie pressed her hand lightly into his back.

“Just a few feet drop.” She urged him quietly. Ominis eased under her touch, the fine texture of his cloak billowed around him as he found his footing, gripping her forearms momentarily for balance as he clutched his wand. “Was that better or worse than being on a broom?” She asked after a moment, trying with great difficulty in the darkness of night and the heavy shadows of Garreth’s spell to read his expression. 

“Better.” He responded somewhat unevenly. He swallowed before letting out a slow breath. “Yes, I think much better.” 

“To be fair, our last broom flight wasn’t a fair benchmark to compare with.” She replied dryly at her own expense. Her heart fluttered at the sound of his low chuckle, his fingers pressing against her skin before he slowly retracted himself from her.

He looked as though he wanted to reply but instead he cocked his head sharply just as Sebastian and Natty landed a few feet away. Natty nearly jumped off the back of the broom before smacking Sebastian in the arm. He yelped in surprise, his windswept hair and excited expression only slightly dampened by the abuse. 

“Sebastian Sallow, never again!” She shouted, her hand covering her heart as she motioned towards him. 

“What?” He asked through a poorly covered laugh as he brushed imaginary dust off of his shoulders. “I thought you did well, where’s that glimmering Gryffindor bravery?” Natty shot him a seething glare. Josie approached them, hands out to placate the rising tensions.

“We want to head into the Forbidden Forest before it gets too late.” Josie interjected hurriedly, glancing between her two friends as she held out her hand towards Sebastian. He handed her the broom, smirk dissipating at the mention of their destination.

“Right… why?” Sebastian asked hesitantly. Poppy glanced over, her hand outstretched towards Highwing as the hippogriff scarfed down something small.

“Because we have to be careful of traveling through the forest too close to the witching hour. The magic in the forest gets… weird.” Poppy explained briefly, her expression echoing troubled thoughts.

“What kind of weird?” Garreth inquired, his wand raised high above the group to illuminate everyone. They convened, attention drawn inwards as a brisk wind swept between them. 

  "Your magic doesn't work quite right." Josie explained. As all eyes turned on her she pressed her lips into a thin line. "It's hard to control the amount of magic something takes. Sometimes it doesn't take enough and the spell fails or… other times it takes too much." 

At the deep silence that fell between them, Josie had little else to add. It was the reality of the Forbidden Forest and, she’d assume, places like it. With the urging of Poppy, the only other who seemed to have known of the forests’ strange attitude towards magic, she took her satchel off and held it aloft. Highwing and Caligo were placed back in her enchanted bag before they moved in curious silence toeing the line of anxiety towards the bridge entrance of the Forbidden Forest. Their feet creaked against the footbridge, echoing through the otherwise silent night. Sebastian walked alongside her, wand at the ready and face looking especially pale in the light of his own lumos , his dark eyes trained on the forests’ edge. 

“We must keep to ourselves as much as we can.” Poppy’s voice cut through the silence aggressively despite her even cadence. “The centaurs would not take our group's approach well. They’ve been burned too many times by our kind.” 

From beside her, Ominis tilted his head as though a thought had only just occurred to him. “You’ve had dealings with them, I presume?” Poppy became flustered, her voice apologetic and humble as her face grew red hot. 

“Oh, no! I’d never presume to be familiar with them or anything. I just… there’s so much history between us and them that is shameful; we must be careful not to step on their toes.”

“Or hooves.” Sebastian murmured to himself. Josie tried to find it within herself to chastise him, but instead she fought her own rising smirk at the quiet joke. 

“Do you know where it’d be safe for us to rest for the night? We must find somewhere soon if we’re to be out of sight by the witching hour.” Natty asked, her annoyance at Sebastian seemingly dissipated as she glanced along the line of dark trees standing like soldiers heading to war. 

“As long as we’re close to the edge of the forest we should be alright, further in we’ll have to… be a bit more cautious.” Poppy relented, gaze darting up as they came to the tree line. Josie paused, gaze flicking over her shoulders towards her companions. There was a subtle apprehension that floated between them, if not for the forest itself than for the daunting task that lurked within it. She suddenly felt she should say something, something to encourage them in the face of the impending unknown as they steeled themselves to follow her into such an ancient and forbidden space.

“I - ” Her voice cracked. All eyes turned to meet her, standing before them with the Forbidden Forest like an arching wave of darkness behind her. She tried to swallow her sudden insecurities, her eyes darting from face to face before landing on Ominis. He frowned, brow furrowed as though he could taste her sudden apprehension. She quickly looked elsewhere. 

“You are the people I care for the most.” She started instead, her gaze landing on a gathering of rocks beneath Garreth. “I never thought when I came to Hogwarts I’d be so lucky to have friends like you, but here you all are. Thank you for everything.” She forced her gaze up as Natty’s hand came to grasp her own, their gloved hands squeezing. 

To her surprise she felt another hand clasp her shoulder, glancing up she was met with the wry half smile of Sebastian. “Pretty sure I’m the one who should be thanking everyone, Anne’s my sister.”

“True, but she’s our friend.” Ominis added from the back of the group, head inclined away and arms crossed, Josie could see his wand pointed in her direction as he turned.

  “We used to study together for Potions.” Garreth added quietly, his arms crossed and his gaze averted. “Back in third year, I mean.” To Josie’s amazement, Sebastian seemed equally baffled by the sudden admission. 

“You did what ?” Garreth huffed, gaze flicking towards Sebastian with an odd look.

“Study, Sallow. She’s clever, especially when it comes to brewing.” Josie could feel his fingers tighten along her shoulder, his composure forgotten as he came to terms with a friendship Anne had, apparently, not spoken about with him. He regarded the Gryffindor cautiously with the smallest hint of animosity. 

“Her and I were partners in Herbology our first year.” Poppy chimed in, her voice lilting curiously. Sebastian’s gaze darted towards the Hufflepuff with a softening expression. “You and Ominis were quite chummy and she loathed the idea of working with Everett or Constance Dagworth, so she settled on me.” 

“Settled is a bit harsh.” Sebastian mumbled, brow raising as his gaze landed on Natsai who’d stood head swiveling from person to person through the conversation. “And what, are you going to suddenly tell me that you and my twin were making daisy necklaces on the weekends?” 

Natty scoffed, her elegant brow raising as she gave Sebastian a once over that would make dugbogs shrivel. “No, of course not.” Sebastian rolled his eyes, his hand slipping from Josie’s shoulder as he moved to turn, but stopped as she continued. “We dueled in Defense Against the Dark Arts a few times. She wasn’t terribly subtle about her interest in my wandless magic and I’m not one to shy away from some healthy competition.”

Sebastian did a double take, eyes slightly wide as though seeing the group before him truly for the first time. He stood, slack jawed as Ominis slowly pressed through the crowd of others, coming to stand before his oldest friend with an annoyed look on his handsome face. 

“Did you truly think she lived in a bubble? There were plenty of people she spent time with outside of you and I.” Ominis chastised, his expression simmering and weighing heavily on Sebastian. “Honestly, Sebastian.” 

To that Sebastian’s face turned red, a light dusting across his freckled cheeks as his shoulders tensed and he quickly turned away. He cleared his throat, his voice taking on an aggravated edge as he spoke. “Point made, Gaunt, but we have more important things to do than stand here and talk. Josephine, if you won’t start us off, then I will.” 

With a tone of annoyed finality, Sebastian began forward into the Forbidden Forest, his movements stiff and his gaze firmly fixed ahead. Josie stifled her smile lest he look at her and see her mirth at his expense as she pulled her hand from Natty's and began after him. 

The trek no longer felt quite as daunting after the shared moment of levity in Sebastian's realization. Even as the mist dispersed the light of their lumos spells, they still found themselves with their nerves intact; at least until the creaking began. 

Ominis was the first to react, reaching out and grabbing Josie by the shoulders to pull her attention and still her march. Her head swiveled to look at him, and saw nothing but tense concentration. She shushed the others, the sound soft yet far too loud in the dense forest.

They stood stalk still, eyes wide and wands at the ready as they listened intently for what Ominis heard. The sound of bowing wood, shifting under heavy weight called their attention to the boughs of trees overhead. Garreth lifted his wand to illuminate the source but only further muddied up their vision in the clinging fog. Josie felt Ominis squeeze her shoulder as he tilted his head slightly in her direction.

“Three.” He whispered, his voice nothing more than a breath as his steadily blinking wand pointed upwards. Josie swallowed, not daring to look away from the canopy as her mind raced with possibilities. She’d seen many manners of creatures that inhabited the Forbidden Forest, but she wasn’t so naïve to think she’d met every shift and shade that hid just out of sight. 

Eyes trained upwards, she aimed her wand in the direction of Ominis’ focus, gaze unseeing but trusting his ears more than any of her senses. She hoped the others would understand, wished more than anything they’d somehow know her plan without her breaking the silence to voice it.

“ Confringo! ” She shouted, the spell lashing out with a roll of fire above them, licking the boughs of dark wood and leaves as it illuminated the creatures within. 

Dark and chitinous, with long spindly arms and grotesquely small proportions for the length of their fingers, their eyes were wide and bulbous with large brown irises whose pupils narrowed to pinpricks at the sudden burst of light. Skin like leathery armor they spread their arms, flesh pulling taut to reveal gossamer thin wings. 

“Go!” Someone yelled. Reaching behind her, she grabbed a handful of Ominis’ shirts and ran. Deeper into the Forbidden Forest she followed the foot path for as long as she could before diverting at an ancient fallen log and pivoting off the path. Ominis’ hand rose envelope hers, pulling her from his shirt to take her hand; no longer being pulled along, he squeezed her palm against his as he ran on his own accord. Behind them she glanced to see with great relief the waving wands of Garreth and the others as they followed suit. 

Sebastian hurled a bright spell up into the canopy somewhere in the distance, illuminating his face for a split second before engulfing him once again in darkness. Poppy shouted a warning into the night followed quickly by Natty's voice whipping like a lash as she cast flipendo , brightening her and Garreth in a wash of purple light a few feet closer. 

Ominis' head jerked in the opposite direction. He pulled Josie back into him, shouldering her behind him as he aimed his wand in the direction they'd been running. Manifesting out of nothing but black smoke and mist, one of the chitinous creatures took solid form mere feet in front of them. 

" Depulso !" Ominis cast, sending the creature reeling back with just enough force that it shattered against the nearby tree behind it like combusting ice. Josie flinched, her own wand aimed where the creature had once been but eyes unbelieving at its sudden, violent demise.

Josie heard Garreth yell close by, she swiveled to face him with a renewed focus despite her frayed nerves. Garreth’s wand sliced through the air, sending a wave of sharp magic against the flesh of one of the creatures. It took a few moments for Josie to register that the creature held onto him with long, spindly arms and fingers like curved needles. Josie raised her wand, her heart pounding.

“ Diffendo! ” She incanted, her magic rolled off her in a powerful wave. Garreth reeled back as the creature’s arm was severed from its torso, he thrust his wand into the creature’s chest, his face red. 

“ Bombarda! ” He shouted, illuminating the space immediately before him and momentarily blinding them both as the creature exploded into mist and physical darkness. Somewhere farther away, a high-pitched screech sounded through the forest just before a flash of dual lights burst from wands. Then there was silence. 

Chest heaving and adrenaline rushing through her veins, it took Josie a long few moments to realize that the immediate danger was over. It wasn’t until she saw the faces of Natsai, Poppy, and Sebastian emerge from the darkness relatively unharmed that she finally released a shaky breath.

“What in Merlin’s name was that ?” Came Garreth’s voice through the darkness, his body coming into view as he recast lumos . Josie didn’t know what the creature was, she’d never seen anything like it before; as though it were a massive bat made of darkness itself. When no one answered, Natty stepped forward, her face darkened by some sort of viscera from the creature. 

“It would be safer to find a place to rest sooner rather than later.” Natty commented, her eyes searching each of them for injury. Her gaze fell on Garreth who nodded in response. Josie was unsure exactly what her Gryffindor friend did, but when he held his arms out between them, they held a bundle of canvas. 

“Come on then, let’s get this put up.” They helped Garreth set up the tent, its light coloration standing out like a sore thumb against the dark landscape but there was precious little they could do about it at this point. Once the tent was propped up, Josie and Natty walked around the perimeter casting protective charms to guard the space to the best of their abilities. Josie silently thanked Professor Ronen for his inclusion of the charms at the beginning of this school year. Ominis stood just within the perimeter, eyes closed as he simply listened; ears perked for approaching creatures and humans alike.

When it finally came time to enter the tent, Josie’s eyes blinked at the sudden change of environment. Poppy and Sebastian lit the room, circling the perimeter as they illuminated a large common space much like an informal dining room. Josie collapsed at the table near the center, head resting against the worn wood as she heard the others do much the same around her. 

They sat in utter silence with nothing but the sound of shifting canvas and exhaustion between them. Josie settled her head into her arms, face buried into the table as she let out a ragged sigh. 

“Is it safe to sleep here?” Sebastian asked, his voice sounding just as exhausted as she felt. Josie didn’t bother to raise her head as she considered his question. It should be safe, but at this point it was a better plan than her alternative.

“We put plenty of protection charms along the perimeter. Some that alert us if crossed and others that repel those who try to cross it.” Natsai responded, her voice confident despite their lack of real-world practice with the spells. Josie frowned, keeping the expression hidden as she mused over the difference between practical and theoretical experience. She grimaced. 

Lifting herself upwards, she watched as Natty used a cloth to wipe her face. From it, deep black liquid came free; Josie and Natty blinked down at the coloration, but it was Poppy who gently reached over and ran her finger through the viscera. 

“Nightstalkers.” She offered, voice quiet but curious as she pressed the thick liquid between her fingers. “Terrible things that usually only cycle during the solstices.”

“But it’s May.” Garreth added, his brows crunching. Josie glanced at her friend, eyes catching on the light cut along his neck where the creature had evidently scratched him. It seemed a small price to pay for such an aggressive attack, no matter how short lived it actually was. Poppy shook her head, shooting Garreth a glance of equal confusion.

“They shouldn’t be here, not yet. The next solstice is summer and that’s not until June.” Poppy mused, her expression turned worried as she absently wiped her fingers on Natty’s cloth. Sebastian stared at the cloth, eyes narrowed and troubled as his mind whirred. Josie was about to ask after him when he suddenly scowled. 

“Can Nightstalkers turn invisible?” He asked, eyes trained on Poppy who jumped slightly at his dramatic shift in countenance. Poppy met Josie’s gaze for a moment before nodding.

“I guess it kind of looks like that. They turn into shadows.” She explained, hands worrying in her lap as Sebastian stared at her. “Or something close to shadows, I'm not terribly familiar with them.” 

“The Amalgamation, it… it could do something like that. It left behind black, sticky stuff before it turned invisible.” Sebastian nearly interrupted, his voice layering over his Hufflepuff counterpart. Natsai’s gaze snapped to meet Sebastian’s, her dark eyes wide in understanding.

“Yes, yes it did. We knew it was a mixture of wizard and… goblin by the sounds of, but what if there was something more?” Natsai added, her tone equally encouraging and disgusted. 

“What kind of monster can simply… force that many other things together that don’t belong?” Garreth asked, his tone rhetorical as he gingerly ran his hands through his hair. He cringed at the movement, stuttering as his right elbow raised above his head. 

Josie had an answer, though she didn’t have the strength to will his name into their safe space. Even so, as Josie glanced around the table she knew the others were thinking it, their eyes lingering on her questioningly. She pressed her lips into a thin line and dug her fingers into the tabletop as she stood. 

“Let’s rest for the night. We’ll want to travel as much as we can tomorrow and it’ll be safer during the day.” She started, eyes averted as she glanced around the wide tent. “A little safer, at least.” Following her que, the others stood, their own bags let loose in the common space as Garreth pointed out the different nooks for sleeping quarters. Apparently, the tent belonged to the Weasley family; a parting gift to borrow from Professor Weasley in their daunting assignment. 

There were enough sleeping quarters for most everyone to have a space of their own. Not that anyone hardly cared, they were all so tired Josie was certain that if Garreth had called out the benches to the table as their beds their group would have collectively shrugged and tucked in. 

Once left to her own devices, Josie pulled shut the canvas of her small room and set to change into more appropriate night clothes. She peeled off the layers of travel leathers before sliding on her gown and pulling her plush blanket over shoulder. Pressing her face into her two pillows, Josie sighed heavily, hoping more than anything that, whatever tomorrow may bring, it’ll be far smoother sailing than today had been. 

The plush bed, pillows, and blankets were inviting yet foreign, the smell of heavy canvas and enchantment oddly comforting as she snuggled into place. From one of the other nooks, Josie could already hear the muffled sounds of snoring and the odd muted conversation as those who shared sleeping quarters settled for the evening. She smiled to herself at the sound, unsure exactly how someone had been able to fall asleep that quickly. 

The canvas flap of her nook shifted, causing her eyes to fly open and her body to grow rigid as a form pressed through in the darkness. After a moment she recognized Ominis, his head inclined downwards as he lingered in the doorway, one knee pressed against the floor as he seemed to gather his senses and likely his nerves.

“May I join you?” He asked quietly. Josie shifted to face him properly, eyes not quite yet well adjusted to seeing in darkness. He almost sounded sheepish in his request, hesitant but hopeful in the rare opportunity for them to share quiet comfort even in the presence of friends. As far as she’d gathered, he and Sebastian were meant to be sharing a room on the opposite side of the tent.

She reached out between them to find his hand, pulling him into her room in quiet approval. Once he realized her intent he followed quickly, pulling the canvas shut behind him as he settled himself near her. He sought her out through touch, his hand running up her arm, along her shoulder, until he came to rest on her face. Josie leaned into the feeling, eyes fluttering shut as she let out a slow, sleepy breath. Silently she lifted the edge of the blanket, urging him beneath it. 

She felt him slide into bed beside her, his arm dragging down to encircle her. The motion guided her back against the cushion of their bed, their blanket pulled high around their shoulders as he sighed heavily into the crown of her head. 

It was serene and right the way they fit together, even in the foreign space within the dark reaches of the Forbidden Forest, his grip on her felt more than enough as home.

Chapter Text

 Parasite

A stirring beside Josie pulled her from her light sleep. Bleary eyes sliding open, she awoke to the familiar form of Ominis pressed so closely into her side she could scarcely make out the finer details of him. His head lulled against his pillow, eyes shut and fluttering slightly; he looked so peaceful in his rest and it dawned on Josie that she’d rarely had the opportunity to watch him sleep. Their years in History of Magic did no justice to the experience of seeing him with mused hair, wrapped in soft linens beside her. She dared not breathe too heavily, not wanting to wake him; he appeared so peaceful and at ease that she contemplated slowly lowering herself back against the pillow and simply watching the slow rise and fall of his chest in place of beginning the inevitable chase of the day.

Josie jolted slightly as the arm draped over her hip slid upwards along the soft material of her chemise. Heart fluttering, she allowed him to snake around her waist and pull her into him further. Her breath hitched at his searching fingertips, caressing the curve of her spine as he exhaled slowly into gentle awakeness. “Morning.” He murmured in greeting as he settled her under his chin, pressing down into her tangle of bed mused hair. Josie breathed in slowly, working to wake herself up as she twisted herself to be comfortable against his chest. 

“G’ morning.” She mumbled back into the material of his shirt. He hummed in response, the rumble reverberating into Josie as neither of them made any attempt to rise. 

From her understanding, and from years of listening to Sebastian complain, Ominis was an early riser. The sort who enjoyed awaking before others and going about his business long before his peers had even so much as considered what day of the week it was. So in lying against him, pulled along his form in loving soft comfort, she smiled wickedly to herself in the privacy given to her between their sheets. 

It wasn’t until the quiet sounds of shuffling beyond their canvas walls became more prevalent that he made an effort to wake them both. Josie could easily have ignored the hushed voices and the shuffling's of a day properly beginning, but she could feel in the way Ominis fidgeted beside her that some part of him grew anxious to join them.

They dragged themselves from each other with great displeasure, the events of yesterday suddenly laid out to bare as her shoulders and calves ached. She tried not to audibly groan, instead releasing a strangled huff as she righted herself, sitting up in bed with bleary eyes. The simple act should never be quiet so difficult. Unsure how he managed to make waking in the middle of the Forbidden Forest look elegant, Josie glared at Ominis as he sat up beside her, rolling out his shoulders with deft and concise movements.

His arm grazed hers and he paused, head inclining towards her wordlessly almost as though realizing that she’d lost steam halfway through getting out of bed. He leaned over and pressed his lips softly against her temple before trailing downwards until he found her mouth through practiced trial and error. Josie inhaled through the sensation, not having realized she’d closed her eyes again, they quickly fluttered open. 

“Come on, love. We ought to join them.” She huffed at his logic and reason, momentarily burying her face into the crook of his neck in protest. He chuckled against her mess of hair, nose dragging along the top of her head as he continued. “If we don’t they’ll come in and find us. I’d rather just face them head on, if it’s all the same to you.” 

Josie paused at that, her head slowly rising to peer up at him. He pulled away slightly, unseeing eyes blinking in subtle surprise at her shift in body language. 

“You don’t mind if they notice?” She asked hesitantly, thinking of his exceedingly private tendencies. He frowned slightly, brow twitching as he considered her words as though she had deeply wounded him.  

“ Josephine ,” The way he said her name sent an odd shiver down her spine, somewhere between accusatory and reprimanding. She chalked it up to her tired mind playing tricks on her in their early morning proximity. “You’ve made it abundantly clear that these are the people you want to share everything with. I’m not… I don’t want to hide our courtship, not really; but beyond our close friends, it’s a necessity.” There was a pleading urge to his voice, one that made her slowly nod if not just so he knew she understood his meaning.

“I just didn’t think you’d be willing to be so…” Obvious seemed the right word, but her thoughts fell flat as more sounds of someone quietly bustling about in the common space pulled her attention. She couldn’t see any movement beyond the thick canvas, either being a testament to the fine quality of the enchanted tent or to the level of privacy charm allotted to each chamber. 

“Brash?” He provided, single brow raising as he brought one leg up to his chest, their blanket falling from his body. Josie watched the material slip away, her gaze lingering on his bed attire and the comfortable intimacy they shared.

“Well, yes, I suppose that fits nicely considering you slipped into my bed last night.” She supplied wryly, watching with great satisfaction as he bristled. 

“You make it sound lewd, I was a perfect gentleman.” Josie snorted, the sound far too loud for such a quiet time. Even so, her grin widened.

“I’m sure my parents would agree if you’d said as much to them.” To that Ominis blanched, mouth pulling into a handsome grimace as his free hand reached up and massaged his face. Content in his displeasure, Josie righted herself completely and waited until his hand dropped to press a chaste kiss against the freckles of his cheek. “I like that you joined me, so don’t get any funny ideas of brooding somewhere else next time.”