CHAPTER 11 - SANCTUARY AT BONES MANOR
CHAPTER 11 - SANCTUARY AT BONES MANOR
We walked through the house, Aunt Amelia pointing out various rooms and features. The house was large but cozy, filled with warmth and character. Each room told a story, from the well-stocked library to the comfortable living room with its roaring fireplace.
As we walked, we talked about everything and nothing—my plans, her work, and how we’d manage day-to-day life together. It felt good to have these normal, everyday conversations, to plan for a future that didn’t involve pain and fear.
By the time we finished the tour, I felt more settled and at ease. We ended up in the kitchen, where Aunt Amelia made us some tea. We sat at the table, sipping our tea in comfortable silence for a while.
“Are you feeling ready to start rebuilding your life, Ares?” she asked finally, her gaze steady on mine.
I took a deep breath, thinking about the long road ahead. “Yes, I am. I know it won’t be easy, but I’m ready.”
She nodded, her expression serious but supportive. “Good. We’ll take it one step at a time. Remember, you’re not alone in this. We’re in this together.”
“Thank you, Aunt Amelia,” I said, feeling a surge of gratitude.
As the evening approached, I felt a mix of exhaustion and contentment. The day had been filled with small victories, each one a step towards reclaiming my life. I knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Aunt Amelia’s support and the strength I was finding within myself, I was ready to face them.
Aunt Amelia looked at me from head to toe before finally nodding. "Now you look proper. Almost looked like a beggar before. We might not be from a most ancient and noble house, but we are still from the Noble House of Bones. We have to show some decorum," she said with some pride at her choice of outfit.
I looked down at myself and found a simple white button-up shirt with a light beige vest, tucked into a pair of matching beige pants, completed by a light beige coat and a proper pair of leather shoes. It was really impressive that all this was put on me in less than a minute but really embarrassing. And it must have shown on my face as I saw Aunt Amelia holding back a smile.
"Come on now, Ares, let's get you to your new home," she said as she grabbed my hand and pulled me along out of the room and towards the other end of the hall as SAL flew over and landed on my head.
I looked around with great interest, curious about how the wizard hospital worked, but to my disappointment, I couldn't see into any of the rooms, and we were walking too fast for me to really get a good look at anything. The only interesting part was when we reached the lobby, where a bunch of weirdly dressed wizards and witches were waiting, reading newspapers or books with moving pictures. Some were in a state of panic, trying to explain their ailments to the matrons.
We arrived in a hall with about a dozen fireplaces with small green fires in them. People were coming in and out of the fireplaces with a flash of that emerald flame. Aunt Amelia guided me towards one of the fireplaces, and I could feel the warmth and magic emanating from it.
"This is how we'll travel home," Aunt Amelia explained. "It's called Floo Powder. Just step into the fireplace, say 'Bones Manor,' and you'll be transported there instantly."
I nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Aunt Amelia handed me a small handful of Floo Powder, and I stepped into the fireplace. The green flames tickled my skin but didn't burn. I took a deep breath, threw the powder down, and clearly stated, "Bones Manor."
In an instant, I was whisked away, spinning rapidly as the world around me blurred into a swirl of green. I stumbled out of another fireplace and found myself in a grand but cozy living room. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with ancient tomes and family heirlooms. A large, comfortable sofa and armchairs surrounded a crackling fire in the hearth.
Aunt Amelia followed right behind me, stepping gracefully out of the fireplace. She smiled warmly. "Welcome to Bones Manor, Ares. This will be your home from now on."
I looked around, taking in the rich history and warmth of the place. "It's beautiful, Aunt Amelia," I said, feeling a sense of belonging.
She guided me through the house, showing me the various rooms. There was a well-stocked library, a dining room with a long table perfect for family gatherings, and a kitchen where the delicious smells of home-cooked meals lingered. My bedroom was spacious and inviting, with a large bed, a desk, and a window that offered a stunning view of the garden outside.
As we finished the tour, Aunt Amelia looked at me with a soft smile. "I know it's a lot to take in, but I want you to feel at home here. This is your sanctuary now, a place where you can heal and grow."
"Thank you, Aunt Amelia," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I already feel like I belong here."
She nodded, her eyes filled with pride and affection. "Good. Now, let's settle in and make this place truly yours."
We spent the rest of the day unpacking my things and arranging my room. Aunt Amelia helped me organize my books and belongings, and by the time evening fell, the room felt like a perfect blend of my old life and the new one I was beginning.
"Alright, Ares, just a handful of Floo powder and yell out 'Bones Manor!' Nice and clear. Also, keep your arms tucked in and your eyes closed—you don't want any ash in your eyes," said Aunt Amelia while passing me a bucket of slightly glittering powder.
I grabbed a handful as she instructed, stepped into the fireplace and onto the small green flame at my feet, and yelled out "Bones Manor!" as clearly as I could while throwing the powder at the flame.
The flame flared as the powder came into contact with it and swiftly enveloped me. I could feel myself zooming through something, but I kept my eyes closed as Aunt Amelia told me to. I also held my breath just in case. Suddenly, I felt myself land somewhere, and due to the abrupt nature of the landing, I stumbled forward. Thanks to my quick reflexes, I didn't fall onto the floor. After a few steps, I opened my eyes, took a few deep breaths, and felt that SAL was still with me.
I looked around and found myself in an old-fashioned living room. The space was filled with Victorian couches in darker colors, and a beautifully engraved coffee table sat in the middle. To my left, I saw shelves lined with interesting devices, a cabinet filled with a variety of tea sets and boxes, and the wall to my right was filled with bookshelves, living up to the name.
Aunt Amelia stepped out of the fireplace behind me with a practiced ease, dusting off her robes. "Welcome to Bones Manor, Ares. This will be your home from now on."
I continued to take in my surroundings. The room had a comforting atmosphere, with warm, rich colors and intricate details that spoke of history and care. "It's beautiful, Aunt Amelia," I said, feeling a sense of belonging.
She smiled warmly. "I'm glad you like it. Let me show you to your room."
As we walked through the house, Aunt Amelia pointed out various rooms and features. There was a dining room with a long table perfect for family gatherings, a well-equipped kitchen where delicious smells of home-cooked meals lingered, and a library filled with ancient tomes and family heirlooms.
We reached my bedroom, which was spacious and inviting. A large bed with a cozy quilt dominated the room, and there was a desk by the window that offered a stunning view of the garden outside. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and there was a comfortable armchair in the corner.
"This is your room," Aunt Amelia said. "I hope you'll find it comfortable. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Aunt Amelia," I said, feeling a surge of gratitude. "I already feel at home here."
She nodded, her eyes filled with pride and affection. "Good. Now, let's get you settled in."
We spent the rest of the day unpacking my things and arranging my room. Aunt Amelia helped me organize my books and belongings, and by the time evening fell, the room felt like a perfect blend of my old life and the new one I was beginning.
As we finished, Aunt Amelia stood back and looked around with satisfaction. "There, that looks much better. Now, how about some dinner? I'm sure you're hungry after all the excitement today."
My stomach growled in response, and I laughed. "Yes, I could definitely eat."
We headed to the dining room, where a delicious meal awaited us. We talked and laughed through dinner, and I felt a warmth in my heart that I hadn't felt in a long time.
I heard the fireplace roar behind me and found my aunt stepping out gracefully, followed by Tilly.
"Well, this is my home, which means it is now yours as well. It is smaller than Bones Manor, but due to the attack and the ministry being extremely busy dealing with the fallout caused by You-Know-Who's fall, I haven't had any time to deal with the issue. Your room will be upstairs next to Susan's. She should be sleeping already, so I'll try and explain your situation to her tomorrow morning. For tonight, you can just use the pajamas waiting for you in your room. I'll leave some money for you and Tilly to go shopping tomorrow as she knows what will be considered appropriate. Now off you go, we will all talk in the morning," Aunt Amelia explained.
I followed Tilly as she guided me to my new room. We passed by a few sleeping portraits in the hall and I spotted a few cabinets with a variety of interesting decorations, but that was all.
"Here you are, young master. This will be your room," said the house-elf as she opened the door.
"Thank you, Tilly, but you don't have to call me young master. Ares will do," I responded while giving her a smile.
"No no no, Tilly couldn't possibly do that! Tilly is a good house-elf. She is a good elf of the noble Bones family. She can't disrespect the young master," she declared as if it was a great insult to herself and to the family.
"Okay, Tilly, I understand. But still, thanks and goodnight," I sighed at her behavior.
'They really are that subservient, huh,' I thought, remembering my past life.
"It's Tilly's honor, young master. Pleasant dreams," she said, and then simply disappeared from where she stood.
I entered my new room and found it warm and inviting. A cozy bed with fresh linens, a small desk by the window, and a wardrobe with a set of pajamas laid out for me. The room was simple but comfortable, a stark contrast to the cold dungeon I had been trapped in not too long ago.
I changed into the pajamas and climbed into bed, feeling the weight of the day finally catching up to me. As I lay there, I let out a deep sigh, allowing myself to relax. The room was quiet, save for the occasional creak of the house settling and the soft rustling of leaves outside the window.
The bed was incredibly comfortable, and I found myself sinking into the mattress. The blankets were warm and soft, cocooning me in a sense of safety and comfort I hadn't felt in a long time. The events of the day played back in my mind, but instead of the usual anxiety and fear, I felt a sense of hope. Aunt Amelia's kindness and the prospect of a new beginning filled me with determination.
I entered the room and took a quick look around. There was a Victorian four-post queen-size bed, covered in red sheets with an array of pillows waiting for me. A massive and detailed Persian rug covered most of the floor. A nicely crafted, dark wooden dresser was in the room, and the same type of wood seemed to have been used to make the closet doors.
As I took in my new surroundings, I noticed a large mirror standing against the wall opposite the dresser.
'Huh, I just realized that I haven't really seen my face since I came to this world. I've just been automatically thinking it would be like my old one. Wonder what I really look like after that hell?' I suddenly thought as I walked towards the mirror.
Standing in front of the mirror, I hesitated for a moment before looking at my reflection. The face that stared back at me was both familiar and strange. My hair was dark and unruly, falling in waves around my face. My eyes, a piercing shade of green, held a depth that spoke of the experiences I had endured. My skin was pale but clear, with high cheekbones and a strong jawline.
"Well, Lady Death did say she would take care of my looks, and I guess she wasn't kidding about that," I said as I finally saw my face for the first time.
I traced my features with my eyes, noting the differences and similarities to my old appearance. There was a certain ethereal quality to my new visage, a hint of otherworldliness that made me look both more striking and slightly unsettling. Despite the changes, I could still see the essence of who I was beneath the surface.
Taking a deep breath, I turned away from the mirror and approached the bed. The red sheets and multitude of pillows looked inviting, and I couldn't wait to sink into the comfort they promised. As I climbed into bed, I felt the softness of the sheets against my skin, a stark contrast to the cold, hard surfaces I had been accustomed to.
Lying there, I allowed my mind to drift. The room was quiet, save for the gentle rustling of the trees outside the window. The sense of peace I felt earlier returned, stronger now that I had seen my new reflection and accepted the changes.
The nightmares that had plagued me seemed distant, overshadowed by the hope and determination that now filled my heart. I fell asleep quickly, dreaming of a future where I was no longer defined by my past but by the strength and resilience I was discovering within myself.
As I lay in bed, the soft rustle of leaves outside the window and the gentle creaks of the old house provided a soothing backdrop. My thoughts wandered to the challenges ahead and the opportunities for growth and healing. I was no longer a prisoner of my past but a survivor charting a new course.
The first rays of dawn were peeking through the curtains when I awoke the next morning, feeling more rested than I had in a long time. Stretching and sitting up, I glanced around my new room, feeling a sense of belonging and optimism. Today was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
After freshening up and changing into some of the new clothes Aunt Amelia had provided, I made my way downstairs, guided by the delicious smell of breakfast. The kitchen was warm and inviting, with Aunt Amelia and a young girl who I assumed was my cousin Susan bustling about. Susan looked up as I entered, her eyes widening with curiosity and a touch of nervousness.
"Good morning, Ares," Aunt Amelia greeted me with a smile. "I hope you slept well. This is Susan, your cousin."
"Good morning," I replied, returning her smile. "Nice to meet you, Susan."
"Hi, Ares," Susan said shyly, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. "Welcome to our home."
"Thank you," I said, feeling a bit awkward but genuinely happy to be here. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you better."
Breakfast was a hearty affair with eggs, bacon, sausages, and toast. As we ate, Aunt Amelia filled Susan in on my situation, explaining that I had been through a lot and would be staying with them for the foreseeable future. Susan listened attentively, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and determination to make me feel welcome.
After breakfast, Aunt Amelia suggested we take a walk around the property. The house was surrounded by lush gardens, filled with blooming flowers and well-tended shrubs. There was even a small pond with ducks swimming lazily on the surface. The fresh air and serene environment were a welcome change from the oppressive atmosphere of the dungeon.
"How are you feeling, Ares?" Aunt Amelia asked as we strolled along a garden path.
"Better," I admitted, taking in the beauty around me. "It's nice to be somewhere safe and peaceful."
"I'm glad to hear that," she said, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Remember, you have a family here who cares about you. We're all in this together."
As we continued our walk, Susan chatted about her interests and hobbies, trying to include me in the conversation. She told me about her favorite books, her love for magical creatures, and her excitement about returning to Hogwarts in the fall. I listened with genuine interest, grateful for the normalcy of her chatter and the sense of connection it brought.
The day passed quickly, filled with moments of laughter and shared stories. Aunt Amelia and Susan made every effort to make me feel at home, and I found myself gradually relaxing and opening up to them. In the afternoon, Tilly returned with bags full of new clothes and supplies, which we sorted and put away together.
By evening, the house felt truly like home. We gathered in the living room, sharing a cozy dinner and watching the magical equivalent of television, a device that projected moving images and stories. It was a pleasant end to a day that had been both emotionally challenging and deeply rewarding.
That night, as I lay in bed, I reflected on how much had changed in such a short time. The nightmares were still there, lurking at the edges of my consciousness, but they were no longer as powerful or consuming. I had found a new family, a new home, and a new sense of purpose. And for the first time in a long while, I felt truly hopeful about the future.
With these thoughts in mind, I drifted off to sleep, dreaming once again of a future defined not by my past but by the strength and resilience I was discovering within myself.