Timeless Beginnings
"Well, you sure know how to make an entrance," Ominis remarked with a playful grin.
Theowen chuckled softly, her amusement tinged with memories of their past together. "It was quite the arrival. I’m not usually one for grand entrances, but being attacked by a dragon does leave an impression," she said, a hint of irony in her voice.
Ominis raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching. "Enjoying the attention, are we? You seem to fit your house well."
"Not quite like that," she replied with a playful grin. "Maintaining an air of mystery has its advantages. It keeps things interesting."
Ominis chuckled warmly. "Indeed, it does. Should you need any guidance navigating your first days here, let me know. Though, I suspect you'll manage just fine," he offered, his concern for her evident.
Theowen leaned slightly, a habit she couldn't seem to shake despite knowing he couldn't see her. She gave a tantalizing smirk, momentarily forgetting how familiar she was being. She knew Ominis had a knack for reading her, even with the slightest gestures. "I'll hold you to that."
Her playful reply made him raise an eyebrow, his lips twitching as if he was surprised. Theowen flinched inwardly, realizing she had crossed a line. Aware of his preference for distance, especially with unknown persons, she quickly corrected herself. "Well, don’t be a stranger," she added lightly, masking her momentary lapse with casualness before withdrawing to give him space.
Glancing around the common room, she sighed with relief. The other students were absorbed in their own activities, unaware of their conversation. Despite her newfound status as a fifth-year and the incident with the dragon, she decided to avoid further attention. Stepping away from the fireplace, she knew she would eventually have to confront Sebastian.
Turning towards the chess area, she spotted Imelda Reyes. In her previous timeline, Theowen had never gotten the chance to befriend Imelda, preoccupied with adventures beyond Hogwarts. Yet she had always sensed a kinship with Imelda, both possessing strong-willed personalities. Approaching tentatively, she intended to reintroduce herself. Imelda was deep in advising—more like reprimanding—her fellow students on chess strategies, culminating in a decisive checkmate.
Imelda turned to her with recognition. "Ah! You’re the new Slytherin who arrived with Professor Fig. Quite the entrance, stealing the spotlight from the first-years. I’m Imelda. It’s a pity I missed the dragon; I could’ve easily lured it away with my legendary broom skills," she boasted confidently.
"I have no doubt," Theowen replied dryly, introducing herself. "Theowen Thorne, pleasure," she added, extending her hand. Imelda accepted the handshake, her expression now challenging. "Not convinced? Perhaps I’ll show you a thing or two about flying. I can teach you more than Kogawa ever could."
"We shall see," Theowen smirked, hinting at a future challenge, before leaving Imelda to her musings. She chuckled softly to herself; teasing Imelda had proven unexpectedly enjoyable. Despite inhabiting a fifteen-year-old body, her mind felt much older, finding it difficult to revert to adolescent mannerisms after everything she had experienced.
Her thoughts were interrupted as she noticed Sebastian pacing by the fireplace, a large tome in hand. She swallowed nervously, hoping to avoid any confrontation. I’m here to fix things, not escalate them. Steeling herself, she approached cautiously, noticing the forbidden book in his possession. Sebastian's gaze met hers, suspicion flickering in his eyes, wary of being caught breaking the rules.
"Can I help you?" he inquired, his tone both guarded and curious.
Recognition dawned in his eyes as he realized who she was. "Ah, the new fifth-year. I’m Sebastian Sallow. Welcome to Slytherin."
She managed a tight smile, careful not to betray her discomfort. "Thank you."
"Not everyone arrives with a Ministry escort. A dreadful start, though I’m glad you and Fig are unharmed," he remarked, subtly gauging her background. She responded cautiously, mindful not to reveal too much compared to her previous, more enthusiastic demeanor. "It was... quite an experience."
Sebastian’s lips pressed together slightly, uncertain how to proceed without breaching social etiquette. Sensing his discomfort, Theowen politely brought their conversation to a close. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Sebastian."
He nodded warmly. "Likewise."
"Is the new fifth-year Slytherin here? Professor Weasley’s waiting by the stairs," a student called out, saving Theowen from further conversation. She nodded in acknowledgment, making her way towards the stairs where Professor Weasley stood—a middle-aged woman with auburn hair neatly pinned back and thin spectacles resting on her nose, embodying Hogwarts' tradition and prestige.
Recognizing Theowen, Professor Weasley greeted her with a welcoming smile. "Good morning. Are you ready for your first day at Hogwarts?"
"As ready as I’ll ever be," Theowen replied, relieved to re-embark on her tour and induction into Hogwarts alongside Professor Weasley.
Theowen traced the intricate letter 'H' embossed on the leather cover of the book. She smiled, reuniting with her old trusty Wizard's Field Guide given to her by Professor Weasley. While Weasley was still explaining to her what was expected—OWLs at the end of the year, etc.—she started flipping through the pages. Sketches and illustrations began to swirl as she laid eyes on the first few pages until she finally skimmed through the map. An idea sparked in her mind; the map was very familiar to her, and she knew the locations of the repositories and other interesting sites. Though she needed time and space to straighten out her thoughts and set her plan in motion.
"You would be wise to take full advantage of this exceptionally valuable resource," Weasley ended her explanation on the features that this enchanted book could do.
"I'm sure I will," Theowen smiled before continuing, "Professor, I have always dreamed of seeing the Hogwarts Library. May I have a look before going to my first class?"
The Professor's eyes widened in amusement. "Visiting the library on your first day? Before classes? Very studious, like the Ravenclaws. Are you sure you were sorted into the right house?"
Theowen giggled at the Professor's jest. "I’m afraid my motives are more towards sightseeing. I’m not even sure what to prepare for the classes," she replied, being careful not to be too out of character. She didn’t want to alter events more than necessary.
"Quite right," the Professor agreed. "Would you like me to show you where it is?"
Theowen shook her head. "No need, Professor. This is actually a good chance to become more acquainted with my Field Guide."
"Very good," the Professor nodded, satisfied with her answer. "Now do remember to get to your classes on time. I believe you have Charms first."
"Yes, Professor," Theowen confirmed before suddenly pausing. She tried to remember the events that happened afterward. Not long after, she realized what she had been missing the entire time—my bloody wand! Theowen wanted to kick herself for forgetting such an important tool, too distracted by the thoughts of reuniting with her lover.
"I see that you are worried about something. Has it got something to do with the events that transpired yesterday?" Professor Weasley questioned, her brows lined with worry.
The question took Theowen aback slightly. It did bother her before; any fifteen-year-old would be traumatized seeing someone murdered or, worse, eaten by a dragon right before their eyes. Though to her, those events had happened more than nine years ago. Denying it outright would raise suspicion. "Well, yes. It was harrowing, Professor. Though I owe it to Professor Fig for saving my life and protecting me throughout the entire ordeal."
"Yes, definitely so," she nodded in agreement before pursing her lips. "Though I have my suspicions about the fact that Professor Fig has been incredibly tight-lipped about the events leading up to Hogwarts."
Theowen pressed her lips together, her brows knotted. Professor Weasley sensed that the new pupil would not reveal much more than what was said. She sighed. "Well, I’m sure you and Professor Fig have reasons to keep the details to yourselves for now. But please know that you are more than welcome to talk to me anytime if there is any trouble."
"About that, Professor," Theowen added, knowing now was her chance to request a visit to Hogsmeade. "My school supplies. I’m afraid all has been lost during the dragon attack."
"Ah, yes. I was planning to talk about that to you after classes. We’ve arranged to replace the supplies lost on your way here—including seeds, potion recipes, and spell crafts. And Mr. Ollivander will connect you to the perfect wand."
"I’m keen to get to Hogsmeade," Theowen said in relief, "after my classes, of course," she added, showing Professor Weasley that she had no intention of skipping classes.
The Professor smiled. "Very well. I’d like you to make your first visit to the village with a classmate to help you get your bearings. Perhaps Sebastian Sallow? I noticed that you’ll be attending a class with him later in Charms, and he is in the same house as you."
Theowen frowned ever so slightly, trying her best not to give much away. Initially, she thought of asking Natty to join her this time round, but the fact that she hadn’t attended Charms class would give a proper excuse on how she knew the Gryffindor. She paused, trying to come up with a solution. She didn’t want to go with Sebastian, especially fearing her state of emotion on what she’d do to him when she got her wand back. Her eyes widened as she came up with an idea.
"Actually, Professor. I would like to go with another student," Theowen started, clutching her hands together nervously, "only if that student is comfortable, of course."
"Oh? I don’t see any problem with that. Pray tell, what’s the student’s name?"
"We are from the same house, Professor. And he did offer previously to guide me around for my first day here," Theowen cringed at herself, wondering why she had to explain herself like a bumbling teen. "Ominis...Gaunt?"
Professor Weasley’s eyes widened. "The Ominis Gaunt?"
"Yes," Theowen confirmed nervously.
The Professor went silent for a while, her eyes filled with thoughts. The pause felt eternal, with every passing second making Theowen’s stomach sink lower. "Very well, I will ask Mr. Gaunt if he would be willing to accompany you to Hogsmeade."
With the Professor’s confirmation, Theowen breathed a sigh of relief before her breath was sucked in once more as Professor Weasley came close to whisper something to her. "Though I do warn you, my dear. Though children may not see it, adults, unfortunately, do. Especially our headmaster, Professor Nigellus Black."
"Yes?" Theowen whispered back in confusion.
"It is none of my business, dear, but I think it would be fair to warn you. Mr. Gaunt is engaged to our Headmaster’s daughter. Please beware of any friendship you are forming with him, as you will stoke the ire of our Headmaster and also the fact that there are," the Professor stopped momentarily, uncomfortable with the next words she was going to say, "pure-blood fanatics who would not see kindly to you being close to Mr. Gaunt or any of your classmates belonging to the 'Sacred Twenty-Eight'."
Theowen gulped. "Right." She had forgotten once more due to the comfort she had been living with Ominis before, forgetting the fact that they had a huge social status—that of a Muggle-born orphan with no name to herself and a pure-blood wizard. Though she couldn’t bring herself to feel jealous about the fact that he was engaged previously; he did confirm with her before that they did not have that sort of relationship and the horrifying fact of the eleven-year age gap.
The Professor gave her a comforting smile and placed her hand on her shoulder. "I will ask Mr. Gaunt. Make friends with whomever you desire, regardless of the class status. Make the most of your time here at Hogwarts, but just be careful."
Theowen nodded and smiled gracefully. "Thank you for the kind words, Professor."
"Of course. Now run along, or else you won’t have any time to visit the library," the Professor stated.
Theowen smiled before running down the hallways to go visit the library while she could hear the Professor’s voice echoing that she was not supposed to run in the halls.
As Theowen stepped into the Hogwarts library, she was immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of timeless wonder. The moment she crossed the threshold, the scent of aged parchment and leather-bound tomes filled her senses, mingling with the faint aroma of polished wood. She paused, her breath catching in her throat as her eyes widened, taking in the grandeur of the vast room. It was just as she remembered.
Towering bookshelves, stretching from floor to ceiling, lined the walls, each one crammed with volumes that seemed to hum with centuries of accumulated knowledge. The soft, golden glow of enchanted lamps cast a warm light, illuminating the intricate details of the library’s architecture—the arched windows adorned with stained glass, the meticulously carved wooden banisters, and the sweeping staircases that led to the upper levels.
Theowen’s gaze wandered across the scene before her: students of all years seated at long, oak tables, absorbed in their studies; a ghostly librarian drifting silently between the aisles; and enchanted quills scribbling notes on their own at various desks. The sheer magnitude of the library’s collection was overwhelming, each book a potential gateway to a new adventure, a piece of magical history, or an untapped source of wisdom.
She took a tentative step forward, her fingers trailing along the spines of the books nearest to her. The texture of the old leather, some smooth and others worn, sent a thrill through her fingertips. The titles, embossed in gold and silver, whispered promises of spells, potions, and legends long forgotten.
A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she remembered the time she had sneaked into the Restricted Section with Sebastian. The thrill of that forbidden adventure, the hushed whispers, and the furtive glances they exchanged as they delved into the secrets of the forbidden tomes—or getting himself in trouble for her sake, or for her to owe him a debt.
A price that might be too hard to pay, she thought. Her steps echoed as she walked briskly to the second floor. She had at least half an hour before making it to her first class of the day, so she needed to make this quick. The upper levels of the library were more brightly lit, and she made a mental note to avoid the aggravating Ravenclaw, Sophronia Franklin—quizzing her with the knowledge of the wizarding world to oblivion.
Reaching the quieter area of the upper levels and ensuring not many students were around, she took her seat, taking out her Field Guide and summoning a quill and ink to write down her thoughts. She started with the basics, the timeline of events that had happened in the past, before continuing on to the main points that she wanted to change.
She circled the most noticeable ones, marking them with red ink, warning herself that they must be changed or her dangerous wager was for naught. Her mission came with these points:
- Cure Anne’s curse
- Prevent Professor Fig’s death
- Prevent Ranrok from ever acquiring all the locations of the Repository
- Not letting Sebastian touch the Dark Arts
Theowen was perplexed by the last point—how in Merlin’s name was she going to accomplish that? The only way was to cure Anne’s curse as quickly as possible before Sebastian ever attempted to delve into the crypt. Then, the only way forward was to question the perpetrator who cursed Anne, Viktor Rookwood. Though in her current state, she was too weak to fight Rookwood head-on, especially when he was heavily guarded by his goons. This led to her other point that the only way to get stronger quickly was to hone her ancient magic—by absorbing the Repositories.
She knew that with how much Ranrok had been corrupted by the Ancient Magic, he had at least absorbed one. Theowen had to ensure that he never got his hands on the other three. That led to her priority now: to make her way to one of the repositories and absorb them. The closest one was right here in Hogwarts, but she believed it would be unwise since it would raise the suspicion of the Keepers guarding it closely. The only one she knew that would be least guarded was Rookwood Castle.
Theowen massaged her temple in frustration. Feldcroft was miles away, and travel by apparition could be too exhausting for her at such a great distance in her current state. Compared to her mid-twenties self, she was still far too weak. She needed to prepare a way of travel and fast—as of now, there were only two choices left: a broom or riding Highwing. One was easier as she just needed to wait for flying class, but she believed that would waste too much time—so the other option was more plausible, though more dangerous.
She knew how to tame Highwing, but knowing when the Hippogriff might show up would not be an easy task. The other known way was to get close to Poppy, but she would have no chance until Beast class, and Theowen could not wait that long. She sighed, her chin resting on her hands, groaning in frustration—things would not be as easy as she thought they would be.
Ugh, and the supplies too..., she thought as she added to her growing list of things she needed to prepare. If only she were born with heavy coffers, the problems she had now might be resolved quicker. Nevertheless, with her goals cleared partially, she now knew what needed to be done. Closing the book and disenchanting the quill, she gave another long heavy sigh before making her way towards her first class of the day, Charms.