Fragments of Time

"Do you mind telling me why we're in the Forbidden Forest?" Ominis asked, his voice tinged with frustration and curiosity. As he followed Theowen closely as they navigated through the labyrinthine nest of Thornback Spiders. The Forbidden Forest was no place for a fifth-year to venture alone, let alone the two of them.

The forest floor was a treacherous blend of mud and twigs, each step a careful endeavour as their shoes crunched through the undergrowth. The air was cold, with a damp chill that seeped through their clothes. A thick mist swirled around them, obscuring their vision and making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. The ancient, gnarled trees loomed ominously overhead, their branches intertwining to create an almost claustrophobic canopy. Shadows danced in the periphery, and the occasional rustle or snap of a twig set the nerves on edge. But for Theowen, who had ventured into these dangerous woods countless times, it was just another night in the Forbidden Forest.

For anyone unfamiliar with the Forbidden Forest, it was a terrifying place. Shadows danced in the periphery, and the occasional rustle or snap of a twig set the nerves on edge. But not so for Theowen, who had ventured into these dangerous woods more times than she could count, either for missions, hunting poachers, or gathering ingredients.

"You'll find out soon enough," she replied, her wand always at the ready. She cast fire and explosive spells towards any large spiders that crept their way.

"That's not exactly forthcoming, dragging me out here in the middle of the night, breaking the rules," Ominis barked. He was uncomfortable traversing the dangerous area, showing how rarely he ventured outside Hogsmeade or Hogwarts. "I agreed to assist you in your quest, but you also need to paint me the full picture," Ominis guffawed, using her own words against her.

She sighed, "And I will if you just follow me."

He was about to protest further until she claimed, "We're here."

Though Ominis could not see, his sentient wand echoed his surroundings to him. There was a small pond in the middle, trees towering over them, and a peculiar cave entrance blocked and an odd birdbath-like contraption placed right in front of it. He noticed a table with various concoctions and papers spread out hastily.

"Careful, it seems we are not alone in our search," he said pointedly, gesturing generally toward the table.

Theowen looked over, "Oh... We don't have to mind that other wizard anytime soon."

His face filled with confusion. "Why not?"

"You'll understand once you step inside," she said sheepishly.

He was taken aback by her lack of explanation. "You're not planning to murder or kidnap me, are you?"

Theowen was taken aback by his line of query and laughed, "No, I'm not."

"Intra Muros," Theowen murmured towards the birdbath. The stones of the cave entrance swirled, revealing an opening through which ethereal cerulean light shone.

She then pulled Ominis closer, puzzling him, before summoning some Chinese Chomping Cabbages around the area. "Are we being followed?" Ominis questioned, quick on the uptake.

"Just a precaution for any who do," she replied before looking towards the cave entrance, swirling with power. "Ready to head inside? Make sure to be ready for any attacks," she warned, her hand still gripping the sleeve of his robe.

He gulped, then nodded, clutching his wand tighter in preparation.

Without further words, they stepped inside the agape hole, steeling their nerves for any offenses coming their way. The cave’s interior was bathed in the same cerulean light, casting eerie shadows that danced along the jagged walls. The air grew colder, and a damp, musty smell permeated the space, mixing with the faint scent of ancient magic. Ominis expected the cave to be narrow, but instead found a wide space, clinging to the walls for support, unfamiliar with the jagged rocks on the path that might trip him. Soon, he felt the warm grasp of Theowen’s hand guiding him through the cave.

"I hope you don't mind," she said, unsure with her unsolicited guidance.

He shook his head. "If it were anyone else, I would, but... I do not mind."

Theowen was surprised by his sudden statement. She was glad he could not see her, for she had turned as crimson as a tomato. She continued to lead him through the dizzying maze of the cave, remembering how to solve the ancient magic puzzles along the way to grant them access to the deeper parts of the cave, even building a bridge out of thin air.

Ominis could hear and vaguely sense what was happening, and couldn't help but be amazed by how powerful ancient magic could be. He thought everything was going well when Thornback spiders emerged, attacking from all directions. They both handled their fights well, casting and repelling attacks with ease, though Ominis needed time to get used to the surprise attacks when the spiders started burrowing underneath him.

It was surprising even to him that he actually enjoyed the adventure, fighting side-by-side with a comrade to thwart the Thornbacks to the depths below. His life before Theowen had been mundane; even with the Sallow twins, there was only so much they could do as students and as a Gaunt. They fought their way through with ease, casting spells left and right while protecting one another through instinct.

Finally, after crossing the bridge, they made it to a large chamber. Ominis could hear the change in their footsteps—from the crunch of rocks to the echo of pristine stones, resonating throughout the chamber. He sensed the remains of a human in the middle of the room and was about to step closer before Theowen stopped him.

"Careful," she said, her voice wary. "There are Pensieve Sentinels around here. They are far more dangerous than Thornback Spiders."

Ominis, perplexed as this was his first time hearing of such an enemy, asked, "Pensieve...Sentinels? What are they?"

"I'm not too sure, to be perfectly honest. They are a type of animated statues powered by Ancient Magic. Be careful, for they can swiftly send their blade towards you," Theowen warned, guiding his wand towards the remains. "He wasn't careful."

He gulped in apprehension, realizing that the enemy they were about to face was far more dangerous and lethal compared to the Thornbacks. "I recommend focusing on defensive spells. Are you ready?"

He took a deep breath, steeling his nerves, then nodded to her in agreement.

As they moved further into the chamber, the temperature dropped even more, and a tangible sense of foreboding filled the air. Theowen’s wand cast a bright light, revealing towering statues at the edges of the room. These statues, although still for now, seemed to be watching them, their eyes glinting with a hint of ancient magic. 

Ominis's breath hitched as the towering statues came to life, their stone forms moving with an unsettling fluidity. He tightened his grip on his wand, every muscle in his body tensing with anticipation.

Protego!' she shouted, casting a protective shield just as the first Guardian lunged at them. 

Ominis mirrored her, casting his own defensive spells. 'Protego Totalum!'

The Guardians were relentless, their attacks swift and precise. Theowen countered with powerful blasts of ancient magic, while Ominis focused on maintaining their shields and deflecting the attacks. Despite the chaos, they moved in perfect harmony, their instincts and trust in each other guiding their actions.

One of the Guardians broke through their defences, its blade managing to slice Ominis's arm—though Theowen pulled him away before the cut got too deep. "Ominis! Are you alright?" she exclaimed in panic.

He hissed in pain, clutching his arm. "I'm fine! Just focus on the battle at hand!"

They continued to fight, their spells intertwining in a dance of defence and offense. Each time a Guardian advanced, they repelled it with coordinated precision, their bond growing stronger with every strike. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the last Guardian fell. The chamber grew silent, the only sounds their heavy breathing and the faint hum of residual magic.

Ominis breathed raggedly, clutching his wound. He was unable to focus on casting a healing spell on himself. Theowen rushed to his side, summoning a Wiggenweld potion and hastening him to drink it. "It's Wiggenweld."

He gulped the draught, gripping through the pain as his wound mended itself. After a while, the cut was healed, leaving only the blood. Theowen felt guilt rising, seeing him in this state. "We should get you back to Hogwarts."

He gripped her hand to stop her. "I'm fine. I just need a few moments," he said, standing up swiftly, his sentient wand at the ready. "I have a feeling our business here has not concluded."

She bit her lip, apprehensive for letting him get hurt, before thinking that the next course of action would bring them back to Hogwarts better than any Floo powder. She nodded after a while. "Right..."

Theowen walked over to the remains, ruffling through the dead wizard's clothes before pulling out two pieces of paper. She summoned the ancient book she got from the Forbidden Section of the library and placed the torn pages back where they belonged. Ominis was too tired to comment on how hard they fought only for two pieces of paper and let her continue.

Theowen held his hand and guided him through the area where the Sentinels had been guarding, heading through a portal. Ominis could sense the shift in location. She led him through winding hallways before finally reaching a large door that revealed another chamber, grander than the last.

"We are here," she said.

He let his wand scan the room, showing him the unfamiliar space. There were four large triptychs in front of him—judging from the number of enchanted paintings, he could only assume that they were the Keepers, though he sensed the paintings were empty. "Where are we?" he questioned with a sense of awe.

"We call this place the Map Chamber," Theowen explained. "But I believe he would be better at explaining what this place entails," she said as she directed him to one of the triptychs. This time, it wasn't empty, and an elderly man appeared, dressed in Tudorian wizard clothing.

The man in the painting looked down at them with a kind but serious expression, one tinged with amusement. "Has someone finally found our Map Chamber? I am surprised to see someone so young standing before me."

"Professor Rackham," Theowen nodded in greeting, "My name is Theowen Thorne. I'm the same age as you and Isadora Morganach were when you started at Hogwarts."

Rackham looked at her with a knowing look. "You've paid attention. And, might I presume, you share our—ability?"

"Yes, sir. I do," Theowen answered swiftly.

Professor Rackham continued his explanation and lecture about Ancient Magic and the trials of what was to come. He then looked curiously towards Ominis. "Your presence, Ms. Thorne, does not entirely surprise me. However, you are unexpected," he said pointedly towards Ominis, causing him to flinch, feeling unwelcome.

"This is my most trusted friend, Ominis Gaunt," Theowen stepped in, with Ominis bowing in greeting.

"How do you do, Mr. Gaunt. I presume that you are a descendant of Salazar Slytherin?"

Ominis shuddered at the name of his ancestor and nodded. "Yes, unfortunately, I am. But I am in no way similar, nor do I have the capacity and ambition of my forefathers," he said, promising Rackham that he had no intention to use Ancient Magic as the Dark Arts.

Rackham's expression softened slightly as he looked toward Theowen. "I trust that it's unnecessary to remind you of the consequences should the knowledge of your power falling into the wrong hands?"

"It is," Theowen replied coolly. Ominis couldn't understand why she had such a cold expression toward someone she had just met.

The Professor directed Theowen to place the book on the pedestal, which she had done in the past. Unsurprisingly, a map of the Hogwarts region appeared beneath them. Though Ominis couldn't see it, he could sense the thrum of magic emanating from the map. Rackham instructed Theowen on the trials to come, emphasizing that she must complete them alone, much to her dismay.

"I believe it would be wise to start my trials as soon as possible, Professor," Theowen said, her voice cold and calculated—a tone Ominis had never heard from her before. "I'm afraid a goblin named Ranrok has been stealing Ancient Magic from Repositories hidden around Hogwarts and wielding the corruption to his own benefit."

The news surprised both Ominis and the Professor. Ominis knew that Ranrok was after her, but not to this extent. If Ranrok succeeded, it could bring war and devastation between both Goblin and Wizard-kind.

Rackham looked at her with apprehension before sighing and making his decision. "If what you said is true, then very well, we shall begin. You will find the location of the first trial marked on the map below you."

The map shined, indicating the location of the first trial. Theowen already knew where it was and nodded toward the professor. "I shall make my way there, post-haste."

Rackham gave a final nod. "Remember, these trials will not only test your abilities but also your integrity. Stay true to your purpose."

"The Map Chamber is located directly beneath Hogwarts. The stairs behind you will lead you toward Hogwarts's dungeons," Theowen said, clutching Ominis's sleeve.

Ominis looked at her with surprise and apprehension. "You're not thinking of heading towards the trials right now, are you?"

She pressed her lips, unsure how to respond. "You heard how dire the situation has become. I cannot postpone this any longer. Besides, I'll return before the start of morning classes. You should head up and get some rest," she said, handing him an invisibility potion.

Ominis wondered at the extent of her preparations—it was as if she knew what was to come. Clutching the potion, he looked at her, his brows still knotted, unsure if he should let her go on such a dangerous quest. Before he could say anything, she clutched his hand. "Besides, I have to do this alone. So, please, get some rest," she pleaded.

He felt exhaustion creeping over him, guilt gnawing at him for letting his friend go alone on such a treacherous path. Feeling powerless, he hated it. Finally, he gave her a grave nod, reluctantly agreeing before angling his head upwards, facing her as best he could. "Be careful, please."

He could hear her smile. "I will."

Without another word, he turned toward the stairs, hearing the echo of her Apparating behind him. As much as he wanted to ruminate on how she had learned to Apparate as a fifth year, he was exhausted and thought it better to ask her when she returned.

Making his slow and careful trek back to his dorm room, he used the invisibility potion to slip by undetected. He snuck into the room, relieved to see his roommates snoring loudly, including Sebastian, who had his back turned. Sighing in relief, Ominis used his wand to swiftly change into his pyjamas before heading to bed. It only took a few seconds before he was lulled to the land of dreams, thanks to the softness of the pillows.