Fragments of Time

Lodgok stood anxiously near the entrance of the Coastal Mine, the sea breeze doing little to calm his nerves. He had sent an owl to the Fifth Year's supposed friends, relying on Sirona's reassurance that they were close. However, the fact that the Fifth Year's friend was not only a wizard but a descendant of Slytherin—a house notorious for its disdain for non-purebloods and non-humans—was deeply troubling. The tension was palpable, and Lodgok couldn't shake the feeling of impending betrayal against his own kind, his very own brother, Ranrok.

Ranrok’s hatred for humans had always been intense, but it had grown exponentially after he absorbed the power from the Repository. Lodgok had once shared similar sentiments, believing that all wizards were the same. But his perspective had shifted after a kind-hearted witch showed him a different side of humanity. This shift in belief led him to seek a way to bridge the gap between wizards and goblins without resorting to violence.

When he saw the Fifth Year being attacked by a troll in Hogsmeade, Lodgok recognized her potential to be a key player in stopping Ranrok. He tested her under the guise of mending his relationship with his brother, sending her on a wild chase for the helmet. He had hoped to enlist her help to remove the corrupting power from Ranrok, believing it was the only way to save his brother and prevent further bloodshed.

However, when he discovered that Ranrok had captured the Fifth Year and gravely injured her, a sense of urgency overwhelmed him. He knew that if she perished, nothing would stand in Ranrok's way. The weight of his choices pressed heavily on him as he waited, hoping that the Fifth Year’s friends would arrive in time and that his gamble on their humanity would not be in vain.

To Lodgok's relief, it wasn’t long before he heard two sets of approaching footsteps. The first boy, with pale-blonde hair and a clouded gaze, carried a wand that blinked with a faint crimson light. He stopped before Lodgok and bowed, a gesture of courtesy likely ingrained by his noble upbringing.

“Am I correct to presume that you are Lodgok?” the boy asked.

Lodgok nodded, trying his best to smile despite the tense circumstances. “Yes, I am. You must be Ominis Gaunt.”

Ominis nodded. “A pleasure,” he replied.

Before the blind wizard could continue, Lodgok cast a wary glance toward Ominis’s companion. The other boy, standing just behind, had a more intense presence. His dark brown hair and piercing eyes were filled with a mix of suspicion and determination. Lodgok noticed the boy’s stare, which was bordering on a glare.

Ominis, sensing the tension, pushed the other boy forward and elbowed him slightly. “Ow! I’m...Sebastian,” he mumbled in his greeting.

Lodgok took in Sebastian’s appearance—his dark, slightly tousled hair and keen eyes that seemed to analyse everything around them. The boy's stance was defensive, and his expression was one of barely restrained anger. It was clear that Sebastian harboured a deep mistrust, not just towards goblins but perhaps towards the entire situation. "Don't be rude, Sebastian!" Ominis chastised, earning a grunt of complaint from the brunet-haired boy.

"Oh, get off your high horse, Ominis! Are we really supposed to trust this goblin that Theowen is really inside that mine!? What if it's a trap!?" Sebastian exclaimed, finding the situation entirely ridiculous. He still found it hard to believe that it was a Dark Wizard who had cursed his dear sister and not a goblin as he had believed from the beginning. He didn't trust it at first, but when Ominis showed him evidence of Rookwood's partnership with Ranrok and interrogated him, courtesy of Theowen turning him back into a human before she disappeared, his suspicions began to waver. However, his mind was not easily changed; it did not alter the fact that Ranrok was the one who gifted Rookwood with the magic in the first place.

Sebastian's train of thought was halted when he suffered a large whack to the back of his head. "This again! It was never a goblin who cursed Anne!" Ominis snapped.

Before Ominis could launch into his entire speech again about how consumed and blinded Sebastian was by his hatred, he stopped himself, realizing there were more pressing matters to attend to. He turned to face Lodgok's general direction. "I apologize for my friend. He is still suffering from a...misunderstanding—believing that one of your kind was the one who cursed his sister."

Lodgok stared at Ominis with slight sadness. There were always consequences when being involved in the wrong side of the world. He wondered when Ranrok would stop. "Pay it no mind. I know the depths of depravity my brother has inflicted on others."

"No, he was deeply rude to you and that's inexcusable, especially when you went out of your way to notify me of Theowen's capture," Ominis replied, though with a sense of urgency and worry in his voice.

Lodgok nodded, his face turning grim. "Yes. Time is not on our side, I'm afraid. She's being held in the dungeons—deep inside the mines. Last I saw her, she hasn't awoken since her capture. I shall create as much distraction as I can while you two sneak your way in."

Ominis nodded, agreeing with the plan. "That sounds acceptable."

"I wish you two the best of luck," Lodgok said, his voice hopeful, as he turned around to head into the mines.

As Lodgok walked further away from the two boys, he could hear their heated argument continuing behind him. He sighed, hoping he hadn't chosen the wrong allies for this rescue mission. The tension between Ominis and Sebastian was palpable, and he knew their success depended on their ability to work together. With a deep breath, he steeled himself for the task ahead, determined to do everything in his power to save Theowen and stop Ranrok's dark plans.

Ominis and Sebastian stood at the entrance of the Coastal Mine, the enormity of the cavernous structure looming before them. The mine was a labyrinthine expanse of tunnels and caverns, carved deep into the cliffs overlooking the sea. The entrance was a massive archway, supported by ancient, weathered beams that groaned under the weight of the earth above. The walls were slick with moisture, glistening in the dim light that filtered in from the entrance. Inside, the air was cool and damp, with the distant sound of dripping water echoing through the passageways.

The two boys steeled themselves for the task ahead. With a nod from Ominis, they slipped into the shadows, moving silently through the winding tunnels. The mine was eerily quiet, save for the occasional sound of a distant pickaxe or the muffled voices of goblin guards. The narrow passages were dimly lit by flickering torches mounted on the walls, casting long, dancing shadows that made it difficult to see too far ahead.

As they ventured deeper, the tunnels widened into larger chambers, some filled with mining equipment and others with piles of precious minerals waiting to be transported. The deeper they went, the more treacherous the path became, with narrow ledges overlooking deep chasms and rickety bridges swaying precariously over dark voids.

Ominis had been worried sick ever since Theowen claimed she was preparing for the trial. She had been gone the entire weekend, and when she didn't appear on Monday morning for classes as Ominis had told the Professors she would, the Professors were starting to worry. He couldn't cover for her much longer, and he believed that it was no longer necessary since he sensed that she could be in danger.

At one point, Sebastian nearly stumbled into the open view of a patrolling goblin. Ominis, sensing the danger through his wand's vibrations, grabbed Sebastian's arm and pulled him back into the shadows just in time. They pressed themselves against the damp stone wall, holding their breath as the goblin passed by, oblivious to their presence.

"Thanks," Sebastian whispered, his voice barely audible.

Ominis nodded, a determined look on his face. "We need to be more careful."

They continued their descent, navigating through the twisting tunnels and avoiding detection. Whenever they encountered a fork in the path, Ominis would use his wand to sense the vibrations and choose the safest route. Sebastian, meanwhile, kept a keen eye out for any signs of traps or hidden dangers.

In one particularly large chamber, they came across a group of goblin guards huddled around a fire, their weapons gleaming ominously in the flickering light. The boys exchanged a glance, knowing they had to find another way around. Sebastian pointed to a narrow passageway that led off to the side, and Ominis nodded in agreement. They crept along the edge of the chamber, staying low and moving as quietly as possible.

As they passed by the guards, one of them started to turn in their direction. Ominis quickly whispered a Confundus Charm, causing the goblin to lose focus and turn away. Sebastian gave Ominis a thumbs-up, grateful for his quick thinking.

The deeper they went, the more they had to rely on each other. At one point, Sebastian almost lost his footing on a slippery ledge, but Ominis was there to grab his arm and steady him. Later, when Ominis was about to trigger a hidden tripwire, Sebastian stopped him just in time, pointing out the barely visible thread stretched across the path.

"We're close," Ominis whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of hope and determination.

Sebastian nodded, his grip tightening on his wand. "Let's get her out of here."

They slipped through the gates, finding themselves in a small chamber with a mine cart on tracks, similar to those used in Gringotts. The cart looked ancient but sturdy, waiting for them to embark. The boys exchanged a glance, knowing this was their only way deeper into the mine.

Ominis climbed into the cart first, followed by Sebastian. With a flick of his wand, Sebastian activated the mechanism, and the cart lurched forward, plunging them into the darkness. The tracks twisted and turned, the cart speeding through the tunnels at a breakneck pace. The wind howled around them, and the walls of the mine became a blur as they descended deeper into the heart of the Coastal Mine.

"Just how far have they planned? They even have a whole system for their mining carts—just like Gringotts," Sebastian whispered in awe as he bent down, looking at the multiple spirals of what he could assume to be cart tracks.

"Judging from the number of goblins we snuck through and how developed the mine is... I say they've been devising this under our noses much longer than we thought," Ominis replied, dread rising from within.

As they raced through the tunnels, the sense of urgency grew. They had to reach Theowen before it was too late. The cart finally slowed down, coming to a halt in a vast underground chamber. The boys stepped out, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead to save their friend.

As Ominis and Sebastian continued to sneak deeper into the Coastal Mine, they rode numerous carts, each taking them further into the dark, winding tunnels. The deeper they went, the more the mine shifted from a bustling workshop to an eerie, silent expanse. Gone were the sounds of hammers and pickaxes; instead, the oppressive silence was broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing through the caverns.

Eventually, they reached what they believed to be the deepest part of the mine. The air was thick with dampness and a sense of foreboding. The cavern they entered was no longer filled with the tools of industry but had transformed into a makeshift dungeon. Despite its hasty construction, the prison was well-made, with heavy iron bars and sturdy stone walls that spoke of grim permanence.

In the dim light and shadows, they spotted a small, limp figure lying on the cold ground of a lonely prison cell. Ominis's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar outline. He moved to get closer, to confirm his fears, but Sebastian's hand shot out, stopping him.

"Wait," Sebastian whispered urgently, directing Ominis's attention to the sound of approaching footsteps.

The two boys pressed themselves against the wall, cloaked in shadows as they watched. Emerging from the gloom was Ranrok, the goblin leader, flanked by his loyal goons. Ranrok cut an imposing figure, even to those who couldn't see. His stature was formidable, with broad shoulders and a menacing presence that seemed to fill the entire cavern. His skin was a pale, ghostly white, marred with scars that told of countless battles fought and won. His eyes glowed with an unnatural crimson light, brimming with the raw power he had absorbed from the repository.

Ranrok's aura radiated a palpable menace, and the magical energy around him crackled like static electricity. He moved with a confidence born of absolute power, every step a declaration of his dominance. His goons, smaller and less imposing, followed him with a mixture of fear and reverence. They dared not meet his gaze, their eyes flickering nervously as they tried to stay out of his way.

Ranrok stopped in front of the cell, glaring at the unconscious figure inside. His voice, low and gravelly, echoed through the chamber. "She's still asleep," he growled, his tone full of contempt and impatience.

One of his goons, a goblin with a hunched back and shifty eyes, stepped forward nervously. "We had tried everything, sir."

Ranrok's gaze snapped to him, and the goon flinched, silencing the goon immediately. "You haven’t tried every method. Do what you must! But if she dies, our plans will be set back immeasurably."

The goons scrambled to obey, their fear of Ranrok evident in every hurried movement. Ominis and Sebastian watched from their hiding spot, tension coiling tightly in their chests. They knew they had to act quickly and decisively, but the sheer power radiating from Ranrok made it clear that this would be their most dangerous challenge yet.

They knew they had to act quickly and decisively, but the sheer power radiating from Ranrok made it clear that this would be their most dangerous challenge yet. Ranrok turned to leave, his goons trailing behind him, while two stayed behind, unlocking the prison cell.

Sebastian and Ominis saw their chance. With swift, precise movements, they cast Petrificus Totalus on the two goblins. The goblins froze in place, their bodies stiff and unmoving, before collapsing to the ground. The boys quickly dragged their bodies into the shadows of the cell, careful not to make a sound.

Ominis rushed to Theowen's side. As he bent down to pick her up, he noticed a large slice spanning across both her hands and torso. Though the wound seemed to have dried, it was deep, and he could see that she had lost a significant amount of blood. Panic rose in his chest as he checked to see if she was breathing.

"Theowen," he whispered desperately, his voice trembling. "Please wake up."

Her breath was faint, but it was there. Relief washed over him, but it was quickly replaced by urgency. They needed to get her out of there, and fast.

"Sebastian, help me," Ominis called softly.

Sebastian hurried over, his face pale with worry. "How bad is it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Bad," Ominis replied, his voice tight. "We need to get her to Hogwarts as soon as possible."

Sebastian nodded, and together they carefully lifted Theowen while casting a Levioso charm on her, trying not to jostle her too much. As they began to move, Sebastian cast a Disillusionment Charm over them, hoping it would be enough to keep them hidden as they made their escape.

The mine was eerily silent, the only sounds the distant echo of dripping water and the boys' careful footsteps. Every shadow seemed to hold a threat, every creak of the old wooden beams a potential alarm. The boys moved quickly but cautiously, their hearts pounding in their chests.

Finally, they reached one of the mine carts. They gently placed Theowen inside and climbed in after her. With a whispered spell, Sebastian set the cart in motion, and it began to rumble down the tracks, taking them deeper into the mine.

As the cart jolted and swayed along the tracks, Ominis's worry deepened. His hand remained gently on Theowen's cheek, feeling its alarming coldness and the weak pulse beneath. "Hang in there," he murmured with quiet desperation, trying to offer some solace even as anxiety gnawed at him.

The cart hurtled through the winding tunnels, its motion growing increasingly erratic as they approached the upper levels. They were halfway to the exit when the peaceful hum of their flight was shattered by the distant sounds of chaos. Echoes of angry shouts and urgent commands reverberated through the mine, mingling with the clamour of clattering metal and frantic footsteps.

Goblins were shouting, their voices thick with panic. "Intruders! Intruders in the mine!" one voice bellowed, followed by the shrill cries of others, "The prisoner has escaped! Lock down the tunnels!" The commotion grew louder, a clear indication that their escape had not gone unnoticed.

Ominis exchanged a tense glance with Sebastian, whose face was set in grim determination. The sounds of the goblins' pursuit grew closer, adding urgency to their flight. The boys braced themselves as the cart sped faster, navigating the treacherous curves of the mine's interior.

Ominis nodded, his grip tightening around Theowen to ensure she remained secure. The cart's speed increased, each bump and jolt sending waves of pain through his already frayed nerves. The growing sounds of pursuit were a harsh reminder that their time was running short. They had to reach the exit before the goblins could catch up, or their daring rescue would end in disaster.

As the cart hurtled down the final stretch of tracks, the noise of goblin shouts and dark wizard curses grew ever closer. The tracks suddenly came to an abrupt end, and Ominis and Sebastian braced themselves as they leapt from the cart, narrowly avoiding a jumble of obstacles scattered across the ground. They scrambled forward, their hearts pounding, desperate to stay ahead of their pursuers.

They burst into a vast, open chamber that seemed to stretch endlessly. The sheer scale of the room was overwhelming, dominated by colossal machinery designed to drill through mountains. Massive gears and cogs ground together with a low, ominous rumble, their function eerily quiet amidst the chaos of the rescue. The machinery’s cold, metallic surfaces gleamed under the dim light, casting long shadows that seemed to pulse with dark intent.

The chamber was unnervingly silent, the perfect setting for an ambush. Ominis and Sebastian’s breaths caught in their throats as they scanned the area, senses heightened for any sign of danger. The unsettling stillness was shattered when Ranrok emerged from the shadows, his imposing figure cutting a menacing silhouette against the machinery’s stark outlines.

Ranrok stood tall and imposing, his skin a sickly pale hue that contrasted sharply with the dark of the chamber. His eyes, sharp and calculating, surveyed the room with a dark satisfaction. He was flanked by his loyal goblin goons, their small, wiry frames darting about with unsettling agility. Their pale skin was mottled and rugged, their sharp teeth bared in sneers, and their long, claw-like nails glinted ominously in the dim light.

Dark Wizards appeared beside them, their wands at the ready. They took their positions on a raised platform overlooking the chamber, their vantage point providing them with a clear, strategic view of the intruders and the prisoner. Their wands crackled with dark energy, and their eyes gleamed with malevolent intent.

Ominis and Sebastian, realizing they had walked into a trap, exchanged worried glances. The odds were stacked against them, the chamber’s emptiness now feeling like a trap set just for them. The tension in the air was palpable, as if the very walls of the chamber were holding their breath, waiting for the confrontation to begin.

With their backs against the wall and no clear escape in sight, they steeled themselves for the impending clash. Ranrok's laugh echoed through the chamber, sinister and triumphant. "Kill them. But leave the girl alive," he ordered, his voice dripping with malice.

Chaos erupted as Ranrok’s goons surged forward, their sharp claws and gleaming teeth flashing in the dim light. Dark Wizards on the platform above rained curses down upon them, their wands emitting bursts of sinister energy. Among them, hulking armoured trolls lumbered into the fray, their massive frames and thick hide making them formidable opponents.

Sebastian and Ominis fought valiantly, their wands moving in a blur as they deflected curses and fired back with spells of their own. The air was thick with the smell of burning ozone and the sounds of magical impacts, the chamber reverberating with the cacophony of battle.

Sebastian faced off against a pair of goblins, his wand emitting a fierce blaze of light as he cast Confringo, sending them sprawling. He barely had time to catch his breath before an armoured troll bore down on him, its massive club swinging in a deadly arc. With quick reflexes, he cast Protego, deflecting the blow just in time and countering with Bombarda, causing the troll to stagger.

Ominis, relying on his heightened senses, deftly dodged a flurry of curses from the Dark Wizards above. He cast Stupefy, hitting one squarely in the chest and sending him crashing to the ground. He then heard the heavy footfalls of another armoured troll approaching. With a swift movement, he conjured ropes with Incarcerous, binding the troll’s legs and causing it to topple over.

Amidst the chaos, Ominis’s keen senses picked up the structural weakness in the chamber. The metal beams supporting the workshop creaked ominously under the strain of the battle. Realizing they could use this to their advantage, he shouted to Sebastian, "Sebastian, aim for the beams! Bring this place down!"

Sebastian nodded, understanding immediately. He raised his wand and directed his spells towards the beams, casting Bombarda with precise aim. The metal groaned and buckled under the force of the explosions. Ominis joined in, his spells adding to the destructive force.

Suddenly, a powerful force blasted both boys against the cavern walls, sending shockwaves of pain through their bodies. Ears ringing and bones aching, they struggled to regain their bearings. Ranrok stood before them, his face contorted with rage, the air around him crackling with raw, uncontrollable Ancient Magic.

The destructive power built to a crescendo, but just as it was about to be unleashed, it dissipated instantly. A voice, calm yet commanding, called out, "Ranrok."

Ranrok turned, eyes widening in shock as he saw Lodgok approaching, a weathered book clutched in his hands. He scoffed and sneered, "Come to make amends, little brother?"

Sebastian and Ominis exchanged shocked glances, the revelation of their familial connection catching them off guard. Through his pain, Sebastian whispered to Ominis, "I knew he was going to betray us!"

Ominis pressed his lips together, worry etched on his face. He feared their daring rescue was coming to an abrupt and disastrous end.

Lodgok stepped closer, ignoring the sneers from Ranrok and the whispers of disbelief from the boys. "I came to stop this," he said evenly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and determination.

Ranrok noticed as Lodgok was securely tucking the book, suspicion rising as he wondered what it was. "What's this you brought me?"

With fear in his eyes, Lodgok stared at the two boys, hoping they would understand that when the opportunity arose, they should run. Ominis noticed through his wand the way Lodgok's figure was facing them as he hesitantly handed the book over to Ranrok. Ominis slowly reached for Theowen's floating body while the other grabbed Sebastian's sleeve. Sebastian was about to protest when he realized what Ominis was signalling.

Ranrok inspected the book with fervour, his eyes widening when he reached the page he was seeking. "It cannot be..." he then shut the book in anger. "All this time. You knew. You knew where it was." In fury, he blasted Lodgok away to the opposite side, his attention glued to his brother.

Surprised, both boys were about to come to Lodgok's rescue when he gave them a glare, warning them not to come. "I will never understand you, Lodgok. So gullible," Ranrok threatened as he took a menacing step. "That witch did not consider you an equal. She, like all wizardkind, sought only to use you."

Lodgok stood weakly, shaking his head. "You're wrong, Ranrok—"

"The young ones are especially deceitful. They are taught to hide their disgust for us as they exploit us. All this time, looking everywhere for the final repository—searching in vain for Bragbor's last journal! Wasting my time chasing a child—and my little brother knew where it was all along! But now, I don't need you."

Lodgok looked at the two boys sadly. "I was bringing it to her. The last repository is underneath Hogwa—"

"You are a traitor to our kind!" Ranrok roared as he cast a powerful blow, killing his little brother instantly. The blast was so powerful it hit the final beam, causing the cavern to collapse.

Sebastian and Ominis, realizing the immediate danger, exchanged a frantic look. The cavern began to shake violently, chunks of rock falling from above. They could see the ceiling starting to crumble.

Ominis shouted, "We need to get out of here, now!" He grasped Theowen's limp body more securely.

Sebastian, feeling the weight of urgency and grief for Lodgok's sacrifice, nodded. "Let's move!" he said, guiding Ominis through the crumbling debris.

As the cavern continued to collapse around them, the boys, driven by desperation and determination, navigated through the chaos, narrowly avoiding falling rocks and collapsing beams. The roar of the cavern's destruction echoed behind them, but they didn't look back. Their sole focus was on escaping and saving Theowen.

Finally, they emerged into the cool night air, the mine collapsing behind them in a deafening roar. They stumbled onto the grass, breathing heavily, hearts pounding. The sense of relief at their escape was overshadowed by the heavy weight of Lodgok's sacrifice.

Ominis, still cradling Theowen, looked back at the smouldering entrance of the mine. The weight of their mission pressed heavily upon them as they made their way back to Hogwarts, the moon casting a sombre glow over their path. They had escaped with their lives and Theowen, but the cost had been high.