The will
POV Ominis
The next morning, I was woken up by the sounds of a lovingly voice. This voice was caressing my hair, the same way Valerian stroke it last night. The voice was whispering in my ear.
« Wake up Ominis »
I slightly opened my eyes., but I couldn’t see anything but darkness, which meant my wand wasn't far. I could smell ginger. I rubbed my eyes as I sat up from the sofa. Fortunately my wand was by my side. I grabbed it and I could see a green shadow.
« Valerian ? Where am I ? » I asked confused.
« You’re in the living room. You slept on the sofa because Sebastian was in your bed. Do you remember ? » she demanded kindly.
« Sebastian ! Have you seen him ? » I began to worry.
« No, I haven’t. It’s actually a bit early, but I thought you might want to get a head start before everyone comes down » she presumed.
« Yes, absolutely » I said coming back to my senses. « Did you get up early just to wake me up ? »
« I didn’t want you to wake up in a panic with all the noise, not knowing where you were » she told me.
« Thank you » I said as I got up. I realised that I slept with a blanket. I barely remembered someone putting one on me. Then I remembered a kiss on my cheeks. It must have been her. She is so adorable.
« You have been … a great support to me yesterday. Thank you for being there » I told her as I gave her the blanket.
« Anytime » she said as I memembered I once used the same word for her. When she was feeling downcast.
I smiled. I got used to the fact that she couldn’t see me smile, but I thought deep down she knew, like I knew when she was smiling.
« I need to check on Sebastian. » I added.
« Of course. If you need anything, just ask » she announced.
« I will » I replied feeling grateful as started walking.
I was surprised I wasn’t mumbling and getting my words all mixd up. Something had changed since yesterday. I could feel it. I felt more relaxed around her.
I hurried up the stairs into my room. Sebastian was still there on the bed fast asleep. I wondered if I should wake him. If I did, I don’t think he’ll be capable of doing anything anyway today. So I decided against it and to let him sleep. I would check on him between each lessons. I had a shower and got dressed. I kept thinking about Anne, about her funeral. I was now feeling blue. Anne had given me specific instructions 2 years ago not long after her uncle’s death. She even wrote a will. She had asked me to place it safely in my vault at gringotts, fearing Sebastian would find it and would persuade her to change her last wishes.
I had a lot to do today. First I would attend class, checking on Sebastian regularly, I promissed Sebastian I would take him to visit Anne. I also wanted to check on Nathara. And I had to go to the bank. But I was happy to do it if not to help Sebastian ease his mind. I felt so glum this morning. I guess it was to be expected. I missed Anne dearly. The world will be different without her.
I went down for breakfast. I sat alone at a table. I didn’t feel like socializing today.
I heard someone sitting next to me. It was Valerian. Though I didn’t want to have to explain myself to the others about being absent all day yesterday, Valerian knew what really happened. And her presence put my mind at rest. So I was glad she sat with me.
« Did you see Sebastian this morning ? » she asked.
« I did. He was still sleeping » I replied.
« In your bed ? » she said joyfully.
« Yes, in my bed » I replied with a grin.
« That’s probably for the best » she said absorbed in her thoughts. « He needs to rest » she added.
I made a noise in agreement.
« How are you today ? » she said her voice fulll of compassion.
« I’m feel … abandoned somehow. Missing Anne. She left a void in me.» I observed.
« That’s only natural. You two were close. But I’m sure wherever she is, she is grateful to you. You have been there for her until the end ».
« Actually, I wasn’t there when she died. And like Sebastian said, she died alone. And I feel guilty » I admitted as anger was starting to rise within me. « I shoud have been there, we should have been there !»
« I can’t pretend I knew Ann, but I know she was the kind of person that would want you to live your life 100 %, and she would rather you were at school, studying, living your life rather than watch her die. Because she loved you and wanted the best for you. She knew this would happen. That she would suddenly disappear. But she wanted the last memory you both had of her were to be a happy one, one where she was alive. » she said wih determination.
« How could you know that? »
« Because she told me so. Do you remember when she asked you to leave to speak to me alone ? » she asked.
« Yes, I do, but you wouldn’t tell us what you had discussed» I remembered.
« That’s what she told me. Amongst other things. »
I paused for a moment.
« Did she really tell you those things ? » I demanded hoping they were true.
« She did. You have my word » she promissed.
« But why would she tell you, and not us ? » I asked surprised.
« Because she knew that you and Sebastian were too emotionaly involved to understand » she explained.
I was now lost in my thoughts. What Valerian said made sence, and she was right, if we knew exactly when she was going to die, we wouldn’t have respected her last wish. We would have stayed by her side despite her demands. But that’s clearly not what she wanted.
« Thank you for telling me » I said truthfuly.
« I hope it will soothe your mind. It makes me sad to see you troubled » she admitted.
Valerian was a very empathetic person. She was compassionate, sentitive yet strong.
She was perfect.
« We can’t have that can we ? If you’re sad, then I’m sad » I confessed.
She giggled.
« And then it becomes and endless cirlce of sadness » she continued laughing.
« Well then, we ought to make it a circle of hapiness instead. It will be easy for you. You are as radiant as the sun »
Where did that come from ? Did I just make that up ? I hope it didn’t sound too cheesy.
She laughed.
« I hope I will illuminate your day then » she said joking.
I approched my head towards hers.
« I know you will » I murmured to her ear.
I was surprised at how blunt I was, feeling so confident.
I heard a moan escape her mouth. And I savored that sound. How I relished making her whimp. It was a new pleasant sensation as before I would have just freaked out. I was curious to know what else would make her moan.
I was pulled out of my thoughts by Edmund and Cassandra.
« There you are Ominis. What happened to you and Sebastian yesterday ? » said Edmund cheery.
Obviously he had no idea what had really happened.
I just remained silent. I didn’t feel like talking about it. I didn’t want everyone to know about Anne. But then again people would wonder why Sebastian isn’t present and why he would be morose for a while. I knew I had to say something without revealing the truth.
« That topic is too difficult to discuss at the moment. So I’d rather not talk about it if you don’t mind. » I asnwered politely with a sorrowful face.
« Ok. That’s alright. If you need anything, you can always come to us. We’ll be there. » said Edmund respectfully.
I didn’t mean to sound harsh. I liked Edmund. I thought he was a good friend. It was just too soon.
« We’ll see you in class » added Cassandra.
I just looked towards the floor.
« I need to check on Sebastian » I declared.
« Of course. I’ll see you in class then » she reacted.
I made a sound of approval. Then I rushed up stairs to my bedroom. Sebastian was still there, fast asleep. I felt relieved. So I went to class more serenly.
We had defense against the dark arts and tracking and stealth lessons this morning.
I wasn’t even listening to the teachers, my mind was on other things. The teachers knew what had happened and didn’t try to lecture me.
I went back up at lunchtime, and Sebastian was gone. I rushed into his bedroom but he wasn’t there either. I was feeling alarmed. Where had he disappeared to ? But I think I knew where he was. He was probably at Felcroft. So I apparated to his house. I knocked, but there was no answer. The door was unlocked so I entered. It smelt damp and dusty. The place had been abandonned for too long.
« Sebatian ? Are you there ? » I shouted.
I walked into the kitchen, the living room, but he was nowhere to be found. I then heard sniffing. There’s only one place he could be. Anne’s bedroom. I entered, and there he was, sitting on the floor, sterile.
So I sat down next to him.
« Hey » I said.
« Hey » he replied hurtfully, sounding desperately miserable.
« What are you doing there ? » I asked.
« I just … needed to be alone, far from everyone » he said pessimistically with a broken voice.
I understood what he meant by it.
« Would ou like me to leave ? » I asked him.
« I don’t mind you. I just don’t want to see anyone else » he explained.
I nodded.
I wanted to tell him what Valerian told me this morning, about Anne’s wishes. But I didn’t feel like it was the right moment.
« Have you eaten anything yet ? » I demanded.
« I’m not hungry »
I couldn’t blame him. But he would have to eat at some point.
« We could go and see Anne if you’d like. » I suggested.
He turned his head to me.
« Don’t you want to to go to class ? I know you don’t like skipping » he said in his monotone voice.
« I don’t really feel like going to class this afternoon. She's more important. So, what do you say ? » I said calmly.
He paused for a moment.
« Ok » he replied.
I helped him get up. He was so crushed he could barely stand. I then apparated us to the morgue, thinking about Anne to get there.
There was a man working behind a desk.
« Good afternoon » I greeted.
« Good afternoon. Who are you here for ? » he asked.
« Anne Sallow » I said painfuly. Saying her name was like a dagger through my heart.
« Follow me please » he told.
He had a very severe voice. His shadow was quite small.
We followed him through a large corridor and then entred a room. It was cold.
« There she is » he said. « We couldn’t even approach her because of the snake. She tries to bite us everytime we try t interact with her ! » he said accusing.
« Her name is Nathara » I scrolled.
« That thing has a name ? » he scoffed. « What are we to do with it then ? It can’t stay here once the corpse will have left the morgue ! » he said condescending.
« She is my snake. and she will be staying with Anne until the funeral ! » I said sharply.
I could hear Sebastian say something to Nathara.
« Well done Nathara. Don’t let anyone aproach my sister » he whispered agitated.
The man sighted in irritation.
« Call me when you’re done » he said before slaming the door behind him.
The room fell silent.
I could hear Sebastian sniffing.
« How does she look? » I asked apprehensivly.
« She looks … peaceful. And … pallid » he said gloomy.
I left Sebastian a moment with his sister while I spent some time with Nathara.
I was now speaking Pareltongue with her.
Nathara said she had missed me. She asked how I was doing, and how Sebastian was dealing with his grief.
Nathara then told me about Anne, how she lived her final moments by her side, and about Anne’s last words. Nathara said Anne had a message for us and she entrusted Nathara to pass it on to us.
« Sebastian ! » I shouted. As the place was almost empty, his name echoed across the room.
« What ? » replied Sebastian in despair.
« You won’t believe what Nathara just told me ! She can tell us about her final moments, and Anne entrusted her with a message for us ! » I exclaimed.
« What ? Really ? A message ? Tell me Ominis ! » he said impatiently.
Nathara was now whispering in my ear as I translated for Sebastian.
« She says …
To you Ominis.
You have been the best of friends. During our first years at Hogwarts, I secretly had a crush on you that lasted for years. I remember you on your first day at school. You were so thrilled to be there, not only because it was Hogwarts, but because your ancestor was one of the founding fathers. You immediatly knew you were going to be sorted into slytherin before the sorting hat told you. I remember how proud you were. Our frienship only grew stronger over time. I loved how you would always let me win at Gobstones, how you generously gave me your chocolate frog’s cards, how you were always such a good listener when I complained about my brother (I laughed). How you spent every holidays with us. How you were always there to keep us on our toes. How you were there for us when our parents died. How devastated I was when I had to leave Hogwarts because of the curse, and you came and visit me every weekend so I wouldn’t be lonely. You have been more than just a friend to me. You were my family. I remember my parents once said that they concidered you as their third child. And I embrace that thought.
For my dying wish, yes more wishes, I want you to be happy, to always put your needs first before your awful familly’s. To not let them behold power over you. You deserve so much better. Fight for your freedom and what you want. Even if you have to give up on them.
And for my last wish, I know you’re in love with Valerian. I could read it on your face, I could see it in your behaviour and by the way you talked to her. And I am so glad I had the chance to meet her before I died. She’s a wondreful person. And I hope you will give yourself a chance to live an epic love story with her. I will be watching from the skies.
Farewell my friend, my brother.
Tears welled up in my eyes. I had no idea she had a crush on me for so long. I loved Anne. She meant the world to me, just as Sebastian did too. But the love I felt for her was an entierly different love I had for Valerian. I now understood the difference better. With Anne it was a family love bond. She was like my sister. With Valerian, it’s an intense romantic love. I was glad now that Anne had insisted on meeting Valerian. Because she was special to me. I knew that now. That’s what had changed in me, I knew and accepted that I was in love with her and I was ready for more. And even after her death, Anne was still helping me see what I could understand before. She was such a wonderful person.
« She is right you know ? » said Sebastian.
« What do you mean ? » I replied surprised.
« You were there for her, always. You have been the brother she deserved, the brother I should have been, but never was. I abandonned her trying to save her when in the end, all she needed was for me to be present. As much as I hate to admit it, uncle Solomon was partially right » he said remorseful.
« Sebastian, that isn’t true. You were her brother. You were her twin ! No one knew her better that you did. You would finish eachothers sentences. You would know when something was wrong with one of you. You knew on the day she died that something was off. You gave up everything trying to save her. Only a true brother would do that. You had the weight of responsibility on your shoulders from a youn gage when I didn’t. I was there yes, while you did all the dirty work. You loved her so much that you would accept the weight of her hate, along with yours. And you came back for her in the end, even if it frightened you. Now that makes you one hell of an amazing brother. And I am glad I get to call you my brother too ».
Sebastian was now in tears. He rushed towards me, hugging me like never before. And I hugged him right back.
« Thank you Ominis, you always know what to say. And know that you’re my brother too » he told me his voice trembling.
I was surprised by her message, Anne not even mentioning her brother. I thought things were … better between them.
Nathara required my attention once more.
« Nathara says there’s more » I added.
« More ? » repeated Sebastian.
And I sratred translating again.
To you my brother.
I know things have been, « complicated » between us.
In the letter you sent me, along with Ominis’, you asked for my forgivness, for killing our uncle, for having used dark magic and for abandoning me. Honnestly, I thought about it a lot.
When you came to see me with Ominis, I had mixed feelings. I wasn’t sure you had truely changed, I couldn’t know if I could trust you. But you have held up your end of the bargan. You didn’t mention a cure, you stopped using dark magic and stopped your search to be here for me. And know that it meant the world to me, that you could hold up your promise. I know how hard this was for you, to give up on your search of a cure and letting me die. You have respected my last wish.
But now, I have one more.
I want you to forgive yourself. I want you to be happy, build a life for yourself not making the same mistakes. I want you to fall in love, fulfil your dreams of becoming an auror. I think you will make an exellent one due to your past failures. You have learnt from your mistakes.
But I know you won’t be able to forgive yourself without my forgivness. So, I forgive you Sebastian, for everything. And I know uncle Solomon would have admitted in the end, that he was too hard on you. But he would have been pround of what you have become, a man that has learnt from his mistakes, a man that has put his sisters wishes before his own. A man that has had the courage of coming back to face his shame. And I know mama and papa would have been proud of you too.
And I want you and Ominis looking out for eachother, always, no matter your differences. Life will challenge your friendship, but if you stay on the right path and put the other above yourself, then you will always be brothers.
I love you my brother, my twin, my other half.
Farewell brother.
We were both silent for a while.
I could hear Sebastian struggling to beathe as he was sobbing. But this time, he was not crying out of sadness, he was crying out of relief. And I felt the same way, like a shadow had suddenly been cast away.
« I think her last words were breathtaking, majestic. I feel so appreciative that she was allowed to have her say, giving us her last wish » I said light-hearted.
« … I couldn’t agree more » he said peacefully. Still sniffing.
And for the first time in years, I could feel Sebastian was coming to peace with himself. And it warmed my heart. He had made mistakes, yes. Ones he could never take back. But he was still a good person.
« Thank you, Nathara. My sister was able to pass on her wishes thanks to you. I am so grateful, you can’t even begin to imagin what this means to me. You are, the most incredible snake in the world » he said grateful.
Nathara hissed ecstaticlly wiggling and turning aroud.
« You did good Nathara. Well done » I told her in Parseltongue.
A few hours later, I told him about Anne’s plan for her death and the will. I revealed it was at Gringotts in my vault. We decided to go together to recover all the papers.
We apparated in Diagon Alley and walked up to the bank. I wasn’t feeling comfortable around Goblins since the incident in 5th year at hogwarts with Ranrok. He may have died, but his cause remained. Goblins were still fighting against discimination and prejudice towards their kind by wizards and witches as they were forbidden from owning a wand. I didn’t see why they couldn’t have one. What difference would it make ? But it was more than that, they were attempts to enslave goblins as house-elves. No wonder they hated us. But that’s not why I was uneasy around them.
I was a Gaunt. Gaunts were a powerful family, we are a dynasty, thus enslaving house-elves. My father works at the ministry for the minister himself. He was his right hand. Faris Spavin was our minister who has been in power since 1865. The reason my father was his most « trusted adviser » was because my father had saved him from an assassination attempt from a centaur years ago when I was a child. And my father was responsible for reinforing the law around Goblings since Ranrok’s attack. They have very few priviliges amongst wizards because of him. And I am his son, about to go in a place full of goblins.
So we entered the bank. I for one couldn’t wait to get out of there. We walked along a sort of long path. I could see brown shadows mostly on each sides. I could hear goblins writing, stamping, working.
We were now facing the goblin in charge or registrations.
« Name ? » he said without even looking at us.
« Ominis Gaunt » I said trying to look confident fearing their reaction.
The huge room fell completely silent.
« M .Gaunt ? » he said very slowly. « The last time you were there was about 2 years ago I believe. »
« I wish to enter my vault … please » I announced.
« Umm, I will need your wand as identification » he continued.
I gave him my wand. I was now totally in the dark. I was glad Sebastian was there.
I had to clue what was happening.
« It seems the papers are not in order. How could someone get a want before they turned 10 years old ? » he asked tourmenting me.
He asked me the very same question last time I was there.
« Like I told you last time, my case is quite … a unique situation. I am blind, therefore I was allowed access to a wand at a younger age » I explained.
« Yet, your wand can not serve as identification as it is out of regulation » he exclaimed.
« And how else would I prove my identity ? You said it yourself, I was here 2 years ago. So clearly you remember me. Would I have to call my father, M.Gaunt Or the minister of magic himself ? I don’t think they will be too pleased having to come all this way for a minor identification out of regulation » I said condescending despite me.
There was a silence. Regardless me being blind, I tried to maintain my serious face.
« I’m sure that won’t be necessary, we coud make an exeption » he replied.
« I’m sure you can » I replied audaciously.
« If you’d like to follow me » he said superficially.
He gave me back my wand. I had to search for it, in his hands as he wouldn’t put it in mine. I detest being without my wand. I rely on it to see the world. Without it, I’m in the dark.
« That reminds me of the good old days where you would get me out of trouble using that same influence on Headmaster Black » he laughed.
I didn’t enjoy using my name to be allowed priviliges in life. I didn’t like being related to my family. But it couldn’t be helped. People just assumed because I was a Gaunt, I was like the rest of my family. Though I must admit, I was not proving them wrong.
We then hopped onto a mine cart. It took us straight to our Vault, number 276, my vault. My father had once told me the lower the number, the older it was. So I couldn't imagine to whom belonged vault number 1.
Sebastian was holding the light for the Goblin.
I could hear a sliding hatch. Then he goblin opened the door mith my key. Sebastian and I entered.
« Damn Ominis, I never knew you had that much money. I mean I knew your family was rich , but that’s your money. » he said surprised.
The only reason I had so much money is because every year, a certain amout of gold is given from it’s birth to each of the Gaunt children until they reach their 18th birthday. I had never spend any of it, as I always lived with my family, or the Sallows, or at school which was paid for. And to enter Naunington school, my grades were the best of my promtion so I got a scholarship. I could have paid it with the money inside the vault, but it wasn’t necessary. Of course my parents didn’t like the idea of a scolarship, they said it was for the poor, the mudbloods. So they paid for the fee in its entirerty. I obviously didn’t have a say in the matter, as usual.
As we entered the vault, I knew exactly where the papers were. So I recovered them quickly, longing to get out of there. We excited the Vault. I could hear the heavy metal door being closed behind us as we sat onto the mine cart once more. The goblin then locked the door, gave me back my key and we were off.
I didn’t really enjoy riding on the mine cart. I could feel the wind brushing on my face, but it made me feel sick everytime. So I was glad when we got off the mine cart and headed for the exit.
Thank Merlin that was over.
We apparated in Sebastian’s house at Felcroft.
Sebastian was eager to read Anne’s will. So I handed him the parchement.
He opened it and read it.
Anne said she wished for her body to be burried in the garden of her house in Felcroft. Their parents laid there as well as their uncle. Then there was another part. It was about the house. The Sallows left the house in both of their names, Anne and Sebastian. But Anne had changed her will and wanted her half to be passed down to me.
Why would she do that ? She knew I had money, so why ?
Sebastian was surprised, but not unkind.
« I think I know why she gave her half to you. She wanted you to have a place to call home, in case things didn’t go well with your family. »
I was astonished. Anne wanted me to have a home, because she knew I never felt at home with my family. And every holiday, when I would come to the Sallows, I would always say how this house was like a home to me. A sanctuary, from evil.
And now Anne had made it my home.
« But it’s still your house » I exclaimed.
« It’s our house. » He corrected. « I am more than happy to call this place home with my brother » he said jovially.
I smiled in gratitude. It was the first time ever that I could call a place « my home ».