Farewell
POV Sebastian
I opened my eyes, feeling gloom. I was dreading this day. I struggled getting out of bed.
I went to the kitchen, but I didn’t really feel like eating anything. Ominis then came out my bedroom, I mean his bedroom.
« Morning » he said.
« Morning » I replied.
He was wearing a black shirt, and black trousers. He got dressed for Anne’s funeral. I grinned. Anne would have liked that.
He helped himself to breakfast, not that there was much choice as we had only been there for a few days.
« When is Valerian coming ? » I asked.
« I thought we could first get Anne and Nathara, bring them back here. While you prepare her, I will pick up Valerian at school and come straight here » he explained.
« Sounds like a plan » I said.
While he finished his breakfast, I had a shower, then I got dressed. I too wanted to look nice for her. So I put a white shirt on, not having a black one, with a pair of black trousers , and a black tie. If she were there, she would have said the « Sebminis » look deviously hansome.
The thought of it made me smile, and I left the room full of melancholia right after.
I then met Ominis in the living room.
We apparated at the morgue. Two men were waiting for us there. I had to sign off a few papers before we could see her.
« And don’t forget to take that snake with you » he complained.
I could see Ominis roll his eyes up.
We entered the room and there she was, lying on a table. She looked so peaceful. She was so pale.
I heard Nathara hissing, going straight for Ominis’ shoulders. She looked estatic to see him.
He was now talking Parseltongue with her.
He then walked slowly to Anne’s corpse, looking sorrowful.
« Let’s bring her home, where she belongs » said ominis kindly.
I nodded, though he couldn’t see it. It’s strange, I knew he couldn’t, but somehow he knew. His capabilities as a blind person always astonished me.
Ominis put his hand onto her arm. I then apparated us home.
We were now in Anne’s bedroom / my bedroom.
« I’ll leave you to it » said Ominis gently resting a hand on my shoulder briefly.
Then he left.
It was just her and me now as he took Nathara with him.
I had selected some clothes for my sister that I laid on the chair.
So I removed her jumper and replaced it by by a white shirt and her green blazer with the Slytherin crest embroided on it. Then I removed the brown skirt she was wearing, and replaced it by her dark green skirt. I put her white socks and black shoes on. I know she would have been pleased. She loved Hogwarts so much.
I then brushed her hair . And as I did, I whept.
I then carried her outside, I refused to use magic on her, and I put her down on the table we had placed for her, putting her hair back in place, and placing her hands on her abdomen.
And I just stayed there, looking at her endlessly.
I heard a crack from apparating. It was Ominis, Nathara and Valerian.
Valerian came towards me. She was wearing a beautiful elegant long black flared dress, the sleaves were placed on each side of her shoulders revealing her graceful bust. She was also wearing long black lacy gloves. Her wavy light blonde hair was half up, half down. She looked stunning.
« Hello Sebastian » she said courteously.
« Hi » I replied lifeless.
« I’m so sorry Sebastian. You have my deepest condoleances » she said humbly.
A tear rolled down my cheek.
She then came forth and gave me a hug. I wasn’t quite sure what to do so I hugged her back. My cheek was resting on the top of her head. And I could smell a ginger sent. It was so refined and alluring. She had a petite body shape. If I put both my hands around her hips, I could probably touch my fingertips. I could understand why Ominis was spellbound by her.
I could see him looking in my direction, clearly not enjoying this display of affection. He could probably see our shadows colliding.
She let go of me.
« Thank you for having me here » she said with her sweet honey voice.
« Anne would have been pleased, and so am I » I replied.
I should have said so are we. But for some reason left Ominis out.
Ominis walked by Valerian’s side, with Nathara on his shoulders.
« Shall we get started ? » he asked.
« Yes ... » I sanswered dreading the next part.
« Wait, I have something for Anne » she interrupted softly.
She took out of her small purse beautiful green roses. She must have cast the spell of shinking size.
« May I ? » she demanded.
« They’re green. How did you know ? »
« Ominis mentioned once you were all in Slytheryn house at Hogwarts, and I remember Anne saying last we spoke that she was crushed when she had to leave school. I insisted to the flower maker they should be green flowers. I thought she might like them » she said sweetly.
« That’s so thoughtful of you Valerian. Anne would have loved them » said Ominis dreamy.
As she was looking in his direction, she smiled.
« Yes .. . thank you » I added still startled by her kind gesture.
« So, may I place them on her ? » she inquired.
« You may » I responded.
We all stepped to where Anne’s corpse was. She searched for her hands, then lifted them slightly and placed the flowers between her abdomen and her hands.
« How does she look ? » demanded Ominis.
Of course, he couldn’t see her. Not even her shadow.
« She looks … at peace. She is wearing her Hogwarts’ uniform. » I told him nostalgically.
« The perfect clothing for a true slytherin » he declared. « But wouldn’t her uniform be too ... tight ? »
It was genuinly a good question.
« Not if I had sent one her size » said a familiar voice.
« Professor Weasley ?! » said Ominis flabbergast.
« Hello M.Gaunt . Hello M.Sallow» she replied with a smile.
I bowed my head slightly to greet her.
« Thank you for coming professor » I declared.
She nodded.
« And who might we have here ? » she asked looking at Valerian.
« This is Valerian, I mean Miss ... » I couldn’t finish my sentence as I didn’t know Valerian’s last name.
« Let me introduce you to Miss Matthews » finished Ominis.
Of course he knew her last name. He knew her much better than I did.
I felt envious of Ominis at that moment.
« It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance Professor Weasley » she said with a big dazzling smile.
« Pleasure is all mine » she answered.
The professor then turned her head to Anne.
« There she is » she said sorrowful. « She looks sublime in her uniform » she added.
« Shall we ? » asked the professor.
I nodded in agreement.
Professor Weasley opened the ceremony’.
« We are gathered here today to celebrate the legacy of Anne Sallow. She was one of the most compassionate students of her generation. She was clever, cunning, and loved driving her professors mad » she chuckled.
« I remember how heartbroken she was when she had to leave Hogwarts because of her condition. I had wished she would recover, in order to come back among us. But fate had other plans. She will be deeply missed »
I could feel my hands trembling as my throat was thickening. I was only now realizing that she was truely gone. I will never be able to make fun of her again. I will never be able to hold her in my arms again. We will never play gobstones again. I always thought perhaps one day she would tell Ominis how she felt, and that one day, he would realise he was also in love with her. That I would be giving Ominis the big brother speech, even if deep down I would be thrilled. They would get married and I would be the one walking her down the isle. And ominis would truely become my brother, that is my brother in law.
We would all live in our house at Felcroft, happy.
However she got cursed. And her life shifted. And now, she is gone.
I was grief-stricken.
I felt a hand on my shoulder, it was Ominis. He just looked as crushed as I was.
Ominis then took the Professor’s place, and sarted his speech, painfully.
Anne Sallow came to my life when I was 10 years old. She was like no one I had ever met. I memember the first time she talked to me. I was sitting alone in a corridor , and she was running off, she hid behind me casting the desillusion charm. I memember her saying « I’m trying to hide from Professor Hecat so if you don’t report me, I’ll be your friend forever ». Of course she got herself into trouble, as she usually did.
Anne was a marvelous person, she was joyful, clever, cunning, selfless and most of all bossy. She spoke with passion and with such vehemence you wouldn’t cross words with her. She had a fiery temper, loved possessively and dearly and disliked with just as much fervor. She picked her friends carefully, but once inside her circle, it was a very special bond to be wrapped in.
She loved her family deeply. And the person she loved most was her twin brother. She said he was the only person that drove her mad but who she could forgive everytime.
I believe that love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. Anne and Sebastian shared that same soul. When something happend to one, the other knew.
When she was cursed, she was scared. But she didn’t want her brother nor her uncle to know. So I stayed with her as she cried in my arms for hours. And through the years, the pain grew more intense. She had accepted her fate and her wish was to pass away quickly. Unfortunately, her suffering was long and painful. Watching her these last couple of years was the hardest thing to do. Anne was always like a sister to me.
When you lose a precious member of your family, the love you shared does not die with them. It lives on forever among the shattered pieces of your heart.
And I believe grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where there is deep grief, there was great love. And Anne was loved.
She is now in a better world, one where there is no pain, no suffering.
May there be comfort in knowing that someone so special will never be forgotten.
As I listened to his eulogy, I couldn’t hold back my tears. His words made my heart lighter. They had the ability to help, to heal. His words were … so compelling.
I could see a tear trickle down his cheek.
« This eulogy was beautiful Ominis, you always had a way with words » said professor Weasley kindly.
He nodded as a thank you.
Ominis moved fowards to stand by my side.
« Thank you for this Ominis. I will forever treasure your words » I told him.
« Thank you for letting me do this » he replied.
The next step was the final goodbye.
Professor Weasley cast Wingardium Leviosa on her corpse, placing her in the hole we had dug for her eternal rest.
Ominis came foward, accompagnied by Valerian, who was holding his hand.
« Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you, until we meet again. » he declared quivering.
He stayed there for a few minutes. Then he and Valerian came up to me.
« I’ll leave you do this next part alone. Call me when you’re ready » he said softly.
And by ready he meant covering Anne’s tomb.
Ominis raised his arm so that Nathara would climb up.
I could see him, Valerian and Nathara go inside the house, followed by Mrs Weasley.
I took slowly a few steps foward, getting closer to where Anne was laying.
Looking at my sister for the last time, I felt like saying goodbye to a piece of myself.
I could feel the heat of my tears on my face. I sat down by her side, looking down at her, keeping a clear image of her in my mind as I said my goodbyes.
POV Ominis
My farewell to Anne was the most difficult thing I ever had to do. We were now in the house, leaving Sebastian with his siter for his final goodbyes.
« I’m afraid I cannot stay. You will give my best wishes to M.Sallow please ? » said professor Weasley.
« Of course. Thank you for coming. It was a pleasant surprise » I replied.
« I wish you well M.Gaunt. You can be proud of what you have accomplished so far. I know Miss Sallow would be proud of you » she said respectfully.
« Thank you professor. » I replied dignified.
« And look after M.Sallow. He will need you. It was nice meeting you Miss Matthews. Take good care of M.Gaunt » she said with a smile.
I just looked down with a sigh smiling.
« I will » she answered seductivly, looking in my direction.
« Goodbye professor » I told feeling grateful.
She then disappeared.
There was a short moment of silence.
« How are you feeling ? » she asked worried.
« I … feel … thankful and relieved. And tired » I told her. « Thank you for being there. I couldn’t have done this without you ».
« That’s very sweet of you to say » she answered. « By the way, I thought your speech was … magnificent. I never knew words could have that much power. You are the most talented eloquent speaker. You have the power of words » she revealed.
« Oh … thanks » I said as my cheeks flushed.
Everyone kept saying that. I wondered if my words could make Valerian’s heart flutter.
« You should rest for a bit. Let’s sit down » she suggested.
So she took my hand and pulled me onto the couch.
As we sat down, I tightened my grip around her hand, in case she was planning on letting it go. But she didn’t.
I was thinking about Anne. If there is one thing that she has demonstrated, it’s that life can be short. She was called back in heaven too soon. And I want to make the most of my life while I live. It would be a great way to honnour her. And then I remembered her last wish. I knew what I wanted and it was about time to fight for it.
« Valerian, you might think it weird, or even a bad time … but I want to live my life 100 %, as Anne wanted me to. And as such, I … would like to see your face ».
As I said these words, I felt knots in my stomach.
« Well, I thought you’d never ask » she said teasing me.
I grinned.
« Can I go first ? » she asked.
« Of course. » I replied.
Maybe she would feel more comfortable seeing me first, as it is very intimate.
She put her wand down.
Then she rose her hands up. She started with my jawline, setting her hands on each side of them, moving them along as to feel the shape of my face. These movements sent chills down my spine. She then moved up her thumbs onto my lips, starting in the middle and moving them to the extremities. I couldn’t help escape a moan of euphoria. Then her hands rested on my cheeks. Her thumbs once more caressing my nose going upwards.
I then closed my eyes as I knew that’s where she was heading next. This time she carefuly used her fingertips to feel the shape of them. I was now panting. Her touch was thrilling. She moved up again to explore my eyebrows, as she was drawing the shape of it using her index finger. She then used all her fingers discovering my forehead. Her touch was maddening.
How eager I was to see her face.
She then dropped delicately her hands.
« You are … more handsome that I had even imagined » she declared passionately.
I just swallowed deeply unable to utter a word.
« Your turn » she whispered.
I could feel my heart racing.
I put my wand down slowly. I moved up my hands to her forhead first, feeling it with all my fingers. My hands were shaking from nervousness.
I then moved down to her eyebrows, using my thumb outwards to grasp the shape and length of them, moving down to her eyes. They were in an oval shape with dashing long eyelashes.
I then caressed her nose with my fingertips going down realising it was small and delicate.
I used my thumbs against her cheeks, imagining the frekles on them. I didn’t want to go just yet to her lips as I wanted to savour them last.
I then grabbed gently the edges of her jawline, running my hands down. She has such a thin face. Her skin was so soft and warm.
I went down to her thin chin, using mainly the side of my index finger as I run it from her throat to the edge of her chin, slightly rising her head up gently.
I heard a groan escape her mouth. And the idea of her craving for my touch fueled my body.
I was now breathing rapidly as I knew what my next destination was.
I grabbed once more her jaws, hands on each side, moving my thumbs around her lips, as trying to paint over them. They were soft and enticing.
After that my appetite only grew stronger. I was greedy. I needed more. My primal instinct and body were begging me to taste her lips.
I leaned my head foward so I would only be inches away from her face as I closed my eyes.
« Oh, Valerian, you are just so breathtaking » I murmured.
I felt goosebumps running down her neck.
I needed to consummate her lips. I couldn’t supress this urge any longer.
I inclined slightly my head as Sebastian had told me, and I pulled her face more closely. She didn’t budge. And I gently met my lips with hers. I began moving them up and down following my instincts. She followed my movements as if our lips were dancing. The taste of them were exquisit. There was no awkwardness, no doubt. And at that moment, she had become my sun, my centre of gravity, my light in the darkness of my eyes. The rest of the world was just lost in endless space.
Our breathing was increasing as our kiss was becoming more langurous. I pressed my lips more powerfully against hers and the movement made her head lean backwards slightly. And I treasured the small surprised moan she let out into her mouth. Our kiss itensified becoming more passionate and intense.
It was like nothing I had experienced before. I had never wanted anyone like this before.
I was now devouring her, consuming her leaving her breathless as she pulled away.
We were now both panting heavily. Her forhead was still resting on mine, as if we refused to be appart not even for a second.
« Valerian … I … am … madly … in love with you » I said almost whispering trying to catch my breath.
« Oh Ominis » she moaned desperately.
She then placed her hands behind my neck abruptly as our lips collapsed in a passionate kiss once more. The little restrain I had left was now gone. I was kissing her franaticly.
I was now drowning in pleasure and nothing even mattered anymore. She was the only thing that mattered. I moved my hand from her jaw cluntching to the back of her neck pressing her deeper onto my lips to intensify our kiss. We just couldn’t stop ourselves. I was out of breath but the mare idea of breaking the kiss was unbearable. But we broke our lips appart once more as we were short of breath. I was now feeling dizee and we were panting uncontrollably. My face was so close to hers I could feel her breath on my skin. I stroke her right cheek with my thumb.
« Ominis … I am in love with you too » she murmured.
And I smiled in ecstasy.
Her words were like music to my ears.
I pulled her body closer to mine as she gently rested her head onto my shoulder, her face burried into my neck. I set my cheek onto the top of her head as I placed my arms around her , holding her tight. She set one of her hands onto my chest, stroking it. I could smell her sweet ginger sent. And it felt blissful.
We remained in eachother’s arms for a while catching our breaths and enjoying the moment until I heard a door open.
Sebastian entered. He wasn’t saying anything.
I let go ouf Valerian grabbed my wand and stood up.
« Sebastian » I told him gently. « Are you ready ? »
He didn’t reply. But I could hear him sniffing.
I stepped foward slowly, and I rested my hand onto his shoulder.
« Let’s do this » I continued my voice sounding mournful.
I then moved towards Valerian. I caught her right hand as I whispered in her ear.
« Would you mind waiting for me here ? I would love to .. apparate you back to school » I asked.
The truth being I knew covering the tomb would be tough, not physically though, but emotionally. And I needed her, I needed to be with her a while longer.
« I’ll wait for you here, don’t worry about me. » she assured whispering.
I looked for her chin with my right hand to grasp where her face was, then I gave her a gentle kiss on her cheek taking my time to savour her.
« Thank you » I whispered to her ear.
I then started withdrawing my hand, sliding my fingers to the tips of hers until they were appart.
After a few hours, when we had finished, Sebastian wished to stay a while longer with Anne. So I thought it would be a good time to take Valerian back, though after all this effort, I was fetid. And it wasn’t very appealing. I thought I should take a shower first, but Valerian had been waiting long enough.
As I entered the house, I could smell … food, more precicely carrots and beef with onions.
« Valerian ? What are you doing ? » I asked.
« Oh, you’re back, I thought you might be hungry after … your efforts. So I cooked a little something for you both, for later. That way you won’t have to worry about cooking » she said jovial.
I smiled. Of course she did.
« You didn’t have to do that you know ? » I replied gently.
« I know, but I wanted to » she confessed.
« Thank you. It smells amazing. Unlike me » I admitted.
She laughed.
« So how did you learn how to cook ? » I demanded as I surely couldn’t even cook myself an egg.
« My mother taught me. She used to say blindness shouldn’t stop me from accomplishing daily tasks » she said.
« She probably did you a favour. I’m hopeless in a kitchen » I admitted.
She smiled.
« Didn’t your mother teach you how to cook ? » she asked innocently.
I felt unseasy. My family was … something else. I feared that it would change her way of seeing me if she knew how I was raised.
« You should know that my childhood is probably very different from yours. I’m a Gaunt. Gaunts don’t cook. We have house-elves for that saddly » I remarked.
« Yes, I recall that your family is … quite grand » she stated.
I didn’t reply. I never thought myself as grand, but she was right. We are almost mighty in the wizard world. I didn’t want her to know just yet how awful my family was and how they would definitely loathe her just because she is muggleborn. So I tried changing the subject.
« I’d rather know more about your family » I said lovingly.
« What would you like to know ? » she said teasing.
« I want to know everything about you » I said with a smile.
« Is that so ? » she replied playfully.
« Well, I was born here, in London. I’m a city girl. But I went to school, in France, to the Beauxbatons academy, a girls school only »
When I heard her say Girls school only, it lifted my heart. I can’t pretend I wasn’t thrilled by the news. That means they were no boys, so probably no kissing involved. Because I was so hoping that I would be the first man to have tasted her lips.
« Of course, it wasn’t always easy. When I lost my sight, big ajustments were necessary at first. My parents took me out of school for about 6 months before I could go back »
That’s when I realised how hard it must have been for her. She was accustomed to see the world, to see people, colours. And then suddenly that privilege was strippen away from her. She must have been terrified. That thought broke my heart.
« But in time I was able to do a little more each day. I worked very hard to be as independant as I could. My father was so upset by what happened to me that he insisted I learnt more than just magic. He taught me how to fight, how to be swift and strategic, to always be one step ahead »
And I was glad he did. Magic isn’t always the answer, though I was clueless as to how muggles lived.
I walked to where she was standing, grabbing gently her hand in my own.
« I’m truely sorry Valerian. It must have been so hard for you, and your parents » I said compassionately.
« I like to think of it as my strength. I was lucky to have all the support I needed » she told appreciative.
Which is more than I ever got from my family.
I remember the nights when I was in my vast bedroom, my parents were arguing about me, asking themselves what they would do with me, how incapable and incompetent I was. How shameful it was to have a blind son. It was as if I were a mistake. And I would cry myself to sleep, not understanding why my parents would say such things. I didn’t chose to be blind.
That’s why I was always ashamed of myself when I was a child. It’s only when I started going to Hogwarts that things really changed. Having friends like Sebastian and Anne really helpt me believe in myself.
I started feeling mournful thinking about her.
« Are you thinking about her ? » she asked softly.
« Yes, I was thinking that Sebastian and her were my support during hard times. I could always rely on them » I replied morose.
She then took my other hand in hers.
« I’m sure they were. Such friends are hard to find, I’m glad you all found eachother » she said ever so gently.
How I adored her. She said I had the power of words, but I felt no word would ever be enough to describe how devine she was.
« It was a long day for you too, should I take you back ? » I asked reluctantly.
« Ok » she responded, sounding almost disappointed.
As I was already holding her hands, I apparated us back. But I wasn’t thinking about where I would apparate … in my bedroom as it was the only safe place I could appear.
And we were now here. Too late.
« Where are we exactly ? » she asked not recognizing the room and letting go of my hands.
I could feel my face starting to boil.
« Eh … in … in my room, sorry. It’s the only place where I am sure to arrive in one piece » I told embarassed.
She laughed.
« Well, is sneeking women in your bedroom one of your skills ? » she teased suggestively.
I could feel my face turning completely red now as I swallowed hard.
« No …. » I replied with a weak voice.
Like I said before, she would be the only woman I would want in my room.
She just smiled.
« I should probably head back to my room. Will you be alright ? » she asked sweetly.
« I will ony be fine if … » I started.
« If what ? » she asked.
« … » Nothing came out of my mouth.
« Ominis, never be afraid to ask me what it is you want » she stated lovingly.
I took in a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Time to man-up and fight for what I want.
I walked slowly towards her. She was close to the door and was looking in my direction.
I wanted to know what kind of power I could have over her with my words. I wanted to allure her, to seduce her.
I stopped right in front of her face, I lowered my head slightly to wisper in her ear.
« All I want is you. I want to savour your lips, I want you to whimper as I devour your neck. I want you to quiver as I whisper in your ear. I want you longing for me as I feast on your love »
« Oh, Ominis » the cried out.
I then lowered my head to the top her her neck, landing a passionate kiss.
She let out a powerful moan.
She bent her neck slightly so I would have more access. She was demanding for more.
So I obliged, kissing her fervently as I was going down, taking my time.
I could hear her ravenous moans, and it was pure delectation.
She rose up her hands and placed them behing my neck.
I could feel my breathing intensify. I hungered for more. So I pushed her gently against the wall, I was now able do deepen every single kiss as I pressed her against it going back up.
I could feel my chest against hers. I had never been that close to her, to any woman as a matter of fact. I couldn’t help but gasp.
I could feel she was wearing a dress, leaving the top of her shoulders exposed.
I could sense my arousal growing unsatisfied. So I put an end to the kisses down her neck.
And Valerian let out a blissful groan.
« Please … Ominis » she murmured.
And the way she cried my name was an aphrodisiac, it was enough for me to lose my mind. I grabbed her face as I smacked my lips against hers and parted my lips ferociously devouring her. It was exhilarating. She was just as eager as I was.
She then arched her hips into mine. At that movement, I could feel my male arousal responding. I could feel my body trembling, This affliction down my body was craving for her, it was agonizing for attention. My appetite was not yet satisfied. I then realised how alarming this situaion was becoming. If I didn’t stop now, I’m not sure what I could do to her. I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop.
So I put a stop to our kiss, let go of her and took a step back trying to catch by breath.
« Are you alright ? » she asked innocently, also trying to catch her breath.
« I’m … sorry. It’s just … I don’t think you quite realise how … enticing you are to me » I whimpered.
She took my hand.
« Ominis, you are … so lovely » she said in awe still breathing heavily.
I smiled. And so did she.
« If I may, I have a question and I hope you will not find it impertinant » I started.
« Do tell, I’m curious » she replied joyful.
« Was I … I mean have you … ever … kissed anyone before me ? »
I was now beggin Merlin for the answer I wished to hear.
She chuckled.
« No. You have the privilege of being the first » she said sweetly.
And the last ! I thought in my head. I am not letting any man taste her lips. EVER.
« I’d better go. You should rest. Please give my thanks and condoleances to Sebastian » she demanded.
« I will » I retorted.
As my hand was still in hers, I raised it to my lips to give her a kiss.
« Thank you for coming Valerian. It means a great deal to me » I said blessed.
« Anythime » she replied.
She then opened the door and left.