The ministry of magic
POV Ominis
After finding the locket, I spend some time with Valerian at our house in Felcroft. These revelations were quite disturbing. I had told her what I thought I knew about one of these men being my brother, about the ring being a Slytherin family heirloom.
She listened carefully and as expected was taken aback by these revelations.
I always despised my brother, but now I loathed him. I don’t know what I’ll do to him if I see him again. I know I won’t be able to hold back my anger.
I spent most of the afternoon comforting Valerian who had a day filled with emotions. We just stayed in eachother’s arms half laying on the sofa. I told her how much I loved her so she would focus on positive things, and reminded her of our field trip to the ministry tomorrow. We were all eargerly waiting for it.
Then it was time for diner. So we headed back to school, eating with our friends.
Then we went straight to our doorms. Valerian was exhausted. So I suggested she went to bed and Sebastian and I would contact Bing without her. She didn’t argue.
My lips covered hers in a long warm kiss, my arms around her waist, her arms aound my neck. I had wished for more time with her, even sleep by her side again, feeling her delighful arms in mine for the night. Saddly I had other plans. So I reluctently let go of her, watching her shadow go up her side of the doorm.
I then stepped towards Sebastian.
« Ready ? » he asked.
I nodded in aprouval.
We both went to my room. Nathara was rejoiced to see us. She immediately climbed onto my shoulders, caressing my cheek. Poor Nathara, I didn’t really take her out much, as I know most people feared snakes.
I took out the box with the locket inside putting it on my bed as I sat next to it. Sebastian sat on the chair.
« Bing, please come » I shouted.
We then heard a CRACK.
« Greetings Master Gaunt. Greeting M.Sallow. Greetings Nathara. What can Bing do for his master ? » he said placidly.
« I would like you to come clean about the order my father and brother are part of » I said cutting right to the chase.
He let out a gasp of surprise.
« Bing can’t tell Master Gaunt or Master will … will ... » he started.
« I know Bing. I know what he’s like. But, I’m sure you would love to please Master , wouldn’t you ? » I said luring him into out trap.
It was very confusing both my father and I being called Master. Though Father was Master, and I was Master Gaunt. Actually my brother was alwo Master Gaunt.
« Bing lives to serve his masters, always » he said truly.
« Good. Because I have the perfect present for Father. And I think you should be the one to give it to him. It is something he has been searching for a long time you know ? He will be very pleased with Bing » I said theatrically.
Bing looked overjoyed and nodded his head up and down.
I took the box in my hand and opened it, making sure I wouldn’t touch the locket.
Bing looked at it, his eyes widening.
« Ohh, Bing recognizes the Slytherin locket. A very valuable heirloom. Master was furious when he lost the locket » admitted Bing.
« So you can see why he would be thankful to Bing if you gave it to him ? » I insisted.
« Ohh, yes. Bing would be happy ! » he said ecstatic.
« But first, you must tell us everything you know about the order. We know you have arranged a meeting » I ordered.
Bing thought for a moment. Nathara hissed as to urge him in his decision. He then quickly made a decision fearing Nathara would eat him.
« Bing will help Master Gaunt if he promises not to tell Master that Bing helped his son » he demanded fearfully.
« Deal » I said with a smirk.
Bing leaned foward, closer to us, lowering his voice as if someone could hear us.
« Bing doesn’t know much. He knows Master and Master Gaunt attend secret meetings. They are part of what they call « the order ». They all wear a mask when they meet to keep their identity secret » he revealed.
« And what do they do during these secret meetings ? » asked Sebastian.
« Bing isn’t sure. He is to keep watch while the Masters attend the meeting. Bing heard screams several times. And he heard them talk about a prophecy » he said cautiously.
« Do you know the contents of the prophecy ? » I demanded.
« I know they are preparing for someone’s arrival, a dark lord described in the prophecy. They talked about a purge before his arrival » said Bing apprehensively.
« What dark loard ? What purge ? » urged Sebastian
« I’m sorry M.Sallow, Bing only knows little. He is often kept in the dark » hissed Bing.
« When is their next meeting and where ? » I inquired.
« They meet in the catacomb where Master Gaunt spent the night as a child » he told.
To those words, I felt my chest tighten. Why there ?
« This place is full on inferis. Why would they meet there ? » I questioned.
« So they are not disturbed by unexpected visitors » he replied.
Well, I guess it made sence in a way. So long as they made their way quietly to the crypt.
« When is the next meeting then ? » asked Sebastian impatient.
« On Saturday night, at 10 pm » he asserted.
Great. Now we could spy on them.
« Thank you Bing. You have been most useful, wouldn’t you agree Sebastian ? » I jested.
« Oh yes, most useful » he replied playfully.
Bing looked pleased with himself.
« As promised, you can have the locket Bing. But I wouldn’t touch it if I were you, there was a powerful curse on the ring inside that box. Though I think it has been desactivated, you never know » I warned.
« Bing sees the magic around it is now gone. It is safe to take in hand » he detected.
« Well, it’s yours then. I’ll keep the box » I decreeded.
« Thank you Master Gaunt. Good night to you » he said.
And then CRACK, he was gone with the locket.
« Perfect. Now we have the information we needed » said Sebastian rejoiced.
« Maybe we should make a few invisibility potions. Have you still got the sleeping potion we made the other day in class ? It could be useful too » I suggested.
« I’ll make sure we are fully equiped. Don’t you worry » said Sebastian fretted.
« For some reason that doesn’t reassure me » I said teasing him.
He just let out a groan of discontent.
I smiled to his reaction.
« So, now that it’s just the both of us, will you tell me more about what happened last night ? » he said theatrically.
« Honestly Sebastian ! » I said exasperated.
« Come on man. You are dating the sexiest most dazzling girl in this school, probably in the world, you tell her you are to be engaged to another yet she still loves you madly. The What’s your secret ? » he said joking.
« Well for starters, girls are not toys to me. Especially not Valerian » I remarked frankly.
« Ouch, but you’re right. So did you … consume her ? » he asked comically.
« Of course not ! Unlike you, I’m a gentleman » I said tauting him.
« Yeah, that’s true enough » he admitted amusingly.
We both laughed. Then there was a short silence.
« Actually, I told her she would be the only woman I would ever marry » I relealed.
« Well, well I didn’t realise you were ready for marriage. But I understand it’s the only way to have her completely » he said mocking me.
« That is not why I want to marry her ! » I urged.
« Oh so you do want to marry her. Well this just gets better by the minute ! » he bantered.
He was getting on my nerves now. But was he right ? I knew that someday I would want Valerian as my wife because I love her madly. But was I actually ready for mariage ? Like mother said I am of age. And most people in our century get married between the age of 18 and 20. After that, you are concidered too old.
But what does marriage really mean ? I can’t say I had the best example. My parents was also an arranged marriage. And they always said they had a duty to perform. Marriage wasn’t about love.
« That’s not what I meant. I love her and someday, when my fake engagment is over, then perhaps, yes » I admitted surprisingly.
« What is that fake engagment lasts forever ? » implied Sebastian.
« I’ll make sure it doesn’t last forever, you can be certain of it » I said determined.
Sebastian was now silent.
« Sebastian, you’re parents were in love. Did they ever tell you how they knew they were ready ? » I asked genuinely.
« No, unfortunately not. They died before they got the chance » he replied with a lower voice.
It was sad, they were great parents and great people. I remember they loved eachother so much.
« I should probably head off. We’ve got a big day tomorrow. Hopefuly we won’t cross paths with any of your family » he said.
« Amen » I replied frankly.
« Good night then. And good night Nathara » he said leaving.
« See you tomorrow » I answered.
The next day was the day we had all been eargerly awaiting. The field trip.
We all gathered in the great hall. Professor Radagor, Professor Katona male and Professor Herod were to accompagny us on our excurtion.
We were waiting on a couple of more students, to be honnest we were waiting for the girls, including Valerian.
They arrived a few minutes after. I put my arms around her as soon as she was here. She had the urge to throw her arms around my neck as I embraced her around her waist and upper back. Our kiss began softly, slowly gaining passion, not even bothered by out fellow classmates nor the professors.
I heard Benjamin let out a gasp of disgust. Samuel was saying how unfair it was that I got the most beautiful girl in school. Becca said nothing. Cassandra was in awe. I guess it was the first time we showed people our love for one and other. And I will admit that I felt the luckiest man in the world at that moment.
We were still kissing ardently when we were cut by Professor Herod.
« Dear students, please stop whatever it is that your doing and gather around » he annonced.
We broke our kiss in order to listen to the professor. But when we did, I quickly smacked her lips one last time.
« This trip is essencial to your training. You will be visiting the most important places at the ministry were you might be working someday. You will be meeting my ex collegue, a well trained auror »
When the professor made his decleration everyone started whispering. We had no clue he was an ex-auror.
« You will also have the privilege of discovering the hall of dark artefacts and witness historical relics » added Professor Katona male.
Everyone was thrilled by the program.
« Will we get to meet the minister ? » demanded Becca.
« Please. He’s far too busy » said Professor Herod. « At your age, meeting the misnister himself would mean that you would have made something worth his while » he explained.
I’m not sure he knew that I actually knew him, probably better that he didn’t. And he wasn’t all prejudice at all, he loved meeting young people.
« Right, everyone grab some flu powder and say Ministry of magic » instructed Professor Radagor.
And one by one, we were entering the chimney, disappearing to the ministry in those bright green flames.
I helped Valerian in there, she transoprted first. Then I followed, meeting her there. Sebastian was the next one to arrive.
We were now in a vast main entrence corridor crowded with people. I could see hundreds of shadows walking rapidly. The professors asked us to regroup before we got lost. Of couse I wasn’t. I knew perfectly were I was and my way around.
« We shall start by meeting the auror who kindly made time to share his experience with you » said Profesor Herod.
So we followed him onto level 2 then into a room with a few chairs. We all sat down. I made sure I was sitting next to Valerian, holding her hand.
We suddenly heard someone come through the door. This person shook Professor Herod’s hand and then embraced him. He did say they were ex-collegues of him. And I think they must be pretty close. He then shook the other professor’s hand. I heard them thanking him for his time.
« May I have your attention students please » started Professor Herod.
« This is Huntley Fiddlewood, he is the head of the auror office » continued the professor.
« Good day students. It’s nice to meet you. First, you should know that the job of Auror is seen as glamourous by some, as there is a great deal of danger involved and it is extremely difficult to join the ranks of the Aurors. That is why very few of you, if not only one will become an auror. Tell me, what qualities are required in your opinion to become an auror ? » he asked.
« I’d say a sharp mind » said Benjamin.
« True enough » replied the auror.
« To act and react quickly, to be able to recall our training on a moment’s notice » added Samuel.
« In deed, knowing the correct counter-spell won’t do you much good if you can’t recall it quickly enough to cast it thus protect yourself » he explained.
« An auror must also be able to think like their targets. And that means thinking like dark wizards without falling prey to the weakness within » I declared.
« Absolutely ! It is essencial to think like them to stop them. Dark wizards are usually cunning and clever. You must be able to predict their next move or else » emphecised the auror.
We were now all thinking about what that truely meant. The danger was not only in the risk of dying, it was also in crossing the line to the other side.
« I believe Non-Verbal spellcasting is important to. It prevents our opponent from knowing exactly what spell you’re going to use and thus don’t know the correct counter » told Sebastian.
« It is very useful in deed. But it requires advanced training and technicallity and not even everyone can master it » explained the auror.
« Not trusting everything is what appears to be an exellent way of staying alive » declared Cassandra.
« Agreed. You must question everything, but not to the point of madness » he retorted.
« We would need skills in various subjects. Understanding of potions and antidotes could make a difference between life and death for example » mentionned Valerian.
« Very good. You seem to understand the basics. But it’s much more than that. Like I said, being an Auror means risking your life for others. Sometimes, friends die. You need a strong mind, but also compassion, empathy and respect for others. And the most important of all, teamwork. Aurors rarely work alone. So find yourself a good partner, one that you can trust with your life » he detailed.
I immediately thought of Sebastian. We were to become partners if we both became aurors. The legendary « Sebminis » team.
“Let’s see if any of those skills are usefull. Come forth please” asked the auror.
We all sat up, and stepped foward, all curious to know why.
I heard him open some sort of box and take out objects from it. I then heard these same ogbject laid out on the table near by. One had a metallic sound, one had a very light sound, and the last object seemed a bit heavier.
“He’s laying out a sword, a gem and a cup” told Sebastian to myself and Valerian.
“Have a look at these objects. One of them is imbuded with dark magic. But which one? Will you be able to spot it?” asked the auror.
Everyone stepped closer to the objects, now looking at them attentively, exploring every detail.
“Sir, it’s impossible to know. They all look normal” admitted Benjamin.
The auror didn’t reply, leaving us in wonder.
“I know which one it is” I declared.
“I think I do to” added Valerian.
I was surprised she knew which one it was, as I knew her shadows were colourless.
We looked at eachother curiously.
“Oh, do tell” said the auror astonished.
I let Valerian go first.
“It’s the cup” she detected.
“Interesting. And you?” he demanded looking at me.
“The cup” I echoed.
Everyone whispered in surprise.
“Why would you think it’s the cup?” questioned the auror.
“Well, I can hear it whispering to me. More like a murmur. The other objects are silent” explained Valerian.
So that’s how she spot it. Interesting.
“ For me it’s different. I see shadows. Everyone has a different colour, and some objects too. The cup is a different colour from the other objects. That’s how I knew” I descibed.
“Ah, yes. Professor Herod mentioned that you were both blind. But it seems you see better than we do ! It was the cup in deed, well done !” accalimed the auror.
The others started whispering again.
“What are your names ?” inquired the auror.
“ This is Miss Matthews and this is M.Gaunt” informed professor Herod.
“Oh, M. Gaunt? You must be related to the minister’s right hand then ?” he demanded.
I never liked to be related to my family. But I guess that’s what I was for now, the son of the minister’s right hand.
“Yes” I just replied unenthousisatically.
I could feel he wanted to know how exactly I was related to him but he didn’t insist.
The others knew he was my father.
“Well, your skills would be most useful among us” he asserted.
I didn’t like the extra attention, but for once, it was due to my skills and not my relations so I was pleased.
“For others who don’t possess M.Gaunt and Miss Matthews’s talents, we would have to use the Probity Probe. It’s a magical device used to discover or identify the presence of dark wizards or dark objects. Essential to have with you at all times as an auror” he explained.
He took one out of the box, showing it to us.
“This is what it looks like. Pass it around” he ordered.
Everyone had a go at holding it, Valerian was next. She took her time touching every inch of it. Then came my turn. It was like a metal stick with a sort of gem on top.
I then gave it back to the auror.
“Let’s give it a try” he said casually.
He motioned the Probity Probe over the sword. Nothing happened. Then the gem. But nothing happend. And the cup. It was now flashing. Probably with a colour I wouldn’t know.
« And that’s how you detect a dark object » he finalised.
« I’ve got to have one of these » said Samuel jolly.
« Now, come along, I’ll give you a tour of the ministry » he told.
Professor Katona went first followed by my classmates. Then Professor Radagor was the last to leave the room.
The auror showed us around the level 2 first, the auror office. There was a secretary working in the entrance. Then in another room was the place where missions were given and where we had to report back. Then the ultimate room where dark artefacts that were confiscated were kept under high protection. There were 4 guards surveilling the door.
The auror let us in and sepcifically forbade us from touching anything.
They were many objects on the shelves.
« M.Fiddlewood could you show my students maybe one of the artefacts ? » asked Professor Katona.
« It would be my pleasure. Let’s see. Maybe this. Yes, this will do. Does anyone recognise this ? » he asked as he raised the object.
« What does it look like Sir ? » I demanded.
« Oh, yes … of course … It’s a medal, made of gold with an emmerald gem inside » detailed the auror, dubiously.
« Is it oval ? » I requested.
« Yes » he retorted confused.
« Don’t tell me you know what it is ! » said Samuel in disbelief.
« Actually, I do. It’s a metamorph medal. They are quite rare » I said serenly.
The others whispered in surprise.
« How do you even know that ? » asked bitterly Benjamin.
I couldn’t tell him the reason why. I knew my father had one of these when I was a child. He used it to torture muggles undetected. He probably still has it somewhere.
So I chose to remain silent instead.
« Well done M.Gaunt. It is in deed a metamorph medal. For a wizard or witch who struggles using transfiguration spells it is ideal. But is was banished years ago after the Gringotts robbery » he told.
This incident tarnished the goblin’s reputation. Thieves used the medal to take the appearance of the owners’ vaults to robb them several times. After a few reports, they had stopped the thieves and uncovered the truth. Of course they were arrested and sent to Azkaban for their crimes. Since then, the medal was concidered too dangerous and banished from use.
« But what’s the difference between the medal and casting a transfiguration spell ? » he demanded.
« Sir, it’s because the medal allows us to take someone elses appearance unlike a transfiguratin spell where you can create your own appearance. Therefore using the medal is usurping someone’s identity » I commented.
I could hear he was impressed by my knowledge, other fellow classmates were also, but not everyone. Benjamin didn’t seem pleased, nor Samuel.
« Once more, you’re correct M.Gaunt. Your knowledge is impressive. » noted the auror.
I wasn’t sure if it was more impressive or worrying. I do know a lot about dark magic. I knew it would be useful as an auror.
He put down the object back on the shelf.
« Right. Let’s visit the rest of … » the auror started.
« Sir, I have a question please ? » interrupted Becca.
« Oh, of course, do ask »
« What’s the most dangerous artefact you have discovered ? » she interrogated.
That was actually an exellent question.
He remained silent for a moment, thinking about his answer.
« Well, to be honnest with you, it wasn’t a dark artefact. I have once encountered a special mirror. The mirror of Erised. It’s an ornated mirror with clawed feet and a gold frame. When you look inside that mirror, it reflects your most desperate desire in your heart thus the name Erised witch is desire spelled backwards. It was discovered 2 years ago. My partner has lost his little girl last year. She died in a brutal way. Overcoming this horrid experience has been the hardest challenge of his life. When we found the mirror, he said he could see his daughter. She was calling for him. At first I thought it was like a window between the living and the dead. But when I saw myself in the mirror, as head of the auror office, I knew that wasn’t it. But my collegue was convinced he could somehow bring his daughter back to life, or back to our world. He spent a few hours at first, studying the mirror. Then everyday he spent more time looking at it. He was not feeding himself any longuer, couldn’t work anymore. His soul purpose was the mirror. He was cut off reality to live in some fictional world. He went mad because of it. And now he is at St-Mungo. To be honnest I believe it brings more harm than good. The loss of a loved one is a great burden to bare » he said tragically.
We all remained silent. It was a tragic story and a frightening one. When he spoke of his collegue, I could very well imagine Sebastian in his place, seeing his beloved sister. This type of artefact could ruin once more his life. It should be classidfied as a dark object.
« I’m verry sorry for your collegue » declared Valerian sweetly.
« Thank you Miss Matthews. Let’s hope we learn from our mistakes » he returned.
I smiled. Thank Merlin there were people like her, who are compassionate in this crazy world. I took her hand lovingly. She tightened her grip around mine, our hands becoming one. When I thought I couldn’t love her more, she always found a way to make me fall in love with her all over again. I remember feeling fustrated last night at not being able to sleep by her side, to touch her delicate skin. Our interaction th night before was pure ecstasy and since then my body had been yearning for her. I was now having trouble focusing on what was happening around me. She was my gravity, pulling me away from the rest of the world.
« Right, let’s continue our visit » said the auror.
Everyone excited the room. Valerian and I were the last. We both were about to leave when I pulled her to the side, closing the door. I then pressed her against the wall rapidly, her face in my hands and met my lips with hers urgently. She let out a sigh of surprise, but didn’t retaliate. Our kiss was now consuming and hungry. She pulled her arms around my neck and pressed me deeper into her. Our kiss grew more pationate, the feel of her body against mine not enough to state my growing need. Our breathing increased. I broke our kiss to go down her neck, inhaling her magnificent ginger sent. I pressed my lips on her soft skin, as she let out a moan of pleasure.
« Ominis .. . we … can’t ... » she struggled whispering not being able to use her voice.
I just continued fervid kisses down her neck. I brought my hands down her waist slowly, then her hips, then down to her thighs, grabbing them tightly as I lifted them around my hips. My intimate part was now between her legs. The thought of being so close to her entrance sent a shiver down my spine, my manhood insatiable.
« Ominis … we … shouldn’t … here » she moaned out of breath in pleasure.
« I … love you … and … I … can’t … hold back » I tried saying but my urge for her was escalating ardently. My thobbing pain between my legs growing impatient. I couldn’t wait any longer and abruptly probbed my hips into hers. The movement caused her to cry my name. I was now panting heavily, desperate for more. So I pushed hard between her legs once more. I moaned her name in delight, leaning my head back. With every thrust, she tightened the grip around my neck and moaned louder and was only exiting me more and encouraging me to increase the speed. My inflamed arousal was craving for more. I bucked into her more forcefully and rapidly. I burried my face into her delightful neck as she did in mine.
I could feel her desire for me, her lust for her climax. And I wanted to satisfy her appetite. I was now roughly plunging into her completely out of control whining in esctasy. She was beathing intensivly, pulling me harder against her. I could feel her legs tightening aound my hips, she was about to reach the finish line.
« Ominis, I … I’m going to ... » she cried.
I could feel my climax approaching too. I could feel her body was trembling. She let out a loud lament of profound rapture, lunging her head to the wall. And her orgasm pushed me over the edge. I felt the elexir powerfully come out of my member, soaking my pants. My body was trembling from delectation. We were both trying to catch our breaths, her head now resting on my shoulder.
« I love you Valerian. You’re nothing short of my everything » I murmured softly.
« Oh, Ominis. I love you so much. I’ve been in love with you since the very begining. You are the last thought in my mind before I drift off to sleep and the first thought when I wake up each morning » she whispered lovingly.
I couldn’t help but kiss her passionately. At that moment I knew she was the one for me. That she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. No one else could make me feel this way. Ever. It was not rational thinking, but my heart knew. But I was still in a … delicate situation. I needed more time.
After a few minutes, we thought we should rejoin the group before anyone noticed we were gone, though it was probablty too late. But before we did, I had to clean myself up a bit. I suggested we stopped by the resting room first. And I was glad I did as my pants were soaked. I had to apparate back to my bedrom for a change of clothes. When I had finished, I met Valerian outside the rest rooms, and we headed back looking for our class. Luckily I knew the place like the back of my hand. After a while we finally found them near the statue in the great hall and inserted ourselves discretely into the group as if we were never gone. But one person noticed our absence.
« Where were you guys ? » asked Sebastian.
I could feel my face turn red.
« Nowhere … we … got lost, that’s all » I said bashfully.
He chuckled.
« Yeah, right » he said.
Of course he wouldn’t be fooled that easily.
« Well you’ve missed most of the tour, not that it matters for you as you know the place well enough » he affirmed.
I chuckled. He was right of course.
Then I heard a familiar voice.
« M.Gaunt ! My boy … euh I mean man ! » he corrected himself.
It was the minister. He was now walking towards us.
« It’s great to see you here » he stated enthousiastically.
« Minister, how lovely to see you again » I replied graciously as I shook his hand.
My classmates started whispering again in disbelief.I could hear Samuel asking Sebastian how I knew the minister. Oviously he forgot that my father worked with him.
« Minister, I’m afraid we have a tight schedlue » said another man.
I could recognise that voice anywhere. Father.
« Nonsense, we should always make time for the younger generation » he lectured.
I could imagine Father’s face displeased.
I didn’t even bother greeting him.
« So what brings you here today ? » he demanded.
« I’m on a fieldtrip with my class. We are being showed around the ministry » I answered cordialy.
« Aa, and by the head of our auror office. How delightful of you Huntley to make time for them. I’m sure you’ve met M.Gaunt, a very promising candidate » he metioned.
« I have minister » replied the auror.
I felt a bit embarassed at that moment with the extra-attention though his intensions were good.
« Aa, and professor Herod, it’s nice to se you pass on your knowledge to such promissing students » he said while shaking his hand.
« It’s nice to see you again Minister, it has been too long » said Professor Herod respectfully.
« In deed, in deed » replied the minister. « And these are your friends ? »
« You remember Sebastian from the … party » I said trying to avoid using the word engagment and marriage in front of the others, especially Valerian.
He shook the minister’s hand.
« This is Samuel, Benjamin, Becca, Cassandra, Edmund and … Valerian » I told. When I said Valerian’s name my heart fluttered. I was happy to entroduce her to people of my surroundings, it made somehow our relationship more serious. And I was very satisfying.
He nodded at each name, but when he saw Valerian he approached her gently.
« Heavens, you are quite a sight for a man’s old eyes » he said jubilant.
I chuckled. I was glad he liked her.
« Oh, you’re too kind minister » she replied sweetly in her usual angelic voice.
He was about to shake her hand when my father stopped him.
« Minister, I wouldn’t if I were you. She isn’t … worthy your time » he said disrespectfully.
Worthy of his time ? He implied she was not pure because she was a muggleborn. I was fuming. I couldn’t just stand by and say nothing.
So I turned to Valerian.
« I appologise for my father’s poor behaviour Valerian. I’m afraid HE is not worthy of your time » I said coldly now looking in his direction.
I could hear people sighing in shock.
Even I could feel my chest tighten in both disbelief and anger. I can’t believe I just replied to Father that way. I had never spoken to him in this manner. But I had no regrets.
Father didn’t even flintch to my words. He was as calm as ever.
« You’re as disapointing as ever. We do not mix with these kind of people. You’re … friend should know her place. And so should you. » he said sharply.
I gave him a sharp dark look.
« Well, you know what they say about expectations. If you expect nothing from somebody, you will never be disappointed. And I must say, you never disappoint » I said bitterly.
He just laughed. But an evil laugh.
« Trying to play tough are we ? It doesn’t suit you. By the way, the clock is ticking. We are eagerly awaiting your … response » he teased.
He was talking about the engagment to Malfoy.
We were cut off by professor Radagor.
« If you’ll excuse us minister, we have a tour to finish » she said trying to get us out of there.
« Yes what a good idea. We must be off now. It was nice to see you M.Gaunt. And it was lovely to meet you Miss Matthews » he genuinely said.
And then they were heading in the opposite direction.
I could hear from the distance the minister lecturing my father, explaining how we shouldn’t talk to ladies in this manner no matter what her background.
He was a kind and open-minded man, the complete opposite of my father.
I could hear the professors asking us to move foward.
As I was blind, I didn’t know how Valerian felt during that dreadful encounter.
« Are you ok ? » I asked her worried as I held both sides of her arms.
« Don’t worry. I’m fine. His beliefs will not make me feel less about myself. Now that I got to meet your father I see why you dislike your father so much » she admitted.
« I wish you had never met him. He’s so infuriating, and he was so rude to you ! » I exclaimed angrily.
She took my face into her delicate hands, stoking my cheek.
« Thank you for defending my honour. And I’m proud of you, sticking up to your father like that. I know it wasn’t easy for you » she said lovingly.
« When it comes to you, everything becomes easier. And I won’t let him hurt you. Ever » I said determined.
She then leaned in for a deep kiss.
Unfortunately we were interrupted.
« Hey, you two, now’s not the time for romance, follow the rest of the group » shouted professor Katona.
I could feel myself flush. I tend to forget the people around me as I’m blind. Especially when I’m with Valerian.
So we let go of eachother. As we joined the rest of the group, she took my hand and whispered in my ear « I thought you were so attractive back there, standing up to your father».
I could feel my cheeks roasting. But I couldn’t help but smile too.
When we had fnished the visit, the professors said we were to have lunch in the cafeteria.
But before everyone left, I asked Valerian and Sebastian to grab something to take away instead and to meet me back here. I had to talk to M.Fiddlewood.
« Excuse me M.Fiddlewood ? May I ask for a moment of your time in private ? » I demanded politely.
He told the others to go ahead without him.
« What can I do for you M.Gaunt ? » he asked.
« Is there a place we could talk more privately ? » I requested.
He looked around for a moment.
« Follow me » he said quietly.
We entered an office a bit further down the corridor.
« Well, you’re very secretive. What did you want to talk about ? » he inquired.
« As you are now well aware, I’m Master Gaunt’s son. And my mother also used to work there. So I kind of grew up here. And as a kid I loved exploring. I guess you could say I know the place pretty well, including rooms that are unknown to most people working there. And there’s one perticular room I wished to discuss with you » I explained.
« Uh, you are full of surprises. And which room would that be ? » he demanded.
« Well, it’s the hall of prophecy Sir »
He kept quiet for a moment.
« How do you know about this room ? » he said surprised.
« Like I said, I know many things » I retorted.
« You should forget about this room. It’s dangerous » he eadvised.
« I know. I’ve been there before. But I need to know more about it. I know it’s filled with rows of shelves with hundreds of glass orbs which are prophecy records. I think someone had access to it and might use it for something bad » I admitted.
« Do you have any proof ? » he demanded.
« No. But I need to know how do the orbs work » I charged.
« And why would I tell you ? » he said cleverly.
« Because of who might be involved in it I might be the only person that could stop whatever’s going on » I confessed.
« What makes you think you can trust me ? » he challenged.
« I don’t. But that’s the thing when you’re blind, you have to learn to trust others and you know when to admit you need help, and I need help » I explained.
He was silent, observing, thinking.
« Well, the minister holds you in high regards, so I will help you . Each glass orb that contains a record of a prophecy which was labelled with the name of the person who made the prophecy, the person whom the prophecy concerned and the year it was made. But you should know that the orbs are also magically protected so that only people who could lift them off their stand were subjects of the individual prophecy. Anyone else who would attempt to inspect the orb with their hands would be afflicted with instant madness » he explained.
So my father or Marvolo must have held an orb to know about their prophecy. How else would they know about it ? But why didn’t they go mad by holding it then ? What did the prophecy say again ? A dark lord is described in the prophecy and the order is preparing for his arrival. If they were able to lift it off its stand, that means they are part of the prophecy. I need to find that orb.
« Thank you for your time M. Fiddlewood. You have been very helpfull » I told.
« Hey, don’t get yourself into trouble. If you know something, report it to us » he instructed.
I just nodded in agreement. I knew to little to tell him anything right now.
I then found Sebastian and Valerian. I told them about my meeting with M.Fiddlewood and about the hall of prophecies. I asked them to accompagny me there. I had to find that orb. We went up to level 9 and walked down a narrow corridor. I used Revelio so the door would appear. Sebastian was as exited as ever.
When we entered the room, it was vast as I could hear an echo, and it was cold.
« Ok, so we need to find that orb. It should be labeled as the dark lord probably » I informed.
« Look, I know you can’t see, but this room is huge, thre are thousands of orbs here. How are we going to find it ? » demanded Sebastian.
« Maybe there are records of the orbs somewhere » said Valerian cleverly.
« There » shouted Sebastian as his voice echoed far.
We rushed to the book. Sebastian opened it, and started looking for the correct label. It took a few minutes.
« I can’t find it, there’s no label to the name of dark lord » he observed.
« I’m sure that’s not his real name. Maybe he is registered as someone else ? » stated Valerian.
« You may be right. But the book is huge. I need some time to look through it » he asserted.
« Let’s borrow the book then. And you can look through it. Maybe we’ll find something » I responded.
« Good idea » he added before putting the book in his bag.
« Let’s get out of there then. This place is creepy » suggested Valerian.
« Agreed. I don’t want to have lunch in the dark » snorted Sebastian.
We quickly came back to the narrow corridor and took the lift back to the cafeteria. We quickly ate our lunch wondering what we would be up to this afternoon.