The diaries
POV Sebastian
I woke up the next day after dreaming about Anne. I believe yesterday’s trip to Hogwarts filled my head with many memories. I missed her dearly.
I started my morning by sitting by her grave, telling her about my day yesterday. I liked to talk to her. I was sure she was listening where ever she was.
I then found Ominis and Valerian for breakfast. I was glad Valerian was there, as she could cook. Because Ominis and I sure couldn’t. Maybe that’s something I should be learning as Ominis and I will be living together next semester. But when would I get the time ? I’m far too busy studying or spying or solving mysteries.
But I guess it made life interesting.
Today Cassandra and Edmund were to help me go through the diaries.
They arrived shortly after we had finished our breakfast. Valerian had apparated them here.
We all greeted eachother. We hadn’t seen them for a while as we were on holiday.
« Thank you for coming and for your help » said Ominis genuinely.
They were good people and were always willing to help us. I was not accustomed to having other friends beside Ominis and Anne.
« We’re happy to help. So, Valerian explained the situation. But what are we looking for ? » asked Edmund.
« We are looking for the mention of a prophecy Percival Rackham would have predicted. He might have prophecised a few, so don’t hesitate to tell us as soon as you read about any prophecy » I explained.
« There’s quite a lot of diaries. I understand why you wanted help » remarked Cassandra.
« Yeah, especially when I’m the only one that can read » I retorted.
Of course it wasn’t Ominis’s fault, nor Valerian’s. But it just meant extra work for me.
« Well, let’s dig in then » declared Edmund.
We all sat down either on the sofa or the armchairs. We thought we would each go through a different year starting by the begining.
Valerian had made us tea, and was now preparing lunch for all of us with Ominis’ help.
We had spent the entire morning reading but hadn’t found anything yet. Though I learnt interesting facts about ancient magic and about Rackham’s life.
When it was time for lunch, we all sat together around the table. A break was very much appreciated.
« Well, you’ve become quite the cook Ominis ! » declared Cassandra.
« I wouldn’t go that far, but it’s thanks to Valerian » he said humbly.
« He’s a natural » she said affectionately.
« Well I’m starving so I’m quite happy to eat » exclaimed Edmund.
« Then help yourselves » suggested Valerian.
We were now helping ourselves to food. We takled about our holidays and what we had been up to so far.
Edmund and Cassandra had visited both their parents together and announced that they were engaged. I was suprised it took them that long. They have known eachother for a long time I believe.
Of course Valerian and Ominis couldn’t tell them they were engaged too. The less people knew, the more time it gave us to uncover the order mystery and stop the Gaunts, or at least blackmail them.
We then congrtatulated our friends. They details us his proposal. Both parents were keen for this engagment and Edmund had asked her to marry him at his cousin’s wedding.
All I could see is that I had two sets of couples right before me that were now engaged, getting on with their lives, living happily. It made me feel lonely again. Was it selfish of me to think that way ? It goes without saying that I was happy for all of them. But I felt left behind. I shouldn’t even think about this. I should focus on my studies as I want to become the best auror the world had known. I should focus on my ambition and not girls. I probably wouldn’t have the time anyway.
But I used to say the same with Anne. I focused on my search for a cure instead of spending time with her and I missed out on a part of her life. So ignoring my feelings wasn’t the way I guess.
« So what were you all up to during the holidays ? » asked Cassandra.
« Oh you know, not much. Research and studies » I answered.
I had also taken the time to go through Anne’s stuff. I donated her clothes to the local poor house. But I had only gone through half her boxes. She had many items I needed to sort.
« We visited Valerian’s parents » said Ominis.
« What ?! You travelled to the muggle world? » exclaimed Edmund in disbelief.
« Yes » he confirmed.
« Isn’t it… dangerous ? » said Edmund frightful.
« It’s not dangerous. My parents wouldn’t hurt Ominis » defended Valerian.
« Maybe not your parents, but everyone knows muggles are dangerous » detailed Edmund.
« Well, that’s what we were taught yes. But the muggles I’ve met were kind to me. So it was a good experience overall » said Ominis calmly.
Maybe he just got lucky. Just tell them what we are and they’ll hunt us down like animals. Like that poor girl, the kids’ sister we met yesterday. She was attacked by muggles because she wasn’t like them and they feared her. They are unreliable and dangerous.
« And how did your parents like Ominis ? » said Cassandra with a suggestive voice.
« He made quite an impression. My mum adores him » she started. I could see Ominis smiling.
« And your dad ? » asked Edmund chuckling.
He knew the father was the one to convince. We all did.
« He likes him deep down. He just won’t admit it yet. But he was impressed by him » she expalined.
« Impressed ? In what way ? » demanded Cassandra intreegued.
« You know how he’s a great speaker. He has his way with words and it didn’t leave my father indifferent » said Valerian looking at Ominis.
Whenever she taklked to Ominis or about him, the tone of her voice indicated how much she loved him. It was nice to hear.
« Well done man. Impressing the father’s always the hard part » said Edmund with a smile.
« Yeah, and it was even more complicated as he is very protective over Valerian » confessed Ominis.
Edmund and Cassandra looked suprised.
« He means he wasn’t even allowed to touch her » I detailed laughing.
« What ? Really ?! » exclaimed Edmund astonished.
« That’s very old fashioned » said Cassandra also astouned.
« Maybe for us wizards but I’ve noticed it was quite normal for muggles » noted Ominis.
« In deed » confirmed Valerian.
I realised they were holding hands under the table.
« It must have been hard to keep your hands off her then » teased Edmund to Ominis.
We all laughed.
But I knew he didn’t really keep his hands off her actually. And if Cassandra and Edmund knew they were engaged and that Ominis hasn’t asked Valerian’s father for her hand yet … they would be astonished.
« So, if your father’s old fashioned, wasn’t he expecting a marriage proposal then ? He must have assumed that’s why Ominis was being presented to him » said Cassandra cleverly.
They remained silent. Of course they couldn’t detail everything.
« I just wanted to meet her parents, and I may have implied that I would ask for his daughter’s hand soon enough » he declared suggestively.
I was stunned he would even say that. He isn’t supposed to talk about any form of enagment. But I guess the temptation was too big. It was hard to keep quiet about their change of status, her being his fiancé now.
« Well well, this day is full of surprises ! » said Edmund humorously.
I could see Valerian whisper something to Ominis, then they both smiled and shared a kiss.
They looked cute together, I’ll admit. I just felt useless whenever they were all on eachother.
We then talked about school, trying to figure out what we would be learning next. I was hoping we would learn how to make the veritaserum potion. That could be useful.
After lunch we went back to our books while Valerian and Ominis cleared the table and did the washing up.
After a few hours of endless reading, Cassandra spoke up.
« Guys ! I’ve found something ! »
I immediately put the diary I was reading down.
I heard Ominis and Valerian who were pratcising their spells in the kitchen rushing to us.
« What did you find ? » Ominis and I asked together syncronised.
The girls chuckled.
« What can I say ? We’re best friends. And you know what they say, great minds think alike » I joked.
« Steady your horses mate » said Edmund amusingly.
« Anyway. Percival refers to a prophecy he made after his collegue and Hogwarts’ headmistress Niamh Fitzgerald died at a young age. He then took her place as headmaster of Hogwarts. Let me read to you that passage » she started.
« I had a vision in the middle of my meeting with the minister. It was the most frightful thing I had ever seen. So terrible I had to leave the meeting immediately to transfer the prophecy into my pensive before the details would fade away. I know what I must do. I must report what I saw into a phrophecy orb. The dark lord will come, people will tremble to the mention of his name. The world as we know it will end. He shall bring darkness into our world and we shall all live in terror, muggles, muggle-borns and pure bloods. I will also let the keepers know about my prophecy. Seeing the future is never accurate. Maybe it can still be prevented ? Though I’m not sure how. It will be up to the future generations to protect the world from him. Unfortunately they won’t be able to see my revelation as it is protected by a special spell so that only people who can lift them off their stand are subjects of the prophecy or a person who shares the same blood as the subjects of the prophecy. Anyone else who attempts to inspect the orb would be afflicted with instant madness. That is why I have asked to make a portrait of myself to share my knowledge » narrated Cassandra.
The room fell silent. This was terrifying news. This … dark lord would end our world ? If it were true then how ? When ? Can it be stopped ?
« What on earth is all that about ?! » exclaimed Edmund in disbelief.
There was another silence. We couldn’t tell them the truth. That would also put them in danger.
« It’s complicated. The less you know the better for you and us » said Valerian softly.
« This sounds serious. And pretty horrifying ! » said Cassandra anxiously.
« If the world will end I’d rather know » said Edmund with a serious look.
No one replied. I was thinking about what Cassandra read.
« So we know the order is waiting for their dark lord. No wonder if he is to bring darkness into our world. » I reminded.
« And they want to purge the world of muggle-borns before his arrival » added Ominis.
« So can we assume he is a pure blood ? » I assumed.
« Well they wouldn’t worship anything less » replied Ominis frankly.
« Didn’t you hear what Cassandra said ? We thought only people who are subjects of the prophecy could touch the orb. But someone that aslo shares the same blood could too » commented Valerian.
« Yes ! If we could find a relative of that Tom Riddle, then this person could lift the orb and reveal us its content ! » said Ominis attentively.
« First we need more information about this dude » I observed .
« Wait a minute, something’s strange. Percival said it would be up to future generations to protect the world. Percival lived in the 15th century. That means the dark lord hasn’t manifested himself in centuries as we are now in the end of the 19th century » remarked intelligently Valerian.
« He was a seer, so that means he could SEE the future. So maybe the dark lord hasn’t manifested in Rackham’s time. So what ? » I asserted exagerating on my words.
« Yes, but that might mean Tom Riddle isn’t born yet » noted Valerian brilliantly.
I reflected on her words. That was in deed a possibility.
« But the order said they were preparing for his arrival » I reminded.
« Maybe he’ll be coming soon ? » stated Ominis.
« And maybe the orb could give us more details » continued Sebastian.
« But that would mean finding someone that shares Tom Riddles blood. And if he isn’t born yet, that might be a problem » confessed Ominis.
« Blood can be also past down from generation to generation » observed Cassandra trying to follow the conversation.
« That’s … very smart ! If he isn’t born yet, then it could be a parent, or even an ancestor » pointed out Valerian.
« But my father and brother knew about the prophecy. That means they must have touched the orb » commented Ominis.
« Or maybe they found a parent who could » suggested Valerian.
« I wouldn’t be surprised if they cast the controling curse on a relative » blasted Ominis.
« That’s too many ifs. We need more concreet guys ! » I said impatiently.
« Let’s wait for Miss Parkes’ visit. Maybe she could give us some insight on things » suggested Ominis.
« I agree » assented Valerian.
They were right. We had to get professional help.
« Fine. Let’s wait and see what she has to say » I agreed.
« Well, I’m glad you’ve come to an agreement. Now can someone tell us what is going on ? » inquired Edmund.
I looked at Valerian and Ominis. He took her hand and were both looking in my direction. I knew what they wanted. They wanted to tell them everything.
« They have been involed a few times now. And I believe they can be trusted » declared Valerian using her beautiful voice to convince me.
I inhaled deeply.
« What do you think Ominis ? » I demanded.
« I agree with Valerian » he replied.
Obviously he did. From now on, he’ll always take her side. I shouldn’t think that. It was unkind. And I knew they were right. We might need their help again.
« Fine, tell them everything » I permitted.
Valerian smiled content.
And she told them about everything we had learnt so far, the order, The Gaunts …
« Well, you’re life sure isn’t boring ! » commented Edmund.
« Thank you for telling us » said Cassandra grateful.
« Remember, not a word to anyone. Or my family will know I’m up to something » reminded Ominis.
« We will keep the secret. You have our word » she promissed.
« We are trusting you » I added to be sure they understood the importance of it.
They both nodded in agreement.
« So, now that we have fulfilled our day task, I thought you boys could go out and spend some time together, and I’ll spend some time with Cassandra » she suggested.
« Are you kicking out of our own home ? » joked Ominis theatrically.
« I am » she teased with a big smile.
He laughed and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her head.
I was actually glad we would spend some time just us boys. I had quite enough of watching them smooch around all day.
« I’m up for it if you boys are » I said.
« Yes. Let’s do it » confirmed Edmund.
« Fine. Let’s go out » conceded Ominis.
He then whispered to Valerian’s ear and kissed her passionately before letting go of her.
Edmund kissed Cassandra goodbye and we were off.
« So, where are we going ? » asked Edmund as we were on the doorstep.
« Let’s go down the pub and have a drink » I suggested.
« So long as you don’t get me drunk » bantered Ominis.
I see he hadn’t forgotten about his last hangover.
We all laughed and walked down the village.
Feldcroft was always a quiet little village. So it came as no surprise that the pub was almost empty. It was a nice looking place, all made of wood. The musical instruments were playing themselves thanks to magic. We sat around a table by the window and ordered a round of drinks. There were moving portraits on every wall. It was quite dark inside so the fire was lit up as well as the oil lamps. So we could smell the fire burning.
« You’d better enjoy this outting, when you’re married you won’t be as free » I warned.
Ominis short me a severe look. He knew that line was meant for him in truth.
« So, what is it like to be engaged Edmund ? » asked Ominis.
« Great. It opens … new possibilities » he expressively said winking an eye to me.
Ominis couldn’t see that of course.
« What possibilities ? » he asked clueless.
« You know … intimate possibilities with my fiancé » detailed Edmund.
Ominis looked confused at first, then he got what Edmund was insinuating and his jaw dropped.
Edmund and I laughed to Ominis’ reaction. He was so naïve when it came to love. Though I’m one to talk. He’s engaged and I’m girlfriendless.
« Oh, how naughty. You’re not even married yet » I joked.
« When you’ve had a girlfriend and had to restrain yourself for that long you wouldn’t be able to resist either. I get now why people get married so young » he said with a smile.
« And Cassandra agreed to that ? » I asked innocently.
« Of course. I would never force her to do things she wouldn’t want to. But we had both waited a long time for this. And we’ll be married soon. So why wait if we were both ready ? You’re both invited at my wedding by the way » he announced.
« When will it be ? » I demanded.
« We haven’t decided on a date yet. I’ll let you know » he confided.
« Are you happy then ? » I inquired.
« I am yes » he said genuinely.
« Then I’m pleased for you » I told him sincerely.
I was now looking at Ominis. He had been very quiet from the start of this conversation. And his mind was clearly miles away.
Maybe he was thinking about his on engagment. Or … maybe he was thinking about what Edmund said about going all the way with Cassandra. Maybe it’s actually something that had been on his mind. It must be hard for him. I wondered how much he actually knew about that kind of intimicy with a girl. He didn’t even know how to kiss so I’m guessing he’s clueless. And he didn’t exactly have a father he could ask about these things. Nor could he read about it. Maybe that’s why he is so distant to this conversation. And I know him well enough to know that he’s far too shy to ask for help. Maybe I could give him a hand, though I didn’t know much myself as I had never laid with a women before. Kissing and other pleasures I had experiences yes, but not the full experience.
« Ominis, aren’t you going to congratulate Edmund ? » I told.
« Huh ? Yes sure » he said returning to the land of the living.
I chuckled.
« SO, Edmund, what was this special moment like with Cassandra ? » I asked exagerating my intonation so I would get Ominis’ attention.
I could see Ominis listening carefully.
« It was … amazing. I hope you boys get to experience it soon. If you asked for Valerian’s hand, you could experience it yourself » teased Edmund to Ominis.
« Oh … euh … that’s not why I would … ask … for her hand » he replied shyly his face turning red.
I smiled. He was so pretictable.
« Of course not. You get engaged because you love someone. Making love is just one of the bonuses » he joked.
Ominis looked very uncomfortable and was panting more rapidly.
Edmund looked at him suspiciously.
« Don’t tell me you and Valerian have ... » started Edmund in disbelief.
« No ! » he blurted loudly. « Of course not » he insisted.
« But you’re thinking about it » I said trying to help him confess his desires. But it was also fun to watch him all shy and hesitant.
« May I remind you that we’re not married yet ! » he reminded nervously.
« Yet ? So you are actually planning on asking for her hand » concluded Edmund.
Edmund didn’t actually know they were engaged of course.
« Ok ! yes I am ! » he replied abruptly.
He did insinuate earlier today that he would ask for Valerian’s father’s permission, which was true.
Edmund chuckled.
« Well that’s great news » he said kindly.
I had to push Ominis further if he wanted Edmund’s help.
« Tell us what’s on your mind Ominis » I insisted.
« What makes you think that ... » he stated.
« Ominis ... » I said on a more serious tone.
He let out a sigh of concern.
« You’ll just laugh » he said looking down.
« We won’t. Come on tell us » insisted Edmund.
« I … I don’t know … how … to … I mean … what to … do ... » he replied more embarassed than ever. He was panting heavily and was as red as a tomato.
I had to retrain the urge not to laugh.
« Oh you mean be more intimate with Valerian ? » guessed Edmund.
« ... » he was so embarassed he was speechless.
Although I was enjoying him struggle, I thought I should put him out of his misery.
« Trust me. They have been intimate. I think he meant go to bed with her » I said fearlessly.
« Oh. I see. But if you want more, you have to do things properly you know » explained Edmund.
« I … know » Ominis replied. Of course he knew, he loved Valerian.
Edmund laughed.
« I know you do. So, what would you like to know ? » he asked Ominis.
« I … I ... » he started but words weren’t coming out of his mouth.
« Ominis, relax. It’s just us » I said trying to help.
« Yes, it’s normal to want to know more. And I know you have to rely on others for information like that, which is truely unfair I get it. But we’re here to help you as your friends » said Edmund kindly.
I understood why Valerian trusted him and Cassandra. They were kind and compassionate.
He took in a deep breath.
« Ok. I can’t lie to you anymore. I’m engaged to Valerian. I have asked her to marry me while we visited her parents, thanks to her mum who helped me. And she said yes. But I haven’t asked for her father’s permision yet as I have to sort out the hole dilema with my family first » he blurted.
My eyes widened in stupefaction. I was stunned he actually confessed.
Edmund was even more in shock.
« That’s amazing ! Why didn’t you tell us ? » he asked.
« Because, the less people know the better. I don’t want my family to know I am engaged to Valerian, for her safety, and for other reasons » he justified.
The other reason being me. He was thinking of my safety because Ominis was a god friend. The best of friends.
« Ok. Well congratulations man ! I’m happy for you » he said enthousiastically.
« Thanks. But not a word to anyone ! Please » he begged.
« Can I at least tell Cassandra ? » he demanded.
« No ! Haven’t you heard what I just said ? » he reminded dubiety.
« I have. But think for a moment. If you told me, then Valerian probably told Cassandra. And it’s ok to want to share such an amazing news » he said trying to reassure him.
« … you’re probably right » he retorted.
« So, now that you’re enaged to her, you want to go further into your relationship, and that includes a bed in the picture ? » concluded Edmund.
« … yes. We’ve talked about it with Valerian. But we’re both so nervous ! I have no clue what to do. And she told me she was afraid because she had heard that the penetration hurt women » he explained panicked.
I’d never thought I’d hear Ominis use the word penetration. I was more shocked of hearing that word come out of his mouth than learning about a dark lord that would conquer the world.
« Calm down. It’ll be fine. Look I had to do research before I would go further with Cassandra. So I’d be glad to share that knowledge with you guys. It’s only natural to asks ourselves these questions » assured Edmund.
« It’s just that … I don’t want her to get hurt. I want her to like it, and I don’t want to look like a fool » he said desperate.
I was actually looking foward to what Edmund had to say. I got the feeling it would be very … instructive.
« Ok. So first of all, you need to take the birth control potion if you don’t wish to start a family right now. I can give you a list of ingredients » started Edmund.
Ominis was nodding his head listening carefully.
« Now, you must understand that losing your virginity is quite the step. Though I don’t agree with that term because it implies that you will lose something. I have actually gained something, like intimicy, pleasure or even empowerment. And so did Cassandra. But know that women feel the experience very differently. A woman may experience pain or irritaion during … your actions if she isn’t wet enough. That’s why they need to be aroused. The more aroused they are, the more lubricated they’ll be, therefore hurting less. She must tell you when it hurts and you must be patient, trusting into her roughly will definitely hurt her. It’s a lot about communication. It’s really important to listen to her and ask her what feels good for her. That’s how you make sure you’re both … enjoying yourselves » detailed Edmund.
It was facinating.
« Well, how do I know where to … enter her ? » asked Ominis shyly.
« Don’t worry, if it doesn’t fit, that means it’s not the correct place. It’s all about instinct too. Trust me, you’ll know when the moment comes. And Valerian will guide you. She will know » he replied.
« And what if my … intimate part doesn’t fit inside of her ? » asked Ominis worried.
« Don’t worry. A womanhood is pretty stretchy. Remember they can give birth to a whole baby ! So it will fit » answered Edmund.
Edmund had the answer to everything. I was flabbergast.
« She’s so afraid you know ... » confessed Ominis.
« And it’s up to you to reassure her. I recommend spending a lot of intimate time together. She needs to be accustomed to your member first, then accustomed to have something inside of her intimate part. You need to explore her desires first, what she likes, what relaxes her before you go all the way. She needs to get used to your direct touch on her womanhood, and when she’s ready for it, you need her flower to be used to having something penetrate her before you actually enter her with your member » he explained.
Merlin that were a lot of unusual words !
« How do I do that ? » asked Ominis.
He had such an expressive face. We could tell he was shocked, but also facinated.
« You use your fingers mate » replied Edmund chuckling.
« What ... inside of her ? » asked Ominis in disbelief.
« Yes. If you do that, it will make the penetration of your member easier and less painful for her » he admitted.
Ominis’ jaw dropped once more.
« Don’t worry. When you’re fully aroused, you forget about any embarassment. You both need to ease up before you go further. So don’t forget to explore eachother’s pleasures first, to touch her most intimate part, and her yours. Then use your fingers. And when it won’t hurt anymore when you finger her, then you can make love to her. Remember, gentle and slow penetration. Trust me, the temptation is so hard to resist. But in the end, it’s so worth the wait » stated Edmund.
Well, I’ve definitely learnt a lot today ! I’m glad I heard that to be also ready when the time comes. If the time comes one day … I had not idea how complex it could be, and I realised I never bothered to think about how it could affect a woman. I still have a long way to go.
« Thanks ... Edmund … for your help » said Ominis appreciative.
« Anytime » he replied.
I was amazed at how easy it was for him to talk about all this intimate stuff.
I mean it is still a sensitive subject to talk about, even in 1893.
I could see Ominis more relaxed now. He probably heard what he needed to hear. Now he could practise what he’s learnt with Valerian.
We spent the rest of the evening catching up and we had a good time, appreciating the moments I spent with only us men.
We then head back home. The girls were laughing as we came in. They were sitting on the couch just by the fire.
« You’re back. Did you have a good time ? » asked Valerian.
« We did thanks » replied Edmund.
Ominis went straight for Valerian, not even saying hello, grabbed her face and kissed her intensely. Valerian returned the kiss fervently.
I guess Ominis was ready to spice things up between them I thought.
Edmund gave Cassandra a sweet kiss on her lips.
« We should go. We’ll see you at the Halloween party ? » asked Edmund.
« We’ll be there » I replied.
« Thanks again for your help, for everything » said Ominis.
He was refering to the extra help at the pub.
« Good luck with everything then. We’ll see you soon » said Cassandra.
They then apparated out of the house.
POV Ominis
I then got started on the dinner with Valerian. Sebastian also joined us, and as a good beginner, he peeled the potatoes.
I kept grabbing Valerian by her hips, preventing her from cooking as I kissed her down her neck. She was trying hard to contain her moans and I loves provoking her. I wanted to feel her close to her. I think talking to Edmund eased my anxieties a lot. Though I knew Valerian and I weren’t ready to go all the way, I felt ready for a more intimate moment between us. I kissed her so fervetly up and down her neck that she couldn’t resist the urge to turn around as she threw her arms around my neck and kissed me lustfully. I got lost in her kiss, forgetting all about Sebastian. I yearned for her. I was so enraptured by her that I grabbed her by her thighs and carried her onto the kitchen counter lunging myself onto her to deepen our kiss. I could hear her moans into my mouth as I played with her tongue. She was now arching her back as I raised my hands to her waist pulling her closer to me.
« Guys, I know you’re both blind, but I’m not » reminded Sebastian amusingly.
I stopped kissing her reluctantly.
« Sorry » I said as I rested my forhead on hers.
I knew I got carried away. But I was longing for an intimate time with her and it was just not possible with Sebastian around.
I heard Valerian chuckle. She gave me a sweet kiss on my cheek and told me she loved me. I let go of her as she descended from the kitchen counter. I approched her ear I whisped how much I loved her too. She looked up at me, raised her hands to my face and kissed me again. I was only hoping to get this dinner over as quickly as could so we could both be alone. Our kiss grew ardently. How could I ever stop ?
Sebastian was about to complain once more when I heard the doorbell.
We then broke our kiss wondering who it could be ?
« What do you see Ominis ? » asked Sebastian.
He meant what colour shadow I could see outside. We were accustomed to working together and didn’t even have to finish our sentences.
« Green » I replied.
Sebastian knew green was good.
« I’ll get it » said Sebastian walking to the door.
Nathara had heard the doorbell and climbed onto my shoulders.
I heard Sebastian open the front door and greeted a woman inside. By her voice, I could tell it was Miss Parkes. So she got my owl.
She followed Sebastian through the house to the kitchen where we were.
« Good evening M.Gaunt, Miss Matthews and … oh a snake ! How unusual » she said.
« Good evening » we both replied.
« This is Nathara » I intruduced.
« Nice to meet you. I got your owl. You wanted to see me ? » she demanded.
« Yes. Thank you for coming. Let’s sit » I suggested going into the living room.
Everyone followed and we all took a seat.
« Why not meet me at the ministry ? » questioned Miss Parkes.
« I’m sorry for the inconveniance. But my father and brother work there. I don’t want them asking any questions » I explained.
« I understand » she replied calmly.
« We need to discuss our latest discoveries » I commented.
I told her about the register book, how Sebastian found the dark lord’s real name, about Professor Rackham making the prophecy, how we went to Hogwarts to find the portrait bus was stolen and that we suspected Headmaster Black to have stolen them and might be a member of the order, about talking to his descendant Albus Dumbledore and got the diaries, how we had read through them and discovered it was a much darker prophecy than we realised and that Tom Riddle might not even be born yet …
« That’s quite the discovery in deed. Well done all of you ! » said Miss Parkes impressed.
I could imagine Sebastian’s face proud.
« We were hoping you could help us with this Tom Riddle. If we are to find a parent or an ancestor, or Tom himself we need you » I implored kindly.
« I’m guessing you’ve never heard of him then ? » she asked.
« No. Neither of us have » replied Sebastian.
« Ok. I’ll look into it and let you know what I find » she answered.
« By the way, have you got any news about the order ? I couldn’t find anything in the papers » confessed Sebastian.
Miss Parkes remained silent for a short while. That meant trouble.
« I shouldn’t tell you this. But seeing as you’re envolved in the case I think I ought to » she started.
What should she tell us ? Why all the mystery ?
« Since you have reported the incident with the order, them creating a faceless monster, we’ve tried to track it down. We currently have your father and brother under surveillance. Two of my best auror trackers are on it. I’ve also been trying to track Corvus Lestrange myself but he is nowhere to be found. His family hasn’t seen him in a while either, so they say » she explained.
« What ? You’re telling us he just vanished ? » exclaimed Sebastian.
« I think he’s in hidding. The Daily Prophet got their hands on the murder story in France and published it. The Lestrange must have feared to be arrested. Or Corvus at the very least. The French ministry is furious at the British ministry for tarnishing a great and examplary noble family. But the bodies were found in their family vault. That means the order knows the ministry suspects something as we are trying to solve these murders. Your father working for the minister himself doesn’t help us in any way as he gets the news first hand. He has access to information that we don’t » narrated Miss Parkes.
« They still have the upper-hand for now. » I said bitterly.
« Is there anything we could do to help ? » I demanded.
« You have helped me a lot already. We need to find out more about this prophecy to understand their intentions better. And there’s something else you should know. » she added.
« What ? » we all said at once. We were all on edge due to all these revelations.
« We have found traces of spells and strange wounds on the bodies in the vault. It seems some had been dead for a while and they used them for their research, or that’s what I am led to believe » she concluded.
« Research ? To do what ? » asked Sebastian confused.
« For creating the monster. The traces indicate they were cast after their death » she revealed.
« After ? So they needed dead bodies for their experiments ? » presumed Valerian.
« Yes. And I think it had something to do with the faceless monster » observed Miss Parkes.
« The order said they got the dosage right this time. Maybe they were experimenting on the bodies that same potion to create the faceless monster » supposed Valerian.
« Maybe. I need to understand how such a potion can be made, what is requiered to make it. That’s my next step in the case » she confessed.
« Maybe we could do research on our side » suggested Sebastian.
« Good idea. We can let eachother know what we find. And I’m afraid there’s more » claimed Miss Parkes.
« More ? Like what ? » exclaimed Sebastian flabbergast.
« It will be out in the press soon. We have tried to contain the information to not scare the wizard population. But it seems the faceless monster has begun his purge on the muggle- borns. We have been notified of dead bodies dispatched all around the world » she continued.
« How do you know it’s this monster ? » I asked.
« Because the victimes had no faces left » asserted the auror.
« Excuse me ?! No faces ? What do you mean ? They were disfigured or something ? » said Sebastian shocked.
« No, they litterally had no face. No eyes, no mouth. Their faces were gone, it was just bare skin » affirmed Miss Parkes.
We all sighed in disgust and fear.
« How … how is this possible ? » asked Valerian taken aback.
« I remember the order saying to the monster they couldn’t wait to see his art. That’s what they meant ! » I reminded.
« That’s awful ! » exclaimed Valerian fearfully.
I could feel myself growing anxious. This monster was after muggle-borns and Valerian was one of them. She was now in danger. I needed to take more precautions for her safety. I refuse to leave her from now on. Whatever she does she will be accompagnied by either Sebastian or myself. I won’t let anything happen to her. I’ll make sure of it !
« I know you’re a muggle-born Miss Matthews so I’m asking you to be extra-careful » insisted Miss Parkes.
« I will » she just replied.
« Don’t you worry I’ll make sure she will » I said determined. I surprised myself speaking with such insurance and so fervantly. I alsmost sounded harsh.
« Do we know anything about this monster ? When does it attack ? How does one end up without a face ? How does it proceed ? » I said as my chest tightened to my usual anxiety. But that axiety was for Valerian, not myself.
« We know nothing yet. Its movements are unpredictable and incomprehensible. You should know that people will panic. And it might create tensions between the pure bloods and muggle-borns. I heard the minister proclaim a state of emergency if more victims were found. Keep reading the papers to stay informed » she kindly advised.
We were speechless so we didn’t even reply at first.
« Yeah … of course. Thanks for the tip. » finally said Sebastian.
I was wondering what Valerian was feeling. Was she scared ? I wish at that moment I could read her mind.
« I’ve got something for you before we go. Here » said Miss Parkes handing over an object.
« What is it ? » asked Valerian.
« It’s a very special and rare mirror. It will enable us to communicate without seeing eachother. That way we can keep our patnership under the radar and no one will suspect a thing » she explained.
« Ingenious ! » shouted Sebastian.
« How did you find such a mirror ? » I demanded.
« Well, when you’ll become aurors yourself, you’ll get to confiscate very useful items » she implied chuckling.
« I should go. Just call my name in he mirror if you wish to speak to me » she explained as she rose up.
We followed her movement, all standing.
« Thank you for coming » I said politely.
« Look out for eachother. We’re heading to dark times I’m afraid » Miss Parkes confessed.
« We will. Goodbye » said Sebastian.
She then vanished.
When she left, I knew there would be a lot to discuss. But my main priority was Valerian. I wanted to establish rules that would be clear and respected. I realised I sounded like a misoginist future husband. Well too bad. I’ll take on that rôle if that means she’d be safe.
« We need to talk, all of us » I declared.