Madame De Montmorecy
POV Ominis
It had been a few days since we started school again.
The headmistress made a speech the other day on how we all had to remain united in the face of adversity, that if a muggle-born needed asistance we were to show compassion and help them, and aurors were posted in every school. I thought the ministry had taken this mesure to soothe the wizard community and parents. I had a feeling that thing couldn’t be killed so easily.
I had slept in Valerian’s room every night since then, to worried to let her sleep on her own. Of course, we had to be descrete. I usually went up to my room then apparated into hers.
Sebastian had appoligized for his behaviour at the Halloween party to Valerian and me.
He told me how he felt about Valerian. That he was worried about her like he would have been for Anne, that he couldn’t let Valerian die like he had let his own sister fade away.
I must admit I was surprised and moved. He never let many people into his heart. But it seems he had let her into his. And I understood his urge to protect.
So of course I forgave him. So did Valerian when he had also told her.
Everyday in the Daily prophet we would hear about a new muggle-born witch or wizard die. Some were old, some were children. It only added more fuel to my anxieties.
There were only few muggle-borns in our school, Valerian being one of them.
We had tried to send a letter to Laverne de Montmorecy to inquire a visit, but we never got an answer. We didn’t hear from Mrs. Weasley nor from Miss Parkes either.
So we thought we should just go to France and get the answers we needed after our potion class.
Today we were to learn how to drink the Veritaserum potion we had started in September.
We had to let the potion mature for a full lunar phase that’s why it was quite difficult to produce.
Sebastian told me it was a colourless potion, it was amost indistinguishable from water.
« Beware young sudents, it’s a powerful potion. One mistake and you could end up changing a person’s voice forever » warned Professor Katona.
« Change their voice ? Into what ? » asked Becca.
« Into a toad’s voice » she said calmly.
« She’s kidding right ? » asked Samuel worried.
Everyone looked at eachother.
« I don’t believe she is » uttered Sebastian to Samuel chuckling.
He was only teasing him more.
« The effects of this potion won’t last very long. You will all be suspects in a murder case. You will find your location at the moment the crime was commited on your parchments. One of you is guilty and will have the word murderer on it and will therefore know he is guilty, but must try and conceal himself from the truth. I will have to find the murderer thanks to the potion you shall all drink » she expalined.
« What ? We’re going to have to drink the potion ?! » exclaimed Becca.
« Yes. But first open your parchments » she ordered.
« Excuse me Mrs Katona but we can’t read. So how shall we proceed? » I demanded
politely.
« Ask your friend to read it for you » she replied.
So Sebastian read mine. I was sleeping in the top bedroom at 9pm when the murder
happened. Cassandra read Valerian’s.
« Now please drink your potion » she demanded.
So we all grabbed a vial and poured the potion into it and drank it.
It was strange, that potion had no smell. It was the first time in my life something didn’t
possess an fragrance.
The professor said the murder happened around 9 pm.
She asked Edmund first where he was at that time, and revealed he was reading the
newspaper in the living room.
Samuel said he was out for a drink.
Benjamin told he was out with a friend.
Cassandra said she was in the shower.
Becca told us she was in her bedroom doing her homework.
And to finish Sebastian said he was coming back from work.
« One of you is lying. Of course you can’t reveal the truth just yet as none of you has actually killed anyone. But now I will ask you to tell me what was on your parchment » she inquired.
So everyone repeated the same phrase except for Benjamin.
« I was … in the kitchen … and I … killed …. The lady » he struggled saying.
He was trying to conceal the truth like the professor had asked, but with this potion it was
just impossible. Words just came out of his mouth unwillingly.
« Ah ! so we have found our suspect. Good job everyone. Now do you have any questions ? » demanded the professor.
« I do. Why don’t we use the potion in court ? It would save everyone a lot of time » asked Samuel.
« Since some wizards and witches could resist its effects while others could not, Veritaserum was unfair and unreliable to use at a trial and therefore is difficult to use as definitive proof of guilt or innocence. Another problem was that the victim stated what only they believed to be true, so the victim’s sanity and perception of reality were also factors in during interrogations. So while the drinker’s answers were sincere , they were not necessarily true » explained the professor.
« Besides, the use of this potion is controlled by very strict Ministry guidelines » she added.
« Professor, you said some witches and wizards could resist the veritaserum, how so ? » I demanded.
« Glad you listened M.Gaunt. It could be resisted through different methods, including the taking of its antidote and through occlumency which you shall learn very soon. But if you are vunerable and don’t posess the capacities to stop the effect of this potion, a wizard can seal his own throat » claimed the professor.
I could hear others gasp in surprise.
I had no clue how to do that ! I would rather use an antidote.
« So what’s the point of knowing how to make that potion if it can’t be used ? » asked Benjamin.
« In a matter of life and death, the potion can be used. This is one of the Ministry’s regulation » she precised.
How I would like to use this potion on my family so they will finally admit hat they hate me. Or even use it on my brother to find out how he knew about Sebastian. But it would probably be pointless. He’d counter it easily with occlumency.
When the lesson was over, Valerian, Sebastian and I met in the living room of our doorms. We were about to head to France and hopefully meet Laverne de Montmorecy.
Valerian apparated us to Paris, where she lived. French regulations forbid witches and wizards from flying on a broom in the capital so we would have to find another way to get there. Not that I minded because flying was difficult due to my blindness. So Valerian suggested we take some sort of muggle transport called a bus.
Sebastian was repulsed by the whole idea. But only Valerian knew her way around so she got to decide.
The city was so noisy, shadows walking everywhere. I could feel my heart beat faster and feel myself suffocating.
Then I heard a lound noise like a horn. It startled me as I jumped. So did Sebastian.
« Don’t worry guys, it’s just the signal to tell us the bus is here » she explained gently.
I wasn’t feeling any better knowing that information.
« Come on, let’s hop on » she suggested.
« You really want us to go on that … thing ? It’s huge ! » exclaimed Sebastian fearful.
« Yes, now let’s get going » she insisted.
We got on that thing but stopped as soon as we were on board. Valerian had to go fisrt to led us inside as we were paralized in fear. She took my hand in hers, leeding the way. She asked us to sit down on seats that were provided. Then the whole thing started moving.
I think Valerian knew I was feeling axious as I kept squeezing her hand tightly.
So she kissed me on my cheek and caressed my leg with her hand discretely.
A man talked to us in French, of course I didn’t get what he was going on about. But Valerian thankfully dealt with it.
I asked Sebastian to give me a description of that … machine we were on.
« It’s huge ! There’s like two plateforms one on top of the other with seats, like on a train but with 2 levels. And there are wheels on each sides of it and somehow it moves foward. There’s someone driving the … bus and people keep hopping on and off every two minutes » he described.
So it was basically like a train.
After a while we got off. It was a much more quiet place.
« Thank Merlin we got off » exclaimed Sebastian relieved.
I could only agree to that.
« So where are we ? » I asked Valerian.
« In the magical part of the city. Follow me » she said.
She led the way, taking us through large roads. A few shadows were walking here and there.
I could see Sebastian looking around curious.
« Valerian what’s that pointy metal tower over there ? » asked Sebastian.
« You mean the Eiffel Tower ? I’m not quite sure what’s its purpose. I heard it was to demonstrate the power of French industrialization. It took 2 years to build you know and has been there for 4 years now » she explained.
The shadow was massive. I had never seen anything that tall.
I could smell fish at every corner we took. And it wasn’t very enjoyable.
We had finally arrived to Laverne de Montmorecy’s house. The houses were all on top of eachother. It was sure narrow around here.
Valerian knocked on the door and after a minute a person opened the door.
« Madame De Montmorecy ? » said Valerian.
« Oui c’est bien moi » the lady replied.
I could hear from Madame De Montmorecy that she was quite old.
« Je suis Mademoiselle Matthews, voici Monsieur Gaunt et Monsieur Sallow. Pouvons nous entrer ? Nous aimerions vous parler de composant de potions je vous prie » stated Valerian.
I had no clue what she was saying but the lady let us in and led us into the living room.
The house was cold and damp. It smelt like smoke. Maybe from the fire heating the living room.
We sat on the sofa as the lady brought some … coffee ?
« French people don’t really drink tea you know. That’s very british » Valerian explained.
Weird. I didn’t really enjoy coffee so I thanked the lady trying one of the only words I knew in French which was MERCI.
Then Valerian and Madame De Montmorecy talked as Sebastian and I waited for Valerian to translate.
The lady got up and pulled out a book from the shelf. Sebastian told me it looked ancient.
But Valerian couldn’t read it of course. So the lady started reading it for her.
« Madame De Montmorecy says it could have been a powerful regeneration potion. It’s one of the darkest potions that exists. But I don’t think that’s what the order used » opined Valerian.
« Why do you say that ? » I demanded.
« Because to make this potion, you need a bone from a close relative, flesh willingly sacrified and a fair amount of blood. We know blood was required for this potion, but Madame De Montmorecy says they would have needed a weak body to throw into the cauldron. And Sebastian you didn’t witness any of these ingredients ? » asked Valerian calmly.
« No. And they definitely didn’t throw a body in the cauldron. But I don’t believe it’s a regeneration spell as that monster is not really human. It was more like ... created » claimed Sebastian.
So Valerian had another discussion with Madame De Montmorecy.
After a long chat, she pulled out another book but this time gave it to Sebastian.
« What book is it ? » asked Valerian intreegued.
« The title is in French. But I recognize it nonetheless. The title is about the same in English. But I don’t understand ... » said Sebastian confused.
« Why ? » I asked.
« It’s a book for children. It’s the tales of Beedle the bard » replied Sebastian perplex.
« What ? What’s that got to do with anything ? » I uttered in disbelief.
« What is that ? » demanded Valerian puzzled.
« You don’t know the tales of Beedle the Bard ? » jolted Sebastian.
« Sorry, no » she replied.
I shot Sebastian a dark look. How could she know when she was raised in the muggle world.
« It’s a wizard fairytale book » I explained gently.
The lady approched Sebastian, opening the book to a specific page as she pointed with her finger to it.
« Madame De Montmorecy is pointing to a specific page. It’s the tale of the three brothers » he started.
« And what is that tale ? » demanded Valerian.
« This story was about brothers who met Death on the road and avoided his clutches; each in turn received a gift from him, although Death attempted to twist each boon into a bane.
The brothers came to a river which was too deep to wade across, and built a bridge using magic. Death appeared to congratulate them for their ingenuity, and offered them rewards , or so he said; his real intent was to give them traps which would be their undoing, because he felt cheated by their survival. The first brother asked for a weapon that would always win any battle, a weapon worthy of one who had cheated Death. Death snapped a twig off an elder tree and gave it to him — the Elder Wand. The second brother asked for something to give him power over Death, for he had lost his loved one before this encounter. It was also an attempt to humiliate Death. Death gave him a river stone, which, by the terms of the deal, became the Resurrection Stone. The third brother, however, did not trust Death, and asked for something that would allow him to avoid Death. Death was trapped by his words, and handed over his own Cloak of Invisibility. The brothers continued on and went their separate ways » I explained.
« But what’s that got to do with the potion ? Could you ask Madame De Montmorecy ? » asked Sebastian.
And Valerian spoke French again to her.
She then pointed to the book again.
« Madame De Montmorecy keeps talking about the resurection stone » declared Valerian.
« You mean, one of the three magical deathly hallows ? The resurection stone that could summon the spirit of the dead ? » asserted Sebastian.
And then we all fell silent probably thinking the same thing.
« Wait a minute, that monster, when it moves, it’s like a shadow, like a ghost, like a spirit ! » shouted Sebastian.
« Are you telling us that the order might have used the resurection stone to summon that monster ? » Asked Valerian to Sebastian.
« We’re talking about a fairytale. That stone probably doesn’t even exist » I opined.
« And I thought magic wasn’t real when I was a kid, yet, here I am » noted Valerian.
« It’s the only thing that actually explains how they created the faceless monster » spoke Sebastian.
« Exept they didn’t create it, they summoned it » I detailed.
« Then if they could sommon the monster with the stone, why use a potion ? » thought Valerian.
« … The monster wasn’t entirely a spirit, his face, or his missing face I should say was real. Maybe he is part shadow part real ? Think about it. What could a spirit do besides wonder around places ? If the order wanted him to kill, then he would have to exist, to be alive or at least partially. Maybe the potion is what makes him live somehow » affirmed Sebastian.
« Let me get this straight. So my father and brother found somehow the resurection stone, used it and combined it Merlin knows how with a potion that could summon the spirit of that faceless monster and make it live ? » I resumed.
« Yeah. Pretty much » replied Sebastian.
« But how did they find the resurection stone assuming it exists ? » I inquired confounded.
« That I don’t know » responded Sebastian.
Madame De Montmorecy started talking to Valerian again in French.
« Madame De Montmorecy thinks the stone would have been the key ingredient to summon / create a monster. The potion itself can’t create life, not without the stone. But it’s all about the dosage. She thinks throwing the stone in the potion wouldn’t have worked. The potion probably needed to come in contact with the stone to form a sort of link » Valerian translated.
« Wait I remember the order talking about the correct dosage. Does that mean the stone wouldn’t have been destroyed creating the faceless monster ? » I uttered.
Valerian asked Madame De Montmorecy in French again.
« She thinks not. As the stone would be connected to the potion, and the creature was created by the potion, so the stone could probably control the creature » presumed Valerian.
« And The Lestrange killed muggle-borns why then ? » asked Sebastian sassy.
« Madame De Montmorecy thinks a body would have been necessary in the potion as a sacrifice for the creation of the monster » cleared Valerian.
« In other words, it needed flesh to live » I continued.
« Yes. And they probably used all these bodies as sacrifice trying to create the monster, but failed. That’s why it took them so long to make it, because they couldn’t find the correct dosage ? » assumed Valerian.
« You do realise how crazy this sounds ? » I commented astonished.
« Yeah, but for once, all of it makes more sense » replied Sebastian.
« So that means the Order controls the faceless Monster with the resurection stone. And one of them has it. But who ? And what does it look like ? » I phrased.
« That’s something we’ll have to find out » responded Sebastian.
We all remained silent for a while. That was quite the discovery.
I was sure either Father or Marvolo was in posession the resurection stone. They seemed to be the ones in charge of the order as Father kept going on about the prophecy.
We thanked Madame De Montmorecy for her time and exited the house.
« Well, we’d better let Miss Pakes know what we found » said Sebastian.
« Agreed. But let’s go home first » I suggested.
Fortunately we were in a wizard neighbourhood so we could just disappear without worrying about concealing our magic. We held hand and apparated home.
Sebastian waisted no time taking out the mirror and calling on Miss Parkes.
I could hear a female voice respond and suddenly her shadow appreared in our living room.
We all took a seat and told her about out latest discovery.
« Well, it sure is interesting. But it’s the only thing that actualy makes sense thought it sounds crazy » admitted Miss Parkes.
« Yes, but now we need to find which member of the order has the resurection stone. The thing is we don’t know what it looks like or how big it is. And they’ll probably hide it carefuly » averted Sebastian.
« Actually, sometimes the best place to hide something that is in plain sight » I declared echoing what Sebastian once told me when we found the locket.
Sebastian made an approving noise.
« Well, how does one carry a stone ? In a pocket ? » I demanded.
« I truely don’t know » replied Miss parkes.
We all remained silent thinking.
« Oh by the way I have made inquieries searching for the name of Riddle. But there is no one that goes by that name that I could find » stated Miss parkes.
« You’ve checked all the registers ? » I questioned.
« I’m not surprised you know about it. But I have. There are no Riddles, not in our world » remarked Miss Parkes.
« That’s it ! Maybe he isn’t from this world ! » shouted Valerian struck by a revelation.
« Meaning ? » asked Sebastian.
« Maybe he’s from another world, say for instance the muggle world ? » she revealed.
« The Gaunts would never worship muggles ! » Sebastian clarified.
« I know. But it wouldn’t hurt to check » insisted Valerian.
« I agree with Miss Matthews. Every new lead must be verified. The thing is I do not wish to draw attention by making an inquiry to the ministry to look into the muggle world. It could tip off your father or brother » she said looking in my direction.
« So how do you want to proceed ? » asked Sebastian.
« I’m not sure. How does a muggle find another muggle ? » demanded Miss parkes to Valerian.
« We go to the police » she replied simply.
I think everyone was perplex. What was that … police thing ?
« The police are like aurors, but in the muggle world » she explained.
« Oh, then do you think I could be so blunt as to ask you for the favour of accompagny me to … this police ? » inquired Miss Parkes.
« Of course. I can take you there. But it’ll have to wait tomorrow as the police station must be closed by now » she remarked.
« Could we meet after your lessons tomorrow ? » suggested Miss pakes.
« Su... » Valerian started.
« Hey, not without me ! » I insisted.
There was no way she was going alone, I wanted to make sure she would be safe.
Though she was probably safer with an experienced auror, but I loved her and no one would fight for her life and safety more than I would.
I could hear Valerian chuckle.
« Yes, Ominis will come along. Why don’t we meet here at 3 pm tomorrow ? » suggested Valerian.
« Perfect. Thanks » said Miss Parkes grateful.
Miss Parkes then said her farewells and disappeared.
I was thinking about today’s events. Were we now living in a mad world where fairytales could come to life and dark wizards worshiping muggles ?
I guess we needed more information to uncover the truth.
We then realised how starving we were and went back to school to have dinner there with our friends. We told Edmund and Cassandra about our discovery in France.
When we had finished we went up to our rooms. I stripped off my clothes to put a pair of shorts on for the night not wearing a T-shirt wanting to tease Valerian. Then I apparated into her room. But when I did, I could see two shadows, and it wasn’t Nathara’s.
« Oh, you’re here » said Valerian sweetly.
I recognised Cassandra’s sent.
« Sorry I thought you’d be alone to get ready for … » I stopped feeling embarassed as I wasn’t expecting to find anyone here and was topless.
« Listen, I was thinking that maybe I could sleep with Cassandra tonight ? » whispered Valerian.
« Why ? Have I done something to upset you ? » I demanded worried.
« Of course not. But we need a girl’s night » admited Valerian.
I didn’t respond to that. I know she needed her independance, but they could have a girl’s day at school.
Seeing I wasn’t responding Valerian spoke again.
« She had a fight with Edmund and needs cheering up. Please understand. I want to be there for my friend. She needs to talk about it » she whispered insisting.
I wasn’t pleased about that. Not that I didn’t want her to spend time with her friend but she was exposed to danger and she was asking me to leave. I didn’t know if I could agree to her demand to be honnest. And if I did, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep I’d be so worried.
« Valerian , I’m … afraid of what might happen if I leave you out of my sight » I genuinely said.
All these expressions about sight were riddiculous for us, though we could see shadows …
« I know. But I’ll be fine. Cassandra is with me » she assured.
« That doesn’t make me feel any better » I replied fearfully.
I could hear Cassandra sniffing at the other end of the room. She was crying or had cried.
« Please. Trust me. I’ll be all right. It’s just one night » she said trying to soothe my worries.
I inhaled deeply. This was too much to ask of me. But I had to make an effort for her. I knew that. It was just so hard.
« Nathara will be here. And she will no doublt warn you or me of any danger » she said trying to ease me.
« If she feels anything, you must promise to apparat straight to me » I insisted.
« You have my word » she replied gently.
I grabbed her face into my hands abruptly, and pressed my lips swiflty onto hers, kissing her fervently. She kissed me back with equal passion. But this kiss was different. It was more desperate, like it could be that last kiss I would ever give her.
To that horrid thought I hugged her tightly. My heart was aching and I felt I was going to be sick I was so worried.
She let go of me but I wouldn’t let her go.
« It will be ok Ominis, I’ll see you tomorrow morning » she said affectionately to my ear.
So I finally let her go. I knew I had to. So I reluctently apparated back into my bedroom.
I knew Nathara would keep her safe. But I couldn’t help but worry.
I laid down on my bed, trying to sleep. But I kept moving around and twitching in my bed restless. She was the only thing I could think about. But unlike before when I couldn’t sleep because I was going crazy over her, now was because I was distressed.
I was breathing heavily and my heart was beating so fast.
My anxiety was getting the better of me.
So I tried to breathe in and out deeply. But it wasn’t helping.
I was getting desperate. I got up and was going back and forth into my room holding my wand preciously into my hand to make sure I could see people’s shadows. But hers was too far. I couldn’t see it.
So I put on a T-shirt and I decided to go down in the living room hoping I could see it there. And I was surprised to find out that I could. So I sat onto the sofa, leaning my head behind. I could feel myself relax a bit and my body ache from all the stress. How I wish Valerian could be by my side and stroke my hair like she once did on that very same couch. She could always soothe my anxieties.
I opened my eyes very suddenly when I heard a terrible female scream and an unfamiliar sound. It was like a terrifying roar, but it wasn’t an animal.
My heart skipped to that sound. What the hell was it ?! Was it the faceless monster ?!
My first thought went to Valerian. Was she safe ? Was it her scream ?
I felt my heart litterally stop and my breathing went from calm to wild inhales.
I immediately stood up and rushed to Valerian’s bedroom, though I could of just apparate there but I was such in a panick I didn’t even think about it.
I could see shadows coming out of the girl’s doorm rooms in fear and students were shouting here and there. I litteraly jumped up the stairs as I arrived to Valerian’s door. I had never run so fast in my life. I didn’t care if I would crash into a wall, or fall down the stairs. I needed to know she was safe and alive.
I didn’t even bother knocking as I entered.
But I could see no shadows. And seeing no shadows for me could only mean one thing ; death. Just like when I saw Anne’s body. And I couldn’t see hers anywhere.
That’s when I was stroke by a sudden intense overwhelming feeling of fear and panic.
By body was trembling like never before. The muscles of my jaw tensed as I felt my mind go hazy. My body completely froze for an instant as the adrenaline burst through my veins, my chest was growing so tight I could barely breathe.
I felt like my worst nightmare was coming to life.
I cried her name so loud and rushed to her bed, speading my arms out searching for her, trying to feel her. But there was nothing there. I continued searching every corner of her room as I was crying uncontrollably. I then head a familiar voice speaking to me.
« What happened ? » exclaimed Sebastian.
His voice let indicate he was worried.
I rushed to him instantly.
« Can you see her ?! » I blurted loudly freaking out.
« Who ? » he asked confused.
« Valerian ?! Is she there ?!! » I shouted in agony.
« No, she’s not in here » he said startled.
I could feel like I could finally breathe again for a moment.
« I need to find her please » I begged still in tears.
« Yeah, ok. I will help you, don’t worry I’m sure she’s fine » he said calmly trying to soothe me and grabbing my arm.
He pulled me out of the room to where all the cries and screams where coming from.
It was another room further down the hall.
I felt completely disconnected from reality. It was like an out of body experience. I was incapable of thinking. I realised I was struggling to breathe and was making loud noises while inhaling.
« Ominis try to breathe » said Sebastian trying to be helpful.
I was having a serious panick attack.
His voice was like a distant echo, like he wasn’t even there.
I couldn’t rest until I’d find her.
We entered a room full of shadows. There were many different colours and many different fragnances. I was only trying to look for a light green shadow and a ginger scent.
I shouted her name hoping she would find me.
« Ominis ! » I heard a beautiful angelic voice shout in pain.
It was her.
I muffled an involuntary gasp of relief.
She rushed to me and jumped into my arms throwing her own behind my neck.
I embraced her so tightly and swept her feet of the ground, hugging her ever so dearly.
Warm tears were running down my cheeks onto her, but they were tears of relief. I held her up there for a while, unable to let go of her.
« I … I … thought ... » I couldn’t speak my voice was so shaky and desperate as I struggled breathing.
My body was trembling uncontrollably. The shock had sent shockwaves through my entire being. I knew she could feel my heart race.
« I’m ok. It wasn’t me. I’m ok Ominis » she murmured to my ear.
I was trying to hold back my tears but couldn’t.
Her words were like a revelation to me. I put her down but still hugged her all the same.
My chest kept moving up and down wildly as I was trying to regulate my breathing but failed miserably.
« Breathe Ominis, it’s ok » she whispered caressing the back of my neck.
I gave her a quick kiss on her neck before resting my head on it.
I was in shock and felt I would pass out any moment now if I couldn’t breathe properly.
« Are … you … really there ? » I asked as I was like in a dream, or more likely a nightmare feeling disconnected from reality still out of breath.
« Yes, I am. I’m fine » she repeated fondly.
I realised I had been rocking back and forth the entire time I held her in shock.
« Don’t worry Ominis, it wasn’t her » said Sebastian with a sad voice.
Wasn’t her ? So something did happen ? Who was it ?
I heard several footsteps rushing into the room.
Valerian lossened her grip around me, but not letting me go to look into the direction of where the noise was coming from.
« Everybody clear out the room now ! » ordered an unfamiliar voice.
It was a man’s voice and by the sound of it, he was perturbed.
Probably one of the aurors.
That’s when I came back to life, realizing what was happening around me. Terror and sorrow.
All the shadows were exiting the room. Valerian let go of me at that moment.
« No ! » I blurted fearfully. I refused to let go of her. I needed to feel her touch, as if I didn’t she would disappear.
Valerian understood immediately and took my hand and pulled me gently out of the room. My hand was shaking in hers.
I could hear students whispering feeling troubled or in shock.
All students went to the living room, thinking about waiting there to hear what would happen next. But I had no clue what had happened.
I had relaxed a bit, but my body felt heavy and my mind exhausted. I was still breathing heavily, making a strange noise.
« What happened Valerian ? » asked Sebastian his voice trembling.
« Just a moment, Sebastian, Ominis needs to sit down first » she said worried about me.
I didn’t have the strength to talk.
She placed me on one of the sofas, not letting go of me while she did, then sat on my lap sideways pulling my face against her chest as she positioned her hand on my head stroking gently my cheek. Her other arm was wrapped around my shoulders.
I could smell her delightful ginger sent and feel her soft skin. It soothed me deeply because it reminded me that she was alive and well.
Sebastian sat next to us.
« Nathara woke me up in a haste and the next thing I heard was this terrible scream coming from down the corridor. Cassandra then woke up suddenly terrified. I told her we had to apparate into Ominis’ bedroom but she didn’t listen and rushed out the door to see what it was. I didn’t want to leave her side so I followed her out. And all the girls were also coming out of their bedroom aswell. When we entered the room, girls were screaming in shock. I think someone died but I’m not sure » she explained.
« Someone did die alright. A girl from second year. And ... » he stopped.
His voice was uneasy and he was talking apprehensively.
« And what ? » urged Valerian.
« And her face was gone ... » said Sebastian nervously.
I felt her heart skip through my face.
I then heard Edmund, Cassandra and Samuel sit with us.
« How’s everyone coping ? » asked Edmund concerned.
No one answered. Everyone was traumatised.
« She had … no … face » said Samuel in disbelief.
He was always so sure of himself that it was weird hearing his voice so … frighful.
« Did anyone know her ? » demanded Sebastian.
« I think she was in second year. A muggle-born girl » replied Edmund
« How did this faceless monster get past the aurors ? » exclaimed Sebastian almost angrily.
« That is a frightening thought in deed » commented Samuel tense.
« Is Ominis alright ? He’s so pale » asked Edmund fretful.
I must have looked awful.
« He’s in shock and needs rest » explained Valerian calmly.
I still couldn’t find the strength to speak.
« It was like, half shadow, half alive, like a black ghost with no eyes nor nose, nothing » we heard a boy say behind us in a panic.
« Merlin’s beard, what kind of monster is that ? » we heard someone else way.
Everyone was scared, even if they weren’t muggle-borns.
We just all stayed in the living room among the other studens waiting for any new developpments. I was now feeling better, but was desperately tired.
I realised Valerian was still in her nightgown. Thank Merlin it was a long one. I didn’t want anyone else to see her beautiful legs but me. But she probably didn’t have time to put on a dressing gown so her arms and chest were exposed.
I grabbed my wand and summoned a jumper of mine directly onto her. Of couse it was far too big but at least she wouldn’t get cold, and boys wouldn’t be able to glance at her beauty.
Valerian smiled and thanked me.
The professors then asked for our attention. They were standing on the open staircase that led to the girls’ doorms.
« Classes will me dismissted for tomorrow, I mean today. We are aware of the shock you must be feeling. But we must ask every one of you to remain inside the school for today as other aurors will be arriving in the morning to ask any witness to testify. The girls’ doorms won’t be accessible for a couple more hours, so I am asking men to behave like the gentlemans I know you are as the ladies will have to remain in their nightgown for the time being and sleep in the living room for the rest of the night. We shall prepare a matress for each of you. All out thoughts go to Miss Bennet and her family. Remember to stay strong and to stick together in these uncertain times. Do not let fear or differences divide you. If you feel the need to talk about what happened your teachers remain at your disposal. Thank you » declared Headmistress Radagor.
All the students started whispering again. The professors started summoning matresses for the girls on the floor.
I for one just wanted to sleep in Valerian’s arms.
« Can we go up to your room ? » whispered Valerian in my ear.
I nooded. I knew she could feel it as my face was still on her chest.
« Will you excuse us, Ominis needs some rest as he is not feeling well » annonced Valerian.
« I think we all do » declared Samuel honnestly.
We got up, Valerian holding my hand and headed for my bedroom.
« Wait, what about Nathara ? I left her in the bedroom ! » she exclaimed.
« Don’t worry, I saw her slyther out and signaled her to go back to my bedroom for now » I replied.
« When ? » she asked surprised.
« When we were asked to get out of Miss Bennet’s bedroom » I explained.
« Oh, I see » responded Valerian.
« Come » I said affectionately pulling her upstairs into my bedroom.
I opened the door, letting her in first, and then etenred and closed the door behind us. Nathara jumped on Valerian’s shoulders in relief.
« She was worried about you » I told her.
« Oh, you’re so kind Nathara. Thank you for warning me about the danger » she said gratefully caressing her head.
« You did well Nathara » I told her in parseltongue.
I was far too exausted to even smile.
So I laid down on my bed, as Nathara slythered by my side stroking my cheek.
« Are you sure you’re alright ? » demanded Valerian still fretful.
I inhaled loudly.
« Only if you come with me in bed » I replied seductively.
She chuckled and laid next to me facing my way.
I embraced her and pulled her closer to me. Her face was now right in front of mine.
« I’m so relieved you’re alive. You have no idea how panicked I was when I … heard the scream. I thought you were … dead » I told her emotionally.
She put her hand on my cheek and stroke it slowly.
« I can’t even imagin what you felt. You must have been so overwhelmed and anxious » she said compassionately.
Thinking back on these emotions made me want to feel sick again. No words could describe what I felt at that moment.
« I have noticed that when someone dies, I couldn’t see their shadows anymore. And when I entered your room, I couldn’t see your shadow. That’s when I thought you were ... » I said unable to finish as the fear of losing her left me speechless.
My eyes were humid thinking about it and my voice trembling.
« Oh Ominis, I’m so sorry I put you through this. I should have apparated in your room like you asked me to, but I panicked. I’m sorry » she said feeling guilty.
« Just promise me that from now on you will sleep with me, please » I begged on the brink of tears.
« I promise » she assured.
« I don’t know what I’d do without you Valerian. My life makes no sense without you in it » I declared lovingly.
« Oh Ominis. I love you so much » she said before she kissed me like she had never before. And it was blissful.
« I love you too » I answered fondly.
« You must be tired after all these emotions. We should sleep » she suggested as she laid down asking me to rest my head on her abdomen. I cuddled her as she gently stroke my hair until I fell asleep.