The Gaunt Legacy - Prequel

POV Ominis

The next day, I woke up before Valerian.
I did my training in my bedroom while she was sleeping. I refused to leave her side.
When I was done, I had a shower and I just put on a pair of shorts to go back to bed with her. I wanted to be by her side every time she woke up.
I woke her up gently kissing her neck all the way up to the lob of her ear.
I could hear her chuckling. She loved being awaken this way. She then turned around to kiss me.
How I wish every morning could be like this one and that we could just stay in bed all day.
But we had lessons to attend so we got up and got dressed. She actually got dressed in seperate romms fot the time being. She dressed in my bathroom while I dressed in the bedroom.
We then met Sebastian for breakfast.
He read us the newspaper. As expected, the faceless monster attacked another muggle-born. This time it was in Brazil.
Everytime I heard news about the monster it only added to my anxieties as I was profoundly worried about Valerian. I know that Marvolo would love to taunt me by killing the love of my life. He knew she was going to my school. And that put her in danger furthermore. I wasn’t sure the school was now the best place for her to be at night, as the faceless monster seemed to attck during the night up to now. We needed to get that ring, proof that they belong to the order and were the ones responsible for creating the monster.
But I knew this would take time.
I had to create a distraction and check Marvolo was wearing the ring.
And not just any distraction, one that could reunite all the villains in one room.
And unfortunately, I knew just how to do that, but it won’t please Valerian. I didn’t please me in the least if I were honnest.
But it had to be done. And I would have to talk about it with Valerian first.

Since the murder of that girl at our school, something had changed between us. Our love was even more intense. And I could feel Valerian might be ready for more very soon. And I wanted to be prepared to give her all the attention she deserved.
So I aquired the potion Edmund talked about just in case. I was looking foward to the day she would be ready, but I was also a bit nervous still.

Sebastian received an owl from Mrs.Weasley. We were eager to know what she had found out. He read us the letter, she confirmed she saw the tatto of a snake around a wand on his left arm. So this confirms he was part of the order as we suspected it.
I wonder how she managed that ! No doubt using the rough way.

Our only lesson this morning was with Professor Radagor. She was going to teach us the legilimency spell. This is something that could be extremely useful to aurors.
« You will have to master this spell if you wish to become aurors. Now who can tell me what that spell is all about ? » asked the Professor.
« It’s a cham that allows the caster to delve into the mind of the victim, permitting the caster to see memories, emotions and thoughts » said Samuel.
« Exellent. You should also know that highly skilled Legilimens are able to control their victims and create realistic visions. But very few can acheave that  » explained the professor.
« Professor, I think I’ve heard Legilimency could be passed onto objects too » I added.
« Really ? How ? » exclaimed Samuel.
« For those who don’t know, at Hogwarts on the day of your arrival, you are sorted into different houses by the sorting hat. The founders used legilemency on the hat so that it could look into the minds of the students and so determine which house they should be placed in » I explained.
« Really ? I had no idea ! » said Sebastian amazed.
« M.Gaunt is right. There are rare cases where Legilemency is used on objects. Now can someone tell me how you can defend yourself against it ? » asked the professor.
« Through Occlumency, the art of closing ones mind against Legilimency. It can prevent from accessing ones thoughts and feelings. The way to achieve that is by getting rid of all thoughts and emotions in your mind. Then your thoughts would be shield » said Sebastian.
« Very good. You will pair up with a partner. Choose them wisely. Penetrating someone’s mind can be intense. I will then show you the movements with your wand and one of you will use Legilimency while the other shuts them out using occlumency. Then you’ll switch places » ordered the professor.
Valerian wanted to pair up with me, and I woul have liked that too. But I knew what was in Sebastian’s mind was … horrifying. And I couldn’t let him expose his past sins to another. He could be reported to the ministry for use of dark magic and dor murder. So I explained it gently to her leaving the important facts out and she understood immediately. I made sure she could pair up with Cassandra. So Edmund paired up with Samuel. This lesson could totally go the wrong way if one had squeletons in their closets.
The professor showed us the movements, then we both sat down, facing eachother.
« I’m sorry for what you are about to see » defended Sebastian.
«  I was wondering about this. Will I actually see the images in your mind do you think ? » I demanded a bit enthousiastic.
« I… hadn’t thought about it. That would be kind of amazing if you could ! Though I had wished you would see better things for your first time ... » said Sebastian sadly.
« Don’t fret. I’m pretty sure it won’t work.  » I said trying to be realistic.
After all, I still couldn’t see when I transformed into Sebastian despite me having his eyes.
« Ready ? » I asked Sebastian.
« Yeah » he said fearful.
I was panting in anticipation. This was the moment of truth. Will I see images of his past and therefore see for the first time, Or not ? And I also feared what I would see if I did.
« Legilimens » I shouted.

I suddenly closed my eyes. And there was this bright light, like a tunnel of it, so bright. I had never seen anything like it. I walked through it. The next thing I knew, I was in a dark place. I was feeling so confused. My eyes were sore, I had to rub them. And when I opened them again, I could … see ! I think. My vision was definitely not like before. I was looking around me, I didn’t know where I was, not what this place was. There were details everywhere I looked, no more shadows. It was so noisy. That’s when I recognised Sebastian’s voice. But I didn’t recognise the person standing before me. All I could see was a teenage boy, with messy hair, wearing a robe. Was that what a boy looked like ? What HE looked like ? It felt wrong. Like a human had stollen Sebastian’s voice. That isn’t quite how I imagined him. And this was very confusing. My ears recognised his voice, but my eyes were decieving me.
I felt my chest tighten and my heart beat faster in fear. All this was … wrong.
He was casting spells endlessly. Colours I think were coming out from his wand. But I couldn’t tell them apart, because despite what I thought was red maybe wasn’t after all. I didn’t actually know which colour was which as I had never seen colours before.
I came back to my senses when I was almost hit by a blast.
I stepped back to be safe from the duel he was having with someone. Who was it ? This man was tall, had dark hair and a beard. It was an adult. He was also casting endless spells. This voice … I recognised it. It was … Uncle Solomon’s.
I had to focus hard to remember I was in Sebastian’s mind. All this wasn’t real. Yet I could feel myself breathing harder. There was too much to see, too many details. I just kept looking around wildly, imprinting every details I could see because I knew it wouldn’t last.
Suddenly Solomon summoned something spiraling that looked dangerous. It was windy and hot. Was that … fire ? I tried to remember how I visualised this memory in my own mind. I remember the shape of the shadow. And it assembled like a puzzle you make on an image. Yes, that’s what it was, a tornado of fire.
I heard Uncle Solomon shout angrily.
« She cannot be healed Sebastian ! You must stop ! » he said painfully.
I memembered hearing those words like it was yesterday.
« I won’t let her suffer ! » he replied determined and blinded by anger.
Oh no. I knew where I was now and what would happen next. This was his most painful memory.
« Sebastian no ! » I screamed his name but he couldn’t hear me.
« Avada Kedavra ! » shouted Sebastian savagely.
Suddenly a bolt of coloured light span out of his wand hitting Solomon who fell to the floor motionless.
This was the moment he killed his uncle.
My heart was aching. I observed him and his face. I couldn’t believe humans could express so many emotions through movements and facial expressions.
He looked desperately confused, regretfull, in shock as he dropped his wand to the floor taking a few steps back.
I recalled feeling upset, furious and disappointed in Sebastian at that precise moment in the past. But now years had passed, and I had very different feelings. I felt sorry for him. And guilty for letting this situation go that far. I should have stopped this before. This was my greatest regret and shame in life. And despite having talked it through with Sebastian, I realised I still felt guilty.
I then saw a bolt of light, but another colour this time hit Sebastian. And a very familiar voice that was despairing, broken. It was Anne. She had hit her twin with Depulso. Sebastian was blown away against the wall. I just kept looking at her. She was similar to what I had imagined. Her skin was brighter that Sebastian’s. Maybe because she was ill at that time. She was shorter back then. What stroke me was that she looked so sick. I remember her voice getting weaker, but her face was something I would now never forget.
She cast incendio, and that’s how I knew for sure what fire looked like.
She then ran by her uncle’s side. I could see on her face she was upset, disturbed. No, it was far more than that, she was traumatised.
That’s when I realised that seeing people’s facial expressions adds more emotion and empathy to just hearing their voices.
She then stood up, and looked at Sebastian a way that I could now never forget, with such revulsion and loathing.
I understand now why Sebastian was afraid to see her again back at the hospital. I remember him saying he was afraid of how his sister would look at him because he couldn’t bare the look of hate in her eyes. I couldn’t bare it either if she looked at me in that way.
Anne. Sebastian.
I just looked at them both one last time with a broken heart.
And I felt something pull me back. It felt like I was falling endlessly until I slammed by back onto my chair, back to the real world.

And then everything went dark. No more details, no more colours, no shadows.
I must have dropped my wand.
I felt in a daze, panicked, confused. All this was just so overwhelming.
I was panting wildly. I was so stunned by what just happened I didn’t realise that I had tears running down my cheeks all along. I placed my head between my arms covering my head with my hands like a little boy hidding from fear. My back was arched so I could rest my elbows on my thighs.
I couldn’t believe I actually saw for the first time, and saw Sebastian, Solomon and Anne. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. Was it a good thing or a bad thing ? It got my head spiraling in confusion. And seeing this horrifying scene once more was not helping.
« I’m sorry you had to see this again, Ominis » said Sebastian mournfully.
His voice was trembling.
He placed his hand on my shoulder. But I was paralized in fear. I just couldn’t move. The fear of seeing for the first time left me speechless.
There was just too much information for a first time and my brain was not cooperating, like overloaded.
The Professor approached us.
«M.Gaunt, are you alright ? » she demanded kindly.
I couldn’t even reply I was so upset.
« M.Sallow, why don’t you take your friend for a bit of fresh air, you can come back when he feels better » she said softly.
« Yes. Thank you Professor » he replied distantly.
He took my arm, helped me stand and went outside. Fornuately, Professor Radagor’s classroom was on the ground floor, so it wasn’t too far from te main entrance.

Sebastian took me to the gardens as I could smell the smell of dead leaves on the floor.
« Let’s sit for a moment » he said calmly.
« Talk to me, please Ominis » he begged.
I just stayed silent for a moment. I imagined Valerian close to me, telling me to breathe, her carressing my hair, kissing my cheek and hearing her beautiful angelic voice soothe me. Thinking about her helped me relax a bit.
« I … I’m sorry. I just … had a panick attack » I said still feeling drained from all energy.
« I know. It’s ok Ominis. Re-living that scene was … dreadful » he said sorely.
That means he saw what I saw.
« It’s more than that. Sebastian, I … saw what happened » I revealed.
« What do you mean you saw, as in … see with your eyes ? I mean really see ? » he asked astouned.
I nodded my head.
« That’s ... amazing Ominis ! Well, maybe it wasn’t that amazing considering what you had to witness » he said despondently.
I just looked ahead at the shadows of students walking.
« I … don’t know how I feel about it yet. But when I was in your head, I felt very confused, and scared. There was just so much information to take in » I said still in shock.
« Like what ? » he demanded surprised.
« Well, for instance colours. I thought I knew which colour was which, but I don’t think I ever did actually. What colour is fire ? » I asked.
« Fire has multiple colours. It’s yellow, orange and red mainty. The deeper colour is red, then it gradually becomes lighter, so it goes from orange to yellow, and yellow is the lighter colour » he exlained quite well really.
I nodded. His description was clear. Not many people were capable of explaining a colour to someone that had never seen them before.
« There was also so many details. The walls had, lines all over it. Your clothes … the robes … what colour where they ? What colour is your hair ? What .. » I started letting my emotions overwhelm me again.
« Clam down Ominis. I will answer all your questions. The robes we wore at hogwarts were green and black, but I’ve told you that before. And my hair is brown » he said chuckling.
I could distinguish colours slightly better now.
« I was … flabbergasted by the ability of humans to express so many feelings through their faces. I saw Anne’s facial expression when she looked at you. It was so, intense. She actually scared me » I admitted.
I could hear Sebastian inhale sharply. This was a painful memory for him I knew that. Reminicing these events wouldn’t bring any good to either of us.
« I understand now why you were so afraid to see her at the hospital, of how she would look at you » I said sorrowful.
He remained silent. I knew how hard this was for him.
« I’m sorry Sebastian. For what happened back then. After litterally seeing what happened, I realised I was still feeling guilty. I should have stopped you way before » I confessed.
« It’s not your fault Ominis. Please don’t feel guilty or blame yourself. I’m the only one to blame. I am responsible for my uncle’s death and all other misery in my life » he shared regretfully.
« But I’m grateful I still have you » he said on a more joyous note.
« We’re brothers after all » I added.
« So, was I as handsome as you had imagined ? » he joked.
I laughed.
« You were far worse than I imagined. I don’t see what all girls fuss about » I teased.
He laughed too.
« What about Anne ? How did you find her ? » demanded Sebastian.
« Despite her being ill, she looked pretty much like I had imagined her » I confessed.
« Well, I know I inherited the good looks in the family » he laughed.
I smiled.
Then I realised Valerian would also see Cassandra’s vision. But for her I knew it would be different. She could see before the … unfortunate events. So I guess she would miss it and won’t feel all confused about it all like I was. Just maybe mournful.
« Are you feeling better ? » asked Sebastian concerned.
« I am » I replied.
« Then it is my turn to go into your head. And I must admit, I’m looking foward to it now » he said enthousiatically.
« Why ? » I asked.
« Because I will see the world through your eyes, with all the shadows and everything. It will help me understand my brother better » he said affectionately.
I wasn’t sure that was a good thing. What if he saw how weak I’ve always been ? What if he saw my family torture me ? That was no fun to watch.

We then went back to class.
I asked Sebastian is Valerian looked ok. Apparently she seemd well enough.
So we both sat down on the chairs, facing eachother once more.
This time, Sebastian would enter my mind. I couldn’t help but wonder what he would see.
« Ready ? » he asked me.
« Do it » I replied.
He pointed his wand at me.
« Legilimens » he articulated.

I was transported back through time, in my memories.
Sebastian was seeing a happy memory, one where I had spent christmas with him and his family when I was eleven. Mrs.Sallow had been cooking all day. It was the 25th of December. I could remember the delighful smell of turkey in our house at Feltcroft.
She announced that lunch was ready and we gathered around the table. M.Sallow had thanked her for cooking. And I chose to be respectful like he was and thank her too.
M.Sallow loved his wife deeply. Mrs Sallow had a beautiful soothing kind voice. Maybe Valerian reminded me of her sometimes. Sebastian and Anne didn’t bother showing any gratitude to their own mother and helped themselves to food. It was such a delicous lunch. When we had finished eating, Mrs.Sallow asked us to gather aroud the fireplace. We all sat on cussions on the floor.
M.Sallow gave a present to Sebastian. At the time I didn’t know what a present was, I just saw the shadow of a rectangle object given to him. I could hear him rejoice to his gift. Then Mrs. Sallow gave one to Anne. She was also quite happy with hers.
And then M. and Mrs Sallow gave me a present together. I remember just holding it, not knowing what to do with it. Mrs.Sallow suggested I should open it and asked if I needed any help. I accepted and we opened it together. I remember vividly her soft hands helping me open my gift, her gentle voice encouraging me. I had never felt safer than by her side. It was the first time ever I celebrated Christmas, and had a present. My family didn’t believe in all these stupid traditions as they called it. And they also never celebrated my birthdays, unlike Marvolo’s. He always got many gifts. And I had to watch him unwrap them every time asking myself why not me ? What did I do wrong ?
As I had never had a present before, I remember being so exited. Mrs Sallow had knitted me, Sebastian and Anne the same jumper. We all put it on immediately. But Anne’s jumper was slightly too big. Sebastian made fun of her for says I remembered.
I recalled Sebastian and Anne thanking their parents by giving them a hug. No one had ever given me a hug before. I wanted to feel that same love through this motion. I think Mrs.Sallow knew how I was feeling, she approached me and embraced me.
This was the best day of my life.
I was suddenly feeling that same pull again and was instantly transported back to reality.
I could see Sebastian’s shadow sitting in front of me.
It took us a few seconds to ajust to reality.
« Wow ! Is that how you really see ? That’s kind of incredible ! » he exclaimed.
« So, you were blind in my memory then ? » I asked.
« Yeah. It took me a while to ajust. I didn’t know who was who and where I was. Especially when you told me Anne had a green shadow, which she hasn’t by the way. And for the reccord, you’re shadow was white » he observed.
« What ? I have a white shadow ? So what colour’s Anne’s shadow then ? » I said amazed.
« It’s blue. So were my parents’ » he insisted.
« Oh. After today, I realised I knew nothing about colours » I remarked.
Sebastian pulled his hair back as he slouched on the chair.
« Wow, I had forgotten about that day ! » he said joyfully.
I guess his parents died a long time ago so now mostly good memories and feelings would remain.
« It was one of the best days of my life » I admited.
« Really ? I guess you had never experienced Christmas before » he assumed.
« I had never had a family before. That’s something you and Anne gave me » I expressed emotionally.
« Yeah. I haven’t celebrated Christmas in years now » he confessed.
I can imagine him on Christmas days his nose in his books trying to desperately find a way to save Anne not even realising it was Christmas day.
I felt sad knowing he couldn’t get so spend one alast Christmas with his sister.
« Well this always this year » I said.
He chuckled.
« Well, one thing’s for sure, we suck at occlumency » he said laughing.
« It takes time to master it. Your mind must be at peace in order to achieve that. Are your minds at peace gentleman ? » commented Professor Radagor passing by.
None of us dared respond. Probably because the answer was no. I couldn’t even stop my own anxieties, so how could I close my mind to an outsider ?
The professor thought it was enough for one day, but she asked us to practise as homework in pairs.
I wasn’t looking foward to it in a way. Sebastian’s mind was a dark place. I’d rather go into Valerian’s. It would probably be sweet and nice. I guess I’d see shadows too in her memories. Shadows of her parents, of her time at the Beauxbaton Accademy maybe.

We then found our friends for lunch. I sat next to Valerian and told her everything about my first sight experience, and my trouble with colours. Everyone laughed.
It’s strange. I thought I’d appreciate this first experience more. But I felt the opposite way. Like it ruined something inside of me.
Cassandra said her experience was also amazing. She was impressed how we saw the world. Of course none of us revealed what they actually saw. It was very personal.
But Valerian kept quiet, which was suspicious as she was always so joyful and full of confidence. After lunch I pulled her aside against the wall, embraced her by her hips and gave her a kiss on her cheek.
« Are you alright ? You seem kind of down, which is unusual for you » I stated kindly.
« It’s just … it was a weird experience. Seeing again was harder than I thought it would be » she admitted.
Of course I knew she could see once upon a time.
« Do you miss seeing ? Sorry if it sounds like a stupid question, it’s just I can’t really relate » I said affectionately.
« Of course it’s not a stupid question. But I guess sometimes I do miss my sight » she said glum.
« What do you miss most ? » I demanded graciously.
« Seeing the flowers bloom, the sun shining bright in the sky, the autumn leaves change colour. It’s hard to pick one » she revealed.
« I’m sorry. I guess it’s easier never knowing what all these things look like » I said compassionately.
« It’s ok. We just have a unique way to see the world now » she said positively.
« Would you have liked to see me ? » I demanded intrigued.
« But I do see you. I don’t need my eyes for that » she said fondly.
What a perfect answer.
« What about you ? » she demanded sweetly.
« I never felt the need to see you know. You can’t miss what you don’t know. To be honnest after what I saw today, I’m good thanks » I said frankly.
« Do you feel disappointed ? » she asked.
« Kind of yeah. It was so confusing. It’s like this person was standing in front of me, with Sebastian’s voice. But to me, this wasn’t him. It was like someone had stollen his voice. I felt very perturbed. Now I’ll never see Sebastian the same way. And it’s annoying really. I feel like there’s now two versions of Sebastians in my mind. And I wished I hadn’t re-lived that frightful and painful … episode  » I explained.
« Do you want to talk about it ? » she asked sweetly.
« You know I tell you everything. But this I cannot because it’s not my secret to share » I said sadly.
« It’s about what happened years ago ? The terrible thing that could send Sebastian to Azkaban ? » she whispered making sure only I would hear.
I made a noise in agreement.
She then stroke my cheek.
« Sebastian told me that if he revealed what he did, I would never look at him to same way. I feel sad he has to carry that burden. And that you also have to carry it also » she said compassionately.
I took her hand that was on my cheek and kissed it.
« But I have you to soothe all my worries » I told her seductively with a smile.
She just looked at me for a few secconds, then threw her arms around me and gave me a sensual kiss. I pushed her deeper against the wall and our kiss turned into a steamy one. I could have stayed there for hours, my lips onto hers.
Wunfortunately, w were stopped by Professor Katona male scolding us for making out in the corridors.
We tried to contain our laughter and left immediately.

Now that classes were over for the day, we had to go to the muggle world to the … police people.
We then found Sebastian and apparated to Feltcroft. We then called Miss Parkes through the mirror and she apparated not long after.
We greated eachother and Valerian asked us to describe what we were wearing.
Though Sebastian and I sounded surprised by this question, Miss Parkes understood that it was to blend in more easily.
Clearly we weren’t dressed properly.
We used a conjuring spell to summon muggle clothes. They were far less confortable than wizards clothes. I felt like I was wearing a tux.
« Ugh, I feel like wearing clothes from the past century » declared Miss Parkes.
We all laughed.
« How exactly are we going to get to the muggle aurors ? » asked Sebastian.
« The police ? Well, we’ll apparate in Diagon Alley, then walk through the leaky cauldron’s pub and from there we’ll be in the muggle world » detailedValerian.
« Please don’t tell me we have to take this rectangle on wheels » begged Sebastian.
I could only agree with him.
« No ! And for your information, it’s called a bus » pronounced Valerian.
« Whatever » responded Sebastian sarcastically.
I chuckled. They reminded me of the way Sebastian and Anne used to talk to eachother.
« We’ll walk there. It’s not far from the pub » she explained.
« Great. Let’s get going then » I suggested.
We then apparated in Diagon Alley, walked through the pub and were now in the muggle streets, following Valerian.
We entered a tall building.
« One of you boys will have to speak. They will find it strange that a woman is inquiering to find a man » she professed.
« Wow, what a modern world the muggles live in » said Sebastian ironically.
« Can you focus just for a minute ? » replied Valerian trying to keep a low profile.
« Alright, alright ! » he said whispering back.
« Sebastian, you hold Miss Parkes’ arm, and Ominis you hold mine » ordered Valerian.
« You sure are bossy, aren’t you ? » exclaimed Sebastian whispering.
I took Valerian’s arm. I was feeling quite pround to expose my love for her in that way. That meant that she was taken and was MY fiancé.
We marched to the reception desk, where a woman was answering telephone calls.
« Good day Miss » said Sebastian.
« What do you want ? » said the lady unfriendly between two calls.
« We’re looking for ... » Sebastian started not knowing how to finish his sentence.
« the enquiry service  » I whispered to him.
« … the enquiry service ? » finished Sebastian as if he was asking a question.
Way to go to be unnoticed.
« You go down the hallway to the right, then up the stairs and it’s the first door on your left. Got it ? Or would you like me to draw a map for you ? » said the woman arrogently.
« I’m not sure. You might have to get off your high horse and escort us to ... » Sebastian started as Miss parkes pulled him away so roughly I thought he would fall.
« Thank you Miss » I said before Valerian and I rushed to follow them.
« What do you think you’re doing Sebastian ?! » I exclaimed.
« What ? She clearly had a superiority complex ! » he justified.
« Yeah. I might know another one like that » I stated as I smirked
He made a noise as if he was refuting my accusations.
I just smiled.
« When you’ll be done with your bromance, maybe we could get a move on ? » uttered Miss Parkes.
« Sorry » we both said.
Valerian and Miss Parkes both chuckled.
We then knocked on the door and entered the office. It was huge. I could see shadows of shelves everywhere.
There was another woman at her desk not far from the door.
« Good day Miss. We’re looking for someone ? » I demanded.
« Good day to you darling. What’s his or her name ? » she demanded.
« Tom Riddle » I replied.
I was surprised she didn’t ask why we were looking for this person. All the better for us.
« If you’d like to follow me » she said.
We marched along several aisles.
« So are all … people’s files in this room ? » asked Sebastian.
« Only the ones that live in England honey » she replied.
I guess that was a start.
We then turned down into an aisle.
« That’s all the surnames that begin with an R. Good luck » she mentioned.
« Wait, you’re not going to help us ? » stated Sebastian in disbelief.
« Are you gonna help me with my work sweetie ? » she exclaimed.
Sebastian remained silent.
« I didn’t think so. Good luck » she replied as she marched off.
« Right. Let’s get to it » said Miss Parkes rubbing her hands.
« Sorry, we’re not going to be of any use » appologised Valerian.
« That’s all right » she said a she pulled a metallic drawer out.
« The names are well clasified. This shouldn’t take too long » she assured.
Valerian and I sat down a bit further on the chairs avaiable.
After what seemes like an eternity, Miss Parkes found something. She called for us.
« What did you find ? » urged Sebastian.
« Well there’s no Tom Riddle, but there’s a Tomas Riddle » said Miss Parkes optimistic.
« Maybe Tom is a short name for Tomas ? » said Valerian cleverly.
« I don’t know. It says he was born in 1880. So he must be 13 years old by now » read Miss Parkes.
« Remember what you told me, that Tom Riddle might not be born yet » reminded Miss Parkes.
« Are there any other Riddles ? » I demanded.
« No. He’s the only one left. His whole family died in a fire » she revealed.
« So he’s definitely the only Riddle left » I assumed.
« But he’s a muggle. And muggles can’t hold the orb. Well they could actually, but wouldn’t see a hing as they don’t possess magic » expalined Miss Parkes.
« So all this was for nothing ? » complained Sebastian.
« No. We know for sure Riddles are muggles. We know that this Tom Riddle might not be born yet. It could be his future son. But I’m surprised the order worships a muggle. It can’t be him surely … It’s got to be one of his descendants. That could mean they don’t know he will be a muggle-born. But how did your father know about the prophecy then ? » she was thinking out loud.
« The missing painting of Rackham ? » suggested Valerian.
« I don’t think that’s it. I think your father and brother touched the orb. And if they did , that could only mean one thing, that this dark lord shares your blood M.Gaunt » revealed Miss Parkes.
« Excuse me ?! » I said astouned.
« Think about it. That’s what makes the most sense ! You may not be part of the same family with the Riddles yet, but in the future, you might be. And the dark lord would be your descendant » divulged Miss Parkes.
« And who in my family would agree to a marriage that is not pure blood ? » I reminded her.
« Well, you don’t care about that. Maybe he’ll be one of your direct descendants and not Marvolo’s. Maybe he’ll be like you and Valerian » stated Sebastian.
I blushed to the idea of us having kids. We weren’t even married yet.
« If that were true, then why is he called the dark lord ? Why does the order think they need to purge the world before his arrival ? » I reasoned.
« Touche. I guess the only way to find out is to touch that orb » suggested Miss Parkes.
« No ! It’s far to dangerous. We don’t even know if our facts are true » exclaimed Valerian angrily.
« Maybe we could go inside Marvolo’s head using the Legilimens spell and find out how he knew about that dark lord, and maybe know about other secrets while we’re at it » suggested Sebastian.
« You don’t think Marvolo knows how to use occlumency ?! » I said stating the obvious.
« Maybe if he were drunk, he’d open his mind to us » said Sebastian with a sneaky voice.
« Actually, that could work. The weaker the mind the better chances you have. Sebastian could take care of it while you Ominis entertain the members of the order for a distraction while I inspect the catacomb » thought Miss Parkes.
« That’s insane ! » I shouted.
« But worth it. Then if we know for sure he touched the orb, then it means Miss Parkes is right and it will be safe for you to touch it and finally get some answers about the prophecy. And we coud find out how Marvolo uses the ring to control the faceless monster. Maybe we could even steal it off him ! » said Sebastian enthousiastically.
I guess he was right. It was also for Valerian’s safety after all.
« I don’t want to be the one going inside his head » I declared.
« You won’t have to. I’ll do it » said Sebastian determined.
« You’ll have to manage everything Sebastian if I am to distract the others » I reminded him.
« That’s fine » he replied.
« And you’ll have to improve your skills on the legilimens spell first » I remarked.
« Maybe I can help with that » proposed Miss Parkes.
« I must warn you. You might see terrible things in there » I urged.
« I can handle it » answered Sebastian.
« Wait, you’ll have to learn another spell, obliviate, to cover your tracks. It’s quite difficult to master though. But I can aslo help you with it too » informed Miss Parkes.
« Great ! » responded Sebastian.
« That’s a lot of work Sebastian. Are you up to the challenge ? » demanded Sebastian worried.
« Oh I am. And we’ll put these son of …. the order and the Gaunts I mean to rest » declared proudly Sebastian remembering ladies were present.
« Have you thought more about how to lure all the lead members of the order in one place ? » asked Miss Parkes.
« … I might have an idea. But I need just a bit more time » I said sincerely.
« Ok » she just responded.
I had to talk to Valerian first. And Destiny.
I knew what strings to pull so she would help us. But that doesnt mean I would trust her. I would have to be careful.