The trial
POV Ominis
When we arrived home after these frightful events, there is only one thing I needed, my fiancé. I wouldn’t let go of her, nor let her out of my sight even for a minute afraid she’d disappear again.
I told Sebastian it was necessary for me to spend some time alone with my future wife. I knew he was mournful about losing Miss Parkes, and I knew I was being selfish, but this was essential to me. I had almost lost Valerian tonight and was so thankful she was still alive.
Sebastian understood and admitted he needed a shower and a rest anyway. I asked him to take Nathara with him, fearful for his mental state and health. He didn’t object, knowing it would soothe me.
I pulled Valerian into our bedroom, closing the door behind me worried about her.
« How are you feeling my love ? » I asked pulling her against me wrapping my arms around her.
« Exhausted, grateful, heartstricken, but mostly just glad to be there with you » she confessed lovingly looking my way.
I grabbed her face into both my hands as I closed the space between us.
« Oh Valerian, do you have any idea how terrified I was when you disappeared ? And when I thought you were … going to … die ?! » I murmured in tears.
« I’m sorry Ominis. I heard you cry my name, but I didn’ t want to leave you knowing you were fighting your brother … » she replied regretfully.
« I understand. I … would have also stayed because a life where you’re not in it isn’t worth living for me » I disclosed emotionally.
« Don’t say that ! » she exclaimed aghast.
« It’s my truth Valerian. I need you, I can’t live without you » I confessed passionately.
She plunged her lips onto mine as she moved her hands up behind my neck gripping my hair ferociously. I took a sharp breath inward as I felt a shiver shoot through my entire body. She always drew me mad with desire. I could feel her body warming up to my kisses. She then pulled me into the bathroom as she began to stip me of my clothes slowly and seductively, starting with my jumper, then went for my shirt, and with every button she undid, she kissed my torso to my abdomen, helping me out of my shirt I threw to the floor carelesss. I let out an irrepressible sigh as I felt her rising desire for me. She was completely in charge and knew exactly how to torment me, slidding her fingers along my muscular composure driving me insane.
She then went down to her knees as she unfastened my belt, setting free my aching groin and pulled down my trousers and pants swiftly as I made my way out of them, now bare. I took her wand with mine and placed them to the side, so our hands would be free to venture, then grabbed her arm pulling her up, bringing my face closer to hers as I unbuttoned her shirt erotically, then rougly stripped her of it revealing her undergarnements. My hands wondered around her covered breasts for now.
« Take it off » she murmured to my ear.
I gasped to her alluring voice.
I obliged in delectation, removing her lingerie leaving her topless.
She then grabbed my hands and placed them to the top of her skirt, indicating me to undress her. I fell on my knees lowering her skirt and panties to the floor as I placed my lips onto her abdomen, sucking deep to leave her a mark as she moaned in rapture.
I rose up, grabbing her waist as I pressed my throbbing erected shaft against her abdomen so she would know how exited I was, in desperate urge for more.
She took my hand and pulled me into the shower giggling. I had never made love to her in the shower before, and the thought of ravishing her there, feeling her wet skin rubbing against mine, her damp hair along her neck made my insides become jittery. My painful groin was so hard it was agony, craving for her.
She turned on the shower and kissed me beneeth it, her body pressed against mine as I quivered to her touch. My body couldn’t take it any longer, so I compressed her to the wall behind us, promptly shifted her, feeling her back against my chest. She was panting in anticipation. But I wanted her to plead for me, so I began kissing her along her spine, feeling my lips brush against her flawless skin as she cried my name.
« Ominis ... » she whimpered.
Her voice stimulated my raw passion for her as I kissed her up and down her collarbone. Her body was arching more to my every touch, postioning itself for me. But I was still not satisfied, I wanted her to feel the angst she put me through every single time. I placed my left hand around her waist and positioned my buldge beneeth her entrance, feeling her moist against my hardness as I groaned ferociously slidding it along her womanhood.
This was pure bliss. She was beathing loudly, hopelessly wanting more.
« Oh Ominis ! » she lashed out.
« Do you want more ? » I whispered to her ear seductively.
« Please … Ominis … I want you » she begged.
Merlin knows I hungered for her ! Hearing her pleas set my mind ablase, not able to resist her any longer, I drove myself inside her as she lamented how succulent it was. Once I was fully inside of her, I set my free hand against the tiles and the other still placed around her waist as I thrusted into her hastily. I pressed my lips to her neck, earning a quiver from her that fuelled me as all my self-control crumbled. My arousal probbed harshly into her now, letting a growl escape me in delight. Merlin it felt amazing to feel her insides swallow me entierly as I bucked into her. I hadn’t been able to taste her in days as I was so concerned about Sebastian, and now I could act upon my obsessive thirst for her and I couldn’t hold back. The way she touched me, the way she seduces me was so overwhelming. I wanted to feel her gorgeous damp hair and so I gripped it with my hand that was placed against the tiles, pulling it not to forcefully as I didn’t wish to hurt her, but the more I head her moans, the more aroused I became, unable to restist the carnal urge of pulling her hair more abruptly.
I let go of her before I became to violent, not sure how long I could restrain myself.
I placed my hand around her neck instead, plunging into her mercilessly, smashing her against the wall as she warned me of her climax approching.
« Ominis, I’m coming ! » she yelled in lecherous compulsion.
I also felt myself approching seventh heaven. I tightened the grip around her neck and waist to forge myself more deeply inside her so she could feel the tip of my end sink in her depts of her limits, which resulted in her to go into spasm, crying my name as she came. I trashed into her voraciously needing my release more than ever. She grabbed my hand that was wrapped around my waist and dug her nails into it. That was enough to send me in an frenzy as I convulsed in pleasure with a sharp intake of air, pouring my flux into her, and there was just so much of it, letting out a sensuous wail of rapture.
I slowed down my movements still breathing hard until I stopped, wraping my arms around Valerian to kiss her cheek.
We both smiled before I planted a kiss on her lips, my chest against her back, withdrawing in satisfaction.
« This is a must do again » she declared warmly.
« Any time you want » I replied to her ear compelled by her beautiful voice.
As we showered properly, we spent a fair amount of time making out, enjoying every kiss, every touch feeling our love for one and other.
And once we finally got out, I checked on Sebastian before I went to bed.
I found him motionless by the fire. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking about.
« Penny for your thoughts ? » I demanded.
« What ? Oh … just feeling a bit morose » he replied downcast.
« No wonder. But you will be fine Sebastian. Give it time » I advised.
« Will I ? I wonder ... » he answered disturbed.
« Don’t tell me you have … suicidal thoughts again ? » I querried worried.
« No. But I wish to start fresh to live a life guilt free, a life where I could find hapiness » he admitted.
« That’s why you tried to end your life. To start fresh ? » I asked aghast.
« Yeah. But I know this was wrong and foolish » he denounced.
« Yes, it was. The answer you seek is within you Sebastian. Only you can find it. In the meantime, I have tomething for you that might help » I declared.
He made a surprised sound when I took out the ring.
« The ring ? » he exclaimed enlightened.
« Yes. Marvolo assured you could use it to see your family again. And I believe he was telling the truth. I thought about it, you’ll probably have to turn the stone three times and think about who you wish to see. I am trusting you with the ring Sebastian. You can give it back to me tomorrow. This is your last chance to say goodbye and maybe find the answers you’re looking for. I won’t be keeping the ring after the trial » I confessed.
« Thank you, Ominis. This means so much to me » he replied truly grateful.
« I know. I’ll just ask you to summon them out of the house, for Valerian’s safety. We never know, it might not work. I can’t take any risks » I cautionned.
« Of course. Don’t worry, I will. You’re not coming with me ? » he told humbly.
« No. This is something you need to do alone. Besides, I have made my peace with their deaths. Tell them hi for me » I commented.
« I will » he responded.
« Good night » I said with a velvet voice.
He didn’t reply. I guess he was flabbergasted by my gesture. I truly hope this will helps him find his way.
The I went to bed by my future wife’s side. I held her into my arms, trying to fall asleep, but couldn’t help but wonder where Marvolo had fled to. I was afraid he’s try to bail out my parents that had been fortunately captured. If he were to try anything, it wouldn’t be tonight. He was harmed and lost a lot of blood by my hand and needed medical attention. That left me an extra delay. That would be tomorrow’s problem.
For now, I would focus on my love for my family, Sebastian and Valerian.
POV Sebastian
I couldn’t believe Ominis lent me the ring. This was my chance. But not here. Where could I go to ? Maybe on that isolated island not far from here. I went there once in seach for a cure for Anne trying experimental potions. That would be perfect. I fetched my coat and apparated there. It was dark, so I cast Lumos. The waves were crashing against the cliffs. I could smell seaweed. The grass was wet as it had rained.
I felt mixed feelings of exitement and nervessnous, like I wanted to throw up. What would they think of me now ? Did I really want to find out ? Maybe not, but I knew in my heart I needed to do this.
I closed my eyes, thinking about my parents, and my sister, and accidently uncle Solomon remembering his death as I spinned the stone 3 times.
When I opened my eyes, I saw four ghosts before me. My family. My heart skipped a beat seeing them. Was this real ? Or was I in a dream ? My head was spinning. I felt I was going mad.
« Mum, dad, sister ? Uncle Solomon ? Is it really you ? » I demanded with a quivering voice as my eyes were damp.
« It is » said mum tenderly.
« Of course it is ! And you have some explaining to do ! » declared Anne furiously.
« Now calm down Anne, he’s your brother » insisted dad.
« Yeah, and a halfwit ! How dare you attempt to end your life to be with us ? You have the choice to live ! I didn’t. That’s not a good way to remember me by ! » she added severely lecturing me.
« I-I’m sorry Anne. I was desperately lonely. I wanted to be with all of you, nothing more » I attested painfully.
« We know my darling. We know. But your sister is right. Your time hasn’t come yet » affirmed mum.
« I deserve to die mum, after what I have done » I confessed brittly now in tears.
« No, you don’t. You’ve made a mistake, Uncle Solomon was far too hard on you » she objected sharply staring at him now.
He was there, just examining at me from head to toe with a dismisal look.
« That’s …. no excuse. Uncle Solomon, I ask for your forgivness, though I know I don’t deserve it » I sobbed.
« If you think you don’t deserve it, then why are you asking for it ? When will you finally understand that you must take responsibility for your actions ? You’re too impulsive Sebastian, like your father » divulged Solomon with a scornful voice.
« And these comments never helped, dear brother. You saw me in him, and I’m sorry we parted on bad terms, but that was no reason to take it out on my son. He was only trying to save his sister » dad replied affable.
« And he went down the wrong path by doing so » concluded Solomon.
« If you had been there for him, uncle Solomon, maybe this would have turned out differently. Admit it ! You were phisically there, yes, but you weren’t emotionally available for him. He needed someone to look up to when dad died, a man in his life to help him navigate throuth this ocean of doubts and fear » specified Anne regretfully.
« I could admit it, but what difference would it make ? » stammered Solomon.
« It would mean that you finally acept your death was partially your fault. You talk of Sebastian taking responsability for his actions, but what about your own ? » petitioned dad.
« I did what I thought was best for you. I was not your mother, nor your father. I never had to raise kids before you two. I was unfamiliar with all this. I didn’t know how much energy, emotions and care you actually had to put into this. I was an auror, I had real expectations of life, and life isn’t a gift, it’s a bloody endless battle you’re the leader of. I wanted you both to be strong, because life is ruthless ! » maintained Solomon rithlessly.
« Yeah. We know that. But we chose to keep feeling, you just shut your emotions out. And that was the coward way ! » I shouted angrily.
« Look who’se talking. After you killed me, you ran away, unable to face your own feelings of guilt and self disgust. You shamed youself ! » sputtered Solomon scathingly.
« But I was just a teenage boy, you were the adult, supposed to show us the way, to be a good example for us to follow. Where were you when I needed you ?! » I exclaimed in a fury.
« Is that why you sommoned me ? To blame ME for YOUR choices ? » replied Solomon agressively.
« No. But talking to you again reminded me how much anger I had kept within me. For years. How miserable I was and how I needed you … to acknowledge my feelings. That would have changed everything. I know it now » I commented confident.
« No, it wouldn’t have. You would have done anything to save your sister, even if I had agreed with you, that she could be saved, you would have made the same mistakes, because this is who you are Sebastian. The sooner you admit it, the sooner you can work on yourself » he blurted heartless.
« But you could have kept me in check, made sure I wouldn’t go too far. I would have listened to you ! I would have accepted your word if you told me this or that wouldn’t help her, but only if you had believed in me, which you didn’t » I shouted rancorous.
« So this wasn’t just about saving Anne ? It was about prooving me wrong also » he added viciously.
I kept quiet, feeling bitter resentment for him. Now I remebered why I killed him, though I was regretful of course. He beheld too much power over me still.
« So is that why you called us ? To whine instead of taking responsability ? If I gave you my forgivness, then I would have died in vain. You must learn from your mistakes and undertand there are concequences to your poor choices » insisted Solomon unforgivingly.
I knew what he was efering to. I hadn’t properly been punished for his death. Self disgust, hatred wasn’t enough for him, and deep down maybe it wasn’t enough for me. That’s when I had a revelation. Sudenly I understood my own feelings, why I felt so empty inside and guilty, because I needed to be punished for my crimes. Only then can I have a fresh start, and maybe even forgive myself.
« Don’t listen to him brother. You’ve been punished enough through the years. You have lost so much. And I want you to make me a promise, I want you to do what you must to be happy, to enjoy the rest of your life until the day we will meet again. Can you do that for us ? » demanded Anne hopeful.
I nodded. I truly belived I could now thanks to my uncle’s arduous yet truthful words.
« Sebastian, we will always be with you, even if you can’t see us. We’ll always be there, watching you » confided mum with her mellow voice.
« I’m afraid to forget you, to forget what you look like, or the times we’ve spent together ! » I admited frightfully.
« You will forget some things Sebastian, it’s inevitable. But your heart will always remember » confessed mum.
« I’ll make you proud, mum, dad. I give you my word » I promised determined.
« We know you will. We believe in you and we love you » added dad caringly.
This is what I needed to hear. I was now ready to let them go.
The stone must have felt it as my family slowly started to fade away.
« I love you all too. Even you Solomon. Farewell » I cried.
They gave me one last smile, exept my uncle before they were gone, leaving me in the dark, the sounds of the waves still crashing against the rocks as I felt thankful.
My family helped me see what I couldn’t before, and now, I had made a promise to my sister I intended to keep. I knew what to do now.
____________________________________________________________________
POV Ominis
The next day, our little escapade was all over the news. It detailed all about the order, how they created the faceless monster (though they didn’t mention how) and were responsible for so many deaths. Names were given such as M.Malfoy, M.Black our former headmaster, Master and Mistress Gaunt along with unfamiliar names. Lestrange’s wasn’t among them to my greatest regret. Nor was my brother’s name.
The date for the tribunal was tomorrow, which left us the rest of the day to go to Miss Parkes’s funeral. Sebastian, Valerian and I got ready and left for the Ministry, where she would recieve the legion of honnor for her sacrifice.
We were greeted warmly by the Minister himself and the aurors, who thanked us for the part we played in the case. The Minister seemed truly grateful, telling us he was looking foward to work with us when we would become aurors. So was I to be honnest.
Then we aligned with the other aurors, Miss Parkes’s coffin passing by as everyone payed their respects. I knew Valerian would feel woeful, so I pulled her against me holding her tight to show her my support. I thanked Miss Parkes for saving the love of my life in my thoughts. I was hoping Sebastian wasn’t to affected by it as I knew he had little adventures with her, though I knew it was nothing serious or Sebastian would have told me. Yet, any death is tragic, especially when someone gives their life for another. Besides she was so young and had her whole life ahead of her. I would make sure she didn’t die in vain, cherrishing my fture wife until the day I die, living happily together.
In my opinion, the most tragic part in all of this was she had no family. I wondered why that was. Maybe there was a bad as mine, though that was tough to surpass.
The ceremony didn’t last long. It took place in the Ministry’s garden memorial. An euology was said by the Minister, reminding everyone how dedicated she was to her job, how devoted she was to the people, an example to follow.
When it was over, Valerian went by the side of her tomb and cast a spell allowing flowers to grow, though I couldn’t tell what kind of flowers they were. She wished to make a kind last gesture for her, to thank her. I waited a bit further, letting her say her goodbyes. I knew Valerian was an compassionate person and felt emotions deeply. She had to do things her way to grieve.
When she was done, I embraced her, telling her how much I loved her, which soothed her pain.
We both went to Sebastian, hoping he was coping.
« How are you doing Sebastian ? » asked Valerian dismally.
« I’ll be ok. It’s so … sudden and unexpected. But she chose to give her life to save yours. And I am grateful to her, and thankful you’re still alive Valerian » he replied gracefully.
Valerian gave him a hug to thank him.
We then all headed home for lunch, and an we had an unexpected guest who apparated in the kitchen. It was a little shadow with pointy ears.
« Greetings Master Gaunt » said Bing.
« Bing ? Is that you ? What are you doing here ? » I querried surprised.
He was the last person I was expecting to see today.
« Bing has no news from Master and Mistress Gaunt. Bing went to see if he could find Master Gaunt and his wife, but they have gone » precised Bing.
« Wait, Marvolo’s not home ? And his wife’s gone too ? » I demanded aggravated.
« Yes Master Gaunt. Evryone is just … gone » he replied with a monotone voice.
« Damn it, I should have checked his home, how could I be so stupid ?!! » I yelled pissed at myself.
« Don’t blame yourself Ominis. So much happened yesterday. But I’m sure we’ll find him eventually » reassured Valerian.
That’s the thing. I knew he wouldn’t surface for a while now or he’d end up arrested like the others. We missed our chance. He was out there somewhere, Merlin knows what he was up to, this was disastrous. Still nothing could be done for the moment. We would have to be patient.
« Bing, I’m not going to lie to you. Father and Mother have been arrested for their crimes and will be trialed tomorrow » I confessed.
« Oh dear ! That’s terrible news ! What can Bing do now to help ? » he inquired.
« Nothing Bing. This is the end. They’re finished » I detailed.
« But … what ? Then Bing will keep the manor clean until they return ! » replied Bing his head held high.
« Bing … They won’t come back ... » I tried to say compassionately.
« Poor Bing, a house-elfe’s soul purpose it to serve, what is he going to become now ? » whispered Sebastian feeling sorry for him.
Bing started crying and was inconsolable. Maybe I could set him free.
« Bing, as Master now I have the power to set you free. Would you like that ? » I proposed.
« And what would Bing do ? I would have to find a new master, go back to the trading slave pit » he sobbed heartbroken.
Poor Bing.
« My love, you know how much I despide the idea of having a house-elf. But I realise I have perhaps misunderstood them. They’re cleary feel lonely without a master or mistress. Maybe we could help him by giving him a purpose, say for instance search for Marvolo ? He could always be useful to you when you’re an auror for spying purposes ? And he’ll be well treated with us, rather than have a new master like your father. » suggested Valerian.
Valerian was right. If he was to find a new master, might as well be us, we know he’d be well taken care of here.
« Y-Yes !! bing can serve the new Master ! Bing will be a good servant ! I swear ! » said Bing desperately.
« Ok Bing ! You can become our house-elf, if this is truly what you wish for » I replied giving in.
« Yes ! Bing would love to serve the master » exclaimed Bing enthousiatically.
« Bing, Val… I mean Miss Matthews here will be my wife soon, and she’ll become your Mistress. But she’s a muggle-born. Can you accept that and follow also her demands ? » I added.
« Yes ! The future Mistress Matthews, I mean the future Mistress Gaunt has always been nice to Bing. Bing will be happy to serve her » he declared.
Hearing him say Mistress Gaunt definitely bothered me. It reminded me of my mother. I forgot Valerian would have to change her name to mine. But I did not wish for her to carry the Gaunt name, it’s such a heavy burden to bare, especially now since the House of Gaunt will cumble. No. I won’t let that happen. Maybe I could change my name to hers ? I have never wanted to be a Gaunt after all.
So I turned to face Valerian.
« My love, I repell the idea of you becoming a Gaunt. I cannot accept that. So I hoped you would allow me to change my name to yours instead and do me the honnour of becoming M.Matthews » I alleged.
« I’d be delighted. So will my father » she replied as if she had been expecting this to happen.
I smiled at her before kissing her lustfully.
« So, what would the Master and future Mistress would like me to do for now ? » he asked.
« Actually, I do have a task for you. I would like you to be a witness at the tribunal tomorrow. If you truly serve me now, then you will admit to all the crimes my family has commited. Agreed ? » I inquired.
« Yes Master Gaunt » he replied jovial.
The word of a house-elf wasn’t worth much if not anything in the wizard world, noetheless I hoped he would be heard. House-eleves always knew far more about their master than we did about them.
« Are we … to live here, Master Gaunt ? » asked Bing.
I hadn’t thought all the details through yet. I had planned on buying a house at first, but after what happened to Sebastian, I changed my mind.
« Well, I would like for us to start our life here, if you’re ok with this my love, and Sebastian. I want us to live together » I declared.
« I’d love that » replied Valerian lovingly.
« Yes, I’d like that very much » answered Sebastian hopeful.
« Then I guess this is your new home Bing » I stated.
« What are you to do with Gaunt Manor ? » he demanded.
« I’ll deal with it later. I bet my brother inhearited the house. I’ll see what I can do » I resumed.
After our discussion, Bing insisted to clean the house. So I agreed hoping he’d be occupied enough for a while.
I was now in the possession of a house-elf. No I didn’t like using this term. I didn’t possess him. Bing now worked for us, and we would make sure he’d have everything he needs, which isn’t much. At least he’ll be treated with respect which is more that I could tell about my parents.
The three of us spent the rest of the day together. And when nighfall came we all went to bed as tomorrow would be a tough day. I was eager to sent these criminals to Azkaban, but a part of me couldn’t help but feel empty. I know they had been despecable parents, but as a child I was hopeful they would realise their faults and change. The adult me knew that wasn’t possible and it was too late now. My family was Sebastian and Valerian, and I would protect them, no matter what.
_________________________________________________________________
The next day, I woke knowing today was a special day, something I had been waiting for my entire life, getting rid of my parents once and for all. I would make sure I never have to face them again after today.
The Minister stoped by to review the details of the trial with us, what was expected of us and what kind of questions we would have to answer. It was acually a lot harder than I had anticipated.
We sat in the front row seats, Sebastian sitting next to me to detail us everything we couldn’t see.
There was a juge sitting by the witness stand, empty for now. I was expected to go up there among many more. The deatheaters would be coming in one at a time, exept for my parents. They would be the first ones to begin the trial.
I could see dark shadows posted at each end of the cold room. Dementors. They were also many journalists. I guess this was a huge event.
They let my parents in as they sat down to the right of the room before the jury. They probably shot me a mean look, not that I could see it anyway.
I heard them call me a traitor and a disgracefull son on the way, though I couldn’t care less at that point. They were doomed anyway.
« Don’t worry, we’ll make sure they’ll pay for everything they’ve done ! » whispered Sebastian to me with determination.
I nodded hoping this was true.
The judge asked the minister as his first witness to come to the stand.
« Dear Minister, I believe you have worked with Master Gaunt for many years. Could you tell me more about him ? » asked the judge.
« Of course. When I met him, he was a young bright man with ambition. He was very calm and eloquant. He started at the ministry quite young and worked his way up throughout the years. But one day he saved my life and that’s when I gave him my trust, allowing him to become my right hand. He then got married to Mistress Gaunt, his cousin. She also worked for the ministry at the time for the administration services. Then they had their first child, Marvolo Gaunt, quite a disdainful boy who beneficiated from anything he desired. Then she had Ominis Gaunt, an altruistic genuin marvelous boy. He was born blind so couldn’t be independant at first, so they took him to work every day for years. That’s how we bonded » he explained.
« What’s that got to do with anything ? » demanded Mistress Gaunt.
« It’s about how you treated the poor boy, revealing your true nature, one I didn’t know you were capable of. You have tried to crush his soul countless of times. Fortunately, he was made of better stuff. But I’ll let him tell you about it » narrated the Minister.
« Yet you kept on working with him ? » demanded the judge.
« I did. You see, Master Gaunt knows how to manipulate people, it’s his skill. I … have lost a little girl many years ago to sickness, and he used her as a means to an end. And then he started blackmailing me, making threats against my family. My hands were tied. And I had to rely on my aurors, thus Miss Parkes to see the case through, hoping she’d find the necessary proof to stop them. And thanks to her collegues and to these brave students, this moment was possible. She gave her life for what she believed was right »
« You alleged the mark was Master Gaunt’s idea … » started the judge.
« In deed it was. I was against it at first. But there was no other way to see this trough, as he started making allegations against muggle-borns. I was afraid he’d start a civil war, which I’m sure were his intentions. The mark was a way to keep muggle-borns safe in a way »
« They were part of the group called the Order. Did you know about it ? » inquired the judge.
« I knew he was plotting against me, against muggle-borns, but no, I didn’t know they were part of a sect, though I am not surprised. Miss Parkes kept me in a dark at my request. I feared Master Gaunt would find out by all means necessary we were on to them »
« I see. Did you know the Malfoys or the Blacks or the Lestranges ? » questioned the judge.
« Only through dinner parties, nothing more »
« Thank you Minister. That will be all » finished the judge.
The minister got up and sat back on the bench.
« I now call Ominis Gaunt, second son of the accused to the witness stand » demanded th judge.
Valerian squeezed my hand before I got up and sat next to the judge.
« Ominis Gaunt, your parents are accused of child abuse as well as murder and for the creation of the faceless monster, do you stand by these accusations ? »
« I do » I replied trying not to show my anxiety.
« Tell us more about your childhood » he asked.
« Well … I … don’t really know … what to say » I said sweating and my heart pouding.
« Have they hurt you before ? » inquired the judge.
« … Yes ... countless of times » I said a bit shy.
« Can you tell us more ? » added the judge.
« Well, my mother loved torturing me using the crutiatus curse, or using Sectusempra, leaving me to bleed for hours, and so on. As a child my dad once locked me in the same catacomb the order used as their lair to punish me, leaving me to deal with inferis » I stated.
The whole room gasped.
« Have you no shame ?!! » a woman yelled to my parents.
Hearing people’s reaction made me realise how vicious they had been my entire life and I was such a fool as a child to believe in them.
« Have you witnessed any murders on your parents’ behalf ? »
« They usually plotted as far as they could from me, leaving me in the dark, therefore I couldn’t say that I did. But I’ve seen them torture muggles many times using dark magic » I alleged.
« You and your friends are the one who first discovered the order thus observed the creation of the faceless monster with the ring and a certain potion, is that correct ? »
« Yes » I simply replied.
« And what did they ask of it ? »
« To purge the world of … muggle-borns » I told cautious.
I was going to say mudblood as it’s the word the order used that day, but I couldn’t bring myself to say it out loud.
« Your brother got away. Can you confirm the ring is his ? »
« It’s his. The ring is a family airloom and I was too unworthy to inherit it » I accused.
« I see. We required a demonstration, but after a long debate, we agreed it wasn’t wise to summon the faceless monster as it has to have a victim for each summoning. We have enough witnesses to attest the ring is the source of our anguish. You have saved many people, young man. You can be proud »
I didn’t feel proud, juste relieved Valerian would now be safe, thankful I could now live happily.
When he was done with me, I sat to Valerian’s side once more. He then called Sebastian to the witness stand. I encouraged him before he got up and sat next to the juge. Before he reached the seat, he turne around and looked in my direction for a while. What was he thinking about ?
« M.Sallow do you know the Gaunts well ? »
« Ominis is my best friend. I have known him for many years. As for his parents, well only a few times too many, Ominis usually lived with us, I mean … me and my family to avoid them » he admitted.
« Can you confirm the accusations M.Gaunt made against them about child abuse ? »
« I confirm these accusations yes » he claimed.
« Have they ever tried to harm you or used dark magic on you ? »
« … No. I’m a pure blood, so that’s kind of a bypass » Sebastian returned calmly.
There was something off about his voice. I had a bad feeling I couldn’t shake off.
He kept looking at my parents. Was he afraid they’d sell him out ? After all they weren’t bound by their promise anymore as I betrayed them by making an unbreakable vow with Valerian first.
« Have you ever …. » started the juge.
« I have a confession to make, now » blurted Sebastian cynically cutting off the juge.
What the hell was he doing ? What was happening ? Everyone started whispering, wondering what he was going on about.
« Well then, speak my boy, we’re all ears » declared the juge curious.
« Sebastian, what are you doing ? » I cried apprehensively.
« What I should have done years ago. Forgive me my friend, but there is no other way » he appologised determined.
« Seb... » I started yelling before I was cut off by Sebastian.
« I … am responsible for my uncle’s death. I killed him in a wrath, and I have used dark magic in attempt to save my sister from her curse » confessed Sebastian.
The crowd sighed in horror.
How could he be so stupid ! He just threw away his life ! I could feel a panic attack starting as I breathed more intensly. Valerian immediately took my hand, her gaze locked on Sebastian.
« Aurors, arrest this young man and get proper confessions out of him » ordered the juge.
« No ! » I yelled hysterical as I stood up swiftly.
But the aurors seased him and were pulling him out of the room.
« Ominis, it’s ok » said Sebastian serenely as tears were flowing donw my cheeks. Why ? What got into him ? Why did he do that ?
The scene happened so fast Sebastian was already out. I heard my parents laughing, enjoying torturing me one last time. Outrage was now rising in me. Valerian pulled me out and took me outside for some air.
« What was he thinking ! » I kept repeating furious on a loop pacing back and forth.
Valerian was just as disturbed as I was, but as usual she handled the situation gracefully and thank Merlin she was there. She hugged me, and suggested we pay Sebastian a visit as soon as we could to make sense of all of it.
I needed an explanation, to understand his reasons. Valerian saw things clearly and thought it was his way of letting go of his guilt. But what was the point if he would spend the rest of his life in prison ? I swear I could slap Sebastian right now if he were there, and I’m usually not one for violence. That’s how pissed I was, and would remain until I could see Sebastian and hear his motives.