T'is me!!!!

Erica waited for the barrage of laughs, for the disbelieving shouts, even for them to tell her to just leave. Instead silence filled the air, for a long time. It kind of felt anticlimactic in a way. She had expected them to scream or shout and run or even think she was joking but they didn’t. When she glanced at the boys Sebastian was looking more perplexed than anything. Ominis’ instead looked plain worried.

“I … see.” Sebastian finally said. “That explains a lot actually,” 

Erica stuttered, they were supposed to be the ones bewildered and disbelieving, yet it seemed only Ominis was truly questioning. “You believe me?”

Sebastian sat down on the chair and leaned over his knees deep in thought. “Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time something like this has happened to us,” he furrowed his brow. “Time travel…?”The dimple was gone, the smile was gone. “Man, I really am left out now,” the joke didn't reach his lips. He rubbed  his thumb over his lips deep in thought.

“It’s not travel,” she clarified, trying to hide how much it hurt to explain. “I’m here and… I’m not going back. I can’t go back.”

“In Hogsmeade…?” Ominis started. Erica flushed a deep red for her stupidity back then, she focused on the flowers on the table, so much more than a thank you for the wand. She knew he was talking about her little breakdown, but she couldn’t face that just quite yet. Instead she spoke of the instigator.

“I thought I was in a nightmare. I thought…. I thought if he, if anyone, hurt me enough, if I let him, I would wake up.” She explained she gripped her throat, wishing it was the icy hand that coerced her to tell the truth. But it wasn’t. She didn’t have to look to see their concern. “ It was extremely stupid, but I was desperate. I knew the moment you showed up how stupid it was,” 

“When…? Ominis asked again.

“The day of the fountain explosion, I woke up in it,”

“The fountain? It was because of you.” Sebastian asked, and she nodded.

“It was a crash landing.” she tried to joke again. “Honestly, how it didn’t kill me, I don't know. I don’t know how to get back.” 

She spilled it all out. 

What she remembered, her life at school before, her friends, the day it happened, how she felt when it happened, her conversation with the professors and Aurors. Everything but her name. She held tightly to her name, to her familial connections, unwilling to let it go.

“Why have you told us? If it is so dangerous?” Ominis asked. Erica stopped herself for a moment to wander. She knew why, because they had been a light in her new life, because knowing her is dangerous. They deserved to know why they were in danger.

“Because by saving my life, you're involved.” She said, “By being kind to me, for saving me that day, I couldn’t leave you in the dark. Because I didn’t want to be alone anymore. It’s selfish, I know.” she said, clinging to herself again. “Professor Sharp is convinced that if someone outside the ministry knew, then they would want to use me to change the future for their benefit. I need to know how to fight them off.” 

“You…” Ominis curled his brow down, a range of emotions played over him. He started to pace a little next to Sebastian. “You said your father found this room?” He asked although he had just thought it up, as though it wasn’t the question he wanted to ask.

“He will find this room.” She nodded. “He and his brother used to have a map that showed them nearly every secret in Hogwarts. They found this one before they left, and my dad told me about it in my second year.” she finally found the warmth she was searching for. “Or they will? I still get stuck on tenses,” Ominis squared his shoulders, a sad bravery coming over him, as if resolve and the need to know was fighting his slight disbelief.

“You said you had bad business with the Gaunts.”

Erica blanched again, but this time it came with a queasy feeling in her stomach. “Yes. But you don’t want to know about it, Ominis. It was… it will be bad. There's nothing you can do about it,”

“How bad?” Sebastian asked his gaze shifting to his unmoving friend. She kept it as vague as she could, but she wanted to calm his anxiety.

“...Bad,” Erica answered with a sigh. “But I don't remember your name coming up, Ominis. You have nothing to do with it.” She wasn’t prepared for the relieved huff of air he released as he stopped pacing to lean against the table. Had… had it plagued him that much?

“How far in the future?” Sebastian cocked his head. “Where do you come from?” She grimaced, but gave it quickly now the rest of it was out.

“Just over…” she held herself tight again. “Just over 135 years.” Both boys stared in her direction in shock. “Yeah, I know.”

“Erica,” It was Ominis’ turn to speak, his voice high pitched and weak, like he didn’t want to say it. “If this is true… Please, believe me when I say we want to help you…”

“Ominis,” Sebastian cut him off.

“We can’t Sebastian. Gideon and I, you especially cannot afford to have Aurors around us,” She saw his fingers lace the flowers on the table, conflict clear as he stiffened his shoulders. “Not after everything we have done.”

Erica clutched at her arms. The ‘if’ hurt her more than she cared to admit, but she knew how huge this was, they would need time, she had.

“What have you done?” she asked lightly, but neither answered her. So she carried on instead. “Look, I'm not asking for you to be involved with the Aurors, I'm doing my best to stop them,” She wanted to shake him until he saw the truth. “I don’t know why you don’t like the aurors, I don’t like them, either. I want nothing more than to either go home, or turn invisible and live a quiet, peaceful life,” she explained.  “But you know what happened the other day, I couldn’t stop a measly old man! Please, I just need to know enough to defend myself,” said. Again she saw the memories rush over him. She didn’t want to admit that she could still feel the warmth of his hand, that she imagined it when she felt scared. Between him and Sebastian she felt beyond safe. “I swear, it’s just duelling. I never even mentioned your name to the aurors.” Ominis sighed.

“Erica you don’t understand,” He glanced in his friend's direction. “The danger Sebastian will be in. It is life or death. It is not me I'm concerned about.” She didn’t know what to say. She shouldn’t have said anything in the first place. She looked towards Sebastian. 

Neither of them said anything.

 She had let them in, yet… they didn’t let her in. They weren't going to explain why they wouldn't help her. She couldn’t stop the pang of sadness hitting her chest. It felt like a freight train. She had opened up to them, perhaps they didn’t trust her now because of it?

“Of course,” she found herself saying, despite his refusal aching she could see the look on his face, the conflict that tensed his muscles. She had already asked so much of them. “Of course, Ominis. I understand.” Her throat bobbed with the lump forming there. No. She refused to cry. They had every right to say no. ‘If’ caught her mind again what if… what if they didn’t actually believe her, what if they were just placating her?

“I’m sorry,” She took a step back, wishing she could just curl into a ball forever. “I’m sorry, I asked a lot of you. I won’t… I won’t bring it up again.”

“Red, stop,” Sebastian stood again but she stepped out of his reach again. “Please just forget this, I asked way too much, I said too much.” She stepped away again, trying hard not to look at them. “Just forget about all this, i… uh…. I took a potion earlier and it…I’m just Insane Erica. Feckless Freddie. Don’t… worry. I’ll figure something out.” She tried to make herself laugh, but she couldn’t. She couldn’t find the right combination to ease them, to make them laugh and forget all of this. “I am… hungry. I’m gonna… go eat.” She turned quickly fleeing the room.

She was so stupid. Always so dumb. Now she had ruined one of the only good things she had here. She kept her arms curled around her. Ready to run up the long stairs to the Gryffindor tower.

“Red, hey, wait!” She didn’t want to, She didn’t want to look like the vulnerable girl running away with tears in her eyes, still she found herself stopping. He had followed her? She stopped on the stairs and let him grip her arm, turning her to face him.

“I’m sorry about Ominis, he’s just… I put him through a lot,” He said, careful to keep his voice quiet. She could hear the students above her. “He does want to help you, knowing him, he’s beating himself up right now.” She grimaced at him. It wasn’t helping. “I’ll talk to him okay, we can help you. We want to help you. He’s just scared,” she wasn’t so sure. But she had put him in a tough position. She couldn’t blame either of  them. “I will teach you what I know, but I’d prefer not to go behind Ominis’ back… it didn’t end well last time and I can't do it to him again.” He looked away, his eyes unfocused and stuck in the memory he found. It took him a second to pull himself away from it.

“In the meantime,” He carried on. “Talk to Gideon,” he instructed. She narrowed her eyes at him. “Trust me, if anyone understands it will be him. Talk to him and I’ll talk to Ominis.” She gripped onto herself tighter.

“It seems all I've done since I got here is put on you,” She sighed, but jumped when his large warm hand landed on her head.

“No.” He said firmly.

“No?” she responded, and caught his gentle smile when she remembered their running joke.

“No, Red.” He answered, his fingers slipping through the red hair and dragging through the curls. He caught the ends and curled it around his finger lightly. Before placing his hand back on her head

“Really wouldn’t have it any other way,” He patted her head gently before turning back towards the Undercroft entrance. “Besides,” he raised his voice, far louder than needed. “You owe me a dinner date, Red! Like hell, I am going to miss out on that!”

She watched him leave, a tiny smile fighting its way through her. Despite the sadness that coursed through her, she didn’t blame Ominis at all for saying no. She had thrown a lot at him, at them both.

…

Erica had wanted to follow his advice, but found it increasingly more impossible to find him. Gideon was the Hero of Hogwarts, after all. While she knew he had saved the school against the goblin rebellion, no one ever knew how. Professor Binns and the others ghosts never told anyone how or why, only bragging they knew him and they helped.

Yet, despite being a fellow Gryffindor, he was especially hard to get a hold of. If he wasn’t in class, he was running off and no one seemed to know where.  She had seen a few times, but he zoomed past her, only shouting a hello over his shoulder. It seemed the rest of the school was used to this as no one tried to stop or slow him.

There was one thing Erica was sure of. 

She would no longer be a failure. 

Whether Sebatian or Ominis helped her, whether she got ahold of Gideon, she wasn’t going to go out in a desperate whimper anymore. If she was going to fail, she was going to give everything she had first. Instead of moping about what she had lost, she was going to gain more. Frightened and possibly alone, but she was going to get up on her feet and stop relying on everyone else.

So she added more books to her studies, and curled up in the library almost every chance she got, learning about duelling or fighting or both. While the library was restricted on what it had on the subject, she reread every book she could get to.

Sebastian helped when he could, even offered to take her to the restricted section. Erica resolved to take him up on it, at some point. He would give her pointers, on what the books said, what they got right and wrong.

Diving into some more notes, Erica scribbled and tried not to nudge the boy next to her. Sebastian had buried his head in a book and from the gentle snores that came from him, she didn’t know how long it would take for him to take his head back out of it. Still, he looked tired enough for her to leave him be, and tried to stay quiet. Carefully she grabbed another when a mumble filled the air. 

Erica looked up ready to glare at whomever tried to wake him, but realised the noise had come from the boy next to her. Sebastian mumbled incoherently again, turning his head into his arm resting across the book. His forehead crinkled with each new noise he made, whimpers that sprung a sweat across his brow. Lightly Erica drew her fingers across his head, tracing the infantasmal amount of freckles there, pulling his hair away from cold moisture that gathered.

“...A-An…” he whispered, fear masking his quiet voice. Erica scooted closer as quietly as she could. Should she wake him? She didn’t want him to be scared, but he looked so tired. Had he been having nightmares a lot?

“It’s alright, Sebastian,” she whispered back, but it didn’t soothe him. He was having a nightmare about his sister? 

“....No… n-no please! I didn’t… mean it!” He whispered, yet it was still loud in the library, enough for the students closest to them to take notice. She shuffled over him again, pushing her fingers through his hair gently. He would hate people seeing him like this, anything but the suave and cool Sebastian he put on.

“Sebastian, it’s all right, you’re not there,” She tried again, hoping to coo him into a sounder sleep, but the nightmare had a tight hold of him

Thump!

Sebastian shot from the table, blinking blarily. Erica fell back from him, almost falling off her seat. A heavy book landed hard on the desk in front of them. Quickly followed by another. 

Ominis dropped a third for good measure, and sat down, a small disciplined pout on his face. Sebastian watched him, not entirely awake. Ericas sighed into her notes.

Since her confession, Ominis had gone back to being cold to her. She understood why. She had scared him, if he even believed her at all. Sebastian assured her that was just the way he dealt with things. Alone and in his own time. She wished he didn’t feel he had to. She wished he would sit down and ask her all that was on his mind. Yet, Erica gave him his space.

“Are you alright?” She asked Sebastian instead. He looked at her, his warm eyes stone cold, still lost in the nightmare. 

It was strange. The dark hazel almost swirled into pure darkness when he looked like that, as if he felt nothing but cold and hard.  Nothing from what he normally portrayed himself as.

Like a switch he changed, the darkness in his eyes gathered some light in them and he smiled. It was a dimpleless smile, one she had learnt to read. It was also strange, she admitted to herself, how much she could read in his smiles. Almost as much as she could read in Ominis’ pouts. 

When Sebastian smiled, and the cute dimples were in full force, he was truly happy. He meant what he said. When he smiled without the dimples, he often lied, or bragged, even flirted with anyone he laid eyes on - something Erica had seen herself in the few classes she had shared with him. Sometimes he smiled and it didn’t reach his eyes. She wasn’t sure what he was feeling, but it wasn’t good.

Ominis was much the same, to his disappointment. He had a small honest smile, a rare thing he didn’t hand out willingly, but meant every one of them. His stern colder but more neutral face he showed almost exclusively to the rest of the Hogwarts population. Sometimes, she thought he forgot others could see him. Beyond the sternness or coldness, there was a pain underneath. A pain he must recognise, and the moment he realised he felt it, or he wore it, he curled his gave back into something more neutral. 

Neither had questioned her about her confession, it being a raw secret between them. With Ominis being cold, she had the feeling Sebastian was trying to spare his friend a little heartache. Although she would catch him sometimes watching her, smiling at the words he couldn’t understand, he opened his mouth to ask but never did so. 

He gave her a dimpleless smile and recovered his book, which he had flung in his surprise awakening. Ominis sniffed at them not bothering to say anything, instead dropping letters on the books he had unceremoniously dropped on purpose.

“You wanna talk about it?” She asked Sebastian, carefully keeping her eyes on her notes. She wasn’t as suave at distraction as he was, but having a large and loud family made her exceptionally good at listening. He laughed, with no  mirth in his voice. Erica knew what he was about to say, and her heart clanged against her chest. She wasn’t trying to be nosy, but she had the distinct feeling they were keeping things from her to. She had let them in. They had not done the same.

“No,”

“No?” She carried on his normal ongoing joke but he didn’t respond, only looking towards Ominis. She could see why.

Ominis looked shell shocked. His already pale face now had a thin shade of green. His wand was pressed against a letter, which was how he read things that weren’t in braille, and he held it in an unsteady hand. 

“What is it? Your parents?” Sebastian asked quickly. “Or Marvolo?” he whispered the name through gritted teeth. Erica blanched at the name but coming from the way he had said it, she realised she wasn’t the only one who disliked it.

 “No,” Ominis finally answered. “It’s for you.” he handed the paper over.

“It's from Anne.”

…

Erica sat at the well, wrapped her arms over her knees and waited. Sebastian had read the letter and ran before anyone could say a word. She and Ominis, abandoning all else, followed behind and luckily reached Sebastian in time to hear where he was going by Floo network. Feldcroft. 

He had told her once it was his home away from Hogwarts, only during the summer or winter holidays. Luckily as well, she wasn’t banned from using the Floo network either.

Being that they told her little else, she elected not to follow them inside the home, only letting Ominis know she was outside if they needed anything. They were obstinate on keeping her out, she felt like a fool following them this far. Still, the scared look on Sebastian’s face made her follow, he had done so much for her. She could only follow and hope she could do the same in return.

No sooner did they go in the small shack, did they leave again, Sebastian looking dejected and Ominis fairly concerned.

“I know, I know, I just thought…” He still had the letter in his hand, his fingers laced around it as if it was a permanent fixture.

“What did the letter say?” Ominis asked, the town around them so quiet Erica could hear them from where she was. Sebastian sighed.

“That she missed me, that she wanted to talk,”

“So you decided to just impede on any space she might have?” Ominis asked. “Do you not think that might have scared her off?” Sebastian glared at his friend.

“I know that!”  Erica moved towards them before a fight could break out between them. Sebastian watched her approach. Ominis must have heard her too, as he huffed.

“I’ll go ask around, and see if anyone has seen her,” he said. Ow, Erica thought, did he really not want to be around her that bad? She waited until he had left before she looked at the brown haired boy. In the light of the afternoon, his cheeks looked red under the abundance of freckles. He looked… sad.

“Anne is…” he stopped himself with a sigh. She knew who Anne was, and that illness took her from Hogwarts. She took hold of his robes and took him to a nearby wall. He looked pale and she worried he was about to faint. Sebastian leant back against it, now free of his own heaviness he lifted his face towards the sun, letting the rays bring the colour back to his face. “Anne is cursed,” he admitted.

Erica stood next to him quietly, letting him get all of it out. “She was cursed two years ago by a follower of Ranrok. She was in terrible pain.” his voice wavered, so she put her hand over his. He looked at their entwined hands and closed his fingers around hers gratefully. “I spent so long looking for a cure. I…I couldn’t lose her, you know? She was my only family.” he explained. “The only family that loved me, anyway.” She brought his hand to her stomach, hoping the warmth there would help him through his memories.

“She left… she because I…” his face fell. For the first time, Erica could see his true emotions. There was no fake smile, no dives into pleasure for distraction. Instead he looked very much like a young boy. A young boy who was lost and alone. “She left because I tried to help her. I was blind to everything else. She left because of me… I did something unforgivable,” She ran her fingers over his arm, trying to calm him. Unforgivable? There were many things that were unforgivable. She wouldn’t pry, not when he had admitted so much. She, like the others who were born after the war, knew about unforgivable things. She, like many others after the war, had watched family and their friends tear themselves apart. She supposed a lot of people did after any war. Unforgivable things were in abundance most days, and a lot of those unforgivable things were, actually, forgivable. There was no way he would allow Anne, or Ominis or even Erica to forgive him, if he did not forgive himself first. She said nothing to him, instead letting go of his hand and winding her arms around his broad torso, curling into the thick green jumper. Erica buried her head into Sebastian’s collar. She didn't know what he had done, and he would not tell her all of it, but she wrapped herself into him anyway. He had done something unforgivable for love. Thinking of what she would do for love too, she empathised with his pain.

She pulled him tighter when his hands splayed across her shoulders, his breath drawing down her back and he tucked his face into her neck.

He held her like he was drowning. Like she was the only thing afloat, and he had no strength left to swim. She hoped she could pull him from his nightmare, like he so often did for her and tangled her fingers into the prickly green jumper, her hands under his robes. She felt his breath skitter and stutter, as if he was trying not to cry. She wouldn’t blame him if he did.

“She wrote to me.” he said, voice muffled by her shoulder and hair, “She said she missed me, and wants to talk to me,” Sheer belief traced his words. “But I don't know if I should write back. What I did…”

His body felt warm, and he had long hard muscles under the clothes. It felt so natural to hold him, his smell surrounding her. He smelled like mint and floo powder.

“You should try and connect with her again.” Erica finally encouraged. “She’s your sister, if anyone would understand, it would be her,” he nodded and squeezed her tighter. “If not, then at least you can tell yourself you tried.” His arms almost completely enveloped her, and soon she realised he had tangled his fingers in her hair.

“Ahem!” 

Sebastian reluctantly pulled his hands away and let Erica move away. Ominis held his wand out and faced towards them, his features pulled into the forced neutral sternness. Erica cleared her throat and stood away, suddenly feeling cold. While they hadn’t done anything wrong, Erica’s heart thumped, as if she had just ran miles. 

“No one’s seen her,” Ominis said bluntly. Sebastian nodded, clearing his own throat as he crossed his arms.

“Sorry,” he looked at Erica, and flashed a non-dimpled smile. “I got distracted. Turns out Erica’s a very good distraction.” She sighed but still flashed her own playful smile.

“There we go, I was getting worried, wondering where Sebastian was.” she answered. A hint of dimple showed through.

“I need some air,” He huffed. “How about we take a walk? It’s Saturday after all, can’t let Erica have bad grades.”

“Sure,” Ominis drooled annoyedly but turned and led the way.

They walked and talked for a while. Enjoying the unseasonably warm day. Sebastian and Ominis talking about what he should say to Anne. While he was still not fully back to how he had been, he at least, was a little excited. Looking over the letter over and over again.

Erica, from what she could pull from the conversation, figured out he had been having nightmares for a year now. Ever since the mysterious ‘unforgivable’  incident. They had been bad for the last few months though not one of them could figure out why. 

Soon out of Feldcroft, they decided they would walk towards Irondale and take the Floo network back. Since neither could apparate, and Erica had never carried two people, walking seemed like the best option. Sebastian had never learned despite it being on his list to do, and Ominis had a pretty natural fear of apparating into a wall. 

Now she was open to do it, she did tell them about her own family, still not her real name, but she hoped Sebastian could relate to all the times she had annoyed her sister. How Roxanne had not so affectionately called her Feckless Freddie, because she didn’t think. Which was kind of true, she had to admit, but she had gotten her sister into plenty of situations and she had been forgiven. She was sure the same could be done, for whatever Sebastian had done. Ominis had frowned, admitting to her that his own family would not. In fact, his own family would probably do far worse to him. She wanted to ask, but something ahead of them caught Sebastian’s attention.

“Red, does that look… off to you?” She glanced forward. They had been following the road and had seen spurts of people come and go. Yet up ahead, there were two men stopped, arguing with a single man. They had their arms crossed and even from a distance she could see their wands. Sebastian described what he could see to Ominis as Erica turned.

Another two a distance behind them. Only this pair was sauntering up slowly behind them. “Behind us,” Sebastian swore as his eye caught them too.

“They can’t be for us.” 

“Really? Because it does seem like they are, in fact, for us.” Ominis muttered. “Considering they have blocked the way forward and back.” Erica felt a hand curl around her robe and pull her back, in between the boys. She found, to her surprise, it wasn’t Sebastian’s. “You said you could apparate?” 

“Yes, but not with two passengers, only recently passed my test,”

“That doesn’t matter,” Ominis said. “If you can go, you should. You said people shouldn’t get a hold of you.” Erica sighed, knowing that Feckless Freddie was raising an ugly head.

“Not without you two.” 

Ominis mumbled under his breath. “Erica, you said they were after you…”

“There's no way they could be,” she shook her head. “Unless the professors or the Auror’s told someone, there's no way anyone could know,” she was sure it wasn’t one of the boys, it felt like an impossible thing to be one of them. Still, the clinging hand, keeping her planted between them, stayed.

Ominis sighed.

“Still not a reason to stay, Erica. Should they find out about you, while you are here,”

“Why? You gonna tell ‘em?” she managed to put a little laughter in her voice, and hid her now shivering fingers in her cloak. She watched his face redden, but couldn’t tell if it was anger or embarrassment.

“Of course not, you dolt!” he said, shifting his head. The two behind them were getting closer, she guessed he could hear them now. 

“Then act natural, and keep going,” she lowered her voice, but didn’t pull his hand away.

“Not to be funny Red, but you're rather distinctive, if someone was looking for you, you’d stand out.” Sebastian moved, slightly in front of her as the single man gave up and turned on his heel, making the other men turn. She pulled at her red hair, tucking the longer curls under her robe as if it would help.

“Look, it's probably just some idiots trying to scare school children.” Erica said weakly. Now that both sets of men had their eyes on them her argument was failing. Ominis tilted his head again, hearing something they could not.

“Into the woods, now!” Ominis growled. Sebastian and Erica didn’t have to be told twice. She locked on to Ominis’ hand and pulled him along beside her. She felt bad when he tripped a few times, but it was better than leaving him behind, or losing track of him. Once he realised, he let his wand focus on the floor, while she pulled him out of the way of far larger objects. Erica was slow to run with him, but there was no way she was going to leave him behind.

Her fears grew as she heard the shouts from behind them, yelling at them to stop. A tug at her arm pulled her into Ominis side, her force knocking him into a tree. A yellow spell whizzed past her head close enough for her to yelp.

“Erica, go…” Ominis pleaded again, out of breath. Annoyed, she gripped his hand harder.

“Not. Without. You.” She tugged him into a run again, pulling as Sebastian in front of them curled around and returned fire, allowing them some clearance.

 She ran past him with Ominis, hearing his footsteps slam into the foliage behind her, she didn’t have to stop and check. The line of trees were starting to thin as the land ascended.

“Right!” she warned Ominis, turning after giving him a second to catch on. Sebastian shouted another spelled behind her, the smell of it burning the air. She could still hear the shouts, and the buzzing overhead. Shit. The treeline was thinning here too. Dots of colour flew above them, violets and yellows zooming across the sky ahead of them. More than the four men that had forced them into the woods.

“Shit,” she swore breathily. Her hand felt numb in Ominis’, his grip crushing hers with just as much vigour as she held his. It was too late to stop, instead they broke to the treeline, a plateau of fields ahead, but she could see a small hamlet.

“Sebastian! There!” it was remote enough that it would no doubt have a floo network. If they could reach it, school and safety would be in reach. She heard his heavy steps behind her, Ominis puffing beside her, they were going to be safe… they were going to be out…

A wall of fire cascaded in front of them and she nearly pulled Ominis to the floor trying to stop his run. He gathered his mind faster than she did, pulling his wand into a defensive position and planting his feet. Sebastian tumbled into her back at the sudden stop, but he too quickly recovered. He was breathing heavily from their run too, but he pulled his wand out, only he kept his back to Erica, facing where more of their stalkers stepped out of the flames.

“I… guess it’s time… for your… first lesson.” he rasped. She pulled out her own wand, while she had gotten used to its newness, it still felt foreign in her hand. But it had chosen her, just like she had chosen it so she gripped it and trusted it. 

“Throw me… in the deep end… huh?” She almost felt Ominis whole body move with his eyes rolling. Her own stomach rolled and clenched when he moved in front of her at the footsteps leading from the now dying flames. She should have stood like them, ready to battle, ready to cast, but she couldn’t bring herself to. Instead she wove her arm in front of Ominis, as if her arm could shield him, her wand hand shot out behind her providing what coverage she could to Sebastian. There was little her arms could do against spells and magic, but she did so anyway.

“Tell me… Sensei,” she breathed unsure if he could hear her, if his heart was beating as loudly as hers. “What’s my… first lesson?”

“Oo, Sensei? One of your special words again… you’re going to have to teach me, I like it” she could hear the grin on his voice.

“It’s Japanese, Sebastian!” Ominis grumbled in front of them, and the annoyance wavering to anger. “Plant your feet.” Ominis tilted his head. “Keep your wand ready. Always shield first. Then counter. This isn’t a duel. They won’t abide by rules.” 

“I’ll handle these guys,” Sebastian said confidently. Facing the small group stalling behind them. “Ominis?”

“I know, I’ve got her,”

“We just wanted to talk,” the bulkier of the group stepped forward. He waved his wand as he spoke then pinched either end between his hand, the essence of boredom wafting away from him. “Where’s the tall one? It’s always you two and the tall one, got scared did he?” The tall one? Gideon? He was the only one she could think of that fit the description. The mask on his face started to shine with the drizzle of rain around them. The trio said nothing, keeping their tight formation. Ominis trained his wand on the man talking.

“Not that it matters of course,” The man said, even under the mask Erica could feel his eyes fall on her. “We just want to chat.”

“Oh? I’ll order us some tea,” Erica said aloud. She needed to say something, do something, her muscles and bones ached with the tension. “Please, wait here, we’ll be right back.” The man cocked his head, but laughed, while there was a genuine surprise in it, there was also something cold and dark and malicious.

“Perhaps our… talk would be best in private, don’t you think?” Ominis shifted closer to her again, and Sebastian, cool free hand glanced against her. They were still here. Reassurance cooled her rapidly heating body,

“How inappropriate, you should at least buy me dinner first,” She faintly heard a mumble behind her, something about how he asked first, it lightened the load building in her chest. She didn’t know why she was antagonising him, she didn’t truly know why she kept talking… she just… she didn’t want the boys to know she was afraid. Seeing them now, trying so hard to protect her, she didn’t want them to know how her hands were quaking, how her knees could barely stand. They stood, calm and collected, as if this were an everyday occurrence, she wanted to be brave, just like them.

The man only smiled and shifted, turning to another in the group in front of him. Erica knew him. Or… she knew she knew him from somewhere. But for the life of her, she couldn't figure out why or where from.  He came forward standing next to the masked man. He narrowed his eyes looking the trio up and down. There was a boredom in his demeanour.

“She’s the one. Bring her. Be as rough as you need to be,”

Erica panicked and clung closer to the boys. Despite the consequences, she thought about apparateing them out, but the danger of splinching was way too severe, still she considered it.

“You don’t want to do that,” Sebastian muttered darkly. “I bet she bites,”

 “You should ask your friend in hogsmeade, the snivelling alcoholic that i could smell from Zonkos.” Ominis added.

“Friend?” Erica whispered. What?

“The hogshead isn’t as quiet as most people believe.” Ominis kept his voice stern. “I know that voice.” Still confused, she found her arm tightening around him. If Ominis knew him, then he could be in danger. She felt the muscles under her hand stiffen a little, his body shivered. In anticipation? The newer man, slimmer and with sunken cheeks, dark eyes snapped to the pale boy. He sneered, but otherwise remained uncaring.

“Kill them and take her,” Erica readied to grab them, consequences be damned, but it all happened so fast.

At his order, the goons moved.

At the goons movement Sebastian shot forward a loud booming spell.

Ominis, in front of her, deflected other spells that shot at him. While her deflections weren’t as quick or precise, she spun, deflecting the spells shot beyond Sebastian at Ominis. She planted her feet, just as Ominis had told her to do, finding herself forced back with each spell. She was still too close to him for Protego to work, the spell only made for one person, so she gave them both just enough space to be able to cast it.

Sebastian had left their side, and quickly lost himself in the battle, flinging spells this way and that, his shield flying up to knock the spell away before he quickly countered.

There was an anger in his movements, a pent up rage that echoed with every spell he shouted. Even the aggressive goons couldn’t keep up with his force. One fell, then two. If she was any less panicked, she would have been impressed. Ominis had thinned out the group on his side two, both were clearly skilled. Or this wasn’t even close to their first time fighting a small horde. 

Erica did as she was told and kept her wand raised, while giving ominis the space. He must have heard her though, when as she moved back, he would angle between her and the noise in front of him, barely took them anything at all to fight the group, and it took all she had not to stop to admire them.

The man who had ordered her capture had sprung back, past the group watching with irritation as the group he had selected fell to two (and a half) students. The thicker man in the mask was far more challenging, leading Ominis to have to use Protego multiple times before he could even counter.

Erica wasn’t quick enough to cast and counter spells, but she had his back, deflecting the spells that came from behind or out of nowhere. She turned and found that Sebastian had disappeared.

“Sebastian!” She shouted for him, looking through the flames that had been flames from the spells, turning the green background a violent orange. The rain had grown into thick clumps and even that moisture couldn’t contain the magical flames. “Ominis I can’t see him!” Ominis moved quickly, shooting out quick short bursts of red, pinning the thinker man back, giving her enough cover to dart out, closer to the flames. She looked through the violent hue before spotting the green, still battling. Sebastian looked… so different. 

A smaller masked witch was behind him. She was going to get him from behind. No! Erica thought, it was all she could think, even when she raised her hand again.

“Depulso!” She flung the spell at the witch, catching her off guard and Sebastian spun on the spot. His eyes glanced from the witch to her and Erica shivered. His eyes were dark, she could see it from where she stood, Sebastian wasn’t in them, a cruel frown marked his lips, it was like he couldn’t see her at all. It was like he wasn’t here at all.

She heard a whizz before she saw it, but Ominis’ warning was still at the front of her thoughts, now away from him, she cast Protego, and flinched as the spell hit against her shield. She flung a spell back in the same direction, but didn’t see where it had come from, only looking back through the flames, Sebastian had gone again.

She didn’t have time to shout for him again before another barrage of spells had her shielding again. She tried to plant her feet, but every spell was pushing her back, she was getting too close to the flames.

Erica wasn't sure what it was about this spell that caught her attention, there were enough spells flying through the air. 

Sebastian wasn't listening, he fought fiercely and ferociously and her shouts could no longer get to him. Ominis was caught way in front of her, trying to keep the other men and the masked man off her back, letting her try to get Sebastian to come back from his hazy delirium. But all Erica could see was one wizard. It was like time had slowed down, and she could see his intentions. She could see the way he looked at his victim, see the wand move, and glow a violent red. The name of the spell wrung through the air as he shouted it with such hatred it would have made her shiver. Crucio.

She moved without thought, letting her form curl into the air, desperate to just move. The world span and twisted, grew and shrunk and the sinking feeling of being pulled sunk into her stomach. But she could control it, she could move it, move herself, she had been taught how. She concentrated hard, putting every other thought behind her. 

Ominis, just Ominis. Not fear, not the flames. Just him. She tore into the air, apparating.

Erica had always thought her first instinct would be to lash out, to hit and kick and tear until the threat was gone. That had been her instinct before.

Instead she found herself away from the threat, her fear choosing her fate. Instead, her body twirled in the air behind Ominis. She had wanted to grab him and apparate again, but there was no time. “No!” She yanked him instead pulling him out the way and…

The red spell hit her square in the chest.

Agony. Unlike any she had ever felt. So white hot, so unforgiving her body seized. The scream that built to unload some pressure stuck in her throat. It surged up and down her body, never settling, never stopping to give any reprieve. The moment it hit her she wanted to die. She wanted it to stop. The torment so abysmal she thought it would never end, the stinging pain stabbing at her, keeping her from losing consciousness. She forgot who she was, where she was, the things she loved and hated.

The grass underneath her felt like razors and the hands that desperately ran over her were crushing cinder bricks scraping against her.

"No! Nonononono!" Ominis sheltered over her unmoving form, shielding her from the barrage of spells that whirled overhead. "Breathe," he tried to think, tried to remember what had got him through. He couldn't. He couldn't remember the pain ending. Trauma forcing him to remember every bone shattering moment, and yet nothing useful at all. Another spell whirled overhead and he yelped, pulling her closer, curling her into him. Shouts approached him, spells he could know where aimed at him, but he didn't move, protego wouldn't cover her too, so he did. Her body shuddered violently at his touch, but he had no choice.

He had heard the spell, it had reached him with earth shattering clarity over the shouting and other spells. He didn't even have time to think about what or who it hit. Just the spell, then freezing cold air, then Erica had dragged him to the ground. Her fingers had torn into him, strangled noises poured out of her. He had realised with no uncertainty that spell was meant for him, the way she had rammed into him, there was no doubt.

He wished it had hit him.

…

Sebastian knocked another down and he felt nothing. There was a time when duelling was fun. He was the best at it, and he loved watching others challenge him and fail. Gideon came close, Ominis came close, but no one else beat him at a duel.

Not even his uncle.

When he looked at the people on the floor now, he saw him. He saw him in different clothes, in the eyes under the masks. He shut his eyes to it, cut off the bubble in his chest. He chose to feel nothing.

 He had already left a handful in his wake before he even remembered where he was. His mind numb and cold, he couldn’t even respond when he heard a yell behind him, only watching the witch fly back. Someone… was there? He turned back and saw something… something blood red in the flames, but he turned again, a spell caught his attention and he turned from the blood red thing. Fight. It was all that was in him. He no longer remembered why or what for. Just to fight.

He didn’t want to. The hesitance vaguely there under the void. But every spell expanded it. Every shout was his uncles, every spell came from his wand. He fought and he fought, slammed the same man in a different body down over and over again. He knew if he stopped, if he didn’t get through it, his uncle, through whomever vessel he chose, would strike him down. Last year, he would have wanted that. Ominis had saved him… Ominis…

He was out here, somewhere he was with… Red. Blood Red. Erica. 

“Get a hold of yourself! Idiot!” a voice came through the void. A small brunette was in front of him. He didn’t know where she had come from. He didn’t know why or how. But her voice, strained with stern vitriol, sliced through the void like a knife.

Whatever darkness had sucked him in, the familiar darkness that consumed him when he fought others, was dampened. Something even Ominis could not do.

The brunette in front of him sliced at the opponents, movement s wild and manic as she spelled and pushed at the goons he hadn’t got to. 

But he knew her.

The moment he saw her pale face, furrowed thick brows and stony grimace, the darkness slinked back to wherever it hid during the day.

Anne.

“Sebastian! Get your head together!” she had said. His little gremlin of a sister was here. She was here! She was back. As she yelped, as a violet light just missed her, it felt like his head was finally screwed back onto his shoulders. Instead of nothing, anger tore through him. Never again. She wouldn’t be hurt ever again.

He returned to his fray with new vigour, with a familiar warmth sinking in between him and his wand, that had been cold and hard in his hand.

The feeling of having her by his side again. It was like a breach of sun through the overcast day, it used to be stormy and rainy. Ominis pulled him out of that, and then Red… Red? He cast his eyes back to the flames but he didn’t see her. He didn’t see her or Ominis. His feet wouldn’t move, Anne was here. He turned his attention to the last of them, and the pair quickly got through them

Before he could talk before he could grab her and hold his sister, she gripped his arm and ran towards the flames.

“Hurry!” Whatever she had seen frightened her. He followed without question

Ominis stayed over Erica. Even when he felt the slice to the back of his arm, even when the shouts promised him he’d live if he ran. He refused to move. He had known torture before, from them it was nothing, from her… he begged her to wake up.

As her body started to seize a sob bubbled out of him. She had taken it, she had taken the pain meant for him. They would have to kill him to do so again. 

He gripped tighter to his wand.

“I’m here, Erica, just breathe, I’m here.” He ducked his head closer as flames danced over them. His heart felt crushed in his chest when she whimpered at his protective touch. Behind him there were scarpering movements, grunts and more fire. A scuffle sounded around him, and the pair of feet closest to him had won. The other sets must have apparated or something. He only heard the two pairs

No.

The fast pace steps came for him again, no, they wouldn't hurt her.

"Stay back," he shot out his wand, sending out a flurry of red. A voice he knew, one he held dear, shielded themselves from his spells, but for the life of him he couldn't remember who it was. He cursed at his eyes, that couldn't see her, couldn't look over her and find what hurt the most, soothe what hurt the most.

"Ominis! Stop!" A voice again, a female voice, another he knew, but just couldn't think to recognise. The desperation and fire was just enough to bring him back to his senses.

Sebastian. It was Sebastian… and Anne.

But Sebastian had cast that spell before too. It wasn't him. He knew it wasn't him that cast it at Erica. Yet his voice swirled among all the others that now screamed at him. He had heard the spell so many times, felt it ...cast it. He had cast it. 

This was his fault. This was penance for what he had done.

He had cast the spell on someone to spare himself in the past, and now Erica was paying for it.

Beyond him silence had finally fallen. But ominis didn't care. They could be dead for all he cared. All he could do was hold her as she shook in his arms.

Erica could hear every cry he made. The darkness, the need to fade into the pain, refused to come. Her scream still stuck, now clenched her tight.

"Breathe," Ominis repeated, high pitched and forceful. "Breathe, Erica. Breathe through the pain," She tried. Beyond the terror and pain, she felt the build up in the chest but it refused to let her go. He was here. The feeling of him in her mind, muddied with every razor cut against every atom of her being, forced its way through. Something warm, gripped her hand. It shot electricity up her arm, but she didn't care. Another wave passed over, but in the seconds of white hot pain, so unbearable it reached the point beyond pain, she felt him there. Felt his words.

He wasn't hurt. She remembered now. She was Erica, and she had stopped him from being hurt. In that second, she forced the breath out, it came out as a whimpering moan, but the one breath was all she needed, as the others followed it. The next wave didn't reach the pinnacle of unbearable, it didn't stop her breaths, and it invited the darkness forward. it was slow to cover her body, the ebbs and eaves fought it. But finally, finally, the pain eased into darkness and Erica fell into unconsciousness.

— - - - - - -

thanks for reading guys sorry it took so long, totally addicted to the chat ai lol but i got some ideas coming up that may be worth it

thanks for reading and please forgive any mistakes heres the rest of it the story if you want to read it

Erica chugged the goblet of water desperately and when it had emptied, moved to fill it up again. She would have chugged the entire pitcher of water if she wasn’t surrounded.

Garreth winced as she continued downing the water and bounced on his seat uncomfortably. “I really thought I had it this time.” It was the fifth time he had said that since they left the common room. He quickly summoned another pitcher when the one they had quickly emptied.

“It’s okay, I’m good,” Erica rasped, her throat hoarse and desperate only soothed when she drank the water. 

“We did warn you to stop encouraging him,” The dark african girl said beside her, rubbing Erica’s back. Erica only waved a hand at her as her throat filled with more water. She only stopped drinking to let out an unintelligible “Iamma hood,’ Trying to clear her throat got her nowhere. She was honestly getting tired of saying it, which didn’t help.

Sebastian and Ominis had snuck her back into the castle with enough ease that she had to believe it was not their first time doing so. Yet, ever since they both had been suspiciously watchful around her whenever they got the chance. Erica could only surmise that Ominis had told him what had truly happened, or at least what he had heard during her stupidity. Ever since nearly every conversation led to a tentative ‘you alright.’ question she had to weasel away from. Then Garreth, now with a willing participant/tester at his side, got even wilder with his potions, causing him to ask her the same thing. It seemed her voluntarily helping Garreth caught the attention of some of the other Gryffindors as they finally started to talk to her instead of just staring. One being Natty, who Erica found was extraordinarily kind, enough that the pair hit it off straight away. The more the pair became friends, the more Natty openly disliked her constant willingness to endure Garreth’s experimentations.

Another, unexpected acquaintance came from Leander Prewitt. It shouldn’t have surprised her that another ancestor was roaming around the castle, she had met enough, but she still found herself a little shocked. Yet, somehow, she didn’t feel the warmth she had with Garreth. He was far less approachable, and seemed far more interested in finding out what had happened at the fountain then actually getting to know her. Still, she appreciated that he followed them, with the sense of mind to at least look concerned, when they had evacuated the Common room to get some air. Erica still wasn’t sure about the smirk that, from what she had seen, was a permanent part of his face.

She didn’t want to admit it, but he kind of reminded her of her sister. She had the same smirk whenever she wanted to prove she was cleverer, or better, or knew more. But thinking of her sister hurt more than ever, so she stopped looking at it.

“I say let her,” Leander said. “Saves Weasley trying to experiment on us,” Garreth glared at him over the bench they were perched at. Erica tried to clear her throat again, finally getting some feeling back.

“It’s fun, I don’t mind,” She gave Garreth a gentle smile. He eased his nerves next to her and settled in his chair. Natty just shook her head and Leander scoffed.

“You would say that, you’re his girlfriend,” The moment he said both Weasley’s snapped a glare at him.

“Ew.”

It had come out as a unanimous chorus from both of them at the same time, earning them strange looks from their companions. Even more so when they caught each other's eye and both burst out laughing.

“I’m sorry.” Garreth barked out, his face bright red despite the amusement there. “You just look so much like my sister… it’s just…” he shivered a little, making her giggle even more. Her throat still ached, but it was starting to cool, even if the giggles didn’t help.

“No! I mean… the same… you are… same. The feelings are mutual,” Erica smiled just as unoffended as he was. Leander scoffed  and crossed his arms. If he was hoping for some kind of drama, he wasn’t going to get one, at least not with Garreth and Erica. The smirk grew on his face again as he looked towards the staircase behind them

“Oh, I don’t know, you two seem pretty close,” he raised his voice, before grinning. “You and Weasley,”

Erica turned to look over her shoulder in the direction of his grin

Sebastian was standing at the top of the staircase, looking over an unreadable expression on his face. Erica smiled brightly and waved to him and saw his eyes fight their way to her. If she didn’t know better, she would have guessed that he had heard what the red haired boy had said. 

Next to him, Ominis was shaking his head, she could feel the irritation from where she was sitting. Ominis rolled his eyes and pulled on Sebastian’s robes, tugging for him to follow. Sebastian did, but the reluctance was plainly there.

Ominis dragged him towards the large door to their side. Erica was a little sad to let them go, but got a feeling they’d politely refuse. Well, Ominis would politely refuse, Sebstian’s glare at Leander told her he’d say a great many more things. She was about to turn back when she heard her name.

“Hey, Red,” he kept his voice tight as he shouted over, Ominis sighing next to him as he stopped to shout. She watched his eyes skirt over his companions. “See you at dinner, right?” while he did ask, Erica was sure it wasn’t a question. They both knew she would be sitting with them for dinner. His question was to make sure her new friends knew that too. He cocked his head to the side and grinned the lopsided grin, Erica could only describe it as a predatory grin. The kind without the dimple, the kind she was starting to think she would follow just about anywhere, but she forcefully pushed it to the back of her mind.

“Awww, Sebastian. Do you miss me already?,” she tried to shout back. It came out hoarsely but the hint of the dimple that showed ws enough for her to know he understood. Finally Ominis got his way and managed to pull Sebastian through the large doors.

“Oooo,” Leander said smugly, making her turn to him again. She was going to tell him to eat a bag full of certain male anatomy parts, but stopped herself. “A love triangle, juicy,” Erica choked, on the ache in her throat, on her spit and coughed so loud Natty started batting her back.

“A love triangle?” she wheezed out. 

“Yeah no,” Garreth scrunched his nose. Erica could only agree. Sebastian 

flirted, but she had seen him with other girls. He flirted with them too. He didn’t have a shortage of admirers in the school.

“They’re my friends, Garreth is my friend.” She said. 

“Sure, ‘Red’” Leander said. Erica shivered, but it wasn't a good shiver. Hearing that name out of his mouth made her cringe, it was just… icky. “E! ri! ca!” She made sure to pronounce every syllable. “Besides, we are just friends.” Even if Sebastian wanted more, she wasn’t sure she would. She had allowed herself to have fun but more than that was a ‘fun’ she wasn’t prepared for. She had no idea if just knowing someone would ruin the future for the worse, let alone being with them. She had no idea if time would fix itself and fling her back to her time, abandoning any and all relationships she cultivated here. She felt her heart burn at the thought of it, Roxanne would know. Her sister was the smartest person she knew. Roxanne would have figured everything out by now.

“Then why do you look so disappointed?” Leander kept pushing but Erica just rolled her eyes. 

“I would say,” Natty interrupted with a small worried look. “I would be cautious around them.” Erica frowned at her, but didn’t stop her when she explained.

“Not Sebastian so much, although he has his…quirks.” She explained. She looked at the door and sat closer as if somehow the boys could hear her. “But Ominis. There are a lot of rumours, I’m worried to say he may be a little too interested in the dark arts.”

Erica was stunned, especially when Garreth nodded next to her.

“What? No, there's no way.” She said. “Ominis is cranky but not a dark wizard.” She let her hand grip the wand in her pocket. While she didn’t know Ominis too well, and he had shown a fierceness in him when he defended her before, her mind just couldn’t make the leap. She had assumed it of him before she knew even a little part of him, but now…

Natty furrowed her brows.

“It just wouldn’t hurt to be cautious,” she warned. “The Gaunt family is…”

“I know Natty.” Erica sighed, she knew better then most here. “But Ominis has been nothing but kind. Cranky but kind.” She looked to Garreth for support, he was always kind to others, but even he had a frown on his face.

“I… I have to admit,” he shot a look at Leander, who was still smirking. “I don’t like it. Last year… Well something happened with them all, in the fifth year. Sallow and Gaunt and Gideon. When Sebastian’s uncle died at the end of the year it just…” He paused.

“The beginning of last year it was like Sebastian turned everything up to 11. Endless flirting with everyone, duels with people who just looked at him wrong. Ominis spent half the year just apologising to everyone and then snapping at others who complained. The halls cleared when they saw him because know one knew what he was going to do next.” He explained. Erica listened carefully. Sebastian hadn’t mentioned any of it to her. “He’s calmed down a little since, but who knows what Ominis did to calm him. It was only he and Gideon who could,” She didn’t like the scowl on his face.

“They were kind to me,” She said aloud. “When no one else wanted to talk to me. That has to be worth something, right?” While she didn’t know them enough to feel angry at the accusations levied against them, she sure didn’t like this. She clutched at her wand again. She would have told them, but Ominis didn’t need her to vouch for him or tell them of his virtues. She had a feeling it wouldn't matter anyway, no one would listen.

“Of course, we aren’t saying they’re bad people,” Garreth corrected himself. “Just to be wary.”

….

Erica shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She crossed her arms defiantly and stared down at the grown man in front of her. Frankly she was insulted.

A truth potion?

The Aurors had finally come to see her. They had taken the week and days she had been here to investigate her it seemed, and now they sat across from her waiting for her to take the truth potion resting on the table. She had been led to the Headmasters room, which was far more comfier than she thought, and had done so in front of everyone.

Leaving the great hall after her now normal routine, nearly everyone had stopped to see why Black had stopped her, and why there were a pair of young men, who were  clearly Aurors by their long coats and official look. Sebastian had questioned her why they were there and both he and Ominis fell silent when they had seen them. Sebastian’s own face paling. She didn’t have a chance to explain before Black insisted she come with him. It felt like the entire school was watching her be led away, as if she was a criminal, no doubt part of their plan to make her talk.

Neither of the Auror’s spoke to her until she entered the room, and even then it was to insist she take the potion before questioning. Something that quickly riled her.

“Miss Weasley,” the younger blonde man started as she leaned back in her chair. “Please, we want this to go smoothly, we are all adults here,” Erica laughed.

“Actually my birthday is in a few weeks.” she told them straight. “I’m still a minor and I want a trusted adult. I know my rights. I am not taking anything you give me until someone who I trust is here and can confirm it for me.” The blonde sighed and the black haired man watched her carefully. 

“Your headmaster is right there,” Erica looked over her shoulder towards the headmaster. His nostrils flared at her, cheeks flushed in embarrassment. She turned back to them.

“Yeah, a trusted adult, please.” She heard Black mumble something behind her. But she sat still and in silence until the blonde sighed again.

“Fine. Who?” Erica thought about it for a moment. Weasley was out, she just riled her up even more. While Garlick was kind and what classes she had had with Ronan was good, she was sure these Aurors would push them over. Sharp used to be an Auror, so did Hecate. Perhaps it was a bad idea, but she had to have someone on her side.

“Professor Sharp.” she decided quickly. He may have been an Auror, but she got the feeling he stood up for the right thing. She remained silent until an owl was sent.

It wasn’t that Erica had an aversion to authority or Aurors, but she knew that here, in this time, she was expendable. If they thought her a threat they could take her away and do whatever they wanted. Sebastian and Ominis may question them, but would they chase up Aurors to find out, she doubted it. She convinced herself she had a chance if she reminded them that she was a young witch, a student in need of help, which was true.

The headmaster continued to mumble behind her, hints of embarrassment in his voice, but Sharp swiftly knocked on the door and entered before he could say anything.

He took a look around at the people in the room before he limped in, clearly confused.

“This girl has asked you to be her representative during this interview.” The blond said, his jaw working hard to move as he clenched his teeth. Sharp looked towards Erica and she shrugged lightly.

“They want me to take a truth potion, if there are any… other effects I wanted someone to be able to stand up for me.” He furrowed his brow again and looked between her and the Aurors across the table from her. “You make things fair in class,” she shrugged again. “Besides, I don't have a parent or guardian. An ex-Auror seemed my best shot at not being railroaded. Will you please represent me?” While she tried to hold her shoulders straight and look nonchalant about the situation, there was a quiver in her voice she couldn’t hide.  She cleared her throat again, trying not to look as scared as she felt. There was only so much she could pretend not to feel.

Once she got his nod, the black haired Auror got up and got him a chair. Erica quietly let out a relieved sigh. It could all backfire but she was still glad. He sat next to her at the table, not suite opposite the Aurors but still next to her. The headmaster was still mumbling behind them. She handed Sharp the potion they had given her.

“I wanna be clear,” She said to him. “I will take it, but only if you say it’s okay. If it’s a truth potion and nothing else.” Sharp took a long look at her again.

She looked scared. She may have tried to hide it, she may look tired and done, but beyond anything she looked scared. 

“Miss, we are not trying to…”

“Only if you say it’s okay.” She ignored the Auror and spoke to Sharp again. She didn’t know why she trusted him, but it was all she could do. Erica finally turned back to the Aurors, the dark haired man leant forward. He had a softer face then his companion, he didn't eye her up like he had already decided she was a criminal. His had dark piercing eyes though, enough that she felt on edge despite his softness. Instead, he curled his fingers together, and Erica could tell he was trying to look less intimidating, He had even taken off his coat, leaning it against the chair behind him, his bowler hat dropping from the back of his seat. The blonde however, kept his arms crossed, and leant back, away from her.

“Miss,” The black haired man said. “My name is Reginald Asphodel. Reggie, if you please,” He nodded his head. “This is my partner Elias Evans. I know this must have scared you a lot. This entire situation is scary.” he said, his voice a lot softer. The blonde, Elias, just kept his eyes on her watching her scrutinizingly. Reggie nodded towards Sharp, at the potion in his hand.

“This is only a precaution, we want to know that you are telling the truth, and the potion is the least invasive way we can investigate,” He continued

“Since there is no way we can prove your statements,” Elias added, his voice thin and curt. Erica nodded. She didn’t blame them for that, she wouldn’t have believed her either.  She looked to Sharp, he sniffed and inspected the potion, shaking it in the vial. Erica looked at the vial herself.

“It's Veritaserum, isn’t it?” she asked. Reggie raised his brows and gave her a small smile.

“You know it?”

“It’s clear, and odourless, since you said it's a truth potion, there is little else it can be,” she said, taking the potion when Sharp handed it back to her.

“I’m almost tempted to give you house points for that,” He muttered slightly. She gave him a cool smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Instead she turned to Reginald again.

“Three drops… or more?” He raised his brow again but only nodded in return. So she dropped three drops on her tongue.

It felt like water, but there was an iciness to the savoury taste, she could feel where every drop landed long after they dissolved on her tongue. Erica’s throat bobbled a bit and it felt like she was being held there, a cool hand gripped her there. The room spun almost instantly, so much she had to splay her hands on the table to steady herself.

“Miss Weasley?” Sharp leant forward ducking his head to look at her face. She nodded at him, but groaned when the room spun even faster.

Elias Evans sat forward. “What is your true name?” He asked his voice hard. She looked up at him, the blonde of his hair curling into the pinkness of his face.

“Frederica Molly Weasley,” the cool hand at her throat soothed the words out, she couldn’t fight them even if she didn’t want to. She found her own hand leaping to her throat, trying to find the hand there that forced words out, but finding nothing there. She cleared her throat and shuffled in her chair. “Erica Weasley,” she said again. The auror’s nodded at each other and Elias now took Reginald’s position leaning forward intently.

“Where do you come from, Erica?” The cold hand gripped her throat again, pulling at the words.

“The burrow, Hogwarts, Devon, England, take your pick,” Elias rolled his eyes.

“When do you come from Erica?” Reginald asked, he pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill appeared next to it, scribbling at a fast pace.

“September, 2023” She let the word out willingly, without the grips' encouragement. Her body started to sag with the relief of it, to just say it, to get it out, it felt like a weight had finally been lifted off her shoulders.

“How did you get here, Erica?”

She tried hard to remember back, she had almost every night, trying to remember every detail, but it never came.

“I… don’t know. I was arguing with a girl… another student… she was being such a bitch… there was no need for it… she pulled out her wand and I pulled out mine… there was a blinding light.” Erica flinched, almost like she could see that light again, like it was blinding her again. “Then I was falling… just falling… I thought I was dead…”

“Can we see your wand?” Reginald asked but Erica shook her head.

“It’s broken… an old creep broke it…” Even she saw their disappointment. They wouldn’t be able to see the spells she had used now; it was nothing but a broken twig.

“How?” Sharp asked her carefully, she found her eyes on him, his image swimming around the room with the others.

“I snuck out…” She hadn’t meant to volunteer that bit. “I was suffocating… so i left for a while… to hogsmeade… he got angry with me… broke my wand when i fought back…” she stopped herself and the cold grip burned against her throat. She knew she had to speak the truth but she fought against using his name. Fought against implicating him. “A friend helped me buy a new one.” she strained against the hold in her but it was the truth. He was a friend. Ominis was her friend. The last thing she needed was the Aurors hounding the Gaunts about her. Seeing her strain the Aurors shuffled in their seats.

“Let’s go back to your family,” Reginald offered. “Have you met any ancestors here?” She nodded the cold hand pulling at head.

“Professor Weasley is a great aunt on my fathers side… Garreth is my direct Ancestor.” She felt Sharp's eyes fall on her. He had unsuccessfully kept the pair apart, now he knew why. “He’s nice to me… close to me… like my nuclear family… still tries to poison me though.” She said laughing lightly. Sharp rolled his eyes.

“Garreth likes to experiment with potions.” He explained, he had no doubt the boy had no ill intentions.

“Anyone else?” she nodded.

“Leander Prewitt on my grandmothers side… I’m not sure where… I’m not so close to him… he has the personality of a wet sock…” she frowned.

“Have you informed any of the people about who you are?” Elias asked curtly again. Erica scowled at him and shook her head.

“Save Professor Weasley who was there, no!” Her tongue felt like it was lolling against the roof of her mouth. How they understood her she didn’t know.

“Erica, did you come back to this time on purpose?” She shot Elias with another foul look.

“No! If I could go back I would.” she gripped at her collar, the ice grip tugged at her. She knew there were people here she would think about, but she did want to go back. 

“Really? There’s not something about to happen? Something you need to stop?” Elias asked. Sharp leaned in.

“I don’t think that’s anything anyone should know.” He said. “Questions like that open doors that could risk everything.”

“Perhaps,” The head master finally spoke up. Erica jumped at the sound of his voice, she had forgotten he was even in the room. “We should let the Aurors do their jobs, eh, Sharp?” He crossed his arms and tried to stare the potions master down, but the man just shrugged him off.

“I don't think anyone, much less a student, would have any idea about things dangerous enough to warrant time travel, do you?” He glared at the Aurors. Erica almost beamed at him. He was protecting her, just like she thought he would. “Besides, just knowing something like that could change the future, and not for the better.”

The Auror’s, especially Elias, backed off a little. Neither looked happy, but the potions master had years and more experience then they seemed to have. 

“It does seem like an accident to me,” Sharp sighed. “Erica has neither corrupted any student, nor tried to change her future from what we have seen. And she came here and taken the Vertiserum of her own will. I doubt she is here to stop the apocalypse.”

“I agree,” Reginald ran one hand through his slick raven hair, but laid his hands on the table, palms up and open. “But you must agree too that this situation is precarious. Miss Weasley’s very presence proposes the same risks as you are suggesting. And it would be unfair to ask that she never makes friends, never finds a husband, always live in isolation in fear of changing the future.” Erica nearly choked. Find a husband?! That was… out of the question. It was out of the question back home. Husband? She grimaced as she peeked at the older gentlemen. Of course that would be their concern, but it wasn’t like she had any estate that she couldn’t run. She had no money or family. In fact, much to her dismay, she wouldn’t have been that good a catch at all. No money, no family, deemed pretty much insane. The thought shouldn’t have, but it saddened her. At least as a witch she had a chance, she could earn enough money to get a cottage in a tucked away place and never talk to anyone. As a muggle, her life would have been over, if the period dramas she used to watch had anything to say. But a husband? It was a thought she would have to come back to.

“Nor does it mean that because she hasn’t already done so, she will not do so in the future.” Elias added. Erica could feel it building up, this was it, they were going to take her away. They were going to say she was a danger to the students. “May I interject,” Black called in again. “Who's to say that this is even the truth?” He said he stared down at the girl. “Frankly, we all know the potion makes her tell her truth. Just because she believes it, doesn’t mean it’s what has happened.” he silenced the room, and Erica had the feeling they had all just gone in a big circle. From questioning her, to believing her dangerous, then questioning her again.

“We have investigated the Weasley’s,” Reginald said out loud eventually. “None know of Miss Erica.”

“The girl had a head injury,” he scoffed. “She saw Professor Weasley first and simply took her name. Amnesia and a need for attention and she has concocted this story,” he suggested. Erica couldn’t believe it, but relief bubbled into her chest at his words. Though he no doubt did so because he was fed up, he didn’t know his excuses were helping her.

“What are we supposed to do?” He asked flinging a hand forward to make his point. “Ask her for all and any events that may happen and sit on our behinds waiting for her to be proven right? Who's to say, if she is telling the truth, that her coming back has negated such events anyway!”

“I am really bad at history,” the cold vice on her throat made her pipe in. “I couldn’t tell  you anything, even if I knew what was going to happen. I mean I got the gist of things that happened, but knowing me I would tell you about things you already knew,” she hiccuped a laugh, and coughed it back when they glared at her.

“In any case, she’s a seventh year student,” he sniffed, “Soon, she won’t be at the school anyway. If she wants to neglect herself and isolate from the world, insisting she’s a danger with this ridiculous story, she can do so away from Hogwarts then.” he stuck his nose in the air.

Erica thought there would never be a time where she would want to hug Headmaster Black, but she also never thought she would travel back in time either. With the Headmaster clearly dismissive of her story, the two Aurors, especially the prickly blonde, seemed to back off a little. Erica knew it wasn’t over, not by a long shot, but her gamble had paid off with Professor Sharp in the room. Hell, she even wanted to thank the headmaster. The two Aurors looked at each other once more and both sighed. Neither could prove nor disprove her story. The potion only made her tell the truth she believed and Erica honestly believed she was from the future. Sharp was a hound when it came to protecting that future, and Black… Black no longer cared, so long as it meant no more paperwork. They were at an impasse, at least as long as she was hiding behind the adults in the room.

“I believe we will leave at this, for now,” Reginald said, running his hands through his hair again. Elias just scowled. “But we will be watching you Miss Erica,” 

“For your safety,” Elias added. “And for everyone else’s,” They stood and Reginald took his coat. Sharp stood with them, his eyes boring into them. Erica couldn’t be sure, but she could tell he wasn’t happy with them, perhaps they had come looking for trouble. Perhaps his work ethic was far different from their own and it caused friction between them and the older members. She could only imagine, but she felt glad when she stood Sharp placed a firm hand on her shoulder keeping her next to him.

“I believe Miss Erica is in need of an antidote.” Sharp said curtly. The Aurors were leaving. Even Erica had forgotten about the potion. She scowled at them immediately. We’re they gonna leave her under the truth potion, just to cause trouble, just to get their way? From Reginald's careful smile and Elias' stiff shoulders, she had a feeling that was exactly what they wanted to do.

“Of course,” Reginald said, pulling a small vial from his pocket and placing it on the table. Erica picked it up and held it in her fist. Sharp barely let her stand instead pushing at her shoulder gently.

“Come, I’ll walk you to your next class,”

“Yes, Professor,” She followed the instructions without any fight, despite the room spinning again. He pushed her past the Aurors and the Headmaster keeping a firm hand on her shoulder as he limped beside her.

They walked in silence along the hallway and she kept to his slower pace as they started down the long curled stairway. Class must have started because she couldn’t see another student anywhere.

“Erica,” his voice was still curt, enough that she winced. Was he angry that he was dragged into this? “Clever thinking today, let me know if they bother you again.”

“Do you believe me, Professor?” she couldn’t help but ask. He stopped on the stairway and she allowed him to think. 

“Yes, I do.” he answered. “All the more you should be careful. When you are an adult, no one else is responsible for your actions but you. But for now, do not stay in a room with them alone,”

“Because they wanted to know about future events?” He grimaced but nodded.

“No one should know what is going to happen, Erica. You should do your best to forget what you know while you are here too,” When she tilted her head he took a step towards her. “To control the future is a great temptation, and great temptations will make people, good and bad, do desperate things.”

She agreed with him.

…

Erica groaned into her book. The day was going from bad to worse, and the headache was building. She, on Professor Sharp’s instruction, skipped class to let the antidote sink in. Then she went to the library to study. If they were going to let her stay, she would need good grades to get somewhere in life. Her grades would be all she had.

Yet the moment she sat down chaos descended. Not only were there an ungodly amount of student’s in the library, but all efforts of gossip had doubled, so she fled the library pretty quickly, instead going outside.

She took a long breath, taking in the icy cold air. She couldn’t believe her luck. She ought not to have questioned it, but she couldn’t believe it. She had fallen through time, but the kindest people here welcomed her. She had been beaten by a wizard and saved by another. Aurors had come to take her, but didn’t get the chance. She wondered how long she would teeter on the edge, or what torrent of wind would blow her from that edge.

Thinking over all that had happened, her heart stuttered, and she clung to her wand as a lifeline. Ominis hadn’t mentioned the wand incident, and if he had to Sebastian, neither one of them said a word about it. She had yet to repay him. How? How could she? She wandered along the greens of the entrance, the fresh air crisp and cold. She turned to her left, watching the floral dragon shake and shimmy in its spot when she got an idea. Perhaps it wouldn’t be enough, but it would be a start.

Erica traversed as much of the gardens and greenhouses as she could, stopping and smelling the flowers. Ominis was blind, the beauty of the flowers wouldn’t matter to him, so she worked carefully, instead of focusing on how well the flowers paired together she sniffed the ones she deemed worthy, picking the best smelling and bunching them into a bouquet. She kept herself focused on what she wanted. It had to be delicate so as not to overwhelm him, but it had to be meaningful too. Enough to know how grateful she was for what he had done. It was easier than working on her studies strangely.

Finally satisfied she sniffed the bouquet again and was more than satisfied. Despite not meaning to, flowers did seem to balance and look petty, the smells harmonising. She would have loved to receive flowers. Just once. But she was happy with the job she had done, despite the odd looks she had gotten. 

She slipped through the doors and made her way to the Defence against the dark arts tower. She had seen them head in that direction towards the Gryffindor tower. Perhaps they had a hang out there? She smiled everytime she smelt the bundle in her hands. For once, everything had gone her way, and he and Sebastian had both played a big part in that. While she was still thinking of ideas for Sebastian, she knew her thanks would have to be subtler towards Ominis. Sebastian would no doubt like flowers too, but she would have to focus on another bundle for him, something more showy.

She climbed the first two staircases and was about to climb another, before stopping herself. She had no idea where they hung out. Perhaps it would have been easier to just head them off at the pass? Wait here until she sees them? She knew he had charms with Gideon and Sebstian about this time, so she would wait here. Erica smiled into the flowers again before looking for a spot to sit down. There was a decent sized window hidden in the alcove which was probably the best place, maybe she could do some work while she waited?

A pop of colour caught her attention and she had to gasp a little. No way. She always thought the Clock room was a newer passageway. In fact, she was pretty sure her father said he had something to its creation. She never did stop falling for his funny lies. She knew the blue clock, she had taught her friends about the Blue Clock room. Although the room it led to underneath wasn’t new, she would never have guessed that it was around this time. She wondered if it was the same. Class was still going, she could spare a few moments.

Slipping closer and making sure no one looking would see, Erica drew her wand and said the password. Whirling sounds filled the air. The noise clung to her ears and she danced on the spot. It was still the same after… before… for all these years.

The same musty smell wafted up the uneven staircase that looped over and over. She practically ran down them, careful, however, to keep the bundle of flowers in her hand safe and bunched. Familiarity etched into the wall and she put her wand back and let her fingers cascade over the bricks.  

She sighed into the sound of the metal bars sliding up and into place. The room smelt of must, and dust, and very much like an old attic. There was a new smell too, like old smoke. Like something had burnt in here. She found herself feeling the first pillar in front of her. It was as cold as she remembered, far colder than the crisp air outside. The stone beneath her feet had the same cracks and dips between the stones. While she remembered the room being empty she could see some storage boxes and hundreds of empty barrels and empty cauldrons under the arches that lined the walls. Other things tied and covered with sheets, along with chairs and suits of armour, even training dummies, all pushed against the walls. At the end of the room and a desk with a lantern next to it, to her left was something new to. A full triptych with pictures of the countryside, a font in front of it, both had gathered dust.

Erica lent against the pillar and let herself fall to the floor. She welcomed the silence of this oh so familiar place. She closed her eyes as she sunk into it. Away from the gossip and time travel and Aurors.  She just listened to the lanterns burn and the room settle around her.

“What are you doing here?” 

Erica’s eyes shot open. For a moment she panicked, her eyes falling along the dull floor until she found a set of feet. She scolded herself quickly for falling asleep, and stood up as quickly as she could manage.

Ominis stood in front of her. Oh, she had wanted to see him. Why? Her fingers clutched the bundle in her hands. Right, the flowers! She looked at him again but stopped herself from moving.

“Answer me! I asked you what you were doing here?” Ominis voice was cold and hard, the barb he wielded so well trained on her again. He held his wand in front of him, the red glow picking her up. She knew he knew who it was, but she couldn’t understand the look on his face.

Ominis was furious.

…

“I said, what are you doing here?” 

Erica flinched at the barb he aimed at her. Stunned at his tone she remained quiet.

“I…” she tried to say.

“Did Sebstian tell you about this place?” he asked, but didn’t wait for his answer. “Merlin’s bloody beard! Again, Sebastian? I let it slip with Gideon, but again?” Erica looked but couldn’t see Sebastian behind him. Erica waited as he spoke, his tone getting louder and louder. She had fooled herself into thinking that they had gotten past this part, that he wouldn’t be angry at her for just being here.

“He didn’t.” She didn’t know what else to tell him. What could she say? She knows this place from the future.

“Really? So you ‘just found’ this place. How did you get in, Frederica?” She blanched at her full name slipping from his mouth. Her stomach swirled with something uncertain, she knew he was scolding her - which came with its own shakiness, but the way he had said her name made her feel slightly fuzzy too. Erica shook it from her system.

No.

She told herself. Now was definitely not the time for that. She snapped her mouth shut, before she said something stupid. She knew she would, she always did when boys made her feel… fuzzy like that. Afterall she had done so with Gideon just that week, even if this was an entirely different feeling.

 No, she reminded herself. He was scolding her, she needed to be angry with him too. 

“What are you, the king of this place?” She felt dumb the moment she said it, she hadn’t even meant to say it outloud. Both of them fell into a look of surprise,  but he melted back into anger quicker than she did. 

“I’ll ask you one last time; How?” 

“This place isn’t a secret.” She tried.

“It very much is a secret. Not a single person beyond Sebastian, Gideon, Anne and I know about it. So either one of them told you, or…” he waited for her explanation. 

“I just wandered…”

“Don’t lie to me.” 

Erica sighed and picked lightly at the flowers in her hands.

“My dad,” she finally admitted. “My dad told me about it, before I came to this… Hogwarts.” His attention burrowed into her. “He used to go to Hogwarts. He told me about it from his old stories. I found it, where he said it was.” It was the truth. It was how she had found the room. “He called it the Blue Clock Room.”

A long silence passed between them until finally he exhaled a long annoyed breath.

“Well, it’s called the Undercroft now,” the barb was still in his voice, but he looked more annoyed than angry, so it was a start.

“If you’re soooo worried about me telling anyone,” She snipped. “Then you’re wrong. All you had to do was say so.” When she looked up, his slim mouth had thinned into a pout. It looked… nope. Uhuh, she shook her head again. She was starting to get lost, between Sebastian's flirts and Ominis… being Ominis. ‘Fun’ was going to get more complicated. Before she could fall back into the mindspace, she stepped forward.

“Here,” she shuffled forward. Although she wished he would have been happier when she had done it, she didn’t want to wait anymore. “I can’t repay you for the wand. So I picked you these. You're welcome.” She kept her voice short, she didn’t want it to betray her. Besides, she convinced herself quickly, just because she recognised a certain attraction to him, didn’t mean that he had one for her. He was simply kind, that was all.  She pressed the bunch of flowers into his chest and stood back awkwardly when he raised his hand to keep them there.

Ominis  loosened his grip on the wand and brought it to the bushel in his hand. The light sent fluttered up his nose and he couldn’t help but breathe it in. Flowers? Tightening them in his grip with his wand, he used his other hand to trace over the light delicate petals.

Now her hands were free, Erica crossed her arms over her chest, the vulnerability making her feel like she was naked in front of him. She didn’t want to watch his face fall slightly, but she also couldn’t take her eyes off him. The way the orange lights crawled over his face, the way his light blue eyes reflected the light. He was truly beautiful. Admitting to herself that she found him so, made her face heat like a fire, and she was glad that he couldn’t see it.

“F-flowers?” It wasn’t even a question that needed answering.

“I told you I have no money, I can't pay you back. They… smelled nice, so I picked you some. To say thanks.”

Her heart fluttered when a red bloomed over his cheeks. She held back the shiver in her spine when he brought them to his nose. He seemed to have forgotten where he was, or what he was even annoyed about. He spoke out loud again, but Erica could only stare.

He no longer spoke their common tongue. Instead a slew of hisses tumbled out of his mouth. He kept looking between her and the flowers, yet she didn’t understand. The more he spoke the redder his face became.

Erica watched affixed as he spoke in what took her a second to realise was Parseltongue. It did absolutely everything for the butterflies in her stomach. In fact the moment it hit her ears she felt like melting into the floor, which she was absolutely not allowed to do. Yet, every muscle in her body wanted to get closer to him. The thought of him whispering it in her ear made her stomach do enough flips that she could no longer breathe, how could he crank up every sizzling motion in her body up to burning hot, just by speaking another language? Naughty! She wanted to take an extremely cold shower at that moment, her throat felt dry and she had to swallow the excess moisture in her mouth.

“Erica?” Her breath shuttered against her mouth as she realised he had called her name. 

“Huh, yeah,” she drooled dumbly. She pushed her nails into her palm to get ahold of herself.

“Did… you not hear me?” He asked. She took another shuddering breath.

“I.. uh… you were talking in another language.” She managed to choke out. She wished she didn’t tell him. His face fell and his eyes grew wide, as if he had experienced some kind of cosmic horror.

“No, Erica, I… I’m so sorry,” He quickly let out. “I must have frightened you horribly… I’m speth…” he fell into the other language again only this time he started pacing as he spoke, clutching the flowers to his chest. He did this when he got flustered?

Erica was going to die, if he didn’t stop. Her body would explode from the heat that poured through her and the endearment that gripped her heart.

“It’s… uh…” she physically shook her head and slapped her own cheeks. “Ominis, it’s alright. You didn’t frighten me.” quite the opposite in fact, but she would absolutely die before she said that out loud. 

He moved in front of her again, taking a moment to compose himself before  reaching out his free hand.

“Erica, do you, perhaps…”

The metal scraped against the stone walls and he recoiled, stepping back away from her as if nothing had happened. Erica nearly got whiplash from how fast he had changed, she clung to herself tighter, trapping away the question of what he was going to ask.

“Well, isn’t this a surprise?” Sebastian sauntered into the room, his hand curled around a book and a grin on his face. He turned to his friend.

“And you told me off for letting Gideon in.” he joked before eyeing his friend up and down. Ominis still had a hard blush on his face and he held the flowers tightly against his chest. 

“Ooooooh? Am I missing something?” He grinned darkly, shooting Erica a glance.

“They’re to say thank you,” Ominis piped up, making Sebatian raise his brows. He made an ‘o’ face and quickly tucked the book under his arm. He held his hand out ro Erica and wiggled his fingers. She grimaced, she really should have thought more.

“I… Well…” She stuttered.

“No flowers for me?” There was a mock offence tracing his features, but she could see something dark lurking in his eyes.

“I was making a nice smelling bouquet for Ominis, I was going to make you one too.” He looked down at her lifting her hands and arms and behind her, clearly looking for the bouquet that wasn’t there. He shook his head when he found nothing.,

“Sorry Sebastian, I really was going to, I didn’t think.” He just grinned again, the dimple starting to show.

“I guess you’ll have to make it up to me another way,” She nodded.

“I knew you were going to say that,” He looked at Ominis flowers again, before the dimple really popped against his cheek. 

Erica wasn't sure how she was going to survive between the two of them. She had compared them to the sun and moon, and even now under the dim light it remained the same, Ominis had the cool ethereal beauty, and Sebastian… his dark and heavy stare was so warm.

“A dinner at the three broomsticks.” he offered.

“I can’t pay…”

“My treat,” he shrugged. She couldn’t rightly refuse, even when she watched Ominis’ face fall a little. Because she had to convince them the gifts were just gifts. That she didn't feel the warmth pooling in her belly when she was around them.

“Ok, then another for the three of us?” She played dumb, whether he noticed or not he didn’t let on. He only flashed his teeth and nodded. 

“Perfect.” He moved towards the seat

“Actually, there was another reason for the gifts,” Just because she had only just thought about it, didn’t mean it wasn’t legitimate. Ominis joined Sebastian by the table and took a seat on the floor, he kept playing with the flowers.

“You mean the gift I haven’t yet received?” Seb stuck out his bottom lip in a pout making Erica sigh.

“Yes, and again, sorry.” She dug her nails into her palms again. Because she knew what was coming. If she asked what she was going to ask, they were going to have questions. “I need help. With duelling. From the best teachers.” She said as lightheartedly as she could. “So naturally… I’m asking you.” she said. “Both.” she added quickly.

“Wow,” Sebastian said. “That’s almost better than the flowers.” he crossed his arms. Ominis gazed in her direction, she could almost see the memories of that day pass over him. “Why?” Sebastian sang. 

Erica felt her hand go to her throat. The iciness was gone, she had taken the antidote, but the need to tell them the truth was still there, she couldn't get rid of it. Part of her reasoned that she was already getting them involved by asking for this, they should know the truth if they were involved. Still she felt reluctant.

“You saw them the other day, the Aurors,” she said slowly. She closed her eyes so she wouldn’t have to look at them, so she wouldn’t see them look at her like she was insane. Somehow she couldn’t bear it from them. “I don’t know how much i should tell you,” She puffed out the air stuck in her icy throat. “They were here… because I am. Because I am … a danger. And I have nowhere to go, so I need to defend myself, and others around me,” She hid her shivering hands.

“A danger?” Ominis asked, he stood from his spot and Erica felt her stomach belly flop when he left the flowers on the table. She picked at her clothes, watched the lantern burn behind them, anything but look at them. Still she nodded. 

“They, and the professors, believe if I get into the wrong hands, it could be disastrous, so I need to know how to fight. So no one has to worry.” The boys remained quiet, waiting for her to expand her explanation. She knew she was dancing around it. When she finally looked at them, both had a serious look on their face, it was strange to see it on Sebastian. The cold ached in her throat even more. She wanted nothing more than to trust someone, anyone who could help her. Despite what Sharp said, what the other professors said, what the Aurors said, she just wanted to let someone else in. Weeks had gone by, and no one had mentioned even a chance of her going home.

“It must be dangerous if Aurors are involved.” Sebastian said, just to say something. She could only nod. They still waited. 

“I can’t go home.” She felt a cold resolve in her chest. “I can never go home, or see my family again, because they aren’t here.” she watched their faces fall further. “They aren’t in this time.” Erica wanted to slap herself. Say it! She pleaded with herself. Just say it!

“I’m from the future.”

— —x- -x——-

Thank you for you time and love guys it means a lot to me.

there it is guuuuuys hehehehe

Here is the A03 link

  It wasn't until Erica got to the massive barrels, that the biggest flaw in her plan came to mind.

  She had no money.

  Erica swore at herself, but couldn't find herself too disappointed. She was out. She was free. She could window shop until she dropped. Honeydukes, while the layout had changed, felt oddly similar to how she remembered it. She had taken some of the testers around and the sweets tasted just the same. Erica smiled as the sun hit her, there was a cold wind, but being offset by the sun. 

  Hogsmeade itself had changed. There were plenty of shops she didn’t recognise, and plenty she did, surprised by how old they were. Erica found herself wondering, slipping between the buildings she knew and buildings she didn’t. She found herself circling it all, over and over. Ducking into shops she knew to have a curious peek, noting what had changed and what hadn’t. She found herself not paying attention to the buildings she didn’t know. Instead clinging to what she did.

  She saw a few people hanging around, unmistakably Aurors Erica wasn’t sure how she knew it, but she knew the stance, the look of watching carefully. Her uncles and aunts were Aurors and she could always tell when they relaxed and when they were in business mode. These people in long coats and top hats, couldn’t make themselves stand out more as Aurors if they tried. 

  Numbly she debated handing herself over to them, maybe one of them knew how to get home? Maybe they wouldn’t torture her for information? Maybe they would believe her and have some miracle to go home? They had access to time turners, perhaps they had one that pushed the limits of them? Yet, a time turner only had a five hour time limit, 135 years was a long shot that crumbled in her chest.

  Instead she turned away. Thoughts of Hogwarts filling her mind. Again, she knew it wasn’t her home,  but it was the closest thing she had. She knew if she was taken away from it, at least for now, she would give up.

  She wandered away from the Aurors, away from the bustle of the main square, slipping into an avenue of houses, all closer together the street closing in further. Erica wasn’t entirely sure where this place was back in her time, she didn’t recognise the place so curiosity caught her interest.

  Suddenly she found herself diving behind a building as she spotted a familiar quaffed salt and pepper coloured hair. The headmaster was here? She curled around the build as she heard the pompous voice greet someone. He was the last person she wanted to be spotted by so she remained hidden until he finished his greetings, going into what must have been the Hogshead. It would have been bad if she had been caught. The coldness of it gripped at the anxiety that had found its place in her mind.

  “Oi, can we help you?” Erica looked around but it took her a moment to find the two wizards standing in the alley. Both were clad in dark clothes, of blacks and purples and greens, and for all the money in the world Erica could bet they were dark wizards. They were huddled close, something dark in hands.

  “Oh for merlin’s sake,” she swore. Of course. Of course to avoid trouble she would tumble into more. She moved to make a break for it, to run, but they were quicker.

  “Accio!” one of them shouted out and her shirt shot to her throat, strangling her as she was pulled back. She landed on the floor with a thump but had no chance to orient herself again. The old man in purple gripped her arm in a vice grip, the smell of alcohol and tobacco was foul on his clothes and breath. The other in green had fled, most likely apparating before he could be seen.

  “You little…” the drunkard snarled. “You just cost me a fortune!” She pulled on her robes, trying to rip them from his grip. “You owe me, and by merlin, I'm going to get what I'm owed.” 

  Erica’s mind clouded with fear. What on earth had she done to deserve any of this? She had never done anything to hurt anyone. She had never gone out of her way to be mean. Now she was standing on her toes as the dark wizard in front of her had hiked her off the floor by her shoulder. Professor Weasley’s warning shot through her mind, but she doubted this was the trouble she meant. The wizard in front her was full of alcohol and anger, there was no way she was going to get out of this easily. She made to grab at her wand, but he was quicker, letting go of her arm to take hold of her wrist. He moved closer, his nose creeping in her hair.

  “Oh, yes, I will get what I'm owed.”

  A noise sounded, by the Hogshead, and she attempted to shout out for help, but a swift slap to the face shocked her into silence. Before she could do any more he started pulling her back, further down the alley. Somewhere in her mind a vicious thought popped up and held her in its hold. What if this was a dream? What if this was the push she needed to wake up? Like falling in a dream? She wasn’t dumb, she knew it was going to hurt, but maybe, just maybe… maybe it wasn’t and she was being very very dumb. But she didn't care anymore.

  Erica tugged her arm again, but the wizard tightened his grasp. Hogsmeade had changed in the 130 years. It had gotten safer. Now she was back where it wasn’t. Now fear loomed in her as she pulled her along. “Ow! Fuck!” With a final tug, she managed to slip his grasp, but she had been pulled out of the watchful eye. 

  “Thanks for the invitation, love, but it weren't needed.” The moment he said it, panic pulled at her. Now she knew. Now she knew what he wanted from her. Instinct took over and she moved, shooting her fist forward and slamming into the old creep's face. He reeled back. Clutching at his nose she made to get her wand.

  He bounced back quickly, however and with his own and called for hers. It slipped from her with a force she couldn’t stop. 

  Erica growled but threw her hands up ready. He was only a few steps away, she wasn’t going to give up. 

  “Don’t come near me you fucking…” 

  He snapped her wand in half.

  Surge of freezing dread collided with the white hot fury. The clammy confined walls that had held Erica aloft, that she had climbed to keep her head up till now collapsed under her. The last thread of her time, the last piece of her that called her back to the world she was born in was tossed to the ground like a rotten twig. She watched it clatter and the pieces roll into the grass edge. Words burned against her ears as he taunted her but she didn’t hear anything beyond the roaring in her ears. 

  Failure.

  The word curled against the claw that now seemed a permanent part of her brain, the claw that ripped at anything that she sought comfort in. Now it had a name. Failure. Her aunts had taught her how to fight, how to do so many things, instinct taught her the punch and kick first, that they would expect spells. Stuck in the putrid fury, she realised how much of a failure she really was. How all the others in her family that had come before her fought against armies of darkness, and she couldn’t stop one measly old man from destroying her tether to that world. Failure was an understatement.

  She hadn’t even been cognizant to him moving, only right in front of her gripping at her clothes. The fury unleashed itself. She screamed and flung her arms, kicked out, connecting with anything she could against him. Hitting and hitting. He had done this, he had caused this. He was the reason she was here and she wanted to destroy him. It became more than needing to defend herself. 

  She caught his nose again, before he finally got a shot in with his wand. 

  She hit the wall of the building behind her, the blinding pain shooting through her head cutting her off from the wall of emotions that had controlled her.

  She had certainly done a job on the old creep. Blood poured from his nose and his left eye was going to swell closed before he got to a potion. His arm held at his ribs and she hoped she had broken something. She wished she had broken something more important to him. She had clawed a good chunk out of his face too with rips tearing his cheek under the swelling.

  She breathed hard, the wall the only thing keeping her standing. The old man glared at her, with almost as much hatred as she had felt. 

  “Oh, you are going to pay for that, whore,” he growled. It wasn’t until she spoke did she realise how much she had been screaming.

  “Then stop talking, bastard, and just do it,” she said coarsely, her throat agitated. She hated that she wished he would just end it. She would just close her eyes and die in this dream to find herself in her own bed. In her own time. This nightmare would be over. Because no matter what small happiness she found, it was a nightmare. She had clung to the small hopes, the stars in the darkness but they were sinking away and she was losing her grip quickly.

  As the man spat off to the side, she wondered if she went out looking for this, for the pain to wake up. It was the first time she had ever gone out looking for trouble and she had certainly found it.

  The old creep loomed over her and raised his wand again, and she readied herself for it. Readied herself to go home.

  Red sparks collided with the wand in front of her, sending it flying from the man’s grip. He turned towards the source but another barrage of red smashed against him, his shoulder his chest, knocking back until he lost his footing. Erica started. Shock was fading away and foolishness stepped in. Failure again laughing at her. Instead she looked at whomever had saved her. 

  Ominis stood at the end of the alley, his face a mixture of anger and fear inducing calm. His wand pointed out, the red flickered and echoed. He… he saved her?

  “Erica,” his voice was calm but the will behind it was unbending. She was moving before she even thought about it. Scooping the remains of her wand off the ground and rushing towards him. Her legs ached as she did. He remained stone faced even as she got to him, unsure why relief muddied against the shock. There was a fierceness to his calm. Something that should have scared her, but it didn’t.

  “Stupid boy!” the old man growled. Ominis furrowed his brow but said nothing else, only reaching his hand out and, finding Erica’s arm, pulled her to his side. He took the tiniest step until she was tucked behind his shoulder. Now he was here, now she wasn’t alone, she felt very foolish indeed. She failed to defend herself, she would not allow him to get hurt too. 

  It was another foolish attribute she had long had, even when she was a child. A manner of things could happen to her, a myriad of pain or sadness, she would bear it, but should something happen to her family or friends… She was the first to react. She found it was no different now. She curled her arm out of Ominis’ grip and grabbed his hand instead.

  The man hadn’t yet got off the floor. She had time to get Ominis out of here. She tugged at his hand.

  “Hurry, Ominis!” she implored him. To her surprise he gave into the tugs easily and they started to run. Her left ankle screamed in pain, but she moved on. She tucked his arm under his, keeping him close as she guided him where to run. Out of the confusing alleys and into the setting light, the last brush of light in the day. She found herself skirting around others, others who also must have heard her scream. Others that had done nothing. 

  She didn’t give herself a chance to think about it, instead tugging him until they got to the bright red building, Zonko’s was still busy even with the settling of the day. 

  They slowed their run. She didn’t dare let go of his hand. Instead she turned to look back, she saw a flurry of dark purple robes, but it had turned past a different building. Finally she let out a breath.

  “What was that?” she asked him, heated from the scuffle and running. “Why did you do that?” he furrowed his brow again.

  She continued to pull at his hand, towards the north square. She needed to sit down, she needed air, she needed… She needed a lot of things.

  “Are you stupid?” he retorted back, his voice little more than a growl as she pulled him along. “Do you wish to die? What in the name of Merlin were you doing?” She couldn’t answer him, because part of her wanted to say yes to the first questions. She smothered it quickly though and let go of his hand. Her own feeling cold now it was gone, but that was not something she wanted to dive into just yet. Finally she spotted a bench and sat herself down on. Ominis in front of her crossed his arms, looking wholly disappointed and annoyed.

  “I heard you screaming! I heard you tell him to just do it!” he started to pace in front of her, short angry steps. Erica clung to the broken wand in her hands. The shock, the anger, the pain, it started to collide within her, twirling and mixing until nausea clamped onto her stomach, and those feelings turned into shame. “Do you have no common sense? No student in their right mind would go that close to that area. Are you always so reckless?”

  It wasn’t until she sniffed, that both of them realised she was crying. She had fought so hard to keep the tears at bay, bought into all the distractions, told herself to chin up, that the hiccup that caught her made her cry more.

  “Are.. are you…?” Ominis stopped his pacing and stood in front of her again. She drew her hands to her face, the splinters of her wand digging into her brow but she didn’t care. He had put himself in danger to get her out of there. She swallowed back her tears, forcing them back down. It was enough. She had had enough.

  “I want to go home,” she breathed out. “I just want to go home,” she whimpered at how pathetic she sounded. She could feel his questions. “But I can't. It's impossible. My family… I… I’ll never see them again, Ominis.” She didn't know why she opened up to him. She shouldn’t. Yet, after what he had done, especially after she had treated him so badly when they had first met. She felt like she was crashing, and she only saw his hand in front of her. She looked at her wand again, in ruin in her hands.

  “I tried. I tried really hard to be okay. I tried to understand.” She felt him sit next to her. “But I can’t go back. I can’t understand. I don’t belong here. I just wanted to wake up.” she sniffed again. Erica knew he wouldn’t understand, but when she looked at him, he had dropped his anger.

  “I’m sorry you had to do that, it was stupid.” she admitted. “But I just wanted to wake up.” 

  “Wake up from what?” he asked her softly. She pulled her robes to her eyes, blotting out the tears that pooled there.

  “I’ll never see my family Ominis,” she told him. “I’ll never get any letters, I’ll never go home, everyone I know is long gone. So far away I’ll never reach them.” her breath caught as she spoke but she couldn’t stop. “How i got here, the day of the fountain, it’s impossible. It was impossible where I came from, a freak accident, they probably think i’m dead. If we didn’t know how to do that there, it’s even more impossible here.” She managed to stop herself from saying the crux of it, but the rest tumbled out. He was silent for a long while.

  “Is… is it so bad here?” he asked. She shook her head.

  “That’s the thing, it's not.” she admitted. “But it’s like living in an imitation. A mirror where things look the same, but not. I’m missing all the important parts.” She took a deep breath, she didn’t mean to dump on him. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I shouldn’t…” she turned to him. “Why did you do that Ominis? Why did you get involved?”

  “And let you get hurt? Why wouldn’t I do so?” he said, exasperated at her question. “Whatever you are feeling about your home, nearly killing yourself is not the way to deal with it,” he shook his head. “Your family, wherever they are, would not wish to know you went that far. Would they?” 

  He was right, but she didn’t want to admit it. She was glad he hadn’t questioned her on what she meant, she would have probably dissolved into sobs again. Instead she let tears finally fall silently. She never imagined it would be Ominis who she would talk to. A Gaunt of all people. Yet if there was one thing Sebastian had made clear was that Ominis was not like his family. He had proved it himself. He had stepped in when she was in danger. She wanted to take his hand, to thank him, but the sour look that had now settled on his face made her stop. He wouldn’t want her to. 

  They remained in silence for a good while, just being quiet with each other. She knew he probably had more questions, who wouldn't but she couldn’t say more than she had already said. 

  “You really took him down! That creep,” she sniffed. She didn’t want to talk about family any more.  As she changed the subject he sighed but didn’t push. “I should get some tips.'' He rolled his eyes and stretched his legs out from the bench, leaning back ever so coolly.

  “I am perfectly capable of defending myself,” he said. “Sebastian and I used to practise duelling all the time, we learned a lot from each other. And yes, if today was anything to go by, you certainly should do.” he closed his eyes as a breeze came over them, as the last of her sniffles finally left her. 

  “Who’s better, you or Sebastian? Just to know who I should ask,” she tried to sound playful, but it came out as a mumble instead. He rolled his eyes.

  “Depends on who asks.” he answered “Sebastian has been named the best duelist in the school, although Gideon certainly gave as good as he got.”

  “And you?”

  “I don’t bother competing,” He shrugged. “Beyond defence, what’s the point? It was fun with Sebastian, but once you make a game out of hurting people, it gets old.” She pulled her legs onto the bench next to her.

  “So… you’d lose?” he glared at her.

  “Of course not,” The faintest hints of mirth touched her lips, despite everything that had happened today, she was relieved it was turning out like this. “Speaking of Sebastian, he should be finished with his own business, he’s probably waiting,” he said. When he stood, he waited for her to join him. She  honestly wasn't in the mood for the creepy cave system back under honeydukes and didn’t want to use it too much. If it was her only way back out, she didn’t want it being sealed. She stood next to him and the pair walked slowly, her eyes scouting for any sign of the man, should he try again. She had escaped today with a broken wand and with a little more than scrapes and bruises, she really didn’t want another round. Her legs ached and he seemed to realise she was slow to walk as he eased his long pace in steps matching her speed.

  He waited again before turning to face him, the orange light catching his honestly breathtaking eyes.   “What were you doing there, Erica?” She could tell he was trying to ask it softly, nonchalantly, but missed the mark, when her name was laced with thin concern.

  “What were you doing there, Ominis?” she threw his question back at him but he narrowed his eyes in annoyance.

  “My parents don’t like using Owls, so they use a contact at the Hogshead as a messenger to reach me” Oh. Having heard his extremely plausible reason, she found she was stuck for one. “Your turn.”

  “I was stupid.” she explained with a sigh. “I thought I would drown my sorrows in a butterbeer, but i was a bit moonminded,” 

  “How so?”

  “It wasn't until I got here that I remembered that I don’t have a coin to my name.” he stopped, his face curled into sheer disbelief at her very plain stupidity.

  “Hey, I never said I was clever.” she shrugged. “And I’ve paid for it, okay. It seems my presence interrupted something important, hence, creepy dude got angry, so I decided to hit first and ask questions later” Her voice dropped as she looked at her wand again.  “He broke my wand.” she explained, her voice more shaky then she would have liked. He rolled his eyes again, before his free hand finding her robes. He pulled his own wand into the air, letting the red glow guide him. He pulled her along with him until she found a familiar shop.

  “Olivanders?” She didn’t remember there being a branch here, but it wasn’t completely unfeasible.

  “Just, get in,” He opened the door for her, waiting for her to go on. She complied and he followed, shutting the door behind them.

  “Ominis, I…” he held his hand out.

  “Give me your wand,” it was a soft order, but she still hesitated, she had just told him she had no money. He waved his hand again. She didn’t want to let it go. There was nothing to be done. It was gone. Yet, with Ominis’ patience slowly wearing thin, she did as she was told. It was gone, so she shouldn’t have wanted to keep it either, but she still didn’t have the heart to let it go fully.

  Dropping the two pieces in his hand, he frowned realising just how broken it really was, it brought back the concern that had been etched onto his face before.

  “Uh, hello, how can I help you?” an old man stepped out from behind the counter, his arms full of long boxes looking between the pair. Ominis moved to the counter and dropped the wand.

  “Is there anything to be done for this?” he asked. Erica could only hope, but knew it just as hopeless as her chances of going home. She watched as the old man grizzled and frowned. Slowly put the boxes down and looked over the pieces of wand. He glanced up and she could tell by the look on his face that there was nothing he could do. He also looked over her, his eyes widening a little. Erica realised she must have looked a mess. She pulled her hair over her shoulders, hiding some of the evidence, but she had a broken wand,  that doesn’t happen over nothing.

  “I’m sorry, no.” he answered, picking up the pieces with each hand inspecting them closely. He looked at them perplexed. “Uh, where did you get this wand?” He asked suddenly. “The workmanship on it is… well, I haven't seen it like this before.” Erica  felt her face grow red, she didn’t consider the possibility of wand making having changed in the 130 years. She was about to tell him not to worry, and run away, before Ominis spoke again.

  “Ah, then I suppose my friend will need another,” he said. The old man's face brightened considerably. Erica stepped closer to Ominis.

  “Ominis, I just told you I can’t afford…” He gave her a flat look before pulling out a small satchel. He dropped it on the counter. Erica took the chance to grab the pieces of her old wand. She didn’t want to leave it, risk changing the future, nor did she want to leave it and leave her past behind.

  “Just choose one,” he sighed, annoyance growing in his voice. “I do have other plans to get to, you know,”

  Erica stood still however. She was undoubtedly the luckiest unlucky person alive. In her nightmare, in her worry and pain, she had been surrounded by incredible kindness. It made the shame of her earlier actions all the much deeper, yet cushioned it in a soft warmth in her chest.

  “I can’t repay you,” she said slowly, he scoffed.

  “Please, just find one. Sebastian doesn’t do patience well, he will tear apart Hogsmeade to find us, no one wants that.” With that he turned and leant against the wall, sternly not taking no for answer.

  With Ominis’ refusal to stop and the old wandmaker’s enthusiasm it didn’t take Erica long to find one. It was ebony with a dragonheart strong, long and black, a far difference from her applewood before. It had long vines slipping up from the handles. It was beautiful. Once done, Ominis quickly paid and quickly dragged her from the shop. His timing was perfect as Sebastain was rushing past the shop.

  “Ominis, I was getting worried, you were…” he froze when he spotted Erica next to him. 

  Self consciously she looked down and saw what he was looking at. She was a mess. Ah, that must have been why the wandmaker had been sending looks her way. Her clothes were muddled and even slightly torn in places, spots of blood dotted down her chest, but didn’t know if they were hers or her attackers. Her head did throb from when she hit the wall. She didn’t look completely beaten, not enough to gather eyes from most adults. But Sebastian was focused entirely on her. His eyes searched from tear to ruffle trying to read the story behind them.

  A hardness darkened Sebastian’s face.

  “What happened?” His voice was deep enough to make Ominis’ brow knot tightly. Erica’s guts turned again, but she put a soft smile on her face, hoping to push aside the rapid anxiety that was washing in.

  “It was just a small tiff with a creepy old man,” she tried to play it off. Something in the dark look he had made her stomach clench. 

  For a moment, Sebastian was scary, so far removed from the light hearted and jovial boy she had met, that she couldn’t keep the forced smile on her face. She didn’t want to lie to him, nor implicate Ominis to lie for her, but something in his face scared her. 

  “Where?” He asked through his teeth. He was already turning, already trying to move as if it was pulling him.

  “Sebastian, no.” Ominis said, with his wand at his side he was able to grab at Sebatian’s robe before he could go anywhere. “It’s dealt with.”

  “Sebastian, yes,” Sebastian answered, though there was no jest in his voice. “She looks like she’s fallen ten feet off a broom.” That was enough for Ominis to turn back to her, having enough mind to still keep hold of his friend's robe.

  “You’re hurt?” the pitch of his voice rose, as disquiet and offence found him. “Why didn’t you tell me?” 

  Erica shifted on her feet, looking for an answer but found nothing. She couldn’t find anything. She had gotten herself into that situation, but admitting that she deserved what she got… it would anger them even more.

  “I’m fine,” she breathed out. “I’ll get a Wiggenweld, when we get back to the castle.” she drew hand to the throbbing just above her temple, while there were crusts of blood tangled in her hair, there was nothing streaming.  She had probably twisted her ankle, but she could still walk on it. All in all, she had been lucky. Very lucky. It could have turned out far worse if Ominis hadn’t turned up. Sebastian, however, didn't take her at her word.

  He shrugged out of Ominis’ grasp and stalked towards her, the darkness still there, only dissipating when he found her stepping back. She put her hands out in front of her, stopping him from whatever it was he wanted to do.

  “It’s alright, honestly, as gentlemanly as you boys are, I really am ok.” she said quickly. “Ominis turned up in time to play the hero, and I have learnt my lesson.” Before he could say anything else, she gripped her new wand in her hand.

  “Repairo!” she curled the wand into the air and pointed it at her clothes. She should have thought about doing so earlier, although she quickly reminded herself, earlier she didn’t have a wand anymore. The small tears knitted together, and after another small spell the dirt and blood left as well. “See, I’m all good.” 

  Sebastian, however, narrowed his eyes and raised his hand. He hesitated before clasping her chin as lightly as he could between his finger and thumb. The dark look passed over him again, but as her eyes grew wide he softened and calmed himself. She could feel the swelling on her cheek, but it shouldn’t have been enough damage to warrant such a strong reaction. 

  She held his wrist for a moment, the warm touch making the shame slink back, but she pulled his hand away, the shame was deserved.

  “Listen, you two… you’ve been my light this week,” she let out. “Honestly you don’t even know what you’ve done for me.” She held up her new wand as proof and held it to her chest. Sebastian eyed the new wand in her hands.

  “That’s what friends do, isn’t it?” Ominis said quietly, joining them. Friends? Erica stopped the tears before they fell again. Even if they were happy tears. Friends. She liked that more than she cared to admit. 

  “Yes,” she breathed, “But I'm still in your debt, both of you.” Sebastian smiled wickedly, the darkness that scoured his face long gone.

  “In debt is the best place to be, I like my friends there,” he grinned. She knew the fight in him wasn’t gone, but he seemed to have dropped it for now.

  “You’ve really got to come up with some new lines,” Ominis said, leading them both out of Hogsmeade. “Now, we have to go before curfew.”

  Leaving Hogsmeade Erica took a breath of air and crossed her arms over herself. Both Ominis and Sebastian had been worried about her, when they didn’t know her. Never again, she shivered at the thought. Ominis was right, it wasn’t worth it. Danger wouldn’t spur time to fix itself.  Still shame tore at her insides. They had seen a side to her she didn’t want anyone to see, she had nearly spilled out everything to Ominis so easily. 

  “Why didn’t you come and get me?” She heard Sebastian asking Ominis behind her.

  “We didn’t need more trouble Sebastian, we ran to get out of it,” She slowed her walk to be beside them again. Between the moon and the sun. Somehow it felt more comfortable there, than anywhere in Hogsmeade or Hogwarts.

Sebastian huffed.

  “Trouble? Me?” he scoffed. Ominis shook his head and rolled his eyes.

  “Yes, you, or have you forgotten, let’s see… all of fifth year.” He scolded. Sebastian just shrugged his shoulders, although Erica couldn’t miss the little hurt that passed over his face, he pulled it back quickly.

  “I had my reasons. And if you're gonna hold it against me, I need to remind you of…”

  “I do not need reminding to stay out of trouble,” Ominis snapped back. “It seems my flaw is following you into it.”

  “It’s not trouble, it’s adventure,” Sebastian replied, despite the earlier hurt, there was no offence in his voice. “Gideon doesn’t seem to mind.”

  “Gideon would jump into a dragon den if he thought it would be fun.” Ominis rolled his eyes again. “If you think I am any less concerned about him in trouble then  you are very wrong. He’s worse than you.”

  Erica giggled. In fact she giggled so much her stomach started to hurt. Their bickering had triggered something warm and comforting in her, something so much like home that the day she had had just melted away. The bruises and cuts didn’t hurt and the shame was a small prick on her heart. While the bickering felt so familiar, it didn’t remind her of thoughts of her friends or family. Instead the rapid warmth that clouded over her was swift and new and so enveloping Erica for just those few moments forgot she wasn’t home. She forgot that she had only known these boys for just over a week. 

  Sebastian nudged her arm to get her attention.

  “Speaking of trouble, is that Duncan Hobhouse? What is he doing?” He didn’t even bother pretending to look around, instead watching as Ominis threw his hands up in the air.

  “Don’t get me started on that coward! I am not in the least bit interested in what he is doing, so long as he is doing it away from me, I do not care.” He began to stomp forward a little, fervently wound up. “In fact, do not mention that coward to me again,” Sebastian grabbed his own stomach as he laughed in silence, mirth taking his whole body as they walked, trying to not to fall over. Erica’s giggles grew.

  She had no idea if they were doing this for her sake and she didn’t want to ask. Yet she knew she would be forever grateful for them, if she went home, if she never did, if the Aurors took her away, throughout all of it. She would forever hold this memory of them close.

—-x - —- -x——-

Thank you for your tour time and love, you have no idea what it means to me, that you spent your precious time with me.

things are really going to start picking up soon so please bare with me in the meantime.

— —- — -

Professor Sharp sighed, watching the girl as she ran into the room.  A mess of red hair and tangled robes.

Erica hadn’t slept well. She hadn’t even thought about the fact one of her direct ancestors would be wandering around the same time and place as her. While it was something she couldn't bring up with him, she couldn’t say the curiosity didn’t put something back in her steps. She had watched him in the common room, as quietly as she could, peddle his potions to the other students. They had steered clear of that, and it had made her laugh.  Some things didn’t change, and she didn’t feel the sting when she imagined her father and uncle standing there, no doubt doing the same thing. There was a solace in not being alone. In having someone she knew not being cold to her. While the pangs of the new room, new bed, and the letter underneath her pillow reminding her that she should not cause any disturbance, made sleep stay away, she didn’t feel as broken as before. She couldn’t tell him. But his presence, however unknowing it was, was comforting.

When she had finally drifted to sleep, it took her so deeply that even the bustle of the morning hadn’t woken her. Erica gave the professor a sheepish smile.

“I understand your newness to Hogwarts, Miss -” He caught himself before he could break his own rules.

“Weedle,” the name had stuck, there was no point in making up another. Especially since the two that she had told the name sat to her right. The brunette watching her get scolded with a grin, the blonde ignoring the commission she had caused. “Erica Weedle.” Sharp softened his eyes at her save, but the grimace on his face didn’t change. 

“Miss Weedle,” he conceded slowly. “I do not expect tardiness again, understand? Now find a seat.”  She glanced about the room, finding the three people she knew inside. She thought for a moment about sitting next to Garreth, finding out more about him, especially when he gave her a welcoming wave.

“Perhaps, not next to Weasley,” Sharp said, catching her attention. His eyes narrow again. “Neither of you need not be distracted by Weasley’s antics in this class,” Garreth looked at the professor in disbelief, but remembering the ingredient in his hand was not part of the day's curriculum he quickly turned and gave her a half hearted shrug. Erica got the hint. Sharp wasn’t going to risk anything, not in his class.

“Red? psst!” A voice to her right whispered not so quietly. Sebastian motioned towards his table, and the blonde next to him rolled his eyes. She shot another look at Garreth who looked between her and the brunette. He didn’t look comfortable at all, but also looked down at his hands, as if he couldn’t work out why. She gave him another smile and took her place next to the boys before she could disrupt more of the class.

Quickly filling the base of the potion into the cauldron she gathered her own ingredients onto the table.

“Late night?” Sebastian asked. “Dreaming of anyone… nice?” He watched his own work as he cut at the root, but she couldn’t miss the cheeky grin. She glared at him halfheartedly.

“What page are we on?” She asked instead, avoiding his question.

“Page 36,” Ominous answered her, shrinking back a little as his cauldron madea popping noise.

“I get it, ignore Sebastian day,” Sebastian said. “That hurts, you know.” 

“We wouldn’t do it if you didn’t ask such inane questions Sebastian,” Ominis said, searching the table again, with his hand and wand. Erica watched the glow on his wand pulse red before the pulsing got clearer until it dropped to a static colour at the same root Sebstian was chopping. Ominis picked it up and began his own dissection of the ingredient.

“Oh that’s so cool!” Erica stated, catching both of them by surprise. Whoops. She hadn’t meant to say out loud. “I mean your wand Ominis,” She clarified. “You navigate by using your wand?” His lips and eye twitched, as if the explanation annoyed him.

“Obviously,” he said instead. Ok, she wasn’t as forgiven as previously thought. “How else am I to do so?” It was Sebastian’s turn to roll his eyes, casting a glance at the girl next to him.

“Sorry,” she mumbled. She leant over the table towards Sebastian. “Is he always this grumpy?” his eyes snapped to her direction. They really hadn’t got off to a good start. He collected himself and carried on with his potion. Sebastian laughed aloud, not caring at the glare sent his way.

“Worse, you should see him when he really goes off,” he answered, giving his potions stir. Another boy at the table laughed too.  She hadn’t noticed them join them, as he didn’t get Sharps ire as she had. As tall as the boys next to him, he smiled at them with familiarity. The steam from the potion making his tanned skin glisten and not a golden hair fell out of place when he leant over to check his concoction. He wore a golden robe, a hufflepuff, and dug into more of his own ingredients.

“Oh Red, this is Gideon Godrickson. As in, the hero of Hogwarts, as in our lord and saviour.” Sebastian laughed, flicking a drop of potion at the boy opposite him. Ominis rolled his eyes, the boy, Gideon, just laughed and flexed his arms mockingly.

“Bow for me peasants,” Erica widened her eyes. The hero of Hogwarts? She was here with the Hero of Hogwarts?! While she could never remember dates to save her life, everyone knew the story of the Hero of friggin Hogwarts!  When he reached forward to shake her hand she clamped on to it, harder then she’d like to admit.

“Oh sweet merlin!” excitement bubbled in her stomach. “The hero of Hogwarts! It’s a pleasure to meet you, I mean… I’m.. I'm a huge fan.” she started to blubber a little. Gideon, for all his confusion, laughed at her babble.  Erica shook his hand vigorously. Sebastian cocked his brow, and even Ominis gaped at her.

“So easily am I replaced,” Sebastian muttered, snapping her out of her reverie. Erica immediately withdrew her hand, clutching it against her stomach so it couldn't cause any more trouble.

“Nice to meet you, Red,” Gideon stirred his own potion and pulled his stool closer to the table.

“Erica, my name's Erica.” She swooned again. The friggin Hero of Hogwarts! A very handsome Hero of Hogwarts. The butterflies in her stomach jiggled and she almost felt like dancing on the spot just to settle them. Sebastian looked between them and his smile dimmed a little before he flicked another drop of horklump juice at her.

“Really, Red? Into the arms of another man, right in front of me? Tsk, tsk,” he tutted. Her face burned red, so she leant into her own potion before Sharp could scold her again. She couldn’t help herself glancing at the boy as he worked. She had imagined such grace and poise but found it endearingly cute when he yelped as the slicing knife caught his fingers. She almost moved to grasp and cover his injury but a quick look to see that Seb was watching her rather closely made her stop.

Ominis’ potion popped again and he sighed. She had nearly completed her own.

“Ominis, I’m nearly finished if you would like a hand?” She asked tentatively and winced when he glared back at her.  She wanted to extend an olive branch.

“I am perfectly capable of potion making thank you,” She sighed, but tried not to let his grumpiness get to her. Erica took a breath.

“I never implied you weren’t.” She said, “However, your potion smells like burnt cabbage, and there is a way to fix it.” It really did. He glared again. The other boys started to tense; they looked between the pair when Ominis suddenly jumped slightly and yelped. He shot a glare at Sebastian's direction before sighing.

“I…” he grumbled. “I suppose it does. Fine.”

Erica hesitated a moment, before finding her way to his side. Erica had caught Sebastian’s kick to Ominis under the table, despite trying it wasn’t subtle, but ignored it. She kept a moderate space between them however, not wanting to overcrowd him. She eyed his potion and ingredients.

“One of your ingredients is starting to rot,” she said lightly, trying to keep her tone light. She had hoped that they could start over, she really didn’t want someone to hate her. She couldn’t deal with that on top of everything, even… even knowing who he was related to. “May I?” she didn’t move as she asked, fully waiting for his permission to get closer. He nodded reluctantly, shooting evils in Sebastian’s direction, who suddenly seemed very interested in his own potion. Gideon however watched them openly. She sidled up to his side and, careful not to bother him, pulled the ashwinder egg from the group. She froze again.

“May I have your hand?” He sighed again before picking it up, letting his hand hang in the hair for whatever purpose she deigned. He flinched at her touch. Erica stuttered but pulled away slightly, only touching him as necessary. He felt the egg against his palm.

“Ashwinder’s eggs don’t necessarily always give off any external signs that they are rotten,” She said, letting the words cloud the awkwardness that dampened the previous butterflies. She pressed a finger to the tips of his encouraging him to wrap his finger around the egg. “But the rotten ones are lighter, and are tender at the apex.” He rolled the egg around in his palm, feeling it bounce slightly at his press, it wouldn’t have been discernible if he wasn’t looking for it.

“If you find you’ve used a slightly rotten egg like this, it will make the potion too watery.” she explained. “Please take the ladle.” He did what he was told without a sigh this time. “With ashwinder egg’s this has a really simple remedy, which is honey.” She quickly moved back to her side and grabbed some out of her kit. 

“If you stir what you have, can you feel the consistency?” he nodded with a frown. Perhaps he had wanted her to fail, or look stupid.

“You’re quite good at potion making then?” Gideon asked, he now onto ladling his into the vials.

“Yes, I may not be great at a lot of things, but I like potions. My family and I used to spend hours just making potions together.” Erica knew about potions. Growing up as sheltered as she had, practically coddled by her cousins and her parents brothers and sisters, her family had all been made to know how to brew a healing potion practically blindfolded. The sessions awakened a love for potion making, it helped that she used to spend hours in the holidays making them with her father. She wanted nothing more than to spend that time with them again. She wasn’t strong with her spell work or duelling, but potions she could do.

“I’m going to add honey. When you do it, count to three when pouring and you should have enough.” She counted aloud slowly as she poured, finding herself lost in her words, in the memories the smell had stirred, that it didn’t hurt to remember. “Please stir,” Ominis did as he was told. The consistency did change as she said, and the smell of cabbage faded into the sweetness he had recognised from around him.

“Once you’ve got used to that feeling, you should memorise it. Most potions end up with that consistency.” She left his side and went back to her own potion. Sebastian nodded impressed. She glanced at the boys. “Like I said, I used to spend hours brewing potions with my family, one time my cousin was annoying me, so I… I brewed him a potion that turned his face blue. It didn’t fade for a week. The grounding was so worth it.” she laughed. 

“I…” Ominis frowned, “Thank you.” He paused for a long moment before adding. “Thank you for not turning me blue, too.” She found herself smiling at him.

She started to ladle her own potion into the vials.

“I know we didn’t get off on the best footing,” She tried. “This is the least I could do.” she shrugged. He was still frowning, but he nodded slowly. There was an opening and the loneliness made her want to grab it. She didn’t want to go through this alone. She may not let them get too close, but she didn’t want to be alone either.  

Gideon dragged Ominis away, or practically chased Ominis away when the class had been dismissed. She hadn’t realised Sebastian hadn’t gone with them until he spoke. 

“Are you feeling better?” The sincere clear look that had caught Erica by surprise on the night they had met, came out again. There was a softness to it, making him look boyish and charming. Shutting her potions kit, she put it back in her enchanted pocket.

“Feeling better? What do you mean?” Erica pulled at the sleeves of her robes as they left the classroom. He slowed his steps so she could match his and walked closer to her, as if he would share some deep unearthed secret.

“Yesterday, in the great hall,” he said, careful to keep his voice down. “You seemed… You did not look alright.” Her steps slowed. Had he noticed that? She had been close to falling apart in the hall, then distracted by him… he had done it on purpose? She found herself staring at the boy. While there was a constant playful amusement that etched into his words and motions, he now watched her with sincere concern. She thought she had hid it well, despite the slight bump when she had met Ominis.

“You…?”  her throat clamped up, but she couldn’t let her mask fall. She was doing so well today, she just had to keep it up, keep faking that she was okay until it became real. “I’m fine,” she shook her head. It wasn’t exactly a lie. “I was fine.” That was a lie. The tingle in her nose made her sure that she was blushing there.  Sebastian dropped his eyes away from her, strangely disappointment played a frown on his lips, it caught Erica's chest, enough that she couldn’t let it stay.

“I was glad of the distraction though, it was fun.” She placed a hand on his arm, but withdrew it when he looked at her in surprise. She had forgotten. Again. She was so used to others reaching out, and touching, between all walks of life, boys and girls. All she knew about the past was that the genders were very separate here, even in the wizarding world women were barely equal to men. She could only imagine the controversy being caught simply touching each other. Until she knew exactly what the boundaries were, she had to force herself to remember. 

They walked in comfortable silence for a moment.

“I supposed I do make a good distraction,” he said, returning back to his cocky grin and shoved his hands in his pockets. “How anyone gets anything done, with me around, I don’t know,” Erica snorted.

“Really?Is it because they’re distracted by your looks or because you are?” he clicked his tongue, but grinned more amused and at her jab the dimple started to show on his cheeks.

“You can talk, ‘Oh, the Hero of hogwarts!’” he clasped his hands together and brought them to his chin, batting his eyelids. Erica’s hands flew to her face, feeling the fire underneath it. 

“I know!” she groaned. “I sounded so stupid. I really do admire him though. I’m not some crazy obsessed fan.” her defence was weak and landed on deaf ears and Sebastian’s laughter barked out, a cacophony of surprise and disbelief.

“I have no idea what that means.” he shook his head. “In fact, what in the world do you mean by 'grounding’?” he asked. Eric let out a chuckle, realising she would have to be even more careful than she thought.

“Told off,” she explained. “It means I was told off, by my parents,” He made an affirmative noise.

Erica and Sebastian settled into a small conversation. She learnt that the ‘Anne’ they had spoken about was his sister, who was currently sick and away from Hogwarts. She wanted to question more, but there was a hardness on his face that she didn’t feel right pressing. Something that echoed the pain she had felt. She had learnt that he and Ominis had been best friends for years, that they had met Gideon in their fifth year and about his adventures. While he grew quiet for a moment talking about that year, before moving on to other topics. It was nice talking to him like this, slowly small pieces of home started to fall back into place. As they got to the quad he turned around walking backwards and looked over her. He walked without a care and looked over her, softening back into the look from before. He looked as if he wanted to say something, but was holding back. Instead he stopped in his tracks, stopping her.

“Thank you, Red,” 

“For what?” Pushing her hair out of her eyes, Erica let him find the words he was looking for. He looked around then gazed down at her.

“Ominis being a Gaunt scared you, didn’t it?” She felt the colour drain out of her face. She wasn’t ready for the conversation with him. “Still, you helped him, even if he is grumpy.” he finished. She was glad he wasn’t asking why. 

“Well, I have the feeling my reaction is what has made him grumpy.” She admitted. “And besides, you helped me when you didn’t know me. It would be… awful of me not to do the same for him.”

“I am the best role model,” he joked, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Erica cocked her head to the side, but didn’t hold on to the curiosity that piqued her interest.

“He seems like a nice guy, and a good friend to you, at least.” Erica said instead, watching his eyes lighten as he came back from wherever his mind took him to. “I’d like to know him better.”  he puffed out a relieved huff of air.

“That’s why I'm thankful.” he turned to stand next to her again. “A lot of people… they had the same reaction as you. He pretends it's alright. But it's not.” They walked slowly. “They don’t even bother trying. When the truth is, Ominis is better than most of us.” He looked down at her again.

“Miss Weedle,” she almost didn’t register her own given name, but Sebastian’s eyes snapped behind her. It took her a moment to recognise the voice and felt herself stiffen when it came to her. Erica slowly turned to see the two red headed teacher’s behind her. She could feel her heartbeat in her neck and her hands were clammy as she looked at the woman in the dark dress. She felt a bitter twist in her gut as her suspicions were confirmed. She was being watched, she had left potions little less than an hour ago and still, Weasley knew her ‘name’.

“A moment of your time, please,” There was no softness Professor Weasley’s voice, something both Professor Garlick and Sebastian picked up on as the teacher shuffled on her feet and Sebastian cocked his head to the side. Erica wanted to pull him along, consequences be damned, anything not to face her, but she couldn’t drag him into it.

“I thought you didn't look for trouble?” Sebastian quipped, pulling that constant cold claw in her mind away. He had picked it up on it just by looking between them, Erica could only imagine what else he picked up on without mentioning it. She felt his eyes on her watching her reaction.

“I’ll wait for you, here,” he offered and it made Erica’s chest crumble a little. She could only give him a slight nod as she walked towards the teachers.

“Hello, dear,” Professor Garlick reached out and took Erica’s hand before she could say anything. “I am terribly sorry for what has happened to you.” Erica stiffened. She knew Garlick meant it. She smiled at the girl with warm and kind sympathy. It… was the first time she had heard it. The first time someone, who knew her secret, hadn’t looked at her like she was some kind of terrorist. As if she was just as much a victim in this. It endeared the teacher to her immediately. She could remember the professor guarding the students, just small flashes of green, but that and this… Erica knew exactly who this woman was in so few actions. “Sometimes we must re-plant ourselves to make ourselves stronger. Let our roots take hold in new soil to grow.” She smiled brightly.  Erica nodded slowly, unsure of what she could say to that.

“Thanks?” she settled on. She was definitely, without a doubt, the herbology teacher. Professor Garlick placed a firm hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. “You… you wanted to talk to me?”

“Yes,” Professor Weasley shuffled on her feet before taking hold of her own hands, placing them in front of her, a veil of cool calm. “We wanted to see how you have settled, and to see if you needed anything else.” Weasley spied over Erica’s shoulder, to the boy who was waiting. Oh, Erica made a face but didn’t say anything. There was nothing she could say.

“I am sure you may find the castle and its inhabitants strange to you,” Weasley said. “But be assured, you are safe here.” Where was this speech yesterday? Erica thought. She put in her best fake smile.

“I know,” She said finally. “I’ll find my way. Always do.”

“Of course, it’s only at the castle that I can guarantee such safety.” Weasley continued. It was like cold water splashed all over Erica. It was a warning she didn’t need, what Weasley actually meant practically shouted through between the lines. Erica only nodded slowly again, she knew if she spoke out loud, she would swear. When she had looked for comfort in the woman before, instead she now set Erica on edge.

“Please let us know if we can provide anything else for you,” she said, trying to put the sweetness into her face but failing. Erica didn’t know what her problem with her was, but she was very clearly struggling. Had she brought Professor  Garlick for back up? She eyed Sebastian again.

“I'm glad you have found some friends to help you through this difficult period,” Erica swallowed the lump in her throat. Was she not even allowed that? “But, perhaps, it's best for your past stay amongst the teachers,” Erica didn’t have to be told, everything reminded her of what she could and couldn’t do or say. She wasn’t clever, she’d never fit in ravenclaw at all,  but she was certain that if she wasn’t careful she could change the future for the worse. But was looking for a little comfort, even if she couldn’t let them in fully, so wrong?

“I’m not here to hurt anyone,” Her voice felt cold in her throat. It was something that shouldn’t have to be said but she did when she saw the look on Weasley’s face. The truth potion she consumed hadn’t been enough for her. The name wouldn’t be enough for her. “If I knew how to go back, I would. I didn’t come here on purpose.” 

“Of course not, but we’ve yet to hear how you came back. Or why here exactly. The truth can always be twisted if we believe in the lie hard enough.” Weasley levelled at her. Erica’s gut twisted again. Even Professor Garlick shot her companion a look that she wasn’t quite comfortable with where this was going. Erica crossed her arms over her chest.

“So let me get this straight, don’t leave the castle, don’t be honest with anyone who might actually care about me, but be honest with people who won’t believe me either way?” Wealsey’s face remained impassive.

“No one is saying that, my dear,” It was Garlick who stepped in this time with another comforting hand on the shoulder. “This situation is hard on everyone, and no one truly understands the risks.” Erica tried to cool her temper. She knew this, she knew all of this.

“Does anyone outside the castle know?” Erica asked instead. Weasley nodded, tightening her grip on her hands. Erics could see her knuckles whiten.

“We’ve asked a few Auror’s to look into it, they will be coming to talk to you soon.” She said, “But the less people who know the better.” She sighed before adding. “The less who know, the safer you are,” She couldn’t deny that. Still the shiver didn’t feel good. Aurors? Anxiety grew in her chest at the thought of them, what if they carted her away? This Hogwarts wasn't hers but it was all she had left to hold on to, the only semblance of home. What if they took her away and she never saw it again?

“Are they gonna take me away?” She asked for once letting her fear seep through. “I’m… I'm just a kid. I don’t want to be locked up. Not locked up here, or with Aurors, who will do Merlin knows what to find out something I don’t even know.”

“Erica, my dear one, your presence here is wanted,” Garlick sighed, “You deserve to grow and thrive as well as any other student, but the danger of the unknown is the real threat here. Suggesting something to one student or person could change their whole life, and ruin any future you may return to.”

“I understand.” She said quietly. “I have to go to class now, is there anything else?” When Weasley shook her head she turned and moved back to Sebastian. 

Erica walked beside him in silence, but glad he was there. Every so often he would look down at her face, but he remained quiet as well.

Time, as it always did, passed with no concern to anyone else.

Days seemed to seep into each other and Weasleys words kept creeping into Erica’s mind. So she did whatever she could to nag at that feeling that flooded her. In the common room in the evenings she would hang out with Garreth, even willingly test his new concoctions. She made sure to keep their conversations on that, instead of herself, but she enjoyed the time together, even if she got sent to the hospital wing again.

She spent her lunches with her slytherin friends, and even some classes. She hated that she clammed up when they asked personal questions, when they asked her to accompany them to Hogsmeade. She desperately wanted to go. The walls were starting to cave in on her, getting closer and closer, and even when she took the time to sit in the quad, everything condensed and pulled at her. 

Soon a week had gone by. Erica didn’t get any more small unneeded lectures by Weasley, nor any of the other teachers, she didn’t let herself get noticed by them. Thankfully no Aurors arrived to take her away either. She wanted to do all the things that made her laugh. The small pranks that she and her friends would laugh at, she wanted to know more than the small handful of students she allowed herself. Instead she made herself invisible.

One not so fateful day, she simply couldn't take it any more. The common room was filled with things the other students had bought, or had been sent by her parents. She had winced every time someone got a letter, she couldn’t stand being in the great hall at breakfast because of it. Erica kept waiting for one for herself, even though it never came.

She wasn't sure if it was boredom, annoyance, or even just the need to break free when she found herself standing in front of the Witch passageway. It was just Hogsmeade. Just a visit and then she would be back.

She didn’t let herself care anymore.

The passage was just like how her father had described it, a little newer than it had been. She had never thought to use it in her days at school, at least not this passageway. She climbed through the rocks and crags, thinking about how the butterbeer would taste. How she would drown it and let it chase her thoughts away. The closer she got the more excited she felt. Something other than the smothering feeling clustering in her chest.

With a breath, she stepped into the dark cellar of Honeydukes, and finally felt free.

— - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Heyo guys, sorry for the long wait, but here is chapter 3 also sorry if its very conversation heavy, don’t worry there is plenty action coming up.

Thank you for your. Time to read this and please forgive any grammar/mistakes,

   Erica felt the stares, yet as she turned her head found the eyes quickly looking away. That hadn’t changed. In just over 135 years, the gossip of students never changed. She groaned as she went over the maths again. At least it wasn’t 135 years forward. At least she had some semblance of knowledge of Hogwarts. But she couldn’t help but feel the sadness grumble in her heart. The chairs didn’t feel the same. The cold of the October air felt different. Every time she heard a name she vaguely remembered she would look and it came with another face. 

   Erica, however, put on a brave face. Every time she did catch someone staring her way, she plastered on what she hoped was a sincere smile. This wasn’t the worst. At least she was comfortable in the clothing, sort of similar to what she was used to, allowed to wear short stays instead of a corset, the former feeling far more like the bra she was used to, just a lot more tying.

  Professor Weasley must have summoned her some clothes, as she had woken up with a few piles next to her in the morning, thankfully. While she was sure her own clothes  were fine looking at them, her skirt was a little short for 13p years ago. not to mention filthy. She would have to buy more. She wasn’t exactly sure what she would do for money, but she would have to figure something out. Perhaps there was somewhere she could get a part time job. She couldn’t rely on everyone forever, she needed to do something to get some sort of independence herself.

  A prefect had been sent for her in the morning and despite the quick worried glances had led her to the common room. Erica had feigned ignorance when needed, smiled and awed when needed, and sunk into a chair as soon as she could. Her legs still didn’t like her moving but she would die before asking for help like that again. 

  Having sequestered herself in the common room for the entire morning she hadn’t seen that boy again. She had, much to her chagrin, been rude to him, when he did help her. As valid an excuse she had, it still clawed at her a little. She was pretty sure he had flirted, but she was also so muddled by it all, she couldn’t catch if he meant it. She doubted it. Still, she was glad he made the air lighter, he could have been a creep. Well, more of a creep. 

  Ugh. She rubbed her face as her stomach grumbled. She couldn’t hide forever.

  She put on her ‘everything is ok’ face and ignored the stirs she made. Instead, leaving the Gryffindor common room, she made her way to the great hall. Her stomach controlling her feet. She was always less of a beast to deal with with food in her belly.

   Erica’s first thought when entering the great hall was along the lines of ‘Jesus and merlin on a pipe, please stop staring.’ Then she realised that should she have been back home, there would have been much more staring. The hall as full as it was was definitely not the greatest amount of students she had ever seen. 

  Despite not wanting to, she looked for the thinnest thread of familiarity that she knew. The green robed auburn haired boy. She didn’t want to talk to him, but some unknowable pang inside her still made herlooking for him.  She wondered briefly why she didn’t look for the red haired professor. The thought had made her angry. No. She wouldn’t look to her in need.

  It didn’t take long. He was poking around at a plate and surprisingly had a book in the other hand. He looked completely in his own world. Having done that she looked at her own table. 

  The sea of rowdy red, most of them ate and talked, a few studied. An overwhelming sense of dread crept into her veins. She looked for her friends, for people she knew, but the dread crept further up the more couldn’t find any. Her hands started to quake at her sides. The sight surrounded by familiarity yet every detail was different to what she knew. Suddenly she didn’t feel so hungry.

  “Say, Red,” a voice purred at her ear. Erica jumped feet, as Sebstian raised his thick brows surprised but didn’t back away, only raising his hands once again.  He had snuck over while she wasn’t paying attention, stuck in the panic that she didn’t want to feel. His eyes, deep dark hazel, watched her settle before he spoke again. “Why don’t you come sit with the best house?” He asked it slowly. Erica stared at him for a moment, but a wave of relief slid against her insides. At least sat with them she could pretend that she was the one that was doing something different, not the entire world around her. She nodded and followed behind him. The rest of the table, although stole curious glances, didn't bother to chide her for sitting there. She was glad he had stayed toward the end of the table where the space dotted out away. She finally felt like she could breathe again. She was no longer hungry, but she could breathe. 

  “So,” Sebastian smiled as he sat, putting the book down next to him on the bench. Erica looked up and smiled bashfully, while she couldn’t muster the full emotion she still played it on her face.

  “Before you say anything,” She interrupted him. “I wanna say thanks. You… You helped me last night. Still kinda creeped out about the spying, but I would have been in a pickle if you had left me there. So thank you.”

  His brows knitted together as she spoke but the amused grin slowly grew on his face. He didn’t have the dimples this time, but he was very clearly amused.

  “Well, we wouldn’t want you in a pickle now?” he said, his voice cocky. It seemed to be his natural way of talking. “I would ask for your name again, but I quite like Red,” He poked around at a sausage piece on his plate and leaned into his now free hand. “It suits you.” Despite the mask of emotion on her face, she felt the blush tingle across her nose and cheeks. “How are you feeling, now you're free from the clutches of Nurse Blainey?” He poked at a bit of food and ate it as he spoke.

   “Like shit.” It escaped before she meant it. She clamped a hand to her mouth. He again looked surprised, however, the mischief danced in his eyes. After swallowing his food he let out a chuckle and lifted his head to run a hand through his hair.

   “Well, we can’t have that either,” She was such a potty mouth. She had never considered it a problem before. 130 years in the past? Yeah, she could see it being a problem. Sebastian, however, didn’t seem to mind. She found a small chuckle seeped out from behind her hand. The lights in his eyes danced again.

  “Where have you been?” He asked quickly, before clearing his throat. “Before here, I mean.” Erica leant forward against the table and fiddled with the fork next to her. She didn’t want to lie. She was a really bad liar. She felt her face go red again.

   “Home…schooled. I was homeschooled.” He nodded, encouraging her to carry on and she let out a breath, perhaps she wasn’t as bad as she thought. She spun the fork around and around, hoping it would somehow give her answers. “Travelling parents. So they taught me on the road.” She thought about her cousin, she was raised on the road with her Uncle Charlie, always swapping between Scotland and Romania.  The tingle on her nose didn’t go away, but soothed a little. If she borrowed her story and didn’t lie, then maybe she would get away with it. She looked up under her lashes and found him still watching her, waiting for her. He looked charmingly relaxed.

   “I bet you were trouble,” he commented, the grin falling on one side, egging her on.  Her eyes grew wide, she never tried to get in trouble, she just… found it. “No!” only to have him laugh at her reaction.

   “No?” The tingle in her nose came back, but she let it settle into place this time.

   “No?” she tried again, only to join in his laugh. “I never looked for trouble.” she clarified.

   “We never do,” he agreed. She should never have shivered at the ‘we’ in his statement, but she did. It felt nice to feel something good, to not feel like she was drowning for just a few moments.

   “So you get in trouble then, do you sir?” With the fork in her hand she found herself picking up something to eat, now she had relaxed a little. “Perhaps, I should stay away?” Her ears burned, her face burned. She couldn’t help it. If she was going to be here, why not have fun? Why not feel something other than sadness? She wouldn’t let it get too far. She wouldn’t let herself feel too much, but… fun wasn’t so bad. Especially when he looked at her like he knew the game she was playing. He put his hand on his heart and pouted.

   “Ouch! my heart! Do not say such things!” she chuckled but found her eyes wandering over the students, back over the houses and the teachers. Her fingers clenched tightly as the feeling washed back, trying desperately to pull into the pool of sadness. 

 Sebastian straightened his tie and cleared his throat, gaining her attention once again

  “Since you are new here, and homeschooled, Professor Sallow will teach you the way of the world,” He pushed his fingers back through his hair, which immediately fell back into its unruly mop. Sebastian pulled on his robes, in a manner so close to what she had seen the headmaster do, she couldn’t do anything but chuckle at his mockery. Still he waited for her to agree. A warm sensation spread over her chest. 

  “Professor, please, help me,” she said in jest, making him sit straight, a glint to his eye. His jaw hitched just a little at her playful voice, but he stuck his nose in the air.

  “You are now a student at Hogwarts, home of witchcraft and wizardry,” He pulled on a posh voice, making her chuckle again. He motioned widely over the expanse of the hall. 

  “In this room, the great hall, you shall find fine food and pleasant conversation. If you are in the rrright place of course,” he rolled his ‘r’ over extending them pointing his nose further in the air. “You also have the best house here, where you are seated, Slytherin!” he motioned to his table. 

  “And why is the best, Professor Sallow?” She played along.

  “Oh, of course, because I am in it, Red,” he raised a brow at her his eyes glimmering. “What other reason does one need?” He cleared his throat again.

  “Over there, you have Ravenclaws and the Hufflepuffs. The book-smarts, and the people-smarts, respectively.” He nodded towards the blue and golden tables. Then he looked down his nose at Erica, a chuckle breaking from her again. “And you have…” he looked her up and down as obvious as he could make it. “The Gryffindors.” 

  “I am a Gryffindor, Professor,” She laughed along with him, for a moment he broke character and grinned back at her.

  “That you are, and I should think, they are all the better for it,” She rolled her eyes at his flirt but rested her head on her hand, waiting for him to carry on. Without thinking she reached forward, grabbing a grape from the table and popping it in her mouth. The warmth spread over again when he motioned to the teachers. “For my fellow Professors, you have. Professor Sharp.”  he pointed out the teacher he spoke to, not so openly this time, keeping the joke between them. “Abysmally strict, yet for some reason, the girls find him charming.”

  “And I suppose you don’t know anything about being charming?” Erica said coolly, he narrowed his eyes.

  “I am a perfectly charming gentleman,” He said. “All the ladies salivate for Professor Sallow, it seems you are no exception.” He smirked. Erica lifted her head and quickly wiped her mouth. It had only been grape juice, but still she felt her face flush.

  “Then, perhaps you would know more about Professor Garlick? A lovely lady is she, and mistress of Herbology.” He pointed out the lady decked entirely in green, as she ate. Erica had indeed met her too, or she could at least vaguely remember her from the day before.

  “You know, that fits.” Erica said. Looking at the long haired teacher, she couldn’t see her doing anything else. When she looked at the other red hair teacher next to her, the warmth stuttered in her chest, and a cooling claw slid against it. Instead of focusing on that, she gazed back at Sebastian.

  How had he done that? How had he made it go away just for those few minutes, minutes where she could eat and breathe and not feel like a stranger. While she felt her face cool from the warmth he had put there, she couldn’t help but feel awfully grateful.

  Thank you, she wanted to say it. Thanks for the distraction. She watched the dimple just start to form on the left side. The pain of being trapped here didn’t settle in her stomach, but the distraction was nice. 

  “And here I thought dear little Sebastian had no other friends? Did Gideon get bored of you?” Another boy climbed on the bench next to Sebastian. Erica stuttered as the breath caught in her throat. Did Hogwarts just happen to create handsome men, and the more important question, when did it stop doing so? The boy had pale blonde hair matching his complexion, his features sharp but it was his eyes that made her really take notice. 

  He had no pupils. His eyes were a light as a cloudy day at dawn, a haze film over the colour, and no pupils. He was tall too, taller than the boy next to him, but far slimmer than the brunette who smiled at him, unoffended by the statement. Erica could only look between them and stutter again. A thought filtered through her mind. The sun and the moon personified.

  He dropped his wand to the table and picked up a goblet, drinking from it as Sebastian turned to him.

  “Ominis, this is…” He stopped and chuckled to himself. “Well, she's the new seventh year,” 

  “Wow, Sebastian, your most eloquent introduction to date.” His accent was sharp and he definitely wielded the barb in it like a weapon. She could tell he came from money. She wondered if he was from one of the old families.

  “Well, if she told me her name instead of sitting on me, I might have done a better job. Although, I’m certainly not complaining.” Erica turned red again but this time embarrassment shrouded her features. She cleared her throat and turned to the new boy.

  “Erica, my name’s Erica,”

  “Oh I see how it is!” Sebastian shook his head, never once losing that lopsided grin. 

  “Nice to meet you Erica…” The blonde ignored his friend. He wanted her second name?

  “We…” she stopped herself, almost swearing that he had come out so naturally. She had literally been told the day before to hide who she was.. “...dle. Weedle.” She found herself wincing at herself. Weedle? Really? She felt the brunette stare at her.

  “Yeah. I’ll stick to Red.” She narrowed a glare at him, but watched as he plated up a meal for his friend. Ominis didn’t seem to care, instead, thanking him. It seemed like a normal occurrence for them both. It took Erica a moment to make the connection. Ominis was blind. She felt a little moonminded, having not put it together before. He had faced her while he spoke but he never looked at her. She felt her heart warm a little more as she watched Sebastian pour some more juice into the goblet while his friend sorted himself out in his seat.

  “Nice to meet you, Erica Weedle,” he said finally. “ I am Ominis Gaunt.” 

  Here she sat with one of his ancestors.

  She froze. Everything good and warm sank into the deep cold one again. Gaunt. She recognised the name. She knew the name like it was carved on to her. While she was the next generation after the battle of Hogwarts. She, like every other her age, knew about Voldemort, his story practically used to scare children into behaving. The children at school used to learn everything they could to understand their parents, grandparents, to learn what happened. She and her classmates used to lap up the stories from their families and hers… was more affected than most. There hadn’t been one member of her family who wasn’t affected by Voldemort. Everyone in her blood family, her aunt Hermione, and especially her uncle Harry. Her uncle Fred had been killed defending the castle from him.

  Ominis cocked his head at the silence, and Sebastian stopped fussing over his friend instead narrowing his eyes at Erica. Blue eyes scanned the blonde boy, taking in as if she could rewrite his dna. As if she could see the very threads that linked him to the horror that even her generation was still frightened of. 

  “I- um…” she couldn’t stop the whimper. She was staring, she couldn’t stop staring. “Yes.” She forced out. “Yeah, nice to… Uh… Sorry,” She clambered back over the bench. Ominis flattened out the confusion on his face, instead facing the table with a neutral expression. Seeing him do so, panged her chest a little, but she was moving on instinct. As she stood, she found a face at the top of the hall catching hers. Professor Wealsey. When she did, a thought quickly came to mind.

  She turned from the top of the hall and back to the boys who had been nothing but kind. Her eyes fell on Ominis again.

  Professor Weasley couldn’t be blamed for Erica’s actions. Here and now, if the pair discussed it, would she agree with Erica’s actions growing up? Would they share anything common at all? She had been so cold when they had met. Would it be the same between Ominis and his descendants? She hadn’t given him the chance to find out. She debated with herself whether she could. The Gaunts were all but gone in her time. She had no idea what the family was like. Just names and horror stories in the night, people looking and blaming a dark family gone mad. Names had been scratched from many families for generations, with many different intentions behind them. She had no reason and no ability to look and find out if he would share the same fate in the future. 

  She also saw the way Sebastian stood. The humour and warmth he had toyed with just moments ago was nearly gone. Instead there was a tension there, and while he furrowed a brow. She read something else in his face. It felt like a question, if she was really going to do that to him. All that he had done, just those minutes ago, he had done for her. Even though she was a stranger. He had no idea if she was as bad as what she was making Ominis out to be, but he still helped her. Whether he knew he was doing so or not. Perhaps she was out of touch, but he didn’t seem to be the type who would be friends with someone who inspired horror in people. It was that, that finally convinced her to turn around.

  Why… Why did he look like he was used to it? He didn’t know why her chest felt like bursting? He didn’t know why her insides screamed to run. Sebastian still watched her, but the smile was gone. Instead, a stern patience vibrated from his tense body. He, unlike Ominis, had seen her reaction. His arm was almost unconsciously already in front of his friend. She forced herself to look away from the blonde and sat back down, scolding herself for being stupid. She had forgotten where she was. She wasn’t home. That danger wasn’t here. While she couldn’t stop her hands from shaking she hid them under the table. She was braver than that. Looking at the masked hurt on his face, she forced herself to be kinder too. While she didn’t know him, she didn’t know if he was like his descendant, so she took a breath and convinced herself to wait and find out. She wasn’t the best dueller, but she could defend herself should the chance she wanted to give him fail to pan out. Sebastian eyed Erica again, ready to defend his friend but sat down still.

  “I’m sorry, that was rude of me,” her voice made Ominis jump, confusion running along his brow and curled in on his lips. “It is… It is nice to meet you, Ominis.”

  “Please, don’t stay on my account,” The barb in his voice aimed at her now, she let it hurt. She took a breath.

  “Sorry,” She said sincerely. “I’m Sorry. My family has history with… the Gaunts. I didn’t mean to do that.” She clutched her hands together under the table as his face softened the tiniest bit.

  “I’m sure I would have remembered a Weedle.” he snipped.

  “It's…” She paused again. “It was long ago.” She shrugged. While he didn’t look pleased, he seemed to have potentially forgiven her, instead turning to his plate and starting to eat. She found her eyes on Sebastian again, his tense body had relaxed and he relaxed into another smile, pulling more food onto his own plate. His own gaze softened on her, as if apologising to his friend had earned some invisible brownie points with him. As if to express this, he also put a few sandwiches on her plate. A peace offering.

  She accepted and ate them in silence.

  Her time here was certainly going to be interesting.

…

  Erica’s heart hurt. 

  The boys disappeared shortly after lunch, and she hadn’t completely ruined everything with them. They had fallen into small conversation about some girl named Anne, and embarrassed about her behaviour Erica didn’t speak up to ask. Sebastian had given her a wave and Ominis even gave her a nod goodbye, when she said she was going to walk before she had to go to class. 

  She couldn’t make up her mind if she wanted to go or not. What were they going to do? Send her home? 

  Her turmoil over Ominis had reopened a wound she had been ignoring. That this place wasn’t home. It wasn’t even close. It was just some fake imitation of it.

  She was left to follow her feet, vaguely aware of where she was going. She would have left the castle and fallen into a butterbeer induced stupor, except she knew she would have been chased down. Her proof of the fact was everything placed on her bed that morning. Cauldron, tomes, enough that she had no reason to leave. Even now, she knew the paintings here helping Sharp and Weasley. Watching as she walked. Reporting back. They have done it before… will do it later? The more she started to think about things like that the more her head started to hurt.

  Erica feet followed the invisible line she would create, when she attended school in the future. She climbed up stairs, ignoring the ache in her legs to stop. Why did everything hurt? The giggles hurt, at the quickly restored fountain below the stairs. Paintings she knew were going to be hung on the walls that weren’t there yet. It hadn’t hit her quite yet that the one her feet were leading her to wasn’t going to be there either.

  “What’s the matter, dear one?” he lightly sang over the melody he plucked. “One so beautiful, should not be so sad.” He gave her another gentle look. She had come here looking for her family, and didn’t find it. She felt like she was drowning again.

  She stopped at the extra large painting in front of her. Back home, it was a giant portrait of all the students who had saved the school during the Battle of Hogwarts, her family filling up nearly half of the people inside it. Instead now there was just one man, handsome and kind looking. 

He flicked the curls out of his eyes and plucked lightly at the mandolin or guitar-like instrument in his hands. He watched Erica as she approached and bowed his head in greeting.

  “I miss my family.” She told the painting. He nodded in understanding.

  “Come little one, I shall endeavour to give you a piece of them back. Sit and close your eyes.”

  She did as she was told and sat underneath the painting. 

  He played a sweet kind of music, the soft tones lulling against her, while the faster notes dotted inside giving her hope. While there was a melancholic undertone to it, he did his best to uplift it, shifting the chords until hope reached in. How he knew what to play, she didn’t know, but the music hit the spot she hoped it would, pulling at a memory that brought a cool hand to her aching heart. She didn’t know how long she sat there. Eyes closed, just listening. She felt students pass, and stare and mutter. Yet, she stayed. Until a new voice caught her ears.

  “Lucinda?” Her eyes gazed up from her music induced gaze and found a red headed Gryffindor staring back at her in utter shock. He had a head full of curls, a dull orange colour and freckles to match. His thin mouth gaped open, surrounded by the very lightest fluff against his jaw. When Erica looked at him, he shook his head for a second before having to look again.

  “I’m sorry,” he stepped forward and stopped himself again and cocked his head. “Just, right there, you… you looked exactly like my sister… haha,” he drew a hand to his hair and pushed the curls away from his face. She put the mask back on her face and smiled, even though something tugged at her that she didn’t need to. The boy seemed to catch himself and walked forward, extending a hand.

  “Garreth, sorry,” He chuckled again. She shook his hand and found herself staring back at him again. He seemed so familiar. Not in the way Sebastian had placed himself as, but as if she knew him.

  “Erica,” She answered back, confusion making her linger way too long. She hadn’t wanted to introduce herself to anyone else after Ominis, it felt raw against her ribs, and she didn’t want to do it again. Somehow, though, the energy around Garreth pushed that feeling aside. He dropped into a crouch in front of her, still clasping her hand, his green eyes searching for something.

  He saw that? She pulled back her hand, tucking it safely into the crook of her knee. She wanted to be invisible. She didn’t want anyone to see, let alone some stranger, no matter how… no matter how easy the air was around him.

  “Are…” He pursed his lips before trying again. “Are you alright? You seem upset?” 

  “I'm all good,” She forced a laugh into her words. It didn’t reach him. He looked up to the painting behind her, he too getting a deep bow of recognition.

  “I like it here too,” Garreth said, his voice sounding more jovial. “It’s calming.” She nodded lightly and he took it as an invitation, he sat down next to her, pulling his knee up to rest his arm. Her eyes caught the hand knitted jumper underneath the robe and her emotions welled up behind her eyes again. For a moment the pair of them stayed in silence. As much as she wanted to be left alone, she found she couldn’t tell him. She didn’t want to.

  “Did you know a group of puffskeins are called a poffle?” He said it out loud. Erica stared at him again, but his question had pulled her away from the hole she was sinking into. She had known. Her father sold pygmy puffs at the joke shop.  But his question hadn’t dragged the memory through the swamp of pain; He bounced in his seat pleased by catching her attention. She looked around to see if anyone was around. Was he really asking her this? 

  “Aaaand a group of bowtruckles are called a branch?” She sniffed as he asked again, waving his hands in front of him as if there was ‘a branch’ of Bowtruckles he was referring to. He looked down at her again and nodded as if he had revealed a treasure trove of information. The sheer absurdity of his questions at this time finally broke through the crisp wall of pain. Something about the way he spoke, it made the air in her lungs lighter.

  She laughed.

  He relaxed back smiling, obviously pleased with himself.

  “I knew that,” she found herself answering, pulling her robes over her hands as she engaged with him, shifting to listen to whatever more he had to ask.

  “Good, it is very useful information, I mean, O.W.L.s worthy, frankly.” she laughed again and they settled into the new, far more comfortable silence. After letting her settle he cocked his head to the side and flicked the curls back.

  “Do you want to talk about it? Gryffindor to Gryffindor?” He nudged her shoulder with his. Erica sighed, clutching her hands together, the sadness made to crawl back, but he had pulled her far enough away. “Is it about the fountain?” he asked lightly. “I mean, it's not the first time something has exploded around here.” A noise sounded in her throat. Of course he knew who she was, or at least how she had arrived. She shook her head though.

  “I miss my family.” She admitted again, puzzled when she found it so easy to admit it to him.

  “Can you not write to them?” she shook her head.

  “They’re… somewhere I can't reach.” He stiffened a little, enough that she had to chuckle. “They're not dead. Just far away. Somewhere, letters would take… years to reach.”

  “Ah, rather complicated then,” he surmised. “I’m sure they miss you too, though. And people who miss each other… they find a way to find each other again.” he nudged her again as the tears welled. She wiped them away before she could cry. She nodded. He had no idea. Hesitantly he put an arm around her shoulders and squeezed.

  Erica sighed at the feeling. It felt like she hadn’t been touched in comfort like this for years, even though it had only been days. She realised why professor Weasley's cold voice had angered her so much. At the recognition of their name, she had wanted that comforting hand from the woman who partly shared her aunt's face. She had wanted to hold her when she was frightened, she wanted to pretend they were close, even if they were centuries apart.

  How she had found that in a boy she barely knew, she didn’t know.

  “I’m probably sounding like a stupid first year huh?” She had been away from her family for long periods of time, but this was different. There was no going back now.

  “No one’s stupid for feeling that way,” he told her. “I come from a big family, you miss the noise, even when you can’t stand to hear it.” He squeezed her again. His eyes widened as he looked at her, the complete stranger he was comforting, and withdrew his arm. Had she looked that much like his sister? Or was he just that kind?

  “Oy! Weasley!” Both of them looked at the name shouted out. A boy stood at the top of the left staircase and shouted down and motioned to follow quickly. Garreth quickly stood. “Looks like I have to go. Are you going to be alright?” She looked between him and the boy, the dots connecting… Wait…

  “Weasley?” She quickly followed him from the floor  grabbing at his robe before he could run away. “Garreth Weasley?” Her heart shuddered at the realisation. He nodded innocently.

  “Oh, yeah, you’ve most likely met my aunt, don’t worry. If she shouted at you, it’s only because she was worried.” he concluded. “Come find me if you need to talk again, alright? I’ll brew something special for it, it will blow your mind.” he chuckled. The boy at the stairs shouted again, and with a smile and a soft squeeze of her arm the red haired boy ran up the stairs glancing back only once.

  Erica stood there frozen to the spot, her mind racing a million miles an hour. No wonder she had felt at ease, no wonder she didn’t want him to go.

  She had wandered to this spot trying to find family, and although it wasn’t what she had pictured, she had found it.

  She had found her great-great-great grandfather.

…………………………..

Time will tell. (11014 words) by Vyvyanrose

Chapters: 2/?

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy (Video Game)

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence

Relationships: Sebastian Sallow/Original Female Character(s), Ominis gaunt / original female charcter, Sebasatian sallow/MC, Ominis Gaunt/MC

Characters: Sebastian Sallow, Ominis Gaunt, Garreth Weasley, Natsai Onai, Poppy Sweeting, Amit Thakkar, Matilda Weasley, Leander Prewett, Original Female Character(s)

Additional Tags: 18+, Time Travel, Hogwarts Legacy - Freeform, Choose Your Own Ending, Swearing, Romance, Fluff, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Protective Sebastian Sallow, Jealous Sebastian Sallow, Very protective Garreth Weasley, Non-Canon Family Tree

Summary:

Erica Weasley wasn’t dead.

A rogue spell has sent Erica Weasley back into time to the year 1891 and now must face life a a modern woman in a not so modern time. Trying to settle with the help of two Slytherin boys and her ancestor she finds like life isn’t so bad.

 Erica Weasley wasn’t dead.

 She wasn't sure what this spinning feeling was, but it wasn’t death. All she knew was that if she opened her eyes, she would vomit. She tumbled in the nothing, spinning and twirling, twisting the ache in the pit of her stomach. She desperately wanted to wake up, waiting for the soft landing of the bed, to prove this was just a dream.

 The air, the void, curled around her like vines, scratching and caressing, but nothing held her weight, she just kept falling.

 Her screams echoed around her curling until she no longer knew what was up or down. She was sure whatever roots planted her to the earth were torn out from under her, dragged away to someplace far away. Even her memories felt so far away, like she was falling away from them.

 Erica Weasley was not dead. Yet, she sure wished it would come soon.

 The all encompassing void soon gave way to pressure. Pressure that immediately grabbed at her throat and invaded her lungs as she desperately took a breath. Panic gripped ahold and she flailed at the new sensation. But as her arms and legs shot out and kicked, she connected with something hard, something tangible, a huge relief tangled in the panic. She could move, she couldn’t breath, but she could move.

 It took a moment of burning in her lungs and nose to realise she was in water.

 She threw a hand again and found cold air. She followed it. Gasping and coughing in the air.

 “J-e -hyuk! -fugh -ing chri-” it was her instinct to shout, proving to herself that she was, in fact still alive, but invaded by the coughs and hacks she let it sink away in the pool of water around her. Rubbing the water and confusion from her eyes, she gasped at the air.

 In the blur of water and shock she saw a wall next to her and let herself cling to it pulling herself up onto the small shelf. She tumbled over the small lip of it and landed hard on the marble below, stone and debris prickling against her as she focused on breathing.

 Coughing she looked at the debris, its odd shape and greenish colour grabbed at her mind. She had seen it before, from where she didn’t know, but she had seen it. As well as the floor, the light hues and patterns setting of bells in her mind, but everything started to swirl. Nausea pulled at her stomach.

 It was only then she noticed the eyes staring at her.

 Gasps that weren’t hers, words mixed between whispers and exclamations filled the air around her. Looking at the group of girls next to her, she saw the robes of reds and greens, and tried to sigh in relief. Tried because not only could she not breath yet, but also because nearly every one of the students in said robes had wands aimed at her.

 “Get back!” a curt voice cut through the air. “ Get back !” Erica hacked again as a red haired woman in a long black dress came into view, She shifted to get up but the stones at her legs dug in and white heat seared through them. Now the shock had lessened and she found her body aching. Another red haired woman entirely decked in green shot out from behind giant green doors.

 Green doors?

 In a moment her mind adjusted and she could see where she was, the marble floor, the green doors she was in the central hall! She managed the sigh this time, but hiccupped as the pain in her legs extended to her stomach and lungs. She was at school. She was still at Hogwarts.

 The red haired woman with the black dress regarded her tightly, over the thin rimmed glasses, she glanced between her and what Erica quickly realised was the fountain, which now lay partially destroyed under her. Detention was going to suck. She glanced at the other woman in green, long plaited hair fell to her hips and a faerie hat on top of her head. While Erica had never seen either before, she reasoned they must have been visiting parents of some of the students, as both seemed to gently haul the younger staring eyes away from her. While the black dressed woman seemed sterner in her attempts, the other gently coddled the students back towards the green doors, but she too had a wand in her hand, much to Erica’s chagrin, aimed at her.

 “What happened here?” A deeper voice sounded amongst the hushed surprise and another adult came into view. He was tall and in an immaculate pinstripe suit. Dark hair fell to his shoulders and he clasped at the railing as he rushed up the stairs, slow only because of a noticeable limp. Erica didn’t recognise this man either. He frowned deeply at the mess, and the girl in the mess before stopping a distance away. His brow creased, deeply matching the look of the woman in the black dress.

 Erica tried to stand again, but found her legs struggling and shooting in pain, blood also started to seep onto the floor. She looked up to the woman closest to her and for a moment saw her aunt standing there, in the long black dress. Her Aunt Ginny lookalike stared down at her as her head started to spin. What was her Aunt doing here? Was she here?

 “Please…” Erica mumbled to her without thinking. “I don’t feel so good.” Her aunt lookalike stepped forward again first hesitantly before quickly crouching next to Erica. She was starting to fade into the darkness, but she was glad for whatever reason that at least someone familiar was here. Her face was starting to burn with tears and she felt her face going red; as red as her own hair. Aunt Ginny would know what to do. Aunt Ginny would know what happened, she didn’t mind crying in front of her. Finally the darkness took hold.

…

 Erica could tell the bed from the hospital wing, from any bed she had ever slept on.

 It was always firm, always surrounded by a smell like a potions classroom, yet way more quiet. She should know, she had been there enough. Her body didn’t hurt any more, but she felt tired as hell. Yet as the whispers around her grew louder in irritation she found herself unable to go back into the quiet deep.

 “If she is not a student, why is she wearing our robes, Sharp?” a particularly haughty voice rasped, rolling ‘r’s as if they were battering rams against his opponent.

 “Surely you must know one of your students from a stranger?” the deeper voice from earlier replied. Erica shrugged back into her pillow, trying not to listen to the increasingly loud conversation. Though she did perk a little. ‘Your students’ the man had said. She tried to think back, but the voice was still as stranger to her as she seemed to them. She would have definitely mocked him long before now.

 “Well, how am I supposed to remember them all?” the first voice said. “With the rather lax laws these days about who can be a student, there are far more than is feasibly possible for me to remember.”

 “I know them,” the deeper voice said gruffly, annoyed at the other male there. “She is not a Hogwarts student,” Erica stirred. How could they not know who she was? Weasley was a name plastered onto the walls of Hogwarts, as much  part of it as the ghosts, or the paintings, or even the lake. Everyone with red hair was suspected to be a Weasley at first, there were enough of them.

 She scrunched her hands against the thin sheets and opened her eyes. The room had felt like The hospital wing, but it certainly didn’t look like it. It was smaller than she remembered, with wooden frames lining the walls. The beds, of which there was only a sparse handful, were cots with thin metal frames. She looked at the group huddle in the large door frame. The woman, she realised with upsetting clarity, was definitely not her Aunt Ginny, stood with her arms crossed as she watched two men bark at each other. The other man stood tall against his slightly taller opponent, and gripped tight to his old fashioned green suit. It seemed the more the pinstriped man snapped back, the more the green suited man felt the need to pull at his suit or at his bowtie. She would never understand wizard fashion. Insisting on suits and bowties instead of tees or god forbid even jeans.

 “Hello, dear, how are you feeling?”A brunette stepped into her line of sight and blocked out the rest of the conversation. She didn’t recognise the nurse either. While she was accustomed to the nurses outfit Madam Pomfrey wore, this new nurse had decorated hers too with a red bowtie. She pressed her cool fingers against Erica’s forehead.

 “I’m coolio,” Erica smiled, although lost it again when the nurse sharpened her look. “I’m good?” She tried again. She had spent so long trying to learn the newest lingo from the muggleborn students, she found it fascinating, but it didn’t surprise her that an older nurse may not know it. She barely did half the time, no matter how much she tried. The nurse instead felt her head again.

 “I have managed to heal your legs up fine,” she said slowly as if Erica had any trouble understanding. “But perhaps the destruction has brought more damage than appears?” she said.

 “I’m feeling much better, thank you,” Erica said, despite knowing it was a rhetorical question. “Although I should be offended that Madam Pomfrey hired someone else to deal with little old me.” she joked. It landed on deaf ears. The nurse looked at her again, this time her eyes crinkling with deep concern.

 “Madam Pomfrey?” the nurse asked. Erics nodded.

 “The… head nurse?” The nurse cocked her head to the side and frowned.

 “I… am the head nurse, here, dove,” she started to pat Erica’s hand sympathetically. “Perhaps I missed an injury?” At her words the nurse started to inspect Erica’s head. The movement drew the attention of the others at the door frame.

 The man in green tightened his hands around his robes and strolled over to her bed.

 “Ah, see now, the girl can tell us herself,” he puffed his chest out, consumed with his own importance despite the others fighting back against him. “Young miss,” he greeted Erica as he got to her bed. The other two shared looks but joined him, both had their arms crossed. The nurse, still looking perplexed, moved out of the way to the other side of the bed. Erica, having been in this position her fair share of times, fell immediately into rambling mode.

 “I swear it wasn’t my fault! Well, I did kind of antagonise Delphini, but she had it coming! I didn’t know what was going to happen!” She rushed out. “Look, it’s not that big a deal,” she tried to laugh it off, but only getting curious stares in return. “I’m sure Professor McGonagall is going to have a field day with this already, so I…”

 “Whoa, whoa,” The red haired woman brought her hands up and shushed her. “Slow down, Who is Delphini? And Who is Professor McGonagall?” At that, Erica froze. There was no one on this side of the wizarding world who didn’t know Minerva Mcgonagall. A sinking feeling started to slip in. Before she could let it reach her heart she studied them all closely. Not one of the adults seemed to buckle, yet Erica still let out a weary chuckle.

 “This is a prank isn’t. Oh, you nearly got me, Ha!” She let out but again got nothing in return. “I get it, pay back.” Please say it's payback ,  she silently begged. Silence.

 “My dear, what’s your name?” The woman asked instead, although she said it kindly.

 “Frederica.” She felt her voice go heavy in her throat. “Wealsey.” At her name the man in green clapped his hands.

 “Ah! So she’s one of yours Weasley,” He said as if he found the source of everything. “Of course she is,” he sniffed derisively enough that both of the Weasley’s shot him a look. Clearing his throat, he motioned for the woman to carry on. Yet, just on Erica’s face, the woman too, shared the same look. Neither recognised the other.

 “Who are your parents dear?” Erica took a deep breath, but looking at the stares back at her she remained quiet. Something was very clearly wrong, if these people were the remaining death eaters running around, tricking her with a fake Hogwarts, it wasn’t clever to give her parents in.

 “What’s happening?” she asked instead her voice starting to tremble. “I know my family, all of them, I don’t know you.” The red headed woman drew closer and sat on the bed.

 “My name is Matilda Weasley. This is Professor Sharp, and Headmaster Black.” She introduced the men. Head master… Erica gasped as her heart dropped. She may not have done great in class, but she knew enough. Impossible , she thought. But she squinted at him, looking over him. She had seen a portrait of Professor Black, not many due to his less than good reputation, yet here he was. Real.

 “No.” the words slipped from her. “Nonononono…” she tried to get up to run away but hands stopped her. The nurse, now well and truly upset with her, shooed the professors away from her bed as Erica grabbed at her throat. It felt tight. Everything felt hot and cold at the same time. Nope. It was a dream. It was impossible.

 “You’re joking,” she wheezed. “This is just a bad joke. I'm sorry for disrupting class. Is this… did dad do something while he was here? Oh god!” No one broke character. All they could do was look, as she fell into panic.

 “You don’t understand, this is impossible,” She pleaded with the nurse he firmly gripped onto her arms. She was still damp from the fall into the fountain. The coldness of her clothes pressed against her and it felt so real. How? How ? She looked at the other Weasley, Erica pleading with her to believe her.

 “This is impossible,” She said, unable to stop the whimper in her voice.

 “Child,” Headmaster Black said. He had grown steadily from confused to impatient. “What, do you say, is impossible?” Erica looked at the woman again.

 “What year is it?” She asked, then repeated the question louder when no one answered. “Please, just tell me.” Headmaster black, who looked to all the world done with this interrogation, sighed.

 “It is the year of 1891.” he answered, pulling his hand to his head. Erica stopped moving. She was pretty sure she stopped breathing too, only starting again when the nurse started to rub her back. They all waited for her to answer why it was so important. She let the tears build again, this was a damn good reason to cry.

 “I’m … from the future.”

…

 Erica curled against herself in the bed. It had to be impossible. Her head was spinning, already getting whiplash between disbelieving and missing home. Yet, everytime the feeling of home washed over her, she convinced herself that it was impossible, and looped into disbelief again. At her statement the nurse, finally fed up, somehow slipped a potion, and in her frantic pleas, she had just swallowed it. Now, her drowsiness left her in that loop of disbelieving and homesick. She could hear the professors talk about it, but she couldn’t force herself to listen in.

 At least she had a chance at being believed. The great thing about magic, anything could technically be possible. Thinking back, she had done a family tree once, while there were way too many names to memorise, she was sure there was a Matilda there somewhere. Family. She wanted her family.

 Her father, George, was blase about a lot of people, a running joke to him, but he loved Erica. He loved his family. What would he be doing now? Desperately running around the castle he once knew trying to find her? Frozen in sadness having lost her? She didn’t know. She didn’t want to know, no matter how many times the question popped up.

 Erica sat herself up as the pinstripe teacher, professor Sharp, came back to her bedside. Her ancestor, Matilda Weasley, gave her another weary look, but stayed back with the Headmaster, who now the question had been answered seemed more than annoyed.

 Sharp pulled up a chair and made himself comfortable.

 “May I call Frederica?” he finally said. She watched him for a moment, before looking back to the window, fervently invested as if she could somehow see home through the pane.

 “Erica.” She said her voice felt dull and she wasn’t sure if it was her or the potion she had been given. “People call me Erica.” He gave her a gente smile.

 “Very well, Erica,” he cleared his throat and shuffled in his seat. He seemed uncomfortable being the one chosen to talk to her. He looked back at the other professors before trying again. “If what you are saying is true, then… Please, elaborate.” She gave him another look but sighed.

 “I do come from the future.” She said able to bring anything to her voice. “And I want to go home. I don’t know what happened. I was arguing with Delphini, she’s just… a bitch.” he flinched at her language but otherwise remained unreadable. “ She said… something, I never heard what it was, but it hurt, and I panicked and... The next thing I knew I was crash landing into the fountain.” He nodded along and looked at the potion the nurse had given her next to the bed. After a moment he leant forward resting his arms on his knees.

 “How old are you, child?” She sniffed quietly.

 “I’m seventeen. Eighteen in a few weeks.” she found her eyes closed. Her dad was really excited for her eighteenth. His little girl was growing up. His only child. God, she hoped he was ok. Sharp nodded, his hair falling over his eyes as he nodded and looked down. Erica guessed he was the one was volunteered for this interrogation.

 “I know it seems impossible. But it’s all true. I just want to go home..

 “I believe you,”

 She sighed again. Some hidden weight lifted from her shoulders, but she turned her head before the tears could fall. She looked at the potion too. While she was a dab hand at potions, she didn’t really recognise which one it was. She did have a good look at the ingredients though, and found a few she did recognise, and also knew the reaction of combining them. He believed her, because under the potion she couldn’t lie. A small wry chuckle left her lips.

 “Great, all I need is a fricking truth potion.” Sharp looked at her surprise, but he didn’t ask. Instead he looked even more uncomfortable.

 “Miss Erica, you must be aware,” He paused looking at the floor as if it gave him answers. “We know not how to…” he paused but she turned away from him. He didn’t have to say anything. They didn’t know how to time travel in her time. She had no chance in the past. She let her curled body shift away from him, instead watching the large doorway, seeing a student now and peek their head through before quickly scurrying away. She ignored the creak of the chair behind her, but  felt a new presence behind her.

 “Gryffindor? Somehow, I am not surprised.” Professor Weasley said offering a different discussion to one Erica didn’t want to hear. With her back to her, her mind flooded back to Aunt Ginny again, it made the tears all the harder to keep back.  

 “Always have been, as long as I can remember,” Erica shrugged. She pulled her long curls into her fingers and wondered how Professor Weasley might see her. She had red hair, although hers was far more red than the orange hues of her family. She also had blue eyes and freckles that drew a line across her nose, all traits that were unmistakable for her family line. It was difficult to think that one of those people who also belonged to her line, long before her, was standing behind her. Maybe also contemplating the similarities between them.

 She stopped herself from saying anymore, who knows what she might have ruined already being sent back to the past, she wasn't sure what else she could say.

 “Well, for the time being you will stay in the Gryffindor dorm. We will find you some appropriate clothes and items for your studies here.” Professor Weasley said. “Perhaps it's best to keep this… turn of events between us? We don’t know what consequences this will entail.” Erica stiffened at the coldness in her voice. No, she wasn’t like Aunt Ginny at all. Not that Erica could blame her, She’d be freaked out if one of her descendants sat in front of her too. “For tonight, Nurse Blainey has agreed to let you stay here. You should get some rest. You have a long… well you should rest.” The headmaster had disappeared during the conversation, only bothered with what stir her appearance had caused. He had no need to deal with the child himself. Erica watched as the other professors left, probably to let her have her space as the potion made her even more drowsy, fully sinking in now.

 She let it. She didn’t want to be here anymore.

…

 “Ouch!”

 Erica jumped up at the sound. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the night. The familiarity of the Hospital wing quickly fought against the stark difference of her memory. As she adjusted her sight something moved yet she couldn’t quite catch it. She rubbed her eyes but the movement was slight and without squinting she could barely see it. A disillusionment charm. She had had her fair share of times with that charm.

 Someone had come to spy. Why, she didn’t know but she didn’t like it. Students snuck around all the time back in her time, but it being a vulnerable moment for her, it didn’t make her feel very good.  As she watched the distortion in the air move as whoever it was slipped forward towards the exit. The nurse had left only a small gap in the curtain shielding her from outside view. But she had seen that movement. She knew those distortions.  

 Erica slipped off the bed as quietly as she could. Her robes had been discarded while she was sleeping so she had no clue where her wand was. She was left in her shirt and skirt, even her tights were gone, probably so the nurse could examine her legs when they were injured. The room was cold at night so she had to suppress the shiver that surged. Her legs ached as she stood on them and she knew she didn’t have long to move, having only being able to as the adrenaline flooded through them.

 She peeked around the curtain quietly and saw the air ripple again. They were heading straight for the exit, she was sure she was going to lose them if she didn’t act quickly. Looking around, it seemed the room was empty, it was late given by the light through the window.

 Without a thought she jumped forward and pushed over the figure on the floor. The sudden attack caused them to falter and land on the floor with a thick ‘ophf’.  

 Now on the floor the spell lost his grip and a boy stared up at her. A boy?! Before he could figure out what happened, she surged again. Gripping the boy's arms and pinning them above his head, he didn’t have a chance to aim his wand at her. Draping her leg over him so he had no chance to escape. She could feel the adrenaline she was running on escaping her.

 The boy underneath gazed up at her surprised. He must have been another student, a slytherin by the green catches on his robe.  His brown hair seemed so dark in the night, but she could see his face full of freckles, almost covering it entirely. His dark round orbs watched her as she scowled at him.

 “Spying, are we?” His surprise melted into something else. Amusement, she could guess. He didn’t fight against her, instead a cocky grin grew in his face.

 “Well, I couldn’t miss this, could I? Rather an informal meeting, don’t you think?” She scowled further as his eyes dropped down her body, widening a little at her bare legs either side of him before he looked back up. Her curls of hair toppled down over him. She dropped onto his abdomen the weight of her making him ‘omph’ again. He winced, but with a smile on his face.

 “What. Do you. Want?” She asked, well aware there was little else she could do without a wand, but he didn’t seem to mind this turn of events.

 “I was on my way to the prefect's bathroom, can’t blame a man for his curiosity, can you?”  She narrowed her eyes.

 “Where I come from, we hold people accountable, even for their curiosity.” He shrugged and his grin grew bigger.

 “I’d say it was worth it.” He chuckled to himself. “Sebastian, by the way. Sebastian Sallow.” He wiggled his wandless hand as if to shake hers but she didn’t move, instead squeezing at his wrists.

 “Do you like spying on girls in bed, Sallow? Creep.” She said, only to frown when he shrugged non-committedly again.

 “If it ends up like this, I cannot say it isn’t a bad thrill to have,” Erica held back the need to throttle his neck. She scoffed and let him go, but her legs didn’t quite have the strength to stand again. It definitely wasn't because she had a handsome boy between them, definitely. She was still weak, that was all. She shifted her weight, unable to care that the shift definitely hurt his abdomen and pulled her leg back over him.

 “Well, if your curiosity is sated, please, don’t let me keep you.” She sneered as he sat up. Damn the boy would be tall if he stood. He was broad for someone who must have been near the same age as her, and she has certainly felt some muscles under her legs. Erica turned to him again, watching as his eyes trailed up the full length of her legs, only stopping when she scoffed.

 “Wow, never seen a girl before? No wonder you're desperate,” That grin grew wider, enough that even in the dim light she could see the dimples form on his chin. She hated that it made her heart pound. When she remembered where she was, or more specifically when she was, she realised the reality of him actually seeing a girl's legs probably was shocking.

 “Don’t I get your name? If I must play the role of a seat, I should think it's only fair,” She blushed hard at the innuendo he seemingly didn’t pick up on. Back home she was strangely used to jokes like that. Hearing it from a boy in the 18th century who more than likely had no idea why she was blushing so hard made her ears feel white hot. She scoffed and tried to get up but her legs wobbled. She stopped before he could notice though.

 “No.”

 “No?”

 “No.”  She crossed her arms over her chest looking as indignant as she could. She hated that he was right, a thrill ran up her spine. She was here, in the middle of the night, with a strange boy who seemed all too happy to flirt with her. She looked over her shoulder at him, the light catching those freckles and dimples and refused to let herself crumble. She heard him chuckle behind her.

 “Well, Red, what a precarious situation this is,” He said. Laughing when she glared over her shoulder again. “I promise it was just curiosity. How could one resist with an entrance like yours? The last person who had done so turned out to be very interesting.”

 “So glad you have someone else to follow, please, don’t wait for me.” She tried to nudge him again. She wasn’t entirely sure wanted him to know she couldn’t stand yet. Sebastian however was more observant than she realised.

 “Does someone need some help?” he cooed with a quiet laugh. She scowled at him again.

 “No.”

 “No?”

 “No.”

 She threw her hands to the ground and pushed herself up trying to get some leverage, but her wobbly legs slipped out from under her and she tumbled back, falling into his chest. Her face burned with fury and embarrassment, and it burnt hotter when he laughed quietly.

 “Quite the habit you’re developing, Red,” He shook his head as he laughed, careful to watch the nurse’s door. With a profound sigh that was no doubt fake he held out his hand. “May I help you to the bed?” Erica’s nose scrunched as she felt even hotter than before. Yet she had no choice, she couldn’t stand on her own. She thought briefly about screaming for help but his teasing didn’t seem to have any malice behind it. Despite the nature of his teases.

 “You can barely keep your eyes to yourself, can I trust you with your hands?” He scoffed with mock offence.

 “I always ask a lady, before I put my hands on her. Very few refuse.”

 “Alright you know what…”

 “I’m joking. I’m sorry.” He fought to keep his laugh quiet. “I am a gentleman after all.”

 He held his hands up in defence before she sighed and nodded.

 “Fucking hell,” she mumbled under her breath. If he heard her he pretended not to. She pulled off his chest and turned to him on her hip.

 “Yes, if you could help me, please,” Erica said through her teeth. He laughed again and tucked away the wand in his hands. He stood. She was right, he was tall. Without any effort he looped an arm around her back and another under his knees, but he didn’t pull her up.

 “You better hold on, Red, in case you fall out of my arms.” She didn’t move but neither did he. With a frustrated sigh Erica looped her arms around Sebastian’s neck. The bed was literally a few steps away, but he seemed to believe he was climbing up a mountain. She was right about his muscles too. She wasn’t the lightest of people, yet he seemed to carry her with no effort.

 “Well, Red, I’m glad this night is not a total bust.” He deepened his voice next to her ear, almost purring as she rolled her eyes.

 Erica closed her eyes for a moment and focused on the feel of his hands. He was real. As real as the version of Hogwarts was. She had to admit it wasn’t exactly… horrible, but now wasn't exactly the right time to dive into that sensation. He walked her to the curtain and nudged it to the side with his foot, before holding her over the bed. Still he didn’t let her go. When she opened her eyes and looked at him, the heat in his eyes was replaced with something else. Perhaps it was curiosity? It was sincere enough she had to swallow the moisture that was in her mouth suddenly.

 “You know, Red, I have a good feeling about our meeting.” Sebastian said suddenly. Erica’s brow knotted. “Quite fortuitous, even if I say so myself,”

 He put her down on the bed and before she could move he pulled the thin covers up over her body, grinning as he pretended to tuck her in.

 “Goodnight, Red.” He whispered and saluted her as he nudged the curtain back into place. “I have a good feeling we will see each other again.” With that he disappeared, leaving Erica stunned on the bed.

Very light 18+ warning for this chapter,  goes without saying all characters are aged up here

strangling, very light barely there smut 

  Fiona shivered as the candles around her flickered and almost immediately went out, she stood from her chair, her eyes trained on the door and her heart pounding. But not from fear, never from fear. She had waited. Years, she had waited. And now, even the skies outside seemed to ride the tension that coursed through her body, lighting holding back from the thunder as her breath from her lips.

  There, finally, his shadow stood in the door frame,

  And the lightning crashed.

  He had grown even taller in the few years, his mess of hair now curling around his ears, damp from the small caresses of rain. He stood in the dark, cloaked not only by the night but by a long coat, the collar dusting his chin concealing him from her further. Fiona’s blood begged for him. For him to come closer. For him to say or do something. She couldn’t move, couldn’t think in front of this ghost in front of her. As the light struck outside she saw flashes of him. Dark eyes that never left her, scaling over her form even in the now dim room. A mouth she pleaded to smile but refused, curtained in dark stubble. Gone were the boyish good looks, instead a raggedy handsome man stood in front of her.

  He dripped of sin and revenge and she was all too willing to take it all.

  He took one step into the room, just one, and knocked the door shut. Fiona shivered once again. He was here. He was really here. Finally she took a breath and flicked the wand in her hand, igniting the candles around him again. Lit by the fire, in the deep crimsons and oranges he was truly magnificent in his darkness. Just like she remembered. Without another thought she dropped her wand on to the table next to her, as unable to take her eyes off him as he had her. It clattered down the only noise in the room.

  “You've certainly left your mark on the place.” his voice had gotten even deeper then she remembered. How he even saw the room when his eyes didn’t move she didn't question. She just basked in that voice. One she had dreamt about for years.

  “Sebastian,” she spoke before she meant to and his eyes narrowed and darkened at his name, a scowl on his face.

  “I’ve dreamt of this,” he admitted, taking another step closer. “Of what you’d say. Of how you’d plead. Of the many ways I would earn my room in that blasted place.” She swallowed and her body shook. She should be afraid. She should have been terrified he even looked at her the way he did now. Ice cold, unknowing. As if she was just a stranger to him. But she couldn’t bring herself to feel anything but relief.

  A twist of darkness danced in the light and suddenly he was in front of her. His freezing cold hand gripped to her throat, tight enough to grip but not yet ripping her breath away. Her hands, running on instinct gripped the damp coat, even as he pulled her from the chair, as their feet felt in sync moving to the wall. Her head hit the wall with a soft thump, pain shooting through her quickly. “It won’t be quick.” he promised against her ear, pulling away at the whimper that left her. Only instead of fear he saw the tears line her eyes. Her hands that should have pushed at him, should have torn and swatted, only gripped at him. Tugging at him as if he was falling through her fingertips.

  His dark brows knotted. He knew Fiona. He knew she would fight for her life. But this woman in front of him was not fighting. Instead she silently wept. Drinking the sight of him as if she were drowning from its absence. The rage and fury that tormented him for years riled against him. It was just another tactic, just another way for him to spare her. A hand found its way to his, but she never pushed at him. She simply grasped at his wrist.

  “I missed you.” was all she could say against the tightness in her throat, the cluster of tears waiting there as tight as his fingers.

  “This isn’t going to save you,”

  “I missed you, Sebastian,”

  “Stop it.”

  “I love you,” she whispered the words, wanting him to feel their meaning even as he started to squeeze lightly, but still not tight enough to harm her. He couldn’t get his hand to do so. One hand on her neck, the other beside her on the wall. Once he would dream of doing this, but in a wholly different context. There she was willing, she reciprocated, they would be dragging their mouths across each other like hungry animals. Where every squeeze of his fingers would earn him a scratch down his back in return. He growled at the damned dream he once had, his body pressing hers into the wall, digging her into it. But nothing changed. Nothing he said or did changed that look on her face. He debated not watching it, snapping her neck and then leaving. But as her breath stuttered it set a claw against the rage inside him, tearing apart the anger and hurt. With a grunt he let her go and stepped away.

  He chuckled wryly, his warm hand now scouring his face. All this pain, all this hate and anger but he couldn’t do it. He listened to the gasps behind him and that claw that shredded at him turned into remorse. Remorse he didn’t let touch the surface. He shouldn’t have come back.

  Instead he looked around the place he once called home. It was different now. Hues of purples and blues and pinks lined the surfaces, a plush bed stood where the two wooden cots used to be. Plants and paintings over the walls. She had brought this place to life, when sorrow had strangled it away a long time ago. It now longer felt like the Sallow home. It felt like her. Like life and light, and so much like her he wanted the strangled dullness to come back.

  He listened to her breathe, his insides turning as she coughed and spluttered, his hands aching at the thought of doing it to her. Instead he busied them with shrugging off his coat. Not yet, He told himself, he told the anger. just not yet. He dropped to a wooden chair and hunched over his knees, suddenly just so tired. So tired of feeling, of the anger and pain. He didn’t dare look at her until she had calmed her breaths. He thought he would enjoy it. He thought about a lot of things. He thought he loathed her, for a long time he did. Yet, now he realised the only person he truly loathed was himself. In the dim orange light he spotted something on the table, a small little wooden figurine. Something from his deep wounded mind remembered it in another's sleeping hands. He let out another wry laugh and took the figure off the table.

  “She was next. On my list. Surprisingly, not in first place.” He uttered out loud. The ‘was’ in his throat clamped his heart with pain. She was on his list. But he could no more hurt her then he could Fiona. Not only was she his sister, but also… “What happened to her?” his voice tightened again, not watching Fiona as she took the wooden chair across from him. Sitting where the twins used to sit. Now he was the only one left.

  “I don’t know what she did for the two years i was at Hogwarts,” Fiona started rubbing her throat lightly. “But after… after Hogwarts, I healed her.” His eyes shot to her. In the orange light her dusty golden hair shifted like its own firelight, her blue eyes always gazing at him. She wiped her eyes and sniffed lightly, already missing the warmth of him so close. He glared at Fiona in disbelief. She had told him, she had specifically told him she wouldn't use the repository. Her free hand picked at the table cloth. “I… went back. With Fig gone, with you gone, I couldn’t… I studied the memories, I studied everything I could and I took her pain.” her voice shuddered as she spoke.

  “But the damage to her body was done. It was a damage no one and nothing could fix. She had more years than she would have done with the curse, but in the end…” She blinked away more tears. Sebastian stared at her. The scowl was gone, replaced with blank dullness. A mask.

  “We lived together here, until…”  a small laugh broke through the tears. As if she had waited all this time to tell him, it burst from her. “She wanted to get married. She wanted to experience something before she died.” She chuckled again, with a little more life in it. The memories came back. So much so a smile fought to break out behind the mask he wore. Instead he cocked his head and watched her as she laughed and cried. Pretending her words, her face, this story meant nothing to him. “Ominis offered it to her. Anne married Ominis.” He couldn’t hide the surprise that caught him. It was something that never occurred to him before. The pair together, with one a sibling and Ominis more a brother than anything, the thought wasn’t easy to accept. But her hiccup stopped his train of thought. “They were really happy.”

  Regret and pain tore at him again. But not at their actions, at his own. He wasn't there. He wasn't there to see Anne happy. He wasn’t there to look after Anne, to see her find a husband, to scare off said husband. Instead Fiona was. Ominis was. He blinked away his own tears as the anger he had bore roared its way back. Fiona reached forward, her fingers, now longer, more slender touched against the figurine in his hands.

  “She wasn’t in pain in the end. She was with us, and she wasn’t in pain.” Her hope of it giving him any consolation didn’t work. His eyes had darkened again, where he fell into that pit of loathing she had almost pulled him from.

  Fiona rose from her seat and moved to the cabinet behind the table, even now, with her back turned to him she didn’t fear him. Instead she brought out a shoe box and placed it on the table between them.

  “Letters,” she said. “From all of us. To you.” at his scoff she started. Watching as he threw the figurine next to the box and stood, his arms crossing.

  “You really want me to believe that Anne of all people, that any of you, wrote to me in there? Anne turned me in!” he started to raise his voice. He caught Fiona’s light eyes narrow, her brows furrowed and she hiccuped again. She still had the same damn knot between her brows, when she was confused.

  “Anne spoke for you at the trial,” he scoffed again, he was almost fooled by her. He almost believed her. He ran a hand through his hair and shifted on his feet, the scowl finding its way back to his face. Her shoulder slumped as she watched him, the curls flicking with every movement he made. Despite Azkerban’s reputation. It hadn’t done as much of a number on the man as she had prepared for. He was thinner and a little more raggedy, but he didn’t look on the verge of death.

  “I was there Sebastian, we all spoke for you. Ominis, Anne, even the teachers. Even blasted old Scribner told them that you were bright and passionate!” He rolled his eyes and kicked at the floor. Now she was definitely lying.

  It was Fiona's turn to scoff, spinning around as she grabbed another much larger box from the cabinet. She dragged the lid off the  box and held up the thin and very used parchment. so used  was the parchment that he could almost see through it, creased to hell and back. “Court transcripts. Letters of recommendations. Ominis pleaded with his parents for some of these! I begged on my knees to anyone who would listen. Told as many people as I could how you helped me save Hogwarts!” she dumped the papers on the table and grabbed a fistful more. “Ominis made up a story about that damn relic, how it twisted your mind! Anne told the courts how Solomon treated you, how he practically…”

  “I know what Solomon did to me!” he growled.  She dumped the papers again and rounded on him, pointing a sharp finger in his face.

  “Don’t you dare think, for one moment, we didn’t fight for you.” she growled back at him. Slowly turning back into the girl he knew, all heat and fire. “I petitioned the ministry to visit you, took on as many dangerous tasks as i could to be in some standing, to have a name so i could use it for you!” her finger shot out pointing at the door. “I waited for you. Years, I waited for you. Every charmer, every one night stand that would mean nothing, everyone who could have possibly cared for me I turned down. I fought and I waited for you.” Her hands flew to her neck, where light bruises were starting to form. “I knew you would come here to kill me, that you would be this angry. I knew those bastards would never tell you any of this! I know you! But I still waited.” His dark eyes lingered on her neck, on those marks. She poked his chest.

  “We all waited for you Sebastian. Don’t you dare, EVER, think we wouldn’t.” The tears that sprung from her this time were long awaited rage. She poked him again, hard enough that he had to grab her wrist. The sudden connection between them made her jolt.

  His eyes darkened again, yet this time there was a ravenous heat behind them. Something he assumed Azkaban had stolen from him, returned with fiery passion. His body, cold since the day he was sent away suddenly felt hot. Her heavy breath transformed into a soft mewl with the flick of his wrist, pulling her towards him.

  He looked at her neck, her lips and bit his own.

  She shot forward, her free hand tangling in his hair and pressed her lips to his hard. He returned her kiss just as ardently, the battle raging between them as their kiss slipped between lips, tongue and teeth. He growled as she caught his bottom lips between her teeth, punishing him for making her wait for so long. He let go of her wrist, her fingers tangling in his locks of brown curls instantly. Her fingers scraped against his scalp, enticing a deep primal moan to rumble from his throat.

  His own hands wandered to places she never allowed him before, her ass, her breasts, down her legs so he could pull her impossibly closer. After another long scratch in his hair, Fiona dropped her hands to his shoulders and pushed at them, and his body followed her instruction without hesitation.

  He dropped to his knees and she followed quickly. Meeting his mouth again before he could even take a breath. She grabbed and pulled greedily at his shirt, still damp from the wet outside. Fiona delighted in the tingles and bites she got in return for her efforts.

  Sebastian sighed at the feel of her, as she pressed more of herself against him. She rocked against him. The weight of her smothered the anger and pain and torment. With the feel of her body pressed to his, the thoughts of his nightmares from the previous years dwindled. She pressed her tongue to his. He wondered if it was her hope that had kept him alive till now.

  So many times, he had prayed to anything that would listen, to fall insane. He wished to lose his mind in that dreadful place, but as she mewled against him again he was faintly glad he didn’t. He was glad to feel this, to do this, to feel anything other than numbness. So glad was he, that he left her lips and drew his to her neck, where his accursed fingers had left their marks and kissed and sucked at the skin there. Kissing her as if it would transform the marks he had made in anger to one of love instead.

  Never again. Sebastian swore with everything in him. Never again would he touch her like that. He would die before he even thought about doing it. This - whatever this was - couldn’t get rid of these last years, but it wasn’t so painful in her arms. When they had let him go, he was filled with loathing, and all he could see was her face in his mind. He thought the loathing was aimed at her. He thought killing her would soften the sharp tugging ache in his heart. That place had mixed him up, he realised now, and it was something he would never forgive himself for. It had blinded him and he had construed his feelings for her. He had thought the last person who had cared for him, who didn’t abandon him, had finally given up on him. It was all that place had told him. That she had turned him in. She abandoned him. She left him.

  Yet, she hadn’t.

  He dragged his teeth against a sensitive spot and she let out a high pitched whine unlocking something within her. She pushed at him again, roughly, in response until he was against the floor. She quickly threw her leg over him, her weight at the point of drawing just enough friction between them and definitely not enough.  His hands gripped at her thighs, almost feeling the soft skin underneath the thin fabric. He drew over the curves of her, and she froze against him.

  He was smirking. The old familiar dark grin that made her tingle and laugh. She had seen it so often in her dreams. The sight of it sharpened the twist in her core, a growing pressure she had felt since he had first grabbed her. His hands at her hips, encouraging her to move against him, that smirk on his face, she could fall apart just at that. She leaned forward but as he moved to kiss her again she yanked his head back and it thumped against the floor. Something sharp pushed under his jaw, and her hand pulled at his hair, keeping him still. He was completely at her mercy… and for the first time in the longest time, self preservation didn’t kick in. The instinct to fight back didn't kick in. He was no more scared of her then she was of him, despite her now sitting on top of him with her wand to his neck. It made him shiver, desperately wanting more. But he waited.

  “Never try that again.” She demanded. “Unless I ask you to.” His eyes fluttered to her neck. The fire he had always loved burned within her, bringing back the Fiona he knew, it made his hips move unconsciously. Try, she had said. He had wondered why she didn’t fight back. She had beaten him at many duels, they both knew if she raised her wand to him, trying would be as far as he got. She had seen the discarded wand on the floor and knew she had this chance. She wanted to convince him while he was listening. She was so tantalisingly close, but she didn’t give in to his desperation or hers. At his movements she lifted her hips, taunting him to try and push her again. “If you continue down this path, I will hunt you down. That, I swear.” There was a hardness to her voice that brought his hazy mind back. “Sebastian, you will be better than that. Promise me now. Swear to me.” to tempt him more she leant closer. Teasing her lips over his, pulling away everytime he moved to kiss her. her grip tightening on his hair. “Swear to me,” she whispered against his lips. “Swear to me that you’ll let me help you, swear to me you realise you’re not alone. you never have been.” Her light eyes caught his. Her words struck at his heart. He knew. He had always known. Yet had never stopped him feeling it before. She watched the conflict over his face and softened hers.

  “I’ll share the burden with you Sebastian. Let me. We’ll do it together.” He didn’t answer. He never wanted to give her the pain he went through. Life with her though? That was tempting. At his hesitance she jabbed the wand at the softness under his jaw once again. “As long as you’ll have me Sebastian, I’ll share everything good and bad with you. I only ask you to do the same.” She discarded the wand again and let go of his hair. If he didn’t want her promise she would let him leave, she would give him the chance to live his life. If he hurt someone else he cared about, she would do as she promised. His throat tightened before the words tumbled out.

  “I don’t know how," he admitted. It was the truth. He never knew how to let anyone in. He never even let Ominis in, not truly. Nor Anne.

 She took another deep breath and pressed a kiss to him, far more chaste than the ones they had shared. He accepted it willingly.

  “All I ask is that you at least try,” she whispered. “We’ll figure it out. Please. But this anger… you have to let it go.” He took a moment. Watching her over him. The implication was clear, if he let it go, he would get her. He would get what he always wanted.

  He thought about what he would have done before. Take what he wants with pretty words and then do what he wants anyway.

  Yet, he realised, he didn’t want to be angry anymore. He didn’t want to listen to the voice of that place in his mind anymore. She was offering the best of both worlds and all he had to do was take it. All he had to do was take the hand she was offering.

  He looked into those light blue pleading eyes. Try, was all she wanted. He could try.

  He nodded slowly and she breathed out a sigh of relief. She kissed again, and he realised he actually missed it. In the small moments she stopped, he missed her touch. For his reward she lowered her hips again, making him growl against her mouth.

  He could feel the difference in her kisses now. Before, there was a desperate hunger, a neediness that gripped his own. Now she kissed with care. She didn’t move or push him to where she wanted, instead she let his hands wander. She let him explore for as long as he wanted to.

 Neither bothered fully stripping their clothes, just pulling and adjusting and ripping to fit their needs. They just needed each other, to feel connected, to have what they should have had long ago. Falling into a pace in sync with each other. Pants and moans filling the now stuffy air. Passion between building and building until the high was almost unbearable and riding it until the world floated away.

  Fiona couldn’t think. Only letting her body fall next to his, spent and exhausted. She wanted to touch him again, his face, his hands and body. Watching him pant next to her, if she was honest with herself, she had convinced herself it was a sight she would never see. It was a sight she drank in and memorised, because despite his promises, she knew there was a strong possibility he would be gone by morning.  She wanted to tell him she loved him, now he was willing to listen to her, but found her throat closed. She was unsure if she could bear it, if she told him again and he was gone.

  When she got the strength to move she sat up and cleared the mess between them, feeling somewhat delighted as a hand  slowly stroked her spine.

  Fiona let out a small chuckle at the feel of his fingers. She realised she was waiting for him to disappear. For his image to fade away, for him to be gone again, but he sat up next to her. The smirk still a ghost on his lips.

  She stood and offered her hand, smiling when he took it easily. Without another word, they stripped the rest of their clothes and moved to the bed to explore each other even more

…

  Fiona woke up alone.

  The candles had long since gone out, yet the sunlight bled through the windows lighting the small shack. Disappointment flooded her senses, but she couldn’t bring herself to weep anymore. Instead she pulled on some day clothes, not bothering to try on anything fancy, and rubbed at her face.

  When she stood however, she noticed the box on the table, long abandoned the night before, was missing. The front door was also open. She didn’t dare to hope. Taking a breath she moved to the door. Her heart almost fell to her feet.

  Sebastian sat on the steps of the house, leaning against the door frame, inspecting the used papers. Letters, carved with Anne’s writing on the front, sat next to him, still unopened.  

  Silently, she picked up the letters and sat down next to him, careful not to disturb his reading.

  “I don’t miss him.” he said out loud. She looked over the paper in his hands, it was the transcript of his trial. She could barely see the words on it now yet she had memorised it long ago. “I should. I should feel something, right?” He put the paper back into the box on the other side of him. “I… regret what I did. But not that he’s gone.” He turned to look at her, the sun catching the many freckles that dotted his face. She wanted to kiss each and every one. She could sense the silent question on his lips. He was asking if it was bad that he felt that way. She didn’t know how to answer. Instead she curled her arms around one of his and rested her chin on his shoulder.

  “Anne told us what it was like, growing up with Solomon. You got the worst of it.” Sebastian only nodded.

  “I…” the usual blockage in his throat stopped him but he sighed, forcing it out. “If he showed any moment of love, just a second of it, I think wouldn’t have survived doing it.”

  “I don’t think you would have done it.” she said. “He hurt you. And you… you were really messed up back then. He didn’t deserve it, but neither did you.” He nodded and closed his eyes. The wind had caught them just right, and for the first time since leaving that place, he finally felt the fresh - and free - air.

  “I think he needed us messed up.” he sighed, “He needed to be angry at me because he couldn’t be angry at my dad, and he needed Anne to be sick… because he didn’t have a purpose anymore. Looking after her, gave him something. When he left the ministry, when he fell into dark arts too, I think he lost himself. I guess we’re more alike then i care to admit,”

  “You did it out of love.” she said. “Solomon… could have had that love too. But he didn’t let himself. You’re not like him, Sebastian. You never gave up. You wandered down the wrong path, but you didn’t give up. You inspired me.”

  He opened his eyes to gaze down at her, how for one second could he have thought he hated her? Even now, that voice in the back of his head, the twisted kick that told him she was lying, was so much quieter.

  “I did?” she nodded, digging her chin into his shoulder as she did, not risking letting go of him.

  “You did,” she smiled brightly at him. “I was terrified when it all started. You were so cool, and suave and funny. You made me brave.” He raised a brow, and in the sun the raggedy face of the man started to morph just a little into the boy she knew. The glint in his eye, the freckles, he was still alive in there somewhere. While he couldn’t bring himself to grin back, he felt lighter, light enough to put the lid back on the box and shove the past away. He took Anne’s letters from her hands and stared down at them.

  “Anne and Ominis? Really?” she chuckled at his incredulity. “I thought they both had better tastes.” she slapped his arm, and the ghost grin tugged even more.

  “They were so cute together -” she laughed

  “Blagh!” he scoffed. She shook her head but stood. Once again, as she always had since the moment they met, she reached out her hand.

  “Speaking of, he’s probably waiting for you. We should go and visit him, he’s in outer Hogsmead, so not far.” He accepted her hand and she pulled him up and close to her again.

  “You’re not gonna try and kill him too, are you?” she chuckled.

  “No.” He answered, finally the corners of his mouth turning. “Something tells me, he won’t have quite the same reaction as you did.” He pressed a chaste kiss to her mouth. She blushed but continued to smile.