#SH&DD

[fukae-flwr]

Stained Hearts & Dark Desires

Chapter 2: Compromises over Pride

Summary: Edith is caught in a very tough position. Enemies from her past have got her cornered, and now her fate lies with them. Maybe she can sway them in her favor.

Word count: 3.3k

Warnings: adult language, dirty thoughts if you squint hard,

Rating: MATURE 18+ (No Minors)

Chapter: 3

She waited with bated breath, heart pounding in her ears. She watched both men for any sign of aggression, or retaliation. They could attack the second she let her guard down. Her eyes saw the pain, relief and overall gentle fondness they had when gazing at her. Her heart wanted to believe them, but her mind refused to fall for it. As soon as they accepted she was alive, their bittersweet joy would turn to a roaring fire of rage. She was alive, and they had finally found her.

All those years of dodging them, going to great lengths to avoid them gone thanks to a momentary lapse in judgment. She had barely escaped out the upstairs window onto the roof as soon as she had heard Ominis and Sebastian approaching. Thinking she could just quietly slide off the roof onto the stack of wood Anne had behind the house, she dangled from the edge, trying to get her footing right. Unfortunately for her, the hay had been tickling her nose just enough for her to sneeze. Which, in turn, caused her to lose her footing, go tumbling down into the pile of wood, and knock all the wood pieces over with a painfully loud noise. Years of being masterful at stealth, and today was the one day she failed miserably at it.

Edith blamed the boys; they gave off an energy that always made her turn into some klutzy fool. Her luck was exponentially bad around them. She recalled too many times in their chases of her where they had come unbelievably close to capturing her due to her luck being gods awful that day. She’d always barely escape and played it off like it was all planned, when in reality she was sweating buckets. Nothing ever went to plan when Sebastian and Ominis were involved. Today was the day her luck had decided to up and leave her, resulting in her capture. She cursed every god under the sun for her rotten luck.

It was clear when she arrived that Anne had been taken. Everything was thrown about, the door blasted in, papers scattered about. Edith had frantically searched for anything. She had taught Anne that in a crisis to hide to the best of her abilities. She knew that by making enemies, it would put Anne at risk. So they went over things to do when this occurred. From the way the cottage had been torn apart, her small training sessions with Anne on protecting herself paid off. Anne didn’t go without a fight. The only reason everything was so immaculate was thanks to Edith casting repairo on everything. She couldn’t raise any alarms with the boys or the neighbors, a fat lot of good it did.

Bringing Edith back to her current situation. Anne disappeared, with hardly a clue as to where or why, not to mention due to her lack of arriving for their scheduled “appointment” now Anne was on borrowed time. Then topping it all off, Sebastian and Ominis decided today was the day they finally caught the elusive Masked Wizard. There was no way they were going to let her leave here alone. Perhaps not ship her off Azkaban just yet, but definitely not leaving her sight, which put a hinderience on finding Anne. Any way she looked at it, she was fucked.

“We’re clearly at an impasse, boys.” Edith hoped her voice sounded as calm and cold as she wanted, and not like the nervous wreck she was feeling internally. She fought viciously to stop her body from shaking with anxiety, but her throat began to clamp up as her back tensed. It felt like her muscles were refusing to let her get any words out confidently, and all her body wanted to do was curl up in a dark hole for the next hour to just calm down.

“Indeed. It appears you are right. What should we do with you?” Sebastian spoke first. Finally his eyes bore the emotion she was mentally prepared for, anger. That soft look that made her uncomfortable was replaced by the rage she knew he’d come to. He was always quick to temper, and she had braced herself for that hate, not for kindness. She didn’t know how to act with kindness. Yes, their hate and bitterness was something she was much more comfortable dealing with.

“You should let me go.”

“Ha! Hilarious!” He mused bitterly.

“Worth a shot.” Edith shrugged as nonchalantly as she could muster.

“As if we’d just let you, the most wanted criminal today, go. You need to be held accountable for your crimes.” Something told Edith, the "crimes" he was referring to weren’t the ones the Ministry had placed on her. No, they were the ones much more personal to the three of them.

“Oh but of course…after I find Anne. Finding Anne is top priority. Do with me what you will then.” She had no intention of going to prison once Anne was found. She escaped them once, she’ll easily do it again…somehow. That was a future problem for future Edith. Right now all her focus needed to go into finding Anne.

Edith had gathered some things from Anne’s house that could potentially point her in the right direction but she needed to get home first. And these two were wasting precious time.

“What do you suggest then, Ms.Winterald?” Ominis finally spoke up, calling her by her last name. It stung somewhere deep inside to hear how formal he was with her, knowing a lifetime ago, they were much more familiar. His soft expression was long gone too, replaced by a more professional and cold one you’d expect from an aurora.

Edith bit the inside of her cheek. The best bet would be to ditch them by shifting into her animagus form. However, the amount of magic it took to not only apparate to Anne’s house while keeping her appearance charm on, and then battle the both of them to escape with said charm still going, well it was suffice to say she was absolutely drained at the moment. She doubted she had enough in her to change into her animagus form, let alone hold the form long enough to fly away as quickly as possible.

She racked her brain for any solution other than the obvious one coming to mind. She could do small bits of wandless magic, nothing astounding nor worth giving away her trick up her sleeve. So long as Ominis held onto her wand, her options were limited.

She felt the words come up her throat, fighting through every ounce of her rationality telling her this was a bad idea. She desperately wished there was some other way but for the sake of Anne, someone had to give. Might as well be her, her pride be damned.

“I…propose…a temporary alliance.” Edith felt teeth grinded with itself as she forced the words out. The after taste of them, disgusting and bitter. They both watched her carefully not believing her, understandably so.

“Go on.” Sebastian crossed his arms. How was it he was so smug? He must’ve released how much of a jab her pride was taking at this moment. By Godric's heart she wanted to punch that smug asshole. Biting down her annoyance, she continued.

“You don’t send me to Azkaban right now, and I…will…allow you to be graced by my company. Just until Anne is found.” It felt like trying to pull a particularly stubborn mandrake out of the ground. The damned words felt nearly impossible to get out. Every part of her was saying this was a ridiculously bad idea. It defeated the whole reason she left in the first place. They weren’t supposed to get involved with her…at all!

“Hmm but how do we know you’ll keep your word? You could very likely just apparate away once you have gotten your wand back?” Ominis countered, fully convinced Edith wouldn’t keep her word. It was fair for him to think that, after all, she didn’t keep her word last time.

Before Edith could say anything, Sebastian opened his mouth, suggesting the absolute worst idea he has ever suggested.

“Make it an unbreakable vow.” He spoke confidently and condescendingly. Edith prayed to whatever gods she had been cursing that her expression remained cooled and unaffected contrary to the fact everything inside screaming in anger, anxiety, and all around panic. Of course, he would come up with that kind of solution, and it would work as assurance for them. It forced her to keep her word at the expense of her life, and she hated it. It was binding her to them more than she'd like.

“Sebastian, you know what happens if one breaks the oath.”

“So does she. And finding Anne is the most important task right now. This way we can focus on that and not worry about her running off the first chance she gets.” His words were as sharp as a viber, threatening to strike.

Edith felt her stomach coil, and her skin prickled. There was no way out of an unbreakable oath aside from death. An unbreakable vow could last as long as needed, and they could force her to commit to something for a lifetime. On the other hand, if she didn't agree, then they'd be wasting more time that could be spent trying to find Anne.

“I’ll do it, but only till Anne is found.” Edith compromised. She had to avoid anything lasting past that.

“Are you really making demands in your position?”

“That’s my condition. Take it or leave it, Sallow.” Edith snarled at him. She could be just as stubborn as him, and he knew that. He glared at her, deciding if it was worth it. His dark, almost black eyes bore into hers. Saying everything yet nothing all at once.

“Until Anne is found then.” He spoke the words as if they themselves were a threat. What threat? Edith couldn’t tell, nor did she plan to find out.

“Then it’s decided, an unbreakable vow.” Ominis confirmed. This was a terrible idea. Every fiber of Edith’s being screamed that this was a bad idea, but Anne had to be rescued. Anne’s life meant more than her own.

Edith begrudgingly stood firm in her spot and held out her arm to whoever would bind her to the unbreakable oath. Ominis looked over to Sebastian’s direction with a knowing look. Of course Sebastian, the prideful ass, wanted to be the one to bind her. His idea, he gets to do it.

With a victorious grin, he stepped up to her and firmly gripped her arm. The strength of his hold showed her just how much stronger physically he was than her. An uncomfortable pain shot up her arm, but she didn’t let him have the satisfaction of knowing it hurt. This pain was nothing compared to the pain Edith subjected her body to frequently for the past 7 years.

He watched her as she watched him, never taking their eyes off each other as Ominis stood off to their side, readying the spell. Edith took this time to examine how much Sebastian had changed. He was so much taller than her now. Before, he hadn’t been that much taller, maybe a few inches to half a foot, but nothing drastic. Now, she could feel her neck muscles stretch nicely to look at him. He was easily a full foot taller, and she wasn’t on the shorter side.

His hair was shorter yet still maintained that wild curls, something she loved in her past life. He had such strong features, devilishly handsome. Without obviously moving her eyes from his, she could tell from her peripheral vision that he had quite the muscular build as well. Something any woman with eyes would greatly appreciate. Edith could easily imagine some lucky woman being picked up in those strong arms, hands on her waist, probably pressed up against something such as a wall trapped by him. He'd be so close to her.

Edith felt herself flush just as she immediately halted her traitorous mind. Where the fuck was her mind going? Feeling her brain was wandering too much, she fought the slight heat she felt in her face. She made sure to give herself an internal slap for mental ogling over her enemy. Sebastian grew up handsome. Lucky him. She liked a pretty face. End of story.

“Something on your mind?” Sebastian questioned. His expression is a mix of mockery and genuine confusion. She easily forced an embarrassed scowl at him.

“Nothing of your concern.”

Looking away, Edith watched as the faint glow wrapped itself around the union of their arms. She turned her gaze to Ominis. who stood close by, maybe a tad too close for her comfort. Then again hundreds of miles from her still wasn’t far enough to be rid of the things they did to her emotionally. She couldn’t afford that weakness right now.

She tried not to be distracted by how much Ominis grew as well. He was much taller than before, even slightly taller than Sebastian, by a couple inches. He, too, had beautifully distracting features, clearly having gone from charming young boy to stupid handsome man. No wonder these two were quite popular with younger women. They were blessed with good looks. Aside from his face, he too had quite the muscle as well, not as wide as Sebastian but still muscular. His tailored suit did nothing to hide that, if anything, it enhanced his appearance. She imagined him rolling up his sleeves and loosening his tie just as he did in defense against the dark arts class, but as the man he was in front of her. Strong arms insinuated by the tightly rolled up white shirt. His long, thick neck exposed as he pulled his tie loose. A familiar heat tickled her face once more.

She had never been this weak to someone’s appearance. She could appreciate one’s looks, but she assumed it was because of who she was looking at. Old emotions she had been fighting for so long, deciding to surface now. Time to shove them back into the shadows.

“Will you, Edith Winterald, remain with close proximity to either myself or Sebastian until Anne has been returned?” Ominis asked, looking into her direction once the spell was performed. Everything screamed no, terrible decision, awful idea, but she was in the thick of it now.

“I swear.”

“Will you form a temporary alliance with both Sebastian and myself until Anne has been found and returned safely?”

“Yes…I will.”

“You will not disappear on us…while in pursuit of Anne” Sebastian added, giving her a pointed, dark stare. The silence in the middle of his statement spoke volumes. He was trying to keep her trapped. Part of her longed to say yes even after Anne was found, but knew that’d be a lie. She could promise only until, not after.

“I won’t.” The words hung over all of them, heavy and uncomfortable. The glowing lights had faded yet the mark remained, seared into her skin. She released Sebastian yet he did not release her. His grip significantly lessened but still enough to hold her in place. He searched her eyes for any lies, any tricks. As if finding none, he finally released her. She pulled her arm away and backed away from the both of them, feeling their presence suffocating her.

“Well now since you officially collared me,” Edith spoke bitterly, rotating her slightly sore arm, “ My wand.” She held her hand expectedly to Ominis. He hesitated for a moment then gently handed it over. Snatching it from his grip, Edith quickly turned on her heels to retrieve her bag and fallen items. She tossed the letters, galleons and mask into the bag and made sure to tightly seal it shut. Didn’t need to advertise her secret identity to the rest of the world.

“Now boys, I'm feeling positively exhausted so...I'm going home.” She faced them, absolutely annoyed with her current predicament, and was absolutely going to make it their problem.

“Seeing as I don't feel like dying immediately, you two are coming with.” Before they could even get a word in edgewise, she marched over to them, grabbed them tightly by the arms, and apparate out of the woods.

Once the familiar sight of her lovely home in London appeared in front of her, she shoved the disoriented men off and marched up to her door. Such a welcomed sight after the absolute shit of a night she had. Upon opening the door, Edith was greeted by the small home dressed in the shadows of the night.

“Penny?” She called for the only person she’d call family. In an instant, the little elf appeared in front of her with the warmest of smiles. On her head was her flower hat she proudly wore on her head. Edith had tried to give Penny a new dress, but Penny refused. Stating her hat was an enough gift from Edith.

“Miss Edith! Penny is most pleased to see you have returned home safely!” She beamed, all the stress of the day seeming to evaporate just in the presence of her warm smile. Penny was the only family Edith had at this point in her life. Penny chose to follow Edith, and she made sure Penny would never regret it.

“Thank you, Penny. Would you mind please draw me a bath and have some tea brought to my room? I absolutely need a soak after the day I've had.” Edith stretched out her tense shoulders.

“But of course, Miss Edith! However, Penny does notice you are not alone tonight. Shall Penny prepare a nightcap?”

“NO!” Edith felt her face burn brightly. Poor Penny stared wide-eyed at Edith, unsure of what she had done wrong. Edith could feel the two sets of eyes burning a hole into the back of her head.

“Ahem. No, thank you, Penny. That won't be necessary. They are only staying here temporarily. To assist in finding Anne.” Edith coughed, shoving her embarrassment down. She brings home a man once, and suddenly every man she brings home is here for a nightcap. She curses ever teaching that to Penny and for having brought men to her home at all.

Penny’s expression immediately turned to one concern at the mention of Anne. Forcing Edith to focus back on the reality of the situation. Penny often helped with retrieving Anne for their “appointments”. This time, when she went to retrieve her, Anne hadn’t been present in their usual spot, forcing Edith to come out and check on her.

“Oh my! Miss Anne has gone missing? Penny hopes she is ok.”

“So this elf knows my sister too?”

“Oh indeed! Penny finds Miss Anne to be very kind to Penny.”

“And this elf has a name, Sallow.” Edith turned to glare over her shoulder. His expression immediately turned from his disbelief to a much intense concerned one.

"I..I didn't mean it like that." He stepped forth as if getting closer would right the situation. Edith just turned away from him as memories of a situation with him in the undercroft regarding a goblin came forth. She hoped he had changed. He never had issues with elves before, but part of her felt the need to protect her family. Edith just rubbed her temple as a wonderfully timed mirgain began to pound.

"He truly didn't mean it like that, Edith," Ominis's voice was practically in her ear with how close he was. She felt the shiver skitter down her spine and her body tense instantly. Like having been burnt, she hastily stepped forward away from him. He was too close, too damn close!

"R..right. Penny, I'll be in my room." Edith kicked herself for stuttering, "In the meantime, please prepare the spare rooms for our guests.” Edith grumbled as she made her way to the wooden staircase in front of her.

“Edith?” Ominis stepped forward, wand pulsing brightly.

“Yes?” Edith paused on the steps, turning with hesitation towards him. With everything going on and had happened she was on edge around them.

“What are we to wear?” Oh.

“Your clothes? Have Penny retrieve anything you might be needing for your stay.” Edith just rubbed her head as she continued her tread up the steep staircase. This place wasn’t massive by any means, but it did have three levels. The main level had the kitchen, dining hall, and living room. Then the second level was 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Lastly, the top floor was used as a study and a spare room Edith was using as her private room.

Edith was fortunate enough that Professor Fig was still taking care of her even in death. Much to her surprise, he had officially adopted her while he was at the ministry, and put everything he owned in his will to her. Which included his little home in London, one he shared with Miriam. Edith refused to change most of the place, but forced herself to move most of the photos of Professor Fig and Miriam to storage. She couldn’t bear to have his photos around watching her, knowing she’d failed him, and continued to fail him. Everything else, however, was just as he left it.

Finally making it to the second floor, Edith basically crawled to her master bedroom, kicking the door shut behind her. She plopped down onto her bed as the weight of the world came crashing down. By Merlin’s beard, today had officially been one of the worst days of her life. Everything began to circle in her brain. She quickly sat up, pulling out the letters and pieces of papers Anne hidden away in a secret crevice in her bedroom. Most of them were letters from her to Anne, something Anne was paranoid about anyone finding, despite Edith’s letters always being vague and under a different pen name. However, the one that really caught her eyes was the quickly crumpled up paper.

She quickly uncrumpled the paper, carefully pulling it open and found three words scrippled frantically on it.

“Half faced Ashwinder”

~ ♡ ~

Another chapter done! WOO! No art today. I wanted to focus on the story itself. Im having a lot of fun and also trying to put a lot of effort into this. I wanted to be a writer once, so I put 110% into my works. I dont have any beta readers or editors, so it's all me. I apologize for the errors.

Im trying to make sure the boys are in character, but also they're adult men, so they may have changed a bit since the game. Plus, this was in Edith POV, so she might miss some things from the boys cause her gaurds up. Also, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO IMAGINE YOUR OC OR YOURSELF. I use my oc only cus 1) hehe i have a story and 2) makes writing way easier to have a character. I hope you guys like it!!!!!

[princeloww]

completely random but im pretty sure (i havent kept track) that im roughly 2 years SH clean now !!

yay for me

[dailydemonspotlight]

Barong - Day 25

Race: Avatar

Alignment: Light-Neutral

April 24th, 2024

I'd like to start this daily demon spotlight with an admittance of bias. Barong is my favorite demon in the series, bar none. In celebration of making it to 25 (!!) days of this series, I've decided to let the holy cat out of the bag. Barong is the demon that introduced me to Balinese mythology, has saved my hide several times throughout the series, and has an adorable and unique design to boot. He stands right next to, if not above Black Frost and Chernobog in my book. Past that, though, I would also like to say- thank you all for sticking with me for 25 days! It's been so damn fun, and I plan on continuing this series for months, if not years to come. I know it's a little early for the ivories, but the small community that has been built up over time has given me so much life and energy!

With that sappy stuff out of the way...

Today's demon of the day lies in the form of the great panther, protector of mankind, and host of all things good, Barong. Bali mythology is surprisingly easy to look through, having solid roots and foundations, as well as its origin being in a somewhat small subset of Indonesia, though this isn't to say it's not complex. Balinese mythology takes a unique form, one similar to the worship of Ame-no-Uzume, wherein several of its stories aren't plays nor grand tales, but rather, fascinatingly hypnotic dances. Barong's appearance in these dances is that of a glamorously decorated (and very ambiguous) animal that I would personally say looks somewhat, vaguely similar to a lion?

However, the type of animal it is isn't that important, and admittedly just makes me confused. What is important is Barong's role in Balinese mythology, that being of a protector of humanity itself- in the mythos surrounding Barong and its eternal rival Rangda, Barong represents good health, good fortune, and has reign over all the spirits that inhabit the small province. The most prominent myth featuring the great avatar is recanted in the famous Kris dance, a dance representing Barong battling with Rangda. During the hypnotic trawl, dancers bring swords dangerously close to hurting themselves, though they emerge unscathed, watched over by two dancers in an ornate harness holding up the avatar of Barong who dances furiously behind them.

The dance begins with two monkeys and Barong engaging in dance, though quickly escalates as witches sent by Rangda attack the frolicking group. The dance-drama escalates from there as Barong tries to reign back control over the kingdom, which had found itself under siege by Rangda, eventually leading to the most iconic scene of the play, wherein two palace guards stab themselves with kali daggers in a desperate trance under Rangda's control- though they emerge unscathed as Barong comes to the rescue and engages in battle with the witch, protecting the guards with his holy magic. After a long and fraught dance between Barong and its rival, eventually, the holy avatar emerges victorious, and the kingdom is returned to peace and prosperity.

Barong is not just an artefact of the dance, though- he's an important figure in Balinese tradition, one held in reverence and good spirits, and the dance is simply held to represent the eternal struggle between good and evil, as well as celebrate the triumph of the love and goodness that Barong represents. People equipped in Barong costumes even, on occasion, parade around Balinese towns in order to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. Barong is locked in a never-ending battle against Rangda and the forces of darkness, yet never gives up hope; As a Bali volunteer in the Bali Volunteer Program puts it, "Once the trance is over, Barong and his supporters finally overthrow Rangda. But she does not die. Instead, she reincarnates and Barong must defeat her again. The fight never stops. It is symbolic of light’s eternal strife against darkness."

In the SMT series, Barong is depicted faithfully, though far more blue than red. Decorated in jewels and studded in silver, the Balinese lion dances in combat, easily connecting to the dance-dramas the beast is so frequently depicted in. Interestingly, a common series staple is that of Rangda and Barong's fusion leading to Shiva, and while unconfirmed, I have an idea as to why this may be the case. While Barong and Rangda are from completely different mythologies, they both represent opposing forces of light and dark, something that Shiva, a god of destruction who is not evil, is an inherent blend of- Shiva is both light and dark, good and evil, while Barong is good, light, and Rangda is evil, dark.

All in all, Balinese myth's hypnotic dances and beautiful performances lend to an amazingly designed demon that truly fulfills all it sets out to do, represents an underrepresented mythology, and stands out as my personal favorite demon in the series. Next to Chernobog and Black Frost, of course. And also Parvati. And Mother Harlot. Am I just edgy?

[chorastar]

i have acquired a tiny kirby

airpods for reference (this is the most scaleable item i had on me)

[fukae-flwr]

Stained Hearts & Dark Desires

Chapter 4: New Looks

Summary: Glimpse into the past shows a little what this temporary cure is. Edith collects emotions and prepares to run errands

Words: 3.8k

Warnings: self-inflicted magic pain, selfwell-being neglect,

Chapter 5

Ratings: MATURE 18+ (NO MINORS)

~Before the 7th year~

“Edith?” Anne called out from up above. Edith quickly raced up the stairs, making sure to close the basement doors behind her. Coming up to the surface, Edith walked around her growing garden that surrounded the stone cottage.  Right in front of the wooden door was Anne dressed in her usual. She appeared much healthier now, less pale, and gaining some weight. It was wonderful to know she was finally getting better.

“Anne! Glad you made it. I can’t wait to show you what I've got for you.” Edith practically bounced in place with excitement. 

“Gallopin gorgons, Edith! Have you slept at all!?” Anne panicked, pulling Edith closer to examine her more closely. Edith crinkled her nose as she thought of the last time she ate and slept.

“The fact it is taking you so long to recall speaks volumes.”

“I had important things to do. I’ll take a nap later.” Edith kindly shrugged her off. She couldn’t have looked that bad. Anne was just a worrywort.

“No. We are going into your house so you can sit down and relax for a moment.” Anne put her foot down like a mother hen. Edith knew better than to fight her on it, plus seeing Anne become this confident, strong-willed person was amazing. She could only assume this used to be how Anne normally was before everything. It wasn’t often, but it was slowly coming back.

“Fine, but I still want to talk about your progress.” Edith gave in and began to walk into the house. It was a cute stone cottage Edith bought just outside Pit-Upon-Ford. The cottage was just outside the hamlet but still close enough to be deemed part of it. The location was perfect; close to the forbidden forest to encounter dark wizards and far enough to not draw too much attention to herself. Exactly what she needed.

“Now sit. I’ll make tea.” Anne gestured to the long wooden table on the left-hand side of the door with two benches on either side. Edith quietly cast a spell to start up the fire in the dark fireplace across from the table. It was where she cooked, brewed potions, and stayed warm on cold nights. Anne was in the small so-called “kitchen”. It was the area next to the wooden stairs that consisted of cabinets and counter space. Edith hung most of her dried things there, such as herbs and jerky. Anne had been here plenty of times to know where she kept all her teas.

“Shouldn’t I be making the tea for you, my guest?” Edith rested her chin on her hand as Anne moved about like she owned the place.

“Let me, please. You’re this haggard because of me; this is the least I can do.” Anne spoke so softly, her meek personality resurfacing.

“Anne. You know that’s not true.” Edith began to rise to comfort her but was immediately halted from one stern look from her. Surrendering, she sat back down with a soft smile.

“I know you’re not doing it for me, but still. I want to help you in return, so let me do this.” Anne smiled and continued to prepare the kettle for tea. Edith couldn’t say much in return for that. Anne wasn’t entirely right, but wasn’t entirely wrong either. She wanted to help Anne because she cared about Anne, at least she did now, after having gotten to know her. The real reason she started to cure Anne, however, was solely for them. She wanted them to be happy, and their happiness included her. She had seen how much pain they had been in due to Anne’s curse. After everything, she was no better than Isidora.

“Well, you do make better tea than I do, so I guess I'll accept. Practically forcing it down my throat.” Edith grinned, feigning indifference.

“So what discoveries were you so excited to tell me about?” Immediately, Edith brightened at her reminder. She quite literally began to bounce in her seat.

“Right! Did you bring the locket?”

“Of course. You told me to never take it off.” Anne gave Edith an unimpressed look as she passed her to place the kettle over the fire on the hook.

“Yes, and that remains true. You can never take it off until I find a real cure.” Edith pointed at her, impersonating an authoritative figure the best she could. The only ones coming to her mind were the professors at Hogwarts.

Once the kettle was left to boil, Anne sat across from Edith at the table and pulled out a large silver oval locket from her scarf. The chain was thick while the pendant was very heavy and obvious for lack of better words. It matched appearances with the large empty respository under the school, only much smaller. The locket radiated with red ancient magic; it wasn’t overflowing, but small traces circled the pendant. Only Edith could see the traces, but it still wasn’t safe for the locket to be so visible. It needed to be smaller to be more easily hidden.

“There shouldn’t have been any issues, but anything to report?” Edith questioned as she examined the locket. It was a shabby piece of jewelry, not very pretty. She just needed something quick and big enough to hold a lot of magic at the time. She found someone who could take the goblin metal she collected and turn it into a necklace, no questions asked. To them, it was just some strange piece of jewelry made from goblin metal. But to her, it was exactly the thing she needed to create a mini repository with.

“It’s heavy, but if you mean the pain caused by the curse, then the locket has been working well. I hardly feel the pain. I get a few waves of body aches. Sometimes I feel like I have to sit for a moment, but then I’m fine an hour later.”

"But you still feel it." Edith bit her lip as she pulled out her wand. That needed to be improved on. She quickly conjured a quill and paper to take notes.

"Only faint whispers of it, like a cramp. It's much better than it was, Edith." Anne quickly explained, her voiced lace with concern. Anne may have accepted the locket as it was now, but Edith didn't. It needed work.

“Any feelings of losing yourself, emotionlessness?” Edith always checked, paranoid she might’ve miscalculated something, and Anne would wake up like Isidora’s father.

“None. I feel more myself than ever with every day that passes.” Edith released the small breath she had been holding. It was the same every visit, but it still eased her mind hearing it.

“Good. Well, I’ve improved the weight and capacity the locket can hold.” Edith beamed as she pulled out her new piece for Anne. It was a significantly smaller locket and much more fashionable for any occasion. The chain was much thinner for more comfortable wear, and the pendant was an oval-shaped locket magically wrapped by a golden snake. The snake was enchanted by herself, only opening to her magic; a security measure so it couldn’t be opened unless it was by her. Edith specifically chose the design to represent the two houses dear to her, Slytherin, and her own house, Hufflepuff.

“It’s beautiful, but will it hold enough with how tiny it is?” Anne gasped as she took it in her hands. Edith flicked her wand so all the window curtains would draw close simultaneously. She had to be sure no one just happened to witness something they shouldn’t. Not many people came to where her house was, but still, it's better to be safe than sorry.

“Despite its size, it's way more capable than the one you’re currently wearing. It’ll hold much more for longer, and it won’t weigh you down as much. Those whispers of pain shouldn't be a thing, but I'll check next time. We will still need to do monthly visits. Also, I still recommend not showing it off, but if you do, at least now it’s pretty to look at.” Edith explained as she mentally readied herself for what was about to happen. She felt like she had to psych herself up every time. 

“Are you sure you able do this? You look really tired. You’re supposed to be relaxing!” Anne tried to convince Edith. Anne hated this way more than Edith did, and she was the one performing the spell. Anne always tried to persuade Edith not to perform it; she usually said something along the lines of it being her curse to deal with, and Edith shouldn’t be putting herself through this. It was heartwarming to know she cared.

“I’ll relax after. Better to get it over with than procrastinate, kinda like studying for finals.” Edith joked as she sat up straight. Anne seemed unconvinced yet said nothing. 

Edith focused on the old locket, digging deep inside herself for the magic she was looking for. As if hearing its name being called, the magic inside her pulsed to life. She could feel it begin to writhe inside her, thrashing around excitedly. It sent tingles coursing throughout her entire body, a warmth exploding inside her. It was powerful, excitedable, and ready to be used. It was addicting how incredible it felt and how it made her feel. She had to focus ,though, make sure the magic didn’t take over, and overwhelm her. Once she felt she had grasped the magic well, she pointed her wand at the old locket. The familiar red ancient magic shot down her arm, leaving goosebumps to blossom all over her body in its wake. It crawled out of her wand towards the locket, a leech drawn to warmth. The second it made contact, the locket sprang free, and ancient magic shot above their heads. 

Anne couldn’t see the small chaotic cloud of black, red, and blue magic made from her pain, over their heads, but she could. It was like the mess of the destroyed repository under Hogwarts but on a much smaller scale. The cursed magic circled about seeming alive, looking for its host to enact its purpose. 

Edith knew during this process Anne felt a hollow pit form inside her. It was evident in her face as her eyes clouded briefly. Her emotions, magic, and everything that made her who she was, had been temporarily separated. It needed to be returned quickly before disappearing. Edith quickly forced the dark magic, created by the curse, to separate from the emotions and pieces that made Anne who she was. With the violent magic separated, Edith quickly called the curse to herself with a pull of her wand, luring it with her much more powerful ancient magic. A sailor to a siren’s song, the curse quickly followed after and Edith absorbed it, just as she had done the time before.

Once she felt the curse secured inside her, she took what remained, and returned it to Anne’s chest. The clouds in Anne’s eyes dissipated and life shined in its place once more. Her skin even brightened up, and she sat up straighter. The last thing was to ensure the new locket would collect traces of the curse’s magic when it activated. To do so, Edith pointed her wand towards Anne’s chest and searched for the feeling of pain. It was faint but she could feel the curse’s magic still tightly clinging to Anne’s magic. If she had to describe the feeling, it was like sticking her hand in a warm cloud that was alive and ever-moving but then finding lightning inside, attacking everything in its wake. It was that lightning she was looking for. 

Having found it, she carefully pulled a small piece of it out only for it to be drawn into the locket. The locket emulated what the curse was after, strong magic, allowing it to trap it inside without inflicting the pain it was meant to do on Anne. Unfortunately, that kind of magic had to go somewhere eventually, lest it go back to the original host. That would most definitely result in the pain being doubled than what it would have originally been.

“All..done!” Edith clapped her hands together, attempting to lighten the mood. There was always an awkward pause after performing the spell because they both knew what came next.

Edith, for now, felt great, amazing even. Anytime she absored magic, there was this sense of power and ephoria that can with it. At first, that is.

"Now...shall we have..tea?" Edith attempted to sound as uplifting as she had before performing the switch, but the curse was slowly starting to thrash in her. Her ancient magic had returned to its dormant state, but the curse remained trapped, needing to fulfill its purpose. It wasn’t that painful yet, just uncomfortable.

Anne just watched her cautiously. She always had this sad guilty look to her. It was very endearing yet unpleasant. If Edith didn't want to do this, she wouldnt have. Plus it was too late to stop now; they both knew this when they put the first locket on Anne.

“D..Do you..like the design?” Edith tried to breathe through the rising pain, keeping up the facade that she was fine. She was. This was only temporary. The curse would eventually do what it was made for, and then pass. So, yes, she was fine; she was going to be fine, like always. Her magic always recovered eventually, thanks to her ancient magic.

“Of course, but are you alright?” Anne quickly rose moving towards Edith, fully aware of what was gearing up inside her. Edith tried to nod, but everything became blurred as a searing white hot pain shot throughout her body. It felt like her inside had been enginted by fire, while her head throbbed. The pain Anne would have felt every day for a month from the curse just ripped through Edith’s entire body all at once. It was why she preferred to cleanse Anne’s locket once a month. The longer they waited, the more pain she’d have to absorb once they finally emptied the locket. She learned that the hard way when she first created the locket.

 She did her best to suppress the painful cries but it was futile. Everything was hurting. Thankfully Edith didn’t have to endure it for much longer considering her consciousness faded as it always did. She knew she was in good hands, so she wasn’t too worried.

~ * ~

Edith had sat in her room, rereading the phrase over and over again. Half faced ashwinder. Half faced ashwinder. It didn’t make sense. Every ashwinder she had come across always concealed their face. It was either the top half with a wolf mask of some kind or a fabric cloth on the lower half with some beastly mouth print. Edith knew Anne was smart so this had to be a clue of some sort to help her. If it was something as simple as a skull or mask, Anne would’ve put something else, she hoped.

Edith needed to send an owl to an acquaintance who made it his job to keep updated on the happenings of the dark side of the wizarding world. That often meant going to Knockturn Alley to send an owl not her own, plus she had a few things she needed in Knockturn. Which meant having to face those two again.

It had been a couple of hours, and they had remained in the study upstairs. She hoped they were working through everything in there to find something she may have missed. She had gone through every piece in there at least three times last night and yet was pulling at straws. She didn’t have anything on this half-faced ashwinder. Most ashwinders served Rookwood and she made it her mission to get rid of them. With the Masked Wizard practically hunting them down, they made an effort to be nowhere near her anymore. Most of Rookwood’s people were dead or in Azkaban thanks to her. Any remaining were likely deep in hiding, fearful of her; all but one, apparently. She was going to make them pay for this.

Determined to find this scumbag, Edith quickly changed into something a little more appropriate so she wouldn’t stand out in Knockturn. She quickly pulled out her striped black collar jacket and skirt. She made sure to get her hat that covered a good portion of her hair. She wore her hair in a way where her black hair or her hat could hide her noticeable white hair. Once she was ready, she exited her room with her bag and wand.

She made her way up the stairs, taking a deep breath to lock down all her emotions before opening the study’s door. She found both men looking in her direction from where they sat. Ominis opted to sit on the couch under the window, while Sebastian sat comfortably on the floor. She briefly took in how relaxed their appearance was; Sebastian in his white shirt and suspenders while at least Ominis had his vest and tie already on.

Sebastian’s shirt did nothing to hide his distractingly muscular physique. Ominis' seemed to accentuate his form as well, showing how much they had grown since she had last seen them. Where Ominis had a more elegant yet dark appearance, Sebastian had this rugged, and dangerous appearance. Both being something she found begrudgingly attractive.

“You’re dressed for an outing,” Sebastian commented as he raised an eyebrow questioningly. Edith just flicked her gaze towards him, then looked back at Ominis.

“As I said earlier, I have things to do. I assume you’ll be accompanying me, Gaunt?” Edith adjusted her hat slightly, as a distraction for herself. Both of them rose immediately in response.

“And where is it we are going?”

“I’m coming too” 

Ominis and Sebastian spoke at the same time. Edith let out an airy breath that could’ve been passed as a chuckle but was more in disbelief. Even after making it very clear he hated her guts, he still chose to follow her. She wanted space from him, and he didn’t want to be around her, so why was he insisting? Edith looked to Ominis and then back to him. Right, his lover was following the enemy into unknown territory. It left a bitter taste in her mouth, the unwanted jealousy.

“No. Three is too conspicuous. Someone needs to stay.” Edith stood her ground. She needed space from Sebastian. Both of them were too much to handle at this moment, especially Sebastian. She hoped he’d had enough of her too, and would do the sensible thing of staying.

“Three is suspicious? Tell me. Exactly where it is you’re going for a group of three to be deemed suspicious?” Sebastian interrogated stepping closer into her personal space. She stood her ground, refusing to be scared off by him.

“Knockturn Alley.” Edith shrugged casually. Sebastian and Ominis both tensed immediately at the mention of the well-known alley for dark magic. A place where the Ministry's dogs weren’t exactly welcomed, to put it kindly.

“Not happening.”

“Too bad. I need to go there.”

“You’re not taking Ominis to a place like that without me,” Sebastian growled, trying to intimidate her into giving up which he wasn’t doing. This was for Anne, and nothing was standing in her way, not even Sallow.

“You’d only draw more attention.”

“You’re not going.”

“I am going whether he comes or not. If I should die trying, then so does Anne.” Edith crossed her arms, undeterred. No matter how intimidating Sebastian had gotten, she was not relenting. 

“Are you threatening me with my sister?!” Sebastian was practically inches from her at this point. Hell, she could smell him with how close he was, and it started to distract her. That familiar woods and fresh parchment smell filled her nostrils, flooding her mind with memories of times they had been close in their seventh year. Melancholy moments that once filled her with joy.

“Enough you two!” Ominis snapped, separating the both of them, “Must you egg him on, Edith?” Ominis frowned, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Edith just huffed as she turned to pull out a polyjuice potion for him.

“I’ll be fine Sebastian. We need to continue looking for clues on Anne’s whereabouts. I assume this has something to do with that, right Edith?” Ominis warned, trying to calm down his protective partner.

“Yes. Yes. I need to send an owl to an acquaintance who may have some infomation for me.” Edith dismissed as she dug around her bag. She had increased the size so she could carry a great deal of things; it was finding said things that was the challenge sometimes.

“And you can’t send an owl here, because…?”

“I’m a dark wizard, Sallow. Can’t exactly use my owl for this kind of thing. Plus he doesn’t accept just any owl. He’s got himself to protect.” Edith reminded them. She sensed how uncomfortable they suddenly got by her making mention of her status in the wizarding world. They couldn’t have possibly forgotten that, right?

“Ah ha! Here you are, you little bugger!” Edith quietly exclaimed victoriously as she pulled out the small vial.

“And what is that?”

“Polyjuice potion. I make sure to have some on hand. Never know when you need to escape the Ministry’s deadly duo.” Edith smirked as she handed it to Ominis.

“Is that how you did it?” Sebastian crossed his arms crediously.

“One of the ways. Now drink up. I can’t be seen with an aurora. I’d lose all my credibility, not to mention my reputation would be destroyed.” Edith turned on her heels and began to walk down the steps to wait for him in the parlor.

Once he finally came down, Edith had to hold in her laughter. He was much smaller than usual with long brown hair tied into a low ponytail. He was now about an inch taller than her, almost the same height as her. His clothes hung on him loosely, closely mimicking a child wearing their parents’ clothes. Even Sebastian was getting a kick out of it.

“I’d like to point out a flaw in your plan, Edith. My clothes don’t fit.” Ominis declared, gesturing to the very baggy clothing. His voice was even different. Edith was grateful for it. His normal handsomeness was way too distracting. At least this way she could stay focused.

“I think you look great, Ominis. Real fun sized!”

“Careful, Sebastian. I could still very well beat your ass.”

“Right. Right.”

“Here.” Edith chuckled as she waved her wand and gave him more appropriately sized clothes. She gave him a simple black suit, on par with her own. Nothing nearly as high quality as what he had been wearing previously, but nothing so poor as to raise alarm either. It was to match her in some way to pass off they were partners in a way. A dark thinly striped collared jacket and slacks; along with an off white shirt, black tie and vest. It was perfect for blending in with more frequent patrons of Knockturn Alley.

“Now, your name is Ernest. You don’t talk, and everything will be fine.” Edith gestured to him. This would be fine. There really shouldn’t be any problems. It was just another day trip to Knockturn Alley.

“Ernest??”

“Who would ever name their child Ernest!?”

Ominis gawked dramatically while Sebastian just fought his growing amusement. Edith didn't know whether to laugh or sigh. Opting to ignore them, she began to walk towards the front door, when Sebastian grabbed her by the arm. Her arm suddenly lit up, sending chills up her arm and down her spine. She quickly turned to look at him, finding he was unbelievably close again. She couldn’t help the first thing she noticed was his lips. His very soft, full pink lips. Immediately she forced herself back to reality and looked up into his eyes. He was looking down on her to be menacing, yet her brain wasn’t comprehending it correctly. He held a serious expression, yet her brain was fighting off old desires she thought she killed.

“If you let anything happen to him…,” He started but Edith immediately interrupted.

“I won’t.” He didn’t need to ask her. She would never let anything happen to either of them. Fortunately for her, they didn’t realize how much of a weakness they were to her to this day. If they ever did, she feared they would be her undoing.

~♡~

( •̀ヮ•́)

So I'm not the most skilled writer. This is all for fun, so I hope you're enjoying it too!!! Also remember this is a ominis x Sebastian x Mc fanfic, with mostly the boys focus on mc. I will do my best to add enough Ominis x Sebastian moments but they have an established relationship already. So if you're here for that...sorry I will not do them the justice they deserve ♡♡

YOU. ARE. AMAZING!!

Have a good day

[dd-writes]

Don't ask someone how their life is, ask them how they're treating themselves. Life is always shit but you can be kind to... YOU!

[creatively-cosmic]

i had dictador stuck in my head. secret histories bf and gf concept for the lols

[fukae-flwr]

Stained Hearts & Dark Desires

Chapter 6: Shadows and Memories

Summary: A man and woman enjoy a stroll through Knockturn Alley, learning tidbits about each other while having a tail in the shadows. Nothing goes wrong.

Words: 7.3k

Warning: blood, fighting, childhood trauma, mentions of crucio child abuse

Rating: MATURE 18+ (NO MINORS)

Chapter 7 ( coming soon)

It didn’t take long for Ominis and Edith to get to the Leaky Cauldron. Ominis stuck very close to Edith, still needing his wand to navigate around. His wand could only “see” so far, like a light illuminating the area around it. Edith, thankfully didn’t walk very fast either; she kept pace with Ominis but remained quiet.

When they finally arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, it wasn’t much to look at on the outside. It was definitely not the kind of place he imagined his family ever ventured to unless absolutely necessary. Dark wooden doors with windows above that were too high up to look through, not to mention the texture of the windows would have made it difficult to get a clear image.

“I have actually never been to the Leaky Cauldron myself.” Ominis opted to break the uncomfortable pregnant silence they had since leaving. Edith’s silhouette turned towards him, no longer facing forward.

“Really?” She was surprised.

“It’s not exactly the kind of place my family would associate with when I was child, and given how the majority of my time requires me to be traveling around the wizarding world, I haven't had a need to stop by,” Ominis explained as they walked through the wooden doors. 

“What…about Sebastian?”

“I don’t believe he has ever been here as well.” Ominis eyed her carefully. Her curiosity for Sebastian’s life experiences was promising. Perhaps they could eventually get her to lower her walls. She was leading them past the main hall where a few patrons had been residing, enjoying their meals and drinks.

“Their dinner options here are quite good. Perhaps…we can come by again when we aren't as busy.” Edith mumbled under her breath. 

“I believe we’d enjoy that. He does like trying new places. Gives him ideas for meals he can prepare on his own.” Ominis had a soft smile.

“Well, it’ll give Penny a break from preparing meals for you two.”

“Yes, quite the hard-working elf you’ve employed, but don’t you mean to say the three of us.” Ominis nodded, not oblivious to Edith’s excuse behind her suggestion. He could hear how nervous she had become while suggesting that.

“She’s not employed. She chose to be with me. I've tried to pay her before, when I first freed her but she refused, saying all she wanted was to help her friend in any way she could.” Ominis frowned in confusion. Normally free elves sought out other employment, though that was a very difficult task in itself. The fact she declined Edith’s employment was unique. 

“So we agreed I’d take care of her and she takes care of me. I reward her for her efforts, give her breaks, make sure she has a place to call home, and food. In exchange she makes meals for me only when I ask, unless I've forgotten to eat the day before, then she prepares something light for me. As well as remind me when I haven’t slept in a few days.” Edith explained as if having heard Ominis' questions. Ominis stood in place letting her words sink in. He felt the need to take in a deep breath, as he placed his hand on the bridge of his nose. She hadn’t changed at all from when they were younger; she had gotten significantly worse. It seemed her habits of never sleeping and hardly eating were not a thing of the past just yet. 

 “What?”

“I’m completely confounded by your lack of an ability to take care of yourself.” Ominis exasperatedly responded, fighting the urge to march back into the Leaky Cauldron and force her to eat a real meal.

“What?” Edith chuckled. How was that something she laughed at?

“How you’re able to stand here today is truly a miracle.”

“Hey, I can take care of myself.”

“Evidently not.”

“I just forget sometimes, ok? Penny helps me with that.”

“Forgetting meals constantly is not taking care of yourself. You truly are fortunate to have met such a caring elf willing to do all that.” Ominis shook his head in disbelief. He and Sebastian were going to have to correct this matter immediately. He knew once Seb knew he would pull out all the stops to make the best meals ever, enticing her to want to eat. 

“I know.” Her response was so quiet, that he had almost missed it. It sounded almost sad. But before he could think harder on it, Edith had led them to a bricked wall behind the Leaky Caldron. She poked the wall with her wand and then suddenly the wall began to shift into an archway.

Ominis suddenly could hear the populated area in front of him; there was a small crowd going about their day. It reminded him of Hogsmeade but a tad busier. He had been to Diagon Alley before when he was younger and was in need of school supplies. He hadn’t been to the famous alley in a while since Hogwarts. It appeared to be the same as it was then. Shops lining the path of the alley, leading all the way to Gringotts. It wasn’t nearly as busy as when he had gone before the school year, but it was still well populated.

Ominis noticed how tense in the crowd Edith had become, even going so far as adjusting her hat to cover more of her features. He remembered how she never really enjoyed crowds but was never this bothered by them. He was willing to bet it had everything to do with becoming a wanted criminal by the Ministry. Something he was baffled by. How did someone go from helping every single person she came by in all the hamlets surrounding Hogwarts to a wanted criminal for crimes against wizardkind? She was always helping someone, to the point she began to be called everyone’s errand girl. She never took offense, considering she started to call herself that as well.

Ominis’s train of thought stopped as the atmosphere around him changed. No longer was it the upbeat, bustling magical place that was Diagon Alley. It was now cold, desolate and dreary. He began to take in his surroundings from his wand. They were entering Knockturn Alley.

“Remember, stay close to me and don’t say anything unless absolutely necessary.” Edith whispered as she straightened her posture while placing her hand on his arm. Upon her touch he felt electricity shoot up his arm. Clothing be damned, it did nothing to stop the warmth spread from her fingertips. Her small delicate hands wrapped around his arm, clinging to him with familiarity to pass off they were together made his face warm. He couldn’t help but imagine her delicate hands elsewhere on his body. He felt the need to cough softly trying to regain composure.

“Are you alright?” Edith questioned. 

“Fine.” He felt her eyeing him but immediately seemed to brush it off. Her slightly uncomfortable demeanor changed to one of confidence. She held her head high, and walked forward, towards the darken alley paying no attention to anyone around her. She gave off an aura of someone prideful and haughty. An attitude he expected of someone much like his family. Ominis was a little unnerved how well she could easily fall into that kind of attitude. He ended up following her example, paying no mind to anyone around, making sure to hold himself high.

He had never been to Knockturn Alley, for good reason. The Ministry's hold on this place was minimal at best. Everyone knew here some sort of workings with the dark arts was going on yet could never be proven. Auroras like himself only came to this place if needed; they weren’t exactly welcomed otherwise. Not to say he knew of an aurora being out right attacked here, but he didn’t hear anything pleasant either. Bringing unwanted attention like that to yourself was never a good idea. Ominis hoped Edith’s polyjuice potion would last long enough for them to get in and get out.

“Do you frequent Knockturn alley?” Ominis quietly asked, attempting to distract himself.

“It has its uses. Great for fleshing eating slug repellent. Little bastards are ruining my garden.” Edith cursed lightly.

“I didn’t see any garden on your tour this morning.” Ominis pointed out. She remained silent for a moment then decided to finally grace him with a response.

“I also have my own personal vivarium of sorts.” 

“Where in Merlin's name are you keeping it? Your residence is far too small for anything like that!” Ominis questioned. 

“A woman is entitled to her secrets Ominis.” Edith jested, her cold voice ever so slightly a little warmer.

“You, my dear, have too many secrets. I do believe we are long over due some answers.” Ominis half joked, half meant seriously.

“Perhaps, but what difference would it really make? What’s done is done. All we can do is move forward.” Edith was so soft spoken, a gentle breeze brushing by ever so gently. Her tone was light, yet her words were heavy. Move forward? Did she really expect them to just move on, like the last seven years didn’t happen? Like she hadn’t been a huge part of their lives at some point?!

“He can’t. I..can’t, Edith.” Ominis emphasized his tone growing bitter. He could hardly believe that was her solution to their inquiries about the last five years.

 Ominis had to take a moment to collect himself, otherwise he’d become no better than Sebastian, letting his anger get the best of him. They were currently in public, and now was not the best time for this conversation. But oh how his self control was being tested at this very moment. They deserved answers for everything, and Sebastian’s approach hadn’t exactly been the best but he didn’t blame him. He, himself, was unbelievably furious with her. He’d love nothing more than to sit her down and let her have it all, but his self control was much better than Sebastian’s.

“This topic is not something we should discuss here, but mark my words, Edith. This will come up again, and you can only avoid it for so long.” Ominis warned her, holding her hand firmly. Her heart had started to run rampant, giving her true emotions of nervousness away ever so slightly.

“I implore you and Sebastian to drop it.” Edith hissed in response, “It’ll do none of us any good to dig up the past.”

“Come now, Edith. You alone are fully aware of how stubborn Sebastian truly is.” Ominis reminded her.

“And what of you? You weren’t nearly as stubborn, and it seems to me you might have some control over him.” Edith spoked in such a hussed manner, with a tone almost sounding similar to begging. He was sure that wasn’t the case, much to the disappointment of a small buried part of him.

“Even if I did, which I most certainly do not, I wouldn’t deny him the very answers I am seeking as well. Why are you trying so hard to avoid this?” Ominis frowned, turning in her direction. She tightened her grip meaning to be threatening, but he felt no fear with her. In fact he was sure the only one afraid was her.

“Sometimes ignorance is bliss, Ominis.”

“Indeed, but you don’t get to decide that for others.” She just remained silent as they made it to a small hole in the wall book shop. It was an average small shop, nothing really of note on the outside. The inside was a dimly lit small two level shop filled with books, quills, and other items. There were shelves along the slightly curving wall to his right, a large bookcase centering the room, and a wooden staircase on the left wall. Most of the shelves bore normal books while having too many unnamed books as well. 

Ominis could hear the sounds of owls far above their heads. His wand wasn’t really able to pick up the owls movement but did see blurred diluted colors moving about like many owls would. 

Ominis felt Edith give him a little squeeze before removing her hand and began to walk forward to the desk at the end. He followed her, taking in everything around. Aside from the old and dreary appearance, it seemed just like an average book story with a few oddities, but that was the case for most stores in Knockturn Alley. A semi mundane front, nothing too eye-catching or illegal.

“My my, if it isn’t Penelope. Come back again to my little shop.” The elder woman cackled as Edith drew closer. Ominis didn’t question the fact that the woman called her by a different name. Edith was clearly a secretive person to unbearable fault; it was no wonder she gave a fake name. What puzzled him was that she didn’t change her appearance, though, from what he could tell.

“Hello, Hilda. How’ve you been keeping?” Edith greet with a gentle yet chilly tone. So she was on a first name basis with the shopkeeper. Good to know she frequented a place such as this quite often. Ominis just stood off to the side looking at the bookshelf in front of him with his wand.

“As if ya truly cared.” The woman scoffed, crossing her arms. Her manner of speaking was border line joking as well as not. Ominis couldn’t tell what their relationship truly was.

“You wound me, Hilda. I do care. Where would I be without your services, after all?” Ominis could hear the obvious fake sweetness Edith was offering the woman. Anyone could tell her words were lies, yet the woman took no offense.

“Who’s the cutie?” Hilda nudged her head towards Ominis. He could feel her leery eyes racking over his body. He was more grateful than he had been earlier to be under the influence of the polyjuice potion.

“Ernest, my plaything today. He's nobody.” Edith brushed him off nonchalantly. It stung a bit inside, but he understood her reasoning for it. Still hurt to hear from her directly, whether it was the truth or not. He sincerely hoped for it to be the latter.

“Well if ya ever tire of him, I'd be more than happy to ‘ave the help around ‘ere.” Hilda gestured to the store with a disgustingly unnerving tone. It was clear helping the store wouldn’t be the thing she really wanted from him. 

“Doubt I will, but I’ll keep you in mind. Now to business, if you would be a dear?” Edith clicked her tongue with a tone of disgust, before placing a piece of parchment on the counter with some coins.

“Right. What can I do fer ya today then?” Hilda took the note and pocketed the coin. Her tone had flipped a switch from creepy elder cougar to cool, serious business woman. Ominis felt he might have gotten whiplash from how vastly different she was acting now.

“I need to order a book, please.” Edith requested. Ominis fought his ever growing frown. A book? He was sure she had to send a letter.

“The Many uses of Knotgrass, if you’d be so kind.” Edith chimed. Ominis thought of knotgrass, a familiar plant used for potions. He was rubbish with potions, so he couldn’t recall all the uses of knotgrass. He pondered why Edith would be purchasing such a book.

“Delivery?”

“Yes please. If you could send Alphie, I’d greatly appreciate it. I do enjoy seeing the little guy.” Edith requested. Hilda barely made any noise of recognition as she wrote all the details down. She then began to move about behind the desk, looking for something on the many shelves behind her.

“Ever hear of Demiguises?” Hilda randomly mentioned as she checked her books. Edith shrugged, not at all alarmed by the random change in subject.

“I do find them to be quite charming creatures. I've never encountered one yet, perhaps one day. Why?”

“Got a new book all bout t’em. Did ya know they can see a glimpse of the future?” The woman rambled. She moved out from behind the desk, having given up her search back there, and attempted to search the shelves behind them. Edith kept her in her line of sight but remained in her place. The elder woman came to stand next to Ominis, a little too close for comfort. With her being this close, Ominis could make out her unruly wild haid kept in place by a cloth covering the top of her head and a dark dress. She was much shorter than him and Edith, and much older from how her skin hung from her features.

She never brushed against him thankfully, but his personal space was being slightly invaded. She waved her wand towards a higher shelf, not once taking her dark eyes off him. She didn’t even look away once the book began to hover down from the shelf above.

“Interesting. I have heard they were capable of such things. Makes them all the more fascinating, does it?” Edith’s voice was growing more cold, losing her mock warmth she had originally offered Hilda when they first entered.

“Could ya imagine ‘aving that talent? Always knowing what was lurkin ‘round the corner fer ya?” Hilda spoke ominously, slowly moving past Ominis back towards the desk.

“Could make one grow paranoid.” Edith warned. Ominis was certain they were communicating in a way he couldn’t understand. It was setting his nerves on fire. Talking in code that he couldn’t quite figure out just yet. Just as he started to rack his brain for what she could be talking about, he felt a chill run down his spine. Spiders tickled his skin with their feather light steps all over his skin; he was being watched. 

It wasn’t from Hilda. Otherwise, he would have felt it much sooner. It was a feeling he was familiar with. He quickly learned what it felt like to be watched by someone who didn't want him to notice. He was always acutely aware of the eyes on him. What his wand could pick up only showed the shop itself. He didn’t see any blurred figures that were his wand’s depictions of people in the room either. The second level didn’t have much either; more shelves filled with books, owls perched up above at the top of those shelves, and hanging on perches from the ceiling. But no other human-like figure was present in the shop. He wasn't certain whether it was him alone being watched or the both of them.

“That’s one way of lookin' at it. Anyways, I thought ya’d be interested, given how ya enjoy magical beasts.” Hilda concluded.

“Much appreciated, Hilda. Now when can I expect my book to be delivered?” 

“A couple days.”

“Any chance I can get it delivered sooner?”

“Alphie’s old. He’ll get there when he can.” Hilda concluded leaving no room for debate. Ominis could only assume Alphie was the owl Edith had made mention earlier. Edith was silent for a moment, tension building but relented.

“Thank you, Hilda. A pleasure as always.” Edith begrudgingly bid the woman farewell as she turned on her heels. She quickly reached for Ominis’s arm once more, and they made their way towards the door.

“Come again!” the woman called out out behind them before the door closed.

Edith’s grip on his arm was significantly tighter than she had before entering the book shop.

“She gave me a warning.” Edith whispered ever so softly, knowing only Ominis would be able to hear  considering how close they were. Ominis felt panic rise from the deepest pit inside but he cooled his emotions, placing his hand over Edith’s. He didn’t say anything, fearing the unwanted company still watching them would hear anything. He just continued to play the part of her current escort. 

“I’m sure you could feel it, but someone is following us.” Edith continued to guide him further down Knockturn.

“Where are we going?” Ominis questioned casually.

“Didn’t I say Knockturn is great for flesh eating slug repellent?” Edith answered at a normal volume. Ominis nodded recalling their earlier conversation. So she was going to continue to run her errands. Perhaps the perpetrator will expose themselves by following them into a closed space.

“There is an off chance. It may involve Anne.” Edith mumbled, “But I promise...”

“I can take care of myself, Edith. If it gives us a clue to Anne, do what you need.” Ominis whispered into her ear. He didn’t have to lean far thanks to the polyjuice, but he heard her heart suddenly pound in her chest, and her grip tightened just a tad more.

“Just…leave it to me then.” She led him down the street on Knockturn Alley. The next place they came across was like an apothecary mixed with a herbology nursery. The windows filled with plants and jars of all sorts of peculiar things, ranging from roots to strange liquids with floating plants. If any store was going to have flesh eating slug repellent, this place surely would. Ominis stepped forward to open the door for Edith.

“...Thank you.” She muttered quietly as she passed into the store. Ominis followed shortly after being sure to close the door behind him. Their presence was announced thanks to the bell above the door. Perfect for alerting them of anyone coming in after them. 

This shop was about the same size as the book store, but far more crowded by plants, and shelves filled with jars, and such. There were a few books here and there mostly on anything protraining to herbology. If Edith truly needed to know the uses of Knotgrass, this would’ve been the best place for it, though he was pretty sure she didn’t actually purchase the book.

“What do you grow in this garden of yours?” Ominis asked as they looked around the store. Edith didn’t stray far from his side but always positioned herself where she could see who was entering.

“Lots of things. Madrakes, chomping cabbages, plants for potions.” Edith listed off.

“All very useful for combat I see.”

“Best to always be prepared, but I do enjoy growing more simple things as well.”

“Such as?” Ominis could feel growing more relaxed as they distracted themselves with conversation until the ones in the shadows decided if they would come in.

“Food for myself and food for my beasts. Fresh produce is much better than any grocery could charge me for.” Edith concluded, sounding normal. She sounded so normal it was almost comforting. She could be an average witch talking about her own garden she enjoyed growing. There was no pretense or double faced meaning.

“I’d be delighted to see what you’ve accomplished so far. I am sure Sebastian could easily prepare a delicious meal from your grown produce.” Ominis suggested, offering her a chance to let him in perhaps. She didn’t say something immediately, quiet as ever. Ominis began to question if he had overstepped and she had retreated back into her defenses again.

“Well I guess I should really find that repellent then. Can’t show off my accomplishments, as you say, when those damned slugs are ruining it.” Edith finally answered. The tidewave that was relief crashed down on him; his shoulders even felt just a bit more relaxed. She was willing to show him and Sebastian her private garden. She was willing to open up that part of herself. Ominis could feel his inner self ecstatic with this baby step of a victory.  

“I don’t think they are coming in.” Edith grumbled as they stood in front of the same shelf they had been staring at for the past 5 minutes. They were just stalling for time to see if their shadows would come in, but it seemed that was not the case.

“Fine. Let’s move on. I’d say you’ve got about another 30 minutes before the polyjuice potion wears off.” Edith quickly grabbed a canister of fleshing eating slug repellent and marched up to the checkout counter. Linking arms once more, they exited the shop and continued on their way. The feeling of being watched had significantly lessened, still prickling the back of his neck, though.

“Someone is still watching us.” Edith pointed out, having noticed how the intensity had lessened.

“It would appear so.”

“I have one more stop, and then we can leave.” Edith mentioned. 

“What’s our next stop then?”

“Borgin and Burkes. I just need to peep in.”

“Anything in particular you’re looking for?” Ominis raised an eyebrow in question. Borgin and Burkes is iconically known for its selling of dark magical items. It was a place under the Ministry’s watch, but they couldn’t prove they had been breaking the law, so let them go about their business.

“I usually know when I see it.” Edith’s answer was cryptic, unfortunately. Borgin and Burkes dealt in all sorts of strange items, mostly ancient relics that were often filled with dangerous dark magic. It was basically the beacon of Knockturn Alley. Well known and rightfully located.

“Please do be careful, Edith.” Ominis sighed as a slight headache formed. With constant itching on his back from the cowards hiding and Edith’s disregard for her own wellbeing, he was sure his nerves would not be taking a break any time soon.

“Worried, dear?” Edith teased, suddenly choosing to play the part in this act they had taken on while in Knockturn. Feeling a tad mischievous, Ominis smirked as he pulled her close to really whisper in her ear. His breath tickled her ear as he whispered, “Always, dear.” 

He heard her quiet gulp while her heart pounded a little more admimently. She quickly put some distance between them.

“How bold. We are in public afterall.” There was a bite to her response, almost embarrassed. He wished he had the ability to see what expression she wore right now.

Finally having arrived at Borgin and Burkes, Edith immediately straightened and released her hold on him. Unlike the other shop, Borgin and Burkes had much more space, filled with cases and shelves full of objects, reminding him of a collector's shop. The glass cases had old disturbing items in it, while open shelves had books and trinkets. Ominis knew better, hell he could feel the dark magic radiating from every corner of this place. Everything appeared as junk but he could feel the suffocating tendrils of dark magic flooding his senses. The entire shop gave him this eerie feeling. It was cold, and terrifying; a feeling of old magic caressing his skin, trying to coerce him into something. It compassed his entire being the second he walked into the door. All of it reminded him of the one place he dreaded and feared, the Gaunt estate. 

This place had the same isolating feel as his family residence did. The dark magic at play here matched that of the manor as well. All of it calling to a part of himself he fought back often. He was always sensitive to dark magic, knowing its feel and presence; it was something he had to practice gaining control over, lest it consume him, bringing forth a side he despised. He was very good about maintaining control, but even he had rough days. 

Edith continued her search for whatever it was she was looking for. She entered the shop, seeming to stop by every shelf and case to stare for a long moment before moving on. She was so focused on what she was looking for, Ominis started to look at each item as well.

“What are you looking for exactly?” He questioned as he held his wand to a glass case filled with ropes and dead things locked inside. Maybe if he helped her find what she was looking for, they could leave this dreary place at once.

“Something you won’t be able to see.”

“Given how I've never seen anything in my life, that doesn’t really narrow it down.” Ominis retorted, rolling his eyes.

“I..I just meant something normal people can’t see.” Edith stuttered in embarrassment. She quickly moved onto the next case of items. He couldn’t help the small smirk from forming on his face. It was amusing to him how she reacted when she was embarrassed. 

It was another long moment of just searching before Edith let out a small noise of surprise. He walked over to find what she had been looking at. His wand only picked up a small dagger in a glass case with strange designs on it. It had an incredibly thick handle, far too wide for any normal human’s hand.

“That one.” Edith pointed to it before turning to hail the shop clerk over.

“How can I help?” The male clerk questioned as he approached.

“Can you please remove that dagger there?” Edith requested kindly.

“Ah, the goblin silver dagger. Got this one myself.” He bragged as he unlocked the container and collected the dagger. A goblin dagger?! What could she possibly want with that? Why would that even be at a place such as this?

“I do find myself collecting many things created by those goblins recently.” Edith blissfully sighed, as if collecting was a pleasant hobby of hers. Ominis thought back to her younger years and realized that wasn’t too far fetched. She had quite the hoarding problem with all the random clothing she’d find, and sell. Then there were the potion ingredients she gathered every time they were out.

“This dagger was property to one of those magic crazed goblins that attacked Hogwarts.” The clerk bragged, as if trying to up-sell the item even more.

“Really?! I thought I could feel its magic.” Edith gasped in shock. That dagger belonged to one of those goblins? Did it really? He was positive the store clerk was just trying to rip money from Edith. There was no way it could possibly be; the ministry had gathered most of the weapons imbued with magic from the goblins the years following. They moved at a snail’s pace when it came to the issue with the magic crazed goblins led by Ranrok, but eventually they confiscated all the goblin silver directly involved with those goblins, stating it was too dangerous to leave them be. Having even a dagger from those goblins was incredibly unlikely.

“A keen eye you have there, young lady. Shall I wrap it for you?” The clerk offered.

“Oh please do.” Edith nodded as she retrieved the coins from her purse. As she began to discuss price with the clerk, Ominis felt his body start to ache uncomfortably, as if he needed a good stretch to release some cramps. Immediately Ominis realized the polyjuice was slowly starting to wear off. He cursed internally. Edith must have overcalculated how much time was left.

“Ah, Darling. We need to leave now.” Ominis suggested kindly, stepping closer to her. He noticed how Edith, immedately frozen in place, while her heart skipped momentarily, at the word Darling. She made a slight motion of turning towards him. He heard her small gasp before she turned back to the clerk.

“Right. Right Of course! Here you go sir.” Edith quickly handed the clerk coins and grabbed the dagger. 

“Have a lovely one!” She beamed the quickly pulled Ominis by the wrist towards the door. For one so small, she was able to hurriedly pull him along. She wasn’t full running, that’d draw too much attention, but she was walking at a brisk pace. She made quick work to get them out of Knockturn Alley, though she did not apparate out. He could feel the goosebumps of unwanted eyes return in full force. He tried to focus on any hurried steps following behind, only to find he heard a couple.

She didn’t slow her pace until they were well outside the Leaky Cauldron. By then, Ominis could feel how tight his clothes had become. His movements were very restricted, and his shoes were slightly crushing his toes.

“Sorry. I thought you had more time.” Edith apologized as they walked, turning around every so often. Ominis could hear the footsteps following behind quietly but were still a distance away.

“Perhaps we can lure them out somewhere more secluded.” Ominis thought aloud. If they could give them a clue to Anne, perhaps it was time they confronted them away from muggle eyes.

“There are a few secluded alleys around here.” Edith was unsure if that would work. The alleys here could be very tight spaces.

“It’s worth a shot.” Ominis frowned; this wasn’t a very well thought out plan, but they needed to confront these stalkers. Ominis mentally prepared himself for what would most likely be a confrontation against whoever was following.

“Follow me.” Edith whispered as she pulled him into a large alley. It was barely enough room for a fight, but not enough for too much movement. She continued to pull him down the alley when footsteps could be heard in front of them. They both came to halt as the sounds of shoes hitting wet pavement echoed throughout.

“Shit.” Edith cursed, starting to step back, but more footsteps could be heard from behind. Ominis wasn’t sure how the two before them were able to cut them off, but it appeared they had them right where they wanted.

Ominis’s wand wasn’t able to pull much details from the figures, but the two infront were clearly the ones in charge with the way they carried themselves. The much large one stood at full height looking down on Edith a few meters away.

“Can I help you?” She questioned with a tone so cold and irritated he almost feared for the one speaking to them. It slightly reminded him of all the times she spoke to him and Sebastian as the masked wizard. Her tone was always bitter and threatening, but never like this. When she had encountered them, she had this taunting air about her, like the Masked Wizard never took the both of them seriously. Here, that taunting aura was nowhere to be felt, and all that was there was a dangerously calm wizard. It was absolutely terrifying.

“Easy, little lady. We mean you no harm.” The larger man stepped forth with a condescending tone. With one step forward, Edith stepped back, putting herself between Ominis and the man. Ominis turned to point his wand back to the entrance of the alley. Two smaller silhouettes blocking the path.

"I dread the thought of how you treat those you do mean to harm."

“All we need is for you to come along with us, Ms. Winterald.” The man chuckled, causing Edith to go deathly still. He knew her real name, which Ominis could only assume was something she didn’t give out regularly. As far as most of the wizardly world was aware, Edith Winterald, child hero of Hogwarts was murdered by the Masked Wizard. Only a few were aware of the truth of that matter.

“Why would I ever follow someone like you?” Edith sneered, causing the two behind to step closer towards them. So it seemed a fight was on their hands.

“A friend of yours is dying to meet you.” He chuckled sinisterly. 

Anne.

“Right. Guess I’ll be paying them a visit then won’t I?” Edith laughed. The way she spoke didn’t sound right. She sounded as if she had gone mad for a moment.

Before Ominis could say anything, Edith casted dipulso on the two in front, blasting them backwards. The two infront, immediately went on the attack throwing a few basic casts towards him. He was easily able to block the on coming attacks. Edith focused her own attacks mostly on the two in front of her.

Ominis heard the telltale signs someone in front of him was casting the blasting curse. He quickly ready himself to move out of the way, when he realized it would hit Edith.

“Edith move!” Ominis warned as he lunged out of the way. As he moved, he quickly casted expelliarmus to one who had just hurled the fire bolt towards them. While his opponent's wand was knocked out of his hands, Ominis felt Edith get knocked back past him.

“Edith!’

“I’m fine!” She called out immediately, rolling out of the way of the oncoming attack from behind. Ominis turned to face the direction of the one in charge, having switched position with Edith. She now faced the two behind, while he was challenging the two in charge. The man wasn’t standing nearly as tall as he was before, a little more tired out now. Seemed Edith really knew how to wear out her opponent in a short amount of time.

Ominis quickly interrupted the large man’s charging lightning spell, forcing the spell to rebound on the two of them. He could feel Edith against his back, attacking the two behind. From the sounds of it, they weren’t fairing well.

He heard one of the men from behind cast Petrificus totalus, while one of the men in front of him casted confringo. As if reading each other’s mind, Edith quickly rolled out of the way, the same time Ominis had as well. The paralyzing spell ended up hitting the smaller of the two men in charge, while the blasting curse landed on the caster, knocking the two at the enterance, down from the explosion.

Edith quickly turned to the last one remaining, the one responsible.

“Should have just compiled, little girl.” The man spat towards them. He began to prepare his next attack when Edith quickly interrupted it.

“And you should’ve stayed down! Curcio!” She called out the unforgivable name. Even Ominis could see the bright neon green spell zip past towards the man before him. The dark magic immediately flooded his senses, catching him off guard. He felt his body grow cold at the sounds of the man screaming out in pain from the curse. She still used the unforgivables. He was aware of this, and yet he felt something inside him twist as the agonizing screams rang in his ears. He could barely focus on the world around, hardly hearing anything aside from the man’s pain.

Memories from a time long since passed came flooding to the surface. A pain of his own, much more muted but still ever present, came forth, shooting throughout his entire body. He could feel the sweat form on his forehead and neck. The man’s screams were no longer the screams of a grown man but a small boy. A small boy letting out a blood curdling cry from the punishment inflicted on him for not performing that very same spell. He truly thought he had overcome this; he had worked hard to make sure he was past his trauma, but every so often, the memories came flooding forward, distracting him when he needed to be focused.

“Ominis!” Edith screamed, sounding so far away. Her voice was riddled with terror; Her scared voice slowly brought him back to the current situation at hand. But it wasn’t fast enough.

“Ominis look out!” Edith’s hysterical voice broke through the haze he was currently trapped in. He abruptly felt her elbow shove him to the ground, her back brushing against his briefly before he heard it. The sound of magic slashing through flesh along with her cry out in agony.

The alley sound filled with the bitter iron smell of blood instantly, Edith’s blood. Ominis could make out, much to his horror, Edith’s figure slump to her knees clutching her right shoulder with her left hand.

It seemed one of the men at the entrance had recovered enough to continue their futile fight. Having cast the Diffindo spell while their backs were turned.

“Edith!” Ominis cried out, reaching for her. He felt warm wet blood instantly coat the palm of his hands. She was bleeding a lot, too much.

“Snap out of it Ominis! I need you!” Edith growled as she immediately stood, not steady on her feet in the slightest, and threw the blasting curse at the enemy who just threw the slicing spell. He could feel the heat from the intensity she threw that spell. Suffice to say the man was not getting back up anytime soon after. He quickly rose, turning his focus to the man in charge, the other finally freed from the paralzying curse. Ominis desperately tried to ignore Edith’s winces after every spell she threw. The smell of blood was growing more intense as the battle continued; the sounds of liquid dropping everywhere rang in his ears. They needed to finish this quickly.

Ominis quickly casted leviosa on the smaller of the two only to immediately slam him to the ground after, knocking the man out from the force of the impact. Just as Ominis did that, an energy crackled from Edith. It was powerful, and unnerving. It sent chills down his spine as it radiated from her. It wasn’t like dark magic, but it wasn’t any normal magic either. She raised her good arm high up, lifting the man’s silhouette into the air before slamming him down, and then back up only to forcibly bring him down once more. She repeated this multiple times. The magic around her pulsed with a violent energy unlike any other; he was defeated before she had even finished the attack. It was unbelievably brutal. Ominis wondered if the man was even breathing after that.

As the silence of the aftermath filtered through the alley, Ominis watched as Edith stumbled forward, losing her footing immediately.

“Edith!” he ran over, immediately catching her before she could faceplant on the hard ground. He could feel the wet touch of her blood begin to soak through his clothes on his chest. If anyone spotted them right now, it would definitely be bad. There would be no way to explain the situation.

“We need to get out of here!” Ominis moved his wand to apparate, but Edith quickly stopped him. She reached for his wand with  gestures. Barely conscious she mumbled out something sounding out of breath.

“What?” She kept trying to shove him off of her but barely had any strength to her. He barely felt anything from her push.

“Edith, please.”

“We...need...information...” She whispered, her brows furrowed. Ominis quickly turned with her in his arms to try and find something they could take. All he was able to find was an envelope with some papers inside. He hurriedly opened the letters, hoping it would give him something. He barely read the letter but did find some instructions on where they were to take Edith when she was captured. He quickly stuffed the papers in his pocket, knowing this was enough for now.

“Got something. Let's go.” Ominis alerted as he quickly scooped up her legs so Edith was secured against his chest. With a wave his wand, he focused in on Edith’s home and quickly apperated there.

The sight of her house was a blessed thing, but he feared teleportation might have been too much for her given her current state. Ominis could barely hear her breath. Her heart was even beginning to slow.

“Edith, I need you to say something.” Ominis rushed to the door, keeping her secured. The less her neighbors saw the better. The sun was beginning to set so Ominis hoped they were busy with whatever it was they did at this time inside.

“I….’m…sorry…Omi,” She breathed out softly. He couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped as he opened the door forcibly. It had been years since he heard his nickname come from her lips. It still sounded as delightful as it did back then, though the near death breathlessness was not a pleasant addition.

Making sure to close the door behind him with his foot, he moved with haste towards the stairs. Thankfully, he heard Sebastian’s footsteps fast approaching from upstairs.

“Whatever for?” he answered, attempting to keep her talking. He lowered himself to the ground, to free his hand from under her legs to check her pulse. It wasn’t steady nor beating at a normal pace. It was much slower than it should have been.

“I…shou…ldn’t have…used..” Edith's voice started to fall off, which was way more worrisome.

“Edith, stay with me!” He begged, attempting to shake her back into consciousness. His cries were only met with silence.

“Edith!”

~ ♡ ~

( ノ•̀ヮ•́)ノ⌒┻━┻

MY LONGEST CHAPTER YET! WOOOO!! I had fun with this one but also felt ilthere wasn't enough, so i increased the battle and stuff they did, with good reason. I hope you guys enjoyed this. Im tryna give it that dark academia/(sherlock esc) mystery feel, but i think i still need practice! Oh well!!

Have a wonderful day, and thank you for reading. Loves ya!!! ♡♡♡

[cheddarpill]

Need to open up my head like a tuna can and mix up my brain with an immersion blender

[fukae-flwr]

Stained Hearts & Dark Desires

Chapter 5: Magical Beast Wonderland

Summary: Sebastian is left to his own devices and does the very thing Sebastian knows, entering restricted areas.

Words: 4.7k

Warnings: lots of environment descriptions, mention of blood, and serious injuries

Rating: MATURE 18+ (NO MINORS)

Chapter: 6

Sebastian had been sitting in the study for the past couple hours, reading all the letters and news clipping at his disposal. Edith was dedicated, he’d give her that much. Looking at everything she had, everything circled, questions written in the margins, was something akin to a madman. It was clear to him she meant what she had said earlier; the only thing that mattered to her right now was finding Anne. They’d find her for sure with Edith in their corner; he knew they would, he just hoped it was in time.

Reading over the letters from Anne was like a stab in the gut. He tried to focus on what Anne was saying in each letter but there was no denying the glaring fact that Anne had been lying to Ominis and him this entire time. She was fully aware of their reasons behind becoming auroras, and even going so far as to mourn her at the memorial. She must’ve had her own reasons, and he would bet every galleon he owned it was mostly Edith’s doing, yet he felt hurt. It helped how every other letter Anne made mention to Edith how she should let Ominis and him know somehow she wasn’t actually dead. Seeing how that never occured he could assume what Edith’s response was.

Restlessness was rampant inside him, and with a heavy sigh, he tossed the letter he had been reading to the floor in front of him. He enjoyed reading to the point he could do it for hours, but even he still needed a break every so often. Getting up, he decided to head downstairs for a drink and possible snack. As he walked, he got a better look at everything. The walls didn’t have many photos hanging on it, the occasional art piece every so often. The walls were mostly bare, only the wallpaper decorating the home. He could see faint old outlines of where photos used to hang at some point, but were removed. It was very vague; it had been some time since whatever was hanging in those spots had been removed. As lovely as this place was, Sebastian questioned how she was able to get such a lovely place all to herself with all the furniture it had. As far as he knew, making money as a criminal didn’t pay very well, unless said criminal was robbing the ministry. He never got any reports of the Masked Wizard doing anything like that; she mostly involved herself with things to do with magic crazed goblins, poachers, and dark wizards. She was mostly wanted for her use of the Unforgivables, being an unregistered animagus and alleged murderer of Hogwarts child hero, herself. None of that seemed like it was rewarded with much coin, especially enough to own a whole house in London.

As he reached the main floor, Sebastian heard Edith’s house elf moving about in the parlor. She sounded a little disgruntled, struggling with something. Seeing as how he didn’t have anything to do at the moment, he went to check on the elf.

When he entered the room he found her next to a large pail of water while two other pails floated behind. She had a brown sack open off to the right of the parlor, under the window. It seemed like she had spilled some of the water onto the floor. She was currently trying to clean it up with a wooden mop.

“Are you alright?” Sebastian questioned as he came close. The small elf just beamed up aim, brightening up immediately.

“Oh Mr.Sebastian! Yes, Penny is fine. Just made a small spill trying to get the beasts’ bath ready!” She explained.

“Beasts? As in magical beasts?” Sebastian frowned in confusion. Edith had magical beasts? Where in Merlin’s name was she keeping them?! This place was so small, and he didn’t see any vivarium entrances.

“Oh yes! Miss Edith loves her magical beasts very much. She told Penny she couldn’t bear to leave them behind. And the beasts seem very fond of Miss Edith as well!” Penny seemed so excited to explain it.

“Well where does she keep them?” Sebastian blinked, taken back. So she brought her magical beasts from Hogwarts with her when she left? How did she manage that? He didn’t even know she had magical beasts. The last he could recall Edith promised she’d show Ominis and him around her Room of Requirement. That was one of the promises she never kept considering that promise was made the day she left Hogwarts.

“In here!” Penny gestured to the large brown sack sitting in front of her. It was a worn leather sack with a few faded patches placed about it. It had bronze metal corners at the bottom of it with matching claps at the top under the handle. It clearly had seen many uses from how worn out it was. He was surprised it wasn’t falling apart.

“Edith keeps the beasts in here?”

“Oh Certainly! Penny will show you!” Penny stepped into the open sack, having snapped her fingers to make the broom disappear. As a courtesy he took the pail of water from her, and followed behind. He watched as the elf disappeared into the sack, lowering down slowly. Unsure, he stepped into the sack, feeling his foot land on something sturdy. Lowering his other foot, he found another serdy step. Before he knew it he was making his way down a ladder into the sack that should have been much smaller.

When he finally descended the ladder, he found himself in a small open room with books, and plants. It wasn’t very big, but did have a small wooden staircase with a railing along the edge across from the ladder. Going up to the railing, Sebastian could see a larger open space with many magical beasts all in different sections of the room, down below. There were two more levels. The one directly below him was filled with small to medium beasts. An enclosure for nifflers with a large tree surrounded by shiny golden things was placed next to a grass field enclosure with puffskeins. The level also had a family of diricawls, and kneazles in other enclosures further along the left side wall. Up above, hanging from the ceiling were many large bird houses; they hung low enough for him to see the fwoopers, and jobberknolls that nested in them. There was even a phoenix flying around, every so often landing on its nest that was perched along the opposite wall. The furthest right side wall mimicked a mountain side with a long path leading up to a long ledge where the nest sat. The birds flew around the entire place in content, seemingly at home in this wondrous place.

Far down below was the third level, the largest space for much larger magical beasts. It appeared there was a dark forest on the third level for the unicorns he could see. From what he could see, the giant purple toads and mooncalf were placed between the unicorns and thestrals. He could also hear hippogriffs and possibly graphorns but couldn’t see where exactly they were.

“Merlin’s beard…This place is incredible!” Sebastian was at a loss for words, completely having forgotten Penny was there. He quickly sped down the stairs to the first level, filled with excitement and awe. The creatures hardly paid Sebastian any mind, they mostly looked at him with curiosity. They were, however, very familiar with Penny. Many of the birds perched themselves along the railing nearest Penny. The beasts in pens came up to the enclosure gates.

“Penny agrees. Miss Edith cares so deeply for her beasts, she wanted to make sure everything was perfect for them.” Penny smiled so happily as she moved towards a wooden bin he assumed was a feeder. She opened the bin to grab different kinds of food for the beasts. She moved over to the enclosure to feed the beast their retrospected foods.

“Miss Edith always seems happiest when she is with the beasts. It makes Penny very happy.” Penny spoke fondly as the nifflers and kneazles took their food. Sebastian remembered how much trouble Edith and Poppy would cause thanks to their shared love of beasts. He was pretty sure all the times Edith went out fighting poachers, Poppy was there right alongside her.

“Now, Penny must get the beasts ready for baths. Miss Edith enjoys bathing them, but it takes a while to set up, so Penny prepares everything for Miss Edith.” Penny turned towards him reaching for the pail of water he had brought down. He noticed that the other pails had followed them down as well.

“Can’t you just pop in and out like elves normally do?” Sebastian questioned carefully handing the bucket to the elf.

“Miss Edith created this place with magic that protects unwanted visitors from entering any other way beside the entrance. Almost all of the beasts were once victims of nasty poachers, and Miss Edith wanted to ensure no harm would fall upon them. So Penny can’t magically enter the sack. Penny has to use the entrance like everyone else.” Penny explained as she began to walk down the stairs to the third floor with the pails.

Following behind her, Sebastian made it to the bottom floor, seeing all the massive beasts around. The pens for each creature expanded out and were sectioned off by wooden walls. There was an archway on the side of the faux mountainside on the far right. The rocky path that led up to the phoenix's nest was next to the archway. The archway seemed to lead into a small bright room filled with plants, both magical and non magical. He even saw glimpses of a large venomous tentacula at the far end near some vegetables.

The stairs ended in the center of the area where a shack was placed. It appeared that the shack at the center was filled with tools for both the animals and gardening, as well as toys for the beasts. The animal enclosures surrounded the open space; each space seemed to mimic what each creature needed as a habitat. Within each pen had a large tin filled with water, and had brushes to the side of them. Penny brought the pails she had over to the graphorns’ pin. The tub was nearly filled with the water, but looked to still have some filling to do.

“There has to be a better way to fill up these tubs.” Sebastian thought aloud as he looked the place over. Perhaps he could make a pulley system that would allow Penny to easily lower and raise pails of water.

“Penny uses magic to lift two pails of water and carries one. Penny doesn’t mind it; Penny loves helping Miss Edith!” Penny brushed off, pouring the pails into the tin for the graphorns. Sebastian still examined the area. He wanted to help as well. This place was amazing, and they shouldn’t have to work so hard to keep the animals taken care of.

He noticed high above there was a branch coming off from the nifflers’ tree. It stopped right above the top floor railing.

“I have an idea. Got any rope Penny?” Sebastian asked excitedly as he raced up the stairs. Penny followed behind with some rope she pulled from the shack. With the rope in hand, Sebastian went about trying to set up something for her to make the job easier. He ended up getting lost in his little project while Penny went about her business with the animals, helping whenever Sebastian asked. It ended up taking some time but he was able to get something useful made, even helped Penny lower filled buckets and raise empty ones.

“Mr.Sebastian, you are incredible!” Penny praised once all the water tubs were completely filled and the pulley system was fully functional. Sebastian was a bit proud of himself; he was able to help in a little way.

“It’s nothing. I’m just glad I could help. This will make getting baths ready way more easier.”

“Agreed. Miss Edith will greatly appreciate it.” Penny beamed, reminding Sebastian who’s magical sack he was currently in.

“Right.” He had completely forgotten about Edith for a moment. He was so lost in this amazing place and wanting to help he completely forgot he was most likely trespassing. If Edith had wanted him to see this, he was sure she would’ve shown him herself. Though since it was Penny who showed him, maybe she wouldn’t be nearly as upset. She did seem to care about her house a great deal. She practically turned to jelly when Penny greeted her at the door last night; her prickly shell softening immediately.

“Since all the baths are ready for the beasts, Penny should go prepare supper.” Penny informed as she headed towards the archway leading to the garden. Curious Sebastian followed her to the room.

Sebastian immediately felt blanketed by the warmth from the room as he entered. Closing his eyes it felt so peaceful reminding him of summer time back in Feldcroft. It was comforting and relaxing, also perfect for this small garden Edith had created. She seemed to be growing plenty of things he could cook with as well as many magical plants to brew potions with.

“She’s really got herself set up here doesn’t she?” Sebastian mumbled looking over her garden.

“Oh yes. Miss Edith has a great deal of effort into making this place. It seems like Miss Edith is always improving upon this place to make it better.” Penny had started to remove some carrots that were ready to harvest.

“Mr.Sebastian, if you’d like, will you grab some of those potatoes?” Penny grinned pointing over to the risen garden patch.

“Of course.” He walked over and began to dig out some potatoes. Thankfully he wasn’t unfamiliar with harvesting vegetables. In Feldcroft, Anne had started growing her own foods as well, and he even occasionally helped some of the farmers in the hamlet for coin. It helped him stay busy during the summer when it was just him by himself.

“Did Edith…ever talk about us? Me and Ominis that is?” Sebastian questioned as he dug. He doubted Edith would tell Penny everything, but if she knew something, maybe she’d tell him. He felt it might be grasping at straws till he finally confronted her. He’d get those answers eventually; he had a right to know why she left without so much as a letter, after everything they did. After everything she did for him.

“Miss Edith doesn’t enjoy talking about the past very much,” Sebastian sighed defeatedly. Of course she didn’t.

“But she does mention how sometimes she wishes to go back. She always seems sad thinking about the past. Miss Edith did tell Penny that eventually once she was done finding a permanent cure for Miss Anne, she was going to give up being a dark wizard.” Penny continued, focused on pulling the last carrot needed. Sebastian immediately snapped his gaze over to the elf in shock. She was only a dark wizard for Anne?!

“What?!”

“That was of course after a particularly hard night. Penny feared for Miss Edith’s health that night. Poor Miss Edith broke into a terrible fever after…..” Penny continued lost in thought before she quickly stopped, eyes gone wide. She immediately dropped everything and covered her mouth. Guess she wasn't exactly supposed to say that.

“...Oh no. Penny was not supposed to say that.” The elf suddenly looked like she was going to cry. Sebastian immediately sat up with his hands up in defense.

“No. No. No, don't cry. It’s fine. I won’t say anything. I promise.” Sebastian hastily consoled the elf. Damn. Way to go Sebastian, making the elf cry now. He mentally kicked himself as he tried to cheer her up.

“Hey don’t worry, ok? Even I can tell Edith really cares about you, so I doubt she’ll be super mad. Cheer up.” Sebastian comforted her. There was no way Edith would be super mad, probably a little annoyed but somehow he felt that annoyance would fall on him for even trying to get information out of the elf.

“Penny still feels bad. Penny really tries to stop talking, but it just comes out.” Penny sniffed, looking like she was a kicked puppy. Sebastian’s little heart clenched for her. He got up and patted the top of her flower hat.

“It’s alright. I promise. I’ll keep this between us. Here let me take these up.” He smiled down at her while holding his hands out for her carrot batch. She looked up to him, before giving him a small smile.

“Thank you Mr.Sebastian. Miss Edith is very lucky to have friends like you.” Penny thanked as she placed the carrots on top of the potatoes he had gathered. He had to fight the urge to retort a snide comment. He just took the vegetables and began to head upstairs, outside of the sack. Once he was finally back outside, he noticed the sun was almost sunset. The sky was beautifully bright but the sun was low. He hadn’t realized how much time had passed while he was down there.

He went to the kitchen and placed the vegetables on the island counter for Penny. As she stood there he let their conversation sink in. Edith was a dark wizard for Anne, and she was planning on giving up that life once Anne was completely cured. Was that why she left in the first place? But why didn’t she talk to Ominis and him about it? His mind began to race with all sorts of questions, but no answers presented themselves to him. It was beyond frustrating. Edith had all the answers but was so damn secretive and for what reason?! It wasn’t like Sebastian could’ve ever judged her for her choices. He had no room. As Ominis said, everyone did bad things sometimes, regardless of the reasons. She couldn’t possibly do anything worse than he did…hopefully.

As he let his brain toss and turn to the point of a headache, an idea popped into his head. Definitely something he would get in trouble for…if he was caught. He waited for Ominis’ voice of reason to pop into his head, but he could hardly hear it. So, in very much Sallow fashion, he quickly raced up the stairs to the third floor to sneak into a room he was probably forbidden from entering.

“Old habits die hard, I guess,” he mumbled to himself as he walked up to the first door on the left. The room next to the study. The room Edith didn’t show to them on her tour, and had spent all last night pacing around in. Curiosity was the main factor, but a part of him knew he might find some answers in there as well. Maybe she was holding out information crucial to finding Anne.

As expected, the door was locked, but with a quick cast of alohomora it was unlocked. He immediately opened the door and closed it behind him making sure he wouldn’t get caught.

The room was…unpleasant. The feeling of this room was cold and uninviting, almost like something in the room wanted him out. An energy wrapped itself around him instantly, making his shoulders feel tense and heavy. An energy that was disturbingly familiar to the way he felt when he held Salazar's spellbook and when he had the relic. It was almost suffocating yet very alluring. There was dark magic here. It wasn't exactly the same feeling the relic gave, but it was damn near close enough. Enough for Sebastian to know Edith was messing with magic she shouldn't have.

The room was similar to the study, maybe a tad longer with an alcove, but a mirror opposite structure wise. However, this room darkened by drawn closed thick curtains. The light barely passes through the small separation between the curtains, lighting up very little. The lantern on the wall thankfully lit up more for him to see. The first thing he noticed was the large shelf directly in front of the door against the wall between this room and the study. It had so many seemingly random objects, all made of silver. The things he saw were strangely designed and yet vaguely familiar. Most were large daggers and short swords; a few were more obscure like weirdly shaped oval objects the size of a small apple or of axes against the wall. There were lots of random bits of silver pieces placed on the shelf as well, just sitting there. All of them had unique designs that seemed oddly familiar, but he couldn’t quite place it.

Moving to the alcove drawn curtains were books taking most of the space. The books ranged from old magic, understanding spells, to dark and dangerous magic. Each book was worn, and had tabs sticking out of specific sections.

Along the far wall to the left was a long desk and a large board covered in papers. Many of the papers had scribbled drawings all over almost like runes, while others were just a page of writings with more writings on the margins. Many things on the pages were scribbled out, or heavily circled. The oil lantern on the desk seemed to be coming up on its last use. A necklace with a large pendant on it was carefully laid on the desk against the wall. Nothing he’d see any woman wearing today. The pendant was a round oval with the metal bent in strange ways. It bent over itself with many sharp edges yet formed a perfectly rounded oval with a hollowed center. It looked heavy as well, thick from the silver it was made from. It was similar to the other oddly designed objects on the shelf, but half the size. The chain attached to it was just as thick and uncomfortable looking.

Walking up to the desk, Sebastian began to read what was readily available to read. Aside from the strange necklace, the desk was covered almost completely. A couple of books on top of each other and many, many loose pages. The pages were very old, having seen their fair share of years. One was very familiar, though. A page he found with Edith many years back, covered in runes. She still had the torn page they found in the Undercroft.

The notebook on top of it all was left open on the desk and had two entries on it along with more rune scribbles and ineligible writings in the margins. The first entry was dated from a few months ago. There was a disturbing dark brown blotch stained at the center of the page, like ink having fallen on the page. Though Sebastian had a feeling that it wasn't ink that stained the page. The entry read:

“The effects of the locket are still effective. The curse hasn’t countered it yet. The locket is still good. More tests are needed to improve the capacity. A new locket may be needed. Redesign the old locket and improve it. The curse can be cured. There is still hope.”

Her writing seemed frantic, like she was convincing herself there was a cure. Her writing was still as beautiful as it had always been, but it seemed more unorganized and hurried. Her confidence wasn’t present like it used to be. She had only two things underlined; the word "effective, " and the phrase "there is still hope." The lines were very heavy-handed with multiple lines underneath to really emphasize it. In the margins around the entry were scribbled notes about how to improve this said locket. He flickered his eyes up to the necklace on the desk. So that was a locket that needed improving. The things written didn’t quite make sense, but he knew it involved ancient magic. Something Edith used to be able to see and wield.

He remembered she had a power unlike any other wizard he ever met, but she never brought it up ever again after their fifth year. Perhaps that was the source of everything.

He turned his attention to the second entry; this one was far more recent, being it was written only a month ago. The words of this were more ominous and unnerving. Nothing about it left him feeling like there was hope, or the answer he was looking for was something he’d like. The multiple dark drops stained into the page weren’t helping him feel any better either.

“There’s only one way to cure Anne. I will continue my research for alternatives and continue improving the locket for now, but it may be futile in the end. I need to prepare for the worst.”

What did that even mean? Edith knew how to cure Anne, but was trying to find a different way? What was the cure that had her so scared? Part of him wanted to confront her immediately, demanding she cure Anne the very second they found her, but the fact she was looking for an alternative to it was…terrifying. It meant whatever this cure was, even Edith didn’t want to do it unless she absolutely had no other choice.

As the uncomfortable feeling of fear started to tickle the back of his neck and twist his stomach into a know, he noticed another piece of paper under the book, much smaller than the others. A piece of paper with Anne’s handwriting; it was much more frantically written like she was in a panic. All it said was, “Half Faced Ashwinder”. A clue from Anne as to who took her!

Sebastian quickly picked up the note to study it closer; like the answer would present itself more if it was inches from his face. This was definitely Anne’s handwriting but how long did Edith have this note? Where did it even come from? Sebasatian pondered why Anne would write something like this and in such a sloppy manner. If she was writing this, it meant she wanted whoever read it to know. It was important to Anne, and if it was written in haste, she didn’t have much time to write. So perhaps was this half faced ashwinder the reason for Anne’s sudden disappearance?

“She…was kidnapped?” Sebastian came to the realization. He had suspected as much, but this truly confirmed it. Anne was in danger, and they needed to find this half faced ashwinder. He quickly pocketed the note as he turned to leave the room. He had an informant he could reach to see if they had any info on this. Leaving the room, he felt a little more irritated than when he had initially gone in.

How could Edith keep this from them? He understood not trusting them, but this involved the wellbeing of his sister. He and Ominis had every right to know every bit of info she had. Taking a deep breath, he quickly relocked the room. He hoped her only reason for not showing this to them was she hadn’t gotten to it yet. He’d give her a chance, albeit a small one. If what Penny said was true, Edith lived her life the way she did for Anne, so she had to care for Anne. For this one thing, he’d give her the benefit of the doubt.

As he made sure the door was locked once more, he heard the front door forcibly slam open followed by shuffling and quiet discussion. Sounded as if whoever just entered was in a hurry. Quickly Sebastian began to move.

“Ominis must have returned.” Sebastian mumbled as he headed down the stairs. It was only when Ominis started to call out to Edith frantically did something feel even more off. Ominis sounded terrified, and his voice shook. Sebastian immediately skipped steps, rushing to get down faster. Finally turning the corner at the top of the last flight of stairs, his blood ran cold at the sight before him.

Ominis, no longer looking like that overgrown paperboy, was in the foyer of the house in trepidation, appearing like something out of a nightmare. Spanning from his chest to the entirety of his left shoulder was covered in blood, Edith’s blood. Ominis was knelt to the ground, desperately clinging to a very limp and bleeding out Edith. A large angry gash reaching from her right shoulder to her sternum was pouring blood, staining her dark clothes, and painting her white blouse crimson. Her skin was paling while covered in a thin layer of sweat.

Ominis was calling out to her, shaking her gently, but she wasn’t responding.

~ ♡ ~

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Heyo!!!! A new chapter his here!!! Gonna post chapter 6 soon, too, since I know this one didn't have much going!

Also, im thinking of adding this story to Ao3, but the start would be a little different. I want to add a little more hunting of Edith from the boys (͠≖ ͜ʖ͠≖)

Anyways I hope you guys are enjoying this!!

[teethburger]

I just watched the first episode of danger and eggs and it is genuinely so fun and creative and afsfsgsggsgsg