SHADOWS OF SORROW [S.S]

28 - In the Shadow of Love

Sebastian and Amaya spent the whole day in the castle's library, analyzing every single information they got out of the books over and over again, trying to make sense of it all. The witch had the knowledge of a whole year paying attention to History of Magic and she might even dare to say it was a tiny bit more exciting than having to listen to Professor Binn's tiring voice. Amaya reread Isidora's diary entries for the tenth time by now as Sebastian was lost in a book about containment spells. How exactly Isidora and Bragbor were able to invent the spherical repository was already clear to them but hiding it from Ranrok still was an unanswered question hanging in the air. Scribnar didn't make an appearance at all since she probably knew of the lack of students in the library on Sundays and Peeves just stopped by twice to pull his regular pranks on students.

Today a new student started their first year and I could feel the pain and grief like an aura about them. I was quick to introduce myself as their Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor in hopes I might be the first they put their trust in. I want to help them with their trauma, whatever troubles them. I see the students I've helped so far passing me in the halls. Their auras are free and neutral like nothing in this world harms them anymore. It relieves me in a way. Like I can make up for the fact I wasn't able to help my brother...

I can hear the Shadows whisper in my head that every soul, every emotion I offer them, strengthens my impact on this world, like it is for the better of the wizarding folk. The realm says I'm supposed to help all of them. They asked me for a special addition to their Shadow folk. One of the Keeper's pain. [...]

Amaya dropped the paper and her head as well, closing her eyes with a heavy sigh, forcing Sebastian to chuckle slightly. "Giving up?" The witch scoffed, kicking him beneath the table. "Never. I'm just at a loss of ideas. Isidora speaks in riddles and I'm so tired of her way to express herself. Is there something I missed?" She propped her head up on one hand, looking at the wizard who was watching her over the brim of his book, casually leaning back in his chair. The dim candlelight reflected in his hair, the silky texture sparkling at every ray. His face seemed sharper, angular even in the play of light and shadow, the darkened ceiling, and stars above them. "I don't think we are missing something in her notes but rather a crucial information about how Isidora lived. We can't understand what she is talking about because we don't see the world the way she did." He sighed and dropped the book onto the table crossing his arms lazily to look around the library. "She talks about these Shadows... A folk, some kind of realm. It asks her for more pain like it is some sort of collection to add to. I'm not sure if it is real or if Isidora just completely lost her marbles. I wouldn't be surprised with the latter." Amaya groaned as she pressed the heels of her palms onto her lids, rubbing them in frustration. What were they missing? Obviously something crucial.

"You said Isidora had her own pensive just the way the other Keepers did. In the Undercroft?" She nodded slowly as she lowered her hands again, her vision blurry for a second before Sebastian's face came back into focus, biting his lip in contemplation. "Maybe we should review it again. With the information we gathered so far. It might give us another insight on her memory, show us something you missed before." It wasn't like they had anything else to do, they were out of options at this point. Amaya was already thinking about a trip to the Restricted Section, but Sebastian's idea sounded a little more plausible. "Sure... I need to stretch my legs anyway. My back and tailbone hurt from sitting all day long." Her hands went up again to drag over her face in an exhausted manner as she forced herself up from the cruel and uncomfortable wooden chair. Once they'd come back they should probably tend to the armchairs instead of these things. Or maybe they should just catch some sleep. Amaya's mind was filled up to the brim with thoughts and Information she had to sort out. As the witch stood, she stretched thoroughly, some parts cracking at the unknown feeling of standing and being used again. "Are you hungry?" Sebastian made his way over to her, his hands stored within the pockets of his trousers as he looked her up and down. She seemed like she might just collapse from exhaustion, but Amaya waved her hand in dismissal. "No, I'm fine. Let's get going. I might catch some sleep after that though."