The Keeper and the Monster

Chapter 10: Could be the hairy legs

They couldn't escape without passing next to the creature. They were trapped. They could only get into the water, where the lethifold would easily follow them and eat them - or whatever it did.

Sebastian tried to cast a few spells against it. It did nothing but attract the black cloak to him. He realised it and took a few step to the side, luring the monster to get him instead of them. "Don't like that, do you?" He said to taunt the creature.

"Sebastian, don't you dare." scolded Ophelia.

"We need a distraction" he retorted.

"You're right." She took a deep breath in. Moved her wand. Felt the energy. Raised her arm. Breath out. Then, without any word or incantation, she casted her ancient magic to the lethifold. It sent it a few feet away.
But the creature came back without a wound, shaking with rage and going to her this time.

"What was that ?!" yelled Nott who was still holding Poppy against him to protect her. They both had their wand out. "You made it angry! I told you, there are no spells against lethifolds, except a patronus charm."

Sebastian turned to Nott, looking dangers at him. "You couldn't say that earlier?!" He cried out.

"What for?! We don't know the spell! We don't learn it at Hogwarts, it is far beyond NEWTs level!"

Sebastian took a deep, irritated breath and closed his eyes for a second. Then, he shouted: "Expecto patronum!" toward the lethifold. Ophelia looked at him in awe. A white, silver and powerful light came out of his wand and took the shape of a dove. The bird flew around and chased the dark cloak within seconds.

Silence fell. Nott broke it first. "Merlin's beard, Sallow. You saved us."

"You did. Thank you," said Ophelia in a whisper. She couldn't tear her eyes from Sebastian, who still wasn't facing them. A dove. She came closer. "Well that's a spell you never taught me."

"That's because I've only learnt it a few weeks ago. In case..." He didn't finished his sentence and finally looked at her. She knew what he wasn't saying. In case he would see dementors again. In case he would go to Azkaban. She wanted to take him in her arms. She almost did, but Poppy's voice prevented her from doing so.

"Thank you Sebastian! And thank you too, Ben. You saved us as well. We would've never thought about a patronus charm. And I would have touched this creature." She hugged him and he blushed. Well, now that would've been ridiculous to do the same thing at the same time with Sebastian.
What was it with those Slytherin boys?

Speaking of Slytherins, Ophelia thought about something. "Benjamin? These creatures... can they be... tamed? Used by a dark wizard, for instance, to kill other people?"

"Huh? No. They would eat him before he could even speak to them." Ben replied without letting go of his hufflepuff crush.

Then it wasn't the Chamber's monster. Good. Sebastian seemed concerned by her question, though.

"Ben? You can let me go now" Poppy said with a polite smile. He obeyed reluctantly. "What would Paloma say if she saw you hugging other girls, right?"

Poppy knew nothing about rumors. She didn't care about gossiping and spent more time with creatures than humans. Thus, it made sense she didn't know about the break up.

"I... am not with her anymore. It's been a few weeks."

"Almost two months" corrected Ophelia without thinking. "I should now, I was there." They all looked at her. "Sorry... I think I'm high with adrenaline."