In The Shadow Of His Love (Reader vs Sebastian Sallow)

Chapter 39 - Reminiscence and a Boggart

"You must do it now, or you will fail the initiation. Do you want to be Unspeakable or not?" Professor Hecat's voice echoes through the empty chamber, filling the air with its harsh and unpleasant tone. The weight of her words presses upon Riley, causing her to tremble as she stands there, her hand clutching the wand, desperately trying to steady its trembling.

"But he's innocent. He has nothing to do with it!" Riley's voice quivers with defiance.

"All the Gaunts are the same. Kill him, now!" Professor Hecat's voice booms, drowning out any remnants of hesitation. The forcefulness behind her words strikes at Riley's core, fueling her resolve to protect the accused. She shakes her head, vehemently refusing to comply.

"No! He's not!" Riley's voice carries her unwavering conviction as she stands her ground.

In response to her protest, Professor Hecat conjures a colossal wave of water, propelled toward Riley with formidable power. The force of it engulfs her, transporting her to an entirely different place—a damp and dimly lit dungeon. The familiarity of the Potions classroom surrounds her, but confusion mingles with her fear as she tries to comprehend her sudden relocation.

"About time!" Another voice pierces through the air. Riley turns around, her eyes widening as they settle on Professor Sharp, a figure she had hoped to avoid. The realization of his presence only deepens her unease.

"Where are Sebastian and Ominis? We should be serving detention together," Riley asks, searching for the familiar faces of her friends. Confusion grips her as she realizes it's only the two of them.

"Well, you killed Gaunt to get into the Department of Mysteries program, and I have turned Sallow into a goblin. You are far too good for him. No one will stay in our way now," Professor Sharp's voice slithers with a sinister tone, his crooked smile revealing his true intentions. Before she can react, Professor Sharp moves swiftly, closing the distance between them in a few strides. His hand snatches at her collar, gripping it tightly, his intentions dark. 

But he is not there anymore. It is Ranrok, yelling at her that she has betrayed him. How can someone betray her own brother like that? But she is sure Ominis is still alive, she said no to Professor Hecat. The book she's been holding so tightly is in Ranrok's hands now and there is a green flash of light ricocheting towards her. She falls to the floor, dead, but it is not her. She is Lodgok. 

"Traitor of the wizardkind. Teaming up with goblins! Being the lackey of Ranrok, shame on you!" A voice says next to her and she jumps back, staring into Rookwood's face. She is herself again. All her classmates are standing behind him, shaking their heads in disgust. But she is not working with Ranrok. Rookwood is. Why does no one believe her? Desperate, she sends a curse towards Rookwood.

"Well done, welcome to the Department of Mysteries," A calm voice says and Riley is standing back in the corridor again. What is happening? Where is Rookwood? She has just sent a killing curse towards him, but instead of him, it's Ominis on the ground, eyes empty. 

"NOOOOOO!" Riley's eyes snap open. Cold beads of sweat cling to her forehead, and her heart pounds like a drum, echoing in her ears. As she tries to get out of bed, gravity pulls her down mercilessly, and her world shifts in an instant. The solid thud meeting the unforgiving floor reverberates through the room, magnifying the pain that radiates from her limbs. 

"That's it, I'm getting Professor Hecat. This keeps happening for over two weeks now. I've told you to get some calming draught from Sharp," Riley hears Erin's voice. 

"I won't go anywhere near potions," Riley whispers to herself. Her dreams, vivid and haunting, always revolve around three figures: Professor Sharp, Sebastian, and Ominis. In these nightmares, they take on various roles, each more unsettling than the last. They chase her relentlessly, subjecting her to unspeakable torments. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are fleeting moments of surrealism. She finds herself soaring through the air on a Quidditch pitch, her position as a Chaser swapped with a grotesque twist—the ball she pursues is none other than Professor Sharp's severed head. Strangest of all, there are dreams where Sebastian and Ominis, transformed into her obedient house elves, scurry around the Room of Requirement, tending to her every whim.