The Cruelty of Fate | Ominis Gaunt Love Story

Chapter Ten

As she walked back to the Common Room, she set her hopeful sights on taking a long shower and pretending that part of the day didn't happen. She didn't get bitten by a snake and lose a lot of blood. She surely didn't flirt with Ominis Gaunt and find out that they had an unmistakable-purely physical-attraction to each other. And she surely wasn't relieved to find out that Anne and him weren't lovers.

The Mirror of Erised

She probably should have felt guilty about it, sleeping in most of the morning and lazying around the Common room until dinner. However, Professor Ronen expected her to give back the book he just now realized was missing tonight. There was so much she had yet to learn from it and giving it back to sit on the shelf just seemed pointless.

"Professor?" She pushed the Charms classroom door open, "It's Theresa Cauldwell."

The charms master was in the middle of the room, pacing with one of his books he was trying to write. He looked over at her with a kind look on his face. Though that kindness was morphing into fatherly disapproval as he remembered she borrowed a book from his personal collection without asking.

He held his hand out towards her and she automatically flinched. Shame spilled into her like a sponge soaking up water, but Professor Ronen pretended not to notice for her sake. "The book, Miss Cauldwell. While I appreciate your appetite for learning, please ask me before you borrow a book from my office."

She grimaced, "Yes, Professor. I'm sorry."

"You do not have to tell me," he hesitated, "But sometimes when I watch you practice your advanced charms and don't make the mark first time, you look afraid. As if your survival depends on your ability to cast spells."

"Honestly Professor, that's a heavy topic. One I can't speak to myself about." She swallowed, the shame mixing with fear. "I want to say I'll try and face it, and that I'll talk to you about it, but the thing is I don't want to. I don't want to think about anything except exceeding in your class." As if my life depends on it.

Professor Ronen regarded her calmly. The prior Slytherin House student now Professor had years of wisdom, but looked unsure of what to say. "If you're in danger, you need to tell me. The school can protect you."

"I won't be at the school forever." Tessa argued, her eyebrows furrowing together in distress. She took a step back, "Thank you for your time, Professor. And I'll see you on Monday if I can still attend my advanced class...?"

He nodded easily, "Of course. Have a goodnight Miss Cauldwell."

"You as well Professor." It was her turn to hesitate before closing the door, "And thank you."

She didn't wait to see his expression, only headed out into the hall. Her throughs were jumbled and self-deprecating. It had been seven years going on eight that she'd been alone. Been on her own. Working tables at Sirona to pay for her books, clothes-everything since she was eleven. Although she knew that the owner of the Three Broomsticks had definitely overpaid her for an eleven year old, but she appreciated it nonetheless. Every holiday, every break she found a way to make money. Cleaning the stables for Professor Howe during winter break was the worst, but Poppy helped her for fun and that made it bearable. Not sure how Anne has a crush on a girl who would shovel Kneazle feces for fun, but to each their own.