A Troubled Time / Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 34

Lucy sat in the room of requirements, she had locked herself for days in this place. Ever since Professor Fig passed, she couldn't bear to leave this room. The only time she did leave was to see the dreadful speech Black gave for Professor Fig. She was just glad Professor Weasley stepped in and salvaged the half-assed speech.

Deek brought her some food every so often, but was also kind enough to give her space as well. He knew what she was going through and Lucy was more grateful than he could ever know.

Now, she sat in her latest vivarium, letting her feet hang over the cliff's edge as she rested her head over her folded hands, resting on the lower plank of the fence before her. She stared down the cliffside, watching as the waves crashed upon the beach.

A loud screech pulled her eyes from the water below. She let a sad smile form on her face, watching as a flash of bright red, orange, and yellow flew around her, landing to her right.

In her seated position, Lucy was almost at eye-level with the majestic bird before her. She let her hand touch the top of her head, brushing down gently to her back.

"I'm glad you don't burn me anymore." Lucy mumbled to the creature. Though she did technically take the creature so the poachers couldn't, the phoenix took her time warming up to her. This included burning Lucy with her feathers if she were to get too close.

The phoenix nudged her gently. Lucy couldn't help but smile softly, realizing the creature was worried about her. It seemed like they all were. Regardless of which vivarium she entered, each one found its way to her, silently checking in.

"I'll be okay. I just need time." Lucy sighed once again. She let her free hand wander into her pocket, the familiar chain of gold within her grasp, "I need to make a decision as well."

Lucy rose to her feet, giving one last pet to the phoenix, "Thank you, my friend." She spoke, making her way towards the entrance of the Vivarium. She watched the animals play with the toys she had gotten them as she strode out.

Deek was nowhere to be seen, instead a flash of green appeared in her sights, watching as a figure appeared before her.

"Hey, I got your owl. I came as soon as I could." The person spoke. Coming into the light to reveal themselves.

"Yes, thank you. I appreciate that. I have a few things I'd like to show you."

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After her meeting, Lucy found herself wandering the empty halls. Soon enough, she stood before the door with constellations. With a flick of her wand, the two hands from the clock began to spin before the door opened. Lucy found herself walking down and reappearing in the concrete oasis. The undercroft was just as she remembered. The tryptic and pensieve sitting untouched since her and Sebastian's last adventure.

"You're here. I'm surprised. I haven't heard from you since... that night." Someone spoke from the opposing end.

Lucy immediately recognized the voice as she walked towards him, "I'm surprised to see you here, Ominis." Lucy smiled, taking a seat next to him.

"Really now? You and I both know the undercroft is our secret spot." Ominis sent a sad smile her way.

"Our? I remember when you stood outside, yelling at me." Lucy nudged him gently.

Ominis shook his head, "I apologized for that."

"And I forgave you." Lucy let her head rest back against the wall, looking at the dimly lit room before her.