Different Worlds

ELEVEN - BACK IN TOWN

Sebastian's POV

We were stuck again. There was no way we could find out where they apparated from Carman's house. So we had no idea where Alex could be.

But now I had at least a theory about what Carman wanted from Alex. His daughter was Obscurial. Maybe he thought Alex could help him. I didn't know how but he had to find out about his ancient magic abilities. He was an Auror, he definitely had his ways. He had to break a few rules for sure, but he was desperate.

I knew very well what it was like to feel that way. I was desperate when I was trying to find a cure for Anne. I was determined to do anything. I was prepared to sacrifice anything and anyone. Even myself. Like Carman now. He already sacrificed his career and I was sure he would sacrifice his and Alex's life in a blink of an eye if necessary.

But he chose the wrong wizard. I am not allowing that. Definitely not now when I promised Sophie that I would find him.

"We should ask Ominis for help," I said after a few minutes of silence.

We were on our way again. After our little talk in the forest when I found out why she was able to see Thestrals. I had to say I was surprised and didn't expect that at all. Losing both parents wasn't exactly something I wanted to have in common. But now I understand why she was so determined to learn how to protect herself.

"Ominis? Why?"

"He knows a lot of people. Maybe he can help us find out something about Carman. I should think about it sooner." I was quite angry at myself. Even though this trip wasn't completely useless.

"So where are we heading now then? Where Ominis lives?" She looked up at me with new hope in her eyes.

"Back to London actually. He lives on the outskirts of the city."

"Really? You should think about it sooner!" She tried to look angry but I could hear the hint of amusement in her voice.

"Sorry. But a little health walk never killed nobody, right?" I chuckled.

"It's starting to get late. Do you want to continue through the night?" She looked nervously around us.

"Scared of the dark?"

"Not exactly. Just of all those things that can lurk in it."

"Don't worry. I am sure there is nothing here." I put protectively one hand around her and firmly grasped my wand with the other, hiding it in my coat pocket.

Luck was on our side today because we didn't meet any deadly creatures or dangerous muggers. Our journey passed quickly, much quicker than when we were on our way to Carmen's house. But it was way past midnight when we finally saw the lights of the city in front of us. Sophie was barely walking and she was definitely cold. Her whole body was shivering and I was almost positive I could hear her teeth chattering. I pulled her body closer to me, moving my hand from around her shoulders to her waist so I could support her more.

"It's not too far. We are almost there."

She didn't say anything, just put her head on my shoulder and let me lead her. After a few more minutes we finally reached the outskirts of the city. It was late enough and at the same time not early enough so there were literally no people around. It was like walking through a ghost town. I felt relieved. Ominis lived in a wizard community and there was a high chance that Sophie could see something she couldn't. It was risky taking her here but at this point I couldn't leave here behind. Not when she knew about Carman.

I was here only once but I still remembered Ominis house. It was the only one with no steps in front of it. I readjusted my grip on Sophie and knocked on the main door. I knew that even if he was probably still fast asleep it would wake him up. Ominis always had an improved hearing.