Different Worlds

FIFTEEN - THE TRUTH

Sebastian's POV

"Magic?!" She was looking at me with wide eyes. "All of this was magic? So you are what? A wizard? And you, Alex? You knew about this?"

"Yes, Sophie, I knew. From the moment I left the orphanage," Alex reached for something behind him and pulled out his own wand, casting word-less Lumos.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She asked, her voice full of hurt.

"I couldn't, sis. There is a law that forbids telling other people who aren't from our world. Carman was telling the truth. They could arrest us and erase your memory if they find out," he grabbed her hands, trying to comfort her. "Why on earth did you take her with you Sebastian? What were you thinking?" He snapped at me angrily.

"I didn't have much choice, Alex. She just appeared in our doorway one day, looking for you. It was either take her with me or leave her looking for you on her own. It was a clear choice, by my humble opinion. She was much safer with me."

"I guess you are right. Why do you have to be so stubborn, Sophie?" He looked back at her.

"Alex," she cried out, throwing herself in his arms, realizing the seriousness of the situation. He grabbed her gently, stroking her hair. "I can't lose you, neither of you."

My heart fluttered a little when she said that. I caught myself that I was a little bit jealous of Alex because I wished that I was the one who was comforting her right now. But he was like her brother, it was obvious she would feel more safe in his embrace.

"Why didn't she attack us?" I forced myself to look away and noticed the Obscurus was still floating in the same space.

"I think that she was still too young when she developed the dark magical force. She barely knew any spells so the Obscurus is really weak. She is also very good at controlling her emotions. She only loses it when she is directly exposed to magic. But I think she simply didn't want to hurt anybody."

"So you can't really help her?" I looked back at him.

"Do you think I wouldn't if I could?"

"What will happen to her?" Sophie looked at me with tears in her eyes.

I didn't want to tell her that the little girl would die. I didn't have a heart for that but I saw she could read the truth in my face.

POP. POP. POP.

All of us turned back and saw several people in Auror's cloaks. Few of them hurried instantly towards Carman, who was still lying unconscious after his collision with the wall, putting some kind of handcuffs on his wrist. Other few put a shield around the Obscurus. Only a minute later we were alone again. Carman, his daughter and all the Aurors were gone except one.

"Mr. Sallow, Mr. Wallace," He came closer to us, nodding his head as greeting. "And you are?" He looked at Soph.

"Sophie Stark, Sir," she said quietly.

"Miss Stark," he nodded again. "My name is Edric Caldwell. I am in charge of this case. I need all of you to come with me. Mr. Gaunt already told us what happened but we just have to check it out. Please pass me your wands. I assure you we'll give them back after you testify. You are in this only as witnesses," he held his hand in front of us.

I locked my eyes with Alex. We didn't think this through. I should have taken Sophie out immediately when Ominis left. Now the Ministry would know that she is a muggle and that she knew everything.

"Ehm, Sir-" Alex started but Sophie was quicker.

"I don't have a wand, Sir," She looked at him, her beautiful blue eyes full of fear.

"You don't have one? Did it get destroyed or taken?"

"No, Sir, she never had one. She is a muggle," Alex admitted honestly.

"In that case, I am forced to bring you in for questioning for possible breaking of The International Statute of Secrecy law. You should go voluntarily it is in your best interest."

We both handed over our wands and stood up, Sophie quickly followed. To my surprise she snaked both of her hands around my left biceps. I tried to give her a reassuring smile but to be honest, I was scared. I was scared of the possible punishment, of Azkaban, but mostly I was scared of losing her.

Caldwell took us to the Ministry without any other word. The trial with Carman was rather fast. He was found guilty for abduction, threatening, attack and several more torts and sent to Azkaban. His daughter finally turned back to human form and was sent to St Mungo's. If he didn't kidnap my best friends and didn't try to kill us I would actually feel really bad for him.

"So tell us, Miss Stark, when did you first encounter magic?" Sophie was sitting in the middle of the interrogation room. She looked nervous when she locked her eyes with mine, like she was looking there for the right answer. The witch who was in charge of the interrogation seemed nice, luckily. She was old, her white hair was in a tight intricate bun, not a single strand out of place. Her face was full of wrinkles but heartfelt and her voice was calm and comforting.

"We encountered some weird animals which looked quite magical on our way," she said quietly.

"Did Mr. Sallow show them to you?"

"Oh no. They were some wild animals. He said it was quite rare to bump into creatures like this so close to London."

"Alright. So please describe the next encounter."

"It must be the moment when Carman attacked us," she said after a few long moments of thinking.

"So Mr. Sallow never show you any magic? Never told you about its existence?"

"No until we freed my brother," she shook her head.

"Your brother, you mean Alexander Wallace?"

"Yes, ma'am. We grew up together in an orphanage, here, in London."

"And Mr. Wallace also didn't mention he is a wizard?"

"No, until today."

"Are you willing to prove it?"

Sophie started frantically nodding. "Of course, how?"

"Miss Stark. We have our way to see if what you are telling us is true. Do you give me your permission to check your memories? Do not worry, it won't hurt." The old witch looked at her with a comforting smile.

Sophie quickly glanced at me again. 'It's Okay' I mouthed at her. It had to be okay. I was really careful to not practice any magic in front of her and Alex was involved only at the very end. They don't have anything against us. But there was still the fact that Sophie did know about magic now and that they could obliviate her.

"I'll do anything."

The old witch stood up from her chair and went closer to Sophie. "Alright. Now please sit still, try to relax, close your eyes and think about your first encounter with Mr. Sallow and Mr. Wallace. It would be easier and quicker to find out what we are looking for," she smiled at Sophie and pointed her wand to her temple.

I could see a small smile forming on Sophie's face. It was the first hint of a smile from the moment we arrived at the Ministry. I couldn't help but wonder if she was thinking about Alex or me right now.

"Legilimens."