"Let me get this straight." Thea stared across the kitchen table at Ominis. "The first step of our genius plan of catching a dark wizard is to go get drinks?"
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Sebastian said nonchalantly.
"I believe the phrase I used was 'visit a pub' and it's not just any pub. It's a popular gathering place for England's not-so-pleasant wizards," Ominis explained, ignoring Sebastian's comment. "Checking it out may present an opportunity to learn about our so-called attacker and his whereabouts."
Thea crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair. "Okay, I can understand that part, but I just don't see how we can waltz into a dark wizard hide out and get people to talk to us."
"You're worried about blending in?" Ominis raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, from what you're saying it sounds as though these are some pretty awful people," she argued. "They're probably thieves, or escaped criminals, or murderers...okay I see your point. We should be fine."
"Hold on," Sebastian interjected. "Obviously, you and I have the ledger to justify visiting the pub, but how will Ominis be allowed in? What does he have that screams 'I'm a scary wizard, don't mess with me'."
Ominis sighed and pinched his brow. "Hello, yes, I'd love to have a drink at your fine establishment. Table for one. The last name's Guant," he spit out sarcastically.
"Oh right. So, when are we leaving?"
~~~
They apparated outside of the pub at a quarter past ten. Ominis wore his most expensive dragon-hide suit paired with a family ring, while Sebastian unbuttoned his shirt a bit to showcase the tattoos he'd received during his time in Azkaban. Thea couldn't do much to her appearance to indicate a malicious backstory, but with an arm looped around Ominis' elbow, she had no issues getting into the pub.
It was dark and dingy and smelled strongly of alcohol. As they made their way to the bar to order drinks, Thea nearly gasped when she saw what looked like a pool of blood oozing out from under a table.
With drinks in hand, they grabbed seats at a corner booth where Ominis slowly sipped a glass of gin and Sebastian threw back a couple of shots of Firewhisky. Thea lifted her pint of beer to her lips when Ominis stopped her hand.
"You're a very strong and capable witch and I would never doubt your ability to protect yourself, but I don't think you should drink anything here," he said calmly.
Sebastian scoffed. "What? You're worried she'll loosen up and lose some inhibitions?"
Ominis glared at Sebastian so severely, Thea was brought back to the time they were in the catacombs. "I'm more worried about the people here that may want to see her lose those inhibitions," he spat.
Thea glanced around the room, only just becoming aware of the number of men eyeing her like she belonged in a store window. She pushed her beer to the center of the table, quickly catching Sebastian's gaze.
"Mr. Guant," a raspy voice spoke to their table. It belonged to an older wizard, dressed in dark robes and wearing an eyepatch. "I feel so honored you decided you visit my establishment. How's the family?"
"Wonderful, Mr. Monroe." Ominis stood and shook the man's hand with poise and importance. "I've been meaning to come by. My uncle always spoke highly of you." Thea and Sebastian exchanged confused looks while Ominis continued to schmooze with the owner of the pub.
"I'd love to introduce to you to a few of my regulars," Mr. Monroe cooed. "If your friends don't mind of course."
"I'd be much obliged." Ominis beamed and excused himself from their table, following Mr. Monroe across the room to another group of wizards. Thea could have sworn he muttered something along the lines of "watch her" to Sebastian before he left.
YOU ARE READING
Of Cunning Minds: Sebastian Sallow
FanfictionThea Fields faced a plethora of dangers during her fifth year at Hogwarts. Leave it to Ominis Guant to come knocking at her door seven years later asking her to help him conquer even greater challenges. Little does he know that it's not the evil wiz...
