🥀 Roses and Novels | Hogwarts Legacy Fanfic | Sebastian, Ominis and Evander

🥀 - Chapter 10 -🌹

(Helena's perspective)

I had packed my backpack the night before our journey to Aranshire. Inside were potions, warm clothes, a few books, and a sturdy pair of shoes. It had been ages since I'd worn my battle gear—it barely fit anymore. My boots, laced tightly, reached up to my knees.

Morning light spilled through the window as I looked out onto the front yard. Ominis stood there, waiting for me, bathed in the soft glow of the sun. Dressed head-to-toe in black—long coat, matching boots, and a backpack slung over his shoulder—he looked effortlessly composed.

It was after reading the letter at the table that he'd suggested we go to Aranshire together. I'd been hesitant—unsure of what we might find—but he reassured me with quiet certainty: everything would be alright, as long as we faced it together.

Leaning on the window frame, I gazed at the man standing in the garden, his hair glinting in the light. As if sensing me, he turned toward the window and grinned. I ducked quickly, cheeks flushed.

*How does he always know where I am...? He can't even see...*

I slung my backpack over my shoulder, descended the stairs, and said goodbye to Marcus and Marelie.

"Take care of each other," Marelie said warmly as she embraced me. "You're stronger together."

Marcus gave me a wink and handed over a worn map of Scotland. "Good luck, Helena."

With the map clutched in my hand, I stepped out to meet Ominis, now standing with his arms crossed. "Did you like what you saw, darling?" he teased with a laugh.

"Ominis, how did you know...?"

"I know you, Lena. You always peek through the window. And the old wood creaked—you gave yourself away."

My face turned red. I'd been caught.

"Are you ready?" he asked, this time more serious.

"Almost. I just need to tuck the map into my bag."

I slid it in, then reached for his hand. In an instant, he apparated us to Aranshire.

Aranshire was a quaint, sleepy hamlet. In the square, villagers exchanged goods and chatted warmly.

Ominis approached a small group, asking which house had been abandoned. Meanwhile, I scanned the area, hoping to recognize something—but nothing looked familiar. It was hard to believe I had once lived here. My memories felt like mist, distant and blurred.

Suddenly, I felt his hand gently press against my lower back. He hesitated before speaking.

"What did they say, Ominis? Tell me."

"Your parents, Helena... they came back to Aranshire years ago, searching for you. But you weren't here. And no one's seen them since."

"Oh..."

"That kind woman over there said their house had dark green beams near the roof."

He nodded toward the villagers.

"Alright. Let's take a look."

I held onto his arm, needing to feel his presence close.

We made our way up the hill, passing worn-out cottages, until we stood before one with weathered green beams. The house was in ruins.

"This is it," I whispered.

"If you want to turn back, we can," Ominis offered gently.

"No. I need to see it. I want answers."