The Tribrid and Her Reflection {COMPLETE}

In Her Element

Even while holding her hands up to the roaring fire, Hope shivered. She rubbed her palms together and held them up again, desperate to get a single lick of heat to chase away the numbness in her fingers.

It was a strange thing, being five inches from a fire and feeling no heat. Truthfully, it was starting to irk Hope more than her growling stomach and aching eyes. It didn't matter what she did. Her skin remained chilled. Once she left this place, she'd never take warm blankets or embraces for granted again.

The door opened and closed, and Hope glanced over her shoulder, watching Albus walk through with a furrowed brow. He and Newt had been taking shifts searching for Hope. While one left, the other stayed in case she were to return.

Little did they know, they'd never find her despite their efforts.

Sighing, she sat on the rug with her knees to her chest and watched her breath plume before her. While they searched and worried, she tried to get their attention with things she had at least a little control over.

For two days, she'd discovered that the fire wavered slightly when she passed her fingers through it. Maybe it was a good thing she couldn't feel the heat.

Hope also realized she could flick water, but only if it was just water. She couldn't turn on the faucet, but she could dip her fingers into an open cup and fling it. Not once was it enough to gain their attention.

Looking down at her nails proved she could interact with dirt, but if she left the room to find dirt, she couldn't guarantee she'd find her way back again. No, she had to use what was in the room.

Newt, from his place on the couch, looked up with tired eyes.

"Anything?" He asked, voice hoarse.

Neither of them had slept a wink either. Mostly, they spent their time in silence, staring at the wall or fireplace. Lost in thought.

Hope would have thought it would feel good to have people care so much about her that their lives were altered so severely, but instead, it twisted her stomach and pinched her chest.

It was painful to watch them grieve.

Albus shook his head as he sat down next to Newt and removed his boots, setting them aside with a quiet plop.

"Hm, I asked throughout Hogsmeade, and there was one person. At Hogs Head, the man in place of Aberforth at the moment," Albus managed a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "said she was there a few days ago, and when another man started getting a bit handsy, she stabbed him with a fork."

"Damn right I did." Hope muttered through chattering teeth, glaring at the memory.

Newt raised both brows and couldn't seem to help but smile. "That sounds like her." He murmured.

Nodding, Albus sighed softly. "After that, he told them both to leave, and she left, but he didn't see which direction."

Hope watched Newt swallow hard and rake his fingers through his hair as he leaned forward, looking as though he might be sick, but instead of throwing up, he let out a strangled sob.

"It's all my fault..." He shuddered in a quivering voice as tears dripped down his nose, splashing the floor.

"No, it's not." She and Albus said at the same time.

Pursing her lips, Hope rested her chin against her knees and watched them. She wished she could be a comfort but knew she couldn't.

Albus took hold of Newt's chin and forced his blurry eyes to meet his.