Utterly Hopeless: An Ominis Gaunt Love Story

Chapter Two: A Simple Favour

(Threa)

"H-Hello Threa," her voice graveled as she strained to speak. "It is good to see you," I fought off tears as I brought the girl into a tight hug making her laugh.

"It's good to see you too," I pulled back to look at her sunken face void of any color. "How are you?"

"Fine enough," she whispered and winced.

"Anne?"

"I'm alright, m-may we sit?"

"Of course," I led her to the nearby bay window as her hand clutched itself to my arm for support, I helped her sit as she nodded a kind thanks.

"Much better."

"Would you like some tea; I could have Trinket whip up a batch of scones?"

"N-No I don't expect to be here long, I just," she took a deep breath in. "Well, I was in town and remembered Sebastian saying your family lived around here thought I could stop in and say hello."

"I am happy to see you, but... Richmond is far from Saint Mungos."

"Just an hour by carriage."

"Yes," I nodded as she shifted uncomfortably. "Did you journey here alone?"
"I did," I frowned at the sickly woman as she smiled shaking her head.

"Don't look at me like that."

"I don't know how else to look," I leaned forward taking her hand. "Coming here was incredibly dangerous Anne."

"I managed fine."

"I'm sure you did, but if you were to have an attack!"

"I am fine Threa, can we please just visit, I do not need another person fawning on about my safety!"

"Anne."

"Please," she begged as I nodded.

"Okay," I fell back into the chair as her smile returned. "W-What brought you to Richmond?"

"I've been out gathering some supplies before I return home, did you know Richmond has the only apothecary in London that you can find Buzz Buttons!"

"I did," I laughed. "That's my mother's shop!"

"Is it! She is a lovely woman," she beamed at me as her face grew uncomfortable. "I honestly should have seen it you and her are near Identical!"

"Somewhat though everyone says I favor my father for sure, she is a wonderful woman, best cook this side of London, if you haven't anything to do tonight, she's making a scrumptious game pie with mustard mash if you'd like to join us? I'm sure she'd love to meet you officially."

"That is too kind, but I will need to be getting back soon, need to pack and prepare for my journey back to Scottland!"

"You're heading back to Scotland?"

"Yes," her face grew pained. "I-I'm returning to Feldcroft," she remet my eyes and laughed at my shock. "I know how it sounds; in truth I was surprised when I decided to myself, but I need go back. Feldcroft had never been the most comfortable of places, but it was my home, the last place I had felt safe. I want to be there when," her voice trailed off as she clutched her gut choking down a scream.

"Anne!"

"I-Ah," she fell towards me.

"Trinket," I yelled as the elf apparated before us looking on in horror. "Trinket call for a healer!"

"Yes Miss Threa," she went to snap her fingers-

"No," Anne nearly yelled halting Trinkets movement as the elf looked at me unsure of what to do. Anne lifted herself up leaning heavily on me for support. "No, I am fine."