Shadows of the Past

Insanity and All

Despite the tension between us, Ominis and I made a decision to venture to our families alone. The presence of Sebastian and Anne would only add fuel to the fire. We arrived in London shortly after indulging in a hearty breakfast on New Year's Day and made our way straight to my family's ancestral home on Grimmauld Place.

The stately mansion loomed ahead, its dark stone walls standing tall against the wintry sky. As we approached the grand entrance, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me - knowing what awaited us within those familiar halls.

My heart hammered against my ribcage, threatening to break free from the confines of my chest. The mere thought of facing my father sent a wave of anxiety crashing through me. He was a formidable man, with endless resources at his disposal, and I knew I would have to tread carefully in his presence.

As we approached the looming door, I felt my hand begin to tremble as I raised it to knock. The ornately carved wood was dark and imposing, with intricate designs of swirling vines and fierce creatures. With a creaking groan, the door swung open and my eyes were met by the sight of Kreature, the ancient and miserable house elf who had dutifully served my family for over a century. His wrinkled face held a permanent scowl and his thin frame seemed to quiver with displeasure at our arrival.

"Miss Black, Mr. Gaunt, please come in. Your father will be delighted to see you," he said with a mumbled voice.

I took a deep breath and forced down the lump in my throat as I walked to the living room, with Ominis close behind. We settled into the oversized armchairs by the crackling fireplace, anxiously anticipating my father's arrival.

He walked into the room a moment later, and ominis rose to meet him. I stayed seated, refusing to budge from my spot.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Lord Black," ominis chimed in.

"Father," I acknowledged him with a nod. I refused to give him the satisfaction of a warm greeting.

"Ophelia," he said, his tone laced with suspicion. "Have you finally decided to return home?"

My father loomed over me, his imposing figure casting a shadow that engulfed me. He was a tall man, standing at least a foot taller than my brother, with straight and slightly greying black hair that framed his sharp features. His piercing green eyes seemed to bore into my very soul, intensifying the anxiety that had been gnawing at me. I knew I had to keep my composure or risk having him use his powerful legilimency abilities to invade my mind. I could feel the weight of his presence pressing down on me like a heavy cloak, making it difficult to breathe.

I address my father, "Father, I simply wish to inquire about a few matters."

"What inquiries?" he chuckles.

"Malfoy came to see me at school and seemed overly interested in my personal affairs," I state.

"Are you referring to the half-blood boy you've been intimate with?" he remarked

"His name is sebastian, Father,"

"I dont care what his name is, he is impure ophelia and you are above that,"

"Father that is enough," i said

He smirked, a cruel glint in his eyes as he circled around me like a predator stalking its prey. I fought to keep my expression neutral, refusing to show him any weakness. Ominis shifted uncomfortably beside me, sensing the tension in the room.

"Ophelia, you should know better than to associate with such filth," my father sneered, his words dripping with disdain. "You are a Black, from one of the most prestigious pureblood families in the wizarding world. It is your duty to uphold our reputation and legacy."