The Raven's Call

The Thestrals & The Undercroft

I don't know where I'm going, I can't see through the burning tears in my eyes. I walk down the stairs and take a sharp right turn, leading to an old looking clock-wardrobe looking thing. No idea what this thing is, but curiosity gets the better of me and I try to open up the door. Nothing happens. I wave my wand, Alohamora, the dials on the clock faces spin and the door opens. Inside was a staircase leading downward. I wipe my tears and enter the corridor, closing the door behind me.

The room at the end of the staircase is that of a store room, loads of barrels and boxes, tables and cauldrons line the walls. As I investigate further, I see a portrait, and some scribbles etched underneath it.

'The Undercroft.'
- 'Ominis Gaunt'
- 'Sebastian Sallow'
- 'Anne Sallow'

The three were shown huddling up close, ready to take a photo before Sebastian waves his wand to take the magical moving picture.

My fingers trace along the names.
These are my ancestors.
My family.
My *real* family.

This is my new safe space.
No one can bother me here.

And it is here, in this room, that I decide to begin the process of becoming an Animagus.

The next full moon was luckily only a day away, so I had 24 hours to acquire a mandrake leaf. That's easy enough.

As soon as I obtain the mandrake leaf, I place it in my mouth for the 30 day process. Full moon, to full moon.

***

Sunday, September 10th 1995

I skipped a few classes over the last few days, actively avoiding Harry, because I just knew with him around Cedric would be brought up once again, and I really didn't need that. And I didn't speak to anyone much at all, as to not mess up the mandrake leaf inside of my mouth.

I received an owl from Luna, since I hadn't seen her for a while.

"Atticus,
Would you like to feed the Thestrals with me?
I'm sure they're quite hungry in Hagrid's absence.
PS: Nargles stole my shoes.
-Luna ♥"

I smile at the letter, removing my own shoes and putting them into a bag for her to put on once I get there. And head off down past Hagrid's hut, into the forest behind it.

I finally find Luna after a few minutes of searching, giving her a soft hug from behind.

No matter how upset I am, seeing Luna always makes my day better.

"Atticus!"
She exclaims, giving me a quick hug.
"Have your shoes gone missing too?"
She asks, looking down at my bare feet.

"No, I brought mine for you to wear."
I say, looking down at hers.
"Although, now that I think about it, mine might be a bit big for you."
I say with a soft chuckle.

She smiles at me.
"Thank you for thinking of me."

"Of course, what kind of a boyfriend would I be if I didn't?"
I smirk at her.

She blushes at this.
"Even after everything that's happened, I'm glad you didn't forget me."

She admits.