In the Shadow of Injustice

Chapter 2 Broken Goodbyes

Ominis pulled away from Johanna gently. "I...I have to see the Headmaster. Although I am extremely angry at him right now I just can't let Sebastian leave without saying a proper goodbye. Will you be okay?" Johanna nodded, her eyes closed and tears still streaming down her face. By now Professor Weasley had joined them, "I'll take care of her lad. You be on your way, quickly. They won't wait long." Ominis hesitantly passed her off to the older woman, before standing. His legs were shaky, but he stubbornly refused Garreth's help when he offered him a hand. "I'll be fine Weasley, thank you. Make sure your aunt takes good care of Newman," he said sharply. "Of...of course mate." The redhead spluttered.

Johanna watched Ominis walk away, her heart breaking. She ran after him, Professor Weasley shouting after her, but she just paused in the doorway, to see Ominis disappear from her sight around the corner. No matter how angry Ominis was at Sebastian he still cared for him. Johanna knew that Ominis had a right to feel hurt and betrayed, and she hoped that he could forgive Sebastian before the best friends parted ways. She promised herself that she would do anything to make sure Ominis still had a true friend, even if it was just her. Hearing panting she turned to see Poppy Sweeting, come up behind her.

"Johanna," her friend gasped, " You are pretty fast for one who just got struck with an unforgivable. How did you do it?" Johanna couldn't help but laugh at Poppy's state from running almost the whole hall. "I believe it was mainly adrenaline, however, the wiggenweld helped somewhat. I just wanted to make sure he was all right." Poppy nodded, "I understand. But you shouldn't push it. I know your stronger than most, but please do go rest." Her face was full of concern. Johanna nodded, "I will, I promise. I am still feeling weak." Professor Weasley came up behind them, Garreth by her side. "Then right to the hospital wing. Do you mind if my nephew takes you? I know it's normally my duty, but...I do have a soft spot for that Sallow boy. I want to see if anything can be done to lighten his charges. One doesn't just kill their uncle for fun." Johanna nodded, understanding.

Poppy and Garreth both helped Johanna up the stairs as the trio made their way to the hospital wing. Poppy kept a watchful eye on Johanna as they moved, making sure she was alright. "So....you were there weren't you? When he...you know?" Garreth said, breaking the silence."Garreth!" Poppy hissed in reproach. Johanna just nodded, her face expressionless. Garreth and Poppy exchanged a look before Johanna continued up the stairs.

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Ominis walked swiftly through the familiar corridors, running countless ways the conversation could go through his head. He wanted so badly to apologize to Sebastian and beg for his forgiveness, yet he also wanted to lecture him about how it was the right thing to do and to tell Sebastian that he deserved whatever became of him. A pulse from his wand revealed that he was now at the entrance to Black's office. "Toujours Pur," (Forever Pure) he muttered, and after a moment he heard the gargoyle turn, allowing him to access the stairs behind. For once he thanked Merlin he was part of the prestigious Gaunt bloodline, for if he was not he wouldn't have the authority to speak so freely to the Headmaster and wouldn't know the password to his office. Approaching the door, he drew a deep breath, trying to still his nerves. Right now wasn't the time to be anxious. He could hear raised voices behind the door, those of the Aurors and to his surprise, Sebastian's. He rapped firmly on the door, silencing the chatter.

Black cursed, "Who's there? This is very important business and if I am to be interrupted over something trivial I..." Ominis cleared his throat, "Black, it's me." He heard feet move towards the door and then it swung partially open, "Ah Gaunt'' Sharp's voice sighed, "Of course, you'd want to see your friend go." He paused, "Phineas shall I let him in?" "Don't bother asking. He is friends with my father so he is predisposed to listen to all my requests," Ominis stated coldly. "Isn't that right Black?" Black swallowed nervously, "Yes...yes of course. Let him in Aesop." Ominis couldn't help but smirk as he breezed past Professor Sharp and into the room. It disgusted him, the power he held but in this situation, it proved useful. His wand pulsed giving him a layout of the room. Sebastian was sitting in the chair near the Headmaster's desk as the aurors stood behind him to ensure he didn't try anything.