The Legacy of Our Love

Chapter 21

ASRA

It took three days for me to leave The Room of Requirement.

Sebastian and Ominis had written to Professor Fig the moment we had returned, explaining what had happened at the Gaunt manor. Fig had then promptly arranged to excuse me from classes, and requested a meeting with me once I felt up to it.

I spent the first day in silence, unable to will my voice to work as images of Alice dragging the blade across her throat violently flashed in the forefront of my mind. I had woken screaming, feeling the sticky coating of her blood across my hands as I attempted to apply pressure to the wound in my dream. I couldn't get the smile on her expression as she did so from my thoughts as Sebastian and Ominis attempted to console me. I now understood in complete, horrific clarity the disgust Ominis holds for his family and their practices.

I managed to pull myself from bed the second day, with the coaxing of Ominis and Sebastian. I managed to keep myself distracted with going over the materials we would be reviewing in class in the comfort of the room. Conversation came then, and we were able to talk about what happened. Ominis was nearly as much a wreck as I, reassuring me over and over again that I would never witness anything of the sort again. I wanted to believe him, I really did.

I received concerned letters from Natti and Poppy that day, wanting to hear from me rather than Sebatian and Ominis how I was doing. I replied at once, explaining I would return to classes soon, and needed a moment to process.

The third day I was able to leave the room, the pain previously rendering me motionless had dulled to a weak throb, and I had the courage to brave the sight of the younger students roaming the halls.

"Asra!" I was nearly knocked off my feet as we entered The Great Hall and Poppy's arms wrapped around me tightly. "I'm so happy to see you, how are you fairing?" Her concerned hazel gaze bore deeply into mine as she released me from her grip.

"I'm alright now Poppy." I gave the Hufflepuff a warm smile. "It was just a bit of a shock."

"I'll say. I am so sorry, friend." Natti echoed from behind Poppy, and I couldn't help but smile. Wherever the Hufflepuff went these days, Natti wasn't far behind.

We were quickly ushered to the tables to get something to eat, and Natti was quick to catch me up on what I had missed during classes. After providing me with copies of the notes she took for me to reference, Poppy turned the conversation with much more urgent news.

"Since we're all here, if you're feeling up to it Asra, I've discovered some new information regarding the Poachers' plans." She said in a softer tone. I quickly cast the muffliato charm to prevent any unwanted eavesdropping before responding.

"I am most certainly up for it." I replied with a grin, eager for the distraction. "What did you learn?"

"I overheard them talking in the Hogshead. The first part we know already; they were discussing how they had orders to capture you on sight." Poppy began with a nod.

Nothing new there.

"But the second part proves far more interesting. Does the name 'Horntail Hall' mean anything to any of you?" Poppy questioned the group. We collectively exchanged unfamiliar expressions.

"No, what is it?" I questioned, not recalling the name.

"The poacher's best kept secret apparently." Poppy rolled her eyes. "The name came up twice but they never went into detail. I also overheard one of them bragging about all the gold they're making— at the expense of innocent creatures undoubtedly. The poachers spoke of an area deep within the Forbidden Forest. I thought, if we did a bit of looking around, it might give us a clue of what they're up to."