The Light in My Darkness ||Ominis Gaunt X OC||

Chapter 11

It was truly a beautiful day. Late May was Charlotte’s favorite time of year. The baby birds had just begun to sing, their sweet notes blending with the scent of blooming flowers carried on the warm breeze.

She had been outside, reading on an outcropping of rock near the flight lawn. The pages of her book felt cool and crisp against her fingers. But then, the ground beneath her started to tremble.

At first, it was so soft, she wondered if she imagined it. Barely noticeable, if she’d been walking, she wouldn’t have felt it. The birds, though, had gone silent. An eerie hush settled over the grounds.

Charlotte placed her hand against the cool, moss-covered stone, feeling for any movement. Was that real?

Her brow furrowed as another quake rippled through the earth, this one stronger and lasting longer. She glanced around, seeing other students wearing the same look of confusion.

As she tried to stand, the ground bucked again, more forcefully. Charlotte lost her balance, her knees scraping against the sharp rock as she fell. Pain shot up her shin, and she winced. The quakes were getting worse.

What is happening?

Hogwarts had never experienced an earthquake. She would know, given how many history books she’d read.

Forcing herself up, she started making her way across the rocks, aiming for the steps leading back to the castle. Others seemed to have the same idea, rushing toward the enchanted fortress that would surely protect them.

Another tremor, more violent than the last, struck. Charlotte cried out as she tumbled off the rocks, landing heavily on her ankle. A silent scream tore from her lips, and her lungs emptied of air.

Is it broken?

She had never broken a bone before. Her heart pounded in panic as pain flooded her senses. Tears welled in her eyes, and she looked around, desperate for help, but the yard was deserted. Her breaths came in ragged gasps. She felt weak, small.

The ground trembled again, and Charlotte’s sobs grew louder. She was utterly alone.

She can’t stay here. She needed to move, to get away from the woods. Clenching her jaw against the pain, she began scooting backward, inch by inch. Her movements were slow and agonizing, each bump and jolt sending fresh waves of pain through her ankle. She forced herself to breathe, to stay conscious.

At last, she made it to the clearing of the flight lawn. She lay down, defeated, the ache in her ankle a constant throb. If something fell on her now, well… that was just how it was meant to be.

Her silent sobs filled the air as the earth continued to shudder beneath her. The quakes seemed to grow stronger, more insistent. Why hasn’t it stopped?

Her feet dangled suddenly as the ground dipped beneath her. Startled, she glanced down. The earth was cracking, the soil splitting open right beneath her. Panic shot through her as she scrambled backward, but her leg caught on a root.

Pain surged as she tugged at the root, her fingers fumbling desperately.

“Charlotte! There you are!” a voice called out, sharp with urgency.

She froze, recognizing it instantly. Ominis Gaunt, his face set in a scowl, was storming toward her, wand raised. His brows were drawn together, his expression one of irritation.

“Why are you out here? Don’t you know it’s dangerous?” His tone was harsh, scolding.

Her lip trembled as she turned away, feeling a mixture of frustration and hurt. He didn’t seem to understand. She needed help, not a reprimand. Tugging on the root again, she let out a soundless cry, her body shaking.