While Awen was in the bathroom, Hieronymous used the chance to take off his hideous clothes - or so he thought – and put back on his old robes. He still wasn't used to the idea of sharing spaces with another human being. The idea seemed so foreign to him. Ever since he was a child, he was on his own. His mother never bothered to visit him and his father was more interested in pursuing pretty young things. The "retainers", as his father liked to call them, or his nannies, never seemed to be genuinely be interested in him.
Hieronymous realised that he had so much resentment built up towards his family. But yet, with all his academic knowledge, he didn't quite know how to unravel it. He pushed the idea away and decided to use targeted farspeak to communicate with Petunia. The evening bothered him without any particular reason. He quickly drew up the phemes and called to Petunia.
Petunia – I need to speak to you urgently. Are you in your quarters? Hieronymous said. He could almost feel Petunia's laugh through her reply.
You are back! Did everything go well? Was Awen OK with Daphne? Hieronymous sighed. He was done with chit-chats for the night.
Can we discuss such private matters in person? Hieronymous answered.
Oh, I shouldn't ask these things through farspeak – you're right. This isn't safe. I'll come around to your quarters in let's say - twenty-minutes. Make sure you prepare some tea! I've yet to have my cuppa. Mr Solomon has hurt himself and I need to heal him first. See you soon! Petunia ended the conversation hurriedly. Hieronymous was relieved that Petunia was busy. He needed a little bit of time to collect his thoughts. As he prepared to sit down at his desk, Awen came out of the bathroom, looking the worse for wear. Poor girl, Hieronymous thought. She must be so tired. She's been dragged like a rag doll ever since the school ended.
'How, uh, how do you feel?' Hieronymous asked more gruffly than he would have liked to. Awen didn't seem to notice his tone of voice however. She sighed while walking up to her room.
'OK. Exhausted. Let me get changed out of these heavy, silly clothes before I talk to you.' With that, Awen closed her door. Hieronymous looked towards her room for a moment, before making way to the living room.
Hieronymous sat down near the fire while waiting for both women. He didn't know what to think of the night. It wasn't terrible – at least he didn't have a screaming match with Daphne tonight – but he felt that something wasn't right. James' story disturbed him. The night brought back bad memories from his past. Hieronymous chuckled to himself. He was more fragile than he thought he was tonight. He often thought of performing a memory wipe on himself, but couldn't bring himself to do it as he was fully being aware of the consequences. He was surprised and proud of Awen tonight though. She was much stronger than he thought. He decided that she didn't remind him of Violet after all. They were two very different people. He was sure that Daphne didn't like Awen, but after tonight, he'd hoped that she'd respect Awen for who she was.
While he was deep in his thoughts, someone touched his shoulders gently. He was startled even though he knew it would be Awen.
'What are you thinking?' She asked while sitting down opposite to him. 'Gosh, it's very warm in here. I could almost go to sleep right here, right now.' Awen yawned while making herself comfortable. Hieronymous tried to hide his smile, but couldn't.
'I could make it cooler if you'd like.' He replied. Awen shook her head.
'No, no. It's really fine. I'm just tired that's all. It's been an interesting couple of days. I decided that next semester, I'll study harder. All magic is important. I think I was too biased in my learning.' Awen replied. Hieronymous nodded.
'Yes. It's the mistake we all make. You'll get there.' Hieronymous replied solemnly. Awen sighed.
'I wish I was from a magical family. I would be so more apt at controlling my magic. You know, like Virginia. She hardly studies, but she always does well in her exams! I have to study so hard to even pass.' Awen replied. Hieronymous cleared his throat.
'Just because you are from a non-magical background doesn't make you any worse or any less of a witch. There are those who are from magical families – powerful ones – and don't ever have a good grasp of their magic. Do not compare yourself to other people, Awen. That's the worst thing you can do for yourself.' Hieronymous replied, ending the sentence tenderly. Awen smiled. He was right. There was no point lamenting something she couldn't control.
'Besides, past is past… we must put our past behind and move on…' Hieronymous didn't finish the sentence and instead, looked down on the floor. Awen looked at him quizzically. She could sense the change in his voice. She opened her mouth to say something, but decided not to. Some things were better left unspoken.
At that moment, they heard the knock on the door.
'Come in!' Hieronymous called out. Awen nearly had a heart attack when she saw a thing walk into the room. It was dressed in bright fuchsia pink night gown with bright orange nightcap. It was of course, Petunia.
'Petunia, must you always dress yourself in offensive colours?' Hieronymous sighed while getting her tea ready. 'Milk? Sugar?'
'I think they are lovely combination, Hieronymous!' Petunia said with a smile. 'One sugar with no milk, thank you.' She sat down next to Awen, and Awen was sure she could smell orange peel on her. Awen wondered if she made the cap with orange skin. Petunia was known to do those things.
'How was the dinner, dearie? You've been spoilt recently! All these fancy outings!' Awen nodded weakly but didn't say anything. She too, was tired and wished to go to bed. The life in the academy meant that the lights had to be out by 10pm – and it was past her bedtime.
'Hieronymous, may I retire for the night now?' Awen asked. Hieronymous looked at Petunia, who didn't offer anything back. Hieronymous nodded.
'Of course. The semester is over, and you are free to do whatever you please.' Hieronymous answered. Awen smiled, muttered a good-night, and walked up to her room. Once her door was shut, Hieronymous sighed and slumped into the sofa.
'What's wrong, darling?' Petunia asked, while picking up her cup. Hieronymous didn't answer. He really disliked her use of endearing pet names to people.
'It must've been a hard night for you. I'm amazed that you didn't come back after a little while.' Petunia laughed. Hieronymous glared at her direction, but didn't say anything. 'How's Daphne?' Petunia asked.
'Pregnant.' Hieronymous answered curtly. Petunia's big eyes widened even further.
'Oh, what a fantastic news! They must be so happy! Oh, do tell me more, Hieronymous.' Petunia became excited. Hieronymous sighed. He had no more energy for excitement tonight.
'No. We left before she could tell me all about that sort of things. In another matter, have you spoken to Malachi since his return?' Hieronymous asked, changing topic. He couldn't care less about Daphne's pregnancy. Petunia shook her head.
'No. He's been cooped up in his room ever since he came back. I was rather surprised that he spoke with James.' Petunia replied. 'Has James said anything?' Hieronymous nodded.
'That's what I wanted to talk to you about. He talked about some movements in the far north settlement and Malachi being the investigator of some curious attacks on the wizarding town.' Petunia's big green eyes became cloudy.
'What attacks, precisely?' Petunia asked. Hieronymous shook his head.
'I don't know. James didn't say much. I fear that he is hiding something.' Petunia put her cup down.
'This is worrying.' Petunia replied softly. 'Did you see the illusion of Amorak?' Hieronymous nodded.
'I've asked Paula to look into it, and she couldn't give me a clear answer. Strange, as she is usually an excellent seer.' Petunia replied while frowning. Hieronymous stood up to get himself a glass of wine. 'Wine?' Hieronymous offered to Petunia, who in return shook her head. Hieronymous gave Petunia a suit-your-self look.
'Petunia, why did you let Damien go, when you were fully aware what he was?' Hieronymous asked with an edge to his voice. 'Even after what he had done to one of our students?' Petunia sighed and put her cup down. Her bright orange cap seemed to be duller now.
'I didn't let him go, my dear Hieronymous. He let himself go. I didn't realise how powerful he'd become. I always feared that he would surpass the magic in the Iris Academy… I must be getting old, Hieronymous.' Petunia sighed again. Hieronymous didn't know what to say. Why didn't she tell him this earlier?
'So you knew? You knew that he had connection to his demon kinds? And you let him in the academy for three years? Are you ill? What's gotten into you?' Hieronymous' voice started to rise. Petunia looked at him and Hieronymous could see anger brewing in her eyes. It wasn't a good time to mess with Petunia. She was a powerful witch, after all.
'I – I apologise.' Hieronymous muttered while looking away. The flames in her eyes started to die down.
'Yes – perhaps I was foolish. I thought I could learn more about him – even maybe change him and turn him away from his demon heritage. Damien was always good at charming people. Unfortunately, that never worked out well. If it makes you feel any better, I've been tracking him ever since... he's yet to join his kinds. That's why I had sent Malachi to the otherworld… and it appears that something indeed had happened.' Petunia replied.
'Why haven't you spoken to him yet?' Hieronymous asked. 'It's not like you at all.' Petunia didn't respond, and Hieronymous gave up. When Petunia didn't want to discuss something, there was no point in pushing her. He put his half poured glass down, and started to walk towards the door.
'Where are you going?' Petunia asked.
'Well, since you won't tell me, I'm going to go and visit Malachi now. Something isn't right, and I fear our safety – all of our safety. It is my duty to protect the students from theses… unsightly things.' Petunia sighed and stood up. Perhaps it was wise for her to accompany him.
'You know, Damien always despised and feared you.' Petunia said softly as she stood up. 'I think you were one of the very few people who genuinely hated him.' Petunia said while chuckling to herself. Hieronymous ignored him. He didn't care what this demon boy thought of him.
'Have you put a protection charm on Awen?' Petunia asked, before closing the door behind her. Hieronymous looked at her with funny expression on his face.
'Why would I?' He responded.
'Hieronymous – she has been involved with Damien before. I fear that anyone who's been involved with Damien may not be safe.' Petunia responded with frown on her face. Hieronymous nodded.
'The room is protected. She will be safe in here.' Hieronymous responded. Petunia nodded, but before following Hieronymous, she put a charm on the door. If anything tried to walk through the door, she would be the first to be notified. She hurried along, so that she wouldn't loose the sight of Hieronymous.
When they arrived in front of Malachi's door, Hieronymous hesitated before knocking. It was getting rather late after all. He looked at Petunia, and she nodded to him. It was a matter of urgency to speak to him. Hieronymous knocked, two, three times, but no-one answered the door.
'What the devil…' Hieronymous started to curse, but Petunia shushed him.
'It's late. He might be asleep. Malachi usually locked his door when he sleeps.' Petunia replied, and Hieronymous looked at her with bewilderment. How did she know this? 'The only way to get in would be to teleport.' Petunia said.
'It's against the rules, Petunia. You out of all people should know that.' Hieronymous replied, his arms akimbo on his hips. Petunia sighed.
'Hieronymous, you were the one who wanted to speak to him before the night ended. What do you want to do?' Petunia replied. Hieronymous thought for a moment, and decided that perhaps Petunia was right. He nodded, and within a second, they were in Malachi's room.