POV ADA MARROW

When Professor Fig had returned, I spilled out everything that had happened. Finding the Map room, how Sebastian Sallow had helped me locate it and how we needed the book before we could proceed. There had been introductions between Professor Fig And Rackham. Explanations and the revealing of trials I must partake in alone.
Professor Fig pulled me out of my last class in the middle of the week. I gave Sebastian a knowing look. I had told him what needed to be done and while he didn't like the fact I had to do this alone he accepted it. The night I returned to my Commons Sebastian pulled me into the kitchen.
I had been gone all day and when Professor Fig had returned without me he had been worried. I assured him I was fine.
"I don't understand why you need to this alone." He leaned against a barrel, "he said you were like him so why is he so hesitant to tell you everything."
"I suppose it's because whatever Isadora said about her fathers pain." I held myself, looking to the floor, "We'll just have to wait it out and do as he asks, otherwise we have no idea where to look."
His brows were furrowed and lips set in a deep frown, "I know you're right but I don't like it."
"I don't like it either but all I can do is trust that the Keepers know what they're doing."
"Perhaps next time you get called to the Map Chamber I can join you?" He asked, sounding a bit hopeful.
"I would love it if you could join me but Rackham and Professor Fig don't want you getting involved with this if you don't have to."
"I'm already involved." He reminded me, "Shouldn't Professor Fig be more worried for your safety than encouraging you to face these trials and the fact he was actually mad that you had told me this... is suspicious." His voice was low, if not a bit ominous sounding.
"Are you suggesting that Professor Fig has ulterior motives?"
"Perhaps, or perhaps not. I don't have any proof of it, I just think his behavior towards all of this is odd."
"Whether he does or not, I'm already too deep in."
"But do you really have to be?" He asked, he cleaned some dirt from under his nails, "I mean you could just say no to helping him any further, you could just stay in the castle and be a normal student. Ashwinders and Ranroks' lot wouldn't dare try to infiltrate Hogwarts to get to you."
"I wouldn't dare think of that option Sebastian, too much can happen if I decide to step back and away from it all." Now my arms were crossed.
He sighed rolling his head, "Fine, fine I'll drop the matter for today... Are you free tomorrow? I'd like to teach you more spells."
"Unfortunately I need to speak to someone in Hogsmeade. I don't think I'll be available most of the day."
"This weekend then?" He suggested.
"I think you've forgotten that I have pre exhausting plans with Leander and Ominis this weekend." My eyes started to wander, not wanting to look him in the eye.
"You're really going on a date with Leander?" I could hear the judgment.
"Yes Sebastian I am."
"I can't believe you're even humoring the Bellend." He sounded annoyed now, his expression wasn't exactly a pleasant one either.
"I can't even fathom why you care if I humor him once." The words rolled off my tongue copying his annoyance.
"I care cause you're my friend and he's an ass." Sebastian countered, "Anyway it doesn't matter now, I'll let you have your fun with him.
"Let me? You're starting to sound jealous, Sebastian."
"Please, I'm merely concerned for your mental wellbeing. He's not exactly the cream of the crop at this school let alone of the Gryffindors."
"I'll keep that in mind, now if you excuse me I'm exhausted and I really want to sleep."
"You have a good night Ada." I heard him say, pushing the portrait open.
"You as well Sebastian, I'll see you in class tomorrow."

—-

I walked along the cobbled down road towards the meeting spot I told Lodgok I'd meet him at. There he was standing waiting for me. I approached him with a smile. "I'm ready to go."
He smiled back at me kindly, "Follow me then." I slipped my mask out of my bag to cover my face. His brow raised at me.
"Sorry it's to be sure no one recognizes me." I settled it into place, walking at his pace.
"That is a good idea, you have a rather distinctive face." I nodded, "Now tell me more about where we're going."
"It's a tomb of a Witch, a collector of sorts that stole precious goblin made armor. This specific item I wish to get is the Helmet of Urtkot. I should be able to use it to regain favor with Ranrok. Unlike your kind my kind believes that the owner of a made item is the creator not the purchaser."
"That is a stark difference between both our kinds. It's a wonder we even manage to get along."
"Yes but our differences shouldn't make it insurmountable. Even now you and I speak on equal terms with a common goal." We walked in silence until we arrived at the Witches tomb.
"I will have to wait here for you. Only wand bearers can enter."
"Of course Lodgok, I shall return soon."

—

What was meant to be simple turned more complicated and I had to face an Ashwinder Camp to gain the Helmet, I succeeded and handed the helmet over to him. Now we sat at a bench just to talk.
"I'm rather new to this world if I'm to be honest... I didn't know it existed until a few months ago." I pulled out some candy offering some to him.
He would take some of the sour candies, eating it, "You're a witch, didn't your powers manifest when you were younger?"
"No, they only just recently manifested, in fact it manifested when I turned fifteen..."
"That is rather odd." Lodgok murmured, his gaze went over the view of the Valley and of Hogwarts.
"Yes, I was a bit shocked to hear from a Goblin named Arn that your kind aren't treated so fairly and how I've seen people treat house elves is awful as well." I heard him sigh and nod.
"Yes, unless you're a Witch or Wizard you're treated as lesser. No matter how powerful your magic is."
I stared out at the castle, "I suppose I know that feeling... I had asked the Ministry workers who had found me about my parents. When they retrieved the information they told me I had been abandoned by them because they thought I was a Squib. I'm still debating if I want to reach out to them or not."
"They don't know?"
"No, I asked the Ministry not to contact them, even though their motives left me alone and feeling inadequate."
"As one does feel when abandoned by a parent. If I may suggest something." He faced me a bit more, "You, do not owe them anything. Blood is only as strong as the emotional ties you have and they have severed that tie to you. You have a new life ahead of you." His hand motioned out towards the castle. "New chances to create new bonds and shape your own world. If I were you I would leave the past behind me and do as I please."
I smiled down at the Goblin, "I think you're right. Thank you Lodgok." I started to stand, "I should be returning to the castle now."
"Travel safely my young friend and be careful."
I pulled my bag over my shoulder and gave him just a small wave, "I will." Leaving him behind as I headed back to Hogsmeade and then to the castle.

POV OMINIS GAUNT

"Can you please tell me why you dragged me out here?" We were wandering Hogsmeade, even if I asked him that again I knew it was so he had an excuse to spy on Ada and Leander.
"I just want to keep an eye on them."
"Yes but why am -I- here. I have no qualms about her having one date with Leander." I interjected.
"He's a git." Sebastian growled out, he was dragging me around by my wrist.
"And a Moonmind, pest, back end of a mule. I've heard almost every creative word you've called him the last few days and then some. It doesn't change the fact she's just humoring him." I groaned out, since she told him about the date he had been going through stages of denial until she confirmed that she was actually going on a date with him. Now it was anger and jealousy. Even if he wouldn't admit it, Sebastian had a crush on her.
"That doesn't mean he won't try and pull something." He countered, I heard him open a door and listened to the familiar music played in Honeydukes. He then stopped us, pulling us off to stand somewhere.
"My treat Ada." We found them, Leander was talking to her.
"You really don't have to pay for all these sweets."
"I know I don't but I want to, after all I'd like for you to consider going out with me again." He had that bravado to his voice now.
"Well that has yet to be considered." I heard her murmur.

POV ADA MARROW

The date with Leander was nice so far. We had gone to the tea house and now we were in Honeydukes. He was insisting he buy me a little of each candy he liked just to see if I'd enjoy it as well. He was being incredibly sweet.
"Well that has yet to be considered." I looked over the candy on the shelf, "I'm afraid I still haven't gotten over your warnings about my friends." I glanced at him, assessing his reaction. I saw him bite his lip then look away from me.
"Yes and I did apologize for that."
"I've also heard you're quite the bully." It wasn't accusatory, just stating a fact.
"Lying wouldn't put me in any better of a position so I would have to admit yes. I am."
I couldn't help but laugh softly walking with him to the counter, "Well at least you're honest."
He pulled out the coin to pay for the sweets, taking the bag to carry it for me. He offered his arm and I rested my hand in the crook of his elbow.
We walked on towards the clothing shop, but he stopped me in front of a cart covered in lovely flowers. The witch manning it offered a 'Forever Rose' explained to be a Rose enchanted to last forever. I could feel Leanders' eyes look to me, trying to assess if I wanted such a thing. He was really trying for that second date and while I was enjoying myself. I wasn't interested in him like that, a friend? Sure. A potential boyfriend? Definitely not.
Though I couldn't help but look over the lush roses, the different colors they came in, some in very unnatural colors, others more subtle. He picked a off white one up,
"How much for this one?" The Witch stated the price and he paid for it, then lightly tucked it so it rested over my ear, "There."
"Really? Why white?"
"It's Ivory Ada, thoughtfulness, gracefulness, and charm. All things I see when I look upon you." He had to have rehearsed that line. My hand went up to touch the soft petals.
"That's sweet of you to say Leander."
"It is all the truth." he stated, a smugness overtaking his smile, starting to lead me off leaning down to murmur in my ear, "besides it's a bit too soon for red."
I could feel my face burning now at those words, "My you're going to make a lucky girl very happy one day."
"Mmm, maybe I already found a lucky girl." No he had not, I really wasn't into him and as sweet as he was being to me... I don't think I could ever be. I pulled the flower from my ear to look it over, hand leaving his arm to touch the petals.
"Leander..." I couldn't continue this, continuing the date would be taking advantage of him, "I'm sorry but I'm definitely not the lucky girl..." I murmured.
"What do you mean?" We both stopped.
I took his hand and gave him the rose back, "I mean you should save this for someone who wants to be more with you. I'm afraid I can't ever see us being more than just friends."

POV SEBASTIAN SALLOW

I have never felt such pure elation hearing such words told to a man before. Usually to hear such words brought sympathy but no I was elated. I heard Ominis suck in a sharp breath, we were hiding behind the twisted tree next to the statue.
"My she has a way with words."
Prewett looked absolutely devastated hear that come from her, he held onto the rose for a second. "I suppose I should have seen this coming." He sighed and put the rose in the candy bag, "I still want you to have these." He insisted, handing the bag to her, "Just as a reminder of our time together, even if it was incredibly brief."
Ada gave him that sweet smile and took the bag, "Thank you for understanding..."
"Well I'm not really one to chase if a Lady doesn't want to be chased." He stated, "And I'm sure you have plenty on your plate, you don't need me distracting you from all the extra work you need to do. Still want to go for the Butterbeer? If not, I can walk you back to the Castle." I saw her hum, rocking a bit on her feet holding the bag in front of her.
"One Butterbeer does sound lovely but I'm paying for it."
"Deal." I watched them walk off together.
"Why is she still going with him?" I murmured, now that confused me. Usually after rejecting someone girls would want to leave.
"Sebastian... Please can we just go? She's rejected him and he's taking it rather calmly." Ominis sounded exasperated, he leaned against the statue a bit more.
"Fine, fine we'll go." It didn't seem like Prewett was going to try anything, especially since he had made a bit of distance between the two of them.

POV OMINIS GAUNT

I waited patiently outside of the Library for Ada, fiddling with my wand. I had been hearing odd noises on my way here. Thinking perhaps fairies had gotten stuck inside of the Castle or the ones professor Hecat keeps in her class had gotten out. My attention was grabbed by the familiar click of Ada's heels on the marble flooring. Her arm locked with mine.
"Hello Ada." I had grown used to the noises she made and how casually she touched me. It was comforting, especially in the silence so early in the morning.
"Good morning Ominis, are you ready?" She had started leading me off Merlin knows where.
"What exactly should I be ready for?" I mused, holding my wand down with my free hand.
" Daedalian keys!" Her voice perked up, my brow raised.
"Daedalian what? What on Earth is that?"
"Flying keys Ominis, they appear in the castle grounds. I've found a few already and if you follow them to their cupboards they reward you with a house token!" I listened to her explanation.
"Ada, I don't know if you've forgotten but I am blind. I won't be able to see them." She giggled, actually giggled.
"I hadn't forgotten! They make little noises and I figured with your heightened hearing you'd be able to hear them better than I can."
"A flying key makes a noise?" I murmured, walking up steps slowly with her.
"Yes, sort of like..." She made a soft noise, similar to the ones I'd been hearing on the way here.
"So it's not feral fairies I've been hearing?"
"You heard some?" She sounded so excited, her hand squeezing my arm.
"Yes actually yesterday down near the potions classroom and another in the Dungeons." She halted and turned us around, walking back down the steps we came from.
"Brilliant! I knew having you come along would make this easier." She was going to be dragging me all over the castle, wasn't she? Not that I minded, I didn't have any plans today and her company was more than welcome. My hand moved to rest over hers, stopping.
"I hear it... Do you see it?" I asked her quietly.
"No not yet- Oh it's at the stairs!" She pulled me along and I heard that little noise and the sudden fluttering of wings.
"Come on!" She helped me down the stairs, her excitement made a laugh slip from my lips.
"I'm moving as quickly as I can Ada." She came to a stop and heard her hand smack against something wooden.
"Almost!" Another slap and the sound of something unlocking, "Got it!" There was a creak and Ada let go of my arm. Shuffling with something.
"So what exactly does getting all of these house tokens do?" I hummed to her.
"I'm not entirely sure but there's a chest in my common room that you slip these tokens into. I think getting them all will unlock it."
"Seems you have quite the treasure hunt ahead of you."
"That I do and you're helping me win it." She grabbed my hand again to start leading me off. It was going to be a very long day.

—

Long it was, it felt like hours and my feet felt like they were on fire. We went up and down stairs, to different wings and even snuck in briefly to the Faculty tower. Now we were down in a cellar, as described to me surrounded by wine casts and crates. The floors were uneven and being as exhausted as I am with walking around this was supposed to be the last key. Ada still had hold of my hand but was almost dragging me to catch up with the key.
"Ada, careful the grounds not-" I tripped, of course I did and I ended up taking her with me. I guessed I had landed on her. I groaned softly, lifting myself onto hands and knees. "Ada are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm so sorry Ominis, I should have been more careful leading you around."
"I forgive you." My hand moved, "Are you hurt at all? I fell right on you." My hand moved to rest on her, where was my hand resting. I slid it along the cloth trying to figure out what I was touching.
"O-Ominis. You shouldn't touch there."
"Why? Is this not your arm? What am I touching?" I tilted my head, hand resting on it.
"That's my leg Ominis."
"Oh! Oh I am so sorry." I was an idiot. What was I doing just randomly touching her like that. I started to get to my feet holding my hand out to her. I felt her hand take mine, I pulled her up into me.
It was the small things; her laugh, how she touched me and her voice are all what drew me to her. I could sit and listen to her hum a soft tune for an hour or two but I knew Sebastian fancied her, even if he wouldn't admit it outright. If anyone deserved her it was him.
"Let's get that last token." I could hear the smile in her voice.
"Yes, let's." She walked us to the last cupboard and got the token, "You will have to tell me what you find in that chest."
"Oh trust me I will." kept hold on my hand, I let her lead me out a yawn slipping from me.
"Am I really that boring?!" Her voice gained a pitch, having a slight tease to it.
"No, I'm ready for a nap. You've managed to exhaust me."
"Aw... Poor Ominis, let's get you back to your common room." I wouldn't act. I wouldn't speak a word of it. Besides, a girl like her wouldn't want a boy like me.