POV SEBASTIAN SALLOW

Death follows me at every turn.

Shifting to those whose deaths I have caused, to those who died at no fault of my own.

My parents stared down with disdain, "If you had checked on us we would be alive." The voice is familiar but only a distant memory of my Father. It warped to the Catacomb.

"HOW DARE YOU USE AN UNFORGIVABLE!" Large meaty hands gripped at my face forcing me to stare into hateful dark eyes, "HAVE YOU NO SHAME? HOW DARE YOU TURN YOUR WAND ON FAMILY, YOU USELESS INCOMPETENT BOY!" The hateful gaze flickered to a horrified expression. Grip getting tighter and tighter until my cries of pain shifted it to feel nails digging into my face.

Thin fingers clawing at my face as my sister's gaunt pale face stared at me with such vitriol hatred, "YOU KILLED HIM!" She wailed out attacking me in our cottage, "YOU KILLED HIM AND HAD THE GALL TO USE THAT CURSE AGAIN! I HATE YOU!" She shrieked her face flickering between the pain of her last days then to the peace of her death. Nails raking down my neck to grip at my shoulders as she doubled over.

Ominis head bowed down his form flickering between him and Ada, "All you do is use us."

Then the sickly face of a brief friend looked up at me, expression cool as his hands gripped my shoulders.

"You hesitated."

I shot up from my bed, surrounded by darkness. My jaw clenched tight as I sucked in air through my teeth. Chest heaving, body shaking. The force it took to relax my jaw caused an uncomfortable ache. Tears pricked at my eyes burning as I stared into nothingness. My mouth was dry as I attempted to wet my lips.

My Parents loved me. My Uncle loved me. Anne loved me. Nox cared about me. Ada and Ominis love me.

My uncle loved me, Anne loved me, my parents loved me. Nox cared about me. Ada and Ominis love me.

I let that mantra roll around in my thoughts attempting to calm myself. I had decided to retire the anchoring item. She deserved better than for me to use her as some sort of trauma bonded tool.

My Parents loved me. My Uncle loved me. Anne loved me. Nox cared about me. Ada and Ominis love me.

I shifted getting out of bed, my bed clothes stuck to me. I quickly took off my shirt pulling it over my head. I needed a shower, I needed to be alone. I glanced over to Ominis's bed, seeing him still fast asleep. He had curled up hugging a pillow to himself and ditched the covers; his face pressed to the pillow.

I grabbed a change of bed clothes and left our room quietly, going towards the boys washroom. A few people in the very early morning were already dressed and chatting softly to each other. Some boys and some girls, I had some wide eyed looks from the girls and a few boys gave me a inquisitive lift of a brow. I had little shame to walk around shirtless in the dorms, especially when I could care less about delicate sensibilities. I ignored them walking across the way to the younger years dorms and entered the washroom. Relief washed over me as it was completely empty.

It was time for introspection, the dreams first started in my younger years when self awareness started playing a role in my life, after my parents accidental death but long before Anne had been cursed. Somewhere along the line my memories of that day had been engraved into my brain.

I had wanted to bother my Father about something I had read but Anne convinced me to leave them be as they didn't very much like being disturbed when they worked. I could ask him later. For some reason or another I blamed myself for their deaths. Clothes off and the cold spray from the shower rattled the pipes startling the heat from my skin.

I had put all blame on Solomon for not doing enough for Anne, and made excuses that it was necessary. I killed him in a mental break, my obsession with curing my sister had all but ruined my family. They had begged me to stop and my impulsive nature took over. I could have made my sister's last day enjoyable. I could have said goodbye.

I rested my hands against the tiled wall, letting the icy water flow over me. Muscles spasming, the cool bite reminding me that I'm in reality. Sopping wet hair stuck to my forehead and face while I pressed my forehead against the tile.

I used Ominis and Ada, they saved me from Azkaban and I all but tossed her to the wind after the fact. I don't deserve their forgiveness; I didn't deserve her forgiveness but they forgave me anyway.

I closed my eyes, picturing Nox dead turned to a statue. Nox didn't hesitate to save Ominis, Nox didn't hesitate to use Unforgivables. I hesitated and perhaps he'd have lived through the Summer if I hadn't. I am not delusional to think I am the route cause of his death but so much could have gone wrong in that short amount of time. What if he hadn't focused on Nox? He could have killed either Ominis or I and taken Ada.

My Parents loved me. My Uncle loved me. My Sister loved me. Nox cared for me. Ada and Ominis love me.

I sucked in a deep breath and exhaled, tasting water on my tongue; the cool air filling my lungs as I straightened out letting the spray hit my chest now. I pushed my hair back from my face.

I would not fail them again.

POV OMINIS GAUNT

Ada and I attempted to enjoy the lingering summer sun and warmth before it would vanish away and be replaced with the coolness of fall then the crispness of winter. I enjoyed the warmth, lounging around outside was nice at the beginning and end of the school years but absolutely dreadful in between. It was only the second weekend of our beginning Seventh Year and I was already relishing what time we had together but every attempt to be alone was thwarted by either a Professor or one of the Pure Blooded Pug-Ugly Prats.

Flirting with her in an isolated area of the dungeons? Lestrange, Malfoy, Parkinson will randomly pop up. Library? The Librarian will always catch us. I try to take her into the Slytherin Commons, Parkinson is always there making skeevy remarks towards her. She can't take me to the Prefect Dorms and if we're near a classroom? A teacher will stop us. Any place in the castle we go to, somehow Lestrange always finds a way to interrupt us but now we were alone. She had reassured me that the only way anyone could find us is if they walked down the hill and followed the path and even then they'd have to go off path to even get a glimpse of us.

I nestled my head in her lap, enjoying the softness of her thighs and how her fingers so gently ran through my hair. Lightly twisting a lock with her finger while she hummed softly to me.

I had let my eyes shut just enjoying every little touch and sensation, enjoyed the honey of her voice gracing my ears and the slight tickle of her nails as they stroked along my cheek.

"I can't wait to have you all to myself." I muttered to her.

"You have me now." She teased, her nail tracing along the shell of my ear. Something nagged at the back of my mind, right, would now be a good time-

"Mr. Gaunt, Miss. Marrow!" I shot up from her lap, eyes opening wide. Shit.

"P-Professor Sharp!" Ada stuttered out.

"As happy as I am that you've both reconciled from last year, I must insist you both keep familiarities at arms length." He chided us, "You are here to learn not to fraternize in the grass."

I quickly started getting to my feet.

"Professor please, we weren't doing anything unseemly."

"I'm well aware, it's why I'm giving you both a warning. Show some self restraint."

"Sorry Professor." Ada murmured, her voice held hints of shame. Self restraint be damned, I'll just have to get more creative with where we hide; meaning the Undercroft.

POV ADA MARROW

After my small get together with Ominis I decided to return to my Room of Requirement. There were things that needed to be dealt with at a different time, things that needed to be rearranged and things that needed to be set up.

The lower level of the Room was mostly sparse, I hadn't spent to much time in this portion of the Room so not much had changed besides the Potted Magical Plants in one alcove and the heaping amount of brewing stations on the other side; save for the Vivarium that had popped up for the Basilisk and Chimaera located right across the entrance.

Then there were those crates upon crates of potion making supplies lined along a wall. I tapped the tip of my wand on the meat of my palm. Looking over the relatively blank canvas. I had my fill of Moonstones, I could decorate this place however I deemed fit. Rugs first so furniture doesn't damage the stone ground.

This table? No. This one with this color and this size. How many chairs? Six? No, nine. Make it ten just in case and even if we're meant to be studying that doesn't mean we can't sit around and talk or come to relax… This rug, this couch? No this couch, wait, why not both and these seats. Oh and a chess set! Make this table smaller so it's lower to the ground. Oh house banners in this corner will do well and the other corner I can put bookshelves.

This went on for some time until I made a sizable dent in my Moonstone supply. The room that had been sparsely decorated is now cluttered with supplies and such to help us pass our N.E.W.T.s. Shelves lined with conjured books tables filled with supplies and parchment, ink and quills. I settled out the N.E.W.T.s pamphlets, listing out every little detail of every job one could acquire and the requirements needed for said job.

I was particularly interested in Healing and Curse Breaking. I would need to Sign up for Nurse Blainey's Healing Course, get an Outstanding in my Ancient Ruins and Exceptional in every other required Course.

Now for the case of the Vivarium, I could warn my friends to not enter into it. Though that didn't mean they wouldn't try. I walked around the table to the door and conjured a sign next to the entrance. 'Dangerous Beasts: XXXXX'. That would be as much warning and information then I'd be willing to forgive.

I stared at the entrance, then walked through the door. Stepping out to wild grasses and ruins. I could see the Chimera lounging about on a mountain side, fast asleep and healthy looking.

Now where was that Basilisk… It had been a few months since I had seen it and I hoped it remembered me, so I wandered a bit. Close to the borders of the Vivarium, towards a waterfall, I was met with the sight of such a large Beast as it slipped out from behind the waterfall into the pond. Gleaming Black scales shone almost like a rainbow in the heated sun. What was once malnourished now had a healthy weight. Its plume vibrant with colors grew back in, Ominis and I weren't sure if it was Male or Female. I had my answer, a Female Basilisk.

"Look at you." I cooed, watching how it so effortlessly slid out of the water onto the pond edge, slowly and lazily making its way to me. I was delighted to see its blinding straps were still securely in place.

"You are absolutely Beautiful." It neared me, tongue flipping out to catch my scent. Then it rumbled contently; pressing the large snout to my body. I held its jaw and stroked my other hand up along its snout.

"I'm sorry I was gone so long, so much has happened. We'll find you a proper home, once this year is over with. Somewhere deep in the forests of Italy or perhaps you'd like a trip to the Americas and we can visit the Amazon… I hear it's untouched by either Wizard or Muggle kind. I bet you could live the rest of your days there and never be found."

The Basilisk coiled around me, moving its head from my stomach to rest along its spined back. I trailed my hand along its scales. The scarring faded slightly now that it had a few proper sheds.

"I'll visit you both more often I promise."

You have been formally invited to a get together this upcoming Sunday during dinner time. Do not worry about eating, food and drink will be supplied. I'd like to celebrate our last year here at Hogwarts and hope to start planning study sessions so we can all pass our N.E.W.T.s.

Please meet at the Astronomy Tower Corridor containing the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy promptly at Dinner Time, this is a casual get together; so don't worry about impressing anyone. We're all friends.

-Ada Marrow

"Thank you so much Deek for having this food and Tea prepared for tonight." I fixed the cuffs of my blouse then moved my braided hair so it sat comfortably over my shoulder.

"Of course Miss. Marrow! Deek is always happy to help blossoming Witches and Wizards." Deek levitated tea sets and plates all along the table, getting everything ready for us.

"I think this is my first time ever hosting a party." I murmured, I felt quite nervous. I think this would be the first time all of my friends would be in one space. Usually it would be a group of four, maybe five people. I don't even think Natty and Leander spent time with me when Ominis or Sebastian were around. Gryffindor, Slytherin rivalry and all of that nonsense. They sort of tolerated Imelda. Garreth didn't care one bit about house differences. He'd chat Ominis ear off with me at any chance he'd get and absolutely loved riling up Sebastian.

Then there was Poppy and Adelaide, both got along well with everyone of course. Hufflepuff friendliness and loyalty doing its best work, then there was Arthur and Amit. Arthur was relatively new so I wasn't so sure about how he'd fare with this group but I knew Amit would get along well with everyone as well; though would he come? After being exposed by my Brother last year, that he had a crush on me, he had been rather distant after that but we still had nice conversations in between our Courses now.

"I told you I knew how to get in!" I heard Garreth's voice bounce off along the walls of the Room and my gaze went to the top staircase seeing Garreth lead in everyone I had invited. Everyone was dressed down out of uniform and I was pleasantly surprised to see Natty, Arthur and Leander chatting away with each other. Why was I worried about Arthur fitting in? I had forgotten that we four were Prefects…

Amit was chatting with Adelaide about Astronomy, at least I assumed so by her mentioning 'Draco'. Ominis and Sebastian were in quiet conversation behind the entire group. I walked up the stairs quickly.

"Fine… Fine, here's your five sickles." Imdela drawled out, unamused, that Garreth had gotten her money.

"You're all here! Everyone come with me down here!" I motioned with a hand for them to follow me, letting a few linger behind to examine the rather extravagant state of this room. Most of them had never been here or at least not in this version of the Room.

Everyone followed me down the stairs and soon the room was filled with chatter as everyone looked over everything I had set up. Garreth showed off the brewing stations to Natty and Adelaide. Poppy and Arthur were checking out my Venomous Tentacula and Chomping Cabbages.

Amit, Sebastian and Imelda were talking off near the shelving and I sat with Ominis and Leander mixing up tea for the both of them. At the sitting area. Even in a party everyone had split off to mingle with respective groups.

"You prefer your tea just as sweet as mine, right Leander?"

"You are correct!" He beamed at me while I dropped multiple sugar cubes into his cup and mine. Then just a few into Ominis's.

"Love, would you like any cream or honey?" I asked him, smiling when I saw his face flush.

"No… Just a few sugar cubes is enough."

"So yesterday I went out and treated myself to a new broom! The shopkeeper was incredibly helpful with choosing what suited my needs more." Leander gushed over the new broom, describing how sleek it looked and how the bristles were weaved and tied down, "Oh I also stopped by Honeydukes, they got your favorite sours in again Ada so I picked you up a bag."

"Oh you really didn't have to!"

"I insist! I remember last year when you said you were disappointed that they stopped making them." He handed me a small sack of candy, starting to talk about his trip to Hogsmeade then his tryout with the broom while he picked his cup up, taking a spoon and stirring his tea thoroughly. I nodded along, I did in fact listen to everything he said while handing Ominis his tea.

"Which also reminds me!" Leander shifted a bit, lifting his hips to pull out an Envelope from his back pocket, "This is from Septimus! He's inviting you to a party he and Lestrange are hosting in two weeks."

Ominis brows raised, settling his cup back on its platter. "A party?" He questioned.

"Yes, just a small get together, Garreth and Natty were invited as well."

"Oh well, can I bring someone?" I asked, taking and looking over the aged envelope and wax seal.

"Yes you can, ah wait as long as their Pure Blooded. That's a strict rule they have in place, I told them they should allow people to bring Half Bloods but they both said it's tradition mingling and the like to associate everyone with Pure Blood families."

"Then I suppose I can bring Ominis then." Leander was all smiles then looked a bit guilty.

"Ah well…"

"I'm not invited, Ada." Ominis stated, promptly, "The Party is an introductory tactic to join their Pure Blood Club."

"Well no, you're not expected to join! It would be lovely if you did, however it opens up avenues into Ministry Positions and meeting high up officials!" I looked between the two and handed the letter back,

"I'm sorry Leander but I'm not comfortable with going to such a party unless Ominis can join me."

"Ah well… I can promise nothing unsavory is talked about or happens… I can um." He looked nervous, he didn't really have any authority in his circle of friends it seemed, "Ask Septimus about it! I'm sure he'll get back to you. Also mate I have no issues with you going! It's just not my Party so I can't invite anybody." He attempted to reassure Ominis, hand resting on his shoulder.

"It's just fine, I have no interest in being invited but if Ada wishes to experience what we've warned her about then I have no issues escorting her." I looked at Ominis, then my gaze trailed over to Garreth and Natty. I had been warned about it and even Arthur had told me that Fawley and Lestrange were absolutely awful towards Muggle Borns.

"Actually… Leander I'll have to reject the invitation."

"Oh! What why?"

"Well if I'm to be honest the crowd you associate with seems a bit… awful…"

"Oh they're all pleasant and nice once you get to know them!"

"That's not what I meant. I don't actively wish to get to know people that torture Muggle Borns for just existing…"

"Well they don't actually torture them-" Ominis snorted, cutting Leander off.

"They're still bullying them, Leander." Ominis words were dry and unamused by his excuses.

He paused and bit his lip and nodded, sighing, "Yes they do, I can't really excuse their behavior; I'll go ahead and tell Septimus you're not interested."

"Thank you."

Leander awkwardly rubbed his hand along the back of his neck looking a bit ashamed,

"I… Um… I should go."

"Leander, you don't have to go." I insisted.

"No, no I should go. I got some things to think over." I watched him set down his partially finished tea and start to get to his feet, "You both have a good night."

"You as well." Ominis said, his brows furrowing at Leander's sudden leave. I watched him say his goodbyes then walked up the stairs taking his leave.

"Was I too harsh?"

"Not harsh enough for that reaction." Ominis murmured to me, "I mean he's changed quite a bit from Fifth Year. He may actually start seeing that they're not worth his time."

"He did stop with his goading after I had that talk with him in Fifth year. He seems to enjoy Hector's company but I don't think it's the same for Hector…" I stroked my thumb along the rim of the tea cup.

"He's down right tolerable to be around now." Ominis teased hand reaching and resting on my knee, "He does value your input Ada."

"I know… I just worry."

"I know." Ominis leaned close until our shoulders touched and he leaned in to press his lips to my hair. I enjoyed his company for the time being, enjoyed the close proximity and the gentle touches along my knee.

"We should go on a date." I murmured to him, he perked up and smiled.

"Miss. Marrow, are you proposing we get away from prying eyes of the castle?"

"If I am, would you care to escort me to Hogsmeade next weekend?"

"I would love to."