WITH a rush of relief, Norah's heart pounded as her gaze settled upon a cave nestled within the dense stands of trees in the Forbidden Forest. The scent of pine and elm nearly overwhelmed her senses, and the distant rumble of thunder from the looming black and purple thunderclouds overhead only added to her restlessness and unease.
"Over there! There, can you make it? We can take shelter in there," she said, leading the way as she pointed toward a cave. Only when Ollie offered a curt nod in agreement did she continue. Once inside the pitch-dark cave, Norah paused for a moment, trying to get her bearings. Fumbling for her wand tucked in her belt, she muttered, "Lumos."
The tip of her wand immediately flooded with light, illuminating the cave's interior.
Norah had to raise a hand to her face to shield her eyes from the small ball of light that emanated from her wand's tip, it was very nearly harrowing after spending so much time in darkness the last few days.
Turning to Ollie, Norah noticed him flinch and shrink away from the sudden brightness.
She could sense that something had deeply disturbed him. Before she could inquire further, Ollie's voice erupted in a fierce torrent of anger, directed at Antonin Dolohov who had attempted to touch her inappropriately.
His words were filled with vengeful threats and violence, expressing his desire to protect her from any torment.
"Dolohov touched you, Norah! He had no right. I won't let the bastard torment you like that," Ollie's voice erupted with fierce anger, his hands trembling as they clenched into fists. The fury in his words was palpable, and a dark fire burned in his eyes. He paced back and forth, struggling to contain the boiling rage within him. "I'll make him pay for what he did," he growled, his voice barely controlled. "That lying rutting Russian bastard deserves to suffer." He snarled, clenching his jaw tightly, before continuing, "I'd cut out his tongue and feed it to one of the dogs here in the Forest we're supposed to meet. I'd watch as he chokes on his blood."
His words dripped with venom, revealing the depth of his fury. His hands shot to his head. Norah could only watch as Ollie tangled his fingers in his hair as if trying to anchor himself.
The pain and frustration were evident in his actions, a raw display of the turmoil inside him.
Norah watched him, her heart racing with a mix of fear and concern. She did not like this side of her new partner, and it unsettled her. She knew he was capable of darkness, but this level of rage was something else entirely.
With her words, Ollie's tense demeanor softened slightly. He looked at her, his expression still clouded with anger, but also with a glimmer of gratitude for her calming presence.
Norah couldn't help but cringe with discomfort at the violent imagery and the way Ollie spoke of the werewolf Pack they were supposed to meet in the Forest. The fear of what he was capable of briefly pricked at her heart, reminding her of the man's dangerous nature. She reached out a hand to gently touch his arm, trying to calm him down.
The unpredictability of the situation and the dark secrets that surrounded Ollie only added to the tension.
Norah reached out and caught Ollie's wrist, trying to calm him.
"Ollie, please stop, that's enough," she pleaded. "It's alright. Dolohov was just trying to get under your skin. He couldn't hurt me, not with you around," she said, her tone gentle and reassuring.
Ollie paced back and forth, his anger still evident.
"I should have done something. I should have stopped him," he muttered.
Norah shook her head, recognizing that Ollie's thoughts were clouded by his distress.
"You did stop him," she gently reminded him, concerned that he might have forgotten. His expression showed confusion as if he were in a state of shock. "Look at me, Ollie," she said, tilting his chin up with her hand. "You did everything you could. You protected me, and that's what truly matters," she reassured him. "You're not responsible for Antonin's actions. He's just a foolish and malicious man."
Ollie's tense demeanor finally softened as he began to relent. Norah led him to a corner of the cave, urging him to sit down and take a moment to breathe. She pressed down gently on his shoulders, helping him settle on the floor.
"Just focus on your breathing, Ollie," she said in a soothing tone. "Inhale deeply, and then exhale slowly. Let the tension flow away with each breath."
Ollie followed her guidance, inhaling and exhaling slowly, trying to regain control over his emotions.
Norah sat beside him, giving him the space and support he needed.
"I don't understand why he targeted you," Ollie finally spoke, still troubled by the incident, a shadow flashing across his features, and for a moment, Norah thought she saw the shadow of the monster within the dark-haired wizard.
As the realization of her new partner's true nature settled in, Norah's face lost its color, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and empathy.
A fleeting thought crossed her mind, wondering if they could share their pain and heal together, but she quickly dismissed it, scolding herself for even considering such vulnerability.
"No, no, I can't let myself go there," she whispered inwardly, clinging to her guarded and cautious nature that had kept her alive after her own traumatic experience. This could not happen. It would not.
Norah found herself grappling with conflicting emotions regarding the rugged wizard who was to be her partner and protector for the Dark Lord's assignment. Despite feeling powerless against these thoughts, she knew she couldn't allow herself to be distracted. There was crucial work ahead, and she needed to keep her focus sharp.
Resolutely, she positioned herself across from Ollie in the cave, leaning against the cold stone wall.
She took a deep breath, trying to push aside any lingering thoughts or feelings that threatened to cloud her mind. The cave's cool surroundings served as a reminder of the task at hand and the importance of staying composed.
"No room for distractions," she muttered to herself, trying to reinforce her resolve.
She had a job to do, and she couldn't afford to let personal feelings interfere with her duty.
As she glanced over at Ollie, she forced herself to see him only as her partner in this mission. Whatever else she might have felt was irrelevant in the face of the dangerous path they were about to tread. She needed to stay strong, focused, and ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
The fate of their mission, and Father, depended on it. With nervousness evident, Norah couldn't help but fidget with the edges of her pinkish-tipped nails, trying to ward off the chill that crept into the cave.
Her voice trembled as she mustered the courage to ask the question that weighed heavily on her mind.
Watching Ollie's hand rise slowly, his fingertips barely grazing the ruined surface of the burn mark beneath his eye, she whispered in a barely audible tone, "D-Does it hurt you?"
Her concern for him was genuine, and her eyes remained fixed on the mark that marred his otherwise handsome visage. Despite her attempts to maintain a professional demeanor, her vulnerability peeked through as she waited anxiously for his response. Norah hoped that her question wouldn't open old wounds or force him to confront painful memories, but she needed to understand the burden he carried. They were in this together, and she wanted to offer whatever support she could, even if it meant breaching the walls around her own heart.
Her words hung in the air, tinged with shyness and genuine concern for her new partner. Ollie's reaction was one of freezing hesitation as he reluctantly met Norah's gaze. His lips parted as if trying to find the right words, and for a moment, his voice seemed lost amidst the rain that had started outside, almost drowning out his soft-spoken words.
"No," he muttered, averting his eyes from Norah's, a mixture of shame and nervousness evident in his demeanor. "It doesn't hurt me physically. Only... only if it hurts you to see." His admission was heartfelt, and he struggled to maintain eye contact, as if afraid of the emotions that might surface between them.
Norah's heart swelled with understanding and compassion. She could see the pain etched in his eyes and how he cared about protecting her from the sight of his scar.
Silently, she moved closer, reaching out to gently rest her hand on his, her touch reassuring.
"It doesn't. Don't worry about me," Norah murmured, her voice sincere and caring.
However, a lingering question weighed heavily on her mind, and she hesitated, unsure if she should broach the subject so soon after the intense encounter with Antonin Dolohov.
But she knew she couldn't hold back; she had to ask, no matter how difficult it might be.
Her gaze locked onto Ollie's, and with a mix of hesitation and determination, she finally spoke up.
"How did it happen?" Her voice trembled with uncertainty, but she couldn't hold back her curiosity and concern.
At that moment, the light in Ollie's brilliant blue eyes flickered, captivating her. She found herself momentarily forgetting the scar on his face and the darkness that lurked within him outside The Leaky Cauldron.
There was a tumultuous mix of emotions on his face—sadness masked by angst. He nibbled on the wall of his mouth, seemingly torn about whether to open up to her or not.
Norah could see the struggle within him, and yet, she knew she had to press on.
"How?" she repeated, her determination unwavering.
Ollie's expression tightened, and he tried to suppress his emotions, but the mask was slipping. He attempted to glare at her, as if challenging her to drop the subject, but the intensity in his gaze betrayed his true feelings. He wanted to keep his past buried, but Norah's gentle persistence was starting to break through his hardened defenses.
"Why ask?" Ollie's voice was a low growl, and his grim expression made Norah's heart sink.
She had hoped to use this time while they waited out the storm to get to know her new partner better, to understand him, or at least help keep him calm.
After all, he had saved her twice already in two days, and she felt a debt of gratitude toward him.
But it was clear that Ollie was not in the mood to talk about the burden he carried—the binding of the Obscurus to his soul. Norah realized that her expectations of him opening up so easily, so early in their partnership, were probably too optimistic, considering the circumstances dictated by the Dark Lord.
Despite her disappointment, Norah knew she owed Ollie an answer to her earlier question.
She stammered, trying to find the right words, and finally spoke, "I... I want to understand your character."
Ollie grunted in a sarcastic tone, but beneath the surface, she sensed a hint of defensiveness in his voice.
"Careful, Norah," he warned, "You may not like what you find underneath."
"I will be the judge of that," Norah replied boldly, refusing to back down from her desire to see beyond the surface.
To her surprise, Ollie looked shocked at her response, but he didn't seem as averse to her curiosity as she had expected. Their unblinking gaze locked for a moment, and Norah felt a connection forming as if they were beginning to understand each other on a deeper level.
"My father... killed my mother," Ollie spoke after what felt like an eternity of silence.
Norah couldn't bring herself to look away, her gaze fixed on him in a mix of shock and empathy.
She froze, her voice barely a squeak as she managed to ask, "...what?"
Ollie took a moment to gather himself, looking away briefly as he continued.
"She wanted to leave with me when I was only six. My older brother, Dominic was ten. She wanted a better life than what Father was willing to provide. He..."
His breath hitched, struggling to convey the burning anger and pain that flooded his memories—emotions he had suppressed for years, now surfacing as Norah broached the subject. His chest heaved, and his face contorted with the burden of his past. A drop of perspiration trickled from his temple as he fought to hold back his emotions.
"She wanted to go to the Wizengamot and file for divorce, but Father was too stubborn and wouldn't allow it," he said, his voice choked with bitterness and angst. He still couldn't bring himself to look at Norah, revealing just how deeply these memories affected him.
Norah's heart felt as though it had shattered into countless pieces. She realized the immense weight of trust he had placed in her, sharing such intimate and painful memories in just a few seconds of conversation. She felt a profound connection with him, understanding that he had lived with this pain for far too long.
Ollie's gaze turned distant, lost in the depths of his past. Norah held her tongue, giving him the space to speak, and she listened intently to every word he uttered. She felt a profound sense of gratitude that he was sharing his painful memories with her, allowing her into the hidden corners of his heart. With a heaviness in his voice, Ollie continued, pouring out his emotions as if finally releasing the weight he had carried for too long.
"I don't remember the exact moment when it happened—when the darkness inside me, the Obscurus bound itself to my soul. But I could feel the searing pain, like a burning fire consuming every inch of me. I screamed, but it was useless; the agony was relentless. When I came to, I found my brother lying lifeless. He had come out of his room, curious about the commotion, and in my uncontrollable rage, I... I unintentionally unleashed that destructive force upon him." His voice trembled, and Ollie closed his eyes, unable to bear the weight of those harrowing memories. The remorse in his heart was overwhelming, as he struggled to confront the reality of what his anger had led him to do. The pain of that loss never left him, a constant reminder of the dangerous forces lurking within him.
Norah's heart ached for him, and she felt a sharp pang in her chest that seemed to mirror his pain. The connection between them felt deeper than mere partners on a mission—they were now bound by the vulnerable truths they had shared. She wanted to reach out, to offer him comfort, but she knew that some wounds were too raw to touch.
Instead, she stayed close, her presence a silent reassurance that he wasn't alone in facing the ghosts of his past. The storm outside seemed to echo the turmoil within them both, but in this moment of shared vulnerability, they found solace in each other's company. Minutes passed like hours, and when Ollie finally opened his eyes, the anguish they held was unmistakable. Norah couldn't bear to see him in such pain, and she wanted to be the one to mend the broken pieces of his soul. Norah immediately regretted her question the moment it left her lips.
"Your father, did he force you to join the Dark Lord as a Death Eater?" Her inquiry felt callous and intrusive, and she cringed inwardly at her lack of tact.
She stiffened as she saw Ollie's face flush with anger, his once brilliant blue eyes now darkening to a deep cerulean hue. She mentally scolded herself for daring to overstep her boundaries—after all, she barely knew the man.
"I'm sorry, Ollie. I didn't mean to pry," she quickly apologized, her voice softening with genuine concern. "It's not my place to ask about your past."
Ollie took a deep breath, visibly trying to calm himself before speaking.
"No, my father didn't force me, Norah," he replied, his voice laced with bitterness. "I chose this path, and I can't escape the choices I've made. The Dark Lord was a savior to me when no one else was, he gave me a purpose," Ollie growled with a bark to his voice that made Norah look up in surprise. He paused and looked at her intently. "I suspect," he began, speaking slowly. "That you can't escape the things you've done in your life either, Norah, would I be right?"
Norah's heart sank, and she found herself freezing in place as a sudden wave of sadness washed over her. Despite the weight of her emotions, she attempted to mask her vulnerability with a forced laugh.
"We... we're not discussing me, Black, I'm not the one who nearly killed Antonin Dolohov in front of The Leaky Cauldron," she quipped, attempting to joke and regain her composure.
However, her trembling voice and fumbling words betrayed her true feelings, making her sound timid and unsure.
Ollie regarded her with concern, sensing the shift in her demeanor. He knew she was trying to deflect the attention from herself, but he also recognized that something was bothering her deeply. He wanted to reach out and comfort her, just as she had done for him, but he hesitated, unsure of how to breach the walls she had erected.
Unbeknownst to Ollie, his mind wandered, and he unintentionally delved into Norah's thoughts.
What he discovered left him deeply alarmed. The vibrant and compassionate Norah Wydman, a wandmaker's daughter, carried a burden hidden behind her cheerful demeanor.
She felt enslaved by her beauty, forced to use it to her family's advantage in the wand shop. She would smile and beguile male customers, but beneath the facade, there was a darker side to her.
Norah struggled with urges to hurt herself, a disturbing conflict that she battled in the privacy of her room. Dark thoughts swirled in her mind, insulting and urging her to do terrible things.
They were persistent and dangerously attractive, yet somehow, she managed to emerge from those moments intact, pushing the thoughts aside for another day. The pain acted as a wake-up call, pulling her back to reality.
Her father disapproved of her actions, but Norah couldn't help it; she felt compelled by her mind, tormented by a tiny, malevolent voice filled with self-loathing that whispered these dark thoughts into her ear.
Ollie felt a mixture of concern and helplessness as he unintentionally witnessed the inner turmoil that Norah faced. He had delved too far into her thoughts, invading her privacy, and he couldn't take back what he had seen.
It was as if he had uncovered a secret she never intended to share with anyone. Not even him, he realized with a jolt. He wanted to reach out and offer comfort, but he feared it would only add to her burden.
He wished he could help her banish those haunting thoughts, but he knew it wasn't that simple. Norah's resilience amazed him; somehow, she found the strength to push through the darkness and keep moving forward.
"Norah," he called out softly, but she stiffened, not turning her head to look at him.
Her gaze was fixed on the mouth of the cave, lost in a distant memory, a place where he couldn't follow.
Ollie summoned every aspect of himself—the man he knew he was, the monster he feared he could be when the Obscurus within himself emerged and reared its ugly head, and everything in between.
He longed for Norah to say his name again, but he resisted the urge to call out once more.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she spoke.
"You should rest, Ollie," she murmured, her voice filled with concern. "Let me take the first watch. There's no point in searching for this Pack in this weather. You look as if you've not slept well. One of us should send a Patronus anyways to check in, the Dark Lord will want to know we've arrived safely within the Forest," she sighed. Norah cautiously glanced towards him from the corner of her eyes, noticing the dark shadows underneath his eyes. She thought she saw a hint of a flush on Ollie's face, but he quickly averted his gaze before she could get a closer look. "You really should rest, Ollie. It's not healthy to go without sleeping so long," she said, her words clumsy and blunt.
His only response was a simple, "I should."
"Then rest. Let me keep watch," she insisted, her caring nature shining through. "I'll wake you if I... if I hear anything."
Ollie's concern deepened as he observed Norah's distant gaze fixed on a spot in the forest outside the cave. He turned to see what had captured her attention but found nothing out of the ordinary—just trees and rain.
"Norah?" he spoke in a soft and gentle tone, mindful not to impose or overwhelm her. "What's troubling you?" he asked, his words laced with hesitation, as if he wasn't entirely sure of himself or how to approach the situation.
It took a moment or two before Norah finally responded.
"It's nothing, Ollie," she replied, her voice hollow and distant. "Nothing worth worrying over. Get some rest." With that, she turned away, attempting to dismiss her troubled thoughts.
Ollie's frown deepened, sensing that there was more to her words than she was willing to reveal.
He knew that Norah had her battles to fight, just like he did, and he respected her privacy. But he also felt a connection forming between them, one that demanded openness and trust. One he could not ignore.
"I can see that something's bothering you," he said gently, standing up as well and stepping closer to her. "You don't have to carry it all on your own, Norah."
Norah hesitated, torn between keeping her feelings to herself and letting someone in. She knew that Ollie's offer came from a place of genuine care, and she felt a spark of comfort in knowing she wasn't alone.
"I... I appreciate that, Ollie," she said, her voice softening as she met his concerned gaze. "It's just... memories and thoughts, they sometimes get the better of me. But... it's nothing I can't handle."
Ollie nodded, understanding her need to protect herself, yet he couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for her well-being. A hint of gratitude flickered in Norah's eyes, appreciating his unwavering support.
"Thank you," she replied softly, a small smile touching her lips. "Rest now, Ollie. I promise I will wake you if I spot anything unusual," she promised.
As he reluctantly settled back down in the cave while Norah stepped outside to scout the perimeter of the cave as well as to send her message directly to the Dark Lord to let the wizard know they'd arrived, the bond between them grew stronger—a connection formed by vulnerability and the promise of facing their fears side by side.
As he studied her, Ollie couldn't help but notice the change in her demeanor. She appeared anxious, fidgeting with her hands, and the unease in the air was palpable.
Ollie sensed that something was deeply troubling his new partner. An unsettling feeling washed over him, suggesting that Norah was not only hiding something from him but also from Lord Voldemort. When Norah made a move to leave the cave, muttering something unintelligible under her breath, his instincts kicked in, and he hastily got to his feet, trying to detain her for a moment longer, immediately forgoing all thoughts of respecting Norah's boundaries.
"Norah," he pleaded, his voice infused with genuine concern and desperation, as he grasped for a way to detain her gently. "I understand your need for space, but if there's something you're concealing that could impact both of us or jeopardize the mission we're tasked with, tell me," he growled through clenched teeth. "What are you keeping hidden? What's so significant that you believe keeping it secret is for my good?" His inquiries carried a palpable intensity. "I know you're hiding something from me."
When Norah did not respond, Ollie grew angry. The color drained from his face and she flinched as she heard her new partner growl in pain, and when he spoke, he spoke through his teeth still gritted.
"It vexes you to be paired with me, the so-called 'monster' chosen by the Dark Lord. I can see it in your eyes, Norah. Am I right?" he muttered, bitterness and anger creeping into his voice, his expression dark as a storm.
Despite the surge of temper rising within him, he fought hard to maintain control. The warmth he had grown accustomed to around her was now replaced by a wave of fiery anger, an unfamiliar sensation he struggled to reconcile with. Taking a deep breath to regain composure, he opened his eyes and regarded Norah with a mix of regret and earnestness. Her nervous blue eyes darted at him, revealing an internal conflict she couldn't hide.
Ollie felt his temper swell, and before he could stop himself, the poisonous words were ripped from his lips.
"You see, Norah? You can't even bear to look at me," he rasped, his voice filled with bitterness. "Just like everyone else, you can't face the monster that I've become. Others have reacted the same way, Norah. You're not the first to turn away from me, even if you might not want to admit it to yourself," Ollie whispered with a mix of hatred and self-loathing, his voice both gentle and unwavering, surprisingly audible in the tense moment. "I don't expect you to understand, Norah. How could someone as beautiful and enchanting as you possibly grasp the complexities of my situation? You may be intelligent, but you have no right to meddle in my affairs. You know nothing of what I am."
Ollie's words struck Norah like a fierce gust of wind, leaving her standing by the cave entrance, listening to his escalating anger and conflicted emotions.
Despite having every reason to be angry, she felt a wave of sadness welling up inside her chest.
After a moment, Ollie fell silent, and Norah noticed his weary gaze fixated on her as if he had just realized she was there as if he had momentarily forgotten himself. His voice hoarse, he apologized, still visibly distressed.
"I...I'm sorry, Norah, I...I did not mean this," he murmured. His blue eyes seemed to flicker, trying to process what had just transpired.
Norah timidly responded, "I-I should be the one apologizing, Ollie. I shouldn't have pried into your matters. I think I should go." She turned to leave, but before she could take a step, Ollie hurriedly advanced two steps toward her, his left hand reaching out as if to hold her arm. However, he hesitated and took a step back, reconsidering.
"Please," he stammered, "don't look so upset, especially because of me."
His words surprised Norah, and she relaxed her expression, allowing Ollie to approach her. His brilliant blue eyes softened with tenderness as he nervously shifted his weight from foot to foot.
"Forgive me, Norah. I... I didn't mean for things to turn out this way," Ollie admitted, his pained expression reflecting genuine remorse as he briefly locked eyes with her, searching for something she couldn't quite fathom.
"It's alright," Norah replied quietly, her voice growing equally subdued, as they both found themselves caught in the complexity of emotions. Norah hesitated, torn between divulging the secret she held and protecting Ollie from the harsh truth. "You being an Obscurial doesn't bother me. I told you it didn't. I have faith in my ability to handle myself, and as I've mentioned before, I can manage this situation, given the chance. Yes, you're correct, something feels...wrong, but I don't think I can tell you why," she eventually murmured, her voice displaying tension. "Believe me, it's for your well-being not to know what's wrong. Just trust me when I say that everything will be fine?"
As Norah stood there, she found herself unable to look Ollie in the eye. The intensity of emotions swirling within her was overwhelming, and she feared hurting him inadvertently, though she suspected she already had if the look on the wizard's face was anything for her to go off. His face looked like it was about to crack like she had raised her wand against him and hit him squarely in the chest with a powerful Flipendo Knockback Jinx.
His face displayed a tumult of hurt, confusion, betrayal, and devastation, and she couldn't bear witnessing it.
Yet, it was the Death Eater's expression that struck fear into Norah's heart. She could see shame, self-hatred, heartbreak, and regret deep in his hauntingly blue eyes. Those emotions resonated with her so intensely that she felt her heart shatter, momentarily questioning if it had stopped beating altogether.
Ollie seemed to mirror the darkness she felt within herself, and the realization was too much to bear. Norah turned away abruptly, pressing her hand against her mouth, trying to stifle the terrified scream that threatened to escape.
She didn't want him to know how much his appearance affected her. Despite the kindness they had shared during their interactions, she couldn't face the sorrow in his eyes, for it mirrored her own all too well.
Whispering, her voice choked with emotion, Norah said, "I... I have to go, Ollie."
It took all her strength to draw in a shaky breath. She pivoted on her foot and rushed out of the cave, no longer concerned about how her sudden departure would make Ollie feel.
"I'm sorry," she whispered again, hoping he could hear her as she stepped into the rain outside.
The tears mixing with the cold raindrops on her cheeks brought a slight relief.
She fled without daring to look back, leaving Ollie unable to call after her, feeling defeated and lost.
As Norah hurried away from the cave, a sense of foreboding settled in the air. Unbeknownst to her, a dark shadow had been lurking underneath the cover of darkness from the storm, silently stalking her every move.
The figure kept a safe distance, making sure to remain unnoticed as it followed Norah's path through the wilderness.
Ollie was left behind in the cave, his heart heavy with emotions he could hardly comprehend. He wanted to chase after Norah, to find her and ensure she was alright.
Yet, an inexplicable fear and unease held him back, anchoring him to the spot. He couldn't bring himself to move, haunted by the sorrow he had seen in her eyes and the pain that seemed to echo his own. As the minutes ticked by, the storm's intensity grew, lightning flashing across the darkened sky, and thunder rumbling like an ominous warning. Ollie's mind was torn between the desire to protect Norah and the paralyzing fear that held him captive.
Outside, Norah had no idea of the danger closing in on her. The rain poured down relentlessly, the sound of it masking any faint noise that might have alerted her to the presence of the lurking shadow.
She pushed forward, her mind a whirlwind of emotions, unaware of the sinister threat trailing her.