NORAH emitted a sharp yelp, stumbling over an obstacle concealed beneath a thick layer of fallen leaves—either a twisted, gnarled tree root or, more likely, her foot. Struggling to catch her breath, she couldn't help but release a sigh of pain. Her ankle had twisted unnaturally, sending a searing wave of agony up her leg when she tried to stand up. Despite the pain, she attempted to push herself back onto her feet but was thwarted by the intense discomfort.
Gasping for air, Norah tried to soothe the burning sensation in her lungs caused by the effort. Ignoring the throbbing pain in her ankle, she focused on inhaling the cool morning air.
All the while, she strained her ears, listening for any sign of Ollie. As she weighed her options, Norah contemplated the pros and cons of either pressing on or retracing her steps and returning to the safety of the cave.
Almost the moment she had run from the cave and Ollie at a nearly frantic pace, Norah's initial shock and embarrassment had begun to wane. The hurt and confusion in Ollie Black's eyes when she couldn't share her truth with him now seemed distant. Instead, her heart was burdened by the constant ache that had started the moment Ollie confided in her, revealing the torment he endured and the Obscurus binding to his soul.
As she reached a clearing in the forest, she paused, uncertain of which direction to take in her escape. At that moment, Norah almost wished to hear the sound of Ollie's footsteps trailing behind her, to hear him call out, demanding the truth. A part of her longed for the familiarity of his presence, even the crunch of autumn leaves under his boots. However, she knew that facing the Death Eater would render her powerless to resist.
His intense gaze had pierced through her, and she struggled to avert her eyes from the deep blue pools that drew her in. Resisting such inappropriate thoughts became an infuriating battle, and her resolve weakened. Anger surged within her, unwilling to let her frustration dissipate.
Norah knew she couldn't afford to open her heart to the risks of a broken relationship with a wizard-like Ollie Black. She refused to entertain the idea of what it would mean if she revealed her secret and whether he would eventually leave her if he discovered the truth. The mere thought of such heartbreak was unbearable, and she couldn't subject herself to that pain. Thus, Norah was left with no choice but to keep her secret hidden.
However, as her anger subsided, a sense of hollowness, sorrow, and despair took its place. She begrudgingly acknowledged that there was no way out of this situation that wouldn't lead to her unhappiness. Frustration welled up, threatening to bring tears to her eyes. She resigned herself to accept the painful reality.
Ollie could never know the truth. The prospect of being rejected and discarded once he discovered her secret was too much to bear, and she couldn't let herself be exposed to that vulnerability.
With a heavy heart, Norah knew she had to keep her distance and guard her secret at all costs. Her heart bore a burden of anguish on multiple levels. Guilt consumed her as she questioned her actions.
How could she have rushed away without offering a proper explanation to the poor man?
Although the wizard's haunting blue eyes had sent a shiver down her spine, the chill wasn't due to him. It was a reflection of everything she loathed about her true nature, her real self. In the wizarding world, they made people like her feel worthless, like monstrous beings, just as her partner felt. She didn't even have to make an effort to hate certain aspects of herself; it came naturally to Norah.
However, now she had repeated the same hurtful behavior towards someone else, and this realization weighed heavily on her conscience. Knowing that she had treated someone who had shown nothing but kindness in such a callous and monstrous way did not sit well with Norah at all. Uncertain of Ollie's forgiveness for leaving him abruptly, she noticed movement in the trees and caught a whiff of a newcomer's scent.
As she drew nearer, the scent became stronger, but she hesitated. There was a temptation to press on with her search, fearing that danger might be lurking. However, her rational mind prevailed, screaming at her that she was lost in the Forbidden Forest, miles away from Hogwarts, and ill-prepared for the cold, despite the rain easing up.
Her only coat, in dire need of repair, offered little protection. Ignoring the cave they had sought shelter in, she couldn't return anyway, as her twisted ankle caused searing pain whenever she tried to stand. Norah scolded herself for running from Ollie, but their earlier conversation about him being an Obscurial had frayed her nerves. Dealing with her problems, she couldn't bear the thought of revealing her secret to him, fearing his potential reaction.
She believed Ollie would be driven to harm her once he knew the truth. The chilling breeze rustled the orange tree leaves, and she shivered, yearning for Ollie's presence. Her teeth chattered, and she wished for a thicker coat. Struggling to support her weight and protect her injured ankle, she longed for Ollie to find her soon.
Norah's brow furrowed, and her heart pounded as the scent returned, now stronger than before. Nervously glancing over her shoulder, she struggled to remain upright.
Ever since she fled the cave, an uneasy feeling gnawed at her, but she was too embarrassed to share it with Ollie.
She attempted to reassure herself that she was being ridiculous, attributing the feeling to the intensity of their previous conversation, which had left her frightened. Despite Ollie's gentle demeanor and calm voice, something about him still unsettled her throughout their talk. She despised this lingering sense of caution towards the wizard.
Deep down, Norah knew her wariness stemmed from the frightening stories she had heard about Obscurials and the havoc they wreaked during emotional outbursts when their magic became uncontrollable and violent.
Rumors spoke of a way to calm and tame an Obscurial if someone close to them could achieve that, but she wondered if Ollie had such a person in his life.
Her thoughts of him were interrupted by the sound of twigs crunching and the unmistakable trot of hooves approaching. Fear surged through her veins as she heard an aggravated snort, and the color drained from her face.
Upon looking up, she immediately regretted it, overwhelmed with fear that rendered her voiceless. Her mouth was agape, but no sound emerged. Before Norah stood a centaur, its presence powerful and imposing, its sleek black coat in stark contrast to the fiery hues of autumn leaves surrounding them. The centaur's tail flicked restlessly, reflecting its agitation. Tilting its head with frustration, the centaur huffed, its ears flicking back irritably as Norah struggled to rise. Wincing from the pain in her ankle, she inadvertently bit down on her tongue, tasting her blood.
Summoning a surge of adrenaline, she clumsily scrambled to her feet, propelled by the urgency of the moment.
"Why have you trespassed into my herd's part of the Forest, wolf? Has Fenrir Greyback sent another of his Pack to try and sway us? We have already made our stance clear, and we will not be persuaded, dog," he snarled, drawing closer to her until he stood only inches away.
The centaur's imposing presence loomed over her, sending waves of intimidation through Norah. Anxious and desperate, she glanced over her shoulder, secretly hoping Ollie would come to her aid, although her previous rude behavior towards him made it seem unlikely, and she suspected once he learned the truth of what she was, a werewolf, and had been ever since she was bitten and Turned at the ripe age of six years old, her life was changed.
Wincing at the insult, Norah gathered her courage and turned back to face the centaur.
As she opened her mouth to respond, fear gripped her, and she involuntarily revealed a flash of yellow in her eyes, a telltale sign of the wolf within her surfacing under duress or extreme stress.
A small, undignified whimper escaped her throat before she could suppress it, revealing her vulnerability.
The centaur's eyes narrowed as he observed Norah's momentary transformation, a mixture of surprise and suspicion crossing his features. His voice carried a slight softening, but his guard remained up.
"You carry the burden of the wolf within you," he noted, the tension in the air still palpable. "It is not an easy fate, yet it does not absolve you of the responsibility for your actions. You are nothing more than a mad rabid dog, witch, when the full moon is highest in the sky. You are as my kin are. A beast, witch. Nothing more, and nothing less."
Norah felt her heart race as she tried to find the right words to explain herself.
"I never asked for this," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "What I am, the monster I become once a month, it's a curse I can't control!" Trembling with fear and embarrassment, Norah stammered, "I don't want any part of Fenrir Greyback's schemes. I'm not a member of his... of his family." A blush crept up her face as she felt the weight of the centaur's suspicion intensify. He snorted in frustration and glanced around as if seeking some sign or validation.
The centaur's gaze remained fixed on her, scrutinizing her every word and gesture. It was evident he was trying to gauge the truth in her statements, testing the authenticity of her fear and determination.
"The relationship between centaurs and werewolves has never been amicable, wolf!" the centaur snapped with anger lacing his words, causing Norah to flinch and shrink back in fear. "We cannot ascertain the intentions of the Pack that lives near my encampment's borders, whether they are hostile or benign. Hence, I cannot allow a she-wolf carrying a wand, likely stolen from some other witch or wizard, to roam freely near my home where my kin reside."
Norah took a shuddering breath, feeling the centaur's intense scrutiny as he examined her with his beady eyes. It was as if he were inspecting every minute detail about her, his sharp gaze lingering on the faint remnants of a cut near her lip and the bruises on her right hand, still healing from last month's full moon.
She closed her eyes, desperately wishing her new partner possessed an Invisibility Cloak, which could whisk her away from this situation without causing any harm.
But the risk of provoking the centaur was too great, and she knew she had to handle this delicately. Norah felt her wand hand twitch as the centaur approached, a surge of panic coursing through her. Instinctively, her hand reached for the wand she kept neatly tucked into her belt, though she knew the gravity of raising a wand against a centaur.
The beasts were protected under the Centaur Rights and Protection Act, or CRPA, enacted by the Ministry of Magic to ensure their safety from harm caused by witches and wizards.
It was a serious offense to threaten a centaur, and the consequences for such actions were severe.
Struggling with her fear, Norah's heart pounded painfully in her chest, and she was barely able to focus as a ringing sound filled her ears. Despite her desperate situation, she knew she couldn't act against the centaur. With a twisted ankle and her body still recovering from the recent full moon transformation, she felt weak and exhausted.
Each monthly transformation into a wolf was an excruciating ordeal, even with her father brewing the Wolfsbane Potion to help her maintain her sanity during the process. The agreement with Mrs. Kittredge from the Apothecary and her father in exchange for favors between one another had secured her access to this crucial potion.
Summoning what little strength remained in her, Norah attempted to assert herself.
"St-step back, s-stay away from me," she managed to growl, though her voice sounded weary and feeble. The pain and fatigue weighed heavily on her, and she wished no one, not even her worst enemy, would endure the agony of those transformations. For now, she faced the formidable challenge of trying to find a peaceful resolution with the centaur, even in her weakened state, hoping to avoid any conflict with these majestic beings of the magical world.
Desperation gripped Norah as she frantically searched for a way to defend herself without resorting to raising her wand. Her injured ankle throbbed with every attempt to move, leaving her immobilized and vulnerable.
Panic overcame her, clouding her thoughts and making it feel like her mind was shutting down. Nerves and fear twisted in her stomach, and she could taste the bile rising in her throat. Her heart raced, pounding in her throat as the centaur aimed an arrow at her. Frozen, she couldn't tear her eyes away from the sharp edge of the weapon pointed in her direction. The beast's suspicious gaze intensified her fear, leaving her breathless and trembling.
"Who's with you, she-wolf? Another of your kind? A wizard, perhaps?" the centaur demanded with wariness and skepticism in his voice. Norah remained silent, her blue eyes darting around the forest, fear brimming within them.
"...N-no one, I came here by myself," she lied, the words escaping her lips before she could fully consider their implications, surprising even herself.
As the centaur's penetrating gaze bore into her, he seemed unconvinced by Norah's hasty lie.
He sensed her fear and saw through the facade she tried to maintain. With a deepening frown, he nocked the arrow even tighter, his muscles tensing as he prepared to fire. Norah's heart pounded loudly in her ears, drowning out the sounds of the forest around her. The truth was clear to her now; the centaur was not going to be easily swayed by her false words. In her weakened state, she knew she couldn't outrun the swift creature or overpower him.
Her wand seemed like a distant hope, and panic threatened to consume her entirely.
Summoning the last shreds of courage within her, she spoke again, her voice trembling but earnest.
"Please, I mean no harm. I'm just lost, and my ankle... it's injured. I didn't mean to intrude on your territory. I...I got separated from the wizard I was with. He's my..." Norah hesitated, her mind racing to find a convincing explanation. "My partner," she finally uttered, though she knew her voice lacked the conviction needed to sell the argument to the towering centaur before her.
The centaur remained stern, studying her with a discerning gaze.
Norah could sense that her plea for mercy was met with skepticism. The truth was tangled with fear and uncertainty, but she had to do her best to convey her genuine plight.
"I promise I meant no harm. It was an accident. My partner and I were...arguing, and I... I ran, and I twisted my ankle, losing sight of him in the process. I didn't intend to come this far into the forest or disturb your territory," she continued, her voice earnest, though laced with vulnerability.
The centaur's expression softened slightly, but he remained cautious.
"Why would you venture into these woods without proper caution?" he asked, his voice gruff yet inquisitive.
Norah took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "We were looking for the Pack that's said to live in these woods, hoping to...persuade them of something," she confessed, deciding to be truthful to the centaur. "But I understand now that it was foolish and dangerous to come out here on my own. I should have known better."
The centaur seemed to consider her words, and Norah's heart pounded as she awaited his response. She could feel the weight of her actions bearing down on her, realizing the recklessness of her choices.
She wished she could turn back time and make different decisions.
After what felt like an eternity, the centaur finally spoke, his voice gruff but slightly less stern.
"You have trespassed upon our land, and that is a serious offense," he said firmly. "However, your words seem sincere, and I sense no deceit in you."
Norah's hope flickered, and she dared to meet the centaur's gaze, her blue eyes brimming with gratitude.
"You will accompany me back to wherever you last left your wizard, wolf," the centaur declared, lowering his bow. "But remember, if you ever set foot in our territory again, the consequences will not be so forgiving."
"I understand," Norah replied earnestly, relief washing over her. "Thank you for sparing me and for guiding me back. I won't forget your mercy."
The creature appeared eager to communicate, yet Norah couldn't help but notice the troubled look on the centaur's face. He averted his gaze briefly, seemingly collecting his thoughts, before returning his attention to Norah with a grave expression.
"Come, we mustn't tarry here. There's... a great evil lurking nearby, wolf, I can feel it," the centaur warned.
Confused, Norah furrowed her brows and scanned the surroundings, wondering if the centaur somehow sensed her partner's presence or if he referred to an entirely different threat. However, there was no time to dwell on it, as the centaur turned away and started walking, prompting her to follow and the centaur barked an order at her to get up.
It proved to be an arduous task for Norah to regain her footing. Despite knowing it wasn't wise to put weight on her injured ankle, she attempted to stand, only to gasp in pain and almost collapse back onto the ground.
Frustration etched across her face, she blew a wisp of hair out of her eyes, refusing to give in to the pain.
The centaur's intense gaze remained fixed on her, yet he made no move to offer assistance. The fiery heat on her cheeks betrayed her embarrassment at struggling before the formidable creature.
With stubborn determination, Norah clenched her teeth and persevered. It took her several minutes of nearly falling multiple times, but she refused to accept defeat. A mix of grit and sheer willpower fueled her, and at last, she managed to stand upright on her own, unaided by anyone or anything.
Though she still felt pain and weakness in her injured ankle, she stood tall, proving to herself and the centaur that she could endure. Her eyes met the centaur's steady gaze, and she felt a spark of pride amidst the discomfort.
"Come," the centaur huffed, a hint of impatience evident in his voice as his tail flicked lazily back and forth.
Without waiting for Norah to respond, he turned and began to walk away, barking orders for the flustered witch and werewolf to keep up. Norah hesitated for a moment, torn between wanting to escape and the realization that she had no other viable option but to follow the centaur's lead.
With her injured ankle slowing her down, Norah limped lamely behind the centaur, trying her best to keep pace. Fear and awkwardness consumed her as she found herself in the company of this massive, enigmatic creature.
The situation was overwhelming, and she couldn't help but wonder how Ollie would react if he found her with him.
It was true that centaurs had a complicated relationship with wizards, and revealing their encounter could indeed endanger the centaur's life. Norah knew she had to be cautious, not just for her sake but also for the sake of this majestic being who had shown her mercy. The forest felt both intimidating and surreal as they navigated through it.
Norah's thoughts were a jumble of anxiety and concern for Ollie, who must be worried sick about her disappearance. She longed for the comfort of returning to the cave, safe in his presence.
As they walked, the centaur finally spoke, breaking the tense silence.
"You should not have come here, wolf. This forest is no place for your kind," he said sternly.
Norah swallowed hard, her nerves getting the better of her.
"I-I know, and I'm sorry," she stammered, "I didn't mean to trespass or disturb your territory. It was foolish of me."
The centaur grunted in response, neither accepting nor dismissing her apology. He seemed to be considering something, his gaze focused on the path ahead.
"I will escort you back to which you came and leave you when you have reunited with your partner," the centaur said after a moment, "but make sure you never come this way again. It is dangerous, and not just for you."
"I-I understand," Norah replied, her voice earnest. "Thank you for your guidance, and I promise, I won't forget your warning, and neither will my partner. I'll make sure he knows."
The centaur didn't offer a verbal reply but merely grunted in response.
With the centaur leading the way back down the woodland path she had come, heading toward the cave where she and Ollie had taken refuge from the storm, Norah experienced a mix of trepidation and relief. Each step felt heavy with the weight of the encounter, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something profound had changed within her. As they continued their journey, she couldn't help but reflect on the importance of this experience.
It had taught her the gravity of venturing recklessly into magical creatures' territories, and she now realized the significance of treating the centaurs and other beings in the Forbidden Forest with the respect they deserved. The encounter had left an indelible mark on her, shaping her perspective and understanding of the wizarding world.
As they continued their leisurely walk, Norah felt a sense of gratitude for the gentle pace, especially considering her injured ankle. At this moment, she yearned for a deeper connection with the centaur who had spared her life.
The fact that he was defying his kin's beliefs, willing to interact with both a witch and a werewolf, just to ensure her safe return to Ollie, intrigued her.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't resist asking, her voice shy and hushed, "What's your name?"
The centaur snorted softly, his gaze turning to her with a mix of amusement and sadness.
"I have been called many things, wolf," he gruffed, "But given the circumstances, you may call me Rigel."
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Norah's lips, but her amusement was short-lived. The sudden sound of a twig snapping behind her and to the left caught her attention, and she swiftly turned around.
A yelp escaped her lips as a streak of ominous green light shot through the air, hurtling toward her. It was the worst and most dreaded of the Unforgivable Curses - the Killing Curse.
Horror washed over Norah as she helplessly witnessed the curse strike the centaur squarely in the chest. The majestic beast crumpled to the ground beside her in a lifeless heap, its life extinguished in an instant.
Time seemed to stand still as Norah's heart pounded in her chest. She was frozen with shock and grief, unable to believe what had just transpired before her eyes. The green light faded, leaving behind an eerie silence broken only by the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
The reality of the situation crashed down upon Norah, and her eyes welled up with tears.
The centaur, who had moments ago been a guiding presence, was now gone, forever. Anguish and anger boiled within her, knowing that someone had callously wielded one of the darkest spells known to wizardkind.
She turned in the direction from where the curse had come, scanning the area frantically.
Her eyes fell upon a dark figure, cloaked and obscured in the shadows.
A surge of determination overcame her fear, and she yelled, "Who did this? Show yourself!" The figure remained still, but Norah could feel their malevolent gaze fixed upon her. She felt a surge of terror well within her.
"O-Ollie, is that you?" she whispered, her mouth, already dry, went dryer still as the figure stepped out from behind a tree and towards her, and at first, her brain could not quite process the information, what her eyes were seeing.
Antonin approached Norah slowly, his lips curving into a cruel smile as he savored her fear.
"How disappointing, little wolf. I wonder where that tongue of yours went that must be hung in the middle so it can wag at both ends, witch," he taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Does Black know the truth about you yet? About what you truly are? Is that why you're alone and defenseless in the Forest? Has he abandoned you to die?"
Norah's heart raced in her chest, aware that Antonin was intentionally trying to provoke her. Summoning her courage, she attempted to respond.
"N-no. He...he would never!" Her voice wavered, and she despised the faltering crack and dip in her tone.
Antonin's smirk widened, relishing the fact that her words lacked the conviction she wanted to convey.
Antonin advanced slowly towards Norah, fixating his dark eyes on her trembling figure as she stumbled backward, clumsily retreating until the bark of a tree pricked through her thin and ragged coat.
He took pleasure in asserting his dominance over her, savoring the fear evident in her tear-filled blue eyes as she desperately clung to the last shreds of her dignity. His words pierced the air, and Norah knew she didn't need him to speak to understand his intentions; he enjoyed toying with her emotions.
"You try to appear brave, Norah, it's amusing to see, little wolf," Antonin sneered quietly, "but we both know you're deceiving yourself. Ollie Black is a formidable wizard, and he wouldn't risk everything he has worked so hard for, aligning himself with the Dark Lord, for a werewolf like you."
Norah's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to maintain her composure.
She recognized that Antonin was attempting to provoke her, to plant seeds of doubt about her position as Ollie Black's partner. However, she refused to let Antonin succeed.
"Why are you here?" she asked, struggling to suppress the knot of emotion in her throat. Anger and fear swelled within her, sensing that there was more to his words, an underlying motive behind the Death Eater's actions.
A conflicted expression briefly flickered across the Russian wizard's sharp features. He averted his gaze for a moment, seemingly collecting himself, before looking back at Norah and speaking.
"Wydman, you shouldn't be with Black. The Obscurial doesn't know how to truly support you, or how to help you. The Dark Lord made a mistake in pairing you with him," he said, his voice dripping with contempt.
Norah was taken aback, unable to respond before he continued, seemingly intent on convincing her, though she was not yet prepared for his next words.
"I can provide for you, protect you. I can give you everything you could ever need, and I promise you, far better than any Unbreakable Vow could, that I will tirelessly search for a cure to your... affliction if only you'd come with me. Leave Black."
Fear and questions flooded Norah's mind as she struggled to process the words that had just reached her ears.
Antonin Dolohov, a familiar face in her father's wand shop, had always intrigued her with that enigmatic little smile he would flash whenever their eyes met during his transactions with her father. She had interpreted it as a form of mockery, and an instant aversion to the Russian man had grown within her. But now, she realized that the reality might be far more unsettling than her initial assumptions. It seemed that Dolohov's intentions toward her were not what she had imagined, and this newfound knowledge sent shivers down her spine.
"I haven't spoken to you since my...since my accident," Norah finally managed to utter, her voice laced with suspicion as she mustered the courage to glare at him. "Why are you suddenly trying to influence me? What's your true motive in all of this?" she demanded, wincing as her blue irises briefly shifted in color and shape, revealing the shadow of the wolf within her.
She noticed the wizard, Antonin Dolohov, sharply inhale, seemingly taken aback. For a moment, Norah thought she saw Antonin's features soften, but she couldn't dwell on it as he spoke cryptically, his voice cold and distant.
"I have my reasons," he replied, "but rest assured, Norah, my intentions are genuine. I see potential in you, and I believe you deserve better than to be overshadowed by Black's darkness. He will only ruin you, or worse, kill you in one of his outbursts," Antonin growled darkly.
Norah's heart wavered for a moment, recalling the loneliness and isolation she felt after her attack. She knew Antonin could be manipulative, yet a glimmer of doubt crept in as she thought of Ollie Black opening up to her about his true nature as an Obscurial.
There was a flicker of hope in her heart that perhaps, as an odd pair, they may be - the Obscurial and the werewolf - he might listen to her and understand, just as she had with him earlier in the cave.
"I wish you could listen to yourself, Antonin. You're trying to sow doubt in my mind. Your words are poison," Norah said, striving to keep her voice steady. "You speak of Ollie as if he's nothing more than a monster, but the only monster I see is you. I'm staying by his side. The Dark Lord appointed us as partners, and I gave him my word. I won't leave."
Antonin's expression darkened once more, any pretense of kindness vanishing as if Norah had cast a Vanishing Charm on his features.
His voice became dangerously quiet as he spoke again.
"Very well, Norah. If you're so determined to cling to your illusions, then you leave me no choice."
Norah's skin crawled as she turned, her heart pounding at his words.
A surge of adrenaline pushed her forward along the path, but before she could make a move, he lunged at her. In a state of panic, she reached for her wand, attempting to cast a Stunning Spell at the Death Eater.
Her heart raced as she knew he possessed far more power than her, yet she had no choice but to make a stand. Failure to act meant death. The outcome was uncertain as they both stumbled and fell to the ground. Beneath his weight, Norah felt a searing pain shoot through her twisted ankle. Though the injury wasn't severe, the rough landing made her scream in agony. He tried to muffle her cries, but his hand covered her mouth and nose, leaving her struggling for breath. Tears welled up in her eyes as she grappled with her failure.
Antonin leaned in, his voice sending shivers down her spine as he whispered into her ear.
"Behave, and Black lives," he hissed, his breath hot against her skin. "If you don't…" He didn't need to finish the sentence; the threat hung heavy in the air. Norah knew what he wanted, and she knew what would happen to her and Ollie if she didn't comply. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and the pain in her ankle intensified.
She fought back, hitting him as best she could, but his grip on her face only tightened. Norah had a horrifying realization that he intended to take her by force, even though she had adamantly refused to go with him earlier.
Despite her struggles, he made no move to Disapparate with her. Instead, he continued to smother her, causing her vision to blur and her lungs to burn for air. She feared she might not survive this ordeal.
In those desperate moments, Norah came to accept her spectacular failure.
She hoped, at the very least, that Antonin wouldn't have the chance to humiliate her any further. Her mind also drifted to Ollie, wondering if he would be safe. Perhaps she should have insisted that he accompany her.
Yet, in her heart, she knew it might not have made a difference. Their mission was to locate a werewolf pack in the Forbidden Forest, and her failure had put both her and her father's lives at risk. The thought of facing the Dark Lord's wrath was terrifying, and she prayed that somehow, they would find a way to survive this nightmare.
As the black spots threatened to engulf her vision, a harrowing demonic scream pierced through the air, jolting Norah back to partial consciousness.
The world around her was a haze of darkness, and she could barely make out anything. The weight that had been pressing on her was gone, and she sensed that Antonin Dolohov was no longer looming over her.
Amidst the haze clouding her mind, a figure stood before her, seemingly shielding and protecting her.
Despite her weakened state, Norah could only manage to lift her head slightly, catching a glimpse of her unexpected savior's legs, as she lacked the strength to see more. But as her senses slowly returned, she heard an unearthly sound, a chilling symphony of terror emanating from the figure in front of her.
It was a sound beyond human comprehension, an otherworldly manifestation that sent shivers down her spine. The muffled screams of a man blended into the eerie chorus, barely audible amidst the deafening ringing in her ears.
Through the fog in her mind, Norah caught a glimpse of the figure turning to look at her. The black mists continued to billow from its body, creating an aura of malevolence. And then she saw them – Ollie's eyes, turned completely black, staring back listlessly at her. It was as if he was trapped within the monstrous form before her.
Norah's lower lip trembled, and tears streamed down her cheeks as she blubbered, expecting the Death Eater's wrath to end her life, just as he had inadvertently done to his older brother, Dominic.
Despite her fear, she kept her gaze fixed on Ollie, who now stood before her.
"I'm sorry, Ollie," she managed to whisper, her voice barely audible.
She couldn't tell if he understood her words, but she witnessed a surge of emotion crossing his face, more than she had ever seen before. His jaw clenched, and his hands, now tightly gripping Antonin Dolohov's wand, seemed to shake with a mix of rage and confusion.
In a sharp, jerking motion, the Obscurial broke the Death Eater's wand with a furious blood-yell that Norah knew would likely haunt her dreams for the rest of her life as long as she lived, and Norah watched in astonishment.
It was raw, unbridled emotion displayed on Ollie Black's face – emotions he had so far concealed from her. Her heart pounded, and she tried to speak to him, to reach out in some way, but only a faint whimper escaped her lips.
The world around her seemed to blur and spin, spots clouding her vision. As her senses slipped away, the last thing Norah felt were two powerful and warm arms cradling her gently, lifting her off the ground. The rush of wind enveloped them as the wizard Disapparated, carrying her away to an unknown destination.
In that fleeting moment, Norah clung to the hope that Ollie was rescuing her, that he had chosen to protect her despite the terrifying force within him. As the darkness closed in, she surrendered to unconsciousness, trusting that Ollie Black would keep her safe from the darkness that had threatened to consume them both.
Unconscious, she was transported by the rage-filled Obscurial to a distant place, far from the Forbidden Forest.
With a heart consumed by rage, Ollie Black held the unconscious witch close, determined to find her a safe place to recover. Serendipity guided him as he Disapparated with Norah to the neighborhood where his trusted friend and fellow Death Eater, Severus Snape, lived.
In that brief moment of clarity, the Obscurial prayed Norah would find solace and care under Snape's watchful gaze as he carried her to safety, not daring to let himself look back.