WHEN Norah awoke once more, she found herself lying on an unfamiliar sofa, unable to discern to whom it belonged, and enveloped in complete darkness. Though she sensed that she wasn't alone in the darkness, her confusion made it difficult to grasp her surroundings immediately. Fear lingered at the edges of her consciousness. It wasn't a sudden rush of fear following a period of comfortable confusion that she experienced.
Instead, a gradual realization set in about the likely imminent threat they were facing. Memories flooded back along with a throbbing ache in her head, pressing against her temples. She couldn't recall any missing memories or gaps in her recollection. Norah tried to piece together her current location and wondered about Ollie's whereabouts.
It was the thoughts of Ollie that stirred her, pulling her out of the hazy state of semi-consciousness.
A faint smile crossed her face, despite her headache, as she contemplated how different Ollie's demeanor was compared to the dreadful tales she had heard about the Black family.
Kindness and modesty were the traits that filled her mind as she reminisced about him.
Summoning her willpower, she pushed herself up from the sofa, assuming an upright seated position, and nervously scanned her surroundings. The small but modest sitting room had its windows tightly draped with curtains, shielding the room from the harsh sun outside and casting it into a dim ambiance.
For a brief moment, she felt disoriented, seeking Ollie's presence to her left and right, yet he was nowhere to be found. Panic started to grip her, but she managed to muster the courage to call out softly, "Ollie?"
Her voice was hoarse and echoed through the darkened room, but there was only silence in response.
Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she glanced to her left and was taken by surprise to find a bowl of hot soup, presumably left there for her. The aroma of the soup teased Norah's senses, making her mouth water with near-ravenous hunger. Her stomach growled in anticipation as she reached for the bowl, but uncertainty about Ollie's whereabouts made her restrain from devouring it all at once.
Slowly and tentatively, she savored each bite, leaning back against the sofa, her thoughts wandering in search of him. A sigh escaped her lips, and she eventually set her spoon down, unable to eat any further. An overwhelming feeling of nausea washed over her, and bile started to rise in her throat.
Frantically, she fumbled for her wand, thankfully still secure in her belt, and conjured a basin just in time to catch the contents of her churning stomach. She held the basin for a moment, trying to steady herself, before she threw up everything she had consumed. Even after emptying her stomach, she continued to heave, feeling the painful ascent of bile.
With great effort, she vanished the basin and reached for a glass of water that someone, presumably Ollie, had thoughtfully placed on a small wooden table next to the soup and took a drink to rid her mouth of the disgustingly bitter taste.
"Ollie?" she called out when she had finished her drink and set her cup down, her voice louder now, her courage slowly building. As she scanned the sparsely furnished sitting room, she noticed that if this was indeed his home, Ollie Black was a man of few possessions, which she appreciated.
Her heart pounded in her throat, and the lingering sense of sickness only intensified as she found no trace of her partner. But then, her eyes fixated on the worn wooden coffee table in front of her, and she froze.
There sat a small vial of unmistakable Wolfsbane.
No, no, no, no, this can't be real. How does he know? Her frantic thoughts raced as her chest heaved with anxiety.
She desperately tried to conjure up scenarios that could explain her new partner's absence. As she stared at the vial of potion, which was left for her safekeeping for next month's full moon, fear gripped her. The thought that Ollie might have abandoned her, like so many others in her life upon discovering her true nature, terrified her.
"He wouldn't," she repeated to herself in a desperate attempt to dispel such a notion. "Not him. He wouldn't do that to me...Would he?" Her mind raced, exploring a myriad of possibilities and uncertainties. Her mind oscillated between hope and fear, torn between believing in Ollie's loyalty and the nagging doubts that gnawed at her heart.
Haunted by memories of past rejections and painful abandonments, she couldn't escape the shadows of her past that now cast a dark cloud over her present situation. From the beginning, she had dreamed of a future where she could gradually reveal her secret to Ollie, trusting him with the truth about her condition, hoping he would be the one who would truly understand and accept her for who she was. But that hope had been abruptly shattered, and bitterness welled up inside her, settling like a heavy stone in the pit of her stomach.
The weight of her past experiences had made her cautious, and hesitant to trust too easily, especially when it came to something as deeply personal as her werewolf identity. She had hoped that Ollie would be different, that he would prove to be the exception to the heartache she had endured before. Yet now, it felt as though that choice had been taken away from her, and she was left grappling with feelings of vulnerability and disappointment.
Her heart ached as she wrestled with the conflicting emotions within her.
Should she open up to him now, confront the hurt and confusion?
Or should she retreat once more into the safety of her solitude, shielding herself from potential pain?
Deep down, she knew that the path forward was uncertain, and that vulnerability always came with the risk of being hurt. But even amid her bitterness and disappointment, a glimmer of hope remained.
Maybe, just maybe, Ollie would prove to be different after all. Perhaps he was grappling with his fears and uncertainties, unsure of how to respond to the revelation of her werewolf nature.
Struggling to control her turmoil, she tried to recall the moments in the cave they had spent together—how he had shown kindness, understanding, and genuine care. But anxiety's grip was strong, and it relentlessly fed her doubts, making her wonder if those moments were just illusions or a temporary facade hiding his true feelings.
"He seemed so different," she murmured, attempting to reassure herself. "He promised he would stay."
Her voice wavered, betraying her wavering confidence.
As she wrestled with her thoughts, a ray of optimism flickered in the corner of her mind.
Maybe there was a reasonable explanation for his absence. Perhaps an urgent matter had called him away, or he had encountered an unforeseen circumstance that kept him from being by her side.
Norah pushed herself to her feet, ignoring the pain in her injured ankle, which had suffered from a twist.
Despite her brain screaming at her to stay put, she couldn't bear the thought of not trying to uncover her partner's whereabouts. Her heart urged her to search for any sign of him, a note, a message, anything that could shed light on the situation and assure her that Ollie would return.
Limping through the first floor of the small but modest cottage, she checked every open door, but there was no one inside. Determined not to give up, Norah decided to extend her search outside.
Rushing out without a second thought, she left the front door wide open in her haste to find Ollie. Once outside on the front porch, her hopes were dashed when she discovered that Ollie was nowhere to be seen.
It was just her, standing alone in front of his cottage. Confusion and worry clouded her thoughts as she ran her hands through her hair, trying to figure out what to do next.
Peering through the rain towards the quaint little hamlet's street, she strained her eyes to catch any sign of Ollie's return. The darkening sky and the intensifying storm made it increasingly difficult to see, adding to her growing anxiety. If the storm persisted, the street would soon be engulfed in darkness, making it nearly impossible to spot Ollie's tall silhouette. Wrapped in her thick woolen sweater, she shivered against the cold wind.
The worry in her voice was evident as she whispered to herself, "Where are you, Ollie?" Her mind raced with thoughts of what might have happened to him, and concern for his well-being gnawed at her. As the storm raged on, Norah's worry deepened. She was torn between staying put and braving the elements in search of him.
Regardless of the path she chose, she couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension, hoping to find Ollie safe and sound while fearing the worst.
A gruff and irritable ancient-sounding voice from behind interrupted Norah's thoughts, jolting her out of her reverie.
"Master Black has left to be at the Dark Lord's side. Young Master Ollie has asked Kreacher to tell you that he will return in a few hours at the latest."
Startled, Norah let out a cry of surprise and swiftly turned on her heels to face the source of the voice. Before her stood the oldest house-elf she had ever encountered, staring at her with evident disdain in his large eyes. In his hands, he held a roll of fresh white linens and some gauze, apparently preoccupied with his housekeeping duties.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the encounter with Kreacher had her nerves on edge. She couldn't help but feel that the ancient elf's gaze bore into her, and she sensed an air of hostility surrounding him.
Norah inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself, but worry crept into her heart, its icy tendrils wrapping around her emotions. The thought of Ollie facing the Dark Lord's wrath alone troubled her, especially since the issue concerned both of them.
Frustration stirred within her, wondering if he had left her behind to protect her from the Dark wizard's rage. Yet, a glimmer of relief remained, knowing he might return, provided he survived the meeting and the Dark Lord was merciful.
In an attempt to maintain composure, Norah addressed the Black family's house-elf politely, "Thank you for informing me about Ollie, Kreacher, I—I mean... your master," she stammered, her voice betraying her nervousness. "Has he gone to the Malfoys' home?" Fear tinged her question.
Part of her considered Disapparating immediately, despite her throbbing twisted ankle, to support Ollie through this ordeal. Yes, she was anxious about confronting the Dark Lord, but she refused to let him face it alone.
However, before she could articulate her plan or take a step down the porch, she was taken aback by Kreacher's wrinkled face contorting into a mix of contempt and displeasure. The elf's low voice held centuries of disdain for anyone not meeting the Black family's ideal standards for suitable partners.
"He did, witch, but Kreacher fails to see why Master Black's whereabouts should concern you. Master Ollie should not waste his time with the likes of you," the elf muttered angrily, his animosity towards her shockingly apparent.
Caught off guard by the elf's open hostility, Norah stumbled over her words.
"I-I don't understand, Kreacher. What do you mean?" she asked, her confusion deepening, her brow furrowing in bewilderment.
Kreacher's eyes bulged like they were about to pop out of his head, but as he spoke with a hint of venom in his voice, they narrowed, resembling saucers.
"Kreacher knows what you are. You're a werewolf. Your kind is not welcome here. Master Black's family must uphold their pureblood ancestry, and your curse will taint the family bloodline if he gets involved with you," Kreacher spat.
Norah's heart sank at the house-elf's cold words. Prejudice against her kind wasn't new, but hearing it directly from someone in Ollie's family hurt, even if it was coming from his house-elf. She had hoped that her new partnership with Ollie would make a difference. She wanted him to prove himself different from the other Black wizards she had heard about, to be a kind and forgiving Black, even if it was not typical in their family's history.
However, Kreacher's animosity made it clear that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. Summoning her strength, Norah replied firmly, trying to be as kind as possible while looking into the prickly house-elf's eyes.
"My condition doesn't define who I am, and it doesn't make me any less worthy of being your master's partner." Her cheeks flushed, and her stomach fluttered as she realized how much she cared for the wizard. This revelation alarmed and frightened her. She still didn't know how Ollie had reacted to the truth about her condition or how he had found out, but Kreacher's words interrupted her thoughts.
The old house-elf grunted disapprovingly, unmoved by Norah's words. "Master Ollie should know better, wolf. He shouldn't be entangled with the likes of you and bring shame to the Black family. Oh, what Mistress would say..."
Before Norah could respond, the house-elf hobbled away and returned inside, leaving her standing alone on the porch, feeling hurt and conflicted. She knew facing prejudice would always be a reality she had to confront as a werewolf, but she had hoped Ollie, as an Obscurial, would see beyond her condition and accept her for who she was.
As she waited for Ollie's return, she couldn't shake the worry that Kreacher's words might have a lasting impact on their new partnership. As the storm worsened, the minutes turned into an agonizing wait, but Ollie remained absent. Norah's worry deepened with each passing moment, and an unsettling feeling gnawed at her heart.
She feared that something was wrong, and the uncertainty was almost unbearable.
Unable to endure the wait any longer, Norah decided to take matters into her own hands. She quickly retrieved her wand from the belt of her skirt and cast a Water-Repellent Charm around herself to shield herself from the rain.
Ignoring the pain in her ankle, she hurriedly limped down the steps of Ollie Black's porch and out into the pouring rain. She followed the path until she reached his gardens, where she deemed it a safe enough distance from his home to Disapparate.
Terrified of what awaited her, but resolute in her decision, Norah knew she couldn't let Ollie face whatever punishment Lord Voldemort had in store for him alone. The failure to recruit the rogue Pack in the Forest had been her responsibility, and she couldn't bear the thought of him suffering because of it.
Summoning every ounce of courage she possessed, Norah turned on her heels and Disapparated, picturing Malfoy Manor in her mind. As she reappeared on solid ground, she took a moment to regain her composure.
The sight of the imposing iron-wrought gates of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy's manor loomed before her, and her heart raced with trepidation as she slowly limped forward.
The mansion stood grand and imposing, a stark contrast to the stormy night. Norah hesitated for a moment, steeling herself against the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. She knew the dangers that awaited her inside those walls, but her determination to stand by Ollie's side outweighed the terror.
Standing before the imposing gates, Norah took a deep breath to steady her trembling hands. She raised her wand shakily, attempting to summon her Patronus.
With a surge of determination, a white dove materialized and soared towards the lavish manor. Her heart fluttered with hope, praying that her Patronus would find the right person – anyone who could lower the protective enchantment of the gate and allow her to pass unharmed, as she was not branded with the Dark Mark.
The dove flew gracefully through the storm, its ethereal glow illuminating the night. It carried with it a message of urgency and desperation, seeking aid within the confines of Malfoy Manor.
Norah held her breath, her gaze fixed on the gate, waiting for a sign that her plea had been heard. Moments later, as if by some unseen force, the gates creaked open just enough for her to slip through. A mix of relief and anxiety washed over her as she cautiously stepped forward, the gates closing behind her with an ominous and loud thud.
Her heart pounded loudly in her ears as she approached the formidable and intimidating structure. The manor loomed like an impenetrable fortress, each step toward the entrance filling her with trepidation. But she couldn't afford to hesitate now; she had to stand by Ollie's side. She couldn't let him face the punishment alone.
Before she could even knock, the doors swung open. Her hope to see Lucius or Narcissa was dashed as Bellatrix Lestrange stood before her, her expression unreadable.
Norah froze, her heart racing as she met the cold gaze of the female Death Eater. She knew there was no telling what Bellatrix might do or say, but Norah braced herself for the worst, taking shivering breaths and clenching her teeth.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" Bellatrix sneered mockingly, her dark eyes narrowing with a predatory glint. "A little lost puppy trailing after its master, eh?"
Norah's jaw clenched in response to the cruel taunt, but she refused to show weakness. She raised her chin defiantly and stared back at the older witch, determined not to let her see any fear.
"I need to see Ollie and the Dark Lord, Bellatrix. It's urgent," she stammered, unsure of what else to say.
A faint, unsettling smile tugged at the corners of Bellatrix Lestrange's thin lips.
Norah's heart pounded in her throat, and she couldn't bring herself to look away from the infamous Death Eater, notorious for her madness and cruelty. Dealing with Bellatrix was as perilous as facing Lord Voldemort himself. Norah flinched when Bellatrix let out a shrill, chilling laugh that sent shivers down her spine.
"Oh, how delightful. The little werewolf believes she's worthy of an audience with the Dark Lord. How utterly amusing," Bellatrix taunted.
Despite the anger simmering within her, Norah managed to restrain herself, understanding that losing her temper with the dangerous witch wouldn't end well.
"Let me pass. I have valuable information for him that he will want to hear," she blurted out, well aware she was bending the truth. Yet, if it would persuade Bellatrix to open the door and let her inside, it was a risk worth taking.
Bellatrix tilted her head, dark eyes gleaming with malicious glee.
"Oh, you do, do you? Well, I suppose I could let you in, little wolf, just to witness My Lord's wrath firsthand," she purred in a honeyed voice that was false.
For a moment, Norah froze, afraid that the witch might see through her ruse. But it was clear from her stance and her expression that she did not. A sense of foreboding washed over Norah as the door creaked open wider, revealing the dimly lit interior of the manor. Bellatrix's invitation-only fueled her apprehension, but she couldn't afford to back down now. Swallowing her fear, she stepped inside, the heavy door closing behind her with a resounding thud.
The grand entrance hall exuded an eerie atmosphere, adorned with dark tapestries depicting scenes of malevolence and power. Norah's nerves were on edge as she followed Bellatrix through a labyrinth of hallways, each step echoing in the silence that hung heavily in the air. She wondered if she had made a grave mistake by coming here, but her determination to protect Ollie and be by his side urged her forward.
Led to the very room where she had initially encountered the Dark Lord alongside Ollie a mere night before, she found herself once again in the dining room, accompanied by Bellatrix.
However, they were not the only ones present, as Ollie stood there, patiently awaiting his master's arrival.
As the footsteps drew nearer, he swiftly turned around in response to the approaching sound. His voice demanded, a low rumble, a bit hoarse, scratchy, and tinny, "What are you doing here?" As she nervously approached the spot where the wizard stood, his blue eyes reflected surprise and concern. "Norah," he hissed through gritted teeth, "You should have stayed away. I wanted you back at the house where you'd have been safe. Kreacher would have looked after you," he whispered hoarsely, almost sounding angry with her as he shot her a rueful glower.
Bitter tears welled up in Norah's eyes, and without thinking, she reached for his hand and held it in hers, hearing the audible gasp of surprise he gave out at the sudden and unexpected contact, which was a bold move for her.
But she was grateful he did not pull away.
"I couldn't stay away and stand not knowing, Ollie. What happened in the Forest with Antonin is just as much my problem as it is yours. We're in this together, as partners, no matter what happens. I'm not letting you do this alone," she cried, furiously shaking her head.
Ollie's countenance softened, and he tenderly clasped Norah's hand, briefly glancing down at it as if it were the most exquisite thing he had ever beheld. Then, he lifted his gaze back to her face, his eyes reflecting a whirlwind of emotions.
"You don't understand, Norah. This is perilous, and I don't want to see you harmed," he said with a mix of worry and fierce protectiveness that sent a secret thrill through her, knowing his possessive tone was meant for her alone.
No wizard, given her status as a werewolf, had ever shown such care for her before. Touched by his concern, Norah met his gaze with determination, but she was resolute in not yielding to the wizard's warnings.
"I know the risks, Ollie, and I appreciate your desire to protect me. But I cannot simply stand by while you face this alone. I won't leave you," she insisted, tightening her grip on his hand until her knuckles turned white.
As the words slipped from her mouth, Norah couldn't be entirely certain, but she sensed that Ollie's heart teetered between swelling with pride and trembling with fear. He attempted a nervous chuckle, but the wizard's jitters turned it into a somewhat uneasy sigh.
"You're incredibly stubborn, Norah. That's a fact of you I'm discovering," he managed to chuckle weakly, a faint hint of a smile breaking through the prevailing seriousness of their current predicament while they braced themselves for the arrival of the Dark Lord.
"Only when it truly matters," Norah murmured shyly.
Ollie was about to reply, but before he could utter a word, Bellatrix's sneering voice sliced through the air, shattering the intimate moment.
"Look at you two, so noble and brave, ready to face death together. It's almost touching, like a little couple," the dark-haired witch taunted with sarcasm.
Before Bellatrix could continue her taunts, a voice even colder and more commanding echoed through the area.
"Enough, Bellatrix."
The Dark Lord, Voldemort himself, appeared, towering over them with an aura of malevolence that sent shivers down their spines. Bellatrix immediately lowered her head in submission, and her mocking demeanor vanished.
"My Lord," she said, her tone now respectful.
"Leave," he commanded Bellatrix, not bothering to look at her. Her skin flushed red, her neck blotchy, and she seemed eager to kill Ollie and Norah, who knelt before the Dark Lord.
He passed by her without acknowledgment, standing tall over the Obscurial and the werewolf.
The disappointment in his eyes made it clear that he had expected better from both Ollie and Norah.
Neither Norah nor Ollie dared to look up as Bellatrix left the room, her boots echoing on the wooden floorboards. Lord Voldemort now focused his cold gaze on the Obscurial and the werewolf, his disappointment evident. "I confess myself... disappointed in both of you, especially you, Black," he hissed, his crimson eyes piercing their souls. "You dare to disappoint me in such a critical task. I sent you to the Forbidden Forest to convince the rogue Pack to align with Fenrir Greyback, and you return with nothing but failure? I gave you one chance to prove your worth, and you squandered it?"
Before Norah could speak, Ollie stammered, "We... we tried, My Lord, but we never reached the Pack. Antonin Dolohov attacked Norah, and he almost assaulted her, Lord."
Voldemort's expression remained stern, though a hint of interest flickered in his eyes at the mention of Dolohov's name. "Is that so?" he mused. "Explain."
Norah steadied herself and continued, "Yes, Lord. Antonin Dolohov attacked me before we could even reach the Pack's territory. We...he...Ollie...fought him off, but it delayed our mission."
The Dark Lord's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Very well. It seems you've had an unexpected encounter. This changes things," he said, seeming to consider their explanation.
Norah felt a glimmer of hope, thinking their failure might be pardoned. But Voldemort's next words dashed that hope.
"However," he continued, "excuses won't erase your failure. You were given a task, and you failed to accomplish it. Such incompetence is unacceptable."
Ollie and Norah hung their heads in shame, realizing there would be no reprieve from the Dark Lord's wrath.
They knew the consequences of disappointing him, and fear gripped their hearts as they awaited his judgment.
The room fell silent as Lord Voldemort stared down at the two kneeling before him. Norah's heart raced with fear, and Ollie struggled to maintain composure, his mind racing with desperation. Her stomach lurched when she thought she saw the man's blue eyes starting to flicker black, an ominous sign that danger loomed closer. The Dark Lord's disappointment hung heavy in the air like a suffocating fog.
"You have failed me, Oliver, and you, Norah," Voldemort hissed, his voice chilling to the bone. "And in our world, failure has consequences."
With a swift wave of his wand, the Dark Lord cast Norah to the ground, and the excruciating grip of the Cruciatus Curse engulfed her, prompting anguished cries to fill the room.
In the midst of agonizing screams, Norah writhed in pain, leaving Ollie torn between his desire to assist her and the understanding that interfering would only invite further catastrophe. The haunting sound of her suffering etched itself into his heart, serving as a brutal reminder of their profound defeat.
"Stop!" Ollie cried out in despair, his pain evident, yet he dared not challenge Voldemort's authority.
Norah's torment seemed endless, and Ollie's helplessness gnawed at him. Finally, Lord Voldemort released the curse when it seemed Norah could take no more. She lay trembling on the ground, tears streaming down her cheeks as she whimpered in pain. The Dark Lord stepped over her with a sneer, reveling in his power over them.
"You see, Oliver, don't you?" Voldemort taunted. "Incompetence has never been something I tolerate." He turned his cold crimson eyes back to Ollie, who flinched but refused to avert his gaze. "Your partnership with Willas Wydman's daughter ends now," Lord Voldemort declared. "You will be reassigned another partner—one who will not fail me and one who would not allow a temporary setback like Antonin Dolohov to get in the way of completing the mission I set you to task for, Oliver," he demanded.
Fear and desperation gripped Ollie, his mind racing with questions. Not only had Norah been tortured, but Voldemort was taking her away from him, and he would be forced to work with someone else. His heart sank, knowing her father's fate would likely be dire as well.
Before Ollie could respond, the Dark Lord surprised him by speaking again.
"Consider yourself fortunate, Black," Lord Voldemort's voice dripped with a chilling mix of malevolence and twisted amusement. "Your value lies not in your own being, but in the potent Obscurus dwelling within you. Its raw power has the potential to tip the scales of this war in our favor." The Dark Lord's tone softened slightly, revealing a sinister hint of mercy.
His crimson eyes bore into Ollie, seemingly dissecting the emotions swirling within the young wizard. "I can see that you have developed feelings for the witch, despite her status as a werewolf," Voldemort continued, a cruel smile playing on his lips. "I will grant you a reprieve, Black. You may escort her home and come to terms with the end of your fleeting partnership."
Voldemort's words were like venom, poisoning Ollie's mind and heart with their callousness. To be reduced to a mere pawn, valued solely for the power dwelling inside him, was a crushing blow to his sense of self.
The Dark Lord paused, savoring the impact of his words before delivering the final twist of the knife. "Remember this, Black: Love is a weakness, a vulnerability that can destroy a Death Eater's true duty. It clouds judgment, muddles allegiance, and leads to downfall." His chuckle held a mocking edge that sent shivers down Ollie's spine.
At that moment, Ollie felt the weight of conflicting emotions. Fear, anger, and desperation mingled with the love and concern he felt for Norah. He knew that Voldemort's words were meant to manipulate and control him, to exploit the bond he shared with the young werewolf. But as he looked at Norah, who stood bravely beside him despite her pain and fear, he couldn't deny the affection he held for her. Lord Voldemort's attempts to brand love as weakness only strengthened Ollie's resolve to protect her and defy the dark path laid out before him.
Though shaken by the Dark Lord's words, Ollie knew that his connection with Norah was a source of strength, not weakness. In the face of Voldemort's cruel machinations, he found an unexpected determination to stand against the darkness and protect the one he cared for, even if it meant defying the very nature of a Death Eater.
Ollie swallowed hard, conflicted by the twisted sense of mercy offered to him. The pain he felt watching Norah suffer now made him question everything, every life choice that had led him to this moment.
"You will take her home tonight," Voldemort continued, drawing Ollie's attention back to him, "and you will await further instructions come the morning. But do not mistake this act of leniency for weakness, Black. Fail me a second time, and there will be no mercy."
With those final words, the Dark Lord turned and left the room, leaving Ollie and Norah shaken and broken, with uncertain futures ahead. The weight of their failure and the painful reality of their separation hung heavily over them, leaving them to grapple with the consequences of their actions and the choices they'd make going forward.
Ollie rushed to Norah's side, finding her curled up and trembling on the floor. The sight of her pain tore at his heart, leaving him feeling utterly helpless and out of place. Nonetheless, he couldn't stand by idly. He gently placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, whispering her name amidst her agony.
"We need to leave, Norah," he urged, hoping to catch her attention. "Can you stand?" With her feeble nod, Ollie supported her, helping her to her feet as she leaned heavily on him. She clung to his waist for support, each step a painful reminder of the cruelty she had endured. Together, they slowly made their way to the exit.
Once outside the home of Lucius and Narcissa, Ollie Disapparated with Norah, taking her back to his own home, seeking refuge in the darkness of the night. He gently settled her on the sofa, catching his breath as he knelt in front of her. His resolve strengthened as he looked into her tear-filled blue eyes and ashen face.
He couldn't bear to see Norah in danger any longer. It was time to make a choice, to break free from the darkness that had held him captive for far too long. He was tired of being a mere pawn to the Dark Lord, tired of being used.
Gazing into Norah's eyes, his voice unwavering, he knew what he had to say.
"Norah," he implored, his voice filled with sincerity, as he gently rose from his kneeling position by her side on the sofa and tenderly held her face in his hands. This forced the frightened werewolf to meet his gaze directly. The fear and apprehension in Norah's blue eyes were heart-wrenching, threatening to shatter him.
With a trembling voice, he continued, "I can't bear to see you suffer because of me any longer. Tonight, we must leave all this behind. I know someone who might be able to help us. With his assistance, we can find a safe sanctuary, a place where the war won't reach us, and where we can both be protected. Will you trust me?"
His words faltered, reflecting the emotions that weighed heavily on him.
Norah looked at him, her lips parting as if she wanted to speak, but no immediate words came out. The fear and doubt still lingered in her eyes, but she could also see the unwavering determination in Ollie Black's gaze.
Despite the pain and uncertainty, she finally nodded, putting her trust in him completely.
"Yes, Ollie, I trust you with my life," she whispered.
Relief washed over Ollie as he heard Norah's words, knowing that she was willing to take this leap of faith with him. He smiled faintly, grateful for the trust she bestowed upon him. With a newfound sense of purpose, Ollie rose to join Norah on the sofa, his hand never leaving hers as he sat as close to the witch as he dared.
"Thank you, Norah," he said softly. "We'll..." He paused, thinking over his words for a moment before he threw caution to the wind and spoke earnestly. "We will get through this together, I promise," he vowed, his gaze turning glossy and distant as he looked away wistfully for a moment, glancing towards the vial of Wolfsbane Potion he'd left on the table for Norah to find. He couldn't stop his mind from drifting to the future—a nearly happy fantasy, a future where they might find safety and peace. The weight of the uncertainty of their situation still burdened his heart, but he had to hold onto the hope that things could improve.
Ollie could not help but feel a sense of closeness to the young blonde werewolf, a bond unexpectedly forged through adversity. But as he returned his gaze to the witch beside him, a new nervousness crept over him. He fidgeted, trying to find the right words, unsure if he should even ask what was on his mind right now. But as their eyes briefly met and a silent understanding passed between them, Ollie took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the question he was about to ask. Now, he realized with a jolt, might be the only time.
"N-Norah," he stammered, his nerves getting the better of him. He awkwardly cleared his throat and tried again. "Once we're safe and the danger has passed, would you... would you consider going to dinner with me?" he blurted out, his words clumsy and blunt, and he grimaced the moment his question left his lips. He couldn't believe he was asking this at a time like this, but he needed to express what had been on his mind since the moment he'd laid eyes on her in Malfoy Manor. She had made such an impression on him in such a short time, and he feared the witch was quickly becoming someone he could not live without.
Norah looked taken aback for a moment, and then a shy, soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she nodded.
She had not expected the Obscurial to ask her out, especially not amid the uncertainty the two of them now faced.
But Ollie's courage touched her heart, and she felt a warmth inside her that she had not experienced in a very long time. Goodness, but her heart was racing as she met his gaze. His brilliant blue eyes sparkled even in the dim light of his cottage's sitting room. She shifted nervously. Then a thought occurred to her.
Why, even after knowing she was a werewolf, did he want to take her out?
"Dinner... sounds nice," Norah began slowly, the nervousness in her voice matching his. "B-but..." She hesitated as she trailed off, unsure whether or not to ask the wizard as she did not want to offend him. "Why do you want to go out with me?" She gestured nervously towards the vial of Wolfsbane on his coffee table. "You know what I am," she murmured, still wanting to ask how it was that he knew but decided that was a conversation best changed for later.
Ollie's expression changed only slightly. He straightened his back and folded his arms across his chest, almost as if he were embarrassed. Well, of course, Norah would ask him that.
What else was he thinking she would say?
He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before answering.
"You're right," he began, his voice gentle yet resolute. "I do know what you are, and that doesn't change a thing. Norah, you've shown me strength, kindness, and courage that I admire. I see beyond what you are, to who you are as a person, and that's what matters to me. Your being a werewolf doesn't define you, and I refuse to let it be a barrier between us. You stayed by my side and did not leave, even when...even when you knew what I am." He looked into her eyes, hoping his sincerity would shine through. "I want to get to know you better, to share moments, and to support each other through the challenges life throws our way. There's a connection between us, and I can't ignore it. So, if you're willing to give it a chance, I'd be honored to take you to dinner and see where this path leads us."
Norah's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions as she listened to Ollie's heartfelt words. She hadn't expected such sincerity and understanding from anyone, let alone someone who had every reason to be cautious around her kind. His unwavering acceptance touched her in a way she couldn't fully express. The nervousness that had gripped her moments ago began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound sense of hope and excitement.
Her cheeks flushed with a soft pink tint as she offered Ollie a shy smile.
"You mean that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. She wanted to be sure she wasn't misinterpreting his intentions, that he genuinely saw past her condition and wanted to know her for who she was.
Ollie nodded, a genuine smile gracing his lips.
"I do, Norah. I promise you, my feelings are sincere," he affirmed, his hand gently reaching out to brush against hers. "I've never met anyone quite like you, and I can't ignore the connection I think we share. I understand that there may be challenges, but I'm willing to face them together, side by side."
Norah felt a warmth spread through her heart, the kind she thought she might never experience again. "Then, I would like to go to dinner with you," she said, her voice steadier now, as she returned the tender touch of his hand.
Gentle laughter escaped Norah's lips as she observed the expression of shock on Ollie's face upon hearing her words. At that moment, a blend of relief and joy washed over the wizard, and she couldn't help but feel the same.
Meeting his hopeful gaze with a warm smile of her own, she realized that, despite the hardships they faced, there was a glimmer of possibility for something deeper between them. Their bond was more than just a fleeting alliance born out of necessity; it held the potential for genuine connection and understanding.
With Ollie by her side, Norah felt a newfound sense of safety, a person she could trust wholeheartedly.
Together, she hoped they would navigate the perils that surrounded them, but beyond that, they could explore a future that transcended mere survival. As they continued to sit together on the sofa, their hands clasped, a shared sense of determination filled the air. But as they continued to sit in silence, their hands clasped tightly, neither Ollie nor Norah dared to break the magic of the moment with words.
They felt a profound connection that transcended the hardships surrounding them, finding solace in each other's presence. In this cocoon of intimacy, they could momentarily forget the dangers lurking in the outside world.
Little did they know that even in this secluded haven, malevolent forces were plotting to tear them apart.
Shadows loomed beyond their sanctuary, and unseen enemies sought to exploit any vulnerability they could find.