WITH around thirty minutes left until Mr. Rudigar would close the shop for the night, Ollie found himself in a state of distress. The Death Eater's curse inflicted him with unbearable itching and caused him to scream for release.
Despite his yearning to be with Norah, Ollie had fulfilled his promise to leave her with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley while he returned to Diagon Alley to repay his debt for putting the restaurant owner under the influence of Imperio.
For the past five hours, Ollie had been toiling as a bartender behind the counter during the crowded dinner hour, serving drinks to countless customers. The monotonous and uninterested expressions of the patrons wore on him.
His heart longed to be back at the Burrow, where Norah resided. Ollie's intimidating presence and the disfiguring burn mark beneath his eye deterred anyone from initiating a conversation with him.
His cold, wintry blue eyes inherited from his father only added to the uneasy atmosphere. Customers would attempt small talk, but their words would quickly falter into silence when they met his piercing gaze.
The burning desire to retaliate against the restaurant owner for keeping him away from Norah surged within him, his Obscurus painfully thrumming for release. Yet, miraculously, Ollie managed to restrain himself.
He knew drawing attention to himself would be dangerous, especially with Norah waiting back at the Burrow and the promise he made to the werewolf he thought he was falling in love with that he would fight this inner battle.
The silence seemed to stretch endlessly as Ollie's shift dragged on, burdened by its weight, and filled with awkwardness. With each passing second, his nerves grew more restless, aching for release.
The overwhelming desire to unleash his pent-up fury and aggression built up within him, craving an outlet. The demon within him, the Obscurus, seemed to wail for freedom. What he truly longed for, though, was not to let the Obscurus take control, but rather to be with her—Norah, his beloved Norah.
As the minutes dragged on, Ollie found himself in a relentless internal struggle. One side of him yearned to unleash the Obscurus, to let it wreak havoc and chaos without restraint.
However, his newfound love for Norah Wydman served as a guiding light, grounding him and reminding him of the promise he made to her and himself the night before. He knew he could no longer succumb to the darkness within him; it was a battle he had to win, now and forever.
Norah's presence in his life was a revelation he hadn't even realized he needed. She had become a beacon of hope, dispelling the shadows that had haunted him for as long as he could remember.
Her love and acceptance had shown him a side of himself he thought was unlovable. As he struggled with the Obscurus tightly bound to his soul, she stood by his side, supporting him unwaveringly.
With each passing second, Ollie's emotions churned—anger, frustration, and fear fed the parasite within him, giving it strength. The yearning to be with Norah overwhelmed him, a physical ache that overshadowed all else.
He craved her touch, her comforting words, the intimate connection of a kiss, and the understanding gaze that saw beyond his scars and deformities, just as he saw beyond hers as a werewolf.
Yet, he knew he had to be patient. He had made a promise, and he intended to keep it. The restaurant shift served as a test—a chance to prove to himself and others that he could control the tempest raging within.
As the clock ticked closer to the end of his shift, Ollie's determination grew stronger. He held onto the thought of returning to the Burrow, where Norah and their hosts awaited him, enveloped in love.
The darkness may have been powerful, but the love he felt for Norah was an even stronger force, one that could anchor him in the most turbulent times.
Finally, the moment arrived when Mr. Rudigar announced the end of the night. Ollie did not think he could flee the restaurant fast enough. He was one step closer to being reunited with Norah.
With a forced smile, Ollie approached Mr. Rudigar, who stood tall and imposing behind the counter, observing the young man's uneasy demeanor. Fumbling with the buttons of his black shirt, Ollie tried to undo them, feeling the collar constricting his neck as if it symbolized the suffocating emotions within.
"Goodnight, sir," Ollie muttered hoarsely, his voice betraying the inner turmoil churning inside him.
Confusion clouded his brows as the familiar urge to kill surged through his veins once more. Mr. Rudigar's expression softened slightly, but the sternness lingered in his eyes as he offered a curt little nod.
"Goodnight to you, Mr. Black. I hope, after this, never to see you round my shop again," he growled, his tone sharp and unforgiving.
Ollie's heart sank at the remark, his conscience burdened by the knowledge that he had given the restaurant owner reasons to be wary. The incident with the Imperius Curse weighed heavily on him.
Suppressing his emotions, he swallowed his pride and responded in kind with a brief nod.
"Understood, sir. Thank you again for the opportunity," Ollie replied, his words measured and devoid of any emotion.
Avoiding eye contact, he turned away from Mr. Rudigar, fearing that even a single glance back might shatter the fragile self-control he clung to. With hurried steps, he made his way to the exit, eager to break free from the oppressive atmosphere that had held him captive for the past six grueling hours.
Finally, as the cool autumn air enveloped him outside, a sense of relief washed over Ollie like a tidal wave.
Escaping the restaurant felt like a breath of fresh air, one step closer to satisfying the dark desires that clawed at his soul. However, deep down, he knew that embracing those sinister cravings was not the path he wanted to tread.
The allure of the Obscurus was powerful, but the love he held for Norah was stronger, and he was determined to fight for a future that didn't involve giving in to the darkness.
As Ollie strolled down the cobblestoned streets of Diagon Alley, his mind drifted to the intoxicating experience of the previous night. Daydreaming took hold, and he found himself imagining the feel of her fingers gently caressing his jaw and his tender lips planting a soft kiss on her forehead. The thoughts were too enticing, too good to resist.
"God," he whispered under his breath, lost in the vivid memories, still wondering if last night had been a dream, one he did not want to wake from.
The sounds she made when he closed the door behind them when they reached the bedroom they were staying in had ignited a fire within him, filling him with a blistering pleasure that was hard to forget.
Norah, with her shy demeanor, possessed an alluring sensuality that captivated him. Images of her lips parting, her long legs wrapped around his waist, and his hands exploring her body with care flooded his mind.
He remembered how he traced his fingers over her scarred back, appreciating the woman she was beyond any physical imperfections. The soft curves of the witch, so enchanting and alluring, were all he could focus on.
Her moans echoed in his memory, a testament to the pleasure they had shared, and he knew they were not sounds of pain. His breaths quickened as he recalled the intimate moments, her whispered longing for him, and the tightness of his grip on her hips in response. The forbidden allure of their passionate encounter lingered with Ollie as he continued down the dimly lit path, longing for more moments with Norah.
Yet, deep down, he knew there was more to her than just physical desire. He cherished the connection they shared, and the intimacy they had experienced was just one facet of the profound bond they were building.
As he strolled down the desolate path of Knockturn Alley, Ollie allowed his mind to wander, envisioning the left hand of the blonde werewolf proudly wearing a plain silver wedding band on her slender ring finger.
The thought of taking Norah as his wife brought forth a nearly happy fantasy, despite the brevity of their time together. Time was uncertain, and he couldn't predict what the future held.
Pulling his coat tighter around himself to ward off the chill, Ollie continued his leisurely walk, relishing the solitude. The empty streets at this time of day provided a peaceful escape for him to immerse himself in his thoughts.
His mind drifted back to Norah, reminiscing about the intimate experience they had shared the night before. He had searched for any hint of regret in her eyes this morning, but to his relief, there was none.
The connection they shared seemed genuine, and he hoped that their next time to lay together wouldn't be too far off, perhaps even tonight if she was in the mood.
Suddenly, his musings were interrupted as he heard his name being called. Heavy footsteps approached from behind, and Ollie spun around, initially annoyed at having his daydreams disrupted. To his surprise, he found Severus Snape calmly walking towards him, the sallow-faced wizard wearing an unusually grim expression.
As Ollie tried to decipher Severus Snape's blank expression, he couldn't help but notice the faint hint of worry in the Potions Master's fretted black eyes. Something was vexing the usually composed wizard.
Before Ollie could even speak, Snape delivered the news with a tone that left no room for doubt.
"I apologize, Oliver, for coming to you at such an uncomfortable hour, and I cannot linger long, I must return to the school, though the Headmaster thought it best this news comes from someone you trust. This news could not wait," Severus began, his typically monotone baritone carrying a somber undertone that left Ollie in disbelief.
His lips parted, gaping at the Potions Master as he struggled to process the gravity of the words.
"The Dark Mark was found over Willas Wydman's home. The wandmaker is dead."
The news Severus had just delivered hit Ollie like a sudden slap to the face, stinging with the impact of a palm against his cheek. He stared at Severus in incredulous disbelief, desperately wanting to believe he had misunderstood, but the seriousness etched on Snape's face left no room for doubt.
Snape was never one to jest, and the wizard had no reason to lie about this matter. As the reality of the tragedy settled in, Ollie cursed himself for being entangled in the dark world that had led to this devastating outcome.
His anger surged like a tidal wave, threatening to engulf him. The Obscurus within him sensed his fury and responded with a fierce, fiery energy, growling and roaring for release from its restraints. The force burned hotter than dragon fire or Fiendfyre ever could, making his heart pound and his vision blur with pure rage.
"Is... is Norah alright, Severus? D-does she know what's happened to her father?" Ollie managed to whisper, struggling to control his temper as he squeezed his eyes shut, trying to contain the torrent of emotions within.
Severus let out a frustrated exhale, the weight of the situation evident in the wizard's expression. "She does not, Black, not yet," he replied with what Ollie thought were faint twinges of sorrow in his voice. "The news should come from the person she is closest to, which the Headmaster has said these days is you, and so I am telling you this."
Ollie's heart sank further, realizing the burden that now fell upon him to be the bearer of such devastating news to Norah. It was a responsibility he couldn't shy away from, even though he feared the impact it might have on both of them. His fists clenched at his sides, torn between the overwhelming need to be with Norah at a time when she would need his support the most and the fear of losing control in his current state. He knew he had to be cautious, that unleashing the Obscurus within himself would only bring harm to her and exacerbate his pain.
But the love he felt for Norah and the guilt over his involvement in the dark world that had brought upon her only family member's death battled fiercely with his rage. His mind swirled with conflicting emotions, each vying for dominance over the other.
"I-I need to see her," Ollie declared, his voice trembling with emotion. "I... I need to be there for her, no matter the cost."
Severus furrowed his brows into a deep frown as he regarded Ollie, concern and apparent understanding for his plight was evident in his eyes.
"Your emotions are volatile, Oliver, even in the best of times, and the darkness within you consistently seeks an opportunity to unleash itself," he said gravely. "The last thing the wolf needs is more pain now, and though I care not what happens to her, the Headmaster sees something of importance in the witch and would see her kept safe, no matter the cost. For now, I advise you to keep your distance and return to her side when you are calmer and in a more sound physical and mental state to deliver the news."
But Ollie's growing anger was relentless, and his determination to find out who was responsible for the tragedy only grew stronger.
"Tell me, Snape, who did this," he demanded, his voice seething with fury. "Surely you must know. I need to know who robbed Norah's father from her."
Severus shook his head solemnly.
"You are mistaken, Oliver, if you think I know. I do not know, as it so happens, as the situation is still being investigated," he replied, just the faintest twinges of irritation in his voice as he spoke and pinned Ollie with a look of daggers. "But I can respect your need for answers. But if you go digging, you may not like what you find," he warned, an edge to his voice that had not been present before as he glowered.
Ollie's nails dug into the skin of his palms as he continued to clench his fists, his resolve unshaken by Severus's warning.
"I won't back down, Severus," he spat, his anger evident as he glared at the slightly older wizard. "Whoever among the Death Eaters is responsible for this, they're going to suffer what they've done. They'll endure the same pain they inflicted on Norah, and I'll ensure they pay for what they've taken from her!" His voice was raw and hoarse, yet Severus remained unmoved, his demeanor unchanged, seemingly unaffected by Ollie's fierce display of rage.
"Oliver, I implore you to take a moment to listen to yourself. It's absurd what you're suggesting. You need to reconsider and let the Aurors handle this. The Headmaster told me that Auror Moody has come out of retirement temporarily to track down Willas's murderer and bring them to the Ministry for questioning and trial. Whoever is responsible will be convicted of murder and sent to Azkaban, Oliver. Willas Wydman was a highly skilled wandmaker, just like Garrick Ollivander, and one of the best. Those who knew him will mourn his loss deeply," Severus insisted firmly. "You have to let the Aurors do their job. You don't have the right to interfere. Alastor will handle this."
Ollie remained frozen in place, feeling the weight of Severus's words, a chilling rain of realization seeping into his soul. Ollie tried to conjure an image of Norah as a wife, a partner, and a mother. For a moment, he allowed the vision to take shape in his mind. He saw the werewolf, small yet resilient, fiercely protecting her family. The thought of her being so loving and devoted, especially if they were to marry and have children together, brought a faint smile to his lips. But in the depths of his consciousness, a dark presence lurked, reminding him of what he truly was.
A shadow passed over his face as he realized it was likely another Death Eater, following his former master's orders, who had raised his wand against Norah's father and snuffed out the light in his eyes.
Anger consumed him, and a monstrous force, the Obscurus within, threatened to rise and take over.
He felt his vision darken, his eyes flickering black. "No!" A voice erupted from the depths of Ollie's throat, both his own and not his own. It sounded deeper, harder, and somehow not entirely human.
As Ollie's anger and inner turmoil intensified, the Obscurus within him surged, overwhelming his senses. The dark energy bubbled up from the very depths of his being, clawing at the edges of his consciousness, threatening to consume him entirely.
His eyes turned pitch black, reflecting the malevolent force that had taken hold of him and he could feel the fury as black mists emanating off him in waves as black tendrils coiled around him, wrapping their icy hands around him.
The image of Norah and the life they could have had together blurred in his mind, replaced by a haunting scene of devastation and vengeance. He saw himself, transformed into a nightmarish creature, a shadow-walker, Death himself, unleashing chaos, and destruction upon those who had wronged him and Norah's father.
His body violently convulsed, unable to control the power surging within. In a desperate bid to regain control, Ollie clenched his fists and shut his eyes tightly, but it was all in vain.
The Obscurus's power was too overwhelming, clawing at his very soul and eroding his humanity.
Despite his strong desire to protect Norah and bring her happiness, the darkness within him sought revenge, fueled by the pain and suffering he had endured throughout his life.
"No, no, no, this can't be happening!" Ollie's voice echoed in his mind, but it was drowned out by the primal roar of the Obscurus. Helplessly, he staggered backward, feeling like a mere spectator as the malevolent force took complete possession of his body.
Somewhere in the chaos, he thought he heard Severus's voice breaking through, a beacon of reason amidst the darkness.
"Focus! ...Resist...Aurors...on...way..." Severus called, though much of his message was lost in the haze clouding Ollie's mind, which was now enveloped in darkness.
The Obscurus tightened its grip, fueling his rage and pain, blurring the lines between friend and foe.
A fierce battle for dominance over Ollie's very soul raged within him. With each passing moment, his humanity slipped away, leaving only a vessel filled with vengeance and hatred.
As the Obscurus erupted from within him, the world around Ollie twisted and warped, mirroring the turmoil of emotions raging within him. Dark energy crackled in the air, and his surroundings transformed into a nightmarish realm. Without realizing it, he took to the skies, consumed by a single purpose, and just before darkness consumed him entirely, he saw the face of the last person he wanted to see – fair blonde hair and sparkling sky-blue eyes.
Norah. His Norah.
Stepping back, Severus' sallow face displayed a rare glimpse of concern as he struggled to show any compassion for the Obscurial. He knew better than most the danger posed by an unleashed Obscurus, and Ollie Black's very existence hung in the balance. As the chaos unfolded, the black mass of energy that had once been Ollie vanished, leaving Severus with an overwhelming sense of urgency.
He turned his head to the left, hearing the familiar crack! of several wizards Apparating on the scene.
His suspicions were confirmed as he saw at least a dozen Aurors arriving, likely alerted to the disturbance and destruction by a terrified shop owner. Their wands were drawn, and their expressions grave.
Stepping back, Severus' sallow face betrayed a rare glimpse of concern as he gazed upon the Obscurial, a force of darkness that threatened to consume everything in its path. The stakes were unimaginably high; the very existence of Ollie Black hung in the balance, and with it, the safety of all who crossed its destructive trail.
As the chaos raged on, the black mass of energy that had once embodied Ollie vanished into thin air, leaving Severus with a lingering sense of urgency that quickened his pulse. His keen ears caught the distinctive and unmistakable sound of several wizards Apparating to the scene. The reinforcements had arrived, but their faces mirrored the grim realization that they were stepping into the eye of a tempest.
"What in God's name was that...?" muttered one of the Aurors, his voice tinged with disbelief, as he peered at the dissipating silhouette of the Obscurus, its malevolence now veiled by ominous clouds.
"It's an Obscurial," Severus snapped, his words laced with a deep concern that echoed in the eyes of every Auror present. "And it's headed for Arthur Weasley's home. Move swiftly, but with caution – we can't afford to provoke it further." The urgency in Severus' command was palpable, and the Aurors wasted no time. Their wands were drawn, and protective charms enveloped them like an armor of hope. They knew they were walking into a battle with an unpredictable force, but they had sworn an oath to protect, even if it meant facing their own worst nightmares.
Severus nodded sharply, affirming their readiness, before he vanished from the scene to his destination Hogwarts.
He needed to alert Albus Dumbledore, for they were facing a truly violent menace of unprecedented proportions.
Severus Snape's anguish over what Ollie Black had become gnawed at him as he paced the floor of his private office at Hogwarts. He was grateful that the Headmaster had temporarily lifted the ban on Apparition onto school grounds, allowing him to return. Once, he had considered Black a comrade, a brother in arms, and maybe even a friend.
However, betraying him to the Aurors and handing him over to the Ministry of Magic was the only way to prevent the impending disaster caused by Black losing control of his actions. Severus's face contorted into a frown as he strode across the office floor, wrenching the door open with force and slamming it shut, making the hinges rattle.
His boots clacked audibly on the cobblestoned path as he made his way to Albus Dumbledore's office to inform him of the impending catastrophe. As Severus rounded the corner, his face froze, and anger surged within him.
He berated himself for not acting more cautiously, for not summoning the wolf immediately when Black's control started slipping. There were rumors that Obscurials could be calmed by the person they trusted the most, and in Oliver's case, it happened to be the witch. Taking a moment to compose himself, Severus prepared to enter the Headmaster's office. He knew that Oliver Black would not be leaving the Burrow's property alive.
All he could hope for was that the witch could soothe him if the Aurors failed to subdue him. Severus took a deep breath and slipped quietly into Albus Dumbledore's office.
He knew better than to let himself look back.