LYALL Lupin's home provided a comforting refuge, its inviting ambiance serving as a stark contrast to the darkness they had recently fled. Sirius gracefully waved his wand, granting access to Remus's father's residence. He swiftly guided Norah inside and, with another deft flick of his wand, tenderly settled Ollie's unconscious body onto a plush, inviting sofa. Nearby, Kreacher stood at the ready, prepared to offer his assistance in any way possible.
Norah couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as they settled Ollie in a safe environment. She knew that he was far from out of danger, but being away from the malevolent influence of the venomous room in which both of them had nearly died was a step in the right direction.
Norah nearly jumped out of her own skin, however, at the creaking of the floorboards from somewhere behind her that announced the arrival of someone else into the room. She turned, a gasp leaving her lips as she whirled around to find a man standing in the doorway, one who bore a vague similarity to her and Ollie's host, Lyall Lupin, but admittedly much younger. His appearance was striking, to say the least.
The moonlight filtering in through the windows cast eerie shadows on the scars that marred the man's face and hands. Deep, jagged lines crisscrossed his skin, a testament to the trials of his life as a werewolf.
It was a sight Norah recognized all too well, for she bore similar scars from her encounters with the full moon. Norah's eyes locked onto the stranger's, her recognition and understanding unmistakable. In that shared moment, neither of them needed words to convey their kinship.
They were both creatures of the moon, scarred by its unrelenting embrace. As her thoughts raced, she couldn't help but wonder if this person approaching was indeed Remus, Lyall Lupin's son. She nervously nibbled on the inside of her cheek, unsure whether or not she could trust this wizard.
Norah's heart frantically raced as she stood there, locked in a silent exchange with the scarred man in the doorway.
The tension in the room was palpable, and she could feel Sirius and Kreacher tensing as well. The stranger's gaze was intense, and for a moment, it seemed as if time itself had frozen.
Then, the man took a cautious step forward, his eyes never leaving Norah's.
He spoke in a hoarse, gravelly voice that carried both weariness and a hint of curiosity.
"You must be Norah Wydman," he said, his words confirming her identity. "My father had mentioned that you and Ollie Black would be coming here. I'm Remus, Lyall's son."
Norah let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Relief washed over her as she heard his name. She had heard a few stories of Remus Lupin, the kind and knowledgeable former Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts, and Sirius Black's friend, by the knowing look Ollie's cousin shot Remus and nodded.
But this man in front of her seemed a different Remus, a Remus who had faced hardships that went far beyond the classroom. She remembered she owed the man an answer and found her voice.
"Y-yes, I'm Norah," she replied, her voice shaking slightly. "And this is Ollie." She gestured to Ollie now lying unconscious and bleeding slowly to death on top of Lyall Lupin's sofa. "We…we needed a safe place to bring him, and your father's home was the only option."
Remus nodded solemnly, his features relaxing. "Rest assured, both of you are safe here," he said with conviction. "It's evident that Ollie requires immediate assistance. My father will do everything he can to help him. While I wish I could be of more help in this matter, my strengths do not lie in the realm of Healing."
Norah's gratitude swelled as she looked at Remus. His reassurance was like a balm to her frayed nerves. She knew that she and Ollie were fortunate to have found their way back to Lyall Lupin's home and into the care of his son, Remus, who seemed a kind wizard with a gentle heart, from what she could tell.
Sirius let out a hoarse bark and drew Remus's attention to him. "We should get Ollie settled and comfortable. Remus, if there's anything you can do to make him more stable for the time being, it would be greatly appreciated."
Remus nodded in agreement. "Of course," he quickly assented and moved closer to Ollie. He began to examine him with a practiced eye, his hands moving with a gentle, almost instinctual precision. While he might not have been a trained Healer, his experience in dealing with the aftermath of his painful transformations as a werewolf had given him a unique understanding of injuries and ailments. As Remus worked, Norah couldn't help but admire his calm and steady demeanor.
It was a stark contrast to the chaos and danger they had just escaped. She glanced at the scars that crisscrossed his face and hands, reminders of the battles he had fought, as a werewolf and as a member of Dumbledore's Order of the Phoenix, from what she had heard Father speak of the organization in times past.
She wondered what other stories those scars held, what other trials he had endured.
Kreacher, ever watchful, offered his assistance quietly, fetching supplies and assisting in any way he could. It was clear that the old house-elf held a deep-rooted respect for the Lupin family, much to Norah's surprise. Once Olie was stabilized to the best of their abilities, Remus turned to Norah with a weary expression.
"He should be as comfortable as we can make him for now," he said. "We'll have to ensure my father looks at him as soon as possible, but he's in good hands here."
Norah nodded, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. She knew that they still faced uncertain challenges, but at least for the moment, they were safe, cared for, and surrounded by allies, people they could trust. And as she looked at Remus, she couldn't help but feel a growing sense of trust and camaraderie with this fellow survivor of the moon's curse. Sirius, after ensuring Ollie was made as comfortable as possible, turned to Norah with a look of determination.
"I'll need to leave soon to warn the others on night duty tonight if the message old Snivellus sent me holds any truth, but I promise to return when I can. In the meantime, make sure Ollie rests and stays as calm as possible." He strode towards Remus and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "My cousin is in good hands here. Remus and Lyall will look out for him." Only when Remus nodded his agreement did Sirius return his gaze to Norah.
Norah nodded, her heart brimming with gratitude towards Sirius. "Thank you, Sirius," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "We are truly grateful for all your help." With a final, reassuring smile and a fleeting glance at Remus, Sirius Disapparated, leaving Norah, Kreacher, and the unconscious Ollie in the care of Lyall Lupin's son within the safety of his home. As she watched Sirius disappear, Norah couldn't help but contemplate the uncertain future that lay ahead.
She knew that Ollie's recovery would be a formidable challenge. Not only did he have to contend with the potential procedure to remove the Obscurus from his soul, but now he also needed to recover from Nagini's venomous attack. The road to healing would be long and filled with uncertainties.
However, Norah was resolute in her determination to do whatever it took to help Ollie find his way through the darkness that had nearly consumed them both.
As Norah's thoughts drifted to the uncertain path ahead, the creaking of the floorboards near the doorway once more caught her attention. She turned, her gaze shifting from where Sirius had stood moments ago to the figure now entering the room.
Her heart swelled with hope when she saw it was Lyall Lupin, coming to stand in the doorway and observing the grisly scene before him of his son attempting to make Ollie as comfortable as possible, his son's hands now stained with the man's blood. Lyall Lupin's presence seemed to bring an unexpected twist to the room. His kind hazel eyes held a deep understanding of the situation, yet the shock of their arrival was clear in his features.
"Remus," he exclaimed in surprise, his voice both filled with shock and the slightest tinges of disgust to see Ollie Black in such a horrific state, hovering near the brink of death itself. "What in Merlin's name is happening here?" he asked.
Remus looked up from his task, his expression reflecting both exhaustion and the urgency to explain. "Father, it's a long story, but Ollie Black has been poisoned. Can you help him?"
Lyall Lupin's initial surprise gave way to a sense of resignation. He looked at Norah with a heavy heart, shaking his head as he spoke.
"I'm afraid not, son. Poisonous snakebites are not my area of expertise. I was prepared to help this man extract the Obscurial from his soul, not tend to wounds that are killing him. I'm afraid this is beyond my capabilities."
Norah's heart was in her throat at Lyall's words. The gravity of the situation pressed upon her, and the desperation to save Ollie's life was overwhelming. Tears continued to trail down her cheeks as she turned to Remus, her voice filled with raw urgency. "Please, Remus, I can't just let Ollie die here. There has to be something we can do," she pleaded, her lower lip quivering in her anguish. She returned her attention to Remus's father when Remus could only shoot her an apologetic look, his helplessness apparent.
Lyall Lupin, his expression etched with pain, nodded in agreement. "Norah, there might be one option. We could seek out Professor Horace Slughorn. He's a renowned Potions Master and used to teach at Hogwarts. He taught me and my son when Remus was of age to attend Hogwarts. He might have the expertise or the necessary potions to counteract the venom. It's a long shot, but it's worth trying."
Remus, exhaustion evident in every line of his face, supported his father's idea. "It might be our best chance, Norah. Professor Slughorn is highly well-connected and resourceful and might be willing to help if you can convince him. Especially if he sees me." An odd look flashed across Remus's scarred and rugged features, though Norah had no time to ponder what the look meant as he continued. "He'll recognize me as a former member of the Slug Club and as Lyall Lupin's son. It might make him more inclined to assist the son of the world-renowned expert on Boggarts and Non-Spiritus Apparatus if I go with you."
Norah nodded, grateful for his offer and his company. She wasted no time, wiping away her tears and preparing to leave.
The weight of the task was immense, but her determination to save the man she loved was unwavering.
Though a part of her was terrified, she was ready to venture into the heart of wizarding society to seek the help they so desperately needed, fueled by the love and gratitude she felt for Ollie and the Lupin family. Determination burned brightly in Norah's eyes as she nodded resolutely.
"Where can I find him? I'm willing to do whatever it takes to save Ollie, just as he's saved me," Norah murmured in a trembling voice.
Lyall Lupin offered a faint but appreciative smile. "Horace Slughorn is known to frequent certain wizarding establishments in Diagon Alley. He's fond of his social gatherings. Start there, and if you explain the urgency of the situation, he might be inclined to assist."
As she turned on her heels and prepared to flee, Norah turned towards Remus and stretched a trembling hand towards him. He took it firmly, their fingers intertwining in a silent pledge to do whatever it took to save Ollie. The man's hand was warm, a stark contrast to the cold fear that had gripped her heart just moments ago.
"Thank you, Remus, for coming with me," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "I hope we find him…" She trailed off, concerned, as she looked into Remus Lupin's dark brown eyes. Remus gave her a weary yet reassuring smile.
"We'll find him, Norah. And we'll do everything in our power to save Ollie. In the meantime, my father will ensure he's kept comfortable here," he promised.
Only when Norah nodded did she allow herself to be led away by Remus, and together, they left the Lupin cottage and made their way to the hidden entrance of Diagon Alley once they were a safe enough distance away from Lyall's house to Disapparate.
Norah had been to Diagon Alley countless times, but today, it felt different. The bustling streets, the colorful shops, and the indistinct chatter of witches and wizards were a stark contrast to the somber mood that weighed on her heart. She couldn't help but glance at Remus from time to time, wondering how he was faring under the pressure of the situation. As they navigated the winding cobblestoned streets of Diagon Alley, they kept an eye out for any sign of Horace Slughorn. As they made their way through the bustling crowd, Norah's attention was drawn to a figure standing outside The Leaky Cauldron.
A rotund wizard with a walrus-like mustache was holding court with a group of witches and wizards. His distinctive appearance was hard to miss.
Approaching the group nervously with Remus by her side, Norah's voice quivered but held determination as she addressed the man she now knew was the professor only after seeing Remus give a barely noticeable nod of his head out of the corner of her gaze.
"Professor Slughorn, sir," Norah began, her voice quivering with a mix of hope and anxiety, "I'm Norah Wydman, and this is Remus Lupin, in case you don't remember him. We're incredibly grateful to have found you, and we're in dire need of your assistance, sir, please!"
The conversation ground to a sudden halt and every eye in the vicinity turned toward the newcomers.
Professor Horace Slughorn's thick, bushy eyebrows shot up in surprise upon hearing Norah's name.
"Wydman, you say?" he inquired, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. His round, spectacled face seemed to magnify the twinkle, and the wizard's walrus mustache quivered as he spoke. "You wouldn't happen to be related to Willas Wydman, the wandmaker, would you, my dear?"
Norah's heart clenched at the mention of her father, her grief still fresh and raw. She hoped for a chance to properly mourn him once this crisis was over, but for now, she pushed aside her pain, redirecting her focus to their urgent situation.
"Yes, sir," she replied with a tremor in her voice, "I'm his daughter. I regret to inform you that my father has passed away." Her voice faltered as she lowered her lashes, the pain of her loss momentarily overtaking her.
Slughorn's expression shifted from curiosity to sympathy as he listened to Norah's soft admission. His twinkle was now one of understanding, and his walrus mustache seemed to droop slightly in response to the somber news.
"I'm truly sorry to hear about your father, my dear," he said gently, his voice filled with genuine compassion. "Willas Wydman was a talented wandmaker, and his contributions to the magical world were significant. The loss is keenly felt."
Norah nodded, appreciating Slughorn's understanding. She knew that her father had been well-respected in their community, and his death had left a void not only in her heart but in the wizarding world as well.
"But now," Slughorn continued, his voice regaining its usual warmth and vigor, "let us focus on the matter at hand. You say you're in desperate need of my help. Please, my dear, tell me everything. How can I assist you?"
With renewed determination, Norah recounted the dire situation: Ollie's life hanging in the balance, the deadly venom poisoning him slowly, and their journey here to Diagon Alley to seek Slughorn's expertise. Slughorn listened attentively, his spectacled eyes fixed on her, his mustache bristling thoughtfully.
When she had finished her tale, he let out a heavy sigh. Norah's heart sank as a cloud seemed to pass over the retired Potions Master's features.
"I am sorry, my dear Norah, but I cannot help you. You see, the men in the Black family have a lineage that's been associated with nothing but Dark magic and Death Eaters. I have been cautious about involving myself with the Black family for quite some time. Not since…" He trailed off, his gaze growing distant and glossy as he seemed lost in memory, though Horace Slughorn swiftly recovered and was brought back to himself by the sound of Norah choking back a sob. He blinked owlishly and returned his attention to the blonde. "Well, it does not matter. I am sorry, Miss Wydman, that you have come all this way, but this is a matter for the St. Mungo's Healers, I'm afraid."
Norah's heart sank like a stone and she could feel her hope slipping away as Slughorn's expression was steadfast. She could tell the man would not so easily change his mind once it was made up. Her eyes welled up with tears and her shoulders slumped with despair. She had come so far and hoped so much, and now, it felt like their last glimmer of hope was extinguished. The weight of the situation bore down on her, and she struggled to hold back her emotions.
Remus, Merlin bless the man who was standing beside her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Professor Slughorn, sir, we understand your concerns, but this is a dire situation and Ollie Black is not like the rest of the men in his family. His life is currently on the line, and we can't afford to wait for bureaucracy to run its course. Please, is there anything you can do? Any possibility at all? My father is desperate to save his life."
Horace Slughorn's gaze shifted to Remus, his expression unyielding for a moment, but then, something truly remarkable happened, almost a miracle. The moment Remus made mention of his father, Slughorn's eyes seemed to shimmer with curiosity. It was as if a spark had been lit in the depths of the man's spectacle gaze.
A flash of recognition and respect passed through his eyes.
"Dear Lyall, how is the esteemed expert on Boggarts and other Non-Spiritus Apparatus?" he questioned, tilting his head to the side to carefully gauge Remus's expression.
The edges of his scarred lips twitched as though fighting back a wane smile, but Remus maintained his composure and lowered his head in reverence of his former professor's praise for his father.
"Well, sir, thank you for asking," Remus began, "though he would admittedly be much better with your expertise, sir. We're housing Ollie Black in his home, Professor Slughorn and his wounds are beyond my father's capabilities. You see, Ollie Black is an adult Obscurial, if you were not aware. His condition is rare, and it was my father who sent us to fetch you, hoping that your expertise in potions might save his life. He was bitten by a snake. My father is desperate to save Ollie's life, sir, we all are," Remus explained.
The tension in the air seemed to ease, and Norah's faint flicker of hope grew stronger. She watched as Horace Slughorn pondered Remus's words, his mustache twitching thoughtfully.
Horace Slughorn's brows knitted together in a thoughtful expression as he absorbed Remus's urgent plea. The weight of the situation seemed to press down on his round shoulders, and Norah held her breath in anticipation, waiting for his response.
After a pregnant pause, Slughorn's eyes, hidden behind his round spectacles, met Remus's with a newfound seriousness.
"An adult Obscurial, already almost unheard of, most don't live past the age of sixteen, and bitten by a snake, you say, and Lyall sent you for my expertise in potions?" He mused aloud, his voice carrying the weight of contemplation.
Remus nodded earnestly, his hope rekindling. "Yes, Professor. We believe your knowledge and skill with potions may be the key to saving Ollie's life."
Slughorn's walrus mustache bristled thoughtfully once more as he considered the gravity of the situation. Norah could see the internal struggle in his eyes, a battle between his reservations about the Black family and his commitment to his former student's father as a dear friend.
Finally, the former Potions Master of Hogwarts let out a deep sigh, his cheeks flushed and turning ruddy with determination.
"Very well, Mr. Lupin, and Miss Wydman," he said with a nod, addressing Norah with professional courtesy. "Lead the way. We cannot allow bloodlines or old grudges to obstruct the preservation of a life. I will do everything within my power to aid Ollie Black. Interestingly, I've recently devised a potion of my own creation, intended specifically for injuries caused by venomous creature bites. I was contemplating naming it 'The Elixir of Vitality,' and perhaps this situation offers a chance to assess its efficacy on a human subject."
Norah couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude and admiration for Professor Slughorn's willingness to put aside his concerns to save Ollie's life. It was a testament to the power of desperation and the bonds that connected the magical community in times of dire need.
Beside her, with a grateful nod of his head, Remus replied, "Thank you, Professor Slughorn. Your assistance means more than we can ever express."
Norah's faint flicker of hope had now grown into a steady flame, and she couldn't help but offer her own words of gratitude. "We truly appreciate your willingness to help, sir."
Horace Slughorn's round face broke into a warm smile, and he patted Remus affectionately on the shoulder. "No need for thanks, my dear boy. One generation must assist the next, and I see the urgency in both of your eyes. Lead the way."
With that, Horace Slughorn allowed Remus and Norah to escort him through Diagon Alley, to a side alleyway where it was safe for them to Disapparate back towards Lyall's home. As they Apparated into the wizarding hamlet in which Lyall had settled, they approached the cottage, Remus couldn't help but feel a mix of apprehension and hope. He knew that his father had put his trust in them to bring back the one person who might save Ollie Black's life.
Horace Slughorn's presence now added a layer of confidence, but the outcome remained uncertain.
They reached the doorstep of his father's house and Remus hesitated for a moment before stretching his hand to open the front door of the cottage, though the door opened before he could twist the knob, revealing his father standing on the other side of the door, Lyall's exhausted expression a mixture of relief and anxiety as he saw his son, Norah, and the familiar Potions Master.
"Lyall, my dear man," Professor Slughorn greeted his former student and now associate warmly, "I've heard of the situation. Your son and the charming young lady here have convinced me of the urgency. Let's see what we can do for Mr. Black, then, shall we?"
Inside Lyall Lupin's home, a sense of urgency filled the air. The walls seemed to absorb the tension and anxiety that had lingered for so long.
Norah, Remus, Lyall, and Professor Slughorn gathered around the sofa that held the still-unconscious form of Ollie Black. His skin was pallid, and his breathing was shallow and labored. The venom from the snake bite on his arm had taken a severe toll on him.
Slughorn wasted no time and Norah stepped aside to allow the Potions Master to inspect the damage as he stepped forward, but as she turned on her heels to step away to give him the space he needed to work, the elderly wizard caught her wrist and halted her.
"You may stay, dear child, if you wish. I could use your assistance in keeping him still, though I warn you, venom extraction is painful."
Norah hesitated for a moment, her worry for Ollie warring with her fear of witnessing his pain. She glanced at Remus, who nodded in silent encouragement. Taking a deep breath, she nodded back at Professor Slughorn and positioned herself on the opposite side of the sofa, opposite to where the Potions Master was working. Lyall hovered nearby, his eyes fixed on his son's pale face, his worry etched deep into his furrowed brow. He couldn't help but blame himself for his inability to help Ollie other than making him comfortable.
Remus, though concerned for Sirius's cousin, knew there was little he could do at the moment. He watched as Professor Slughorn waved his wand and meticulously prepared the potions and tools needed for the venom extraction as a small wooden side table appeared on his left side. Slughorn's hands, though aged and wrinkled, moved with precision and expertise. He began by carefully inspecting the snake bites littered on Ollie's arm, muttering incantations under his breath.
Norah could feel Ollie's hand tremble slightly as he slowly started to regain consciousness, a testament to the excruciating pain he must be feeling.
"Easy now, Mr. Black," Slughorn said soothingly, placing a reassuring and firm hand on Ollie's shoulder and giving a light squeeze. "We're going to extract the venom and have you feeling better in no time."
Ollie, groggy and disoriented, barely managed a weak nod, his eyes flickering open and shut, barely perceptively.
The room was tense with anticipation as Professor Slughorn used his wand to create a numbing balm, gently applying the foul-smelling green paste that nearly made Norah retch her breakfast to the snakebite to minimize the pain. Norah watched closely, her heart aching for Ollie, and it took everything she had within herself not to burst into tears at the sight of the man she loved in such physical pain.
As Professor Slughorn began the venom extraction, Ollie's teeth clenched, the agony threatening to escape his lips. Norah, her fingers intertwined with his, held on firmly, offering unwavering support. Remus remained by their side, his gaze never wavering from Norah and Ollie, ready to assist in any way necessary.
The pain was even more excruciating than Norah had anticipated. With each cut, drain, and painstaking extraction, Ollie's swearing filled the room. He unleashed a torrent of colorful curses in violent, rambling bursts, some of which even surprised Norah, who, over the past several years, had spent many a full moon engaged in her bouts of colorful language. The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension and discomfort, but they pressed on.
Norah's grip on Ollie's hand never wavered her presence a beacon of support amid the storm. Remus, too, held his ground, a pillar of unwavering strength as they all endured the painful process together. Professor Slughorn's determination never faltered as he worked meticulously to extract every last trace of venom.
Each passing minute seemed to stretch into an eternity as Professor Slughorn painstakingly extracted the venom. His face displayed a blend of unwavering concentration and deep concern. The room was saturated with tension, and the minutes dragged on relentlessly.
Then, at long last, a sigh of relief escaped Professor Slughorn's lips.
The heavy burden that had settled onto his shoulders lifted as he meticulously sealed the wound and administered an antidote to eliminate any lingering traces of venom. The room seemed to exhale collectively, their anxious breaths easing into a collective sigh of relief.
However, the ordeal had taken a toll on Ollie. As the pain continued to pulse through his body, he heaved with sobbing gasps, his strength waning. Seeking comfort and solace, he buried his head in Norah's chest, her embrace providing the only respite from the torment.
Gradually, the pain became too much to bear, and Ollie succumbed to unconsciousness, his body finally finding a brief reprieve from the relentless agony.
"That should do it, I am pleased to report that my elixir was an astonishing success, truly remarkable, more than I could have hoped for," Slughorn said with a small smile of satisfaction, wiping the sweat from his brow. "He'll need rest and several days to recover, but he should be alright. I would recommend he not allow himself to become too delved into anxiety while he heals, and a light diet of soups should settle his stomach which will lightly be out of sorts for the first few days or so."
Lyall Lupin let out a sigh of relief, and a grateful smile tugged at the corner of Norah's lips as her eyes filled with tears once more, though this time they were tears of elation as Ollie's breathing steadied as she held him, and color was already beginning to return to his cheeks. He would live.
"Thank you, Professor Slughorn, how can I ever thank you enough for this?" Norah said sincerely, her eyes glistening with gratitude.
The Potions Master nodded, his gaze softening as he beheld the young blonde witch holding onto Ollie Black as if her life depended on him and managed a wry smile.
"You owe me nothing. It was a team effort, Miss Wydman, my dear. Now, let's get Mr. Black here comfortable and allow him to rest. He's been through quite an ordeal."
Together, they carefully moved Ollie to the guest bedroom in which he and Norah were staying as guests of Lyall Lupin's until the Obscurus could safely be extracted from his soul. Together, they tucked him in and ensured he was comfortable.
As they slowly trickled out of the bedroom, the sense of urgency that had filled the air began to dissipate, replaced by a feeling of hope and relief.
Ollie was going to be alright, thanks to the quick thinking and skilled hands of those who cared for him.
"I've done all that I can," Slughorn announced as they stood outside Ollie and Norah's bedroom, with a mixture of exhaustion and hope in his voice. "I can leave you with a potion to help ease his pain, but it will be up to Mr. Black's strength to ultimately pull through. There is a small chance that he may develop a slight fever due to all of this, but nothing is for certain, though it is best to be prepared for anything," he advised softly.
Lyall Lupin nodded in understanding, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Horace, my friend. Your expertise has given him a fighting chance. May I escort you home?" he offered kindly.
It was Remus who broke the silence that lingered heavily in the air outside Ollie and Norah's bedroom as he gently suggested that Norah should sit by Ollie's side, ensuring that her face would be the first thing he saw if he regained consciousness, she smiled gratefully.
"You're right, Remus," she said softly, her eyes filled with a mixture of relief and affection. "I should be there for him." As she turned to disappear inside the bedroom for the remainder of the night, she paused, her hand on the doorknob, and slowly twisted her head to regard Remus. "Sirius mentioned that you're Tonks' partner. She's lucky, to have such a good man like you," she remarked, her tone soft and sincere.
Her eyes locked onto Remus and she was surprised to see that her words had struck a chord as a blush crept onto his cheeks as the implication of her words settled in. Norah chuckled as a sheepish smile played on Remus Lupin's scarred lips, her laughter warm and genuine.
She stepped closer to him, her voice gentle as she spoke. "Remus, you seem a good man. I know that you've been through so much, given…what we are, and you seem to care deeply for your friends and even strangers like Ollie and me whom you've not known long at all. You deserve your peace and happiness just as much as anyone else."
Norah met Remus's gaze, her heart filled with a mix of surprise and gratitude. She knew he had his reservations, his complicated past that he was afraid to drag someone into. Still, she couldn't help but smile, her expression softening as she reached out to place a reassuring hand on his arm.
"Remus, sometimes we all need to take a chance, to let someone in, even if it's terrifying," she murmured, her eyes locked with his. "Don't let the past hold you back from the possibility of something more. We deserve more."
She saw uncertainty flicker in his eyes, and she squeezed his arm gently, trying to convey her sincerity. "Perhaps, Norah, you're right," he finally admitted.
Norah's smile grew, and a sense of hope filled her. She believed in the potential for something beautiful between them.
"I'm glad to hear it, Remus," she replied, her voice soft and reassuring. "Tonks could be your peace, your happiness if you let her. Now, I'll be with Ollie. Go and get some rest. You've earned it too, sir."
Without waiting to see Remus's expression, she turned on her heels and quietly entered the spare bedroom, gently closing the door behind her. Determination welled up within her. She believed in the possibility of love and happiness, not just for Remus but for herself as well.
And in that moment, she was determined to do whatever it took to make it happen.
Inside the dimly lit bedroom, Norah found Ollie sleeping fitfully, the dosages of Calming Draught Professor Slughorn had given him had not quite yet taken effect. Rushing to Ollie's side, she sat down on the edge of the bed, brushing away a strand of his black hair from his pale, sweaty forehead. The events of the evening had been physically and emotionally charging, and Norah couldn't help but reflect on her own life. She had been through so much already, as had poor Ollie.
Ollie, with his quiet strength and the pain that seemed to haunt him, had been a mystery to her at first.
She had the hidden glances he would give her when he thought she wasn't looking, the vulnerability he allowed himself to show when he was with her, and it touched something deep within Norah.
Norah let her gaze fall to the wedding band on her finger, and with determination burning in her heart, Norah knew she could not wait until Ollie was well enough, to marry the wizard who had stolen her heart before she'd even known it was gone. The chance for them to have a brighter, happier future now that the Dark Lord had no further use for Ollie, deeming him dead, caused her heart to swell with hope.
Quietly, she whispered to Ollie, as if sharing her newfound resolve with him and hoping he could hear her.
"We're going to take that chance, Ollie, my love. You and I, deserve the happiness life can bring us."
As she watched her fiancé sleep, a sense of hope and determination washed over her. Norah was ready to embrace the complications and uncertainties that came with love, for herself, and for the Obscurial who had captured her heart. The minutes stretched into hours, and Norah never left Ollie's side, not even to eat, leaving Lyall to set the bowls of soup he had brought for them on a small wooden table across the room.
It was close to dawn when Ollie's eyes fluttered open, and a glimmer of consciousness returned. Ollie found himself in Lyall Lupin's guest bedroom, the soft glow of candles casting gentle shadows on the walls. Norah's face came into focus as he blinked away the grogginess.
Ollie's eyes slowly adjusted to the dimly lit room, and he felt a dull ache coursing through his body. The memory of the venomous bite from Nagini and the excruciating pain that had followed rushed back to him.
He tried to speak, but his throat felt dry.
Norah, her eyes brimming with relief and worry, leaned in closer. "Ollie, you're awake," she softly, her slender fingers gently tracing his cheek. "You had us all worried there for a while."
He managed a weak smile. "I'm okay? I….I'm alive?"
Norah nodded, her eyes shining with tears. "Yes, love, you're going to be okay. Professor Slughorn worked his magic and removed the venom. You just need to rest and a few weeks to recover."
Ollie tried to sit up, but his body immediately protested, and he winced in pain. Norah quickly reached for a glass of water on the bedside table and helped him to take a sip.
"Easy, now," she murmured. "You need to take it slow."
As he settled back against the pillows, Ollie's gaze fell on the wedding band on Norah's finger. The sight of it brought back a rush of emotions. He had been planning to marry her, to start a new life together, before this unexpected encounter with the Dark Lord that nearly killed them both.
Memories of the attack, which had taken place just hours ago, came flooding back. Norah had been there alongside him, witnessing the horror firsthand.
Ollie couldn't help but shudder at the memory.
Norah's eyes filled with tears as she sensed Ollie's thoughts, her grip on his hand never faltering, her eyes locking with his. "We're going to get through this, Ollie," she said, her voice soft yet resolute. "The chance for us to have a brighter, happier future is still here. Voldemort has no further use for you. You're safe now, both of us, we're safe."
Ollie couldn't hold back the tears any longer, and they streamed down his cheeks. His voice was hoarse as he whispered, "Thank you, Norah. You've been my strength through all of this."
She smiled through her tears, leaning in to kiss his forehead. "I love you, Ollie. And we're going to honor Dominic together, give him the farewell he deserves."
Tears welled up in his eyes again, and this time he found his voice. "He was so brave, Norah, just like you. And I love you too, more than words can say."
The room seemed to fill with a sense of hope and relief as Ollie's eyes met Norah's, and they both knew that they had faced a dire situation together and come out on the other side, stronger and more committed to each other than ever before.
Lyall Lupin's eyes twinkled with a touch of mirth as he turned his attention to Ollie, his gaze momentarily lingering on their joined hands and wedding bands.
"Well, Mr. Black," he began, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "When do you and Miss Wydman intend to make it official and tie the knot?"
Ollie exchanged a glance with Norah, their smiles growing warmer. "As soon as I'm well enough, sir," he replied without hesitation, determination in his voice. "I've waited long enough, and life's too short not to seize the moments of happiness as they come."
Norah squeezed his hand lovingly, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I couldn't agree more."
Remus watched the exchange with a soft smile but said nothing. The room was filled with a sense of hope and possibility as they all looked toward the future.
Lyall Lupin nodded approvingly after a pause. "That's the spirit, Ollie. We'll be here to support you both every step of the way."
No mention was made of Lyall's impending plans to attempt to extract the Obscurial from Ollie's soul, a potentially dangerous magical procedure that could kill him, though it hung in the air between them, no one dared speak of the grim event out loud and ruin the mood.
Instead, Ollie and Norah continued to talk about wedding plans and shared dreams of the future, the room seemed to glow with the promise of a brighter tomorrow.
The scars of their past would always be a part of them, but they had each other, and together, they could heal and build a future filled with love, happiness, and the hope of better days yet to come.