June 21st 1918

Waking up the next morning was a momentous task due to how utterly comfortable I was. An insistent tapping on the window is what truly roused me from my sleep. When I got up I found an owl persistently tapping my window. I opened it immediately and the owl swooped inside, dropping a scroll on my bed before flying away again. I unrolled the parchment to find a letter from Ominis. That was a much quicker reply than I was expecting. I read quickly, absorbing every word in anticipation.

Miss Merope Gaunt,

I admit I find myself surprised by your letter and your request. I was unaware that Marvolo had any children. Although I am not surprised due to his fanatical appreciation of being Salazar Slytheran's descendant. I am not surprised by his atrocious behavior to you as I also experienced it as a child. I find his son's behavior rather disturbing as well. I understand why you would reach out to me, however I find myself insufficient in my ability to care for a child. I still intend to meet you, so I can guide you in future possibilities. Regardless, I will be contacting the authorities in regards to Marvolo's abuse. I hope your brother will receive the help he needs to be a balanced person eventually. I will meet you in the Leaky Cauldron at six in the evening today. If that is inconvenient to you please owl me before the time stated above.

Sincerely, Ominis Gaunt

Wow, now that is the response of a responsible adult. I flopped back onto the bed. I really hope the meeting goes well. Ominis seems like he'd be a cool guardian as long as you don't do dark arts. As I thought about meeting him I drifted back to sleep without meaning to.

When I woke up again it was long past morning. I must have been more tired than I realized. I rolled out of bed and put on my spare clothes. I folded up the smock and cape in my bag as I pulled out everything and reorganized it. Rereading Ominis's letter I realized I wouldn't be able to make it back to the orphanage tonight. With only an hour to talk and then walk back it would be impossible. Well another night here won't destroy my wallet, but a day in Diagon Alley might. Self control, I told myself firmly, you can't even carry any of this stuff so there's no point in buying anything yet. A part of me felt disgruntled at this reality, but another part had more sense. I left the room and entered the main bar area. I got a nice big breakfast and was surprised to find out what time it was. 12:30 in the afternoon which means I still have plenty of time to explore even if I slept for an absurdly long time. The sausage, eggs and toast were a great way to start the day. Once done I waited for someone to open the entrance to the alley. It didn't take long, as a couple soon went by and I followed them. I drank in the sights and smells of food as I came to this place for the second time. The first shop that caught my eye was a mini clock tower filled with different time pieces. Once inside I saw clocks that showed where people were, lunar clocks, normal time clocks, season clocks, task reminder clocks, weather clocks, and date clocks. They had watches and pocket watches of the same kind. What really caught my attention was a pocket watch that had most of those features. In the center was a small sphere with miniature sun inside of it, outside of the sphere on the face were rings one after the other with each feature. Little arrows that clicked into place on every ring at the appropriate place. It was beautiful and extremely useful. But when I looked at the price… 55 galleons! My heart sank. No way was I getting this watch with my current finances in my situation, no matter how useful. I heaved a great sigh as I put it back and walked out of Tick Tock Clock. I'll get it one day, I promise myself. As I walked I spotted many wondrous, and of course magical objects. I almost bought something again from an oriental woman selling accessories. Specifically a trio-set of snake hair sticks. Each had a hair grip enchantment charm to keep the hair in place. They were made of beautiful silver, and had emeralds somewhere in the design. The first one had its eyes closed holding the smooth round gem in its mouth, the second had its mouth closed but its eyes were the green gems, and the last had black gemstones for eyes while holding a dangling emerald on a chain with its mouth. Each one was 10 galleons, for the set it was 25 as a discount. I stared at these until the oriental lady started giving me an impatient look. At which point I forced myself to leave the stand behind. I passed through a lot of shops until something caught my eye again. It was in a second hand shop that also worked as a reputable pawn shop called Misplaced Magic. What I had found was a plainly shaped wooden box made of snake wood. The natural wood pattern made it look far more interesting despite the lack of carvings or embellishments. The seam of the lid had two tarnished metal snakes filling the gap all the way around. At the front the two snakes intertwined and were facing each other. It wasn't very large, maybe the size of one of those thick books from Flourish and Blotts. It was fairly light and by holding it I could get a better size estimate. I'd say about 3 inches tall, 10 inches wide, and 8 inches long. If there was nothing else in my satchel it would fit perfectly. I looked at the two little snakes and almost immediately felt compelled to say hello. I bit my tongue and looked away. I almost forgot that I was probably a parselmouth, and I'd be damned literally and figuratively if I did it in public. Yes, let's announce to Britain that I want to be a social pariah and a suspected dark wizard, excellent idea. I am extremely intrigued by this box though, it doesn't hurt to ask for the price. I've always loved snakes, they're so pretty, cool, fascinating, and sometimes absolutely adorable. It's also why I got so hung up on those hair sticks. I really want to go back and get them. I clamp down on the urge, it's not possible right now, forget it! I make it to the clerk who is probably the owner as well.

"Hello sir, can you tell me about this box?" The pudgy man looked at the box and starts explaining its properties.

"Ah you have a good eye Miss. This box is made of a rare wood called snake wood. Won't find anything else like it in England. This wood had to be imported before it was expertly crafted. There's a secret to opening it that no one has figured out yet, I'm sure the right person could open it given the opportunity. With all it has going for it, I'm offering it at the rare price of 20 galleons!"

"Isn't that too much for a box that won't even open?" I'm going to haggle him down with everything I have, this box is calling to me.

"Well think about what could be inside! And with the help of a curse breaker I'm sure it'd be easy to get open." You think I'm a dumb kid don't you? Alright old man, let's play.

"Or there could be nothing inside. The box's price should be set regardless of what's inside as there is slim to none chance of anything valuable being inside. As for curse breakers, that's another expense on a seemingly useless box. Your price is astronomically high for something so useless." He looked shocked for a moment before looking a tad embarrassed.

"Fair enough Miss, I'll offer it to you for 10 galleons then."

"10 galleons for what would essentially be a paper weight? I'd say it's worth 4 galleons"

"4 galleons! Are you trying to rob me blind? For a paper weight it's at least 8 galleons."

"Hmm, the wood is interesting but it is rather plain in design, 5 galleons."

"The inlaid snakes keep it at 7!"

"The snakes are dull and tarnished, 6 galleons!"

"Deal! 6 galleons, it is Miss." I pull out the money and pay him.

"Thank you sir, have a good day." I hope this box is worth it. Even after cutting the price by 14 galleons, 6 galleons is still a lot of money. In muggle money it'd be nearly 30 pounds! As I walk I realize the sun is getting closer to the horizon and ask a passerby for the time. 5:52! I'm going to be late! I dash back to the Leaky as quickly as I can. I'm breathing hard and sweating a bit with the box clutched to my chest. It's pressing the slytherin locket into my sternum a little painfully as I get to the dining and bar area. I saw Tom the barman near me and asked the time. The twenty year old replied, "6:01." I pressed my lips together, not too late but not on time either. I looked around, trying to spot anyone that could be Ominis, but the seating areas were starting to fill as people came for food and alcohol. I wandered around the tables hoping I'd run into him. No luck so I had to bother Tom again. He at least was easy to find.

"Sorry Tom, have you seen or served anyone named Ominis Gaunt." He gave me a bright smile.

"Course! Saw him over there in the corner."

"Thanks!" He nodded with a grin as I made my way over. I finally saw him. He looked a bit older than he did in the game but that's to be expected. He's probably in his 40s but his appearance suggested mid 20s. Clutching my box a little tighter I stepped to the edge of the table.

"Hello? Mr. Gaunt?" He nodded without looking at me, of course he's blind so there isn't really a point.

"You're Merope?"

"Yes sir."

"Have a seat, and call me Ominis." I did so and waited for a moment.

"Um, it's nice to meet you, and I'd like to hear your thoughts on this matter if that's agreeable."

"Mm, is it? Perhaps after living with my brother it is, as for my thoughts, most of them are what I'm to do with you. I'm not entirely sure why I decided to come here. I have very little to offer you, and I'm certain I would be a horrible guardian. I'm also having trouble thinking of anyone who would be your willing guardian." He was silent for a moment, contemplating. "Tell me what Marvolo has taught you." I want to see how damaged you are was all I heard as the hidden undertone of that request.

"Um, n-not much. He talked, actually more shouted, a lot about being the heir of Salazar Slytherin, how pure our blood is, and how important the family heirlooms are. He called the muggles, who passed the shack, dirty blood and foul. I can't recall his teaching me anything else. I snuck into the town's church sometimes where a sister there taught me how to read and write. The snakes in the woods taught me how to forage for food." He considered me for a moment before asking.

"How do you feel about muggles and muggleborns?"

"Um, I don't see why Marvolo is so hateful towards them. Unless he's jealous?" Ominis laughed at this. "After all they had food, nicer clothes, money, and houses that were warm, clean, and well cared for. As I see it, the only difference between me and muggles is magic, for muggle borns it's culture. A culture which I'm not even sure I'm a part of. I feel even more ignorant than muggle borns most of the time." Ominis didn't say anything, and I was too uncomfortable to do anything but slowly run my fingertips over the box I held. Nothing was heard but the sound of the Leaky Cauldron's rowdy patrons. Eventually I couldn't stand the silence, the lack of information.

"I er… I really don't need much! Just somewhere to live until Hogwarts. A book or too occasionally, and a place for the summer. I'll stay at Hogwarts for holiday's and you won't have to bother with me. I've practically taken care of myself since I could walk. I can also do chores and help with what I can. I just need someone to take me in, that's all." He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You may be fine with that, but it's no way to raise a child. A child needs affection and care, something I would struggle to provide."

"Well it's either you or some stranger that escapes your consideration. I know who I'd pick if I had a choice." He doesn't answer, he seems uncomfortable with the pressure of making a choice.

"Ominis!?" An unknown voice came from somewhere over the din. Ominis goes lightning straight as a man comes over smiling. He could probably be a model if there weren't a few thick jagged scars reaching across the left side of his face. Each one reaches from his forehead to his neck. One runs over his eye leaving it without a pupil and pale. When I take a closer look I can see that his neck and arms are also heavily scarred. His hair is long and honey brown, and his right eye is a brilliant dappled azure blue with a deep midnight blue wrapping the edges. "Hey, it's been ages."

"Myran?" He asks hesitantly.

"Yep! How has my snarky little slytherin been?" He chokes out an indignant sound.

"I am not snarky." Myran grinned as if he just won something. He leaned in close to him and ran a finger along Ominis's jaw before gently holding his chin as Myran whispers. "Good on you to admit you are my little slytherin." Ominis turned bright red and he sputters out garbled denials before he coughs to clear his throat.

"Myran, this is my niece Merope Gaunt. Merope, this is my former classmate Myran Pedrick." Myran looks at me and offers his hand.

"Pleasure to meet you." As I answer with a "you too" he sits across the table from me next to Ominis.

"So what are we talking about?" His brazen attitude is like a breath of fresh air but the question brings us back to the uncertainty of our conversation. I didn't say anything and Ominis looked exasperated as he took a breath before answering.

"Merope was being abused by my brother Marvolo while she was in his care. I'm trying to figure out who would be willing to take care of her." Myran looked sad before he spoke again.

"Why can't you take her in? You're not rich or anything but I know you could support her, and have the heart for it." Ominis huffed at him, annoyed.

"As I told Merope, I would be a terrible guardian because a child needs attention. Something that I would fail spectacularly at!" Myran hummed at that.

"You definitely don't show your emotions very often. I suppose I'll just have to help." The proclamation came out of nowhere stunning both of us.

"What do you mean you'll have to help?" Ominis questioned suspiciously.

"I'll move in with you." He answered matter of fact. "You get a companion, help with Merope, and a little extra income. I'm back in Britain for a while and I'll probably stay until my latest job decides I'm too much trouble." Ominis goes a little red at the word companion before stumbling over his next question.

"If you are eager to help, why don't you adopt her?"

"Ominis…" He sighed painfully. "I was bitten, at the end of our seventh year. I don't have that right in Britain anymore." Ominis sucked in a sharp breath.

"You, I mean. What? Why didn't you…? You never told me." Myran looked sad at his reaction.

"No, I didn't. I didn't want to worry you, Sebastian, or any of my friends. I didn't want to find out who would turn me away for suddenly becoming a monster. I needed to leave, to figure it out before the world decided my place for me. I'm sorry." Ominis was holding his face in his hands. It must be a lot to find out your school friend is a werewolf and has been hiding it from you. He took a shaky breath before answering.

"I don't care if you're a werewolf, I care that you disappeared for 25 years and hardly wrote, let alone visited!" Myran flinched at that. I could see moisture building in his eyes at his words.

"I really am sorry Ominis, I know it was wrong. I just want to make it up to you." He hesitated before asking, "Will you give me a chance too?" Ominis ran a hand through his hair. He nodded slowly as if the act could result in his destruction.

"I'll give you a chance. I… well I missed you Myran and I don't want to see you disappear again." Myran reached over and squeezed Ominis's hand.

"I won't disappear this time." It is at this most inopportune time that I elicit a very loud sneeze. Their hands jump apart and they both have lovely pink tinge on their cheeks.

"Sorry" I whispered, a little bit of pink coloring my own cheeks. Myran spoke up immediately.

"No, no it's fine. I'm the one who interrupted you two. Ah! That's right we were talking about us moving in with Ominis." Ominis's eyebrows pulled together.

"I think it was a bit more complicated than that, Myran." He shrugged his shoulders.

"If you say so. But really, you should take in your niece and I can help with most of the emotional aspects. What do you think, kid?"

"I'm okay with it." I said as Ominis huffed.

"I still need some time to think about it. Myran and I will further our discussion or I'll reach out to some potential guardians. Where are you currently staying? I'd like to know how to best reach you." I sat up with a little hope followed quickly by a visible wilting of despair.

"I'll be at Wool's Orphanage tomorrow. It's a muggle orphanage so owls aren't the best idea. I'll be here at the Leaky tonight. It was nice to meet you both. I um, I appreciate you coming to talk with me." I steeled my emotions as I forced myself not to ask him to consider adopting me again. "We, I mean… I'd be nice to get to know you regardless, bye." I hurried away hoping my desperation wasn't too obvious. Requesting another room for the night was quick along with an order of dinner in my room. I glanced at the corner as I grabbed my key. They were both still talking. I looked away and went to my room. It happened to be the same one I stayed in last night. I flopped onto the bed and replayed the conversation in my head. I lay there until a knock at the door came. Getting up and opening the door revealed young Tom with a tray. I thanked him as I received it. I enjoyed the chicken with a side dish of potatoes, asparagus, and sausage. I left the tray outside my door when everything was eaten then turned my attention to the box.

Excitedly, I picked up and examined the intertwined snakes at the front. The compulsion to speaking to it returned and I complied.

"Hello." The two heads turned to face me as I let out the hissing sounds. "I'm Merope, can you speak?" The snake heads didn't respond. "Will you unlock the box for me please?" The snakes returned to their former positions and I heard a faint click. An excited smile graced my face when I was able to open the box.

Current Currency: 16 pounds, 89 galleons, 14 sickles, 5 knuts