A/N:Thank you for your patience as I churned this last chapter out! I felt it necessary to fill in some major gaps and milestones as we begin to dive deeper into our 9th year! With that said, I hope you enjoy :)
Year 9
Late Fall, 1998
Luck was a fickle thing- if one believed in such. How quickly it could change the tides of life, events unfolding from deep heartache to unrelenting joy. Arah wouldn't dare question it, for fear it would jinx the rare bout of luck and all come crashing down. Perhaps it was payment for all the absolute shite she'd been through. Honestly, it was about damn time things turned around for her. It was as if her morning tea were spiked with a bottle of Felix Felices.
Jacob had gotten his sight back. After a year of grueling research, trial and error, and perseverance, they'd finally done it. With the help of Olivia (his now girlfriend), they'd found a cure. Thanks to an enhanced Oculus Potion from Moste Potente Potions, his ailment was cleared. Arah would never forget the way Jacob's cloudy eyes cleared as if the sun had finally burned away the haze of a misty morning. They laughed, cried, hugged, and cheered all while admiring the sun as it sank below the rolling hills of the English Countryside. Although, Arah suspected Jacob watched Olivia more than the actual sunset.
The very next day Olivia and Jacob decided to take a sabbatical and travel across the world. Life was too short not to enjoy all the beauty it offered. Just yesterday, Arah received an owl- a postcard from the Maldives. They had just swam with a giant squid in the Arabian Sea. Arah couldn't be happier for them.
On top of that, work was going surprisingly well. Ever since Arah solved the Cursed Quill case, Flump had become noticeably less of a jerk- nice even. Ruby had avoided Azkaban and now worked in actual Magical Maintenance as punishment. It felt fitting. As much as Arah held onto unresolved resentment, Azkaban would have been far too harsh. Ruby had lost herself and was doing her best to make amends, giving what pertinent information she could to help track down her ex-girlfriend, Eris. Now and then, Arah would receive a letter from Ruby, the note filled with apologies and regret. Arah hadn't found the strength to respond, but maybe one day, she would.
Then there was Callum. Something had shifted between them these last few months, bringing them closer. They took on different cases throughout Western Europe; from cursed crypts filled with Inferi to hexed family heirlooms that turned one's hands into Bubotubers. Together, they solved it all. Callum had made a noticeable effort to get to know Arah better outside of work. She could hardly believe it when he agreed to accompany her to her friend's house gathering a couple of months ago. He even seemed to enjoy himself- and she as well. It was... nice.
Arah found her cheeks aching, no longer trying to keep the smile from her face. She massaged her jaw, turning her attention back to the half-finished game of Exploding Snap on the table. Callum strode up, handing Arah an ice-cold pumpkin fizz.
"Sorry, I know you prefer Gillywater, but the vending machine was out, so I got you the next best bevvy."
"Thanks chap." she grinned, twisting open the bottle with a hiss. "What do I owe you?"
Callum waved it off. "Nye, my treat."
"What for?"
"Putting up with me for the last year." He shot her a crooked smile.
Merlin, had it already been that long? A year ago, Callum had been nothing but an arrogant prick of a mentor, but now? He was still very much that, but Arah had discovered a whole new side of him- he could be sensitive and kind, and sometimes a little goofy when he wanted to be. Callum had become a true friend.
"You haven't been that bad." She looked down, unable to meet his gaze. "I don't think I'd have lasted this long at the ROCC without you."
"Aye, you'd have been just fine," Callum shrugged off the compliment before studying the mess of cards before him. "Now, was it my turn or yours?"
Just as Arah was about to flip a card, the smell of licorice and aftershave wafted to her nostrils with the gloom to follow. She didn't even have to look up to know Crescent Flump was looming over her shoulder. Just her luck.
"Hello Flump." Arah said flatly.
"Agent." He greeted tersely. "I hate to interrupt this very important work, but I need to speak to you about an urgent matter at your workspace."
Arah groaned. "Now?"
"Now." he ordered, his face just as punchable as always.
Arah glimpsed at Callum, studying him to see if he might have a clue what this could possibly be about. As if reading her gaze, he gave her an unknowing shrug. Letting out a sigh, Arah stood from her seat.
"After you." Flump gestured as she trailed behind him.
They walked down the endless halls and winding steps in silence, his posture more stiff than usual (if that were even possible). Perhaps her luck had finally run dry. Maybe he was finally going to fire her for being so behind on the mountain of paperwork she'd been putting off for months. Perhaps she would be demoted. Arah bit her tongue, holding back the curiosity to demand what he could possibly want to discuss.
As they made their way down the final flight of steps, Flump continued forward instead of turning to her desk placed directly under the dark and gloomy stairs.
"Sir, my workspace is over here..." But as Arah spoke, he trudged on, barely glancing in her direction.
"No, it's not."
"But-" It was then, Flump stopped in front of a brand new desk made of pristine mahogany placed along a line of other tidy desks, overlooking the ROCC lobby. Atop the wooden surface sat a rare box of Jammie Dodgers and a bottle of Goblin-made Wine with a red bow. Arah blinked, feeling as if she'd been hit with a Confundus charm.
"I...don't understand."
"This is your new workspace." He knocked his stubby knuckles on the surface, the corner of his lips quirked upwards. "Well done, Agent. You're being promoted."
Arah's brows shot up, surprised at the recognition. "I... I am?"
A wave of applause swelled in the room as ROCC agents stood from their desks, smiling with glee as they looked upon her with praise. Arah flushed at the attention, the shock waning as realization set in. A giddiness burst within her chest, warmth spreading throughout as she beamed from ear to ear. In the corner, Callum stood, clapping with the rest of the agents, giving her a sly grin. The bastard knew all along.
"Congratulations Agent Annon. Please take the rest of the afternoon to settle in and get your new space in order. Last I saw, you had quite the collection of paperwork collecting dust." He gave her a knowing look.
"Yes sir," She nodded, unable to keep from smiling, "Thank you sir."
Flump gave her a nod, his droopy eyes filled with warmth. "Keep up the good work."
Arah wiped her brow, dropping off another box of things at her new workspace. It wasn't much further than her old desk, but she sure had collected quite a lot of things from the past year here.
Rubbing dusty hands on her slacks, Arah looked at the old workspace she had once shared with Ruby when they first started at the ROCC. There were cobwebs collected in the corners and a thin layer of dust coating everything. It was impossible to keep clean with the amount of soot that fell from the ceiling when people trampled up and down the steps day in and day out. Yet strangely, Arah found a surprising fondness for the grimey old spot. This dingy corner had once been filled with whispered giggles and memories of a newfound friendship. But that was an old chapter in her life, one Arah could look back on with appreciation. Now, it was time to turn the page and start a new one.
Callum stood beside her, panting as he surveyed the stacks of papers and books that still remain. "Blimey, how much paperwork can you have?!"
"I have a system." Arah shot back defensively.
"Aye? And does that system involve ignoring it completely?"
Arah sneered at him, sticking out her tongue. "Bugger off or keep your comments to yourself. I didn't ask for your help, you know."
"I know." He shot her a crooked smile, the kind that made her neck flush. "I wanted to."
Arah smiled, lifting a particularly hefty pile of files that hadn't been touched in Merlin knows how long when a glint of red caught her eye behind the ancient stack. With furrowed brows, she set down the papers, grabbing the odd trinket covered in dust.
"What's this? " She muttered, swiping off a layer of grime to reveal a glowing red jewel.
With sudden recognition, Arah gasped, dropping the amulet as it clattered to the floor. It wasn't just any amulet, it was her father's. One she had seen him wearing as he had plummeted to his very death. One that Arah had believed cursed him into the cruel man he had become.
Arah stammered back, placing a shaky hand over her mouth as Callum rushed to her side, steadying her with a hand on her back.
"What is it?" He looked at her with concern, dark eyes scanning hers before dropping to the jewel that lay on the floor.
Arah shook her head, a million unanswered questions fleeting through her mind at once. Someone had left this here for her to find. Who knows how long it could have sat there, collecting dust. What could this mean for her? Her father?
"It was my Dad's." She managed to find her voice.
Callum processed this, his dark brows knitting together. "The first time we met, you asked me about cursed amulets. You feared your father had fallen victim to one. Is this... ?"
Arah nodded numbly, thoughts and questions pouring through her mind, stringing into one big blur of nonsense.
"Did you touch it?" Callum's voice spiked with anxiety, grabbing her shoulders, observing her for any signs of affliction. "It could still be cursed!"
"I'm not cursed." Arah looked at her fingers that had grazed the jewel. In her confusion, she didn't even think about handling it with caution. " At least... I don't think I am."
Callum's eyes darted across hers, combing a hand nervously through his black hair. "Come on. We're going to Flump to make sure of it."
The three of them stood in Flump's office, staring at the amulet that sat upon his desk. Arah chewed her nails anxiously.
"And you're sure this is your father's amulet?" Flump questioned.
"Positive."
Flump brought a pudgy hand to his chin, rubbing it in thought. "Only an ROCC member could have dropped this off at your desk," Flump spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. "Someone had to drop it off anonymously."
"Could it have been Ruby?" Callum spoke up.
Arah shook her head, "No. I would have noticed it before she disappeared. I turned our desks upside down for anything I could find that would have helped her."
The two of them didn't question it further.
"First things first, we need to make sure it's no longer cursed for your own safety," Flump stated. "And since Agent Olivia is on leave, I'll need to call in our next best Agent for such matters. Callum, can you fetch Agent Vega?"
Callum nodded before exiting the room, leaving them alone in silence. Arah paced impatiently, her mind reeling with possibilities. What fate had become of her father? Could 'R' be involved in this somehow? Who could have possibly given her this from within the ROCC?
"Arah, why don't you sit down." Flump offered gently.
Arah shook her head, continuing to pace. "I can't."
Flump didn't push the subject.
It wasn't long before a spunky wizard practically waltzed into the room with Callum, dancing on their feet with a sparkling smile that could light up a den of Dementors. Their brown hair was shorn to the scalp, chocolate eyes sparkling with colored eyeliner, ears adorned with piercings and jewels, sporting cargo pants tucked oddly into a pair of colorful socks and ratty combat boots.
"You called, Flumpy?" they sang, bouncing on their heels. "I was just about to head to Tanzania to investigate a group of Erumpet poachers in the Serengeti."
Arah looked at Flump, shocked that an agent would be so brave to address him so casually. The man seemed completely unfazed by Vega's antics.
"I need you to study this amulet and tell us if it's cursed."
"Easy enough." Vega skipped to the desk, looking over the amulet closely before waving their wand over the jewel. A hum filled the room as the air wavered around the gem. Vega must have deemed it safe enough to handle as they picked up the gleaming stone, holding it up in the light and observing it closely. They flicked it, poked it, prodded, then darted their tongue out to taste it.
Arah raised a questioning brow at the odd display. "You're sure they know what they're doing?" she whispered to Callum.
He leaned in close, voice low in her ear. "Aye. Agent Vega is as good as they come. Consider them one of the best."
If Callum trusted them, that was good enough for her. Arah continued to watch the odd display as they bit the metal casing, then proceeded to knock it against Flump's desk and hold it up to their ear as if it were speaking to them.
With a flare of showmanship, they tossed it high in the air before catching it theatrically. "No curse! Clean as a whistle."
Oh.
Disappointment washed over her. If there was no curse, that could only mean her father was never under the influence of any dark magic or evil force at work. He was acting on his own accord.
"Usually people are happy when I tell them they didn't accidentally curse themselves." Vega teased, "You look devastated. Is she devastated?" Vega turned to Flump as if Arah weren't standing in the room with them.
For so long, Arah was convinced the coveted amulet was cursed- that years of possession had warped her once-loving father into the very monster he had become. It was the only redeeming quality Arah had clung to in grieving his death. Perhaps Vega was mistaken.
"Would you be able to tell if it were ever cursed? Arah pressed. "Perhaps it used to be and the curse was broken somehow?"
"From what I can tell, this amulet is and always has been just a plain ol' amulet. No curse. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Nothing."
"I see..."
Arah let the news sink in, her heart lurching painfully. Perhaps she was just a foolish naive girl, clinging to hope that her once caring father was still buried deep within the cruel stranger he had become. Old wounds and grief bubbled to the surface as she swallowed the lump in her throat. "Thank you for looking into it."
"Sure, sorry I didn't have... better news?" Vega frowned, handing the amulet back.
"Thank you, Vega." Flump interjected. "I'm sure the two of you will become better aquatinted now that you're deskmates, but that is all for now."
"Happy to help, boss." Vega smiled kindly, giving a cheeky salute. "And I'm sorry I couldn't tell you what you wanted to hear." They looked to Arah apologetically, before twirling on their feet and bounding out the room.
Unshed tears prickled behind Arah's eyes as she clutched the amulet tightly to her chest, unsure what any of this could mean. Whether this confirmed him dead or... No. She wouldn't go there. Her father was gone, she'd seen it herself. There was no way he'd survive that fall, not without a wand. Not even the most skilled Wizards could manage it.
"Sir, may I leave early for the day?" Arah strained, tampering down the swell of emotions that threatened to flood.
Flump considered this a moment, a shadow of tenderness in his eyes, "You may."
Arah managed a small smile of gratitude, afraid if she spoke, the dam might burst.
A comforting hand gripped her shoulder, "If there anything I can do..." Callum offered kindly.
Arah turned to him, laying a hand over his. "It's okay, I'll be fine."
Raindrops landed on the darkened skylight above, the sound sporadic as they fell with a tap tap tap. Barnaby peered up at the ceiling, tucking his arm beneath his head as he listened to the relaxing lull, the soft rhythm making his eyelids heavy.
He'd have trouble sleeping lately, mind drifting trying not to think of her, yet only ever thinking of her.
Tap tap tap
The rain began to fall harder, blurring the night sky in a watery haze. He tossed in his bed, letting the blankets fall from his bare chest, trying to quiet his conscience so that sleep could come.
TAP TAP TAP
Barnaby shot up, the sound of the attic window rattling against the rain. Barnaby squinted his eyes, making out the shadow of a figure as the taps turned into desperate knocks. Barnaby untangled himself from the blankets, stumbling to the window and turning the rusted knob. A gust of frigid air blew in as Arah stepped through, soaking wet with a broom in hand.
"Bloody hell, I was about three seconds away from breaking in." her teeth chattered, clothes and hair soaked from the rain.
"What are you doing here?!" Barnaby blinked, suddenly conscious of his lack of clothing.
Arah waved a wand as steam began to rise from her sopping clothes, her wet stringy hair going from grey to silver as it dried almost instantly. "Am I not allowed to hang out with my best friend?"
"It's 10pm." he hissed under his breath, grabbing the nearest tshirt and slipping it on.
"I brought Jammie Dodgers and wine!" She sang, ignoring his comment completely as she stuck her entire arm into a small satchel, pulling out treats that were much larger than the bag they came from. "Olivia lent me a copy of 'Magical Me' by Gilderoy Lockhart. I figured we could have a laugh and read it together."
Barnaby watched her, bewildered at the near erratic behavior of his best friend. Something didn't sit quite right with him... her smile was much too clenched - her voice forced. "Arah, what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong." She said cheerily.
"So... you're telling me you flew your broom in the middle of the bloody night in the frigid rain because you wanted to come over and eat Jammie Dodgers and read?" He turned her words over slowly, hoping she'd find reason in how absolutely mad that sounded.
Arah shrugged meekly, "Yes?"
"Why didn't you just apparate?"
"I didn't want to feel nauseous all night."
Stupid question. Of course Barnaby knew she wouldn't apparate unless she absolutely had to. "Fine. Why not just come to the door like a normal person? Most everyone is still awake, you know."
Arah frowned, "I didn't want to see them. I wanted to see you." She hugged her arms tightly, meeting his gaze.
Barnaby's eyes softened, the sound of rain filling the silence. He stepped toward her, "Well, you have me. Now will you please tell me why you're really here?" He urged her gently, placing his hands on her arms.
Arah's smile faltered as her facade crumbled, her face twisting with grief, "It's been a weird day." her tired voice broke as she collapsed onto his bed, burrowing her head into her hands.
"What happened?" he kept his voice calm and even, sitting beside her as he gently pried her hands from her face. "Talk to me."
Arah sniffled, reaching her hand into her pocket before placing a cold red-jeweled talisman in his palm.
Barnaby's blood ran cold at the sight of the encrusted amulet. He knew what it was as soon as he saw it. "How?" he looked at her, bewildered.
Arah shrugged. "Don't know. It was left anonymously on my desk. But that isn't even the worst of it..." She scoffed, eyes glistening with unshed tears as she turned away, head shaking with disappointment.
"It was never cursed to begin with. This whole time... I believed in a lie. I realize now, the father I thought I knew was gone long before he fell off that fucking bridge." She laughed bitterly, wiping a tear angrily from her cheek. "It somehow hurts even more knowing... we weren't enough. Our family was never enough for him." her nostrils flared as she choked back a sob. "I feel so... stupid."
"You're not stupid." He cupped her face, the pain in her golden eyes evident, "There is nothing wrong with trying to find the good in someone, no matter how bad they might seem."
Arah nodded, lip trembling as she fought another wave of tears.
Barnaby swiped a stray tear away with his thumb. "That's what you did for me all those years ago."
Arah let out a watery laugh, burying herself in his arms as he gripped her tight, stroking the back of her neck.
"It's admirable. It's what I love most about you- the way you can find hope in anything." He muttered into her hair, holding her close.
Arah broke away, dragging her hands over her flushed cheeks. "Ugh. I don't want to cry one more fucking tear over him. He doesn't deserve it." she let out a hollow laugh.
Barnaby looked down at the amulet that still lay in his hand. "Why not talk to Jacob about this?"
Arah let out a shakey sigh, "I couldn't do that. I'd ruin his trip with Olivia. He deserves a moment of uninterrupted happiness after everything he's gone through." She sniffled, her voice thick, "Besides, they are probably too busy sucking face in Kyoto by now."
Barnaby snorted, turning over the amulet in his hands.
"Besides, I knew you'd understand what it's like." She spoke the words hesitantly as he glanced up at her.
"I do. Shitty parents are kind of my thing." He shot her a playful grin, as she chuckled lightly. "It's sad what Power can do to a person. It can corrupt even the best of us. It's a poison. One that my parents fell victim to like so many others."
Arah nodded, a comfortable silence set between them as he handed the amulet back to her.
Barnaby felt the burning question churning in his mind, worry gnawing at his conscious. "I can't help but worry about the mysterious person who gave this for you to find... I don't like it."
"Honestly, I don't even want to think about it right now." Arah closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the wall. "What I want is to eat Jammie Dodgers with my best friend while reading the ramblings of a raving narcissist."
Barnaby glanced at Arah over his shoulder. She looked so tired and beaten. How he'd do anything to take away her burdens and carry them for her. But since that wasn't an option, he could only think to do the next best thing.
Surrendering, he reached for the heavy book, the cover of Gilderoy Lockhart grinning cornily back at him and flashing a cheeky wink. Barnaby cleared his throat theatrically as Arah perked up, a smile brightening her face. He shifted back, leaning against the wall with her as she looped her arm in his and settled in close.
A warmth flooded his entire body at her touch. The last time they'd sat at this very spot together, they'd kissed so passionately that his whole world hadn't been the same since. He pushed the memory out of his mind, deciding to be present in this very moment- a moment where his best friend needed his support. Even if that involved reading absolute rubbish.
Barnaby flipped to a random page and began to read aloud:
"Underneath the glimmering moonlight, as I stand atop the craggy peak of Wagga Wagga, overlooking the dimly lit village, my every movement echoes with the grace and precision that only someone of my unparalleled caliber could possess. This isn't just any hunt—this is the culmination of my extraordinary talents and unmatched intellect.'
'You have gotto be joking me." Barnaby scoffed, biting back laughter. "People actually read this shit?!"
"Keep going, it gets better." Arah grinned mischievously, settling deeper into his side and laying her head on this shoulder.
"If only looks could kill, it would be all the more effective in defeating the Wagga Wagga Werewolf. Yet, this was much more than any hunt. It was a dance. A manifestation of greatness, the fulfillment of destiny. And as I stand here, on the precipice of triumph, remember that history will forever remember the name of Gilderoy Lockhart, the one who conquered the darkness with unrivaled brilliance and unparalleled skill."
Arah snorted, her laughter contagious as Barnaby shook his head in disbelief.
"I swear, this bloke has his nose shoved so far up his own arse he can see his teeth."
Arah fell into another fit of giggles, gripping her stomach in pain. "Stop, it hurts." She wheezed.
They continued on like that, his bedroom filled with the sounds of hushed laughter, which eventually turned into soft murmurs and whispered conversations about everything and nothing at all. Arah began to slur tiredly, drifting in and out of sleep.
"Want me to take you home?" Barnaby offered, voice low and soft.
"No." She breathed, sinking deeper into him, falling silent as the steady sound of her breathing tickled his neck.
Barnaby sat there, frozen in time, listening to the soft lull of Arah's breaths. He smiled to himself, slowly inching away as he guided her steadily against his pillow. Arah stirred briefly, mumbling sleepily as he covered her in his dark green comforter.
The clock ticked as Barnaby glanced at the time, surprised to see it was well past midnight. His gaze lingered back to Arah, the corner of his lips ticked upward as she slept peacefully in his bed. Silently, he picked up the near-empty carton of Jammie Dodgers and set the half-drunk bottle of wine on the dresser near a sleeping Knarl.
Waving his wand, a cup filled with water on the bedside table before conjuring an extra pillow and blanket. Once situated, Barnaby lay on the hard floor beside Arah, sleeping better than he had in weeks.
A/N: I hope you liked this latest chapter! As you can tell, I took some liberties in retelling how some of these milestones played out, but hopefully it still feels cannon.
Also sweet Barnaby is just so in love. Gah, I love how caring and nurturing he is. Love our big teddy bear, Barns.
But buckle up, because I think we are about to get into some REAL spicy spice in our next chapter. I know that's what you people want. Ya pervs. ;)
Leave a kudo/review and let me know what you thought of this latest chapter!