Chapter Text
February 21st, 1892
Octavia paced back and forth in the Slytherin common room. Her gaze focused forward intensely as her brows pinched together in thought.
"You're going to give yourself more white hairs with all this stress," Imelda commented from her spot on one of the couches that decorated the common room. Her eyes remained glued to the copy of the Daily Prophet in her hands. She looked rather unsatisfied with the recent Quidditch scores.
Octavia gave her an unamused huff in response. "Of course I'm stressed. It's Poppy's birthday, and it's the first time she really wants to celebrate it in Hogwarts. It has to be special," she insisted.
She wanted Poppy to feel as special as she was to Octavia. So many birthdays had come and gone with barely any recognition. The Slytherin knew that her parents did little to celebrate their daughter's birthday, even when she lived with them. The Hufflepuff's Grandmother truly put in the effort to make up for the missed opportunities when Poppy had run away to live with her. Unfortunately, Poppy's move to Hogwarts made it difficult to celebrate together. Of course, her Gran would send a letter and a care package with all of the Hufflepuff's favorite treats and some gifts from home, but it wasn't the same. During her first four years, her housemates barely acknowledged her, which was no different regarding her birthday.
Octavia remembered how she felt when she heard that. She pictured Poppy alone on what was supposed to be a special day. It pained her to imagine how she felt. But this year was different. Poppy wouldn't be alone, not again. Octavia would make sure of that.
"We've already gone over the plans a million times. There's no need to be so worried," Imelda said, flipping the paper in her hand.
Imelda was right, the plan was rather simple, but Octavia still couldn't help but worry. They were to prepare the Room of Requirement for the party, which Octavia had already done. She spent much time the day before cleaning and moving things around in the secret room that wasn't so secret these days. She wanted things to be perfect. Natty and Imelda had helped her put up a few decorations. Deek was a tremendous help as well, as he shifted the ambiance of the room to something brighter and earthier, something she felt the Hufflepuff would enjoy.
There was still one problem, however. Poppy's birthday was in a week, and Octavia still had no gift for her. It was eating her up inside. Every time she felt she had thought of the perfect present, a voice in the back of her mind told her it wasn't good enough, and she listened. Her anxieties were unbearable. She was terrified of getting a gift Poppy wouldn't like. She feared that she would disappoint her girlfriend. The last thing she wanted was for Poppy to think she didn't know her.
Imelda sighed before setting her newspaper to the side. She looked up at her housemate and patted the spot beside her, encouraging Octavia to join her.
Reluctantly, Octavia obliged. She sat beside the Quidditch captain with a hefty sigh.
"What if she doesn't like what I get her? I don't... I don't want her to believe that I haven't truly taken the time to know her," the dark-haired girl vented her worries as she willed herself not to pick at her hands.
Imelda seemed to sense her friend's apprehension. Her features softened slightly as she took a more sympathetic approach.
"Look, Poppy will be grateful for whatever you decide to get her. I think she cares more about you being there than some gift. Relax, she wouldn't want you to worry yourself ragged," Imelda advised.
Octavia thought over her words. She had to admit that the Quidditch captain did have a point. However, she still felt a pit of anxiety claw its way through her stomach.
She sighed, releasing some tension from her shoulders.
"I suppose you're right," Octavia replied.
"Of course I am. It happens a lot," Imelda said proudly.
Octavia rolled her eyes half-heartedly, before she stood up from her spot on the light green couch.
"I'll head into Hogsmeade tomorrow," she said.
Tomorrow would be a Saturday, meaning she wouldn't have to worry about her classes. She could head to Hogsmeade and find the perfect gift for her girlfriend. A gift that would make her happy.
"Good luck with that," Imelda encouraged before a smirk tugged at her lips. "Why don't you just wrap yourself up in some ribbon? I'm sure Sweeting would love that."
Octavia paused. She felt her face begin to burn with a flushed heat.
"Imelda!! " She screeched, whipping her head to face her friend.
Imelda simply laughed at her reaction, which drew the attention of some other Slytherins nearby. Octavia saved herself from having to face their questioning stares by turning heel and retreating to her room. Imelda's laughter echoed through the common room as she left.
________________________________________
February 22nd, 1892
Octavia had finished her breakfast in record time. She inhaled her meal like it was her first before she took her leave to head to Hogsmeade as soon as possible.
The Slytherin wasn't alone, however; she had extended the invitation to Natty. The Gryffindor was happy to accept the chance at an outing. It was a far more entertaining way to spend her time rather than being buried in charms homework. Octavia was relieved that Natty had accepted. She could use a second opinion when it came to looking for a suitable gift for Poppy. It also didn't hurt that Natty always had a way of pushing Octavia's worries far into the back of her mind. Perhaps, some of that Gryffindor bravery was rubbing off on her.
The two witches walked down the cobbled road to Hogsmeade. Their conversations ranged from what shops to visit in the village to the plans for the upcoming party.
"I cannot wait to see how it all turns out," Natty beamed with a thrilled twinkle in her dark brown eyes.
Octavia smiled as she adjusted the strap of her leather satchel.
"Neither can I. I hope it goes according to plan," she replies.
Natty offered her a confident smile. "It will, I can already see the look on Poppy's face once she sees what we have in store!" She chirped.
Octavia hummed in response as they entered the village. She, too, was picturing how Poppy would react. The Slytherin could already see the look of awe on her girlfriend's face. She couldn't wait to see it in person.
"Where should we start?" The Gryffindor asked, pulling Octavia out of her thoughts.
The slightly taller girl thought for a moment. Honeydukes maybe? Poppy had many favorites from the sweets shop that they could consider. Octavia couldn't think of anything that Poppy would want from Zonkos or J. Pippin's Potions. She wasn't a prankster, nor was she that interested in potions like Garreth. She also ruled out Spintwitches Sporting Needs. Poppy wasn't too keen on broom travel or Quidditch. That left her with a few potential shops to visit.
Honeydukes, Tomes and Scrolls, and Brood and Peck.
"I have a few shops in mind," Octavia replied, glancing to her left. She spotted Tomes and Scrolls deciding it would be the perfect first stop.
Natty nodded with a smile on her lips. "Lead the way, my friend."
Octavia pushed open the door, causing the bell above to ring.
"I'll be with you in a moment!" The familiar voice of Thomas Brown called from somewhere in the back. A few moments later, he emerged with a stack of books in his arms. "Ah, it's you. Welcome, my young friend," he greeted with a warm smile before setting the stack down.
"Hello, Mr. Brown. How have you been?" Octavia asked as she stepped up to the counter with Natty.
The shop owner signed as he adjusted his hat. "Same old, same old. Business has been rather slow recently, but we all have our days. Now, what can I help you with?" He asked.
"I was wondering if you had any books on beasts?" She inquired.
Mr. Brown scratched at his beard, his brows pinched in thought.
"Hmm, ah- I do, in fact. Follow me," he instructed, stepping out from behind his counter and leading the two students upstairs to the second floor, which held plenty more books.
He stopped near the middle and skimmed over the shelf periodically.
"Here, this section is focused on beasts from all over the world. Some even from the Muggle world," he said, gesturing towards the shelf as the enchanted books reorganized themselves.
Octavia smiled brightly. This was just what she needed.
"Thank you, Mr. Brown. This is perfect," she thanked appreciatively.
The older man smiled and nodded his head.
"Of course, take as long as you need. Let me know if you two need anything else," he said before descending the stairs back to the front counter.
Natty and Octavia took their time looking through the stock. Octavia's emerald eyes scanned over the covers, but nothing really caught her eye. The best fifty ways to groom Kneazle fur? No, Poppy would've probably already known that. Complete study of Graphorns? That wouldn't do, Poppy already had books on powerful creatures like Graphorns. History of the Snidgets? Possibly, the title made her smile as the memory of watching the Snidgets hatch with Poppy crossed her mind. Octavia remembered the wonder on Poppy's face as she watched the little birds poke out of their shells. She still recalled the twinkle of amazement in the Hufflepuff's eyes. The memory made her heart feel pleasantly warm.
Her fingers traced along the covers of the old tomes till one caught her eye.
"The World of Muggle Creatures," she muttered aloud as she plucked the book from its place on the shelf.
The Slytherin skimmed through the pages. Her interest piqued as she examined the pages. She was aware of a few creatures from the Muggle world, despite living strictly in the Wizarding World her entire life. Some, however, did fascinate her.
"Natty, have you ever heard of a Lampropelma nigerrium?" Octavia asked, catching her friend's attention.
Natty walked over, peeking at the page the Slytherin was on.
"No, but it looks like an Acromantula. A much, much smaller Acromantula," she commented with a small chuckle.
"I would love to live in a world where I only had to worry about these little things, and not Acromantulas," Octavia said with a shiver as she recalled just how many of the ghastly creatures she had to face.
However, the Slytherin smiled once more. This would be perfect for Poppy. She'd love to learn more about creatures from the Muggle world. Creatures that she'd hardly get to see.
"I'm getting this," Octavia declared, making her way down the stairs back to the front desk.
She set the book on her counter in front of Mr. Brown. The shop owner looked up from the book he was reading and offered a friendly smile to the two.
"Found what you were looking for?" He asked, setting his book aside.
Octavia nodded as she rummaged through her satchel for her bag of galleons. She set them down on the counter.
Mr. Brown straightened his glasses as he counted the galleons. He set them aside and slid the book back to her, which she took and put in her bag.
"Thank you, Mr. Brown," she thanked appreciatively, giving him a grateful smile.
"Of course, stop by again soon!" He waved as the two girls departed.
Octavia crossed off Tomes and Scrolls from her mental checklist. Next stop on the list was Honeydukes.
Octavia tried her best not to get distracted by the alluringly sweet smell of the treats Honeydukes had to offer. She knew exactly what she had come for. Natty was off on the other side of the store, trying new flavors of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.
"Hello, Mr. Redding," Octavia greeted.
Patrick Redding looked up from his parchment. He seemed to be taking inventory once again.
"Ah, hello, Ms. Grace," he responded, setting aside his parchment, which floated to the side with the wave of his wand. "What can I do for you?" He asked.
"Can I get an order of Cauldron Cakes? Half a dozen, please," she requested.
"Of course, coming right up," Mr. Redding replied, turning and waving his wand, preparing the order.
Octavia waited patiently until she flinched when a hand was placed on her shoulder. She turned to see Natty holding a Bertie Bott's Bean.
"Try it," Natty insisted with a grin on her face. She was clearly curious to see the outcome.
Octavia raised a brow, a bit hesitant, but she took the bean and popped it into her mouth. She chewed hesitantly, only to be met with the sour, disgusting taste of dead fish. She fought back a gag as Natty couldn't help but laugh good-naturedly.
"Disgusting! Ugh… Natty," Octavia groaned.
"What was it?" Natty asked.
"Dead fish. I never trusted those blasted beans," she huffed as Mr. Redding set her bagged order on the counter.
"Here we are, half a dozen Cauldron Cakes," he said cheerfully.
"Oh, thank you, Mr. Redding," she said, taking the bag which Natty offered to hold while the Slytherin paid.
The two bid the sweet shop owner goodbye and made their way back to the main street of Hogsmeade.
"Alright, one last stop."
________________________________________
Octavia browsed through the Brood and Peck. She wasn't sure what she was looking for, but she hoped to be pleasantly surprised. Natty had excused herself once they had reached the shop. She claimed she had forgotten to pick up a package sent to her by an old friend from Uagadou. Octavia didn't mind, she planned for them to regroup in front of the Three Broomsticks once they were both finished.
"Can I help you with something, Love?" The owner, Ellie Peck, asked.
Octavia glanced her way before looking back at the shelves. "I was wondering, do you have anything beast-related? That- isn't a beast part?" She asked, hoping her question had made sense.
Ms. Peck thought for a moment before a spark of an idea ignited in her eyes.
"I think I know what you need," she answered with a grin as she waved her hand signaling for the Slytherin to follow.
Octavia followed behind the woman, no doubt curious. She stopped next to Ms. Peck, who was busy pushing aside some crates and boxes.
"Ah, here they are!" She said, lifting a box and setting it down on a table.
She blew off the layer of dust that coated the surface of the box. She removed the lid and pushed the box closer to the Slytherin.
Octavia peered inside, studying the contents inside. There, in the box, sat various stuffed toys based on different beasts. There was a brightly colored Fwooper doll, a Mooncalf doll with large glass eyes that stared back at her, a Niffler toy, and...
Her eyes widened a bit in surprise as she noticed a white Hippogriff stuffed toy. She reached into the box, pulling the toy from its spot buried at the bottom of the box. It was a bit dusty, with a small tear along its back hoof. It was nothing she couldn't stitch back together. The stuffed toy was very reminiscent of Highwing. The same color and everything. It was the perfect gift for Poppy. The perfect assortment of gifts for the Hufflepuff.
"This is brilliant, thank you," Octavia beamed at the older woman.
Ms. Peck grinned back at her with her hands placed at her hips. "Of course! An old friend made those. They've been sitting there collecting dust for the longest time. Happy to see someone took an interest."
"How much do I owe you?" Octavia asked, reaching for her bag of galleons.
Ms. Peck shook her head and waved her hand dismissively. "Just take it, Love. It's been in that box, I'd just love to see it go," she said.
"Are you sure?" Octavia asked hesitantly.
Ms. Peck nodded reassuringly.
"That's very kind of you. Thank you, Ms. Peck," she smiled gratefully.
"Not a problem, with all the products you've brought me, it's the least I can do. You have a good day now, Love," Ms. Peck replied easily.
________________________________________
Octavia walked up to Natty, who seemed to be reading a letter she had received.
"Letter from your friend?" Octavia asked, standing at the Gryffindor's side.
Natty glanced up from the parchment before nodding. "Yes, she says everything is going splendidly back at Uagadou. Did you get everything you needed?" She asked, folding the paper and placing it in her pocket.
The Slytherin nodded, retrieving the Hippogriff doll from her bag. "Look what I found," she said with a grin.
Natty's brows raised in surprise before she beamed. "A Hippogriff? I'm sure Poppy will love that, and it even looks like Highwing," she pointed out.
Octavia nodded proudly, her emerald eyes shining with excitement. She couldn't wait to give this to Poppy.
"Well, I've gotten everything I needed. Shall we head back to the castle?" She asked, carefully placing the doll back into her bag.
The Gryffindor nodded, sliding her arm around her friend's shoulder. "I bet you cannot wait to see her reaction," she said with a knowing grin.
Octavia blushed before pushing her back lightly. "Hush," she playfully scolded.
Natty let out a light laugh as she patted her friend on the back.
"Thank you for coming with me, Natty. I appreciate it," Octavia thanked sincerely. Having a friend with her made the experience much less nerve-wracking.
Natty nodded with a warm smile. "Of course, my friend. It was a lovely evening. Now, let's head back, I'm starved for dinner," she said, already picturing the delicious meal that awaited them. Octavia hummed in agreement as they made their way back to Hogwarts.
________________________________________
February 28th, 1892
Octavia sat on her bed in the Slytherin girls' dorm room. She checked for what had to be the thousandth time that the stitch in the stuffed Hippogriff's back hoof was holding up. It looked the same as it had the day she stitched closed the tear, yet her mind still raced with possibilities. She worried the stitches would break, or worse, that Poppy wouldn't enjoy the gift. She swallowed thickly as she pushed her worries down.
The Slytherin glanced up at the clock. She still had an hour before Poppy's birthday party was set to start. A thought crossed her mind that maybe Poppy would enjoy it if Octavia surprised her by meeting her outside her common room and walking her to the Room of Requirement, where the party was being held. She had enthusiastically wished Poppy a happy birthday earlier that day during their Friday classes. The Hufflepuff seemed more than happy to receive the birthday wishes from her girlfriend and their friends. Octavia adored seeing Poppy happy. In Octavia Grace's opinion, Poppy Sweeting deserved to be happy. She deserved the world.
Octavia stood up from her bed, ready to depart. She walked towards her dresser, where she kept her other gifts for Poppy.
Before she could grab the bag containing the Cauldron Cakes, she was surprised by the familiar face of Percival Rackham. He appeared in a vacant painting of a landscape that hung over the dresser.
Octavia stumbled back a few steps in surprise. "P- Professor Rackham?" She gasped out. "What are you doing here?" She asked, confused as to why the Professor was out of his portrait.
Professor Rackham looked troubled. His brows were angled downward in worry, and he frowned uneasily.
"Come to the Map chamber at once. There is something urgent we must discuss."
________________________________________
Poppy stood in the Room of Requirement, taking in the festive decorations and lively atmosphere of the celebration her friends had thrown together for her. There was one question on her mind. Her girlfriend still hadn't shown up. She kept glancing towards the door with every new face that entered, but none belonged to the Slytherin she was dying to see. The questions itched at her mind relentlessly despite telling herself it was most likely nothing to worry about.
However, it was very unlike Octavia to be late for anything. Poppy couldn't shake the feeling of unease that gnawed at her.
Poppy glanced through the familiar faces of her friends until she spotted Imelda. She walked over, tapping the taller girl on the shoulder, pulling her out of her hushed conversation with Adelaide.
"Imelda, have you seen Octavia? She should have been here by now. How was she before you left the dorms?" The shorter girl asked.
Imelda raised her brow slightly. "She seemed fine to me. She was mulling over your gift as I was leaving. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary," she responded.
Poppy's brows knitted together slightly before she sighed.
"Alright, thank you. I'm probably just being paranoid," she said more to herself than to Imelda.
Imelda nudged her slightly with a smile on her face. "I'm sure she's just obsessing over every detail. She wanted to make sure it was perfect for you, y'know," Imelda said.
Poppy's cheeks warmed slightly at the fact that Octavia was putting in so much effort for her. She smiled to herself at the thought.
"Relax, Sweeting. Enjoy your party. Via will be here soon, I'm sure," Imelda assured before turning back to continue her conversation with Adelaide.
Poppy stepped away, giving them their privacy to talk- well, flirt was a more accurate word.
At that moment, Octavia stepped into the secret room. She appeared slightly out of breath, like she had rushed to get there. Her arrival instantly caught the Hufflepuffs' attention. Poppy rushed towards her and threw her arms around her in a warm embrace.
"You're here! I was starting to worry," Poppy said, pulling back slightly so they were face to face.
Poppy almost immediately took notice of her lover's nervous and fidgety demeanor. The Slytherin looked paler than usual, and small beads of sweat clung to her forehead. Her brows remained pinched together tightly as if she were deep in thought. Poppy could feel how tense she was as the taller girl stood wrapped in her arms.
"Octavia? Is everything alright?" The Hufflepuff asked, concerned. Her hand found its way to Octavia's upper arm.
Octavia swallowed thickly as everyone else's attention was drawn to her. She took a deep breath before she spoke.
"Isidora Morganach has returned," she said with a shake in her voice. "She will no doubt attempt to finish what she has started. She will make her way to the Repository, and she will take the magic for herself before draining everyone of their emotions till they are nothing but... husks."
The room fell silent. You could hear the faintest of pin drops at that moment. No one knew what to say. The atmosphere was thick and unbearably tense.
"What can we do?" Imelda spoke up, her arms crossed over her chest.
Octavia shook her head. "You won't do anything. I will put a stop to this-" she tried to say before Poppy jumped in.
"Absolutely not!" Out of everyone, Poppy was no doubt the most informed about- well, everything. She knew the most personal details of everything the Slytherin had gone through during her fifth year. She knew how dangerous Isidora was. Octavia had told her about what she saw in the Pensieve memories. How Isidora had drained the emotions from her students, and from her own father. Facing her alone would be a death sentence.
"Poppy-" Octavia tried to argue, but it was futile.
Poppy had that look in her eyes. It was a look that told the Slytherin that Poppy wouldn't let this go; she wouldn't back down. She had seen this look many times before in those honey brown eyes when they had faced countless poachers. It was a look of pure determination and resilience.
"If this Isidora is as dangerous as you say, then you cannot face her alone," Ominis said.
"Exactly, and I won't stand by while our school is under threat again. I didn't get the chance to help you last time with Ranrok. None of us did, but you can't expect us to just stand by for a second time," Imelda said with her usual confident smirk spreading across her lips.
Octavia still felt unsure about it all. She felt touched that her friends were so quick to offer their support, but she also feared what she was getting them into.
"You have my wand, my friend," Natty declared with a smile.
"I'm sure you'll be needing some very strong potions for this, huh?" Garreth asked with a grin. "I'll get straight to brewing!" he chirped.
Octavia smiled slightly, despite the growing pit in her stomach.
"One thing that doesn't make sense to me... how did Isidora escape the triptych?" Sebastian asked wearily.
Octavia became incredibly tense. Her shoulders squared, and her jaw clenched. She didn't answer for a moment, which worried her friends.
"There isn't enough time to explain," she responded quickly. "We need a plan," she insisted as she walked towards the center table.
Poppy grabbed onto her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"We're with you," she promised.
________________________________________
Octavia examined the map of Hogwarts carefully. Her friends stood around the table waiting for what she had to say next.
"We need to head to the Map Chamber. The Keepers will know what to do. But, I know Isidora will no doubt be heading for the Repository. She will stop at nothing to finish what she started," she explained.
"Then let's go. Let's stop this mad woman," Imelda insisted, her patience clearly was waning thin.
Octavia shook her head, shutting down her impatience. "We need reinforcements," she decided. "I need to send word to Professor Weasley-"
"I can send word to her," Adelaide suggested, catching everyone's attention.
Imelda looked at the Hufflepuff who stood next to her.
"Are you sure, Addy? You don't need to involve yourself with this," Octavia frowned slightly.
Adelaide offered her a confident smile.
"It is the least I can do. I'm no fighter, but after everything you've done for me and my uncle, it's the least I can do," she said earnestly.
Octavia caught a glimpse of Imelda rubbing her thumb across the top of the Hufflepuff's hand tenderly. Feelings shared between the two without the need for words.
"I'll go too. Help spread the word," Nerida chimed in.
Octavia offered her a nod. "That would help. Thank you, Addy, Nerida. We need to let her know what's happening and that everyone is in danger as long as they remain within the castle walls. We need to evacuate," the Slytherin insisted.
Her friends agreed.
"Look, I don't know what we're walking into here. Isidora is skilled, tactical, and dangerous. If any of you want to back out, there would be no shame in it," Octavia confessed.
Sebastian shook his head. "You saved Hogwarts on your own once. You won't do it alone again," he assured.
Octavia smiled, yet there was an air of uncertainty behind it.
"Addy, Nerida, go find Professor Weasley. Our time is limited, but we should have just enough to get everyone out of the castle if we hurry," the Slytherin instructed.
The two witches nodded before heading out the door.
Octavia turned her attention to Garreth.
"Garreth, brew as many Wiggenweld potions as you can. Use my brewing stations. I have plenty of ingredients saved. Do what you can."
Garreth grinned at that. "On it!" He confirmed before dashing the brewing station that was tucked away against the wall in the Room of Requirement.
Poppy came to her girlfriend's side, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. She gave the Slytherin's tense shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Emerald eyes met honey brown irises as they shared comforting looks.
"Isidora does not know who she has messed with," Natty said, her smile unwavering.
Octavia sighed slightly as she fought back feelings of uncertainty.
"Isidora is powerful. She'll see us as obstacles in her way, and she won't stop till nothing is keeping her from her goal. We have to be smart about this.”
Everyone seemed to understand. Sebastian looked like he was debating with himself about something. He glanced up, meeting Octavia's eyes. His lips parted like he was about to say something, but he was interrupted by Garreth dumping an armful of Wiggenweld and other various potions on the table.
"Merlin, Garreth, you've outdone yourself," Imelda chuckled lightly.
Garreth smiled proudly. These things will save your life. Thank me after you've defeated this Morganach lady," he said.
Octavia pocketed a few of the bottles of healing elixir. She looked back up at her group of friends, who were ready to stand by her side.
"Garreth, go find your aunt. Help her with the evacuation," Octavia instructed.
Garreth looked slightly unsure for a moment, but nodded, taking his leave.
Octavia turned to her friends. Her emerald eyes shone with a glint of determination.
"Come on, let's get this done."
________________________________________
The six teens raced down the spiraling staircase to the Map Chamber. It was the first time the five students had ever ventured into the secret room.
"So, is this where you spent so much of your time during our fifth year?" The Quidditch captain asked as the five trailed behind the dark-haired girl.
Octavia glanced over her shoulder back at her housemate. "Not all of my time, Imelda," she replied.
Imelda's brown eyes glanced around the staircase. "It's clearly seen better days," she said with a raised eyebrow towards the cracks and overgrown weeds that lined the walls.
The taller Slytherin shook her head as she reached the final step. They stood before a pair of large, gleaming doors.
"The Keepers are beyond this door," she said, sounding tense as she pushed open the heavy doors.
Her friends followed her inside. Poppy stuck close to her. The Hufflepuff was admittedly very intrigued to see what the Keepers were like in person, considering all that her girlfriend had told her about them. However, she knew inside she couldn't admire them in any way. After all they had put Octavia through during her fifth year, she knew she harbored feelings of resentment towards them.
Poppy was pulled from her thoughts once she collided with Octavia's back. The Slytherin had come to an abrupt stop. Her shoulders were incredibly tense, her fist clenched so hard they were trembling, and her breathing became slightly shallow.
"Octavia, what is wr-" Poppy cut herself off. She didn't need an answer to her question once she took a peek past the taller girl.
The Keeper's portraits were burned beyond any semblance of repair. There was nothing but a few scorched fragments of the artwork that once remained.
The six students stood there speechless, unsure how to react.
"...Isidora got here first," Octavia uttered with a tremble in her voice. "It is clear she took the time to address her anger towards them."
"But, they have other portraits to flee to, don't they?" Ominis asked hopefully.
Octavia remained silent for a moment.
"I hope so," she replied bleakly.
Poppy frowned, despite the Keeper's secretive ways, she knew they had played a vital role in Octavia's journey. They had guided her through her gift with ancient magic. If Isidora Morganach had managed to snuff out their last remaining spark of existence in this world, then the Hufflepuff knew it would be yet another loss Octavia had to weigh on her shoulders. She slipped her hand into Octavia's, giving it a firm squeeze.
Octavia glanced down at her. Those emerald eyes the Hufflepuff had grown to love were full of worry and... fear.
Poppy mustered a reassuring smile on her lips.
"Let's finish this, together," she said softly.
Octavia squeezed her hand back. "Together," she echoed.
"Promise?" Poppy asked.
"I promise."
________________________________________
They quickly descended another staircase. Octavia pushed through another set of doors, which opened, leading them to a bridge. Poppy, Sebastian, Natty, and Imelda marveled at the cavern as they approached the bridge. It would be a magnificent sight if they were there under different circumstances. Poppy wondered if all this existed underneath Hogwarts; how many other secrets did the castle hold?
"All this has been under our feet the entire time??" Imelda asked, seemingly sensing it was a question on everyone's mind.
Octavia only offered a nod as they began to make their way across.
Around the halfway point of the bridge, Octavia paused and held out her arm, causing her companions to halt. There was a tense moment of silence as the Slytherin's emerald eyes darted around for the source of her sudden unease. Her head tilted back as she looked up. Her eyes went wide before she quickly turned to her friends.
"Look out!" She shouted.
Before anyone could question what she was warning them about, one by one, the Pensieve Guardians descended upon the bridge. They rose to their feet, their weapons brandished.
"Pensieve Guardians..." Octavia murmured, lifting her wand defensively.
"Pensieve what?? " A bewildered Imelda asked.
Before Octavia could offer an answer, a Guard was already charging towards her. It raised its sword, ready to deliver an ending blow to the witch.
" Protego! " She swiftly countered, causing the Guardian's sword to harmlessly bounce off the shielding charm. She followed up with a quick utterance of ' Stupefy ' stunning the sentient suit of armor.
"Hit them while they're weak!" Octavia called out to her companions.
The five witches got the message, springing to action to retaliate. Spells and swords flew through the air as the battle raged on. Octavia's senses buzzed with a familiar sense of vigilance. Fights like these were all too familiar to her.
" Diffindo! " She swung her wand sharply, sending a slicing blast towards a Pensieve Guardian who crumbled into two.
The Slytherin glanced to her right side, catching glimpses of her friends putting up a valiant fight. Imelda swiftly maneuvered her way past a trio of Pensieve Guardians before sending a hard push of Depulso , which sent them flying into one another. Ominis played defence as he casted Protego before blasting the Guardians with Bombarda and Expelliarmus . Sebastian put his dueling knowledge to the test as he made short work of the Guardians with Confringo and Diffindo .
Her eyes darted around, landing on Natty, who cast Levioso. Two Pensieve Guardians levitated helplessly into the air before the Gryffindor waved her wand in one smooth motion, making them crash into each other.
Before Octavia could spot Poppy, she felt the rush of air as a Guardian came at her from her left. She cursed the scars that made her vision in her left eye weaker, which left her vulnerable. Her feet stumbled over each other as she tried to create as much distance as she could before the Guardian's sword made contact. The dark-haired girl tripped, falling on her backside. The Pensieve Guardian gave her no time to recover as it closed the distance and raised the blade in its armored hands. Octavia raised her wand quickly, but before she could utter any spell that would save her, the Guardian was flung to the left off the bridge into the endless abyss below.
Wide green eyes blinked rapidly before looking to where the Banishing Charm had originated.
Poppy stood there, wand raised defensively towards where the Guardian once stood. Her gaze was sharp and focused. The flowery hem of her skirt had a thin tear along the side that started at her calf and stopped an inch or two from her knee. Her cream blouse was wrinkled from her quick movements. She looked out of breath, yet her appearance was ever so captivating to the young Slytherin. But now wasn't the time for ogling.
The Hufflepuff rushed over, offering a hand to her lover. Octavia took it gratefully, allowing Poppy to help pull her to her feet.
"Are you okay?" She asked worriedly. Her honey-toned eyes scanned over the taller girl's features for any injuries. Besides a few scrapes and dirt from her fall, she was fine.
"I'm still breathing, aren't I?" Octavia responded, trying to put her girlfriend's nerves to rest.
The Slytherin's eyes looked away from the shorter girl once the sounds of struggle had ceased. Only the remnants of the Pensieve Guardians remained until they faded away, leaving the six young witches standing there. Apart from a few scratches and bruises, they were alright. They took this brief moment of respite to catch their breath.
"What were those things?" Sebastian asked, running his fingers through his hair.
"Pensieve Guardians. They're enchanted by ancient magic. They protect the Pensieves. I don't know why they would attack us, though. I already completed all the trials and saw the Pensieve memories," Octavia explained, her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Isidora probably has something to do with it, I would guess," Natt reasoned.
Octavia frowned; there was a clear question on her mind.
How did Isidora turn the Guardians against the orders of the Keepers?
"We need to move. The Repository isn't too far-" she instructed, before she realized her friends weren't looking at her; instead, they were looking past her.
Octavia looked over her shoulder. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end.
There, at the end of the bridge, stood Isidora Morganach. She was no longer confined to her triptych.
No one made a move for a moment. The atmosphere was thick with tension. It felt like time had frozen for a second.
Isidora had a small, easy smile on her face as two Pensieve Guardians stood at her side. It was a smile that sent a chill down their spines. Her skin was pale and leathery, her frame was frail and bony, and her clothes were ragged and faded. She looked like she had crawled out of a crypt.
"It was about time you caught up. Hello again, my young friend," Isidora greeted. Her gaze was focused on Octavia, who stood protectively in front of her companions.
Octavia sent her a glare in response. "Isidora," she spat harshly.
Isidora's smile never wavered as she took a step forward. "Oh, come now, there's no need to be rude," she chided.
"Stand down, Isidora. This doesn't have to turn violent," Octavia tried to persuade the reborn witch.
Isidora signed, before shaking her head disappointedly.
"I would have thought that after all we've been through together, you would see reason. But I should've seen this coming. The Keepers have kept you ignorant. Even after all I've taught you, you still know nothing about the power we share," she said.
"All you've been through? Octavia, what is she talking about?" Imelda asked, taking her eyes off the old witch before them and looking towards her housemate, confused.
Octavia hesitated.
"I..." she tried to explain, but Isidora cut her off.
"She hasn't told you?" she asked with a raised brow. "Your friend has been coming to me seeking guidance. I could not live long enough to truly master the gift we have been blessed with. Professor Bakar made sure of that," she said the late Professor's name like it was venomous on her tongue. "But you-" she continued, her eyes piercing through the Slytherin. "You're young, full of so much potential. I had to hone it. So I reached out, and you were eager to listen," the witch cooed.
Octavia could feel her friends' stares. She dared not look back to face them.
"You tricked me," the young witch said through gritted teeth.
"I did no such thing," Isidora defended herself. "I merely pushed you in the right direction. Towards the truth! You've been lied to, child," she said with care.
" You lied to me. You saw an opportunity and you took advantage. You made a fool of me!" Octavia yelled as anger flared in her. "You will not get to the Repository!" She vowed, raising her wand.
Isidora's smile dropped. Her features were serious and cold.
"And you would stop me?" She asked. "You don't see the bigger picture. But how could you? You're just a child," she sneered.
"What is it you want, Isidora?" Octavia asked impatiently.
"What I've spent decades yearning for. I want to finish my life's work! To rid the world of pain. I will free this world from the shackles of suffering, and I will bring peace. And if you stand in the way of that, then I have no choice but to dispose of you. As much as it pains me to have to rid the world of another with the gift, you would do nothing but stand in my way," Isidora responded coldly. Her voice was detached as she raised her wand.
The tip of her wand glowed with a silver glimmering energy.
Octavia's eyes widened. She knew what was coming.
"Get back!" She shouted, turning to her friends with an outstretched arm.
She whirled around just in time to see the beam of powerful ancient magic coming towards her. With a wave of her wand, she attempted to counter. A silver energy escaped from the tip of her wand and collided with Isidora's. It felt like a great force was pushing against her as she tried to keep Isidora's blast at bay. It was unlike anything she had ever faced before. Even when she had faced Viktor Rookwood and his use of the Killing Curse. This was a new kind of power. She had met her match.
Isidora's beam met Octavia's wand, causing a blast to ring out, sending the young girl flying back. Her wand flew out of her hand and clattered to the ground. She collided painfully with the jagged ground as the air was knocked out of her lungs. She felt hands rush to help her to a kneeling position as she tried to suck air back into her burning lungs.
It was a miracle that the blast hadn't killed her, but she was at a loss for words.
How had she become so weak?
"You surprised me, child," Isidora spoke up, catching the attention of the six students. "With all the magic I have been harvesting from you these past weeks, I hadn't expected you'd have any left to counter with."
Octavia blinked rapidly, trying to process her words.
"W-what?" She stammered out.
Isidora glanced towards the wand in her bony hands. "You've been feeling different, haven't you? Weaker, drained, perhaps confused?" Isidora asked.
Octavia stared at her, baffled.
"It's simple, really. Each time we had our little talks, I was siphoning your power. Bit by bit, so you wouldn't notice. It was just what I needed to gain my strength back after such a long hiatus," Isidora explained calmly.
The Slytherin's jaw hung open as the reality of the situation washed over her.
Isidora had been stealing her magic to increase her power.
"That's how you escaped the triptych..." Octavia concluded in horror.
"Clever girl," Isidora praised.
"You used me," the Slytherin glared.
"I did what I had to do to finish what I've started. And now, I'm afraid I have no use for you," Isidora said coldly as she raised her wand.
" Expelliarmus !" Poppy shouted, pointing her wand towards the witch.
The spell did little to deter the woman. Poppy's spell was merely snuffed out by Isidora's palm. However, the attack encouraged the others to fight back as well. Spells shot out from their wands as they tried to weaken Isidora in any way they could.
Natty helped Octavia to her feet as the pain in her back dulled, and she could finally take a full breath of air into her lungs. The Slytherin tried to focus on what little ancient power that remained, but it was useless without her wand. She desperately searched for it, but to no avail.
"Enough of this," Isidora said impatiently. She raised her wand high towards the rocks above. With one powerful blast, she caused the sharp stalactites to rain down.
Octavia felt an arm wrap around her waist and pull her closer.
" Protego! " Poppy shouted, shielding them both from the falling rocks. Their friends did the same as they protected themselves from the debris.
Isidora wasn't finished; she pointed her wand towards them. The tip shone with a silver hue as she wordlessly cast a powerful beam that exploded on impact. It sent Octavia, Imelda, Natty, and Sebastian hurling back. Ominis rolled out of the way, while Poppy felt Octavia be ripped out of her hold. She threw herself to the ground. A sharp ringing sounded in Octavia's ears as she lay sprawled out on the hard surface of the bridge. She thanked Merlin that the stone bridge remained in one piece.
She glanced towards her friends. Ominis ran to Sebastian to make sure he was okay, Imelda clutched her arm after her particularly nasty landing, and Natty clutched her head as she tried to sit up. Octavia could feel her heart thumping in her chest, reminding her she was alive. She looked around desperately. Poppy, where was Poppy?
Poppy sat up on her hands and knees from where she had fallen to the ground. Her head spun as she tried to regain her bearings. She felt something wet begin to drip down the right side of her face. With a shaky hand, she touched the substance, seeing a thick, crimson stain her fingers. A nasty cut above her eyebrow gushed, sending fresh blood down the side of her face and into her eye.
A pair of dusty boots stepped into her line of sight in front of her.
Slowly, she looked up, coming face to face with Isidora Morganach.
Isidora studied her curiously as if she were some kind of rare creature.
"I remember you," she said, a glint of recognition in her dull eyes. "The poacher's daughter," she recalled.
Poppy tensed. How could she have known that?
"Oh, don't worry. Octavia hasn't shared that with me, not willingly anyway," Isidora waved her hand as if to brush aside Poppy's doubts. "You tend to hear so many fascinating things when someone believes no one is listening," Isidora commented.
Poppy swallowed thickly. Had Isidora been watching them somehow? With how easily certain people could move around different portraits, it was possible. The Hufflepuff recalls how, in recent months, Octavia had told her about this uneasy feeling she's had. A feeling of being watched. The dreams she couldn’t explain. Could it have been Isidora reaching out? Watching, waiting for the perfect time to strike.
Isidora slowly knelt to face the young witch before her.
"I know of the pain you feel, the shame you carry. You don't have to feel that way. You will be free," Isidora cooed gently as she tucked a stray strand of Poppy's hair behind her ear. The gesture revolted the Hufflepuff.
"It's okay, I can take your pain away. This burden you carry will no longer weigh on you. I promise, I will help you," Isidora promised with a fanatical grin.
Suddenly, Poppy rose to her feet with a wave of Isidora's wand. It felt like her body was no longer her own. She stood stiffly before the older witch, unable to break free from her control. Weakly, she tried to move her arms, to will her legs to run, but she remained paralyzed.
Isidora placed the tip of her wand to Poppy's chest. Her wand glowed, beginning to extract a wispy substance, swirling and dark. Poppy's emotions. Poppy gasped as she felt her emotions drain slowly from her body. Any hope she felt started to fade as a numbness began to sink in.
Octavia witnessed this from a couple of feet away. The sounds of her friends battling the Pensieve Guardian gradually drowned out. The only thing her senses could focus on was Poppy. Poppy was in danger. Poppy was in danger because of her. She was hurt because of her. She dragged her into this, and now she would lose the girl she loved. She would lose the one she cared about most in this world. Poppy would no longer laugh; she'd no longer send Octavia that gentle smile that seemed to be reserved only for her. She would no longer see that wondrous look in Poppy's eyes whenever they'd sit in the Vivarium with Lordy the Graphorn, or when they'd visit the Snidgets. The Slytherin would never hear Poppy ramble on about the things that interested her. Poppy would no longer express her admirable kindness, her hardworking dedication, her impeccable sense of justice, or her unwavering patience.
Poppy would never take her to have tea with Dorran or lead her on questionable adventures. The dreams Poppy had shared with her would be no more. She'd never become a Magizoologist after graduation like she had planned. She'd no longer dedicate her life to helping and protecting beasts.
But Octavia knew she wouldn't be the only one losing Poppy. How would her grandmother react? How would Rose Sweeting take the news that her granddaughter was a shell of the passionate, gentle girl she once was? Would she blame Octavia? What about Poppy's friends and housemates? Would they mourn and send Octavia glares of judgement? Poppy mattered to so many people, and Isidora would take her away, thinking she was helping the Hufflepuff.
Poppy would be gone, replaced with an emotionless husk of who she once was.
Octavia couldn't let that be. She had no wand, but that wouldn't stop her. Her mind went blank, and for once she acted without thinking.
Her legs sprang into motion before her brain could process that she was sprinting full speed towards Isidora. Isidora had a split second to process the girl running at her before Octavia leaped at her, tackling her to the ground.
Isidora's emotion harvesting process was cut short as she fell to the ground with the slender girl on top, trying to hold her down. Despite Isidora's fragile and bony appearance, she put up quite a fight. No one came to help her. Her other friends were preoccupied with fighting off the Pensieve Guardians that remained.
Poppy gasped as her body was hers to control once again. She stumbled back as her emotions flooded back into her.
Octavia looked back at her with wide, panicked eyes.
"Poppy, get away!" She cried desperately before Isidora wrestled her wrist free.
The old witch pointed her wand towards the Slytherin, sending a powerful blast straight into her. Octavia let out a pained cry as shocks of electrifying ancient magic sparked throughout her body. Isidora threw Octavia off her like she was nothing.
Poppy rushed forward to protect her. She took Octavia into her arms as the effects of the blast still ran fresh throughout her body.
Isidora floated effortlessly back to her feet. The witch glared towards Octavia and her friends.
"You are proving to be a far bigger nuisance than I anticipated," she growled towards the suffering girl.
She glanced back further into the cavern. Her eyes were thoughtful as she considered her next actions.
"I don't have time for this. I must finish what I've started," she insisted more to herself than the six teens before her.
She turned to them with a crazed look in her eyes. "You won't stand in my way," she said flatly before pointing her wand upward and sending one final powerful blast, before she turned and disappeared in a silver energy deeper into the cavern.
The rocks above crumbled, sending large chunks falling, much larger than before. Octavia knew the bridge wouldn't be able to handle that kind of weight dropping onto it.
"Get to the other side! Hurry!" Octavia shouted as she took off towards the end of the bridge.
Her friends followed close behind. A large boulder came crashing down onto the ancient bridge, causing it to begin crumbling under its force.
The six witches made it to the other side, gasping for air as they watched the bridge they had just been standing on crumble and fall into the abyss below.
They stood there catching their breaths as the gravity of the situation sank in. Isidora was no doubt heading straight for the final Repository now. It was only a matter of time before she got what she wanted.
"What the hell was that?" Sebastian spoke up, his gaze turning sharply towards Octavia.
"Sebastian-" Ominis tried to interject, but Sebastian paid him no mind.
"You knew she was back and you didn't tell anyone?" He asked. Anger was clear in his voice.
Octavia frowned and looked down, ashamed.
"Why would you ever listen to her?! You saw what she did, didn't you?" He probed.
"Of course I did," Octavia snapped before her features crumbled into a look of pain. "She... she appeared to me over the summer, after fifth year. She saw that I was vulnerable after... everything that happened with Ranrok and..." She hesitated. "Professor Fig. I knew I shouldn't have trusted her, but she told me everything I wanted to hear, said all the right things to get my guard down. She said she could teach me how to use my abilities to the fullest extent. She'd show me what we could accomplish. I wanted to strengthen my skills so I could protect those I cared about," she explained, unable to meet anyone's gaze. "I didn't want to lose anyone else," her voice broke. “I swear, I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. If- if I had known she’d- I never would have spoken to her,” she insisted.
"Well, look where that got us. Trouble just always seems to follow you, doesn’t it?" Sebastian spat coldly.
Octavia flinched, his words reinstating all her deepest fears. She looked up with clear pain and guilt in her eyes as she studied the condition of her companions. Imelda held her left arm with her right. Octavia could see it was swelling; no doubt it was broken or, at the very least, sprained from that fall she took. Natty had a knot forming on her head and a cut running down her lower lip. Dried blood stuck to the space under Sebastian's nose, and a bruise was forming under his right eye. Ominis was no doubt in the best condition, most likely due to his more defensive dueling style. He still looked rough, his hair was unkempt, and a small cut ran across his jaw. And Poppy, Octavia felt a stab of guilt stab her heart as she stared at the cut on her forehead and the dried blood that stuck to her hair and skin.
"Enough, we cannot sit here arguing amongst ourselves. We have to finish this," Poppy interjected as she stepped between the two Slytherin.
"And what can we do? You saw how strong she was, and Octavia doesn't have nearly enough power to give us an advantage!" Imelda chimed in, an uncharacteristic look of unease on her face.
"Where's your wand? You don't even have your wand," Sebastian scoffed.
"I have it, my friend," Natty stepped forward past the freckled boy to the taller girl. She pulled Octavia's wand from her pocket, holding it out to her. "I grabbed it before the bridge collapsed," she explained with a reassuring smile.
Octavia glanced down at the wand in Natty's hand before hesitantly taking it. She stared at the wand in her hand, suddenly feeling unworthy of wielding it.
"We still have a chance," Poppy said confidently. "We need to go after her before she gets to the Repository. We can do this, right, Octavia?" Poppy asked, turning towards her girlfriend.
Octavia remained silent before she looked into her lover's eyes. She frowned deeply as she took a step back.
"Go find Professor Weasley. I will go after Isidora," she instructed.
Poppy's eyes widened. "What? What are you talking about? You can't face her alone. Octavia, she'll kill you!" She said her voice was thick with worry.
"I'm not letting anyone else die for me," Octavia replied sternly. Her mind was made up.
"Oh, drop the noble heroine act for one second and think! She's too powerful," Imelda stepped forward. Behind her sharp, scolding tone was an air of desperation. Imelda Reyes was desperate to keep her friend out of harm's way.
"If it buys you all time, then it's worth it," the dark-haired girl replied evenly.
"Let's just stop and think about this-" Ominis suggested, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
"There isn't time," Octavia insisted. "You all have to leave, now," she urged.
"No! We're not leaving you! We made a promise, you made a promise that we would do this together, Octavia," Poppy reminded, taking a step closer to the Slytherin. The shorter girl looked into her girlfriend's eyes. Those honey-brown irises were glassy as fresh tears welled in the corner of her eyes.
Octavia felt her heart ache as she took a deep breath to stop tears of her own from coming. She slowly reached out her arms, taking the Hufflepuff in a gentle embrace.
It was rather unexpected, but Poppy returned the gesture wholeheartedly.
"Please, forgive me," Octavia whispered close to Poppy’s ear.
Poppy's eyes blinked open in confusion. "Forgive you for wha-?"
Before she could finish her sentence, she felt the tip of Octavia's wand touch her chest.
" Depulso ."
Poppy felt a great force push her back towards the others, away from Octavia. Natty and Sebastian caught her, but she barely registered their hands on her as her head whipped forward.
"I'm sorry..." Octavia murmured just loud enough for them to hear. She raised her wand and with one quick sweeping motion, the rocks on either side of her caved in on themselves, blocking the path. Where the Slytherin once stood lay a large pile of heavy rocks separating the young witch from her friends.
"Octavia!!" Poppy cried out, breaking free from Natty and Sebastian's hold. She rushed forward, placing her hands on the rocks. "Octavia! Are you okay?!" She shouted, desperate for any sign that her lover was okay.
"I'm alright," Octavia replied from the other side. "Go, find Professor Weasley and get somewhere safe," she commanded.
"What about you?! Octavia, you can't fight her on your own; you're going to get yourself hurt! Please don't do this!" Poppy pleaded, no longer being able to control the stream of tears that ran down her cheeks.
"I must, I'm sorry," the Slytherin apologized, her voice cracking. "Sebastian, cast Repairo on the bridge and get everyone out of here quickly!" She instructed as the structure of the cavern rumbled.
Sebastian stared wide-eyed at the rocks, still processing what his friend had just done.
"Sebastian! Do you hear me?!" Octavia shouted, seeking confirmation.
The freckled boy blinked before he responded. "Y-yes, yes I will," he answered.
"I'm not leaving you!" Poppy argued. "Please, Octavia! Please don't do this!" She begged.
"Poppy, the cavern isn't stable; it could collapse. I can't fight her if you're here, Poppy," she said, her voice tight. "You make me afraid... of dying, because you make me realize how much I have to lose," she admitted. Poppy could hear the pain in her voice. "I'm sorry, Pops. Go with the others. I'll see you soon, I promise," she vowed.
"I love you, Poppy."
Poppy covered her mouth, trying to stop the sobs from escaping her quivering lips. The occasional burst of vibrations shook the cavern, causing the rocks above to become more unstable.
"It's going to collapse, we have to get out of here!" Ominis called from his place beside Sebastian, who waved his wand, casting Repairo on the broken bridge.
"We're seriously just going to leave her?!" Imelda asked with a torn expression as she glanced from the rocks that separated them from Octavia to the bridge.
"Don't worry about me! Just go, I'll see you on the other side!" Octavia called out reassuringly.
The last thing Poppy wanted to do was leave her girlfriend there at the mercy of a mad woman, but she didn't have much choice as she felt Natty tug on her arm.
Octavia sighed, relieved once she heard her friends flee to safety. She turned, staring deep into the cavern. She knew what was in store for her, but she didn't care. As long as those she cared about were safe, she could face whatever was thrown at her.
________________________________________
Octavia traversed the seemingly endless, unstable terrain that led to the Repository. Memories whirled through her mind of walking through this exact path with Professor Fig at her side. But unlike that day months prior, this time she was on her own.
The cavern shook with each burst of vibrations. The feeling traveled from her shoes and spread through her body as she approached the doors leading to the final Repository. She pushed the doors open, stepping into the chamber. Straight ahead was the familiar slow-turning sphere of pure light contained in a ball of silver metal with elegant craftsmanship and deep engravings. The Repository looked just like how she remembered.
It almost felt like fate had brought her back here. This was where Professor Fig had perished. Would she follow suit?
Emerald eyes scanned the area around the Repository.
Isidora Morganach stood before the glowing sphere. Her wand focused on the Repository as she sent spell after spell into the protective metal.
Octavia gritted her teeth as she took off towards the undead witch.
"Isidora! Stop!" She called out, catching the older witch's attention.
Isidora paused her assault on the sphere and turned to face the young student.
"Stop?" She feigned confusion. "Have you learned nothing? I cannot stop what I have started," she said as her eyes studied the girl before her. "I did not expect you to survive. It is a pity, really. Think of all we could accomplish together. Our power, joined together. Think of the possibilities. I don't want to kill you, truly I don't. I will give you one final chance, child. Join me, or leave. Both choices will end with you still alive, but stand in my way, the consequences will be severe," she threatened.
Octavia stood her ground as she readied herself for a fight.
"I would never join you."
"I know. Just remember, I gave you a way out," she said coldly.
Octavia took the opportunity to fire off her first spell.
" Expelliarmus! " She shouted, letting the Disarming Charm fire from her wand towards the old witch.
Isidora raised her wand defensively, causing the spell to harmlessly redirect itself into the wall nearby.
Isidora’s brow raised unimpressed. With a quick whip of her wand, she sent a large boulder towards the Slytherin at frightening speeds.
Octavia cast Bombarda once again, blowing the boulder into several harmless chunks. She quickly leaped out of the way as Isidora sent several swirls of ancient energy at her. " Protego! " She countered before following up with " Stupefy ". With every ounce of concentration she could gather, she mustered up what little ancient magic she had left and sent a powerful bolt of energy back at Isidora.
The young witch dove behind some rocks as Isidora fired off more destructive blasts. Each one seemed stronger than the last.
"Isidora, you don't have to do this!" She shouted over the chaos. "This isn't the way! You can still make things right!" She tried to reason with the undead witch.
Isidora scoffed. "I am doing what is right! I will rid the world of pain, and the fruits of my labor will finally be recognised," she vowed with a fanatical edge to her words. "Imagine what the world would be if we weren't held back by pain and despair. We would no longer waste away the years wallowing in our sadness. No more suffering or grief. I've helped people, you've seen that!" She shouted.
"You're deluded!" Octavia yelled from behind the rock. "Those people that you 'helped’ cannot feel anything! They don't feel joy, or happiness, or love, and they never will again! We can only feel happiness because of our sadness. It is what makes us human, Isidora! I cannot let you strip the world of that," Octavia responded firmly.
"You sound just like them ," Isidora growled. "The Keepers have deluded you! Not me! I will show you. I will show all of you!" She vowed her voice echoing as the boulder Octavia hid behind was lifted into the air.
Octavia could just barely throw herself out of the way as the boulder came crashing back down, intending to crush her.
"Percival and his foolish peers were too preoccupied with their selfishness. They were ignorant of the true extent of the power we possess. And yet, you still defend them, but where are they now? They abandoned you the moment you stepped out of line. You are no different from me," Isidora growled as she stepped closer.
Octavia quickly scrambled to her feet. "I am nothing like you! Did you not look at your students, Isidora? You're father! He felt nothing at all, You stole that from him!" She yelled, sending a quick swipe of " Diffindo " towards the mad witch.
Isidora let out a guttural scream as she sent a concentrated beam towards the Slytherin. The energy carved through the stone beneath her feet with ease.
"Do not speak of my father as if you knew his pain! You have no idea how he suffered!" The woman hissed.
Octavia narrowly avoided the cutting force of Isidora's beam. She racked her brain for any possible spell that would gain her the upper hand.
"Don't you see?" Isidora asked. "You cannot stop what I've already set in motion. You lack the power and the knowledge, the things I could have taught you if you had just listened to me," she chided harshly.
With a wave of her wand, Octavia felt her body become light. Before she knew it, she was lifted from the ground and thrown into the jagged wall of the cavern. Octavia yelled in pain as her body collided with the solid surface. She felt a pop, a crack, as a sharp pain stung throughout her chest, as she fell to the ground. She lay there gasping painfully for air on her stomach.
"It didn't have to be this way," Isidora said calmly. She raised her wand, raising Octavia from the ground before slamming her back down. She watched Octavia weakly gasp for air. "I gave you a chance," she spat.
She raised her wand, sending a Blasting Curse directly into the weakened girl. The blast sent Octavia flying painfully across the floor. She felt the burn of her smoldering clothes and the deep scratches etched into her skin from sliding across the sharp stone floor.
The Slytherin felt a pop sensation before a painful ache sprang from her leg. She strained to push herself onto her side to examine the damage. The pain emanated from her lower left leg. Hesitantly, she reached out to pull her trousers up to reveal the swelling that had already begun on the limb. The sight caused Octavia to inhale sharply.
The young witch was vaguely aware of Isidora's attempt to break open the sphere once again. Her vision blurred and spun nauseatingly so. Blood dripped down her face from her head as she weakly sat up on her elbows. She could taste the metallic, bitter taste of blood in her mouth. She could feel the throbbing, swelling pain in her left leg. She wanted nothing more than to lie down.
But, there was too much at stake. Too many people counted on her.
Shakily, Octavia rose to her feet. Her body ached as a piercing, persistent pain stabbed her chest with each breath she took. Her head throbbed, and it was difficult to place any weight on her leg, but she paid no mind to it. She wasn't done, not yet.
Her arm felt like it weighed a ton as she pointed it towards the mad witch. The tip of her wand sparked the familiar silver gleam of ancient magic. She willed the energy to channel into a destructive beam as it fired towards Isidora.
Her hope for the powerful blast to hit was snuffed out once Isidora swiftly turned and countered the beam. Her protective barrier sent the beam right back towards Octavia, turning it against her. The Slytherin dodged, but not fast enough to come out unscathed. The beam of energy sliced through her left shoulder, causing the young girl to cry out in pain.
She fell to the floor. Her hand slowly reached to cover the wound. Blood seeped into her white as she tried to slow the bleeding. Her jaw tensed as she gritted her teeth, trying to push past the pain.
Isidora's heels clicked against the stone floor as she stalked towards the bleeding girl. She stood over Octavia, gripping her wand in her hand.
"You are quite persistent, I'll give you that," she complimented. She lowered herself closer to Octavia's face. "Do you understand now? All this pain, it was all for naught," she whispered.
Octavia spat a glob of blood in Isidora's face. An act of defiance, a challenge.
Isidora looked less than amused as she wiped the crimson liquid from her face.
"Don't worry, soon you will be free of this anger that plagues you," she soothed as she placed her wand to Octavia's chest. "This will be my last gift to you," she whispered.
Octavia's eyes widened as she realized what was about to happen. Isidora was going to drain her emotions before absorbing the last of her ancient magic.
She tried to struggle away, but her limbs felt numb. She had to move, but she couldn't. She couldn't move. She couldn't escape. Octavia gasped as a tug on her chest cemented the reality of the situation in her mind. She would become a husk. She wouldn't make it back to her friends, or Poppy, like she had promised. She'd be breaking her vow once again.
Octavia lay there battered on the floor as Isidora began absorbing her emotions, her very being.
"There is no need to be afraid," Isidora cooed, but her attempt at comfort had the opposite effect on the Slytherin.
Tears welled in her eyes as she cycled through memories she'd made since her arrival at Hogwarts. Days spent honing her skills with Professor Fig, the Sorting ceremony, the friends she made in her house and her classes, her first Beasts class with Poppy. Who would Natty study Charms with? Would Imelda take morning flights around the castle grounds alone? Would Ominis and Sebastian expect to see her in the Undercroft only to find she'd never return to the hidden room, and Poppy...
"I am glad you came to Hogwarts."
Octavia's eyes snapped open. Emerald eyes shone with a familiar silver spark. Her eyes darted to meet Isidora's, which caught the older woman by surprise.
"I won't let you," Octavia vowed, her voice hoarse.
She grabbed the end of Isidora's wand, her body radiating with silver energy as ancient magic pulsed through her. The silver energy traveled through her hand, sending powerful sparks that flung Isidora back.
She rolled painfully across the ground, letting out an exasperated grunt.
Octavia stood back up shakily as adrenaline and ancient magic gave her the strength she needed. She retrieved her wand with a new jolt of determination.
Isidora let out a yell of frustration as she thrusted her wand forward, sending a destructively powerful beam towards the battered student. Octavia sent her blast back in retaliation. The blasts met in the middle, colliding in a fierce battle for dominance. Octavia gritted her teeth as she pushed with everything she had. Isidora was incredibly strong, still fueled by the magic she had stolen, but Octavia was much closer to her level now, thanks to the new magic that had sparked within her.
"I won't let you destroy what I worked so hard for!" Isidora screamed.
Octavia narrowed her eyes, her muscles burned, her eyes stung with dirt and blood, her chest ached with each breath, yet she couldn't stop. She would stop Isidora, even if it killed her. She concentrated on all the people who gave her strength in her darkest moments.
Poppy, Fig, her friends, and her professors. Even her peers, they deserved a chance. No one deserved the fate Isidora had in store for them, not even Peter Flint, despite his abhorrent bullying.
The cavern shook as their blast fought against each other. Ancient energy sparked off and collided with the rocks around them. They cracked and shook, becoming dangerously unstable as their battle carried on.
Despite the pain, Octavia took a labored step forward as she pushed through Isidora's power. She fought back, carried by the new magic that had awoken in her. Her beam pushed against Isidora's, getting increasingly closer to the woman.
Isidora let out a roar as she pushed her magic against the force of Octavia's blast.
Octavia's wand glowed with the intensity of her will. She stood strong, the memories of those she cared for at the forefront of her mind.
With one final push, Octavia's magic pierced Isidora's wand, opening a clear path to Isidora herself.
Isidora's figure became a ball of blinding light in the blink of an eye. The light grew and grew until it reached its breaking point. Her wand shattered with a deafening crack that shook the entire cavern. Octavia shielded her eyes from the bright light before it gradually faded. Slowly, she lowered her hands, spotting Isidora's body lying on the ground. Cautiously, she approached.
Cracks lined Isidora's body, spreading from the center of her chest where Octavia's magic had hit. A purple glow emanated from each crack that etched its way across her body. Octavia had seen this before, and she knew the fate Isidora was destined for. Unlike the other times with Isidora, the effects weren't instantaneous. The Slytherin didn't know how she felt about that. A part of her wanted Isidora to suffer for everything she had done, but another part could only pity the woman.
Isidora's eyes were vacant as she stared up towards the ceiling of the cavern.
"I'm sorry it had to be this way," Octavia whispered as she watched the cracks spread.
A tear slipped down Isidora's cheek as the purple glow grew brighter and brighter, until Octavia eventually had to look away.
"Father..." Isidora whispered before the cracks overcame her. The glow grew brighter, unnervingly bright. The bright orb of light in the center of Isidora's chest shone with the silvery wisps of ancient magic.
Octavia's eyes went wide before the orb burst. The area was bathed in a blinding white light as a great force sent Octavia hurling back. She flew through the air before gravity pulled her back towards the ground. She connected with the stone floor with a sickening snap. At first, she felt nothing, a concerning numbness, then she felt everything. The entirety of her left leg felt like it was enveloped in flames.
It was agonizing .
Octavia sucked in sharp gulps of air as her senses buzzed from the blast. Adrenaline pumped through her, doing its best to shield her nerves from the pain.
Isidora Morganach was gone.
There was nothing left of the revived woman, except ash and a few tiny glowing remnants of the magic she once wielded.
Octavia felt no glory from Isidora's death. She didn't feel pride or any sense of moral superiority. She just felt immense pain and the burden of exhaustion.
She could feel the blood drip from her lips as she lay there on the cold, hard ground. Her chest heaved with each painful breath. Her body hurt, her limbs felt paralyzed, even as the structure of the cavern crumbled around her.
Was this it? Would this be her final resting place? Here, among that blasted Repository and the ashes of a fanatic.
The edges of her vision grew dark, and she felt tired, so incredibly tired. She struggled to keep her eyes open. She wondered what it would feel like to die. Would it be like drifting off to sleep?
Her thoughts drifted off to how this day could've turned out if everything had gone as planned. She'd be celebrating Poppy's birthday, enjoying the festivities and the good company of her friends. The thought almost brought her a sense of peace. Octavia could almost taste those Cauldron Cakes.
At least Isidora couldn't hurt anyone else. She could go knowing that they were safe.
She clung to that thought as her vision grew darker. A wave of acceptance washed over her as everything faded.
Silence, at last.