Hiraeth | Sebastian Sallow Love Story

Chapter One: Turning the Tide

Chapter One: Turning the Tide

Gracie stared at the elder woman sitting behind the mahogany desk. The woman was only a few years older than her mother, yet time had stolen a lot of years from her. Despite her age, Dinah Hecat's eyes crinkled with bleak amusement. Her elbows were on the table and her hands clasped together while she laid her chin on top of them.

"You won't fight?" She guessed. "And why is that?"

"There's no point." Gracie stood in front of her with a frown on her lips, "This war has been going on for five years and we're no closer to winning than we were when we started. In fact, we're dropping like lacewing flies. Whatever magic that Ranrock is wielding—it's invincible. It's ancient magic."

Dinah was quiet for a moment, mulling over her words, "You're quite attached to that wand. If Ranrock or any goblin for that matter saw you with it—you'd be dead. No questions asked. Is that the kind of world you want to live in? One where you can't wield magic?"

"I would be killed simply for existing." The younger witch pointed to her hair as it changed from the dark, red rose color to a pastel shade of pink. Gracie's voice was dripping with sarcasm, "If you can believe it, the goblins don't particularly like metamorphmagi."

"For good reason. It's a rare magical ability." Dinah pointed out knowingly, "You'd be an incredible asset to the resistance."

"The answer is no, Dinah. I only came here as a courtesy because we were both Unspeakables." Gracie grimaced, knowing that her time was cut very short to even be called that. After all, the war broke out when she'd just entered the academy. "But if this is all you wanted to talk about, then I'll take my leave."

The older woman sighed heavily, "Very well. I may not be able to convince you to join the war efforts, but I do have a favor to ask of you. It's the real reason behind this meeting."

"Go on..." Gracie changed her hair back to the rosy color before crossing her arms.

"The Battle of Feldcroft didn't go as expected. One of our top scouts was captured—"

"—Then I suppose he wasn't a very good scout." Gracie interjected.

Dinah's smile wasn't nice, but she continued without reprimanding her for interrupting. "Before he was taken, Mr. Gaunt was able to send off a patronus telling us of an artefact that could destroy Ranrock's powers."

"Gaunt? That family sided with the Goblins to keep their status."

"Their youngest didn't. Ominis Gaunt has fought for the rebellion since before even I knew about Ranrock's ancient magic abilities. He's one of the most loyal warfighters we have and a priceless asset."

"Hmm. Well he's as good as dead then." Gracie frowned, tilting her head slightly. "I'm curious about this artefact. What did he say exactly?"

"Only that it existed." Dinah replied cryptically, "I would like for you to sneak into Rookwood Castle in the Feldcroft region and steal the documents." She hesitated, "I'd also appreciate it if you could save Mr. Gaunt from an untimely death."

Gracie's frown deepened. "You mean to tell me there's no one capable enough to save one person from a decrepit castle?"

"You're thinking of Azrael?"

"Azrael?"

"The Angel of Death. The General who chose a Muggle pseudonym."

That rang a bell in her mind. "Ah, I've heard that name in the Daily Goblin. General Azrael. He's off lighting half the countryside in Prague on fire, isn't he?"