Mother's Diary

"Leave them alone." Tom took Muya's hand and led her forward.

They entered another room in the Chamber of Secrets. There was only a portrait here, one that looked newer than those outside. The person in it was also very young.

"Is that Tom? You even brought a guest." The young man in the portrait opened his eyes. They were gray-blue, and he appeared to be blind.

"Yes. She is the daughter of an old friend of yours, Mya Mu."

At the surname Mu, Ominis immediately thought of that person.

If not for her, perhaps his portrait would never have existed.

Ominis relaxed. "I see."

"Nice to meet you. I am Ominis Gaunt, your mother's friend—or perhaps her closest friend."

"Hello." Muya stood where she was, having no idea what to say.

Tom patted her head. "No need to be nervous."

"We can talk tomorrow," Ominis said.

Muya nodded in agreement.

After returning to her room, Muya collapsed onto the bed. She could more or less guess what Ominis wanted to tell her.

"Would you like a bedtime story?" Tom appeared silently in her doorway.

Muya snuggled beneath the covers. Tom sat by the bed and asked, "Where did I leave off last time?"

"I think it was when you became a prefect."

After breakfast, Muya followed Tom into the Chamber of Secrets from the night before.

Tom looked at the portrait, then at Muya. "You two talk."

Once Tom had left, Muya conjured a chair and sat down.

"There is something in the drawer of the cabinet beside you. Your mother gave it to me. She said it was called a Chinese Knot." Ominis seemed to want Muya to take it out.

"Unfortunately, my eyes cannot see."

Muya asked, "Do you need me to take it out for you?"