A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 15: For What It's Worth

James was oblivious at first, his focus entirely on Filch. The caretaker's steps were nearing their hiding spot, his lantern casting flickering shadows that danced along the shelves. James held his breath, inching closer to Anastasia to ensure the invisibility cloak didn't slip.

Suddenly, an explosion echoed from the hallways. James recognised it immediately. Ssomething had gone wrong with the dungbombs. Still, the explosion turned out to be their saving grace as Filch turned and rushed out of the library to investigate.

"Mrs. Norris, stay here!" Filch growled, his footsteps retreating hurriedly as he stormed toward the source of the noise.

James exhaled a relieved sigh, stepping back slightly to survey the room. "Bloody hell," he muttered. "That wasn't supposed to go off in the hall. Sirius is going to—"

He stopped mid-sentence, his attention snapping to Anastasia.

She was pale as a ghost, her hands clutching the edges of the bookshelf as if it were the only thing anchoring her. Her wide eyes stared at nothing, unfocused and haunted, her lips parted as rapid, shallow breaths escaped her. She was shaking uncontrollably, her composure shattered in a way he had never seen before.

"Anastasia?" James said softly, his voice tinged with alarm. He crouched slightly, trying to meet her eye. "Hey. Are you—?"

"D-don't," she managed between ragged breaths.

James's heart sank. He realised with horror that his actions may had triggered traumatic memories from that night at the Riddle Estate—the night he had witnessed and kept secret, even from her. Panic seized him as he saw her sliding to the ground, crouching, completely consumed by her panic spell.

Her hyperventilating only worsened. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm and kneeled besides her. "Anastasia, listen to me. You need to breathe with me, okay? In and out, slowly, just like we did last time."

She didn't react, her wide, unfocused eyes staring into nothingness. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, each shallow breath a battle.

James moved closer, lowering his voice to the same calming tone he'd used with Sirius during his worst nights. "You know this," he said gently. "You've done it before. In for four, hold for four, out for four. You can do this, Ana."

Her breathing hitched at the sound of his voice, but she didn't pull away. He continued, his tone patient and unyielding. "Look at me," he urged, his hazel eyes searching her face. "I know you can hear me. Just follow my lead."

James inhaled deeply, exaggerating the motion. "In for four." He paused, holding his breath for a count. "Hold for four... and out for four." He let the air escape in a slow, deliberate exhale.

Anastasia's trembling hands tightened against the fabric of her dress, but her chest hitched slightly, as though trying to mimic him. Her breaths were uneven, erratic, but it was a start.

"Good," James said softly, nodding as though she'd accomplished something monumental. "That's it. Just like that. In for four. Hold. Out for four."

She struggled through another breath, and then another, the rhythm still shaky but beginning to steady. James stayed close, his voice calm and low, guiding her through each inhale and exhale until the sharpness in her breaths softened.

"Good, that's good," James encouraged softly, his own breath shaky with relief. "Just keep breathing. You're safe. Filch is gone. It's just us."

Finally, her head dipped forward, her hair falling across her face as the tension drained from her body. Her breathing slowed, deep and deliberate now, though her shoulders still trembled faintly. She leaned forward without warning, her forehead coming to rest against James's chest.