Hogwarts Legacy: The Fifth Keeper

"This is atrocious." Ominis stated flatly. "Breaking into the Headmaster's office? That has got to be one of the worst ideas you two have ever concocted."

Sebastian smirked. "Which is saying a lot, really."

Astoria sighs. "We need to get in there, Ominis. We've searched every record available to us, and nothing on Caen Dainforth exists. The only place left to check is Black's restricted archives."

"And how, pray tell, do you expect to waltz past a password-locked gargoyle?" Ominis drawled. "Not to mention, the Headmaster himself?"

Sebastian shrugged. "With our legs, hopefully."

Ominis scoffed. "Oh, brilliant. Yes, let's just knock on the door and hope he invites you in for a cup of tea while he's at it too then, shall we?"

Astoria thinks for a moment. "We need a distraction."

Both she and Sebastian turned to Ominis.

"No," he said immediately.

"Oh, come on, Ominis," Sebastian grinned. "You can just casually drop in on Black and bore him to death about important Gaunt family matters."

Ominis pinched the bridge of his nose. "I hate you both."

"And yet," Astoria said sweetly, "Here you are."

Ominis sighed. "For the record—I despise this plan."

Sebastian clapped him on the back with a grin. "Duly noted. But just think—when we’re expelled, you’ll finally get the peace and quiet you’ve always dreamed of."

Ominis exhaled a long-suffering sigh. "Tempting. But something tells me that even then, I'd still hear about the disasters you two manage to orchestrate from afar."

Astoria smirked. "Then all the more reason to help us succeed, wouldn’t you say? Best to contain the chaos while you still can."

Sebastian chuckled. "Exactly. You wouldn’t want us to fail, would you, Ominis?"

Ominis deadpanned. "Sallow, every morning, I wake up hoping for your downfall. And yet, the universe insists on disappointing me."

They decided that an unsuspecting Saturday evening was the perfect time to act. Most students had vacated the castle—Hogsmeade was bustling, and the Professors were either resting in their quarters or out enjoying their free time. With the castle quieter than usual, it provided the best opportunity for their plan to unfold without interruption.

Astoria found Sebastian lingering near the entrance to the Headmaster’s Tower, twirling his wand between his fingers, eyes scanning the corridor like a hawk.

"Merlin's beard, Sebastian. Are you actually nervous?" she teased, crossing her arms.

Sebastian scoffed, shooting her a look. "Not nervous—vigilant. There’s a difference. Getting expelled? Manageable. Getting a lecture from Black? That’s an experience I’d rather avoid."

Astoria smirked. "Not getting cold feet now, are you?"

He huffed, feigning offense. "That phrase isn’t even in my vocabulary." Then, with a flick of his wand, Disillusionment shimmered over him. "Now, let's go." 

As they ascended the spiral staircase leading toward the Headmaster's office, the towering stone walls seemed to press in around them, their footsteps echoing ominously in the confined space. The spiralling stairway twisted endlessly; its gothic architecture illuminated only by torches flickering along the walls. The weight of anticipation hung between them—Sebastian was unusually quiet, his fingers flexing over his wand handle, while Astoria kept her gaze fixed ahead, feeling the adrenaline start to pump through her veins.

They were nearly there, the grand archway leading to the gargoyle coming into view when—

A familiar voice cut through the silence.

"Now what do we have here?"

Astoria and Sebastian froze, watching as Gladwin Moon, the caretaker, emerged from around the corner, eyes narrowing at the shimmering distortions in the air where their Disillusionment charms were beginning to wane.

Sebastian groans.

Thinking quickly, Astoria dropped the charm and smiled brightly. "Professor Moon! What luck! I was actually scoping the area for you."

Moon blinked. "Miss Blackwood?" He glanced around suspiciously. "For me? On a Saturday? Whatever for?"

"Yes," she said smoothly, "I was actually in search of..." She pretends to do a quick check over her shoulders "The Demiguise statues." She whispered.

Moon's entire demeanour shifted. "Ah! Miss Blackwood, you're working quite diligently on our grand mission I see! Those wretched Demiguise statues have been tormenting me for far too long." He exhaled in relief, his shoulders visibly relaxing. "A student with a keen sense of duty—I commend your efforts. If only more of your peers shared your priorities!"

Sebastian, still invisible, held his breath.

Moon gave a conspiratorial nod. "Truth be told, I was the same as a student—breaking a few rules for the greater good." He beamed. "Carry on, then. Keep up the good work!"

As soon as Moon disappeared down the hall, Sebastian let out a long breath. "That was good thinking. But...what are Demiguise statues?"

Astoria smirked. "A side project I'm working on for Moon."

"Unbelievable." Sebastian muttered.

Astoria shot him a smug glance. "I'd say that makes us even now—for that fall you took for me in the library last year."

Sebastian scoffed. "Even? Hardly. I chose to take the fall. You just happened to be clever enough to talk us out of it this time."

Astoria hummed, feigning deep thought. "Cleverness does count for something, Sallow."

Sebastian smirked. "Not when I'm the one stuck doing detention while you get away scot-free."

She patted his arm with mock sympathy. "Now, now let's not count grievances like Goblins count gold."

Sebastian sighed dramatically.

When they finally reached the gargoyle statue, Sebastian frowned. "Alright, we're here. Now what?"

Astoria took a deep breath and said, "Toujours Pur."

The statue shuddered to life, sliding aside to reveal the winding staircase leading to the Headmaster's office.

Sebastian blinked at her, utterly flabbergasted. "I'm sorry—what?"

Astoria’s smirk widened. "You heard me."

He crossed his arms, eyeing her suspiciously. "Alright, go on then. Explain."

"Hmm… maybe if you got on your knees, begged very nicely, and called me ‘Supreme Sorceress of Slytherin,’ I’ll consider it."

Sebastian scoffs. "Not in this lifetime."

Astoria shrugged, turning away. "Then I suppose you'll just have to live with the mystery."

He huffed a laugh, watching her with amusement. "Ruthless. I respect it."

The office was a grand circular chamber with tall, arched windows. Shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes lined the curved walls and the centre piece of the room was the imposing, claw-footed desk made of dark mahogany, covered in neatly stacked parchment, an inkwell, and a few scattered quills.

Above them, portraits of former Headmasters and Headmistresses lined the upper walls, some dozing in their frames, while others watched the intruders with curious, narrowed eyes.

Astoria makes a beeline for the shelves behind the desk.

Sebastian blinks. "This isn't your first time, is it?"

Astoria plucks a book from the shelves, not looking up.

"You little traitor. You've come here before—without me!"

Astoria smirks, mischief glinting in her eyes and Sebastian admits it was the most charming thing. "Let's just say—long story short. Polyjuice potion. I was Black for half a day and after spending a good half hour scaring some third years, I beguiled his house-elf—Deek, into telling me the carefully guarded password to this office—the Black family motto and...here we are!"

Sebastian pauses "I think I'm in love."

"Oh, sod off." Astoria buries her nose into the book in an attempt to hide the heat that was rising in her cheeks.

After rummaging through the shelves, Astoria was drawn to a grey, leather-bound book, its spine worn with age. It was old. Older than most of the books in the archives. The Hogwarts crest faintly imprinted on the cover. Carefully opening it, she flicks through, it looked ordinary but suddenly a word caught her eye. Dainforth. A passage referencing a Professor from the Tudor period—one who taught Alchemy during the administration of Headmistress Niamh Fitzgerald.

Astoria runs her finger along the text, eyes wide with concentration.

It appears the book was a reporting journal of sorts penned by Headmistress Fitzgerald herself. Most of its content reported on the happenings at Hogwarts at the time. Mentions of a talented young fifth year, Isidora Morganach, were noted—her ability to wield Ancient Magic. It also spoke of a Professor Dainforth and his questionable ideals and vision for a better world where witches and wizards could live freely, regardless of blood status, and those with great magical talent should be celebrated rather than controlled.

"I worry that Caen's ideologies are rubbing off on Isidora. They have been spending more time together. He has become a mentor of sorts. I fear they now spend more time out of Hogwarts than within, exploring terrains that no student should yet be equipped to weather."

Astoria's stomach twisted, a deep unease settling over her. A mentor. She had seen glimpses of Isidora's past, walked through her memories, and yet—why has she never seen Caen. Something wasn't right.

"Look at this." Sebastian's voice snaps her back to reality.

She looks over her shoulder and sees that he's been rummaging through Black's drawers and personal belongings.

"Firstly, cure for boils. Would you believe it?" He chuckles, tossing the jar between his hands.

"As a matter of fact, yes." Astoria could still remember that awful conversation she was forced to have with Professor Sharp about matters that were entirely too personal.

"Secondly, there's a letter here. About you."

Astoria eyes widened. She steps around the table next to Sebastian as she tries to decipher the letter in his hand.

He suddenly realises how close she was. He became acutely aware of her warmth, her skin, the way her hair was tucked behind her ear, and those deep, emerald green eyes, gleaming with an intensity that seemed to draw the light. He felt the gentle rhythm of her breath as it brushed against his hand, and Merlin, her smell. It was sweet like fresh lilac mixed with a hint of vanilla, but warm like old parchment and fresh laundry and calming yet undeniably captivating. Almost like—

"Why haven't I heard about it?"

"—What?" Sebastian snaps back into it.

"This letter. It's about me, but I haven't heard a thing from Black or anyone else for that matter."

"R-Right, yeah. It's a letter from the Ministry." He averted his eyes, clearing his throat and read:

Dear Professor Black,

We courteously request a meeting with a student under your charge — Ms A. Blackwood concerning the events that transpired involving the unfortunate and untimely deaths of Ministry Official, George Osric and Professor Eleazar Fig.

The matter being investigated by the Ministry concerns the remnants of Ranrok's Loyalists, other associated parties and the transpiration of events that took place within Hogwarts, outside the jurisdiction of Ministry supervision.

It is with great curiosity that we ponder how such a confrontation, which lead to the deaths of two esteemed Wizards, could be survived by a fifth-year student. We will be arriving at Hogwarts within the fortnight to discuss these matters further.

Please ensure that the student is made aware of these summons at your earliest convenience.

Regards,

Horace Whitby

Department of Magical Law Enforcements, Ministry of Magic.

Their thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the unmistakable sound of footsteps ascending the spiral staircase.

Sebastian froze. Astoria's heart leapt into her throat.

Professor Black.

Without a second thought, they both cast their Disillusionment Charms and scrambled for cover. Astoria barely had time to react before Sebastian grabbed her wrist, pulling her behind a cabinet near the door. In their haste, Sebastian's elbow knocked over an ink bottle, sending it clattering to the ground.

Astoria barely suppressed a curse as Black entered the office, his sharp gaze immediately drawn to the mess on his desk.

"What in Salazar’s name—?" Black stormed toward the table, his robes billowing behind him. He muttered darkly as he surveyed the scattered documents, the still-glossy spill of ink creeping across the parchment.

Sebastian squeezed Astoria's hand, a silent signal. Now.

Moving in perfect sync, they slipped toward the door, inching along the wall. Black was still distracted by the mess, huffing in exasperation, and grumbling something about 'Peeves being a menace' as he reached for his wand to clean it up.

Sebastian took the chance.

Still gripping Astoria's hand, he pulled her forward, slipping through the narrow gap of the door just as it began to close. The moment they were outside, they ran.

The rush of adrenaline propelled them forward. It wasn't until they reached the Undercroft that they finally stopped, breathless.

Ominis was already waiting inside, arms crossed, unimpressed. "Took you long enough."

Sebastian, still catching his breath, only now seemed to realize that he was still holding Astoria's hand, he couldn't help but notice how small they were in his. His grip slackened slightly, as if suddenly self-conscious, but he didn't let go.

Ominis raised an eyebrow. "Well?"

Sebastian smirked. "You're not going to believe what we just found."