The Daughter of Valancaire

Sebastian's POV

Bloody hell.  

I’m screwed.  

Pacing around the dimly lit Slytherin common room, I couldn’t shake the knot that had formed in my stomach. The green glow from the enchanted windows cast wavering light across the room, and the murmur of the Black Lake above seemed unusually loud tonight.  

What was it about her?  

Jessa Valancaire. The name had already become something of a legend around Hogwarts, and now, thanks to today’s events, she was a legend in my own mind too. Watching her stand toe-to-toe with that troll, untrained but fearless, had been enough to unsettle anyone. But it wasn’t just that.  

It was the quill.  

That damn quill.  

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling sharply. Of all the things she could have done, buying Anne a gift was the last thing I’d expected. The way she’d handed it to me, so casual, as if it was nothing. But it wasn’t nothing. Not to me. Not to Anne.  

She didn’t know the full story—how could she? And yet, somehow, she managed to hit right where it mattered most.  

I stopped pacing and slumped onto one of the leather sofas, leaning forward with my elbows on my knees. The quill sat tucked in my bag, and the mere thought of it filled me with a mix of gratitude and dread.  

This wasn’t part of the plan. I didn’t let people in—not like this. Friends were fine, allies even better, but this? She was something else entirely.  

I rubbed my temples, trying to think clearly.  

She’s clever, that’s for sure. That spark in her eyes when she talked about her gift, the way she stood firm in battle, the way she shrugged off her own fears as if they didn’t matter… It was maddening.  

And that connection…  

I felt it again tonight, that strange buzz whenever we were close. It wasn’t normal—none of this was normal. But every time I tried to dismiss it, it pulled me back in, like an anchor tied to my chest.  

I shook my head, leaning back against the cool leather. “Get it together, Sallow,” I muttered to myself.  

But deep down, I knew I was lying.  

Because bloody hell, I was screwed.

_____

I was distracted from my pacing by the sound of the common room door opening. Ominis stepped inside, his wand faintly illuminating the room.

“There you are,” he said, his tone carrying its usual calm skepticism. “I was starting to wonder if the troll got you after all.”  

I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head. “No, I’m alive, no thanks to the troll.”  

Ominis raised an eyebrow, his unseeing eyes narrowing in that way only he could manage. “So, how was your grand adventure to Hogsmeade, Sallow? Do enlighten me.”  

I sighed, knowing he wouldn’t let it go until I gave him the full story. I recounted everything—the troll, Jessa’s spell, and, of course, the quill.  

By the time I got to the part about the troll, Ominis was gripping his wand tightly, his jaw slightly slack. When I described Jessa conjuring lightning to strike it down, his head tilted sharply, his expression a mix of disbelief and amazement.  

“Wait,” he interrupted, his voice louder than usual. “You’re telling me Jessa Valancaire summoned lightning to kill a troll?!”  

“Well, not exactly ‘killed,’” I said, waving a hand vaguely. “But yes, she struck it down. It was… something else.”  

Ominis let out a short laugh, shaking his head. “And after that, she gave you a quill? I think I’m missing the connection here.”  

I rolled my eyes, reaching into my bag and pulling out the carefully wrapped quill. “Not for me—for Anne. She said it was a thank-you for ‘letting her borrow her brother.’”  

Ominis went silent as I unwrapped it. The quill shimmered faintly, sleek and elegant, and as I brushed my fingers over it, it clicked softly, as if ready to write.  

“It’s self-inking,” I explained, “and it doesn’t smudge. She thought it might be nice for Anne’s letters.”  

Ominis tilted his head, his expression unreadable. “That’s… incredibly thoughtful.”  

“Yeah,” I muttered, carefully tucking the quill back into my bag. “She didn’t even hesitate. Just picked it out like she knew it would be perfect.”  

Ominis smirked slightly. “She’s surprising, I’ll give her that.”  

I slumped onto the sofa, running a hand through my hair. “Surprising doesn’t even begin to cover it. She’s full of contradictions.”  

“Sounds like she’s got you thoroughly perplexed,” Ominis teased.  

I shot him a glare, but there was no malice behind it. “Maybe. Or maybe I just don’t know what to make of her yet.”  

Ominis chuckled, shaking his head. “Sebastian Sallow, undone by a quill and a Ravenclaw. I never thought I’d see the day.”  

I couldn’t help but laugh, though his words lingered uncomfortably. “Yeah, well… she’s one of a kind, that’s for sure.”



Unbeknownst to us, another set of ears had picked up on our conversation. Jace Valancaire stood near the staircase, his posture deceptively calm, but his sharp hearing had caught every word.  

Jace’s POV

His emerald-green eyes widened slightly at the mention of the troll. Shock rippled through him as he processed the details—Jessa and Sebastian had fought a troll. *A troll.*  

“What in Merlin’s name was she thinking?” he muttered under his breath, his fingers tightening on the banister. His blonde hair fell into his face as he lowered his head, trying to quell the growing mix of worry and frustration that surged within him. Jessa was his sister, and the idea of her throwing herself into danger—without him there to protect her—made his stomach churn.  

As the conversation continued, Jace picked up on the mention of lightning. His brow furrowed in confusion. *Lightning?* The thought of her summoning such a powerful spell both amazed and unnerved him. He knew she had raw talent, but this...this was something else entirely.  

When Ominis teased Sebastian about being undone by a Ravenclaw, Jace's lips twitched into a faint smirk despite himself. “Leave it to Jessa to turn a Hogsmeade trip into a spectacle,” he thought, though the smirk quickly faded as his worry resurfaced.  

He debated stepping in, maybe even confronting Sebastian about dragging his sister into such a dangerous situation, but he ultimately held back. Leaning against the bannister, he let out a slow breath. He needed more information, and for now, he didn’t want to alert them to his eavesdropping.  

Jace turned and headed toward his dormitory, his thoughts heavy. He couldn’t shake the image of Jessa facing down a troll, or the lingering dread of what other dangers might find her. *She’s always been at the center of something extraordinary,* he mused, his chest tightening. *But if she’s not careful, it could cost her.*  

“I’ll talk to her later,” he decided, his steps quickening. “And when I do, she’s getting an earful, well.. maybe not from me.” 

——

Jessa’s POV

As the castle settled into a quiet hum for the night, Jessa found herself sitting at the desk in her dormitory, her quill poised over a blank sheet of parchment. The day had been nothing short of overwhelming—the troll, the mysterious men, and, most notably, the lightning she had somehow summoned.  

She sighed, her sapphire-blue eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. *Where do I even begin?* she thought, her mind swimming with questions and emotions she couldn’t fully articulate.  

First, she addressed her letter to Professor Fig.  

---

**Dear Professor Fig,**  

I hope this letter finds you well. I understand the Headmaster has sent you on an errand, but I felt it important to write to you about today's events.  

A troll attacked Hogsmeade, and while it was dealt with, another one made its way into the square where Sebastian and I were. Together, we managed to defeat it, but something extraordinary happened.  

I… summoned lightning. It wasn’t something I cast intentionally—it was almost instinctive, like a surge of energy responding to the moment. I can’t explain it, but it felt powerful and completely unfamiliar.  

This has left me with more questions than answers, and I hope you might be able to provide some insight when we next meet. Also, I believe the attack wasn’t random. I overheard a man and a goblin discussing how the troll was meant to be a distraction. There is more to this than we initially thought.  

Please let me know when we can speak in person.  

Yours sincerely,  

Jessa Valancaire  

---

Satisfied with the letter, she set it aside and began another, this time to her father.  

---

**Dear Father,**  

I hope you are well. I wanted to share something extraordinary and slightly troubling that happened today.  

During an attack on Hogsmeade, I found myself in a dire situation. A troll was wreaking havoc, and as Sebastian and I fought it off, something unexpected occurred—I summoned lightning.  

It felt unlike any spell I’ve learned or attempted. The power came almost instinctively, as though it was lying dormant, waiting for the right moment. This has left me wondering if it could be connected to our family’s legacy.  

Do you know of any such abilities within the Valancaire bloodline? Anything about lightning magic that might explain this? I’d appreciate any knowledge or stories you could share.  

Please let Mother know I’m doing well, despite the chaos. I miss you all dearly.  

With love,  

Jessa  

---

After sealing both letters, she leaned back in her chair, letting out a deep breath. Her owl, perched nearby, hooted softly, waiting patiently to deliver the letters.  

“Tomorrow,” she whispered, placing the envelopes on her desk. “I’ll send them first thing tomorrow.”  

Blowing out the candle, Jessa climbed into bed, her mind still racing with thoughts of trolls, secretive men, and the undeniable surge of power she had felt. As her eyes closed, she resolved to uncover the truth—about the attack, the lightning, and herself.

________

As Jessa drifted into a restless sleep, she had no idea of the storm brewing on the horizon. Her brother Jace, ever the diligent sibling, had already written home about the troll attack and her involvement in it. His letter, filled with concern, painted a vivid picture of the danger she faced.  

By morning, the consequences of his actions would arrive in the form of a howler.  

_________

The next day, Jessa was startled awake by the sharp tapping of an owl at her window. Rubbing her eyes, she stumbled out of bed to let the bird in, its talons gripping a bright red envelope.  

“Oh no,” she muttered, recognizing the unmistakable howler.  

Samantha, still half-asleep, sat up in her bed. “What’s that racket? Is that…?”  

“It’s from my mother,” Jessa groaned, holding the howler as if it might explode at any second.  

The envelope quivered in her hands before ripping itself open, and her mother’s furious voice filled the dormitory, echoing off the walls and undoubtedly reaching every corner of Ravenclaw Tower.  

“**JESSA LIA VALANCAIRE! A TROLL?! FIGHTING A TROLL?!**”  

Jessa cringed as her mother’s voice grew sharper.  

“**What in Merlin’s name were you thinking? You’ve been at Hogwarts for barely a week, and already you’re putting yourself in mortal danger! Did I not teach you better than this? And where was Professor Fig during all of this? Was he not supposed to keep an eye on you?**”  

Samantha hid a giggle behind her hand, mouthing *“Busted.”*  

The howler wasn’t finished.  

“**And Jace told us about that lightning! You summoned lightning? Do you even know what that means? This isn’t something to experiment with, Jessa! You’ll be the death of me, I swear. Now, you will write to me immediately, explaining everything. EVERYTHING! Do you understand me, young lady?**”  

With one final dramatic *whoosh,* the howler burst into flames, leaving a mortified Jessa standing in the middle of the dormitory, cheeks burning as red as the envelope had been.  

Samantha finally let out a laugh. “Your mother has a way with words.”  

Jessa groaned, sinking into her chair. “I’ll need more than one letter to fix this.”  

Samantha grinned. “I think you might want to start with *I’m sorry.*”  

Jessa nodded, pulling out a fresh sheet of parchment. “And maybe a very strong cup of tea.”

Jessa froze mid-sentence, the quill in her hand hovering above the parchment. A sudden realization hit her like a Bludger to the head.  

“How did Jace even know about the lightning?” she muttered aloud, her sapphire eyes narrowing in suspicion.  

Samantha, lounging on her bed, raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you tell him?”  

“No! I didn’t tell anyone except…” Jessa trailed off, her mind racing. The only other person who knew about the lightning was Sebastian—and she hadn’t even explained it fully to him.  

Samantha sat up straight now, catching the shift in Jessa’s tone. “Wait, you’re serious? You never told your brother?”  

“Not a word.. I was going to tell him today” Jessa confirmed, her voice edged with irritation and confusion. “Jace must have overheard something. But how? And why would he write to our parents before even talking to me?”  

Samantha tilted her head thoughtfully. “Well, you did say he’s super protective. Maybe he thought you’d downplay it if he asked you directly.”  

Jessa sighed, rubbing her temples. “That does sound like him. But still, eavesdropping and then reporting back home? He’s supposed to be my brother, not my keeper!”  

The more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. “You know what? I’ll write to my mother, sure. But Jace is getting a letter too. A very strongly worded one.”  

Samantha smirked. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”  

Jessa didn’t reply, already furiously scribbling on a fresh piece of parchment, her frustration pouring into every stroke of the quill. If Jace wanted to act like a spy, he was about to learn how sharp her wit could be.



JACE’s  POV


Jace had just settled into the Slytherin common room, his thoughts still swirling from the events of the day. He wasn’t entirely sure he had done the right thing by writing home, but his protective instincts had kicked in, and now he could only wait for the fallout.  

His reprieve was short-lived. A sharp rustling sound interrupted his thoughts as an owl swooped into the room, depositing a fiery-red envelope directly onto his lap.  

His stomach sank. “Oh, Merlin.”  

Ominis, lounging in his usual chair, tilted his head toward the sound. “Is that…?”  

“Yes,” Jace muttered, his voice laced with dread.  

Before he could escape, the howler burst open with a loud *crack*, and Jessa’s furious voice filled the entire common room, echoing off the walls.  

“JACE VALANCAIRE! WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS MAGICAL WERE YOU THINKING?! WRITING HOME WITHOUT EVEN TALKING TO ME FIRST?!”  

Jace cringed as every head turned to look at him. Sebastian, seated nearby, arched an eyebrow in his direction.  

“DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW HUMILIATING IT IS TO WAKE UP TO A HOWLER FROM MOTHER?! ALL BECAUSE YOU CAN’T KEEP YOUR BIG EARS AND BIGGER MOUTH OUT OF MY BUSINESS?!”  

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward. “Wait a second—did you *eavesdrop* on us?”  

Jace winced but didn’t answer.  

The howler continued, undeterred.  

“IF YOU WERE SO WORRIED ABOUT ME, YOU COULD HAVE JUST TALKED TO ME LIKE A NORMAL BROTHER! AND ANOTHER THING—IF I EVER FIND OUT YOU’VE BEEN SNEAKING AROUND LISTENING TO MY CONVERSATIONS AGAIN, I SWEAR I’LL HEX YOUR PERFECT HAIR STRAIGHT INTO NEXT WEEK!”  

The howler finished with a fiery *hiss*, disintegrating into ash and leaving an awkward silence in its wake.  

Sebastian crossed his arms. “So? Did you?”  

———-





Sebastians POV

Hearing Jessa’s angry screech fill the Slytherin common room was the highlight of my day—and Ominis’s too, judging by the rare smirk tugging at his lips. 

Jace Valancaire, usually the epitome of cool composure, looked downright flustered as he slouched in his seat. His perfect golden-boy façade was in shambles, and it was all thanks to his sister’s howler. 

“So, Jace,” I drawled. “Did you?”  

Jace peeked through his fingers, his voice muffled as he muttered, “Did I what?”  

“Eavesdrop on Ominis and me. Did you?”  

Jace hesitated for a split second too long, and I knew.  

“You did!” I said, grinning. “Unbelievable. And here I thought you were above all that.”  

Ominis shook his head in mock disappointment. “For shame, Jace. And you’ve made her angry enough to send a howler? That’s practically an achievement.”  

Jace groaned, dragging a hand through his too-perfect hair. “Alright, fine. I might have overheard *some* things.”  

“Some things?” I echoed, arching a brow. “Care to elaborate?”  

“Do I have to?” Jace muttered.  

“No,” Ominis said dryly, “but it’d be more entertaining if you did.”  

Jace sighed, clearly regretting every decision that had led him to this moment. “I just wanted to make sure nothing… dangerous was going on.. and there was!” he finally admitted.  

Ominis tilted his head. “You mean to say you weren’t just being nosy?”  

Jace’s shoulders slumped. “She’s my sister. I’m just trying to look out for her.”  

For a moment, I felt a pang of understanding. Jace wasn’t just the overachieving golden boy; he was a brother worried about someone he cared about.  

“Well,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder, “next time, maybe try asking instead of skulking around like a nosy prefect.”  

Ominis smirked. “Or better yet, don’t eavesdrop at all. Saves you the humiliation of another howler.”  

Jace groaned again, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. For once, the great Jace Valancaire wasn’t in control—and it was thoroughly entertaining. 


Jace’s POV

Jace Valancaire wasn’t about to let Sebastian Sallow have the last laugh. Not in this lifetime.  

As I sat there, the remnants of Jessa’s howler still echoing faintly in my mind, I caught Sebastian’s smug grin. He was reveling in my momentary defeat, leaning back in his chair as though he’d won some grand victory.  

But I had something better: perspective.  

“You seem awfully pleased with yourself, Sallow,” I said, brushing imaginary dust from my sleeve. “A rare moment, I suppose. Enjoy it while it lasts.”  

Sebastian smirked, arms crossed. “Oh, I’m definitely enjoying it. You should’ve seen your face. Priceless.”  

I raised an eyebrow, leaning forward with mock curiosity. “Interesting. Almost as priceless as *your* face when Jessa handed you that quill, I’d wager.”  

The smirk slipped, replaced by a flicker of annoyance. “What about it?”  

“Oh, nothing,” I said, waving a hand nonchalantly. “Just amusing to see how easily undone you were by such a small gesture. What was it she said? A thank-you for letting her borrow you?” I chuckled, shaking my head. “And here I thought you were supposed to be the smooth one.”  

Ominis, perched nearby, chuckled under his breath. “He’s got a point, Sebastian.”  

Sebastian rolled his eyes, though the faint pink tint creeping up his neck betrayed him. “It was thoughtful, that’s all. Something you wouldn’t understand, Valancaire.”  

“Oh, I understand perfectly,” I countered, a grin spreading across my face. “Jessa’s got you wrapped around her little finger, and you don’t even realize it. One quill, and you’re practically swooning.”  

Sebastian groaned, running a hand through his hair. “You’re impossible, Jace.”  

“I try,” I said with a mock bow. “But let’s not pretend this isn’t entertaining for all of us. You, brought low by a simple gift.”  

Ominis smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “It is a rare sight. Usually, Sebastian’s the one dishing it out.”  

“Exactly,” I said, clapping my hands together. “Consider this a much-needed humbling moment.”  

Sebastian glared at me, though there was no real heat in it. “You’re lucky Jessa didn’t hear you say that.”  

I laughed, rising from my seat. “Oh, I’m counting on her not hearing it. But don’t worry, Sallow—I’m sure Anne will love the quill. Just make sure you don’t mess up your thank-you.”  

I left them there, Sebastian muttering something under his breath while Ominis chuckled. Today had been full of surprises, and while the howler had knocked me down a peg, teasing Sebastian had been the perfect way to reclaim the upper hand. For now, anyway.



Sebastian’s POV

That insufferable prat. How are they twins?  

I slumped back in my chair, glaring at the spot where Jace Valancaire had just stood moments ago, so smug and self-assured. He had the audacity to tease me about the quill—*the quill,* of all things.  

Yes, it was a thoughtful gift. Yes, it caught me off guard. But did he have to make it sound like I was swooning?  

Ominis was still laughing, clearly enjoying the spectacle. “You should’ve seen your face, Sebastian. It was like you’d been hit with a stunning spell.”  

“Don’t you start,” I muttered, dragging a hand down my face.  

Ominis smirked. “What? It’s a rare moment when someone manages to fluster you. I’m savoring it.”  

“Great. Glad I could entertain you,” I grumbled. “But honestly, how is Jace her twin? They’re like night and day.”  

Ominis tilted his head. “How so?”  

“Jessa’s...different,” I said, struggling to find the right words. “She’s thoughtful, curious, even kind. Jace, on the other hand, is...well, Jace. Always cocky, always looking for an angle. How does someone like Jessa share blood with *that*?”  

Ominis shrugged, a faint smile on his face. “Perhaps that’s the balance of twins. One to keep you on your toes and the other to keep you grounded.”  

I snorted. “If that’s the case, Jace is doing far too good a job of keeping me on my toes.”  

Ominis laughed again, and I couldn’t help but grin despite myself. Annoying as he was, Jace wasn’t entirely wrong. The quill had thrown me for a loop, but it wasn’t just the gift itself—it was the thought behind it.  

“She really has a way of catching people off guard,” I said quietly.  

Ominis raised an eyebrow. “You’re not wrong. And judging by your reaction, she’s got you more rattled than you care to admit.”  

I opened my mouth to argue but thought better of it. Instead, I let out a sigh, shaking my head. “She’s full of surprises, that’s all. But I’ll be damned if I let Jace keep getting the better of me.”  

Ominis smirked. “Good luck with that.”  

I leaned back, a determined smile creeping onto my face. If Jace thought he could one-up me, he had another thing coming. And as for Jessa...well, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of her yet. But one thing was certain: she wasn’t like anyone else I’d ever met.






Jace’s POV

I was halfway down the corridor when I heard the unmistakable sound of Vix’s laughter behind me. Perfect. Just what I needed.  

“Oi, little brother!” he called out, his voice carrying that infuriatingly smug tone he reserved for moments like this. “Got a moment to chat with your elder and wiser sibling?”  

I turned, already preparing myself for the barrage of teasing. Vix was striding toward me, his blonde hair tousled in that effortless way that always made him look like he just stepped off a magazine cover. His grin was wide, and his green eyes were practically glowing with amusement.  

“Let me guess,” I said, crossing my arms. “You heard about the howler.”  

“Oh, I didn’t just hear about it,” Vix said, chuckling as he stopped in front of me. “I got the play-by-play from Sebastian. You should’ve seen him reenacting it—he nearly fell out of his chair laughing.”  

I groaned. “Of course, he did. Glad to know my embarrassment is a source of entertainment.”  

“Embarrassment?” Vix leaned against the wall, his grin never wavering. “Jace, it was pure gold. Jessa taking you down a peg in front of the entire house? That’s legendary.”  

“Legendary?” I scoffed, though I could feel my ears heating up. “She overreacted. It wasn’t *that* big a deal.”  

“Oh, no, it was *exactly* the right reaction,” Vix said, his tone far too smug for my liking. “The ‘hex your perfect hair straight into next week’ line? That’s going down in Valancaire history.”  

I ran a hand through my hair, muttering under my breath. “Can we please move on from this?”  

“Move on? Why would I do that?” Vix smirked. “It’s not every day I get to see my ‘always-composed’ little brother squirm. I’m savoring this moment.”  

“Glad to know where your loyalties lie,” I said dryly.  

Vix’s expression softened just a little. “Come on, Jace. You’ve got to admit, Jessa’s got fire. You’re lucky to have her back.”  

I sighed, my frustration ebbing slightly. “Yeah, I know.”  

“Good.” He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his grin returning. “Now, let’s go grab something to eat. And if you’re lucky, maybe I’ll stop telling everyone about how you got undone by a howler from your baby sister.”  

“*Maybe?*” I shot him a glare.  

“Big brothers’ privilege,” Vix said, winking as he walked off.  

Shaking my head, I followed him. Typical Vix—always finding a way to remind me of my place, but maybe that’s what I needed today.

—————

Just as I thought I’d gotten through the worst of it, another burst of laughter echoed down the corridor. Fantastic. If there was one thing worse than Vix teasing me, it was Vix *and* Valor teaming up.  

I turned around, and sure enough, there was Valor, the second half of this ridiculous tag-team duo of torment. His green eyes sparkled with mischief, and his blonde hair was a mess from what I could only assume was a reckless attempt at some Gryffindor stunt earlier.  

“Really, Jace?” he said, still chuckling as he approached. “You couldn’t even make it out of your common room without a public shaming? I thought you were supposed to be the smart one.”  

“Lovely to see you too, Valor,” I deadpanned. “Shouldn’t you be off saving kittens or whatever it is you Gryffindors do for fun?”  

“Trust me, this is way more entertaining,” Valor said, clapping Vix on the back as he reached us. “Vix filled me in on the howler. Jessa really let you have it, didn’t she?”  

“Why are you even here?” I asked, glaring at him. “Don’t you have a tower to climb or a dragon to fight?”  

Valor grinned. “And miss the chance to witness the great Jace Valancaire get knocked down a peg? Not a chance.”  

“You’re both insufferable,” I muttered, rubbing my temples.  

Vix chuckled, clearly enjoying my misery. “Come on, Jace. You’ve got to admit it’s a little funny.”  

“It’s not,” I snapped, though the corners of my mouth betrayed me by twitching upward. “And it’s not like either of you are perfect.”  

“No,” Valor said, shrugging. “But at least *we* don’t get howlers threatening our hair.”  

That did it. Vix doubled over, laughing so hard he nearly choked, while Valor leaned casually against the wall, his grin smug and triumphant.  

“Great,” I muttered, throwing my hands in the air. “I’ve got the comedy duo of the century for brothers.”  

“And don’t you forget it,” Vix said, still wheezing.  

“Never a dull moment with you two around,” I muttered under my breath, already plotting my revenge.

Jessa’s POV

My letter to my mother was… well, a delicate balancing act of desperate pleas, careful explanations, and a bit of strategic misdirection. Every word I wrote felt like stepping on a minefield.  

"I promise, Mum, it wasn’t as reckless as Jace made it sound," I wrote, the quill trembling slightly in my hand. "The troll wasn’t entirely my fault—and I wasn’t alone!"  

The more I explained, the more absurd it all sounded. A troll in Hogsmeade. Me, somehow involved in its defeat. Who could make sense of that? Not my mother, that was for certain.  

And then it hit me—a way to distract her. A topic she’d been harping on for well as long as I was awake: her disappointment that none of her sons had brought a wife into the family. Back at the estate, she’d complain endlessly about it, lamenting her lack of daughters-in-law and bemoaning the stubbornness of her “perfectly eligible sons.”  

I tapped my quill against my chin, suppressing a sly smile as I crafted my next words.  

"Oh, and, Mum," I wrote, deliberately casual, "I wasn’t alone because I was with a boy."  

I paused, letting that line hang before continuing.  

"His name is Sebastian. He’s resourceful, intelligent, and… well, he was a big help."  

I kept it vague, just enough to spark her imagination without giving away too much. I could practically hear her squeal of excitement. Mum had a way of spinning the smallest, most innocuous comments into full-blown romantic narratives.  

The quill hovered for a moment, and I decided to really sell it.  

"You’d like him, I think. He’s quite charming."  

I sealed the letter with a flick of my wand, sitting back with a mix of triumph and apprehension. Surely that would do the trick. Mum wouldn’t be able to resist the idea of a potential courtship—especially not one involving me. She’d be too busy concocting her own romantic storyline to fixate on the whole “troll incident.”  

At least, I hoped so.  

Still, as I set the letter aside for the owl, a small part of me braced for impact. Distracting Mum might delay her wrath, but if she saw through my ploy, tomorrow’s howler would probably be twice as loud. 

——

Jessa’s POV

The next morning, as I sat down at the Ravenclaw table for breakfast, I spotted a familiar owl swooping toward me, a letter clutched tightly in its talons. My heart sank.  

"Already?" I muttered under my breath. "Are our owls too fast or what?"  

I barely had time to steady myself before the owl landed gracefully, dropping the letter directly onto my plate.  

Samantha, sitting across from me, raised an eyebrow. “Another one? Did you write your family something scandalous?”  

I forced a laugh, though I wasn’t sure if it sounded convincing. “You could say that.”  

The letter bore my mother’s seal, and I could already feel the intensity of her words radiating through the parchment. I opened it with careful fingers, bracing myself for either her wrath or, hopefully, her distraction.  

"Dearest Jessa," it began, which was a promising start.  

But as I read further, my cheeks burned.  

"Sebastian? Darling, why didn’t you say so sooner? A dashing young wizard who helped you? This is precisely what I’ve been waiting for! Tell me more about him! What is his lineage? Is he tall? Handsome? Does he have ambitions? What are his intentions? I expect a detailed response in your next letter—don’t skimp on the details!"  

Samantha peered over her goblet, clearly intrigued. “You’re blushing.”  

I snapped the letter shut, offering her a tight smile. “Just... family stuff.”  

She smirked but didn’t press.  

I reread the letter, groaning inwardly. My mother had latched onto the tiniest detail like a Niffler to a pile of gold. Worse, she completely glossed over the part about the troll. It worked—too well.  

Now, I had another problem. How was I supposed to write back about Sebastian without making it seem like a real courtship?  

I sighed, pushing the letter aside as my owl ruffled its feathers, clearly proud of its speedy delivery. Maybe it wasn’t the owls that were too fast. Maybe it was just the fallout of my own brilliant (and slightly ridiculous) plan coming back to haunt me. 

—

I still wasn’t speaking to Jace. After the whole howler fiasco, I decided he could stew a little longer. But I needed to speak with Sebastian, so I braced myself and approached the Slytherin table during breakfast.  

The chatter at the table didn’t exactly stop, but it noticeably quieted. Jace noticed me almost immediately, and his glare locked onto me like a hawk spotting prey.  

I matched his glare without hesitation, and the corner of my mouth twitched as the other Slytherins began snickering.  

“Sibling drama incoming,” someone muttered.  

Ominis, seated beside Jace, turned his head slightly toward me. “Are you here to hex Jace, Jessa?” he asked dryly, his tone betraying a hint of amusement.  

“Tempting,” I replied with a smirk, “but no. I need to borrow Sebastian.”  

At this, Sebastian, who was sitting a few seats down, perked up. “Borrow me?” he echoed, leaning forward with a grin. “What for?”  

“Nothing nefarious,” I assured him, casting a pointed glance at Jace. “Unlike someone I know, I don’t sneak around eavesdropping on private conversations.”  

The snickers turned to full-on laughter as Jace rolled his eyes. “Very mature, Jessa.”  

Ignoring him entirely, I motioned for Sebastian to follow me. “Just a moment of your time, if you’re free.”  

Sebastian stood, his smirk growing. “Lead the way. Anything to escape the family feud brewing over here.”  

As we walked out of the hall, he couldn’t resist teasing. “So, are you really planning to hex Jace later, or was that just a warm-up?”  

“Only if he deserves it,” I replied with a grin. “For now, I’ll let him squirm.”  

I had more pressing matters to discuss, but I had to admit—leaving Jace stewing at the table felt pretty satisfying.



Jessa’s POV  

At a quiet, secluded corner of the hall, I turned to Sebastian, feeling my nerves bubble up as I tried to find the right words. “I wanted to say I’m sorry,” I began, voice low.  

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, his expression amused. “Sorry? For what? Your brother? That was gold. Seeing Jace all flustered like that? Best thing I’ve seen all week.”  

I groaned, shaking my head. “Not that. Though I am sorry you had to witness it. I mean... this.”  

I pulled out a folded letter from my bag and handed it to him. He looked at it curiously, then unfolded it, his eyes scanning the parchment quickly.  

“My mother,” I started, pacing a little, “she’s—well, she’s *persistent.* She’s been going on about my brothers not marrying yet, and now she’s decided to involve me in her obsession with matchmaking.”  

Sebastian’s brow furrowed slightly as he read, then a grin began to spread across his face.  

“And now,” I continued, “because of that whole troll incident—and because she doesn’t believe *anything* I try to tell her—she’s convinced herself you’re some... potential suitor for me.”  

That did it. Sebastian burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the walls. “Merlin’s beard, Jessa. This—this is *priceless.*”  

“It’s not funny!” I exclaimed, feeling my cheeks heat up.  

“Oh, it’s absolutely funny,” he said, still laughing as he handed the letter back to me. “‘Dashing young wizard’? I’m flattered, honestly. Your mother’s got a flair for the dramatic, doesn’t she?”  

I rubbed my temples, exasperated. “She’s not going to let it go. If I don’t give her something to fixate on, she’ll keep prying—and I *cannot* let her latch onto the troll incident. She wouldn’t believe the truth anyway.”  

Sebastian’s smirk softened into something a little more thoughtful. “So, what are you going to do?”  

“I need to write back and... well, distract her,” I admitted reluctantly. “Apparently, *you’re* the perfect distraction.”  

He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, a teasing glint in his eye. “So you’re going to tell your mother your  “moments” with me, are you?”  

I glared at him, though the corners of my lips twitched. “It’s the only thing that will get her off my back. But don’t let it get to your head, Sallow.”  

“Too late,” he said, grinning. “But I don’t mind. If it helps keep the peace in the illustrious Valancaire family, I’m happy to oblige. Consider it my civic duty.”  

“Thank you,” I said, the sincerity in my voice cutting through the exasperation. “Really. I appreciate it.”  

He winked, pushing off the wall. “Anytime, Jessa. Though you owe me one now. Maybe your mother can write *me* a glowing recommendation letter someday.”  

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help a small laugh as we turned to head back. With Sebastian’s help, maybe this whole mess wouldn’t seem so impossible after all.


Jessa’s POV

As we walked back toward the bustling halls, I could feel the weight lifting slightly off my shoulders. At least Sebastian was taking this ridiculous situation in stride. But just as I thought the conversation was done, he casually added, “Oh yeah. Since you owe me…”  

I shot him a wary look. “What now?”  

He smirked, clearly enjoying himself. “The quill. Anne loved it.”  

That brought me up short. My expression softened. “She did?”  

Sebastian nodded, his smirk giving way to something more genuine. “Yeah. She said it’s the nicest gift she’s ever gotten. She said she was gonna use it constantly. Doesn’t smudge, inks itself—it’s perfect for her.”  

I felt a warmth spread through me. “I’m so glad. I wasn’t sure if it was the right choice.”  

“It was,” he said firmly, then hesitated for a moment before continuing. “She, uh, actually wanted to write you a thank-you note, but she thought it might be awkward. She said she’d rather meet you first.”  

I blinked, surprised. “She wants to meet me?”  

“Yeah,” he said, glancing at me. “She keeps asking about you—what you’re like, what you’re studying, and, of course, how in Merlin’s name you put up with me.”  

That made me laugh. “Fair question.”  

Sebastian grinned, then his tone turned more sincere. “So... would you like to come with me to Feldcroft? Meet Anne, spend some time there. It’s quiet—different from Hogwarts.”  

The question caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn’t know what to say. The idea of meeting Anne felt… significant.  

“I—” I started, then stopped, trying to gather my thoughts. “I’d love to. If it’s not an inconvenience.”  

“It wouldn’t be,” Sebastian said quickly, a rare note of earnestness in his voice. “Anne would be thrilled. And... it’d mean a lot to me too.”  

His words hung in the air, and for once, I found myself a little lost for words. But the thought of meeting Anne, seeing where Sebastian came from—it felt right.  

“Alright,” I said, smiling. “Let me know when, and I’ll be there.”  

Sebastian’s grin widened, and I could tell this meant more to him than he was letting on. “Great. I’ll let Anne know. She’ll be over the moon.”  

As we reached the main hall, the noise of students and the buzz of daily life surrounded us again. But for the first time in a while, I felt like things were falling into place.

Sebastian POV

I’m having a good week. A *really* good week.  

Stress had been my constant companion for months now—classes, keeping up appearances, worrying about Anne—it all added up. But this week? It’s like the universe finally decided to cut me a break.  

First, there was the whole troll incident. Sure, it was chaotic and nearly got us killed, but it felt good—no, *great*—to actually do something, to take action and come out on top. Watching Jessa hold her ground, even with just the basic spells she knew, was oddly inspiring. And then there was that lightning strike. That moment is seared into my mind.  

And then Jessa—she’s something else. She had no reason to get Anne a gift, but she did. A quill, of all things, perfectly thought out for Anne’s situation. Seeing my sister light up like that for the first time in months... I didn’t realize how much I needed to see that.  

Of course, Jessa’s family drama only added to the week’s entertainment. Watching Jace Valancaire squirm under her howler was pure gold. And when she handed me her mother’s letter—Merlin, I’ve never seen anything like it. I almost felt bad for her, but I couldn’t stop laughing at how she managed to use me to distract her mother.  

And now, she’s agreed to come to Feldcroft. That... that feels big. I don’t even know why, but it does. Maybe because Anne keeps asking about her, or maybe because I want Jessa to see the parts of my life I don’t usually share with anyone.  

I’ve spent so long trying to hold everything together that I forgot what it feels like to just... *enjoy* something. And this week? It feels like a reminder that things can be good, even when they’re messy.  

For the first time in a long time, I feel like I can breathe.

___

Sebastian’s POV (Continued)

As I sat in the Slytherin common room, lost in my thoughts, I felt a shift in the air. It wasn’t the usual tension or drama; it was something else.  

"Are you *actually* smiling, or is that just an act?" Ominis’s voice cut through the quiet, his tone teasing as usual.  

I didn’t need to see him to know he was grinning. The guy was insufferable.  

"You're imagining things," I said, trying to brush it off, but I could feel the heat creeping up my neck.  

Ominis made a sound of disbelief, his brow probably raised even though I couldn’t see it. “Oh, I don’t think so, my friend. You’ve been practically glowing for the past few days. What’s going on, huh? It’s not like you to be so... *chipper*.”  

I rolled my eyes, half-smiling despite myself. "Maybe I’m just in a good mood, Ominis. What of it?"  

He gave a dry laugh, clearly not buying it. "Good mood? You? In *that* case, what’s really going on? Did someone finally knock some sense into you, or are you just enjoying your new favorite hobby—causing *Jace* to squirm?"  

My smile faltered slightly at the mention of Jace. "You wouldn’t believe me if I told you," I muttered, but then I remembered the way Jessa had handled the situation. The howler, the distraction. It was all a little too... perfect.  

Ominis wasn’t finished though. "I’m starting to think I might need to start taking notes. This... whatever’s going on with you lately? It’s not like you at all."  

I huffed, crossing my arms. "Well, maybe *you* should start taking notes, since you’re the one who’s always so obsessed with everyone else’s business."  

Ominis chuckled. "I’ll take that as a compliment. But you’re still not getting out of this one."  

I was about to retort when Ominis added in that dry, sarcastic tone I knew so well, "Don’t worry, Sebastian. I can’t *see* it, but I know that look on your face. I can hear it in your voice. You’re utterly *smitten*."  

I groaned, feeling myself blush again. "Shut it, Ominis."  

He laughed again, clearly enjoying this far too much. "Can’t blame you, though. I’d be smitten too, if I had someone like her in my life."  

I threw a cushion at him, grinning despite myself. "You’re the worst."  

Ominis just snickered, and I couldn't help but feel a lightness I hadn’t had in a while. Maybe things weren’t so complicated after all.