The Daughter of Valancaire

I went ahead to Astronomy class, and as expected, the stars were breathtaking. The night sky stretched endlessly above us, a glittering tapestry of constellations. I found myself utterly captivated.  

To my surprise, Amit was there, his enthusiasm for the stars contagious. He was incredibly helpful, pointing out constellations and sharing fascinating facts. I hadn’t expected to enjoy the class as much as I did, but his passion and the beauty of the heavens made it a memorable experience.  

After class, I returned to the dormitory, where I spotted Samantha waiting for me with an excited but determined expression.  

“Jessa!” she exclaimed. “I’ve collected tons of potions! I just need a few more Wiggenweld potions, and I’ll be all set. How about you?”  

I smiled at her enthusiasm. “I’m learning offensive spells right now, Sam. I think I’ll be ready soon.”  

Her excitement faltered, and her face softened with sadness. “William’s condition has gotten worse,” she said quietly.  

I stepped closer and gently touched her cheek, my voice firm but comforting. “We’ll help him soon, okay? Two days. In two days, we’ll go there. We’ll be thoroughly prepared.”  

Samantha nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you, Jessa. For everything.”  

I smiled reassuringly. “We’ve got this, Sam. Just hold on a little longer.”  

With a final hug, she went off to rest, and I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the upcoming task settle on my shoulders. But as I glanced out the window, the stars still shimmering in the night sky, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. We’d save William—and I’d uncover the truth about the journal and the mysterious pull that seemed to guide me.

______

The next morning, we all gathered at the Ravenclaw table for breakfast. Jace, Sebastian, Ominis, Natty, Poppy, Samantha, and I were chatting away, laughter and stories filling the air. It felt like a perfect start to the day, with our little group sharing plans, jokes, and the occasional teasing remark.  

After breakfast, we each went our separate ways to attend our classes. Fortunately, Sebastian, Ominis, and I had a free period and decided to use it to practice in the Undercroft.  

“Confringo!” I cast the spell with focus, watching as it exploded perfectly.  

“Perfect!” Sebastian exclaimed, a wide grin on his face. “You’re a quick study. Wow.”  

Next, I tried Bombarda, steadying my wand before casting it. The room shook slightly with the force of the spell, the impact precise and controlled.  

Ominis sighed softly, though I caught a hint of pride in his voice. “That is perfect, too. I can’t believe how fast you mastered Bombarda.” But there was a note of concern there as well, his tone slightly cautious.  

I smiled gratefully at both of them. “Thank you, both of you. I couldn’t have done this without your help. And don’t think I’ve forgotten my promise about the butterbeer.”  

“Glad to help,” Sebastian said cheerfully, while Ominis gave a small nod, though his worry lingered.  

Noticing they both looked a little worn out, I reached into my satchel and pulled out a surprise. “Pastries! I snuck them out of the Great Hall. Let’s have a snack break!”  

Ominis’s expression softened, his usual reserved demeanor giving way to a rare smile. “I have tea here,” he said, moving to a small hidden corner where he had a tin of tea leaves stashed away.  

We sat together, sharing the pastries and sipping on tea as we chatted. They shared funny and mischievous stories from their earlier days at Hogwarts, each tale bringing laughter and warmth to the room.  

It was a moment of reprieve amidst the chaos of our lives—a simple, heartfelt connection in the hidden refuge of the Undercroft. As we laughed and enjoyed our little feast, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for friends like these.

—-

Ominis’s POV

I parted ways with Sebastian and Jessa, walking back toward my next class, but my mind lingered on her. The fact that she can access the Undercroft is something I can’t shake. It’s not just anyone who stumbles into a place tied so deeply to our family’s secrets. That alone should make me cautious—should make me keep my distance.  

But Jessa… she’s different.  

In such a short time, she’s become someone I can’t help but admire. Her kindness, her curiosity, her determination—there’s a fire in her that draws people in. She’s already managed to befriend so many of us, and I can see why. There’s something so genuine about her, something… magnetic.  

And it’s not just her actions. It’s the way she speaks, her laugh, the way her voice stands out even in a crowded hall. I find myself listening for it without even realizing. I’ll scan the room—or listen, I suppose—for her, just to know where she is. If I can’t find her, there’s this… hollowness in my chest, a nagging worry I can’t quite explain.  

I can’t stop myself from worrying about her. She has this knack for diving into things headfirst, and while I admire her fearlessness, it terrifies me. I don’t want her tangled in the mess of our family, in the dangerous world that Sebastian and I sometimes navigate. She deserves better than that.  

And yet…  

I don’t want to push her away.  

There’s a warmth she brings with her, an energy that makes everything feel just a little brighter, a little easier. When she laughs, it’s like the world softens for a moment, and when she teases me, I feel more like myself than I have in years.  

The truth is, she’s the first person to make me feel this way. I’ve always cared deeply for Sebastian and Anne, but this is different. With Jessa, it’s not just care—it’s a pull, something deep in my chest that tightens every time I’m near her.  

I find myself drawn to her without even meaning to be. Her voice is a melody I never tire of hearing, her presence a comfort I didn’t know I needed. She’s become… important to me, far more than I should probably admit.  

And that terrifies me, too.  

Because the more I care, the more I want to protect her. And the more I want to protect her, the more I realize how dangerous it could be for her to be around me. Around us.  

But still… I can’t bring myself to pull away.  

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. Jessa Valancair, what have you done to me? 




Jessa’s POV

---

After parting ways with Sebastian and Ominis, I made my way back to the Ravenclaw common room to freshen up. The warmth of the fire greeted me as I climbed through the entrance, and I spotted a small stack of letters waiting for me on the table by my bed.  

Three owls perched nearby, their feathers ruffled and proud, as if they had flown halfway across the world to deliver these missives. I quickly recognized the elegant handwriting on the envelopes—one from my mother, one from my father, and one from Professor Fig.  

Curiosity bubbled in my chest. With a quiet sigh of contentment, I settled into one of the plush chairs near the fire and reached for the first letter—Mother’s.  

---

**My Dearest Jessa,**  

Thank you for writing, my sweet girl. It always brings a smile to my face to hear about your time at Hogwarts. You seem to be settling in beautifully, and I’m thrilled you’ve made such wonderful friends.  

Please don’t worry too much about Samantha. Family matters can be tricky, but I have no doubt she’ll be just fine. She left you a note because she cares deeply for you, and I’m sure she’ll write back soon. Until then, hold onto that address and trust that everything will work out in time.  

Now, I couldn’t help but notice some new names in your letter—Everette and Ominis, you say? They seem like quite the characters. And Sebastian is still in the picture too? My, my, Jessa, do I sense a bit of competition? You’ll have to tell me more about all of them someday—I’m positively intrigued!  

On another note, I’ve enclosed a letter addressed to Madam Snellings in Hogsmeade. It’s not for your eyes, so don’t open it! When you can, take your girlfriends out for a little day trip. Madam Snellings will know what to do, and I think you’ll all enjoy yourselves. It’s important to have some fun and relaxation, especially after all your hard work.  

Take care of yourself, my darling. Make sure you’re eating well and getting some rest (I know how much you love to stay up late with your books!). And remember, your father and I are just an owl away if you need anything.  

With all my love,  

**Mother**  

---

I couldn’t help but smile as I read her words. Leave it to Mother to encourage me to relax while also teasing me about my new friends. My cheeks flushed at the mention of Ominis and Sebastian. She made it sound like I’d written entire essays about them!  

Tucking the enclosed letter to Madam Snellings into my bag, I decided to save the day trip for after Samantha and I sorted out our plans. I pulled the next letter toward me, recognizing Father’s sharp, precise handwriting.  

---

**My Dearest Jessa,**  

Your letter was a pleasure to receive, as always. I’m delighted to hear about your progress at Hogwarts and your enthusiasm for learning—it warms my heart to know you’ve inherited the Valancaire thirst for knowledge. I’ll be sure to send along more books on potions and curses, as requested. They should arrive by the end of the week, but remember to pace yourself. There’s no rush to master everything all at once, my curious girl.  

I must tell you, your mother is already begging me to arrange a visit to Hogwarts to see you. Can you imagine? It hasn’t even been a month yet, and she’s convinced you must be homesick or in desperate need of her fussing. I’ve been keeping her distracted with shopping for your winter clothes—she’s likely bought enough to outfit half your housemates at this point. Rest assured, I’ll keep her at bay for now, but don’t be surprised if she sends a dozen owls your way in the coming weeks.  

One thing, Jessa—please take care of yourself and watch your health closely. Any pain, no matter how small, must be reported to your brothers immediately. You know how much we all worry about you, and I trust them to keep a close eye on you.  

Your mother and I are so proud of you, Jessa. Watching you grow into the remarkable young woman you’re becoming fills us with joy. Keep writing to us, and let us know if there’s anything you need.  

With all my love and care,  

**Father**  

---

I swallowed the lump in my throat. His words always carried a weight that lingered. The way he emphasized my health—it was a delicate balance between feeling cherished and feeling stifled. Still, it was comforting in its own way.  

Finally, I reached for the last letter, from Professor Fig. His reply was short but significant, and I couldn’t help but feel a ripple of anticipation as I read it.  

---

**Dear Miss Valancaire,**  

It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. Regarding your request to meet, I agree that it would be beneficial for us to discuss matters in person. I will be returning to Hogwarts soon and will notify you immediately upon my arrival so we can arrange a time to speak. Until then, please exercise caution in your pursuits.  

I look forward to seeing you soon.  

Yours sincerely,  

**Professor Eleazar Fig**  

---

A shiver ran down my spine. *Exercise caution?* I glanced toward the darkening window, my mind racing with thoughts of the Undercroft, ancient spells, and the mysteries surrounding Hogwarts. Whatever Professor Fig needed to discuss, I could feel it would change everything.  

I folded the letters carefully and slipped them into my satchel.


——-

After freshening up in the dormitory, I decided to seek out Jace. I had promised him earlier that I’d tell him everything, and I couldn’t delay any longer. The corridors seemed more winding than usual, and in my haste, I managed to get completely turned around.  

Frustrated but determined, I finally spotted Jace in the courtyard, casually leaning against a stone pillar, flipping through a book. Relief washed over me as I hurried toward him.  

"Jace," I called, slightly out of breath. "I need to talk to you. It’s important."  

He straightened, his green eyes narrowing with concern. "You look flustered. What’s going on? is this about the Journal? Did you find something new about it?"  

"Just... come with me," I said, glancing around to ensure no one else could hear. "Somewhere private."  

Curious but cooperative, he followed me to the library. I led him to a quiet corner hidden behind towering shelves and cast a Silencing Charm around us.  

He raised an eyebrow. "A Silencing Charm? This must be serious."  

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "It is."  

I didn’t hold back as I explained everything. I told him about the journal and its strange way of responding only when I was alone. I explained Samantha’s predicament, her brother’s worsening condition, and the plan we’d made to help him. Finally, I described the mysterious light at Feldcroft and the overwhelming pull I’d felt to investigate further.  

I deliberately omitted any mention of the Undercroft. That was Ominis’s secret, and I would never betray his trust.  

When I finished, Jace folded his arms, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he let out a heavy sigh.  

"Jessa," he said slowly, "this is a lot. I get why you’re doing this, but you’re putting yourself—and Samantha—in real danger. You can’t just dive into this without thinking it through."  

"I’m not," I insisted. "We’re preparing as best we can. I won’t take unnecessary risks."  

"Preparation is good," he said, "but you need more than that. You need precautions."  

He reached into his satchel and pulled out a small piece of parchment. Muttering a series of incantations under his breath, he tapped the parchment with his wand. A soft glow enveloped it as the spell took effect. Then, to my surprise, he gently took my hand and pricked my finger with the tip of his wand, extracting a single drop of blood.  

"Jace!" I exclaimed, startled.  

"Relax," he said, giving me a reassuring look. "This is important." He pressed the drop of blood onto the parchment, and the glow intensified before fading into the paper.  

"What is this?" I asked, watching him carefully.  

"This," Jace explained, holding up the parchment, "is a safety net. If you or Samantha are in grave danger, this parchment will start burning. I’ll know immediately, and I’ll come to you with our brothers. No questions, no delays."  

I stared at the parchment, both touched and slightly unnerved. "You... you made this just now?"  

"Of course," he said, tucking it away safely into his satchel. "I’m not letting you run off into danger without some way to call for help. And this is more reliable than any owl or spell you’d have time to cast."  

I swallowed hard, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Jace."  

"And one more thing," Jace added. "Make sure Samantha is just as prepared as you are. It’s not just about you being ready—it’s about keeping her safe too."  

"I will," I assured him. "That’s why I’m telling you all this. I want to make sure we’re covering every base."  

He nodded, though the worry in his eyes remained. "You’ve got too many people here who care about you, Jessa. Don’t make me regret letting you go through with this."  

"I won’t," I promised.  

Satisfied for now, Jace finally relaxed a little. As I lifted the Silencing Charm and we left the library together, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of determination. With Jace’s help and his protective charm, I knew I wasn’t alone in this—and that gave me strength.

———-

My next class was Divination, and as I climbed the winding staircase to the tower, the warm, incense-filled air greeted me. The usual group was already there—Natty, Poppy, and Samantha waving me over with smiles.  

“Over here, Jessa!” Natty called, and I made my way to their table, setting my books down.  

Across the room, I spotted Sebastian and Ominis seated with Amit. Sebastian gave me a cheeky wave, and Ominis nodded politely, his lips twitching into a small smile. I returned the gesture before settling in with the girls.  

Before I could ask about today’s lesson, two unfamiliar faces joined our side of the table. One of them, the one with dark hair and adorable hairstyle, leaned forward with a friendly grin.  

"Hi, I’m Nerida Roberts," she said brightly.  

"And I’m Adelaide Oakes," added the other girl, her soft blonde curls bouncing as she smiled.  

I beamed at them. "I’m Jessa! It’s so nice to meet you both!"  

Nerida didn’t waste a second, pulling a small, glittery book out of her satchel. "We were just looking at this!" she said with a mischievous glint in her eye.  

Adelaide opened the book, revealing colorful illustrations of wands, star charts, and tea leaves. The title, written in overly ornate script, read: *Who Is Your Perfect Wizard? A Guide to Finding Your True Match Using Divination.*  

Samantha, leaning over to get a better look, gasped. "Oh, Merlin’s beard. What *is* that?"  

Poppy snorted. "No, seriously, what is that? Did you find it in Zonko’s?"  

Adelaide giggled, flipping through the pages. "It’s just for fun! Come on, don’t you want to see who your true wizard match is?"  

Natty raised an eyebrow, clearly trying not to laugh. "You brought this to Divination? Mother is going to *love* this."  

Poppy snatched the book, flipping to a random page. "Oh, look! If your wand core is Drangon heartstring, your match apparently has ‘a penchant for poetry and an adorable sneeze.’" She looked up, deadpan. "What am I supposed to do with that? Ask every wizard if they sneeze cutely?"  

Samantha reached for the book, laughing. "Let me see! Oh, this one’s even better—‘Your match is destined to own a Kneazle and prefers lemon drops to chocolate.’ Well, that narrows it down to, um, no one."  

Nerida tapped the book insistently. "Come on, Jessa. You have to try this one—‘Find Your Match by Tea Leaves.’ It’s foolproof!"  

"Foolproof?" I echoed, smirking. "If this thing says my perfect match is the Giant Squid, I’m dropping out of Hogwarts."  

"Or maybe it’ll be Peeves," Poppy teased, and the group dissolved into laughter.  

We were still laughing, pointing out increasingly absurd sections of the book, when a shadow loomed over us. We froze.  

Professor Onai had arrived.  

Her sharp gaze swept over our table before landing squarely on the book in Adelaide’s hands. "What," she asked in a calm but dangerous tone, "is that?"  

Adelaide quickly tried to tuck the book behind her back, but Nerida, in a bold move, held it out. "It’s, uh… just a lighthearted guide—"  

Before she could finish, Professor Onai plucked the book from her hands and held it up for the class to see.  

The title glittered obnoxiously in the sunlight streaming through the tower’s windows: *Who Is Your Perfect Wizard? A Guide to Finding Your True Match Using Divination.*  

The room erupted into laughter. Sebastian was laughing so hard he nearly fell off his chair, while Ominis muttered something under his breath, shaking his head in amused disbelief.  

As for us? We turned so red we could’ve blended in with Gryffindor’s common room.  

Professor Onai waited for the laughter to subside, her expression unreadable. Then she held the book higher and addressed the class.  

"Divination," she began, her voice calm but firm, "is a noble art, grounded in centuries of wisdom and discipline. It is not—" she shook the book slightly for emphasis, "—a party game or a tool for matchmaking."  

The class burst into giggles again, and even Professor Onai couldn’t completely hide her exasperation. "Divination is about insight, clarity, and understanding the mysteries of the world. It is *not*," she said with a pointed look at our table, "about determining your soulmate."  

As the lesson began, we couldn’t stop glancing at each other and stifling giggles. By the time class was over, the tension had mostly eased, and we packed up our things.  

Poppy whispered as we left, "Well, at least it didn’t say our perfect match was a troll."  

Samantha grinned. "Or worse—someone who eats their toast upside down."  

"Don’t forget ‘adorable sneeze,’" Natty chimed in, giggling.  

We all laughed again as we walked out, and despite the embarrassment, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the lightheartedness of the day. Even Professor Onai’s stern reprimand couldn’t ruin the fun memory we’d just made.


---

We bid goodbye to Nerida and Adelaide, both of them grinning mischievously. As they turned to leave, Adelaide called over her shoulder, “If you *really* want to know your true love, you know where to find us!”  

We all burst into laughter, waving them off.  

“True love, huh?” I said, mostly to myself as we started walking toward the Great Hall for dinner. “Never really thought about it.”  

Before anyone could respond, we rounded a corner and immediately ran into Sebastian and Ominis. They both smirked, clearly having overheard the tail end of our conversation.  

“Well, well, well,” Sebastian said, falling into step beside us. “True love, you say? Didn’t think Divination would turn into matchmaking class today.”  

Ominis, walking just behind him, added, “I suppose we should start keeping an eye out for tea leaves and star charts, then. Wouldn’t want to miss Jessa’s ‘perfect wizard.’” His tone was dry, but the teasing smile on his face made it clear he was enjoying this far too much.  

“Don’t start,” I warned, already blushing.  

But Sebastian wasn’t about to let it go. “So, who was it? Peeves? The Giant Squid? Oh wait, don’t tell me—it was Professor Sharp, wasn’t it? That brooding stare, the mysterious air…”  

Poppy nearly choked on her laughter, while Natty covered her mouth to hide her giggles. Samantha tried to keep a straight face but failed miserably.  

“Very funny,” I said, rolling my eyes. “No one said anything about *actual* true love. It was just a silly book Nerida brought to class.”  

“Oh, I’m sure it was *very* silly,” Ominis said with mock seriousness. “What was it called again? *How to Find Your Perfect Wizard in Ten Easy Steps*?”  

Natty finally spoke up, grinning. “Actually, it was called *Who Is Your Perfect Wizard?* And for the record, Jessa’s match apparently has an adorable sneeze and a love of lemon drops.”  

Sebastian stopped dead in his tracks, doubled over with laughter. “An adorable sneeze?! That’s the most specific—and completely useless—trait I’ve ever heard!”  

“Hey!” I protested, unable to hide my own laughter. “It’s not like I wrote the book!”  

Poppy chimed in, smirking. “Well, now every time someone sneezes, we’ll have to check if it’s adorable enough. Imagine the pressure.”  

“Exactly,” Sebastian said, wiping tears from his eyes. “I’ll be on high alert during allergy season.”  

By the time we reached the Great Hall, I was ready to sink into my seat and pretend this conversation had never happened. But, of course, Sebastian wasn’t done.  

As we sat down to eat, he leaned over and whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear, “So, Jessa, if I were to—” He paused dramatically and gave the fakest, most over-the-top sneeze I’d ever seen. “Did I pass the test?”  

I groaned, burying my face in my hands as everyone else erupted into laughter.  

Ominis, ever the calm one, added with a sly smile, “Careful, Sebastian. You’re setting the bar very low for true love.”  

And that was it—we were all laughing so hard that tears were streaming down our faces. Even though I was the target of their teasing, I couldn’t help but join in. True love might still be a mystery, but one thing was clear: with friends like these, life would never be boring.