The Daughter of Valancaire

I arrived back at Hogwarts, stepping out of the same spot in the castle that I had left earlier. The familiar chill of the corridors greeted me as I hurried towards Ravenclaw Tower. It was well past curfew, so I was extra careful, keeping to the shadows and moving quickly.  

As I climbed the spiral staircase to the common room, I made a mental note to find a new place to use the Floo powder—one closer to the tower. This sneaking around was already exhausting, and it was only my first night visiting the Keep.  

I whispered the riddle’s answer to the bronze eagle knocker and slipped inside, the warmth of the common room instantly easing my nerves. Quietly, I tiptoed into the dormitory, where I found Samantha sitting on her bed, looking at me with wide, excited eyes.  

“There you are! Where have you been? And—what are you *wearing*?” she asked, her gaze darting over my slightly fancier clothes, the ones I had chosen to impress my grandfather.  

Thinking quickly, I lied. “I had dinner with my brothers in Hogsmeade,” I said with a casual shrug, trying not to sound suspicious.  

Samantha tilted her head, studying me for a moment, but then grinned and let it go. “Hogsmeade, huh? Well, that explains it. But wait, wait, wait—you’ll never guess what just arrived!”  

Her excitement was infectious, and I found myself curious despite my exhaustion. “What?”  

“letters!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing in place. She grabbed a small pile of parchment from her bedside table and held it up like a prize. “Look who one of them is from—it’s from Garreth!”  

Her squeal was enough to make my face flush instantly. She handed me the letters, and sure enough, there was one from Garreth, sealed neatly with his name written in his characteristic slightly messy handwriting.  

But my attention was drawn to another letter. My heart skipped a beat when I saw the familiar handwriting of Anne Sallow. It was a pleasant surprise to receive something from her, especially knowing everything she was going through.  

Before I could fully process the emotions that came with Anne’s letter, Samantha practically shoved Garreth’s letter back into my hands. “Open it! Open it!” she said, barely containing her giddiness.  

I sighed, giving her an exasperated look, though I couldn’t help but smile. Slowly, I broke the seal on Garreth’s letter and unfolded the parchment. His words jumped out at me immediately.  

**Hi Jessa,  

About our butterbeer—how about tomorrow afternoon? Let’s not fly; we can just walk to Hogsmeade together. It’ll give us more time to talk, and besides, it’s a beautiful walk. Meet me by the entrance courtyard?  

Looking forward to it,  

Garreth**  

The words felt warm, casual yet undeniably flirtatious. My cheeks burned as I read it, and Samantha, ever observant, caught the blush spreading across my face.  

She let out another squeal. “Oh, my Merlin! *This is so cute!* A walk with Garreth? He wants more time with you? This is practically a date!”  

I shook my head quickly. “It’s not—it’s just—he’s being friendly.”  

“Friendly?” Samantha scoffed, placing her hands on her hips. “*Jessa*, no one says they want ‘more time with you’ if they’re just being friendly. This is a date, and you need to look perfect.”  

Before I could protest, Samantha was already rifling through my wardrobe, tossing aside plain robes and practical outfits. “No, no, absolutely not… Ah! Maybe this one!” she muttered to herself as she pulled out a few options, holding them up to me with a critical eye.  

“Samantha, it’s just a walk,” I said, trying to sound reasonable, though the warmth in my cheeks betrayed me.  

“Just a walk?” She turned to me, grinning mischievously. “A walk where Garreth will be staring at you the entire time! You’re not getting out of this, Jessa. You’re going to look amazing.”  

I sighed, realizing there was no use arguing. Samantha’s excitement was unstoppable, and her enthusiasm even started to rub off on me.  

As she continued rummaging through my wardrobe, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. This night was going to be longer than I’d planned, but it wasn’t so bad. Samantha’s energy was contagious, and despite my embarrassment, I appreciated her support.  

Garreth’s letter and the thought of tomorrow lingered in my mind as I watched Samantha sort through my clothes. For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt a little flutter of anticipation. 

_____

Morning came, and despite staying up far too late with Samantha, I woke earlier than usual. It might have been nerves or the sheer anticipation of the day ahead, but either way, I was wide awake before the sun had fully risen. I decided to make the most of the quiet time and pulled Anne’s letter from my bedside to read.  

Her letter, as expected, was delightful. She raved about the book I’d sent her, diving into reflections on the characters and themes, even adding her own witty observations. It was like reading a professional review, though hers had far more heart. Toward the end, she asked for more Hogwarts stories—Anne had always been fascinated by my life here, and I couldn’t disappoint her.  

Smiling, I penned my reply.  

I wrote about Ominis’s miraculous ability to pout even in his sleep, Sebastian’s ongoing sulk over Garreth’s butterbeer invitation, and the chaos surrounding my broom trial victory against Imelda. I made sure to add just enough humor to make Anne laugh, knowing she’d enjoy imagining the scenes. Finally, I promised to send her another book soon—one I was sure she’d love.  

*"If you don’t have a job as a book critic by the time I visit, I’ll be very disappointed,"* I teased before sealing the letter.  

After tying the letter to my owl’s leg and sending it off, I noticed another set of letters on my desk. One was from Natty, the other from Poppy. Both asked to meet up whenever I had free time. I smiled, making a mental note to find time for them later in the week.  

Feeling unusually productive, I decided it was time to wake Samantha.  

“Sam, wake up,” I said, nudging her shoulder gently.  

“Mmm, no,” she groaned, burying herself deeper under the blankets.  

“Come on,” I coaxed. “We’re early today. Breakfast will actually be peaceful for once.”  

That did the trick. Grumbling, she rolled out of bed, though by the time we were heading to the Great Hall, her usual spark of energy had returned.  

When we arrived, the hall was quieter than usual, with only a handful of students scattered around. Surprisingly, Sebastian and Ominis were already seated at the Ravenclaw table. It was rare to see them up this early, and they both seemed oddly tense.  

“Morning,” I greeted as Samantha and I took our seats.  

Sebastian glanced up, his expression unreadable, while Ominis offered a polite nod.  

But Samantha, practically bursting with energy now, leaned forward with a mischievous grin.  

“Guess what?” she said, her voice practically sing-song.  

I froze. “Samantha, *don’t—*”  

“Oh, I absolutely *will,*” she interrupted, turning to Sebastian and Ominis. “Jessa has her *date* with Garreth Weasley *today!* This afternoon!”  

Sebastian dropped his fork so dramatically that it clattered against the plate. Ominis’s usually composed face twitched as his head tilted sharply toward me.  

“This afternoon?” Ominis asked, his voice unusually sharp.  

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “So, you’re just casually going on a—what—*romantic walk* with Garreth Weasley and didn’t think to mention it?”  

“It’s *not* a date,” I said quickly, my cheeks warming.  

“Not a date?” Ominis said, eyebrows raised. “You’re meeting him for a private stroll to Hogsmeade. If that’s not a date, I don’t know what is.”  

“I wasn’t hiding it,” I said defensively. “I just didn’t think it was worth mentioning.”  

“Oh, it’s worth mentioning,” Sebastian muttered, stabbing at his eggs like they owed him money. “You could’ve at least given us a heads-up. I had to hear about this *from Samantha.*”  

Samantha, meanwhile, was loving every second. She ignored me completely and turned to Sebastian. “She’s going to look *so* pretty, too. She has this gorgeous outfit ready—soft, flowy fabric that brings out her eyes, and we’re curling her hair to perfection. She’s going to be stunning!”  

Sebastian’s face turned an impressive shade of pink as he glared at Samantha. “Why are you telling me this? I don’t care what she wears.”  

“Sure you don’t,” Samantha teased, smirking at his reaction.  

Ominis, still unnervingly calm, leaned back in his seat. “Well, at least you’ll look nice while Garreth attempts to charm you with some terrible joke about cauldrons.”  

I rolled my eyes. “You’re both being ridiculous. It’s not like I’m running off to marry him.”  

“Yet,” Ominis murmured under his breath, earning a sharp glare from me.  

Samantha, delighted by the chaos, added fuel to the fire. “Honestly, I wouldn’t blame her if she did. Garreth’s charming and funny, and let’s be honest, he’s got the cutest smile.”  

Sebastian’s fork slipped from his hand again, and he muttered something that sounded suspiciously like, “Not that cute.”  

“Boys,” I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. “You’re acting like I announced I’m eloping with him this afternoon.”  

Ominis smirked. “We’re just concerned about you, Jessa. After all, Garreth’s… *reputation* speaks for itself.”  

“And what reputation is that?” I asked suspiciously.  

Sebastian leaned forward, his expression serious. “He’s reckless. He’s the type to drag you into one of his experiments and accidentally blow up half the castle.”  

“I think I can handle myself,” I replied dryly.  

“Well, if you need a rescue, you know where to find us,” Ominis said, his smirk deepening.  

Samantha patted my shoulder, beaming. “Don’t let them get to you, Jessa. You’re going to have a wonderful time. Just don’t let these two moody Slytherins ruin your day.”  

I sighed, glancing at Sebastian and Ominis. They both looked grumpy enough to match the storm clouds outside.  

It was a *very* long breakfast. 

___

After finishing breakfast, I parted ways with the boys and Samantha, who made sure to loudly remind me to find her later so we could prepare for the “date.” This, of course, earned another round of scowls and muttered comments from Sebastian and Ominis, but I ignored them, waving goodbye.  

With a free period ahead, I decided to make the most of my time. Natty and Poppy had both written to me recently, and I wanted to catch up with them. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find Natty anywhere in the castle, but I spotted Poppy just outside, heading toward the Beasts classroom.  

“Poppy!” I called, running to catch up with her.  

She turned, startled at first, but her expression quickly shifted to one of delight. “Jessa! Look at you—not lost for once!”  

I laughed, realizing she was absolutely right. “See? I just needed practice!” I teased, grinning.  

Poppy giggled, then tilted her head, her expression softening. “I’m so proud of you. You’re really settling in now.”  

Her words made me pause. She wasn’t wrong—ever since recovering my memories, things had started to feel…different. Familiar. Like Hogwarts was truly *home.*  

Before I could get lost in thought, Poppy clapped her hands together, her face lighting up with excitement. “I’m so glad I ran into you! There’s something I’ve been dying to show you.”  

Curious, I nodded, following her as she led me away from the classroom and farther into the clearing near the forest. We walked in companionable silence until we reached an open space bathed in soft sunlight.  

And then I saw them.  

Two magnificent hippogriffs stood in the clearing, one gleaming white as fresh snow and the other an onyx black that shimmered faintly in the light. Their majestic wings folded neatly at their sides, and their intelligent eyes watched us approach with a calm but curious gaze.  

I gasped, utterly in awe. “Poppy…they’re *beautiful.*”  

Poppy beamed with pride. “Let me introduce you. The white one is Highwing, and the black one is Caligo. They’re my friends.”  

As if on cue, the hippogriffs stepped closer, their movements graceful yet powerful. My breath caught in my throat.  

“They’re coming over,” I whispered nervously.  

Poppy giggled. “Of course they are! They’re curious about you. Don’t worry—they’re gentle if you show them respect.” She placed a reassuring hand on my arm and gestured toward Highwing. “Start with her. Bow, slowly, and wait for her to bow back. She’ll let you know if she trusts you.”  

I nodded, taking a deep breath as I stepped forward. Highwing’s piercing gaze locked onto mine, and I fought the urge to look away, remembering Poppy’s advice to show respect. Slowly, I bent at the waist, keeping my movements deliberate and calm.  

For a moment, nothing happened. My heart pounded, and I held my breath.  

And then, Highwing dipped her head in a graceful bow.  

“She trusts you!” Poppy exclaimed, clapping her hands.  

Relief flooded through me, and I smiled as I straightened. Highwing took another step closer, her enormous beak just inches from me. Poppy handed me a handful of small treats—something that looked like dried meat—and encouraged me to hold out my hand.  

“Offer her this. She’ll love it.”  

I extended my hand, palm flat, and Highwing leaned down to delicately pluck the treat from my fingers. Her beak was strong, but her movements were impossibly gentle.  

“She’s so soft,” I murmured, reaching out to run my hand along her feathery neck. The texture was unlike anything I’d ever felt—silky and warm, yet sturdy.  

“Now try Caligo,” Poppy urged.  

I turned to the black hippogriff, who was watching me with sharp, discerning eyes. His presence was more imposing than Highwing’s—his darker coloring made him seem almost otherworldly.  

I repeated the same process, bowing low and holding my breath. Caligo didn’t move at first, and I wondered if I’d made a mistake. But then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he bowed back.  

“See? You’re a natural!” Poppy said, her voice full of pride.  

Encouraged, I stepped closer and offered Caligo a treat. He accepted it with the same gentleness as Highwing, though his gaze seemed to study me more intently. As I stroked his neck, I noticed the faint shimmer of his feathers—a mesmerizing blend of black and deep blue, like the night sky.  

“They’re incredible,” I said, turning to Poppy. “How did you meet them?”  

Poppy smiled fondly. “I’ve been visiting them for a while now. Highwing was rescued from poachers, and Caligo…well, he’s a bit of a mystery. He just showed up one day, and we’ve been friends ever since.”  

I nodded, still in awe as I continued to pet the hippogriffs. Highwing nudged me gently with her beak, and I laughed, feeling an overwhelming sense of connection to these majestic creatures.  

“Thank you for introducing me to them, Poppy,” I said earnestly.  

“Of course,” she replied, her smile warm. “I knew they’d like you. And I think they’ll be glad to see you again soon.”  

I couldn’t stop smiling as we walked back toward the castle. It wasn’t just the thrill of meeting the hippogriffs—it was the quiet joy of sharing a moment like this with Poppy, someone who truly understood the magic of it all. 

_______

After parting with Poppy, I decided to find my brothers to update them about my night with Grandfather. I found them together in the courtyard near the Astronomy Tower. Jace and Valor were leaning against a low wall, deep in conversation, while Vix sat on the steps, tossing small pebbles into the grass.

When they saw me approaching, Jace was the first to notice, giving me his usual easy grin. 

“There you are. Thought you might’ve disappeared on us again.”

“Don’t give her ideas,” Vix muttered, smirking.

“I didn’t disappear,” I said, rolling my eyes, “but I do need to tell you all something.”

That caught their attention. They straightened up, their expressions shifting from casual to concerned. I took a seat beside Vix and began recounting everything: my visit to the Keep, Grandfather’s plans for me, the nightly training sessions, and the book he’d given me. I spared no detail, though I tried to keep my voice steady, even when I mentioned Grandfather’s cold demeanor and his pointed remarks about our parents.

When I finished, the air was heavy with silence.

“Every night?” Vix asked finally, his voice tinged with disbelief. “With school on top of that? Jessa, are you serious?”

I nodded, gripping my hands tightly in my lap. “I don’t have a choice, Vix. He says it’s necessary, and honestly… I think it is.”

Jace let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Necessary, huh? Sounds more like he’s piling everything on you because he can. Did he even ask if you wanted this?”

“Jace—” I started, but he wasn’t done.

“No, really. You’ve been through enough already. And now he wants to train you like some sort of heir-apparent, on top of everything else? It’s—”

“Enough.” Valor’s voice cut through Jace’s frustration like a knife.

Jace closed his mouth, though his jaw tightened, and he looked away.

Valor’s expression was calm, but there was a weight to his words when he spoke.z

 “Jessa, this is too much. You’ve already been forced to carry burdens no one your age should have to deal with. To have a normal life—just a little normal—is something anyone should have.”

 He paused, glancing at the others before continuing, “You deserve that, too.”

His words hit me harder than I expected. My throat tightened, but I forced myself to nod. 

“I know. I know you’re worried, but I can handle this. I have to handle this.”

Vix leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “And if you can’t? What then? Jessa, we’re all here for you, but don’t let him push you into losing yourself in all of this. You’re more than just…what Grandfather wants you to be.”

“Exactly,” Jace added, his voice quieter now. “We’re your brothers, Jessa. Lean on us, alright? We’re not going anywhere.”

I managed a small smile, though my chest ached. “Thank you. All of you.”

We sat in silence for a moment before Vix broke it with a grin. “So, what’s in the book, then? Any dark secrets? Cursed spells? A recipe for biscuits?”

I laughed despite myself, shaking my head. 

“Not biscuits, unfortunately. But you wouldn’t believe the spells and potions in there. They’re like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

Jace leaned back, crossing his arms. “Well, when you start casting ancient magic or brewing potions that make you invisible, let me know. I’d like to try those biscuits, though, if you find the recipe.”

“Sure thing,” I teased, standing up. “I’ll keep you all updated.”

We parted ways after that, and I made my way to the library before my next class. I settled into a quiet corner in the library, the dim light from the enchanted lamps casting a warm glow over the gilded edges of the pages.

The book felt ancient, its leather cover embossed with symbols I couldn’t immediately decipher. As I flipped through the pages, I was met again with spells and potions I had never encountered before. Each one seemed unique, far removed from the standard Hogwarts curriculum.

One spell, Aetherial Lash, summoned tendrils of shimmering light that could immobilize enemies. Another, Vitae Replenish, restored strength and energy with a mere flick of the wand. But what truly captivated me was a potion called

Essentia Veritas.

The potion’s description alone gave me pause. It was a diagnostic potion, designed to map out the magical and physical state of an individual and recommend remedies tailored to their affliction. 

The text explained that the potion would react when combined with the essence of the person it was diagnosing—options like hair or tears were mentioned.

Grandfather’s cryptic words echoed in my mind: “Blood holds answers.”

I need to use Anne’s blood.

The reaction would result in a swirling display of colors, each corresponding to specific ailments or curses, followed by text that would appear on the surface of the potion, listing the spells or potions most likely to help.

The idea was ingenious—and incredibly advanced.

As I read on, the potion’s complexity became clear. The ingredients included:

Powdered Moonstone 

Fluxweed Sprigs 

Ashwinder Eggs 

Nightshade Bloom

Jobberknoll Feathers 

Starlight Essence (a rare ingredient only found on nights with clear skies)

Silvervine Sap 

The preparation process was just as intricate. The potion had to be brewed under a full moon, with the cauldron surrounded by moonstones to amplify its potency. The essence—whether blood or another component—had to be added at the precise moment the potion reached a luminescent gold hue.

This potion could be the key to understanding what was happening to Anne. My heart raced as I carefully jotted down the ingredients and instructions.

But there was one glaring problem: how would I convince Anne to let me use her blood?

I shook my head, determined to figure that out later. For now, I had a new sense of purpose.

_____

After class, I went straight to the dormitory to find Samantha, knowing full well what awaited me. The moment I stepped inside, she pounced, practically bouncing with excitement.

“You’re here!” she exclaimed, grabbing my hands and spinning me around. “Now, let’s make you absolutely stunning for your date!”

I sighed, shaking my head with a groan. “Let’s just get this over with, Sam.”

Her grin widened. “Oh no, no, no. This isn’t just ‘getting it over with.’ This is about creating magic. Garreth Weasley is not going to know what hit him.”

She started rifling AGAIN through my wardrobe with the intensity of a treasure hunter seeking gold. Clothes flew onto the bed as she muttered to herself. “No, too plain… too heavy… too bright… ah, this one’s perfect!”

She held up a beautifully embroidered cream top with subtle golden threadwork that shimmered in the light, paired with a flowing, intricate deep green skirt that flattered the outfit without looking overly formal. 

“This,” she declared, “is a statement. It says, ‘I’m effortlessly beautiful and charming, but I didn’t try too hard.’”

I raised an eyebrow. “It’s just a trip to Hogsmeade, Sam.”

She gasped, clutching her heart dramatically. “Just a trip? Jessa, no outing is ‘just’ a trip when romance is involved!”

I rolled my eyes, but her infectious energy was starting to wear me down.

Next, she turned her attention to my hair. “Alright, let’s add some curls. Not too tight—just loose, natural waves that scream sophistication without being fussy.”

As she worked, I couldn’t help but notice how skilled she was. Every curl was perfectly placed, framing my face with an air of understated elegance.

“You’re as talented as my mother at this,” I admitted, glancing at my reflection in the mirror.

Samantha grinned, clearly delighted by the compliment. 

“Of course, I am. But I’ll take that as high praise. Your mum must be brilliant.” She paused to add a final touch of light makeup—just a hint of blush and a touch of shimmer on my eyes. 

“There. Look at you. Absolutely radiant.”

I turned to look at myself in the mirror and blinked in surprise. I didn’t look overly done-up, but there was a refinement to my appearance that I wasn’t used to.

“Garreth might just lose the ability to speak when he sees you,” Samantha teased, clapping her hands together.

Blushing, I laughed. “Sam, you’re impossible.”

“And you’re gorgeous,” she replied with a wink. “Now, go make him fall in love with you—and don’t forget to update me on everything when you get back!”

_______

When I reached the castle’s exit, I spotted two familiar figures sitting on the courtyard bench. Sebastian and Ominis were both dressed in casual but neat attire, clearly not their uniforms.

“Hey, boys,” I greeted, raising an eyebrow. “Headed somewhere?”

Sebastian froze, his gaze locking on me. His mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out. He blinked a few times, his face slightly flushed, before finally managing to stammer, “Uh, yeah. We… we need some things from Hogsmeade.”

Ominis, sitting beside him, cleared his throat and adjusted his collar. “Yes. Very important things. I need… a new quill. A specific one.”

I tilted my head, suspicion creeping in. “Today? Must you get them today?”

Sebastian recovered quickly, a sly grin creeping onto his face. “Well, it’s a beautiful day— isn’t it, Ominis?”

“Absolutely,” Ominis chimed in, though his tone was just a touch too cheerful. “The weather’s perfect.”

I crossed my arms. “And you don’t want to use the floo network or fly there?”

Sebastian smirked. “What’s the rush? It’s a scenic walk. Right, Ominis?”

“Of course,” Ominis replied, nodding firmly.

Before I could press them further, I spotted Garreth approaching. He waved as he walked up, his bright smile widening when he saw me.

“Wow, Jessa,” he said warmly, his eyes sweeping over me appreciatively. “You look incredible. I mean, you always do, but today… well, you’ve really outdone yourself.”

I blushed, smiling shyly. “Thank you, Garreth.”

Casting one last glance at Sebastian and Ominis, who had stood up and started walking as well, I sighed. “Well, enjoy your day in Hogsmeade, boys.”

With that, I turned to Garreth, and we began our walk to the village. But I couldn’t help but notice Sebastian and Ominis following not too far behind.

“Oh Merlin,” I muttered under my breath. “Here we go.”

____

Ominis’s POV

I still can’t believe I was coerced into this. Of course, Sebastian, ever the impulsive fool, was pacing our dormitory earlier, practically fuming like a Graphorn with a thorn in its paw. He’d begged me to come to Hogsmeade, claiming he needed to “calm his nerves,” though we both knew the real reason. His idea of calming down was apparently to stalk Jessa and Garreth on their little outing.  

I’d been reluctant, naturally. I don’t relish the thought of being dragged into Sebastian’s theatrics, but there was a part of me—small and easily ignored most days—that was curious, too. How would their so-called “date” go?  

Not that I’m thrilled about it. Especially after Sebastian, in his frantic ramblings, decided it was vital to describe Jessa’s appearance in *painstaking* detail. “She looks *amazing*, Ominis,” he said, as though I didn’t already know she always looked lovely.  

For reasons I couldn’t quite pin down, I felt a pang at the thought of Jessa and Garreth together. Perhaps it’s because she’s brought a certain lightness to our lives, and selfishly, I’m not ready to see her drawn into anyone else’s orbit just yet. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because I’m beginning to feel something more myself. I brushed the thought aside. Surely, I’m overthinking this.  

Now, as we walk to Hogsmeade—at a careful distance behind Jessa and Garreth, mind you—Sebastian is muttering under his breath.  

“They’re walking too close,” he grumbled.  

“They’re walking,” I pointed out dryly. “That’s what people do, Sebastian.”  

But he wasn’t listening. His focus was entirely on the couple ahead of us. “Look at him, Ominis. I bet he didn’t even say anything funny, and Jessa’s just being polite.”  

“Maybe she finds him charming,” I said, mostly to poke the bear.  

Sebastian made a strangled noise that sounded like he was swallowing a Puking Pastille. 

“Charming? Garreth Weasley? Please. The man’s a clown.”  

I was about to respond when Sebastian gasped suddenly.  

“What happened?” I asked, already dreading the answer.  

“That ginger bastard!” Sebastian hissed. “That was completely unnecessary!”  

I frowned. “What was unnecessary?”  

“Someone flew past on a broom too close to Jessa, and Garreth—ugh, that sly little prat—he put his arm around her to pull her closer. As if he’s some sort of protector!”  

I couldn’t help it; that description earned some fury from me too. I clenched my jaw. It’s not that I didn’t think Garreth was a decent person. But *that*? It was presumptuous. It was far too bold.  

Sebastian, apparently fueled by his indignation, began narrating the rest of their interactions like some sort of dramatic commentator.  

“She’s laughing. Why is she laughing? He’s not funny!”  

“How do you know he’s not funny?” I asked, mostly out of curiosity.  

“Because he’s Garreth! His idea of humor is exploding cauldrons! That’s not funny—it’s dangerous.”  

I smirked despite myself. “You sound like you’re jealous, Sebastian.”  

“I am not jealous!” he snapped, far too quickly. “I’m just… concerned. For her safety.”  

“Right,” I drawled.  

The path to Hogsmeade stretched ahead of us, the crisp winter air nipping at our cheeks as the sounds of Garreth and Jessa’s cheerful conversation floated back to us. I admit, it was hard to hear Jessa’s laughter and not feel something stir inside me. It wasn’t jealousy—no, it couldn’t be. It was just… protectiveness. I didn’t want her to get hurt, emotionally or otherwise.  

Sebastian nudged me suddenly. “Ominis, you’ve got to agree. This is ridiculous. They look like they’re already some sort of couple.”  

I hesitated before replying. “It’s not ridiculous. She deserves to enjoy herself.”  

“But why with him?” Sebastian groaned.  

I didn’t respond immediately. Maybe because, deep down, I agreed. It wasn’t Garreth himself I had an issue with—it was the idea of Jessa being whisked away from the circle we’d built. From us.  

As we neared the outskirts of Hogsmeade, Sebastian’s muttering grew quieter, though his frustration was still palpable. I found myself falling into silence as well, my thoughts a tangled mess.  

Ahead of us, Garreth had offered his arm to Jessa as they crossed a patch of icy ground. She took it, smiling warmly as Sebastian described it.

Sebastian groaned again. “That’s it. I can’t watch this anymore.”  

“Then stop staring,” I replied, though my tone lacked its usual bite.  

We walked the rest of the way in silence, each of us wrestling with feelings we weren’t quite ready to name. 

_________

Jessa’s POV

I sighed, shaking my head slightly. I knew it. *They’re following us.* At first, I didn’t think much of it—Sebastian and Ominis were acting a little odd earlier, but then again, when *weren’t* they acting odd? Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. Then came the giveaway: the faint sound of Sebastian’s footsteps, always just slightly heavier than necessary, and the occasional murmured exchange between the two.  

*Subtlety is not their strong suit,* I thought. They were worse than my brothers.  

Still, I did my best to focus on Garreth. Walking with him was surprisingly enjoyable. He had a way of spinning stories that made even his mishaps sound amusing. He told me about his massive family, their eccentric quirks, and a string of failed potion experiments—each one more absurd than the last.  

“I once tried to make a potion to turn my freckles blue,” he admitted, grinning sheepishly. “It worked, for about three hours. Then my skin turned purple instead, and it took Madam Blainey a week to reverse it.”  

I couldn’t help but laugh, shaking my head at his antics. “Why blue freckles, of all things?”  

“I don’t know. Seemed fun at the time,” he said with a shrug, then turned the conversation to me. He seemed genuinely interested in what I liked, and when I mentioned how much I enjoyed potions, his face lit up.  

“Finally! Someone who understands,” he said with mock drama, clutching his chest.  

We traded potion tips and interesting facts as we walked. It felt easy—natural—and I found myself relaxing in his company. For a moment, I even forgot about our two shadowy tagalongs. That is, until we arrived in Hogsmeade.  

I glanced back casually, expecting to catch Sebastian and Ominis trailing behind us. To my surprise, they were nowhere to be seen. I let out a small sigh of relief, thinking they might have finally given up.  

But that relief was short-lived.  

Garreth opened the door to The Three Broomsticks and ushered me inside. As we stepped in, the warmth of the tavern wrapped around us, and Sirona greeted us with her usual friendly smile.  

“Well, don’t you two look cozy,” she teased with a wink.  

I felt my cheeks flush, but Garreth laughed it off. “Just here for a butterbeer, Sirona. You know me.”  

As we made our way further into the bustling room, my eyes instinctively scanned the crowd. That’s when I spotted them.  

*Oh no.*  

Sebastian and Ominis were seated in a corner, trying—and failing—to look inconspicuous. Sebastian was pretending to be deeply invested in his butterbeer, while Ominis looked far too casual, his head tilted slightly as though listening intently to their surroundings.  

I pinched the bridge of my nose. *I’m going to have a headache by the end of this.*  

Garreth followed my gaze and let out a quiet chuckle. “Can’t let you out of their sight, eh?” he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.  

“They’re just running errands,” I replied quickly, hoping to brush it off. “And really, how can you come to Hogsmeade without stopping by for a butterbeer?”  

He grinned. “Fair point.”  

We found a table a few spots away from them, far enough to hopefully avoid any interruptions. Sirona brought over our drinks, and we resumed our conversation. But then, Garreth leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.  

“So, I’ve been working on an idea for a potion,” he said, glancing around as if someone might overhear. “The ingredients are… tricky, though. I might need to take a trip into the Forbidden Forest.”  

I blinked, caught off guard. “The Forbidden Forest? You’re serious?”  

He nodded, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “I know it sounds reckless, but when it comes to potions, I’m not exactly one to back down from a challenge.”  

I stared at him, equal parts shocked and intrigued. I’d always thought of Garreth as a bit of a mischief-maker, but this? This was a different side of him.  

“You’d actually go into the Forbidden Forest?” I asked.  

“Of course,” he said, shrugging like it was the most normal thing in the world.  

I paused, thinking it over. Garreth clearly had experience with potion ingredients and, judging by his confidence, he must’ve been to the forest before. This could be an opportunity. A reckless one, perhaps, but an opportunity nonetheless to gather ingredients for my potion. 

“Take me with you,” I said suddenly.  

His eyes widened. “You want to come with me? Are you sure?”  

“I’m always curious about the Forbidden Forest,” I replied, my voice steady despite the little thrill of excitement coursing through me.  

He hesitated, glancing at me as if trying to gauge how serious I was. “Jessa, I don’t want to get you into trouble…”  

“I’ll be fine,” I assured him. “It’ll be our little secret.”  

For a moment, he just stared at me, clearly debating with himself. Then, a faint blush crept up his cheeks, and he lifted his mug.  

“To our little secret adventure,” he said with a grin.  

I raised my own mug, tapping it against his with a soft clink. As I took a sip, I couldn’t help but glance toward the corner. Sebastian and Ominis were still there, no doubt stewing in their annoyance. I sighed inwardly.  

____

Sebastian’s POV

I tapped my fingers impatiently against the table, glaring at Garreth and Jessa sitting a few tables away. The way they leaned toward each other, heads almost touching, made my blood simmer. It didn’t help that Jessa seemed completely at ease, her soft laughter occasionally floating over the noise of the Three Broomsticks.  

“They’re too close,” I muttered under my breath.  

Ominis sighed from across the table. “You’ve said that three times now.”  

“Because it’s true,” I snapped. “What are they even talking about? Ominis, can you hear anything?”  

He tilted his head toward their table, his brow furrowing in concentration. “I can’t hear a thing,” he admitted, sounding annoyed. “They’re whispering, and this place is loud.”  

I groaned, frustration bubbling over. *Of all days, why did everyone decide to crowd into the Three Broomsticks?* People were chatting, mugs clinking, and someone at a nearby table was laughing far too loudly. It was like the universe was conspiring to keep me from hearing what I *needed* to know.  

“Try harder,” I hissed.  

Ominis raised an unimpressed brow. “Do I look like I have extendable ears, Sebastian? If you’re so desperate, go sit at their table.”  

“I can’t just walk over there!” I exclaimed. “That would be—”  

“Jealousy?” Ominis suggested, a sly smirk playing on his lips.  

“I’m *not* jealous,” I shot back, glaring at him.  

“Of course not,” he said dryly. “You’re just staring at them like you’d like to set Garreth on fire for fun.”  

“I don’t *want* to set him on fire,” I muttered. Then, after a pause, “Not completely.”  

Ominis snorted softly, but I caught the tension in his shoulders. He’d been unusually quiet about the whole thing, but I knew him well enough to notice the subtle signs of irritation.  

“You’re jealous too, aren’t you?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.  

Ominis tilted his head toward me, his expression unreadable. “I just think she deserves better company than Garreth Weasley,” he said smoothly.  

“Exactly!” I said, glad we were finally in agreement. “He’s so... so—”  

“Reckless,” Ominis supplied.  

“Exactly,” I echoed, though I noticed the faint edge in his tone.  

Before I could dwell on it, Garreth leaned in closer to Jessa, whispering something in her ear. She blushed, laughing softly, and the sight made my stomach twist.  

“That ginger prat,” I hissed through gritted teeth.  

Ominis frowned, sitting up straighter. “What happened?”  

“He leaned in—*again!*” I said, my voice rising. “And now she’s blushing. What could he possibly have said that’s so funny?”  

Ominis’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Perhaps he’s just... being charming.”  

“Charming? Garreth?!” I turned to him in disbelief. “Whose side are you on?”  

“Yours, obviously,” Ominis replied, though there was a faint strain in his voice.  

“Then stop defending him,” I grumbled.  

“I’m not defending him,” Ominis said coolly. “I’m simply pointing out that, for some inexplicable reason, she seems to enjoy his company.”  

I glared at him, noticing how his hand gripped his mug a little too tightly. “You’re jealous,” I accused.  

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Ominis said, though his cheeks were slightly flushed.  

“Admit it,” I pressed.  

“Admit what, exactly?” he asked, his tone a little too sharp. “That I’d rather see her spending time with literally anyone else? Fine. There, are you happy?”  

Before I could answer, Garreth leaned back in his chair, grinning as he raised his mug in a toast to Jessa. She smiled, clinking her mug against his, and the sight made my blood boil.  

“Did they just toast?” I demanded, turning to Ominis in alarm.  

“Yes, Sebastian,” Ominis said, clearly exasperated. “They’re toasting. Probably to how little they care about us sitting here like fools.”  

“That’s it,” I muttered, half-rising from my chair. “I’m going over there.”  

Ominis reached out and grabbed my arm. “Sit down, Sebastian.”  

“Why?”  

“Because you’ll embarrass yourself,” he said firmly. “And her, for that matter. Besides, what are you going to say? ‘Excuse me, Jessa, but could you stop enjoying your date because it’s making me uncomfortable?’”  

I hesitated, slumping back into my chair. “You don’t have to say it like that,” I mumbled.  

Ominis sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Sebastian, you’re impossible.”  

“Me? You’re the one sulking over there like a scorned lover,” I shot back.  

He stiffened. “I am *not* sulking.”  

“You’re definitely sulking,” I said, smirking despite myself.  

Ominis opened his mouth to retort but stopped when Garreth leaned in toward Jessa again, whispering something that made her laugh softly.  

We both groaned in unison, and for the first time all day, I felt like we were on the same page.  

“This is torture,” I muttered.  

“It truly is,” Ominis agreed, his voice low.  

We sat in shared misery, watching from afar as Jessa smiled at Garreth like he was the most fascinating person in the world.  

*This isn’t over,* I thought grimly, and judging by the scowl on Ominis’s face, he was thinking the same thing. 

________

Jessa's POV

Garreth and I had a wonderful time. He asked if he could walk me back to the castle, but I politely declined, saying, “I have some errands to run.”  

He grinned and teased, “I can help you with those errands, you know.”  

I smirked. “I don’t want you to tire of me so soon.”  

“Never,” he said with such sincerity that my cheeks flushed.  

We bid our goodbyes, and just as he turned to leave, he added with a playful wink, “I’ll let you know when I plan to go to... you know where.”  

I giggled, watching him walk away before turning my attention to *that* table.  

There they were—the two nosy nellies—sitting in the corner of the Three Broomsticks with the guiltiest expressions I’d ever seen. They looked like children caught stealing sweets, pretending not to notice me but clearly expecting me to come over.  

“Fancy seeing you here,” Sebastian said, a little too casually, as I approached.  

“Hey, Jessa,” Ominis added meekly, his voice betraying his nerves.  

I crossed my arms, raising a brow. “Cut the pretense. You deliberately followed us.”  

They fell silent, like students caught red-handed by Professor Sharp.  

Ominis was the first to crack. “We were just... worried.”  

Sebastian nodded quickly. “Exactly. Worried.” He opened his mouth to say more but snapped it shut the moment he saw my stern expression.  

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. They reminded me so much of my brothers—hovering like hawks whenever someone else tried to befriend me as a child. It was as if they thought they had exclusive rights to my company. *Boys.*  

“Okay, Sallow and Gaunt,” I began, fixing them both with a pointed look.  

Sebastian winced at the use of their last name. “Uh-oh.”  

“First, I can take care of myself. Second, I’m not going to stop hanging out with you just because I’ve made a new friend who happens to be a boy. And third...” I let the words hang dramatically for a moment. “You two are worse than my brothers!”  

They looked down, thoroughly chastened.  

“We’re sorry,” Ominis said quietly.  

Sebastian nodded, his usual swagger replaced by sheepishness. “Yeah, sorry.”  

I sighed again, softening. “Well, I’ll accept your apology on one condition.”  

They perked up immediately.  

“Treat me to dinner,” I said. “I love the Three Broomsticks, but I’ve been hearing about the chicken at *The Enchanted Feather*—and since you two were too busy following me to actually eat, I know you’re both starving.”  

They exchanged a glance and then smiled, nodding in unison.  

“Deal,” Sebastian said.  

“Huh. Boys.”  

We made our way to The Enchanted Feather, and as soon as we sat down, the atmosphere shifted. It was warm, relaxed—like old friends sharing a meal. The food lived up to the hype, and we spent the evening debating which dishes were the best.  

I mentioned how much Anne loved the book I gave her and that she had a real knack for reviewing them. “Honestly, she should be a journalist. She has such a sharp eye for detail.”  

Sebastian’s face lit up with a proud smile. “She’s always been quick to critique my essays. Sometimes I think she should’ve been the one at Hogwarts.”  

Ominis nodded. “Anne and you would have been fighting for  top of the class, no question.”  

The conversation steered away from Garreth—thank Merlin—and we ended up sharing stories about some of the most ridiculous things we’d seen around Hogwarts.  

After dinner, I convinced them to take me to Honeydukes.  

“Sebastian,” I said as we browsed the colorful shelves. “What’s Anne’s favorite?”  

His eyes lit up as he pointed out a few selections. “These—she loves anything with caramel.”  

I smiled, picking out a few treats for her, as well as some for Natty, Poppy, and Jace. When I grabbed a cauldron cake for Jace, Sebastian snorted.  

“Still fueling his dessert obsession, huh?” he teased, clearly recalling the infamous “cauldron cakes are superior to treacle tart” debate.  

“He’s passionate,” I said with a shrug.  

I noticed Ominis lingering by the chocolates, filling a bag with an impressive variety. I smirked. “Sweet tooth, huh?”  

He turned bright red, fumbling with the bag. “I—uh—it’s not all for me.”  

“Uh-huh,” I said, grinning. “Whatever you say.”  

By the time we left Honeydukes, our bags were bursting with sweets. The night air was crisp and refreshing as we began our walk back to the castle, the quiet hum of Hogsmeade fading behind us.  

Our footsteps echoed softly on the cobblestone path, and for once, everything felt... simple. Peaceful.  

Ominis broke the silence. “Jessa?”  

“Hmm?”  

“Next time you go to Hogsmeade,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips, “try not to give us a heart attack, okay?”  

I laughed, shaking my head. “I’ll do my best.”  

Sebastian chuckled beside him. “No promises, though. She’s Jessa, after all.”  

“Huh. Boys,” I muttered again, earning matching grins from them both.