The Daughter of Valancaire

Jessa’s POV

I collapsed onto my bed, my body aching from the past days of exhaustion. My thoughts wandered to the unopened letter from Anne resting on my nightstand. I had meant to read it last night, but sleep had consumed me before I had the chance.

How am I going to get her blood? I could think of subtle ways, but each one would require time—and time was a luxury I wasn’t sure we had. The sooner I brewed Essentia Veritas, the sooner I could be sure of how to help her.

Still, my body refused to cooperate. My eyelids grew heavy as I mulled over the problem, and before I knew it, I had drifted into sleep.

The soft light of morning stirred me awake. I blinked, momentarily disoriented, until I noticed Samantha’s empty bed. A note was placed neatly on my nightstand.

I picked it up, rubbing my eyes as I read:

“Had to check on my plants for an essay. If I see Leander Prewett near them again, I swear I will personally hex his smug face into oblivion. Will meet you at breakfast. Don’t be late. -Sam”

I chuckled. Of course, Samantha would be at war with Prewett over something as simple as plants. That was very on-brand for her.

Stretching, I sat up and reached for Anne’s letter. I carefully unsealed the envelope and unfolded the parchment, Anne’s neat script filling the page.

Dear Jessa,

I cannot tell you how much I loved the book you sent! The male lead is exactly my type, and honestly, if the author doesn’t write a sequel, I might just track them down myself and demand one. The romance was so well-paced, the angst delicious, and the magical duel in Chapter 17? Brilliant. I should write a review for The Daily Prophet. Do you think they’d accept unsolicited essays from a sickly girl with excellent taste?

All jokes aside, I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness. I always look forward to your letters (and your book recommendations). They make the days more bearable.

On a different note… Jessa, I’m worried about Sebastian. He’s restless. More restless than usual. I know you’ve noticed it too. He tries to hide it from me, but I’m not blind. He’s constantly searching for something, researching Merlin-knows-what, and when he thinks I’m asleep, I hear him pacing.

I know he means well, but… I don’t want him to lose himself in his desperation. He’s always been so protective, but I fear that, in trying to save me, he might destroy himself.

The pain comes and goes, sometimes worse than before, but your spell has helped. I can bear it. But I don’t know how much longer I can convince Sebastian that I’m fine.

Please, if you can… watch over him. Keep him from doing something he can’t take back.

With gratitude and warmth,

Anne

I exhaled, my grip tightening around the parchment.

He’s getting worse.

Anne’s words confirmed what I already knew—Sebastian wasn’t slowing down. He was going to push forward until he had an answer, whether or not it cost him everything.

This potion needed to be done. Fast.

I reached for a fresh piece of parchment and began to write, choosing my words carefully.

Dear Anne,

Your review of the book was so perfect that I genuinely think you should submit it to The Daily Prophet. They need someone with your taste to fix their dreadful book review section. I’ll send you another novel soon—one I think you’ll love even more.

But now, onto something more serious.

I know about Sebastian’s restlessness. I see it too. And I want to help. Not just him—you.

I debated whether I should tell you this, but I don’t believe in deception, especially not when it comes to something this important. I’ve found something. A potion. A diagnostic brew that could help us understand what’s truly happening to you.

But, Anne… one of its ingredients is your blood.

I didn’t tell Sebastian because I don’t want to give him false hope until I know for certain that this will work. But I’m telling you because I need you to trust me. I won’t trick you into giving me something that belongs to you.

If you say no, I won’t ask again. But if you’re willing, please send a reply—and don’t tell Sebastian. Not yet.

With love and loyalty,

Jessa

I sealed the letter and took a steadying breath.

If Anne refused, I would have to find another way. If she accepted…

Then I was one step closer to an answer.

I dressed quickly, tucking the letter away for Samantha to deliver later. As I buttoned my coat, I glanced at my satchel, where my carefully gathered ingredients for Essentia Veritas rested.

Soon.

Very soon.

This had to work.

_____

After sealing Anne’s letter, I gently stroked my owl’s feathers before whispering, “Get this to her as soon as you can, alright?” My owl gave a soft hoot before taking off into the sky, disappearing beyond the towers of Hogwarts.

With that done, I made my way to the Great Hall, where students were already deep in their breakfasts. As I approached the Ravenclaw table, the first thing I noticed was Samantha, seated with her arms crossed, sending a look of pure hatred toward Leander Prewett, who was sitting a few seats away, blissfully unaware of the sheer vengeance brewing beside me.

I slid into the seat beside her, eyeing her expression warily. “Alright, Sam… what did Leander do this time?”

Samantha let out an irritated huff, stabbing her fork into her eggs with unnecessary force. “That absolute buffoon tripped over his own feet in Herbology, fell into my table, and knocked over my entire set of fluxweed pots. And then he had the audacity to tell Professor Garlick that it was my fault for putting them too close to the aisle!”

I snorted. “Merlin, Sam. That boy really has a talent for getting under your skin.”

“Oh, he does. And mark my words, Jessa—one more incident, and he will wake up one morning with vines wrapped so tightly around his bed that he’ll have to apparate out of it.”

Before I could respond, Natty and Poppy arrived, balancing their plates of food.

“Jessa! You’re finally up and about!” Natty greeted with a relieved smile as she sat down across from me.

Poppy nodded. “We were going to check in again last night, but Nurse Blainey said you’d already gone back to your dormitory.”

I sighed, rubbing my temple. “Yeah… I figured the hospital wing had seen too much of me lately. I needed to get out of Nurse Blainey’s head before she starts keeping a personal bed reserved for me.”

Natty chuckled, but Poppy frowned. “Are you sure you’re okay, though? You still look a little tired.”

I waved a hand dismissively. “I’ll be fine. Just need to actually sleep for once.”

Before we could continue, Ominis and Sebastian arrived at the table, sliding into their usual seats beside me.

Sebastian barely had time to reach for his goblet before Samantha—our resident menace—decided to ruin my morning.

She grinned wickedly. “Oh! By the way, I never got to ask—did you boys ever find out why Garreth calls Jessa ‘Sweets’?”

I froze.

Sebastian and Ominis, who had just taken their seats, stiffened.

Ominis exhaled sharply. “No. We did not.”

Sebastian, who had been stirring his tea, immediately dropped the spoon. “Why does it matter?”

Natty smirked. “Oh, it matters.”

I groaned. “Samantha. No.”

Samantha leaned in, absolutely reveling in my misery. “He said her eyes remind him of a certain sweet.”

The entire table fell silent.

Sebastian’s grip on his goblet tightened.

Ominis, who had been calmly buttering his toast, stopped entirely.

Natty and Poppy exchanged knowing glances.

Samantha, the absolute menace that she was, tilted her head. “Isn’t that so sweet?”

I wanted to die.

Sebastian muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like “bloody ridiculous.”

Ominis exhaled, rubbing his temple. “You enjoy making our mornings insufferable, don’t you?”

Poppy giggled. “Oh, come on, it’s harmless teasing.”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “I hate all of you.”

As if the universe wasn’t done tormenting me, a familiar red-headed menace caught my eye from across the Great Hall.

Garreth Weasley.

Seated at the Gryffindor table, looking as cheerful as ever, he grinned and waved enthusiastically in my direction.

“Morning, Sweets!” he called across the hall, completely unaware of the absolute warzone he had just walked into.

I swear I could feel the immediate shift in atmosphere.

Sebastian’s grip on his fork tightened.

Ominis’s jaw ticked.

I did not dare look in their direction.

But then—as if the gods of mischief weren’t done ruining my day—my dear, lovely brother, Valor, who was also seated at the Gryffindor table, had the audacity to glance between me and Garreth, raise an eyebrow, and then shake his head with an exasperated look as if he were my disappointed guardian.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

Garreth, completely oblivious, turned to Valor and gave him a cheeky thumbs-up, which only made my traitorous brother roll his eyes in pure suffering.

I sighed deeply and muttered, “This is going to be a long day.”
______

Classes had been uneventful for the most part—at least, nothing out of the ordinary happened.

That is, if you don’t count the fact that every single time Garreth and I had a class together, both Sebastian and Ominis’ mouths twisted into the most impressive scowls imaginable.

Poppy and Natty had picked up on it immediately.

They were relentless.

During Potions, Natty leaned in and whispered to me, “You know, if their lips curl any further, they might just start brewing something themselves.”

I stifled a laugh.

Garreth, completely unaware of the chaos he was causing, grinned at me as he offered to share his notes—probably one of the very few times his notes were actually helpful—and I thanked him with a smile.

That was a mistake.

Sebastian’s quill almost snapped in half.

Ominis gripped the edge of the table so tightly that I was fairly certain he was about to break the wood.

Poppy, witnessing this, nearly dropped her ink bottle from sheer amusement.

“Oh dear,” she said, biting back a smile. “It’s almost as if someone’s cauldron is about to explode.”

Natty nodded solemnly, eyes glinting mischievously. “Yes, truly a tragic case of boiling jealousy.”

I rolled my eyes, fighting the blush creeping up my neck.

I dared not assume that their jealousy stemmed from anything romantic.

I had brothers.

And possessiveness didn’t always equate to romance—it was just a “boy” thing.

Still, I couldn’t resist teasing them.

I leaned forward, resting my chin on my palm, and asked with mock innocence,

“What exactly did Garreth do to you two?”

Sebastian scoffed, already looking offended before I even finished my sentence.

“I think you could actually be friends,” I mused. “You have some similarities.”

Both of them looked scandalized.

Sebastian’s eyes flashed with disbelief. “Similarities?!”

I tilted my head, pretending to think. “Well…”

Ominis, far less combative but still visibly displeased, huffed.

“I don’t have anything against him,” he admitted, “aside from the fact that he’s a Gryffindor and reckless.”

Natty gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. “I am a Gryffindor!”

We all burst into laughter at her exaggerated offense.

“You’re fine, Natty,” Ominis quickly assured her, “but the others? Questionable.”

Poppy giggled, while Samantha snorted. “Oh? Is that so?”

I turned back to Sebastian, who still looked suspiciously broody.

“And you?” I asked him. “What’s your deal with Garreth?”

Before Sebastian could offer one of his usual excuses, Ominis beat him to it.

“Oh, I remember quite well.” Ominis smirked. “Back in second year, someone had a bit of a personal vendetta against Weasley because Slytherin lost to Gryffindor in Quidditch. Garreth was unbearably smug about it, so Sebastian hexed him.”

I perked up, utterly intrigued. “Hexed him how?”

“He could only speak in rhymes for a week.”

I sputtered, barely suppressing a laugh.

Sebastian groaned, burying his face in his hand.

But Ominis wasn’t done.

“Oh, but Garreth retaliated.”

Natty perked up. “Wait! I do remember this!”

“Same!” Samantha and Poppy chimed in.

“What did he do?” I asked, fully invested.

Ominis grinned. “He hexed Sebastian so that everything he said was sung aloud.”

I lost it.

I slapped my hand over my mouth, desperately trying to stifle my laughter, but it was too late.

Sebastian, bright red, shot Ominis a murderous look. “Must you tell them that?!”

Ominis simply shrugged. “Jessa needed more information, Sebastian.”

The group descended into laughter, our giggles growing louder and louder—

Until Professor Sharp cleared his throat pointedly.

We froze.

“Miss Valancaire, Mr. Sallow, Mr. Gaunt, and company—” his voice was as sharp as his name, “five points from each of your houses.”

The laughter died immediately.

Ominis sighed. “Now see what you’ve done, Sebastian?”

Sebastian groaned. “Oh, I did nothing—this is your fault.”

Poppy whispered, “Worth it.”

I stifled another laugh.

_____

The delicious story from earlier still lingered in our minds, and despite Sebastian’s valiant efforts to change the subject, the group couldn’t resist.

“You must be a great singer, Sebastian,” I teased, grinning.

Sebastian’s deathly glare could have incinerated me on the spot.

Which, of course, only made everyone laugh harder.

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic, Sebastian,” Natty snickered, wiping at her eyes.

“I am dramatic,” Sebastian muttered, “but that? That was actual torture.”

“A shame Jessa missed it,” Poppy sighed wistfully.

“We should have recorded it,” Samantha added.

Sebastian’s eye twitched.

“No.”

I was pretty sure he would hex us all if we didn’t drop the subject soon.

With our entertainment (and house points) behind us, we parted ways.

Ominis and Sebastian gave me knowing looks, which meant one thing—they were going back to decipher the spellbook.

Natty and Poppy were heading to the library, one for research, the other for procrastination.

“You haven’t started your essay yet?” I raised a brow at Poppy.

“Not technically,” she admitted. “But I work well under pressure.”

Natty rolled her eyes. “That is what you said last time, and we all remember how that turned out.”

Poppy sighed. “Fine. I’ll start it now.”

As we were about to part ways, I turned to Natty.

“What was it you wanted to talk about?”

She hesitated, shifting on her feet. “It’s about—”

“Natty,” a voice called behind us.

We turned to see Professor Onai walking toward her daughter, expression unreadable.

Natty let out a small sigh before turning back to me. “I’ll write you later,” she promised.

I nodded, feeling the weight of her unspoken words, but before I could say more, she was already walking away with her mother.

I had already finished my Herbology work (as expected of a Ravenclaw), so I decided to use this free period to rest in the common room.

As I settled down, my owl swooped in, landing gracefully before me, a letter clutched in its talons—along with a small pouch.

My breath hitched.

Anne.

I ripped the letter open with eager hands.

Jessa,

From the moment my brother arrived at the hamlet, carrying your gift and speaking of you as if you had single-handedly changed the course of the stars, I knew you were someone special. And in that moment, I considered you a friend.

You have no obligation to me. No reason to spend your time, your effort, your sleepless nights—yet you do.

You write to me.

You research for me.

You fight for me.

And now, you are willing to brew a potion that no one else has even dared to attempt, all for the sake of hope. A hope you chose to bear alone, just so my brother wouldn’t crumble beneath its weight.

I understand why you kept this from him. I know the risk you take. But Jessa—I believe in you.

Even if this does not work, even if nothing changes… you are my friend. And that is something I will always be grateful for.

With all my heart,

Anne

My eyes prickled.

I swallowed thickly, brushing my fingers over the inked words.

She trusted me.

I exhaled, slowly, and turned my attention to the pouch.

With steady hands, I unfastened the knot and peered inside.

A small glass vial rested within—filled with Anne’s blood.

I finally had it.

Finally.

I could start brewing.

The full moon was in a few days.

I needed to be ready.
______

The rest of the day went by in a blur of classes, my mind still drifting to Anne’s letter and the potion I would soon begin brewing. Natty, still hesitant to bring up whatever she needed from me, assured me once again that she would send an owl when the time was right. The secrecy only made me more curious, but I knew better than to press her just yet.

At dinner, I spotted Jace at the Slytherin table, and I found myself and the usual crew settling in with them. Imelda greeted me with her usual competitive edge, smirking as she leaned closer.

“The next course will be ready in a few days, Valancaire,” she said, arms crossed. “You’d better be prepared.”

I grinned. “Oh, I can’t wait.”

Jace, however, had other plans for the evening, as he casually dropped a bombshell I was not expecting.

“Our parents are visiting tomorrow,” he announced. “All of you—be ready.”

There was a moment of stunned silence as Natty, Poppy, Ominis, Sebastian, and Sam all exchanged confused glances.

“…All of us?” Poppy finally asked, hesitantly.

Jace sighed. “Our mother is… enthusiastic.”

I almost choked on my drink, suddenly remembering the ridiculous lie I had told her in my letters to distract her. Oh Merlin, she’s going to interrogate Sebastian. And Ominis. And likely everyone else at this table.

I turned to Sebastian just in time to see his expression stiffen—realization dawning on him like a slow-approaching curse.

I swallowed. “Oh dear… a storm is coming.”

Poppy, ever curious, perked up. “What’s your mother like, Jace?”

Jace ran a hand through his hair, sighing. “Oh dear. Well… imagine you four”—he gestured vaguely at Poppy, Natty, Sam, and me—“melted into one person.”

Sebastian blinked, then let out an incredulous laugh. “Oh wow. So, she’s chaos.”

“That’s a word for it,” Jace muttered.

Ominis, ever the practical one, asked, “And your father?”

Jace hesitated, then slowly turned his gaze toward him. “Imagine you and Valor melted together.”

At that very moment, Vix sat down beside us, catching the tail end of the conversation and casually added, “And a bit of Sebastian.”

Sebastian—who had just taken a sip of his pumpkin juice—promptly spat it out.

“Excuse me?!” he coughed.

I tilted my head, considering it. “Oh… that’s actually accurate.”

Natty frowned. “So you mean… Valor’s intimidating presence and Ominis’ personality?”

“Yes,” Jace, Vix, and I said in unison.

There was a pause as everyone took that information in, before Sebastian groaned and dropped his head into his hands. “Oh, this is going to be painful.”

Ominis, however, seemed frozen in place, his brows furrowing slightly. “Wait… me? Your father is like me?”

Jace shrugged. “In a way, yes. You’re both—how do I put this—stoic, calculating, and have the exact same brand of dry, unimpressed wit.”

Ominis’ lips pressed into a thin line. “I’m not sure how I feel about this.”

Sebastian snorted. “Well, I feel vindicated. Now you get to experience the horror of being compared to someone’s parent.”

Ominis sighed, rubbing his temple. “Jessa… what exactly did you tell your mother?”

I avoided his gaze, suddenly very invested in my plate. “…That’s not important.”

Sebastian let out a laugh that sounded a little too pained. “Oh no, it’s very important.”

Poppy, meanwhile, was looking far too excited about the upcoming disaster. “Well, this should be fun.”

Jace, shaking his head at our collective doom, simply muttered, “You have no idea…”

As we wrapped up dinner, the group began debating what clothes they should wear for tomorrow’s meeting with my parents. For the love of Merlin, I was nervous.

Luckily, I had never once mentioned Garreth in any of my letters—otherwise, the poor boy would be interrogated within an inch of his life.

Sebastian and Ominis, however… well. There was no saving them now.

I turned to Samantha as we stood from the table. “Go ahead to the common room,” I told her, adjusting the strap of my satchel. “I just need to finish something in the library.”

She gave me a knowing look, arching a brow. “You mean you need to sneak off to do whatever it is you do at night?”

I huffed a laugh, but she didn’t press. She was too busy thinking about what she would wear tomorrow. “Fine, fine,” she said, waving me off. “Go do your mysterious Ravenclaw things. But don’t come crawling to me when your clothes is wrinkled tomorrow, Jessa.”

I smiled. “I wouldn’t dare.”

As she hurried toward the common room, my own path took a detour. For the first time in weeks, I would actually be early to the Keep.

Finding a secluded space, I grabbed a pinch of Floo Powder and murmured, The Keep.

The moment my feet landed, I knew something was different.

My grandfather stood in the entrance, waiting—expression unreadable.

And then, without a single warning, a barrage of attacks erupted.

A whirlwind of conjured fire blasted toward me from the left, forcing me to dive and roll. The moment I landed on my feet, a sharp gust of wind nearly sent me flying. I barely had time to recover before a wave of jagged stone spikes erupted from the ground, aiming straight for me.

This time, I was ready.

Protego! My shield erupted just in time, but my heart pounded as the impact rattled my bones. The second the spell dissipated, I threw myself into a sprint—dodging, weaving, anticipating the next onslaught.

Unlike before, I was well-rested. My movements were sharper, my reactions quicker. I pushed my magic outward, enhancing my speed just enough to slip past the next spell. My fingers tingled with raw power, the heat of something old stirring within me.

Then, just as suddenly as it began—it stopped.

I skidded to a halt, chest rising and falling rapidly. My grandfather remained unmoving, arms crossed.

A slow nod. “Not bad, granddaughter.”

I swallowed thickly, wiping the sweat from my brow. That was high praise coming from him.

“You are well-rested. That is good.” His sharp eyes gleamed. “Now, we will continue with your ancient magic training.”

I straightened, still catching my breath as he turned and gestured for me to follow.

This time, he led me deeper into the Keep—to an area I had never seen before.

The Arena

The chamber opened into a vast circular arena, lined with tall, towering columns. The stonework was ancient, intricate runes glowing faintly along the walls. The ceiling arched high above, lanterns floating like suspended stars.

At the very center was an altar—cracked, weathered, but pulsing with something I could feel in my very bones. The air itself was charged, a hum of raw power slithering through the space like a living entity.

I shivered.

My grandfather strode to the center, his voice echoing in the vastness.

“You can now channel your magic, but it is still unstable. However, we do not have time for slow mastery.” He turned to me, eyes sharp. “Do you remember the lightning you produced in Hogsmeade?”

I stiffened. Of course I did. That surge of uncontrollable power that had erupted when I faced the troll. That terrifying, overwhelming force that had nearly left me breathless.

“We will recreate that.”

My heart stopped.

I blinked. Recreate that? On purpose?!

“That is—” I hesitated, my voice caught in my throat. “Grandfather, that was accidental. It happened on instinct, I—”

“You will learn to control it,” he said firmly, no room for argument. “Instinct is a powerful thing. But a weapon is only as good as the hand that wields it.”

I swallowed.

This is madness.

But I trusted him.

And so, we began.

The training was unlike anything I had experienced before.

He pushed me—hard.

My body burned as I channeled everything I had, the ancient magic stirring beneath my skin like a storm. Every lesson, every exercise was designed to coax that power out—to force me to grasp hold of what had once been uncontrollable.

I felt it crackle at my fingertips, sparks dancing along my skin as I focused.

Summon it, he instructed. Call it forth.

I gritted my teeth, my mind flashing back to that moment in Hogsmeade. The troll. The adrenaline. The sheer desperation.

Desperation.

I needed more.

I focused. Dug deeper.

And then—

CRACK!

A surge of electricity exploded outward, lightning arcing through the air and shattering one of the stone pillars to my left. The boom of its collapse echoed through the chamber, dust billowing in the air.

My breath was ragged. My body thrummed with raw energy.

I looked up—panting. My grandfather stood there, watching.

A ghost of a smirk on his face.

“Good.”

And so we continued.

Over and over, I pushed myself to the limit, coaxing, summoning, controlling—the magic was mine to wield, mine to command.

But it was draining. Exhausting.

By the time he finally called for a stop, my limbs ached. My skin tingled from the residual power.

“You are progressing well,” he said, nodding. “But it is not enough.”

I barely had the energy to glare at him. “Oh? Not enough?”

His expression was unyielding. “You will return tomorrow.”

I swallowed, inhaling deeply.

This was only the beginning.
____

By the time I made it back to the dormitory, I barely had the strength to change into my nightclothes before collapsing onto my bed. Samantha was already fast asleep, her chosen outfit for tomorrow neatly laid out beside her. Silly girl, always wanting to be prepared.

I let out a tired sigh, sinking into the warmth of my blankets. Tomorrow. My parents were coming. The thought alone sent an odd mix of excitement and apprehension through me.

Sleep claimed me quickly.

It started in a dimly lit house, the air thick with magic.

I saw her—Isidora Morganach—standing before a small gathering of people. There were three men, a woman, and another man who sat apart from the rest.

The seated man looked broken—shoulders slumped, his face hollow, weary.

Isidora moved with purpose, her expression alight with enthusiasm as she performed a spell. I watched in horror as she pulled something from the seated man—something dark, ethereal—a swirling mass of red and black smoke that twisted like a living entity in her grasp.

And then—she sealed it in a jar.

The seated man let out a shuddering breath—relieved, as though a weight had been lifted from his very soul.

But the others? The three men and the woman standing behind her?

They looked horrified.

Their expressions twisted in shock, in fear. One of the men even took a step back, shaking his head as though he had just witnessed something unnatural.

And then—

I woke up gasping.

My heart pounded in my chest, my mind still reeling from the vivid dream. What was that? What was she doing?

I exhaled deeply, rubbing my temples, trying to push the unease away.

Samantha, already awake, was humming softly as she fixed her hair.

“Sam, is it not too early?” I groaned, still half-asleep.

She turned to me with an exasperated look. “Too early?! Jessa, this is the day! You need to look your best.”

I groaned again, but there was no stopping her.

“Come on,” she insisted, practically dragging me out of bed.“I’ll fix your hair.”

I sighed, knowing I had no way out of this.

Samantha fussed over me for far longer than necessary. She settled on an elegant dress—nothing too formal, but flattering enough to make an impression. Then, she worked on my hair, gathering it into a graceful updo, her fingers surprisingly deft.

“There,” she said with satisfaction, pinning the last strand in place. “Showing off your neck like this might catch someone’s eye.”

I rolled my eyes but smiled nonetheless.

Merlin, she was just like my mother.

When we entered the Great Hall for breakfast, I nearly burst into laughter at the sight before me.

Natty and Poppy—both with their hair done up in elegant styles, their robes and dresses noticeably more refined than usual. Were they even wearing makeup?

I grinned. “My friends are so pretty~”

They both blushed, trying to act nonchalant as they sat down.

Then my eyes landed on Sebastian and Ominis.

Ominis, as expected, was as impeccably put together as always. But Sebastian—Sebastian!—was wearing a proper vest. Not his usual casual attire, but an actual neatly pressed, well-fitted vest that made him look… well.

Dashing.

His hair was slightly fluffier than usual, and the overall look was alarmingly charming.

I tilted my head, teasing. “Hello there, handsome young men. You’re both looking rather dapper today.”

They both blushed.

Jace, who had just sat down, took one look at them and burst out laughing. “Oh Merlin, my parents are going to love this.”

Sebastian scowled at him, but I just grinned, resting my chin in my palm.

“They asked us to meet them at Hogsmeade for lunch,” Jace continued. “I bet they chose a weekend so they could monopolize you lot.”

Ominis exhaled sharply, muttering under his breath. “This is going to be disastrous.”

I could only laugh, knowing full well that he was absolutely right.
_____

Lunch arrived faster than I would have liked. As we made our way to Hogsmeade, the tension was almost palpable.

Vix, Valor, Jace, and I led the way, while Ominis, Sebastian, Natty, Poppy, and Sam trailed behind, visibly nervous.

I glanced back at them and smiled. “I love you all, so I’m sure my parents will love you, too.”

That did little to reassure them.

“They’re going to love us so much that they rented out an entire restaurant for this?” Sebastian muttered, looking incredulous.

“Wait, what?” Poppy blurted, looking up at Valor.

“Oh yeah,” Valor said casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. “They rented the whole place.”

Mouths dropped.

“They do this a lot,” Jace sighed. “It’s best not to question it.”

As we reached the entrance, I barely had time to prepare myself before I heard a high, melodic voice call out—

“MY BABIES!”

Before I could react, I was engulfed in an embrace that could rival a constrictor’s grip.

Blonde hair, green eyes, and an overwhelming warmth—there she was. Veronica Valancaire.

My mother.

Jace, Vix, Valor, and I were all trapped in her iron grasp, suffocating.

“Mother—” I wheezed.

“We can’t breathe—” Vix gasped.

“Veronica, love, let them go before you suffocate our children,” came the deep, smooth voice of my father, Alaric Valancaire, who—mercifully—pried her off of us.

“We missed you so much!” my mother gushed, placing her hands on our faces one by one, inspecting us like we had been missing for years instead of a few months (weeks in my case).

“We missed you too, Mother, Father,” I said, trying to regain my breath.

And then—

Her eyes snapped to my friends.

They froze.

It was like a predator locking onto prey.

“AH! You must be my Jessa’s friends!” My mother clasped her hands together, her voice brimming with excitement.

I could see my friends visibly gulp.

“It is very nice to meet you,” she continued, beaming. “I am Veronica Valancaire, and this is my husband, Alaric.”

“A pleasure,” my father greeted, much calmer, though his sharp blue eyes scanned them all with silent calculation.

I opened my mouth to introduce them properly, but—

“Wait, I think I can guess,” my mother interrupted, her eyes gleaming.

Oh Merlin.

She turned first to the girls.

“This beautiful young lady must be Ms. Poppy Sweeting… and this one, Ms. Natsai Onai… and this, Ms. Samantha Dale.”

All three of them gawked.

“H-How did you—” Poppy stammered.

“My dear, I know everything,” my mother said simply, as if that explained anything.

“Please, just call me Poppy, Mrs. Valancaire,” Poppy said quickly, still flustered.

“Oh! Just call me Natty,” Natty added.

“And Sam!” Samantha chirped.

“What pretty young ladies,” my mother praised, clasping her hands together. “Thank you for keeping my daughter company. I bet one of you convinced her to actually wear that dress—”

I blushed furiously. “Mother—”

“Oh, don’t ‘Mother’ me! You never used to care about how you looked growing up with these hooligans.” She gestured to Jace, Valor, and Vix. “I’m grateful you have more feminine influence now.”

I groaned, covering my face.

Then—

Her eyes lingered on Sebastian and Ominis.

I silently prayed for their survival.

“And these two dashing young men must be Mr. Sebastian Sallow and Mr. Ominis Gaunt,” she said, a knowing lilt in her voice.

Sebastian and Ominis both introduced themselves politely, but they looked so stiff that they could have been mistaken for statues.

I mouthed an apology to them.

My mother, meanwhile, turned to whisper to my father—except her whisper was loud enough for all of us to hear.

“Me and our daughter have the same type,” she giggled.

Sebastian, Ominis, and I immediately turned red.

“MOTHER!” I shrieked.

“Oh, love, you’re at that age. That’s alright! By your age, I had three boyfriends—”

“MOTHER!”

Sebastian choked on his own breath.

Ominis visibly twitched.

My father sighed. “Veronica, let the kids breathe. They must be hungry.”

“Oh, alright!” she relented. “We’ve already ordered some food, but you can order whatever you like.”

I sighed in relief. “Thank you, Father.”

We all took our seats, but there was barely time to relax before the interrogation began.

“So!” my mother beamed. “Tell me stories about my daughter!”

My friends—Poppy, Natty, and Sam—happily obliged. They told her about my talent in flying, my misadventures, Garreth calling me ‘Sweets’, and—

Oh.

Oh no.

“Oh? ‘Sweets’?” my mother smirked, eyes lighting up. “Who is this ‘Garreth’ boy?”

Sebastian’s fork snapped.

Ominis inhaled sharply, his grip on his cup tightening.

“A friend,” I said quickly.

“A friend who calls you ‘Sweets’~?” she teased.

“Mother, please.”

“Is he coming later?”

“MOTHER, PLEASE.”

After thoroughly embarrassing me, she turned her attention to Sebastian and Ominis.

“So, boys,” she smiled. “Tell me about yourselves.”

Sebastian immediately froze. Ominis’s posture stiffened.

“How did you two meet my daughter?” she continued, her eyes gleaming like a cat about to pounce.

Sebastian stammered, “Uh— w-we have Defense Against the Dark Arts together—uh—and we’ve, um, been friends since her first week—*”

“Yes, yes, but what was your first impression of her?”

Sebastian hesitated, glancing at me.

Ominis, however, betrayed him immediately. “Oh, he was smitten,” he said smoothly.

Sebastian turned beet red. “Ominis—!”

“He kept stealing glances at her in class,” Ominis continued mercilessly. “Even followed her to the library once—”

Sebastian kicked him under the table.

“Ow—!”

My mother giggled in delight.

“And you, Ominis?” she turned to him.

He cleared his throat, looking away. “I, uh, thought she was rather interesting.”

“Interesting~?” she raised a brow.

“Mother, please stop,” I begged, covering my face again.

My father, thankfully, intervened. “Veronica, love, let them eat.”

“Alright, alright!”

I sighed, completely exhausted.

Sebastian and Ominis looked like they had just survived a battle.

And this was only lunch.
____

Just when I thought I could breathe, my mother decided that it was time to poke the bear.

The bear being Sebastian and Ominis.

She had been observing them—their stiff postures, the tension in their shoulders, the way Sebastian gripped his fork like it had personally wronged him whenever Garreth was mentioned.

And she was having the time of her life.

My father, who sat beside me, leaned over and murmured, “Your mother is having fun trying to catch a big fish.”

I groaned. “Merlin help me.”

She leaned in, her green eyes twinkling with mischief, and said sweetly, “So tell me more about this ‘Garreth’ boy~?”

I froze.

My traitorous friends—INDULGED HER.

“Oh! He waves at Jessa constantly,” Natty said cheerfully.

“He stares at her a lot,” Poppy added, helpfully.

“He gave her chocolates and pastries!” Sam chirped.

“He calls her ‘Sweets’! Because he said her eyes reminded him of a certain dessert”

Sebastian stabbed his steak.

Ominis’s jaw ticked.

I was going to die.

My mother gasped, delighted. “Oh my! That’s adorable! A Gryffindor charmer, hmm?”

“Mother, please,” I begged, silently pleading for divine intervention.

Sebastian looked like he was two seconds away from combusting.

Ominis, though silent, had his lips pressed so tightly together I thought he might shatter his own jaw.

And my brothers?

Jace, Vix, and Valor were no help.

I looked at them, pleading for support—but those traitors just laughed into their drinks.

My father, ever the voice of reason, must have noticed that Sebastian was about to lose his mind because he cleared his throat and smoothly changed the subject.

“And what do you all plan to do after school?” he asked, turning to my friends.

At first, I thought, Oh, thank Merlin, Father is saving us.

But then I realized.

He had just dropped them into a different kind of crisis.

Now, all my friends looked equally nervous.

Especially Sebastian and Ominis.

Sebastian, clearly still recovering from his near-death experience, sat up straighter and answered first. “I—I want to be an Auror,” he said, his voice slightly strained.

Ominis swallowed, then said quietly, “A Ministry Official… or a Professor.”

Poppy perked up. “Something involving beast rescue!”

“An Auror,” Natty said with confidence.

Sam beamed. “Something in Herbology!”

My mother pouted. “Oh, but these all sound so… responsible. I was hoping for something scandalous—”

“Veronica,” my father sighed, amused.

“Alright, alright~” she relented, but not before giving me a knowing smirk.

Meanwhile, Sebastian and Ominis still looked furious.

Ominis was clearly calculating how to hex Garreth from across the castle without getting caught.

Sebastian… was still murdering his steak.

And my brothers?

They were still laughing.

___

If anyone thought my mother was done after casually terrorizing my friends, they were gravely mistaken.

The dinner continued in full-blown interrogation mode—more stories, more teasing, more secondhand embarrassment.

Sebastian had long given up trying to maintain his dignity and was just drinking his drink aggressively at this point.

Ominis, poor Ominis, had entered a silent existential crisis, probably calculating how much therapy would cost if this continued.

The girls, on the other hand, were having fun—clearly enjoying watching Sebastian and Ominis squirm.

Even Sam, traitorous Sam, was feeding into my mother’s madness by enthusiastically bringing up every Garreth story possible—from the pastries, to the nickname, to his ridiculous winks.

Finally, Vix, Valor, and Jace intervened.

“Alright, mother,” Valor sighed dramatically, putting his utensils down, “I think you’ve had enough fun watching our friends struggle. They haven’t even finished their food.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure Sebastian is two minutes away from either hexing someone or just dropping dead on the spot,” Jace chimed in.

“And I think Ominis has mentally disassociated at this point,” Vix added, sipping her drink calmly as if she hadn’t just personally called Ominis out.

Ominis, who hadn’t spoken in ten minutes, blinked back into existence and muttered, “I would prefer the latter option, actually.”

My mother simply giggled, clearly pleased with herself.

Once the worst of the inquisition was over, the rest of the lunch was surprisingly pleasant.

My mother, perhaps out of pity, gave my friends gifts—a collection of incense, perfumes, soaps, and other fragrance-related items.

The girls were thrilled.

Natty gasped, “This is gorgeous! Mrs. Valancaire, this must be expensive!”

“Oh, nonsense,” my mother waved dismissively. “Beauty and self-care are investments, my dear.”

Poppy, already sniffing through the bottles, nodded. “This lavender scent is divine.”

Sam, ever the chaos gremlin, took one of the more dramatic perfumes and spritzed herself, declaring, “I am now untouchable.”

The real shocker though?

Sebastian and Ominis actually appreciated the gifts.

“These soaps smell… oddly luxurious,” Ominis muttered, actually inspecting the package.

Sebastian was turning a bottle of cologne over in his hands, looking like he didn’t want to admit that he liked it.

Jace noticed and pounced immediately.

“Ohooo, Sallow, I see you’re really inspecting that bottle. Smells nice, doesn’t it?”

Sebastian scoffed, stuffing it in his pocket. “Shut up, Jace.”

My father, in his infinite wisdom, also took mercy on them.

“Valor,” he said, “treat them all to Butterbeer after this. I suspect they’ll need it.”

My mother pouted. “Oh, but I was having such a wonderful time! Must we really leave so soon?”

That’s when she dropped the bombshell.

“Oh well, no matter! I’ll just see you all again tomorrow at Hogwarts.”

Record scratch.

Silence.

I snapped my head up. “What?”

“Oh, yes!” My mother clapped her hands together, gleeful. “We have a meeting with Headmaster Black, and I thought—why not take the time to explore Hogwarts? It’s been ages since I was last there.”

Panic.

Immediate panic.

Sebastian choked on his drink.

Ominis visibly tensed.

Poppy gasped.

Natty looked at me like I had betrayed her personally.

Jace?

Jace was already laughing.

“*Oh, this is going to be fun,” he said, delighted.
____

We barely managed to wave my parents off, looking like we had just survived a natural disaster.

As instructed, Valor led us straight to The Three Broomsticks, where we collapsed into seats like we had just run a marathon.

The moment we sat down, the post-mortem of the meeting began.

Poppy, eyes still wide, grabbed my wrist. “Jessa, I love you dearly, but your mother is terrifying.”

“I second that,” Natty said immediately, nodding furiously.

Sam, ever the little menace, just giggled. “I don’t know, I kind of loved her.”

Sebastian, who had barely spoken since leaving, finally looked at me.

“You could have warned us,” he said flatly.

“Oh, I don’t think any amount of warning would have been enough,” Ominis sighed, massaging his temples. “I feel like I have just barely escaped with my life.”

Jace smirked. “And you’re seeing her again tomorrow! Isn’t that great?”

Sebastian groaned and thumped his head on the table.

“So what’s your impression of my parents?” I asked cautiously, sipping my Butterbeer.

“Your father is… actually quite reasonable,” Ominis said. “I respect him.”

“Your mother,” Sebastian started, “is an actual force of nature.”

“*Your mother is my hero,” Sam declared, smugly.

“I am now genuinely scared of her,” Poppy admitted.

“She is a very powerful woman,” Natty agreed.

Sebastian let out a long sigh, rubbing his face. “So… does she actually like Garreth?”

I choked on my drink.

“I—she’s just teasing, Bas!”

“She wasn’t teasing,” Jace cut in, leaning forward smugly. “She was studying yours and Ominis’ reactions.”

Sebastian froze.

Ominis immediately sat up straighter. “What?”

Jace grinned, looking far too amused. “Oh yeah. She was enjoying every second of it. The Garreth stories? Those weren’t for Jessa. They were for you two.”

Sebastian stared at him in horror.

Ominis visibly tensed, his fingers gripping his drink.

Jace, thrilled at the realization, added, “And Merlin’s beard, did you two deliver! It was like watching a live play! Every twitch, every lip purse, every glare—pure entertainment for her.”

Vix, Valor, and Jace burst into laughter.

“*Oh… she’s good,” Valor said, shaking his head. “She is so good.”

“This is going to be hell for you two,” Jace added, grinning.

Sebastian just slumped in his chair, looking utterly defeated.

Ominis exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. “Wonderful. Just wonderful.”

I just sighed.

Tomorrow… was going to be another disaster.

“I’m sorry for all of that,” I said, shaking my head. “They’re just… very enthusiastic. But my mother was truly excited to meet you all—she’s thrilled that I have such wonderful friends.”

Ominis, who had finally regained his composure, let out a small chuckle. “They are… quite affectionate. I’m not used to it.”

Sebastian snorted, leaning back in his chair. “Affectionate? That’s putting it mildly. Did you see the way your father knew exactly what your mother wanted before she even asked? The way he looks at her? It’s like they’re having entire conversations without speaking!”

The girls nodded fervently, their eyes shining.

“It was so romantic,” Poppy sighed.

“I swear I felt butterflies in my stomach every time your father assisted your mother,” Natty added.

“The way he pulls out her chair! The way he presses his hand on her back when she walks past him! The way he gazes at her!” Sam swooned. “That’s the dream.”

Then, of course, Jace, the absolute menace, had to ruin the moment.

“Well, why do you think there’s so many of us?” He grinned, sipping his Butterbeer.

Sebastian choked.

Ominis froze.

Vix and Valor groaned in unison.

“Jace, please,” Valor sighed.

“Don’t remind us,” Vix added, shaking her head.

“They go on a honeymoon every year.”

Sebastian, still struggling, nearly knocked over his drink.

Ominis looked horrified.

Sam, meanwhile, was absolutely delighted.

“Oh, I love them,” she cackled. “Four set of twins? That’s practically a set of limited edition collectibles.”

“You lot will probably have twins too,” she added wickedly, her eyes glinting as she turned toward Ominis and Sebastian, waiting.

I blushed, giving her a pointed glare. “Sam.”

Sebastian and Ominis both stiffened.

Ominis cleared his throat, very deliberately taking a sip of his drink.

Sebastian muttered something incoherent, suddenly looking very interested in the ceiling.

Natty and Poppy giggled, clearly enjoying this far too much.

Desperate to change the subject, I quickly steered the conversation elsewhere.

“Sooo,” Poppy interjected, still smirking, “dare we ask about the legendary Valancaire love story?”

Vix and Valor exchanged a panicked look.

“Nope,” Valor said immediately.

“Absolutely not,” Vix agreed. “I refuse to relive it.”

I sighed, shaking my head. I knew exactly why they were refusing.

Unfortunately, Jace, still tipsy off Butterbeer and thriving in chaos, did not share our hesitations.

“I’ll tell it!” he declared.

Me, Vix, and Valor, in perfect unison: “Oh, Merlin.”

The entire table leaned in, like a pack of wolves sensing prime entertainment.

Jace grinned like the menace he was and began his tale:

“The Great Pursuit of Veronica Valancaire”

“So,” Jace began, “our father—Alaric Valancaire, the intimidating, stoic, no-nonsense Slytherin. Our mother—Veronica Valancaire, a Ravenclaw, but not the bookish kind. No, no, she was the type of Ravenclaw who analyzed people like chess pieces and manipulated them like a game board.”

The entire group groaned in agreement.

“Our father? Serious. Cold. Completely uninterested in dating. And our mother? Popular, brilliant, and had many admirers. She wasn’t even interested in him at first.”

I already knew what was coming and braced myself.

Jace grinned. “And then, one day in fifth year—Father filled in for an injured Slytherin Beater, Mother saw him playing Quidditch for the first time.”

He paused dramatically.

“Specifically… she saw his arms.”

The table gaped.

Poppy nearly choked on her drink.

Sebastian’s brows shot up so high they nearly left his forehead.

Ominis actually turned his head in stunned disbelief.

Natty covered her mouth in pure shock.

Even Sam, the greatest menace at this table, was momentarily speechless.

I laughed, unable to help myself, and added the finishing blow:

“You know, my mother always says she was a wild horse tamed by my father’s strong arms.”

Vix and Valor groaned in pain.

Sebastian turned red, looking so betrayed that I had uttered those words aloud.

“WHY WOULD YOU SAY THAT?!” Ominis exclaimed.

Jace, grinning like a villain, continued:

“So obviously, our mother immediately changed her mind about him. And when she wants something, she gets it. She pursued our father like a Niffler chasing gold.”

Sam wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. “I adore your mother.”

“Oh, it gets better,” Jace promised.

“Now here’s the problem,” Jace continued, “Our father was polite. Always polite. He tolerated mother’s antics, but he never actually made a move. No matter what she did, all she got were friendly smiles.”

Sebastian snorted. “Sounds familiar.”

I ignored that comment.

“So our mother,” Jace smirked, “being the brilliant, slightly unhinged Ravenclaw that she was, decided that if she couldn’t get him by hook, then she’d get him by crook.”

The table held its breath.

“And so she…” Jace hesitated.

I sighed and finished for him.

“…She dated the Slytherin Quidditch Captain. Just to annoy our father.”

The table EXPLODED.

Poppy screamed.

Sam was hollering.

Natty’s jaw was on the floor.

Sebastian and Ominis just stared at me in stunned horror.

“WHAT?!” Sebastian shouted.

“Oh… oh Merlin, she’s diabolical,” Ominis whispered, in pure awe.

“WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?!” Poppy demanded.

Jace grinned.

“Well, our mother, in her full dramatic glory, went on a date with the Slytherin Captain. In Hogsmeade. And our father, in full brooding, possessive, ‘I-have-finally-snapped’ mode, dragged her away mid-date.”

The table ERUPTED.

“The best part?” Jace smirked.

“Our father dragged her to that little lake near Hogsmeade…

…and kissed her without a single word.”

Poppy fainted dramatically.

Sam screamed into a napkin.

Sebastian, shocked but weirdly impressed, nodded. “…Respect.”

Ominis? Speechless.

Jace smirked, finishing his drink. “And that, dear friends, is why there are four set of Valancaire twins.”

We all sat there, processing the chaos.

Sebastian finally looked at me.

“…So what you’re telling me is that your mother bullied your father into falling in love with her?”

I choked on my Butterbeer.

“That is not what I said!”

Ominis sighed, rubbing his forehead. “You have exactly your mother’s chaotic energy.”

Jace grinned. “And father’s patience. It’s a deadly combination.”

Sam snickered, looking between Ominis and Sebastian. “So… which one of you is going to drag Jessa away mid-date?”

The way Sebastian and Ominis immediately choked on their drinks sent the entire table into another round of laughter.

Valor sighed, reaching over and firmly pulling Jace’s butterbeer away.

“Stop drinking,” he said flatly. “You might tell them them our family’s deepest secret if you continue.”

Jace perked up immediately, a wicked grin stretching across his face. “Oh, OH—yes, there’s more!”

I died on the spot. “NO, JACE. PLEASE.”

Jace completely ignored me, waving his hand dramatically. “Seven months after they graduated from Hogwarts…” He paused for effect. “…Laenor and Lidius were born.”

Silence.

Absolute, deafening silence.

And then—

“SEVEN MONTHS?!” Natty nearly fell off her seat.

“Oh, Merlin.” Poppy’s jaw dropped.

Samantha clutched her chest, as if she had just uncovered the biggest scandal of the century. “You mean to tell me that your mother, a noble, high-class Ravenclaw, was already—”

“NO.” I cut her off immediately, my face burning.

Jace smirked, “Oh, absolutely. Our dear, calculating mother lied to the entire Valancaire family and claimed Laenor and Lidius were preemies, but—”

I slammed my forehead onto the table, praying for the earth to swallow me whole.

Sebastian was stunned. “Wait. Wait. You’re telling me… your mother—” He couldn’t even finish the sentence.

Ominis, blushing deeply, cleared his throat loudly. “Well. That’s… certainly bold.”

Poppy gasped, clutching Natty’s arm. “Your mother entrapped your father!”

Jace laughed. “Successfully.”

Samantha narrowed her eyes mischievously, looking between Ominis and Sebastian, before she leaned in, voice dripping with mock innocence.

“So, boys…” she drawled. “Thoughts?”

Sebastian choked on air, coughing violently.

Ominis visibly recoiled, his entire face turning pink. “I—I think we should all mind our own business.”

“OH, I LOVE THIS,” Natty giggled, clapping her hands together.

“Can we please change the subject?” I begged.

Valor, thankfully, sighed and shook his head, looking at Jace. “This is exactly why I took your drink away.”

Jace pouted. “Oh, come on, we were just getting to the best part!”

“NO, WE WERE NOT!” I hissed.

Samantha grinned, raising her butterbeer. “To Lady Veronica Valancaire—an icon and an inspiration.”

The table erupted into cheers—except for me.

I buried my face in my hands.

…My mother was going to be insufferable if she ever found out about this.
_____

We all got up from our seats, finally deciding to leave before Jace could spill any more family secrets. Vix and Valor each grabbed an arm, steering him away like he was a misbehaving toddler, while I walked ahead with the others, silently praying that my brothers wouldn’t let him get another word in.

Sebastian chuckled, watching Jace stumble slightly as Valor practically dragged him forward.

“Wow,” he said, amusement lacing his voice. “Your brother is such a lightweight.”

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Oh, just wait until he gets his hands on actual wine. He’ll transform into a male version of my mother.”

The entire group erupted into laughter.

“That might be the most terrifying thing I’ve ever heard,” Ominis deadpanned.

“No offense,” Poppy giggled, “but I don’t think Hogwarts is ready for that.”

“Nor am I,” I muttered.

As we continued walking, Ominis tilted his head slightly in my direction, his tone softer than before. “You take more after your father than your mother,” he mused, “but you have her warmth.”

The rest of the group nodded in agreement, even Sebastian.

I blinked, caught off guard by the comment. “…Oh.”

And then, of course—because Merlin forbid I have a single moment of peace—Poppy saw my flustered expression and immediately went in for the kill.

“Interesting,” she said, her smirk downright wicked. “So, if you’re like your father, then technically, you wouldn’t be opposed to interrupting someone mid-date and kissing them at a lake?”

I nearly tripped over my own feet.

“WHAT?! NO—THAT IS NOT—”

Natty grinned, “Hmm. So, do you like strong arms too, Jessa?”

I died on the spot.

Jace, still tipsy, perked up immediately. “OH! I know Jessa’s type!”

“NO, YOU DON’T, JACE!”

“SHE LIKED THIS BOY WHEN WE WERE SEVEN BECAUSE HE HAD NICE—”

Valor and Vix immediately clamped their hands over his mouth.

“DO NOT FINISH THAT SENTENCE.”

Jace fought against their grip, muffled noises escaping as he thrashed around.

”—AND SHE SAID SHE WOULD WANT THAT IN HER FUTURE KIDS—”

I died again, seriously contemplating hexing my own brother into silence.

The group howled in laughter, and I knew I would never live this down.

And, of course, as was tradition, Poppy, Natty, and Samantha made it their life’s goal to make Ominis and Sebastian squirm.

The entire walk back to Hogwarts was pure chaos, filled with embarrassing stories, dramatic reenactments, and detailed discussions on my so-called ‘type’.

I couldn’t even be mad.

These were my friends.

And I loved them.

__

By the time we finally reached the castle, my friends were exhausted, muttering something about their souls being “sucked dry.”

“I need several days to recover from this,” Poppy groaned.

“I still can’t believe your mother rented out an entire restaurant just to interrogate us,” Natty added, shaking her head.

Samantha grinned mischievously. “I still think the best part was watching Ominis and Sebastian react to Garreth’s name.”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands.

The girls erupted into giggles, and I sighed, giving them all a soft smile. “Thank you all for today. My mother was really excited to meet you all, and… I’m glad you got to meet them too.”

Ominis gave a rare, warm smile. “They’re… quite something. But I can see why they’re important to you.”

Sebastian nodded. “They’re definitely chaotic, but they love you. It’s obvious.”

I felt my chest tighten slightly. “…Yeah. They do.”

With one last round of goodbyes, we parted ways, and I walked with Samantha toward the Ravenclaw Tower.

As we reached the door, she paused, giving me a knowing look. “You need to go, don’t you?”

I hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“Yeah.”

Samantha sighed, shaking her head with a fond smile. “Alright. Just be careful, Jessa.”

I smiled back. “Thanks, Sam.”

As she disappeared into the common room, I quickly changed into my training clothes and grabbed my satchel.

There was no time to waste.

It was time to return to the Keep.

____

The moment I stepped into the ancient stone halls, I braced myself, expecting the usual welcoming attack.

I was not prepared for this.

A sudden gust of freezing wind blasted toward me, and before I could even react—

A rain of jagged ice shards came crashing down.

I leaped aside, rolling across the cold stone floor just as several spear-like shards impaled the ground where I once stood.

“Damn it!” I hissed, flicking my wand and casting Protego just in time to block another wave of sharp ice daggers.

The cold bit into my skin, my breath turning visible in the air as the temperature plummeted. My muscles screamed in protest, still aching from the previous night’s training, but I gritted my teeth and kept moving.

I dashed between the columns, dodging the relentless onslaught. A shard clipped my shoulder, slicing through my sleeve and leaving a stinging cut behind.

“Tch—!”

I threw up another Protego, but this time, I pushed my magic further—channeling it outward.

A shockwave burst from my body, sending the falling ice shards hurtling away in all directions.

The moment the attack stopped, a slow, measured voice echoed through the hall.

“Good.”

My grandfather emerged from the shadows, arms folded behind his back.

“You survived.”

I exhaled sharply, forcing my racing heart to steady. “You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?”

His expression remained unreadable. “If you die from this, you are not worthy of your bloodline.”

I groaned, rolling my shoulder as I wiped the blood off my arm. “That’s comforting, Grandfather.”

__

I followed my grandfather deeper into the Keep, my limbs still aching from the relentless barrage of ice shards I had barely survived.

This wasn’t the first time I had trained with him under such unforgiving conditions. He had already started pushing me to channel my magic into lightning—but it was unstable, unpredictable. The last time, I could barely summon a spark.

Tonight, I had to do better.

We entered the training arena—an ancient chamber lined with cracked stone pillars, the air thick with residual magic from centuries of battle. The torches burned a ghostly blue, their eerie glow reflecting off the metallic veins running through the stone walls—a testament to the countless duels that had taken place here before me.

My grandfather stopped at the center of the arena, turning to face me with his usual unreadable expression.

“You can call upon your magic,” he said, his voice calm yet firm. “But it remains unstable. Tonight, we will refine it.”

I clenched my fist, feeling the familiar tingling sensation in my fingertips.

“Again,” he instructed. “Summon your lightning.”

I took a steadying breath, grounding myself.

Focus.

I reached inward, drawing on the raw energy humming beneath my skin—the same force that had surged through me when I struck down the Troll  in Hogsmeade. I could almost hear it crackling, feel it coiling like a living thing inside me.

With a swift flick of my wand, I thrust my palm outward—

And a weak, flickering arc of lightning leapt from my fingers before fizzling out mid-air.

Damn it.

“Not enough.”

Before I could react, Grandfather flicked his own wand—and a blast of force sent me skidding backward, barely catching myself before I hit the ground.

I gritted my teeth, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

“Your magic will not respond to hesitation,” he said, his voice sharp as steel. “Again.”

I straightened, shaking off the sting of the impact.

Fine.

Again.

Pushing the Limits

I closed my eyes, focusing harder.

Magic wasn’t just an extension of my will—it was alive, a force I had to command, not simply summon.

I shifted my stance, planting my feet firmly on the stone floor.

This time, I let the magic build inside me, picturing it coiling and twisting like a storm. The air crackled around me, the torches flickering under the pressure.

The power climbed up my arm, the tingling growing into an unbearable heat, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Now.

I thrust my hand forward—and the chamber erupted with a blinding flash of light.

A bolt of lightning shot from my fingertips, searing across the arena and colliding with one of the ancient stone pillars—blasting it apart in an explosion of shattered rock and dust.

The impact sent debris flying, the echoes booming through the Keep like thunder.

I stumbled back, panting, my fingertips still buzzing from the sheer force of it.

Grandfather watched silently, his gaze unreadable as the dust slowly settled around us.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke:

“Better.”

I could barely contain my relief—but I knew we weren’t done yet.

“Again,” he commanded.

I swallowed my exhaustion.

And then we continued.

By the time my Grandfather finally called for a stop, my entire body ached. My arms were shaking, my magic drained, and my mind felt like it had been stretched too thin.

But I had done it.

I could summon lightning at will now—not just when I was desperate.

It was still unstable, but less so than before.

As I leaned against a nearby stone bench, catching my breath, Grandfather finally spoke again.

“You’re improving,” he said, “but you are still not ready.”

I swallowed, still breathing heavily. “Ready for what?”

He sat across from me, studying me carefully before finally saying:

“The battle that is coming.”

My stomach dropped.

Flashes of Ranrok, the Repository, Isidora’s magic—and the betrayal.

“I know they were after something,” I admitted. “Something buried beneath Hogwarts, something ancient and powerful. A… a repository.”

Grandfather’s expression darkened.

“Yes. The Repository was a vault containing ancient magic—power beyond anything the Ministry or the Wizarding World understood.”

I felt my hands tighten into fists.

“And the goblins wanted it.”

“They still do.”

I exhaled sharply, my thoughts racing.

“Because to them, it is not just magic. It is justice.” My voice almost a whisper.

“Yes, Wizards have hoarded magic for centuries,” he continued. “To the goblins, it is stolen power—power that should have been shared, not hidden away.”

I bit my lip.

“But… if they get it…”

Grandfather’s gaze turned icy.

“If they get it, the entire Wizarding World will fall.”

I swallowed. I need to be stronger.

____

After returning from the Keep, exhaustion clawed at me, but I forced myself to sit at my desk, pulling out parchment. I had one last thing to do before collapsing.

A letter to Anne.

Dearest Anne,

I don’t even know where to begin.

First, thank you. For trusting me. For taking a leap of faith when you had every reason not to. You didn’t have to believe in me, but you did. And that means more than I can ever express.

I will start brewing the potion immediately.

Today was… a day, to put it lightly. My parents visited, and it was an absolute disaster—or a comedy, depending on who you ask. They interrogated my friends, thoroughly, and I wish you had been there to witness it. I can already hear your laughter in my head, especially at the way Sebastian squirmed under my mother’s scrutiny.

I wish you could have been sitting next to me, teasing me about how Ominis looked like he wanted to disappear, or how my brothers—traitors—sat back and watched the show.

But beyond all the chaos, I realized something.

You’re my friend, Anne. Not just Sebastian’s sister. My friend.

And no matter what happens—whether this potion works or not—that will never change.

With all my love,

Jessa

I sealed the letter, whispering to my owl to deliver it as soon as possible.

Then, I turned my attention to Isidora’s journal.

I flipped through the pages, pulling out my quill and writing:

“Isidora?”

No response.

Nothing.

It had been silent ever since I uncovered the pensive. Not a single new entry had appeared, despite all my attempts to reach her.

I sighed, rubbing my temples.

Then I listed everything I had to do:

•Find a place to brew Essentia Veritas. The full moon was approaching, and I     needed to be ready.

•Another training session. Grandfather would push me harder than ever.

•My parents will be at Hogwarts tomorrow. Which meant more chaos.

•Sebastian and Ominis. I needed to check on the progress of the spellbook.

•Professor Fig is returning soon.

The weight of it all pressed down on my chest, snuffing out the warmth I had felt earlier.

It’s not enough.

The memories I’ve uncovered—they aren’t enough.

I need more.

I need to know more.

With one last sigh, I collapsed onto my bed, letting exhaustion consume me.

____

I groggily opened my eyes to find Samantha already awake and suffering.

She sat at the edge of her bed, holding her head in both hands, groaning.

I blinked at her. “Sam… are you okay?”

She let out a pathetic groan. “I regret everything.”

I snorted.

“So, even you aren’t immune to a Veronica Valancaire hangover?”

She glared at me through one eye.

“It’s not even the drinks. Your mother, Jessa—she drains my soul. I think she took a piece of me with her when she left.”

I laughed harder as we got ready and headed to the Great Hall for breakfast.

And oh, what a sight it was.

My entire friend group looked like absolute wrecks.

Natty, Poppy, and Sam sat slumped over their plates, half-dead, their once-styled hair looking disheveled.

And the boys?

Sebastian had dark circles under his eyes, tired but still somehow infuriatingly attractive. Ominis was rubbing his temples, looking like he was replaying my mother’s words over and over in his head.

Jace?

Jace was nowhere to be found. The little menace was probably dying in his bed after drinking too much butterbeer and oversharing family secrets.

I grinned as I plopped into my seat.

“You lot look like you’ve been personally attacked by a Dementor.”

Natty groaned, stirring her tea like it contained the meaning of life.

“Never again,” she mumbled.

Poppy shook her head. “I don’t even drink that much, but somehow—I still feel like I need a bezoar.”

I smirked. “You’re all lightweights.”

Ominis, despite his clear exhaustion, was not about to let me get away with that.

“Says the person who, after five butterbeers, became the barkeep at the Three Broomsticks.”

I snorted, choking on my tea as Samantha cackled.

“I did not!”

Ominis tilted his head. “You absolutely did.”

Sebastian was still quiet, lost in thought, his fingers idly tapping on the table.

Wanting to lighten his mood, I said, “I got another letter from Anne yesterday.”

His head snapped up, his expression instantly shifting.

“Yeah?” he asked, voice quieter.

I nodded, carefully omitting the part about the blood.

“She really liked the new book I sent her. Said the male lead was her type and should probably be published in the Daily Prophet.”

Sebastian let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “Sounds like her.”

The group smiled—until, of course, disaster struck.

Because at that moment, Garreth Weasley appeared.

With a vial.

“Morning, sweets,” Garreth greeted smoothly, holding up a potion. “Got something for you.”

The table fell silent as I took the vial, reading the label.

A new and improved invigorating draught.

Garreth, ever the menace, leaned in slightly, his tone slow and deliberate as he added, “Much stronger than before, just in case you find yourself… needing it.”

The entire table froze.

Natty and Poppy immediately giggled.

Samantha, a professional instigator, smirked knowingly. “How very considerate of you, Garreth.”

Sebastian’s jaw ticked.

Ominis’ grip on his teacup tightened.

“Gar, huh?” Sebastian muttered.

Ominis, ever the subtle one, simply hummed disapprovingly.

I shook my head playfully, deciding to ignore them.

But then—

Another problem arose.

Because just as Garreth was about to leave, my parents entered the Great Hall—

With Headmaster Black and Professor Weasley in tow.

The room stilled.

And then, my mother’s sharp green eyes landed right on Garreth.

Garreth froze mid-step, suddenly looking like he regretted every decision that led him to this moment.

“Who are they?” Garreth whispered. “She looks like you, Jessa—wait… Oh. OH. Those are your parents.”

My mother, still watching with pure mischief, tilted her head slightly.

I grimaced.

“Garreth, if you value your sanity, you will leave now.”

Garreth, wisely, nodded. “I do feel the same.”

He fled, calling back, “See you later, sweets!”

The boys scoffed.
___

Dreading my mother’s attention, we all collectively sighed in relief when she turned back to her conversation with Headmaster Black and the rest of the faculty. Poppy, Natty, and Samantha excused themselves, claiming they had errands and schoolwork to do—but I had a feeling they just wanted to collapse in their dormitories.

That left me, Ominis, and Sebastian sitting at the now much quieter table.

I leaned in and whispered, “How is the book deciphering going?”

Sebastian let out a frustrated exhale, running a hand through his hair. “The book talks about something—something that can heal those afflicted by Dark Magic. But I can’t decipher what it is. Ugh, I’ve never felt so bloody stupid.” His voice was sharp with frustration. “Anne is getting worse by the second.”

I reached over, giving his arm a comforting squeeze. “You’re not stupid, Sebastian. You’re exhausted.”

I hesitated before asking, “Do you want my help deciphering it?”

Sebastian froze, his eyes flashing with something I couldn’t quite place—then he quickly shook his head. “No. I—I just need to rest my head for a bit. I can figure it out.”

I exchanged a glance with Ominis, who was watching him intently, worry etched deep into his face.

Salazar Slytherin. Dark Magic. If this spellbook was his, whatever cure it spoke of had to be dangerous. And that kind of magic couldn’t touch Sebastian. It was already consuming him.

Sebastian abruptly stood, straightening his vest. “I should go. I’ll let you know if I make progress.” Without waiting for a response, he strode off.

A long silence followed.

I exhaled and whispered, “He was lying.”

Ominis gave a slow nod. “He’s been… unstable lately, Jessa. Ever since the Scriptorium. One moment he’s the same Sebastian we’ve always known, and the next… he’s not.” His voice was thick with concern.

I glanced down at my lap. “I have everything I need for the potion.”

Ominis’ head snapped toward me, his expression unreadable. “Really?”

I smirked. “Why do you think I dragged Garreth to the Forbidden Forest?”

His lips parted slightly, realization dawning. “Oh.” He exhaled sharply. “Jessa… you got hurt again because of this cure.”

I bit my lip, not wanting to confirm it aloud.

He sighed. “And Anne?”

“She knows.” I admitted. “I needed her to, because the final ingredient was her blood.”

Ominis inhaled sharply. “Her blood.”

“Yes.”

A long pause.

“Jessa, I can help, you know.” His voice was gentle but firm. “Just tell me what you need. Do you need help brewing?”

“I—no.” I hesitated before adding, “But Sebastian… is there a way to copy that book?”

Ominis’ brows furrowed as he thought. “Yes. I have a way to make that happen.”

“Good.” I exhaled. “I need to prepare to brew the potion. The next full moon is soon, and it has to be brewed under moonlight.”

Ominis blinked. “That specific?”

“Yes, and—”

I stopped when I noticed my mother and father walking toward us.

“Shh. My mother’s coming.” I hissed under my breath.

___

“Ominis, dear, good morning!” My mother’s voice was as sweet as honey.

Ominis, who had just barely recovered from yesterdays interrogation, straightened up. “Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Valancaire. Thank you again for yesterday.”

“So nice of you to stay with Jessa.” My mother smiled knowingly.

Ominis stiffened. “Oh—ah—”

I jumped in. “Actually, Ominis was just about to leave. He has a 20-inch essay on dittany due soon.”

Ominis caught on quickly. “Yes. Exactly. Loads of work to do. Thank you again, Mr. and Mrs. Valancaire—Jessa, I’ll see you later.”

And then he fled. Like a snidget escaping a bludger.

My mother chuckled as she watched him disappear. “Dear, you don’t have to hide them from me.” She waved a delicate hand. “I also saw that red-haired boy—Garreth, right?”

I groaned. “Mother, please.”

My father sighed beside her. “Veronica…”

She huffed. “Alright, I’ll stop.” Then, she looped her arm through mine, “But my love, can we talk somewhere more private?”

It was only then that I realized just how many students were staring at us. I sighed. Of course, they were. The Valancaires were one of the most powerful families in the wizarding world, and my parents standing in the middle of the Great Hall was bound to draw attention.

We arrived at a secluded meeting room in the faculty tower. One of Headmaster Black’s house-elves brought us tea.

“Thank you.” I murmured as the elf handed me a cup.

Once we were alone, my father leaned forward, his sharp green eyes locking onto mine. “How are you, Jessa?”

I tensed slightly at the way he asked it—like he already knew something was wrong.

My mother sighed. “Darling, we just worry about you. You’re having fun here, and I’m happy about that. But is it… too much?”

I swallowed. Carefully choosing my words.

“I… I remember everything now, Mother. Father.”

They both stilled.

“My memories. They came back.”

My mother’s hand tightened around her teacup. “…All of them?”

I hesitated. Not all. I didn’t tell them about the other memories—the ones that weren’t mine, the ones tied to Isidora, Sebastian, and the fate of this world.

“…Just my childhood memories.”

My father exhaled, his face unreadable, while my mother studied me carefully, as if deciding whether to believe me.

Silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. My mother’s piercing green eyes, so much like my own, searched my face for any sign of dishonesty. She didn’t believe me. Not fully.

I held my breath.

Then, my father spoke. “How much do you remember?”

Careful, Jessa.

I kept my expression neutral. “Everything from my childhood. My time, my training with you, my siblings… it all came back in pieces. But it’s settled now. I remember.”

Another pause.

My mother set her tea down with an unreadable smile. “That is… wonderful, darling. We were worried for so long. But now that your memories are back…” She trailed off, brushing a lock of hair behind my ear. “…are you truly happy?”

I blinked. “What?”

She tilted her head. “You seem burdened, my love. You always have, but lately…”

I opened my mouth, then closed it. How could I explain?

That I had witnessed glimpses of a future that threatened to break the people I cared about?

That I had been navigating between my duties as a Valancaire and the secrets I had uncovered?

That I was racing against time, balancing friendships, training, and a desperate search for answers?

That I had no choice but to carry it all?

I smiled softly instead. “I am happy, Mother.”

She didn’t look convinced.

“And you, Father?” I turned to him, changing the subject. “You’re awfully quiet.”

His expression didn’t shift. “I am relieved. But I know you.” He set his tea down, his sharp gaze piercing into mine. “You don’t stop at remembering. You dig. You search for things that others would rather leave buried.”

I stiffened.

My mother hummed in agreement. “Exactly. Which is why I hope you are not sticking your nose into… anything dangerous.”

I swallowed, careful to keep my face neutral. “Mother—”

“Jessa,” she interrupted gently. “My darling, you do not hide things well. You are so much like your father. You think too much, you analyze, and you play the long game. But my love…” Her voice softened. “You are still my daughter. And I see that shadow in your eyes.”

I looked away.

She sighed dramatically. “Merlin, you are worse than your father.”

Father simply raised a brow. “I take offense to that.”

“You shouldn’t,” she said sweetly. “I still married you.”

I exhaled a laugh despite myself. My parents, even in serious conversations, always found a way to banter.

But I wasn’t out of this yet. My mother wasn’t done.

She leaned forward, resting her chin on her palm. “You are up to something, my love. I know it. I just hope you will come to me if it gets too heavy.”

Her words made my throat tighten.

If only I could.

I managed a soft “I will, Mother.”

My father exhaled, rubbing his temple. “Well, at the very least, I hope you will take today to rest.”

I blinked. “…Rest?”

He nodded. “I have spoken to Headmaster Black. You and your siblings are excused from any activities today. We want to spend time with you.”

Oh, Merlin’s beard.

I forced a smile. “That’s… wonderful.”

Mother clapped her hands, delighted. “Splendid! We can explore Hogwarts together! Oh, I must see the Great Lake again. And the courtyard! And the library! Oh, the library, I remember hiding there when—”

She gasped.

I frowned. “What?”

She smirked. “We can also find this ‘Garreth’ fellow.”

I groaned. “Mother, please—”

She ignored me entirely, standing gracefully. “Come, my love. Let’s see our children suffer under our company.” She took my father’s hand, practically dragging him toward the exit.

I stared after them, exhaustion already sinking in.

____

The day stretched endlessly as my parents dragged me and my siblings through every possible corridor of Hogwarts. Every. Single. One.

Jace, who had been violently woken up and force-fed a potion to cure his hangover, trudged beside me with a suffering expression. Vix and Valor weren’t much better. We had all endured hours of my mother’s enthusiastic storytelling—each stop on our journey accompanied by a dramatic “Oh! This was my favorite spot!”

“This,” she declared proudly, gesturing at the edge of the Great Lake, “was where I convinced a group of Slytherins that the Giant Squid had learned to speak English.”

I sighed. “Mother, please tell me you’re joking.”

“I am not,” she said with glee. “They offered it food for weeks before someone realized I had bewitched the water to mimic words.”

Jace groaned. “That poor squid.”

“I still think it was brilliant,” my father muttered, the barest hint of amusement in his usually stoic expression.

We continued through the castle. At each stop, Mother narrated her escapades, reliving her youth as if she were the protagonist of an epic novel.

At the Ravenclaw Tower, she sighed dreamily. “Ah, my home.”

“At least one of us,” Jace muttered under his breath.

“Jace, hush,” Vix said, smacking his arm.

“This is where I spent hours analyzing the social hierarchies of my peers,” Mother continued. “You must always know how to place yourself exactly where you need to be.”

I sighed. Of course, she had used Ravenclaw Tower as her personal political observatory.

At the Viaduct Courtyard, she pointed dramatically. “Your father OFFICIALLY confessed his love to me here.”

“I did not confess,” my father interjected.

She waved a hand. “You told me you were in love with me.”

“I was cornered, Veronica.”

“Oh, hush, love. It was romantic.”

Jace looked horrified. “Father got cornered?”

Vix and Valor snorted.

I sighed. This was my life.

___

By the time we reached the Hogwarts exit, my feet ached, my head throbbed, and I was exhausted.

But that didn’t stop Mother from crying.

She hugged all four of us like she was sending us off to battle. “My darlings,” she sniffled, holding onto me too tightly. “Please write more often.”

“Of course, Mother,” Vix said.

“Weekly,” she pressed, voice suddenly sharp.

Jace shuddered. “Merlin, Mother, you don’t need to threaten us.”

“I am not threatening,” she said with a perfectly polite smile. “I am merely encouraging.”

Jace muttered something about encouragement through sheer fear.

I smiled, but a quiet sadness crept into my chest. No matter how chaotic my family was, they were still my family.

Father stepped forward and pressed a firm kiss to my forehead. His expression was calm, steady. But his next words hit me harder than I expected.

“You are a strong and smart girl, but everyone needs help, Jessa. Do not hesitate.”

I swallowed past the lump in my throat. He knew. Maybe not everything, but he knew something was weighing on me.

“…Yes, Father.”

He gave me a last look before turning toward the train.

Mother wiped a final tear before smiling brightly. “Be brilliant, my darlings.”

With a final wave, they went their way.

I exhaled slowly.

_____

After parting ways with my siblings, I barely had time to breathe before Professor Weasley caught me.

She had that particular look of hers—the one that told me I wouldn’t be returning to my normal day anytime soon.

“Miss Valancaire,” she said, walking beside me. “I have something to show you.”

“…Right now?”

“Yes.”

I bit back a sigh and followed.

She led me up.

Up.

And up.

The Astronomy Tower was quiet, save for the distant chatter of students. I frowned, glancing at her in confusion. Why bring me here?

Then, she stopped.

And stared at the wall.

I blinked. “…Professor?”

She smiled. “Go on, then.”

The wall moved.

I stepped back, heart racing. A door appeared— out of nowhere.

“…What.”

The door swung open.

I turned to her, bewildered. “What is this?”

She gestured for me to go inside.

I hesitated before stepping forward—

And the entire room shook.

The walls rippled like liquid gold, shifting and stretching, morphing into something entirely new. The ceiling expanded, revealing a vast space that seemed impossibly large. Furniture materialized—velvet armchairs, bookshelves, a grand fireplace flickering to life.

A study. A sanctuary. A place that felt… like home.

I whirled around. “What just happened?!”

Professor Weasley smiled knowingly.

“This, my dear, is the Room of Requirement.”

I gaped. “The what?”

She stepped inside, her robes brushing against the newly conjured rug. “A hidden space within Hogwarts, only revealing itself to those who need it.”

I turned, staring in awe. A place that adapts to my needs?

“This room,” she continued, “will provide what you require most—within reason. You will find it a most valuable resource.”

My heart pounded. A hidden space? Something only I can use? A place where maybe I could… brew the potion?

I swallowed.

Yes.

This would do perfectly.