The Daughter of Valancaire

The relentless teasing followed me all the way to Divination.

Garreth Weasley had visibly eyed my bouquet as if it were an unsolved Potions mystery.

Sebastian turned scarlet every time a Ravenclaw walked by, giving me a lingering glance.

Sam, Natty, and Poppy? Absolutely thriving off his public humiliation.

By the time we climbed the trapdoor into Professor Onai’s classroom, I was convinced Sebastian had ascended to a higher plane of mortification.

But even that—even all of it—

Would not compare to the absolute catastrophe that was about to unfold.

We took our usual seats—me, Sam, Poppy, and Natty settling near Nerida Roberts and Adelaide Oakes, while Sebastian, Ominis, and Amit sat across the room.

(Amit, poor soul, had no idea the events he was about to witness.)

“Psst,” Adelaide whispered, nudging me.

I turned, smiling. “Don’t tell me you have another Divination for Love book, Adelaide—because Professor Onai will surely hex us.”

“Oh, she will,” Natty muttered darkly.

Adelaide, however, grinned mischievously.

“Nooooooo,” she drawled.

“But we were inspired by the drama that unfolded yesterday.”

Nerida beamed and pulled out a leather-bound book from her bag, setting it down with a dramatic flourish.

“The Duke and I.”

I blinked.

“The Duke and I?”

“The male lead is very jealous,” Nerida said smugly, wiggling her eyebrows.

I immediately felt my face heat up.

Natty gasped in delight.

Sam looked far too interested.

Poppy tilted her head. “So he’s like… Sebastian?”

I choked.

“He is not!” I sputtered.

But the girls leaned in, fully invested.

“It’s an enemies to lovers trope,” Adelaide explained gleefully.

Anne would like this…

I was about to say as much when Adelaide added far too casually—

“And, as you’ll soon find out, there are some steamy parts, so be sure to read it privately.”

Immediate chaos.

The girls giggled.

Natty shoved Poppy, scandalized.

Sam snorted into her sleeve.

I tried to look unaffected— tried.

But my face?

Burning.

I was this close to stealing the book for research purposes—

And then—

A HAND SUDDENLY GRABBED IT.

A shadow loomed.

My soul left my body.

I heard Adelaide inhale sharply.

Poppy went still.

Natty?

Looked like she was already planning her funeral.

We turned in slow, painful unison—

And there she was.

PROFESSOR ONAI.

Holding The Duke and I.

Shocked was an understatement.

I had never seen Natty’s face so pale.

She looked at us.

We looked at her.

We were doomed.

The Judgment

“Girls,” Professor Onai said smoothly, flipping through the pages, “how many books should I confiscate from you before you stop bringing them into my class?”

Nerida and Adelaide looked down, shamefully.

“Your classmates are curious,” Onai mused.

We froze.

Curious—?

I snapped my head toward Sebastian’s table.

Sure enough—

•Sebastian was staring.

•Ominis had gone completely still.

•Amit looked like he wanted to die on the spot.

Merlin’s beard.

Professor Onai sighed dramatically.

“Maybe a punishment is necessary,” she said, tapping the book against her palm. “Deducting house points surely isn’t enough.”

No. No, no, no—

“Let’s see…” she hummed, scanning the title.

“The Duke and I.”

The entire class erupted into laughter.

Ominis rubbed his temples.

Sebastian looked horrified.

Amit? Absolutely not surviving this.

“You lot, stand up,” Professor Onai commanded.

Poppy gaped. “Professor?”

“Yes, you lot. Ms. Sweeting, Ms. Dale, Ms. Valancaire, Ms. Oakes, Ms. Roberts, and—”

She turned, smiling sweetly.

“Oh, my sweet daughter, Ms. Onai.”

Natty gasped. “MOTHER!”

We stood in a line.

The class was snickering.

Sebastian looked far too invested.

“I would like you to share your reading with the class,” Professor Onai announced pleasantly.

Natty nearly collapsed.

“Mother, no!”

“Oh, absolutely, yes.”

She opened the book.

Handed it to Nerida first.

“Go on,” she said.

“Read a passage.”

Round One—Nerida’s Suffering

Nerida gulped.

She flipped randomly—

Cleared her throat—

And then, trembling:

”‘You—’ the Duke growled, voice dark, dangerous, ‘—are mine. And I shall have you know, my dear, that my jealousy knows no bounds.’”

The class HOWLED.

Sebastian sputtered.

Ominis tensed.

Amit looked like he had been cursed.

Professor Onai nodded approvingly. “Lovely start.”

And then she handed the book to Adelaide.

Round Two—Adelaide’s Downfall

Adelaide clutched the book like a lifeline.

She flipped through desperately—

And landed on something worse.

”‘Do you think I would stand idly by while another man lays his claim upon you?’” she read, voice pitching.

DEAD SILENCE.

My face—burning.

Sam sputtered.

Sebastian?

Wasn’t even breathing.

Professor Onai looked far too entertained.

She handed the book to Poppy.

Round Three—Poppy’s Betrayal

Poppy cleared her throat.

Straightened.

And, completely deadpan—

”‘The heat of his gaze seared into my very soul—’”

CHAOS.

Sebastian was losing it.

Ominis pinched the bridge of his nose.

Amit? Praying for salvation.

Round Four—Natty’s Ultimate Humiliation

Natty looked at her mother.

Her mother smiled.

Natty took the book.

And, suffering incarnate—

”‘I shall ruin you, my love—so completely that no man shall ever be able to touch you again.’”

The room ERUPTED.

Sebastian nearly fell out of his chair.

Natty?

TRAUMATIZED.

And me?

Absolutely never surviving this.

And then—

It was my turn.

Round Five—My Ultimate Humiliation

I took the book.

Glared at Professor Onai.

She smiled.

I flipped the page.

And immediately regretted it.

”‘If you think for one moment I will let another man steal you away, then, my darling, you gravely underestimate how much I would ruin for you.’”

The class LOST IT.

Sebastian, frozen.

Ominis, expression unreadable.

Amit? Gone.

The Aftermath

Professor Onai closed the book.

She smirked.

“I hope you all learned something valuable today,” she said.

We sat down in shame.

Natty muttered, “I am never forgiving you lot.”

But when I glanced at Sebastian—

He wasn’t laughing anymore.

He was watching me.

And I had no idea why.

“Well, now that you’ve learned your lesson,” Professor Onai said pleasantly, handing the book back to Nerida,

“Here you go.”

I blinked.

That was it?

Nerida looked at her, completely dumbfounded, before taking the book like it was some cursed relic.

Professor Onai smiled sweetly.

“Just don’t let me catch you again.”

A collective sigh of relief.

But then—

“Oh, and,” she added, “perhaps next time, you can read it in Professor Sharp’s class instead.”

The entire class erupted into laughter.

Natty let out a dying sound.

Adelaide hid her face in her hands.

Sebastian?

Looked far too amused.

We returned to our seats, still red-faced, trying to salvage what little dignity we had left.

After what felt like years of humiliation, class finally resumed.

Tea leaves.

Divination.

As if I wasn’t already suffering enough, now the universe itself had something to say.

I felt stares on me as I picked up my cup—Sebastian’s, most likely.

And maybe—

Maybe Ominis’s, too. However I won’t know how that would work. 

But I refused to check.

Instead, I turned to Natty, who was my partner.

We exchanged silent looks.

And got to work.

I swirled the tea leaves, tilting the cup, watching the dark remains shift and settle.

I squinted.

There was… something there.

A sharp edge. A break. A path forked in two.

I frowned.

“Natty,” I murmured. “Your leaves show… a wound. But not just pain. A—” I hesitated, “—a realization. A shift in perspective.”

She blinked, tilting the cup toward herself.

She didn’t say anything.

Didn’t immediately brush it off.

Instead, her fingers traced the rim, deep in thought.

“…Interesting,” was all she said.

I didn’t pry.

Not yet.

Because now—

It was my turn.

Natty took my cup, examining the pattern.

And then—

Her expression shifted.

“…Jessa,” she said carefully, “this is…”

She trailed off.

I arched a brow. “What?”

She hesitated.

Then, in a low voice—

“There’s a storm here.”

My stomach twisted.

Storms were never a good omen.

She continued, “There’s struggle. Conflict. But also…” She ran her thumb over the rim, as if confirming. “…something changes. Something fundamental.”

I stilled.

Challenges.

Suffering.

An epiphany.

We looked at each other.

Something about this felt too on point.

Too… accurate.

I cleared my throat.

“How accurate is this, exactly?”

We both turned to Professor Onai.

And from the look on her face—

Neither of us were going to like the answer.

Professor Onai studied us, her gaze lingering as if she could read something even beyond what the tea leaves had revealed.

I clenched my hands around my cup, feeling the warmth seep into my fingers.

“Mother,” Natty asked carefully, “how… accurate are these readings supposed to be?”

Professor Onai tilted her head, considering.

“Tea leaves,” she said, “are a fickle thing. The future is ever-changing, shifting with each decision we make. However—”

Her gaze met mine.

“Some signs are clearer than others.”

A pause.

Then—

“The two of you have received clear ones.”

My stomach twisted.

Natty sat up a little straighter beside me. “What does that mean?”

Professor Onai gave her a knowing smile.

“It means,” she said simply, “that the paths you walk are already shifting beneath your feet.”

I felt cold.

Natty pressed her lips together, her fingers tapping against the table as she mulled over the words.

I, on the other hand, couldn’t stop staring at the tea leaves.

A storm.

Conflict.

And a fundamental shift.

Something deep in my chest itched, as if something inside me already knew what this meant.

But I didn’t want to name it.

Not yet.

As class ended, Natty and I lagged behind, still deep in thought.

“That was…” she exhaled, shaking her head. “Unsettling.”

I nodded absently.

The others had already started filtering out—Nerida and Adelaide whispering animatedly about their next dramatic novel, Poppy and Samantha laughing about the trauma we had just endured reading aloud.

Sebastian and Ominis, however, were waiting just outside the door.

And the moment I stepped out—

Ominis turned to me.

I blinked.

“Jessa.” His voice was calm, but I knew him well enough to hear the slight edge beneath it. “What did your tea leaves say?”

I hesitated.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “Wait—don’t tell me. You got some dire, tragic omen, didn’t you?”

I shot him a flat look. “No.”

He grinned. “Liar.”

I resisted the urge to throw my book at him.

Natty, ever perceptive, simply sighed. “It was… ominous,” she admitted. “Both of ours were.”

Ominis tilted his head. “Ominous how?”

Sebastian perked up.

Natty and I shared a look.

Then, finally—

“A storm,” I admitted.

Ominis tensed.

Sebastian raised a brow. “A storm? That’s it?”

Natty scoffed. “Do you not understand how bad omens work, Sallow?”

Sebastian huffed. “Listen, if every bad storm reading actually meant something tragic was about to happen, half of Hogwarts would have died by now.”

Ominis, however, had fallen into deep thought.

“Conflict,” he murmured.

I stiffened.

Sebastian paused. “Wait.” His brow furrowed. “The leaves said conflict?”

I didn’t respond.

That was answer enough.

Sebastian’s teasing demeanor dropped instantly.

His hands curled into fists.

Ominis turned toward me fully. “Jessa.” His voice was low. “You need to be careful.”

I swallowed.

Sebastian scowled. “Careful? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Ominis didn’t answer.

Because we all knew what it meant.

I looked at Sebastian.

Then at Ominis.

And suddenly, I could feel it—

That tension.

That storm already forming.

And the world kept moving.

But I could feel it now.

The shifting beneath my feet.

The inevitable—

And the unknown waiting beyond it.
___

We tried to ignore the ominous weight of my and Natty’s Divination readings.

One sure way to absolutely distract ourselves?

Humiliation and scandal.

“I’m borrowing that book,” I announced to Nerida, keeping my voice casual. “Anne would like it.”

Sebastian choked.

Nerida, grinning, handed it to me like she was passing off forbidden treasure.

Adelaide leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “I have more.”

I smirked. “Oh, you are a treasure.”

Ominis let out the deepest sigh known to wizardkind. “Jessa… really?”

I laughed. “Come on, Ominis. I read a lot of books. You need to expand your knowledge.”

I winked at Nerida and Adelaide.

They giggled.

Sebastian and Ominis?

Their mouths fell open.

I didn’t elaborate.

I just let them suffer.

_____

When we reached Potions, I made sure the book was securely tucked into my bag—far away from Professor Sharp’s watchful eyes.

And then—

“Hi, Sweets!”

I barely had time to react before Garreth grinned at me.

“Nice flowers,” he said, nodding toward the bouquet in my arms. “I’ll get you some more like that next time.”

I froze.

Garreth meant no harm.

But others would not think so.

The girls giggled.

And Sebastian—

Sebastian did not say a word.

I glanced at him, waiting for some reaction.

Nothing.

Not a twitch.

Not a single clenched fist.

Not a glare.

He was containing himself.

His jaw wasn’t clenched. His fingers weren’t curling. He wasn’t about to hex anyone.

He was trying so hard.

I appreciated it.
____

The room settled.

Professor Sharp’s sharp voice cut through the murmurs of the classroom.

“Today,” he announced, “we are brewing Amortentia.”

A ripple of excitement spread through the students.

Whispers. Murmurs.

A few exaggerated gasps.

Adelaide mouthed ‘SCANDALOUS’ at me.

Garreth waggled his eyebrows.

Sebastian—

Unnervingly silent.

Ominis?

He exhaled.

I had a bad feeling about this.

Amortentia.

One of the most powerful love potions in existence.

It was notorious for revealing a person’s deepest desires—their strongest attractions.

And its scent?

It changed.

It was unique to the brewer, always reflecting what they found most intoxicating.

Which meant—

The moment I leaned in—

I’d know.

And worse—

I wouldn’t be able to hide it.

Sharp’s voice cut through the tension.

“Begin.”

I pulled out my ingredients, taking a steadying breath.

Focus, Jessa. Just focus.

Focus on brewing.

Focus on not embarrassing yourself.

Focus on—

The scent.

The moment my cauldron began to bubble, the smell hit me.

It was instant.

And it was undeniable.

I recognized the scents immediately.

And they burned into me.

This was a nightmare.

A complete and utter nightmare.

And yet—

I had no choice but to breathe it in.

The first scent struck me instantly.

Deep and rich—like old books and firewood, but warmer.

There was a sharpness to it, like embers crackling in the cold, the kind of scent that clung to worn coats, to the heat of dueling fields, to the quiet hum of laughter beneath the stars.

It was familiar in a way that made my pulse spike against my will.

I knew exactly who it belonged to.

I blinked rapidly, pushing past it.

The second scent curled into my lungs.

Sweet but sharp—warm but teasing.

It reminded me of laughter—of a mischievous grin, of honeyed cider laced with cinnamon, of reckless nights spent sneaking out and pushing limits.

A scent of trouble and charm woven together, much like the boy who smelled of it.

I almost flushed.

And then—

The third scent.

It was cooler, distinct in a way that made my breath catch.

Crisp, like the hush of the ocean breeze at dusk.

It carried something light, something steady.

It reminded me of whispers in the dark, of gentle hands over mine, of magic thrumming in the air like a heartbeat.

It felt like safety.

Like clarity.

And the worst part?

I had no doubt anymore.

Each scent.

Each piece.

All of them made sense.

But before I could even think about recovering—

“Miss Valancaire.”

Professor Sharp’s voice cut through the fog of realization like a blade.

I froze.

Oh no.

He was staring right at me.

And now—the entire class was watching.

I could feel Sebastian’s gaze burning into me.

And Sharp—

Sharp narrowed his eyes.

“Well?” he asked expectantly. “Describe what you are smelling.”

I wanted to die.

Right there.

On the spot.

The girls?

Already giggling.

Garreth?

Smirking.

Ominis?

I could feel his exasperation from here.

And Sebastian?

Sebastian was watching.

Waiting.

I took a slow, steady breath.

I could do this.

I could do this.

I could not do this.

“…I smell parchment,” I began carefully, choosing my words with precision.

“Aged parchment. Ink-stained.”

Sharp nodded. “And?”

I clenched my fingers around my wand.

“…Firewood. And… embers.”

Somewhere across the room, a sharp inhale.

I ignored it.

“…There’s something warm,” I continued, forcing my voice to stay even. “Spiced. Like—like firewhisky and…”

I paused.

Sharp arched a brow.

I cleared my throat. “And something sweet. But sharp. Like… honey, but with a kick.”

Garreth grinned.

I wanted to hex him.

“And the last one?” Sharp pressed.

I hesitated.

The entire room fell silent.

I bit my lip.

“…It’s cooler,” I said at last, my voice careful. “Like… the ocean at dusk. Something light. Crisp.”

I paused.

“…Grounding.”

Sharp studied me for one long moment.

I did not breathe.

Then—

He simply nodded.

“Good,” he said.

I had just barely survived my own humiliation when—

“Well, let’s not stop there,” Professor Sharp said smoothly, eyes scanning the room. “Who else?”

I should have seen it coming.

Should have known.

“Let’s see…” Sharp’s gaze moved deliberately. “Mr. Gaunt. Mr. Sallow.”

Ominis visibly tensed. Sebastian stiffened.

“And…” Sharp’s lips curled slightly, eyes narrowing.

He turned toward the Gryffindor table.

“Mr. Weasley.”

Garreth, who had been enthusiastically waving like he wanted to be chosen, froze.

His hand immediately dropped.

The girls snickered.

Sharp, sensing the hesitation, arched a brow. “Ah, so you don’t want to participate, Weasley?”

Garreth sat up straighter. “Er—no, Professor, I’d be honored, truly—”

“Then come forward,” Sharp said dryly.

Garreth shot me a look. Help me.

I merely grinned.

Not a chance.

The three of them—Ominis, Sebastian, and Garreth—dragged themselves up to the front of the class.

Sebastian looked murderous.

Ominis? Resigned.

Garreth? Absolutely delighted.

And the worst part?

The entire class was invested.

I saw students leaning forward.

Nerida and Adelaide clutching onto each other.

Poppy trying and failing to stifle her laughter.

I sent her a glare.

She just winked.

Sharp motioned for them to proceed. “Well? Describe what you are smelling.”

Ominis was first.

He inhaled slowly, tilting his head as if analyzing every note.

“…Soft,” he murmured. “Something light. Floral. But there’s warmth. A little spice. Sweet, but not overwhelming.”

The girls giggled.

Ominis turned slightly in my direction. “Familiar.”

I blinked.

The class whispered.

Before I could process it, Sharp nodded. “Mr. Sallow.”

Sebastian exhaled sharply before taking his turn.

“…It’s—” He faltered. Flushed slightly.

“Go on,” Sharp said, far too amused.

Sebastian glared.

Then—

“…It’s something warm,” he muttered. “It’s—soft. There’s spice but—it lingers. It’s…” He hesitated.

His brow furrowed. “It’s comforting.”

A collective gasp rippled through the students.

Sharp, deeply entertained, simply nodded. “And finally, Mr. Weasley.”

Garreth—who had been watching both of them like a hawk—cleared his throat.

“Oh, um—right. Mine’s—very nice. Lovely, even.” He smiled far too cheekily.

“Something… fresh. And warm. Sort of sweet. A little spicy. Really… inviting.”

I froze.

Because—

Wait.

Wait a bloody second.

Why did that—

Why did that sound exactly the same as what the other two had said?

My eyes flickered toward my friends.

The girls were shaking.

Natty and Adelaide were clutching each other.

Nerida was biting her sleeve.

Samantha? Near tears from silent laughter.

“What?” I whispered at them.

They refused to look at me.

“Nothing,” Natty choked out, struggling. “Just—maybe they… like the same person.”

The girls exploded.

I stared at them.

Then—

I stared at the three idiots standing at the front of the class.

The ones who had all described the same scent.

The same. Exact. Bloody. Scent.

I did not think about it.

I refused.

I shoved the thought away—far, far away—because I did not care who they liked.

It didn’t matter.

Not at all.

…Right?

And yet—

Yet something twisted in my chest.

Something hot.

Something petty.

Something I didn’t want to name.

And Merlin—

I hated it.

___

The moment Potions ended, the entire class was giggling and whispering, and I was certain I would never hear the end of what had just transpired.

Even Garreth was in high spirits, grinning as he sauntered past me.

“See you later, Sweets,” he said smoothly, handing me a pastry.

I blinked.

“…Uh. Thanks?”

I took the pastry, not sure what to do with it, while Garreth shot a pointed look at Sebastian.

Sebastian?

He was frozen.

His jaw tightened.

I felt something in the air shift—but before I could analyze it, Garreth had already strode off, utterly pleased with himself.

The girls, of course, were having the time of their lives.

Natty hid her laugh behind her hand, Poppy was grinning, and Samantha?

Samantha was already waiting to tease me.

“So,” I said, pointedly ignoring the way Sebastian looked seconds away from hexing Weasley into next week, “since we’re all in the spirit of sharing—let’s talk about what we smelled, yeah?”

Immediately, all eyes were on Samantha.

She sensed it.

She panicked.

“Don’t,” she warned.

I grinned.

“Oh, Samantha,” I said sweetly. “Could it be—Leander Prewett?”

Samantha choked on air.

Poppy let out a full-on snort.

“I hate you,” she whispered furiously, red-faced.

I turned to Poppy next, wiping away my smug grin.

“And you?” I asked.

Poppy beamed.

“Grass and the forest,” she said, without an ounce of shame.

Of course.

Sweet Poppy smelled the clearings where Highwing and Caligo resided.

I smiled.

“That makes sense,” I said.

Poppy nodded proudly.

Then—

I turned to Natty.

Who—

Immediately looked like she wanted to vanish on the spot.

“…Well?” I prompted.

Natty clamped her lips shut.

Then—

Amit walked past us.

And she turned a deeper shade of red.

Oh?

Oh.

I grinned knowingly.

“…Oh?” I smirked.

Natty whipped her head around, eyes wide.

“NO.”

Interesting.

Very interesting.

As we walked down the corridors, I felt an unwelcome weight settle over me.

The teasing, the lightheartedness—it was nice.

But at the same time…

There was still something lingering.

Because I still didn’t know who Sebastian and Ominis had smelled.

Maybe one of our friends?

Anne smelled warm, like honey and herbs.

Poppy wore floral scents, something light and airy.

It could’ve been them.

It should have been them.

But then—

Why did something in me feel… uneasy?

I shook it off.

No time for that.

Time for distractions.

“So,” I said, turning to Sebastian and Ominis, “soooooo… who is it?”

Both of them visibly tensed.

Ominis sighed.

Sebastian rolled his shoulders.

“None of your business,” Sebastian muttered.

“Well, it is,” I said sweetly, “since you both smelled the exact same thing—”

“Jessa,” Ominis warned.

I smirked.

Sebastian grumbled something under his breath.

And then, I grinned playfully and joked—

“Is it me?”

I laughed.

Except—

They both stopped walking.

Like—completely stopped walking.

My laughter immediately died.

Oh.

They were silent.

And I did not like that silence.

I swallowed.

“I— I was just joking,” I said quickly.

Sebastian looked away.

Ominis’ expression was unreadable.

I needed to escape.

Immediately.

And then

Ominis smirked.

And that was never a good sign.

“Well,” he said smoothly, “we’ll tell you who we smelled—if you tell us who you smelled.”

I froze.

Sebastian perked up instantly.

“Oh, I like that,” he said, crossing his arms.

Oh no.

This was not fair.

Not fair at all.

Because I knew exactly what would happen if I answered truthfully.

And I refused.

“Pass,” I said immediately.

Sebastian tilted his head.

Ominis raised an eyebrow.

“I knew it,” Ominis hummed. “She’s hiding something.”

“I am not,” I lied.

“Then say it,” Sebastian smirked.

I panicked.

And then—

The worst possible idea in the history of bad ideas came out of my mouth.

I grinned deviously.

“Fine,” I said.

And then I lied.

“Professor Sharp.”

There was a beat of silence.

And then—

Natty, Poppy, and Samantha lost it.

Sebastian looked horrified.

Ominis looked vaguely betrayed.

“You—” Ominis started, but I immediately spun on my heel.

“Oops! Look at the time!” I announced dramatically, speed-walking away.

“Jessa—”

“Off to our next class!”

“Jessa—!”

And me?

Well—

I was praying to Merlin that this conversation would never be brought up again.

BUT

They chased me.

Through the courtyard.

Up the stairs.

All the way to the greenhouse.

“Who was it?!” Natty yelled.

“Was it really Professor Sharp?!” Poppy cackled.

I wanted to die.

“YES!” I shouted back, purely out of desperation.

Sebastian groaned.

Ominis scoffed.

Samantha was doubled over from laughter.

By the time we burst into the greenhouse, we were all panting, red-faced, and completely unhinged.

“You owe me your answers,” I huffed, turning to the two traitors behind me.

Sebastian smirked. “You lied. You did not smell Professor Sharp.”

We laughed, all of us still breathless, before the topic was (thankfully) interrupted by an absolute train wreck happening right next to us.

“Oh, hi Sam,” Leander Prewett said as he strolled by, an infuriating grin on his face.

Samantha stiffened.

“Keep your pots in the right place, eh?” he added with a mocking lilt.

Samantha snapped.

“You—”

Immediate chaos.

She stomped toward him, voice rising, while Leander laughed and retreated like the absolute menace he was.

The rest of us lost it.

Poppy had to cover her mouth, Natty was giggling, and I clutched my stomach, wheezing.

“Should we stop her?” I asked.

Sebastian grinned. “Absolutely not.”

The argument continued right up until a cheerful voice cut through the commotion—

“Alright, my dears, that’s quite enough!”

The room immediately settled as Professor Garlick entered, beaming as she strode to the front of the greenhouse.

Leander and Samantha huffed at each other one last time before finally backing down.

“Today,” she continued, clapping her hands together, “we’re going to be studying a very special plant—one that, when used correctly, can be quite…persuasive.”

I blinked.

Persuasive?

Professor Garlick’s smile widened as she gestured toward a series of vined, flowering plants, each one glowing faintly in hues of deep violet and soft pinks.

“This,” she announced, “is the Callidora Bloom.”

A rustling of leaves filled the greenhouse as the plants seemed to shift toward the sound of her voice, their petals twitching ever so slightly.

“This particular plant is well-known for its use in attraction potions—specifically, as a supplementary ingredient to Amortentia.”

I stilled.

Oh. Oh no.

This was not the direction I thought this class would go.

“The Callidora Bloom emits a subtle, natural aphrodisiac-like scent, one that enhances a person’s natural appeal when worn or brewed into a potion,” Professor Garlick explained. “Unlike Amortentia, however, it does not create false love—it merely heightens one’s existing charm.”

The greenhouse buzzed with murmurs.

Interest. Mischief. Alarm.

I felt all three.

Professor Garlick smiled knowingly.

“And so, for today’s class, you will all be harvesting your own Callidora Blooms,” she continued. “But be careful, dears—if mishandled, the plant can become quite…overwhelming.”

The second she said that, I heard Garreth whisper behind me—

“Overwhelming, you say?”

Oh, Merlin’s bloody beard.

This was going to be a disaster.

“How overwhelming, Professor?”

I regretted it immediately.

Professor Garlick beamed—too much.

“Excellent question, dear!” she chirped, looking far too delighted as she continued. “If improperly handled, the Callidora Bloom releases a much stronger effect than intended.”

Okay. That didn’t sound too bad.

“And what effect is that, exactly?” Amit asked.

Professor Garlick tilted her head, thoughtful.

“Well,” she said, “in extreme cases, the scent of the bloom has been known to cause…uncontrollable attraction.”

The entire class fell silent.

I blinked.

What?

“Uncontrollable?” Natty repeated slowly, as if hoping she had misheard.

“Indeed!” Professor Garlick continued, cheerfully unfazed by the absolute horror settling over the room. “The last recorded mishap was a few years ago—a student got the pollen on their robes, and within minutes, they were being chased through the castle by five admirers at once!”

Mouths dropped.

Someone choked.

Sebastian whipped his head toward me.

Ominis stiffened.

Garreth perked up. “That sounds like a—”

“—terrible idea,” Professor Sharp’s voice suddenly cut through the class, making everyone jump.

I turned.

Oh, sweet Merlin.

Sharp was in the doorway.

Sharp heard everything.

His displeasure could be felt across the room.

Professor Garlick chuckled lightly and waved a hand. “Of course, such cases are quite rare,” she reassured. “As long as you wear your gloves and handle the bloom properly, you’ll be just fine.”

“…And if we don’t?” Samantha asked, cautious.

“Well,” Professor Garlick mused, “I suppose you’ll have to outrun the consequences.”

Silence.

Then—

Amit whispered, “We’re all going to die.”

I wanted to agree.

I cleared my throat, quickly recovering from the absolute horror of Professor Garlick’s explanation.

Then, as sweetly as I could muster, I asked, “Professor Sharp, why are you here?”

The entire class turned to me in varying degrees of amusement and disbelief.

Sebastian coughed loudly, knowing exactly what I was doing. Ominis tilted his head, unimpressed. Natty covered her mouth to smother her laughter.

Garreth, bless his soul, looked genuinely intrigued, like I had just asked something intelligent.

Professor Sharp’s brows twitched as he exhaled slowly, no doubt regretting his entire existence.

“I am here to assist Professor Garlick,” he said, his voice as dry as overcooked toast. “This plant is rather… dangerous, after all.”

I beamed. “How responsible of you, Professor.”

Samantha snorted.

Poppy grinned.

Adelaide kicked me under the table.

Even Professor Garlick smiled, far too knowingly, before she clapped her hands together.

“Wonderful!” she said, completely ignoring the tension as she gestured toward the venomous-looking plants at the front. “Now, everyone, partner up! We’ll be handling the Callidora Blooms today! And do be careful—even the slightest touch can activate its effects.”

Silence.

The room filled with a sense of foreboding.

Professor Sharp rubbed his temples.

Garreth whispered to Sebastian, “How bad could it possibly be?”

Sebastian whispered back, ”Do you want to die?”

I exhaled slowly.

I did everything in my power to avoid pairing up with Sebastian, Ominis, and Garreth. Merlin knows what kind of disaster would come from that. Perhaps a second public spectacle? A duel? The castle imploding?

No, thank you.

So, with expert maneuvering, I ended up paired with Poppy, who, of course, was smiling knowingly.

As if she knew something I didn’t.

“You look relieved,” she said lightly as we took our place at our workstation.

“That’s because I am,” I muttered, sparing a glance toward Sebastian, Ominis, and Garreth—who had all conveniently paired with other people but were still watching me like I was about to commit a crime.

I turned my back on them before I lost my patience and focused on the task.

Professor Garlick gave her instructions, demonstrating the delicate process of harvesting Callidora Blooms—a rather temperamental plant used in seduction potions.

Temperamental meaning:

•It could be gently plucked if done right.

•But one wrong move? And it would release a fine pink mist, dousing the unfortunate soul in temporary irresistible attraction magic.

Wonderful.

“Alright, easy does it…” I whispered, carefully following the instructions as Poppy did the same beside me.

For a moment, everything seemed fine.

I was concentrating. I was focused.

And then—

Disaster. Because of course.

I barely brushed one of the petals the wrong way.

The Callidora Bloom shuddered ominously.

I froze.

“Oh no.”

The plant trembled.

“Oh no.”

A puff of fine pink mist exploded right into my face.

Poppy gasped.

Professor Garlick looked over, horrified.

And I?

I wanted to die.

The class gasped collectively as the effects immediately kicked in.

I felt it like a shock to my system—a rush of warmth, heightened awareness, an unsettling fluttering in my stomach.

And then—

The classroom door slammed open.

“Garlick, Sharp—” Professor Weasley marched in, looking deeply annoyed. “I need to borrow a few students for—what on earth is going on here?”

I stood there, drenched in pink mist, my entire body buzzing with the potent effects of the Callidora Bloom.

The class stared.

Poppy pressed a hand to her mouth.

Sebastian, Ominis, and Garreth looked like they were about to fight each other for something—and for the love of Merlin, I was not going to find out what.

I blinked slowly, my mind short-circuiting.

“…Professor Weasley, this is exactly as bad as it looks.”

I tried to escape. I really did.

The moment Professor Weasley mentioned needing volunteers, I all but launched myself forward, desperate for an excuse to leave.

“I volunteer! I—”

Professor Garlick gently grabbed my arm before I could take another step. “Ah, ah. Not so fast, dear.”

I stared at her, betrayed. “Professor—”

“You need to avoid large crowds.”** Her voice was kind, but firm.**

I sputtered. “But—but if I just—”

She smiled so sweetly, like she wasn’t actively ruining my life.

“No need to argue, dear. You’ll only make it worse.”

Worse?

HOW COULD IT GET WORSE?

I glanced at the class, hoping someone—anyone—would step forward and volunteer.

The response?

Absolute silence.

No one wanted to volunteer to be anywhere near me right now.

Even Garreth, grinning like the menace he was, did not step forward.

Cowards.

Professor Weasley sighed. “Fine. I’ll choose for you, then.”

She scanned the room—her gaze landing on Leander Prewett and Samantha Dale.

“You two. Come with me.”

Leander visibly recoiled. “Wait, what—?”

Sam groaned. “Professor, please.”

“No complaints.” Professor Weasley’s tone was final. “Now, come along.”

Leander and Sam both shot me the dirtiest looks as they reluctantly followed her out.

I winced.

Sam, before leaving, glared and muttered, “I want the whole story later.”

Oh, Merlin.

The moment the door shut, I exhaled.

It’s fine.

This can’t get any worse.

Then—

“Well.”

Professor Garlick clasped her hands together, smiling. “At least now, Miss Valancaire has given us the perfect opportunity to truly experience the effects of the Callidora Bloom firsthand, hm?”

My mouth dropped open.

“PROFESSOR.”

She tilted her head innocently. “Experience is the best teacher, no?”

I gaped.

Garreth, from the back, laughed so hard he had to lean on his desk for support.

Sebastian looked like he was about to commit murder.

Ominis pinched the bridge of his nose.

And the rest of the class?

All eyes were on me.

My stomach dropped.

“Professor—” I started, already sensing where this was going.

She waved off my protests like I was nothing more than a mild inconvenience.

“Experience is the best teacher, dear.”

I gaped at her.

From the back of the class, Garreth let out a loud wheeze.

Sebastian looked like he was planning a murder.

Ominis physically stiffened.

The rest of the students? Watching. Waiting.

And then—the worst happened.

“Now,” Professor Garlick continued, “I want each of you to take a moment and describe precisely what you are feeling toward Miss Valancaire right now.”

My soul left my body.

I WANTED THE VENOMOUS TENTACULA TO KILL ME WHERE I STOOD.

And then—

SHE STARTED CALLING ON STUDENTS.

First up?

Poppy Sweeting.

Poppy, the sweet angel she was, cleared her throat delicately.

“It feels… warm? Like being in a sunny meadow.” She smiled at me. “Like standing next to a creature that trusts you.”

The class awwed.

I exhaled in relief. Finally, someone sane.

Then—

“Oh!” Poppy perked up. “But also, like when a Hippogriff stares you down and you’re unsure if it’s going to attack or accept your friendship.”

…Never mind.

Next?

Amit Thakkar.

Amit adjusted his glasses, visibly flustered. “It is… quite distracting, actually.”

Professor Garlick smiled. “Distracting how?”

Amit’s face turned pink. “…Like trying to focus on Astronomy when there’s a comet streaking across the sky, and you know you should be working, but you just… can’t stop looking at it.”

The class erupted in laughter.

I buried my face in my hands.

Then? Nerida Roberts.

Nerida, who had been stifling her giggles, finally spoke.

“Honestly?” she grinned, “It’s like when you pass someone in the hall, and they smell so good that you have to stop for a second and think about it. Like… why do they smell that good? What’s the reason?”

Professor Garlick, thrilled by this trainwreck, turned to Natty.

Natty Onai.

Natty, who had been hoping to avoid this, visibly slumped in defeat.

She cleared her throat. “It’s… magnetic.”

Professor Garlick smiled. “Magnetic in what way?”

Natty looked to the ceiling, as if begging her mother for mercy.

“Like… you feel drawn, but you don’t want to be obvious about it.”

The class whispered and giggled.

Natty glared at me. “You owe me for this.”

Then? Adelaide Oakes.

Adelaide, blushing furiously, hid behind her book before mumbling—

“…Like a love potion just passed through the air.”

The class lost it.

And then—

Professor Garlick turned to Garreth.

Garreth Weasley.

Garreth was not smiling anymore.

For the first time in his entire life, he looked shy.

And then—he stammered.

“…Possession.”

The room went silent.

I froze.

“Possession?” Professor Garlick prompted.

Garreth swallowed. “Like… you see something, and you just… need to have it. Hold it. Keep it for yourself.”

The entire class inhaled sharply.

My brain short-circuited.

“…Oh.”

Professor Garlick raised a brow. “Fascinating.”

I turned beet red.

From the corner of my eye, Sebastian’s quill SNAPPED IN HALF.

Then? Ominis Gaunt.

Ominis looked like he was ready to bolt out of the room.

His knuckles were white against his desk.

And then—he exhaled sharply, voice tight.

“…Suffocating.”

I blinked.

Professor Garlick tilted her head. “Suffocating?”

Ominis nodded, jaw tense. “But you want to inhale it all.”

The room EXPLODED.

Natty gasped so hard she almost fell out of her chair.

Poppy covered her mouth in horror.

Nerida squealed.

And I??

I wanted to DIE.

“OMINIS!”

Ominis turned completely red and crossed his arms, refusing to elaborate.

Sebastian looked seconds away from committing murder.

Then—Sebastian Sallow.

Sebastian, whose entire body was stiff, finally looked up.

His eyes were dark.

His jaw was clenched.

And then—

“…Like heat.”

The class went dead silent.

Professor Garlick blinked. “Heat?”

Sebastian nodded slowly, as if regretting speaking at all.

Then, grudgingly, he added—

“Like the moment before you touch a flame. When it’s dangerous—but you still want to.”

I forgot how to breathe.

Garreth, shaking his head, whistled lowly. “Merlin’s beard.”

Ominis looked like he wanted to hurl.

Poppy squeaked.

Adelaide had to fan herself.

And me?

I was malfunctioning.

I was NOT built for this.

And Then—Professor Garlick Asked the Final Question.

Professor Garlick tilted her head at me, smiling sweetly.

“And you, Miss Valancaire?”

I blinked.

“Me?”

She nodded. “How do you feel?”

I opened my mouth—

Then immediately shut it.

The entire class leaned forward, eager to hear my answer.

I grabbed my books, bolted upright, and shouted—

“I FEEL LIKE I’M LEAVING.”

And I RAN.

Behind me, the entire classroom BURST INTO LAUGHTER.

Sebastian cursed.

Ominis sighed.

Garreth laughed so hard he choked on his own spit.

And me?

I was NOT sticking around to process whatever just happened.

I ran out of the greenhouse like a Seeker chasing a Snitch, except I wasn’t chasing anything— I was running for my bloody life.

And then—

I heard it.

The sound of several pairs of feet thundering after me.

Three pairs, to be exact.

I glanced back, regretting it instantly.

Because Sebastian, Ominis, and Garreth were in hot pursuit.

“WHY ARE YOU THREE IDIOTS CHASING ME!?” I yelled, trying to pick up speed.

“WE DON’T KNOW EXACTLY!” Sebastian shouted back.

Garreth was grinning like a madman. “IT SEEMED LIKE THE RIGHT THING TO DO!”

“IT’S NOT!”

Ominis, who couldn’t even see but was keeping up with terrifying accuracy, simply sighed heavily. “You ran first.”

I groaned. “STOP! PEOPLE ARE LOOKING!”

And oh. Oh, they were.

As I bolted across the courtyard, I spotted a group of Gryffindor Quidditch players—Valor included—staring at me in complete confusion.

“What the hell is happening, Jessa?” Valor called.

I gasped, barely slowing down. “I GOT SPRAYED BY CALLIDORA BLOOM!”

Valor visibly recoiled. “WHAT THE BLOODY HELL!?”

Then his eyes landed on the three idiots chasing me, and his expression darkened into absolute disgust.

“Stop. You. Three.”

He stepped in front of them like a brick wall, clearly about to murder at least one of them.

Did it work?

No.

Because Garreth, Sebastian, and Ominis successfully dodged him, maneuvering like a pack of wolves around a mountain.

I kept running, already panting, and that’s when I saw it.

Pink hair.

Jace.

My saving grace.

“JACE, HELP!” I shrieked.

Jace blinked, clearly just as confused as everyone else.

“What the hell—why do those three look STARVED?”

“I GOT—HAHHH—CALLIDORA BLOOM!”

His eyes went wide.

“OH, BLOODY HELL!”

And just like that, he started running WITH me.

Now it wasn’t just me running from three idiots.

Now it was me and Jace running from three idiots.

I was wheezing.

This was ridiculous.

Just as I thought I might have to just accept my fate and die, Jace suddenly veered right.

“HERE!” he hissed, grabbing my sleeve.

We turned sharply into a small alcove, and before I could process what he was doing, he pressed a hidden stone on the wall.

The wall flipped.

And we were gone.

Just like that.

I stumbled slightly as we landed inside a narrow hidden passageway, my chest heaving.

Jace, meanwhile, looked at me like I had single-handedly caused a natural disaster.

“Alright.” He exhaled deeply, leaning against the stone wall.

“We’re safe.”

A beat of silence.

Then—

“BUT WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WAS THAT!?”

I collapsed against the wall, absolutely done.

“Jace,” I wheezed. “I don’t know. I really don’t know.”

I was still catching my breath when Jace rounded on me, eyes filled with suspicion.

“Why—of all the things—were you sprayed with Callidora Bloom!?”

I groaned, slumping against the hidden passage wall.

“I don’t know, Jace! I think someone hexed me today! Did you hex me, Jace!?”

Jace looked highly offended.

“No!” Then, in a far-too-casual tone, he added, “If I did, I would’ve picked something far more entertaining than this.”

I gaped.

“You—!”

Before I could throttle him, he sighed dramatically and rubbed his temples.

“Alright, tell me what exactly happened. Spare no detail.”

I sighed, then reluctantly recounted the absolute nightmare that was Herbology class.

I told him about Professor Garlick calling on EVERYONE to describe their feelings toward me.

The painful humiliation.

The horrifyingly inappropriate things my friends had said—especially Garreth, Ominis, and Sebastian.

By the time I finished, Jace looked like he was debating throwing himself out of the passageway.

“Of all the things…” Jace muttered, “I like teasing you about those three idiots, but don’t think I approve.”

I blinked.

“WHAT!?”

“What the hell is all that for!?” I demanded.

Jace just grinned smugly.

“I just like to watch you guys squirm.”

I narrowed my eyes.

“I will hex you with rainbow hair.”

Jace snorted.

“I will hex you to have pink hair too.”

I glared.

“I’ll tell on Mother.”

Jace visibly paled.

“YOU WIN.”

Jace dragged a hand down his face, exhaling deeply.

“Alright. What the hell are we gonna do about you?”

I blinked. “What?”

He pointed at me.

“Those mongrels will keep chasing you like they’ve been starved for days.”

I grimaced.

“WHY!?”

Jace gave me a long, exasperated look.

Then, like it physically pained him, he muttered—

“As your brother, I never wanted to say this, but…”

He paused.

Then, slowly, deliberately—

“You are painfully oblivious and innocent. And men are monsters.”

I stared.

”…Excuse me?”

Jace pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Jessa,” he groaned. “You don’t get it, do you?”

I folded my arms. “Oh, please, enlighten me, oh wise one.”

Jace rolled his eyes before launching into his completely unsolicited explanation.

Jace pointed a finger at me.

“First of all—Garreth.”

I frowned. “What about him?”

Jace stared at me like I was a first-year who couldn’t cast Lumos.

“Do you know how many times Garreth has been shy about ANYTHING?”

I blinked.

”…A few?”

“NONE.” Jace threw his hands up. “And yet, when he was put on the spot to describe you, he said—”

He cleared his throat dramatically.

“Possession.”

I stared.

Jace raised a brow. “You don’t see anything wrong with that?”

I hesitated. ”…It’s a bit intense.”

“A bit!?” Jace gawked. “That’s the kind of thing you say when you want to STEAL A WOMAN FROM HER HUSBAND!”

I choked.

“Next,” Jace exhaled, “Ominis.”

I squirmed. “That was just…poetic.”

Jace rubbed his temples.

”‘Suffocating but you want to inhale it all?’” He repeated flatly. “Jessa. Jessa, that is not poetic. That is a CRY FOR HELP.”

I frowned.

“It could mean anything!”

Jace gave me the driest look imaginable.

“Yeah, like how a drowning man wants to inhale water.”

I stared.

Jace stared harder.

Sebastian’s Answer: The Worst One Yet

Jace pointed aggressively.

“And finally—Sebastian.”

I gulped.

”…Heat isn’t that bad—”

“ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR BLOODY MIND!?”

I flinched. “Jace, we’re in a small space, stop screaming!”

“I WILL SCREAM BECAUSE I AM SUFFERING.” Jace groaned into his hands.

Then, exhausted, he looked at me with pure disappointment.

“Heat, Jessa. HEAT.”

I grimaced. “Maybe he meant—”

“HE DIDN’T MEAN A NICE, WARM CUP OF TEA, JESSA.”

I felt my soul leave my body.

I slid down the wall, burying my face in my hands.

“I don’t know what to do, Jace.”

Jace sighed. “You’re gonna have to deal with it sooner or later.”

I groaned. “I can’t deal with it.”

“You have to—”

“JACE, I SMELLED THEM ALL IN MY AMORTENTIA!”

Jace froze.

Slowly, his head turned toward me, eyes wide.

“Merlin.” He exhaled. “You are our mother’s daughter.”

I stared at him desperately.

“Help me, Jace!”

Jace shook his head violently. “I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS! I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS, YOU KNOW THAT!”

I grabbed his shoulders.

“OBLIVIATE ME!”

Jace jerked away, horrified.

“ARE YOU INSANE!?”

I collapsed against the stone wall.

Jace massaged his temples like he was developing a headache.

I groaned. “I should just live in this passage forever.”

Jace sighed. “If I wasn’t concerned for your sanity, I’d agree.”

Silence.

Then, softly—

”…They’re still looking for you.”

I closed my eyes.

Merlin help me.

Jace, that absolute menace, looked far too pleased with himself as he slid the parchment toward me.

“Jessa, I think Mother is the answer to your problem,” he declared with a dramatic sigh, as if this was some kind of grand revelation.

I stared at him, horrified. “Jace. No.”

“Oh, yes.”

He crossed his arms, looking smug. “Of all people, she would be the one with the solution. She has dealt with many suitors. She manipulated Father into marrying her, remember?”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “That is not the takeaway from their love story, Jace!”

“It absolutely is,” he countered, shoving the parchment closer. “Now, write to her about your boy problems.”

“I do not have boy problems,” I hissed.

“Really?” He raised an eyebrow. “Because last I checked, three fully-grown, magic-wielding, highly competitive lunatics are looking for you like they’ve been starved for a week.”

I groaned louder. “This is all your fault.”

“How is this my fault?” he said, feigning innocence.

“You love watching me suffer.”

“That is true.” He grinned. “But, Jessa, be honest. You have no idea what to do, do you?”

I pressed my lips together.

Unfortunately… he was right.

This was all new to me.

The Amortentia. The Callidora Bloom. The way they reacted. The way I reacted.

It was overwhelming.

I exhaled slowly, glaring at Jace. “If I do this, and she makes it worse—”

“She won’t,” he cut in. “Mother is terrifying, but she knows things. If anyone can help you navigate this mess, it’s her.”

I groaned, snatching the parchment from his hands.

“Fine.”

Jace smirked in victory. “That’s my girl.”

I rolled my eyes but dipped my quill in ink, carefully omitting my training, Anne’s cure, and any of the other… concerning things I didn’t want her knowing.

I started with the Amortentia.

Then, I wrote about the Callidora Bloom and their answers.

And finally…

“I don’t know what to do. This is all new to me.”

I hesitated for a moment before signing my name.

Then, with great reluctance, I sealed the letter and handed it to my owl.

Jace clapped his hands together. “Excellent! Now, we wait.”

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. “If she tells me to hex them and claim dominance, I’m blaming you.”

Jace grinned. “Oh, she will. But she’ll also give you the exact strategy you need to make those three suffer.”

…That was a little terrifying.

But also a little tempting.

Merlin help me.

Jace, ever the dutiful sibling, smirked as he slipped out of to check if the three menaces were still lurking outside. I waited, holding my breath, hoping I wouldn’t have to hex my way back to my dormitory.

A few minutes later, he returned, looking far too pleased with himself.

“The coast is clear,” he announced. “Professor Sharp captured them.”

I blinked. “He what?”

Jace shrugged, clearly enjoying this far too much. “Last I saw, they were getting a very enthusiastic lecture about inappropriate behavior in the corridors.”

I sighed in relief. “Finally, a break.”

Jace smirked. “I’ll accompany you to your dormitory—just in case they escape.” He flicked his wand. “Let’s use the Disillusionment Charm.”

I nodded, casting the charm on myself before thanking him. Then, with a flick of my wrist, I removed the hex I had cast on him earlier.

Jace ran a hand through his now-restored hair and grinned. “Alright, you earned your hair back.”

He smirked. “Too bad. I was too handsome with that hair.”

I chuckled, shaking my head as we made our way back to Ravenclaw Tower under the cover of our spells. Once we reached the entrance, Jace turned to me.

“I’ll send your letter later with the fastest owl in the Owlery,” he promised.

I nodded in gratitude, feeling a little lighter. “Thank you, Jace.”

With that, we parted ways.

But instead of going to my dormitory, I took a detour.

I needed time. Time to pass the lingering effect of the Callidora Bloom. Time to think.

I entered the secret chamber, feeling the familiar pull of its magic adapting to my needs.

And then—

The room shifted.

To my surprise, a new space appeared before me. A bedroom. But not just any bedroom.

It was nearly identical to my room at Valancaire Manor.

Soft rose and gold tones.

A grand four-poster bed with plush covers and velvet drapes.

A gilded vanity with enchanted glass that shimmered like liquid moonlight.

A personal bathroom, its marble surfaces gleaming under floating candlelight.

Everything felt warm. Familiar.

I swallowed, feeling an unexpected wave of emotion. The Room knew what I needed—even when I didn’t.

I exhaled and whispered, “Thank you.”

Then, for the first time in what felt like days, I allowed myself to rest.

I awoke to the sensation of gentle strokes running through my hair.

Warm. Careful. Familiar.

Ominis.

I stirred, blinking sleepily as my eyes adjusted to the soft glow of candlelight. I felt his presence before I even fully registered him beside me, his fingers lingering in my hair as if committing every strand to memory.

Then, I felt it—hesitation.

Guilt.

I tensed slightly.

“I—Jessa…” Ominis’ voice was strained, pained. “I am so sorry.”

I opened my mouth, but he spoke again, his words spilling out in a rush.

“The Callidora Bloom—it made me act inappropriately. I—I was horrified when I realized.” His voice broke, and I felt his hand retreat as if afraid to touch me any longer. “I would never—I mean—Merlin, I—”

I reached up, catching his hand before he could pull away.

“Ominis.” I smiled softly. “I understand.”

He exhaled sharply, his shoulders losing some of their tension.

“No need to apologize,” I reassured him. “It wasn’t your fault.”

A heavy silence hung between us for a moment. Then, I asked, “What happened to those two?”

Ominis sighed. “Professor Sharp gave them both Calming Draughts. They’re resting in their dormitories now.”

“That bad, huh?” I muttered.

“Yeah.”

I studied his expression—his usually composed features still edged with concern.

“And you?” I asked. “Are you okay?”

He nodded, his lips curving into a small, weary smile. “Yeah. I’m okay.” He shifted slightly, his fingers grazing mine absentmindedly. “I figured you’d be here. But I waited a couple of hours before coming… to make sure the Callidora Bloom had fully worn off.”

I exhaled in relief. “Thank Merlin.”

Ominis chuckled lightly. “There’s a new room, huh?”

“Yes,” I said, describing the space to him—its soft rose and gold hues, the warm glow of candlelight, the personal touches that made it feel like home.

He listened intently, his head tilting slightly as if picturing it in his mind.

“It sounds beautiful,” he murmured.

“It is,” I admitted, my voice softer now.

A moment passed, peaceful and unspoken, before I glanced at the time.

“Oh—what time is it?”

“Almost dinner,” Ominis said. “You need to eat.”

I groaned. “I know. But I also know what’s waiting for me.”

“The teasing,” he guessed.

I sighed dramatically. “The teasing.”

He chuckled. “Prepare yourself.”

I turned to him fully, meeting his cloudy blue eyes even though he couldn’t see mine.

“Thank you,” I said sincerely. “For coming to get me.”

Ominis’ lips twitched into a smile.

“Always, Jessa.”

As soon as I stepped into the Great Hall with Ominis at my side, I braced myself for the inevitable.

And, Merlin, did they not disappoint.

The moment my friends spotted me, it was as if I had walked straight into a pack of wolves ready to devour me.

Sebastian, looking absolutely miserable, sat at the table with his head in his hands. The girls—Poppy, Natty, and Samantha—practically vibrated with anticipation, their eyes glinting with mischief.

Jace stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching everything unfold like an amused scholar collecting research for The Most Humiliating Moments of Jessa Valancaire’s Life.

And Garreth? Nowhere to be found.

Coward.

As soon as I reached them, Samantha was the first to speak, her voice the perfect balance of genuine concern and underlying mischief.

“Okay, first and foremost, Jessa,” she said, folding her hands on the table like a professional interrogator, “are you okay?”

I sighed, already knowing where this was headed.

“Yes, Samantha,” I said with a bright, innocent smile. “I am perfectly fine now.”

Cue. The. Chaos.

Laughter exploded at the table.

“Oh, she’s perfectly fine now,” Natty cackled, nudging Poppy, who was already half doubled over.

“Absolutely radiant after disappearing into thin air,” Poppy snickered.

“Tell us, dear Jessa,” Samantha said dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “Did your knight in shining armor—or two—swoop in to rescue you from your plight?”

“I heard there was a whole chase involved,” Natty grinned.

Sebastian groaned loudly, burying his face deeper into his hands. “Don’t remind me.”

“Oh no, please, remind us,” Poppy chirped, eyes twinkling. “We must relive every excruciating detail.”

I groaned, dragging a hand down my face. “Merlin, save me.”

“Too late, Valancaire,” Jace smirked from the side, enjoying himself far too much. “A new Hogwarts legend has just been born.”

“The Great Chase of Valancaire,” Natty declared proudly, as if announcing the title of a grand novel.

I groaned louder.

“Oh, it’s going down in Hogwarts history,” Samantha giggled. “Future students will whisper of the day three students personally hunted down Jessa Valancaire while half the school watched in absolute horror—”

“And amusement,” Poppy added.

“And amusement,” Samantha corrected.

“Where did you even go?” Natty asked, still grinning.

I hesitated.

“Jace hid me,” I admitted. “And in return, I, uh… fixed his hair.”

That was it. The moment those words left my mouth, the laughter reached new heights.

Natty actually had to grip the table for support. Poppy wheezed. Samantha slammed her hand on the surface, shaking her head in absolute delight.

“You what?” Poppy gasped between giggles.

Sebastian, despite his mortal suffering, lifted his head just enough to give Jace a bewildered look.

“You let her hex you again?”

Jace simply shrugged, looking infuriatingly unbothered. “It was an even trade. I saved her. She restored my beauty.”

Poppy nearly choked on her pumpkin juice.

“Oh no,” Natty gasped, wiping a tear. “Not his beauty.”

“I knew something was off,” Samantha cackled. “Jace looked too well-groomed today.”

Sebastian groaned louder. Ominis, for his part, just exhaled in long-suffering amusement, probably contemplating how he ever ended up here.

“This is fantastic,” Poppy managed between breaths. “A new Hogwarts tale. Soon the portraits will be retelling it, and—”

“Oh Merlin,” Ominis muttered. “Not the portraits.”

“Oh yes, Ominis,” Samantha smirked wickedly. “I give it three days before the entire school knows how you—”

“—and Sebastian—”

“—nearly died of sheer embarrassment.”

Sebastian finally lifted his head, glaring weakly. “Can we not?”

“No, no,” Natty grinned. “We must.”

“Please,” Poppy added dramatically. “We are merely documenting history.”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands.

Sebastian and Ominis looked physically ill.

Jace? He just crossed his arms and smirked, watching the mayhem unfold like an amused bystander of chaos.

“Look on the bright side,” Jace said finally.

“There’s a bright side?” I asked, unimpressed.

“Of course.” He grinned. “At least you didn’t get caught.”

That was a bright side.

Too bad I was too busy being absolutely mortified to appreciate it.

Just when Sebastian and Ominis thought the humiliation could not possibly get any worse…

Peeves happened.

It started with an eerie silence as the poltergeist materialized above the Great Hall, grinning down at the Slytherin table like a specter of doom.

Then, with a gleeful cackle, he announced his latest masterpiece.

“🎶 Oh what a sight, what a glorious plight, Three little boys, oh what a fright! 🎶”

Sebastian and Ominis froze.

I froze.

The entire table went dead silent—only for the rest of the Great Hall to erupt into laughter.

“🎶 They chased a girl, oh how they ran, But woe, oh woe—she outsmarted the man! 🎶”

I groaned and buried my face in my hands.

Sebastian looked like he was actively praying for the ground to swallow him whole.

Ominis?

Absolutely motionless. As if he willed himself out of existence.

“🎶 First came the blondie, so sharp and refined! But oh dear me, his dignity’s blind! 🎶”

Ominis twitched.

The Great Hall howled.

Peeves twirled in the air, spinning dramatically before landing right in front of a very dead inside Sebastian.

“🎶 Then came the brute, all brawn and no wit! He ran, he lunged, but caught NOT A BIT! 🎶”

Sebastian let out the longest, most suffering sigh in existence.

“Kill me now,” he whispered.

The students were in tears laughing. The Hufflepuffs were clapping. Even some of the Ravenclaws were writing the lyrics down.

Peeves wasn’t done.

“🎶 And lastly, a redhead—oh where could he be? He fled! He’s gone! Oh what a tragedy! 🎶”

The Gryffindors howled.

Garreth, wherever he was, felt the burn.

I peeked between my fingers, pleading for Peeves to stop.

But no.

This wasn’t over.

With a final flourish, Peeves swooped above our heads, arms wide, voice ringing through the Great Hall like a bard telling the greatest love story of the age.

“🎶 And so it was, the Great Chase was through! But the girl was the victor—Valancaire, we salute you! 🎶”

He gave me an actual salute.

Then vanished in a swirl of giggles and mischief.

The entire hall erupted into cheers.

I wanted to die.

Sebastian slumped over the table, lifeless. “It’s over for us.”

Ominis, pale and completely rigid, let out a slow, tortured breath. “I am never showing my face again.”

Jace?

Oh, Jace was loving it.

“Excellent work, Peeves,” he muttered, thoroughly entertained.

Samantha, Natty, and Poppy were in absolute tears, gasping for breath.

I turned to glare at them. “Not. A. Word.”

Samantha wiped a tear, still giggling. “Oh, don’t worry. We won’t say a word.”

Natty smirked. “Because we don’t need to.”

Poppy grinned. “Peeves already did it for us.”

Sebastian groaned.

Ominis exhaled the deepest sigh of regret.

Jace simply smirked.

And me?

I was officially never living this down.

After dinner, we finally parted ways. The girls and Jace were still laughing, reliving the absurdity of the chase, while Sebastian and Ominis were still steeped in mortification.

They had apologized profusely—so many times, in fact, that I had to stop them.

“I promise you,” I told them, “there’s nothing to forgive. The Callidora Bloom was to blame.”

Ominis had agreed to meet me later in the Room of Requirement once he finished up some business.

So after reassuring them both one last time, I headed to my dormitory to freshen up.

Samantha, still giggling, handed me my bouquet.

“You left it behind when you ran for your life,” she teased, barely holding back laughter.

I groaned. “Not you too, Sam.”

“Oh, especially me,” she said, smirking.

I shook my head, taking the bouquet. It was still beautiful, still fresh, still making me soft inside.

Sebastian gave this to me.

I took my time in the shower, letting the warm water wash away the day’s chaos. When I finally stepped out, dressed and ready, I gave Samantha a knowing look.

She arched a brow but simply grinned. “Take care.”

I smirked before slipping away, bouquet in hand, and made my way back to the Room of Requirement.

Deek greeted me warmly when I arrived, bowing slightly before floating nearby as I prepared the planters.

I placed the flowers Sebastian gave me into the soil with careful hands, humming to myself.

It still made me smile—how flustered he had been giving me the bouquet, how uncharacteristically quiet and nervous he had been. I had never seen Sebastian hesitate before, but with flowers in his hands, he was suddenly human.

It made me like them even more.

Just as I finished planting them, a familiar presence entered the room.

“You really like those?”

I turned, finding Ominis standing nearby.

“Yes! We can use them too, you know,” I hummed.

He was silent for a moment.

“Something wrong, my knight?” I asked gently.

“…Nothing,” he said at last. “I will help.”

And he did.

We planted side by side, the room filled with nothing but the quiet rustling of soil and the soft sounds of our hands moving through the dirt. The moment was peaceful, warm, something ours.

After we finished, I decided to serve him tea.

The room, as if sensing my intent, shifted.

A new corner appeared—one that felt suspiciously like Ominis.

I looked at it, my heart swelling with something I couldn’t name. “Ominis…”

“Yes?”

“This tea room… it feels like you.”

I described it to him—the dark wood, the elegant furniture, the soft candlelight, the quiet warmth that exuded a sort of sophistication yet comfort.

Deek, ever observant, spoke up. “The room reflects the owner’s heart. It senses what you need, what you like, and provides accordingly.”

I smiled. “Well, I really wanted to serve Ominis tea.”

Ominis smiled, too.

So we sat, drinking tea together, enjoying the rare moment of peace.

Ominis updated me on Sebastian’s progress—or rather, his lack of progress.

“He’s slowed down,” Ominis admitted. “But he’s still reading the book.”

I sighed, setting my teacup down. “The Phoenix Ash… We should scout the area tomorrow night.”

Ominis nodded. “The sooner, the better. We still have other ingredients to collect.”

We finished our tea in quiet understanding, then moved on to more important matters.

Together, we brewed potions—Wiggenweld, Defensive, Offensive, and most importantly, Invisibility Potions.

Neither of us wanted a fight if it wasn’t necessary.

As we worked, Ominis pulled out seeds—chomping cabbages and venomous tentacula.

“You were collecting these earlier?” I asked, amused.

“I figured we’d need them,” he said simply.

I grinned. “I like the way you think.”

We worked together like a well-oiled machine—efficient, silent, knowing exactly how to move around each other.

By the time we finished, we had everything ready for tomorrow night’s mission.

Yet despite our readiness, I could feel Ominis’ nerves.

I turned to him, reaching out gently. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

His lips parted slightly, as if surprised, before shaking his head with a small smile.

“You know,” he murmured, “that should be my line.”

I tilted my head.

“I am your knight, after all.”

I smiled.

And with that, we parted ways for the night.

It was time to go to the Keep.