The Daughter of Valancaire

Jessa’s POV

Sebastian and I stepped through the doorway, our breath hitching in unison at the sight before us. The chamber was massive, stretching high above us with ancient stonework and intricate carvings lining the walls. The air was thick with magic, humming with a quiet intensity that made my skin prickle.

At the far end of the chamber stood another grand archway, larger than the door we just entered through—only this one had no visible way through. It was sealed shut, an unmovable force.

I felt it before I saw it—the pools of ancient light flickering in my vision, drawing me forward with an irresistible pull. My entire body thrummed with recognition, my magic responding to something unseen, something calling.

Sebastian, however, remained still beside me, his sharp gaze scanning the room. I could tell by the furrow in his brow that he saw nothing out of the ordinary.

“Jessa?” he questioned, his voice low, cautious.

I ignored him for a moment, drawn to the light, and reached out.

The instant my fingers brushed against the glow, a ripple of magic surged through the room, shaking the walls and shifting the air like a silent explosion. The very fabric of the chamber shifted.

Sebastian tensed beside me, his wand raised instinctively.

“What in Merlin’s name was that?” he hissed.

I exhaled, looking around. “The room changed,” I said. It was subtle, but it was there—a set of stairs had materialized, leading further into the chamber.

Sebastian followed my gaze and narrowed his eyes. “You keep doing that—just touching things and making them work,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Convenient.”

I ignored his remark and moved forward, him close at my side.

We climbed the steps cautiously, arriving at yet another archway. My stomach dropped.

This one had no bridge leading to it—only an abyss below.

Cold fear settled in my chest as I stared down into the bottomless void, my grip on my wand tightening.

Sebastian let out a slow, controlled breath beside me. “Brilliant. Another death trap,” he muttered.

I ignored him and looked closer at the archway. There—a glowing orb.

Something instinctual nudged at me. I raised my wand and flicked a Basic Cast at it.

Sebastian raised a brow. “Why did you do that?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “It just felt right.”

Another cast. Then another. On the fourth strike, the orb lit up, and suddenly—

A bridge materialized.

Sebastian inhaled sharply. “Well, that’s terrifying.”

I turned to him, smirking. “Would you rather jump?”

He glared. “Ha. Ha.”

We stepped forward cautiously, crossing the now-solid stone bridge. The next chamber awaited us, and that’s when I saw them.

Six towering sentries, standing on either side of the room—silent, motionless.

But I felt it. That same instinct flared, warning me.

“Sebastian.” My voice was firm. “Draw your wand.”

He frowned, scanning the chamber. “Why? Nothing’s—”

Then, all at once, the sentries jerked to life.

The battle began.

Sebastian and I barely had time to react before the first sentry lunged at me. I threw up a shield, its force rattling my bones as the impact sent sparks flying.

Sebastian was already moving—Expelliarmus, then a swift Diffindo, sending a chunk of stone flying off one of the sentries.

“Protego!” I cast, deflecting an incoming blow before retaliating with Depulso, sending one crashing into the wall.

Sebastian spun beside me, dodging a massive strike, and blasted one of the sentries in the runes carved into its chest, causing it to falter.

“Hit their cores!” I shouted, realizing their weakness. “That’s where the magic is focused!”

Sebastian didn’t hesitate. With practiced ease, he fired Bombarda, shattering the chest plate of one, while I swiftly conjured a well-placed lightning strike, making another collapse into rubble.

We moved like a well-oiled machine, covering each other’s blind spots. When I was dodging, he was attacking. When he was vulnerable, I shielded him.

It was fast. Brutal. Exhausting.

Until, at last, the final sentry collapsed.

We both staggered back, breathing hard.

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair. “Bloody hell,” he panted. “What are those things?”

I straightened, wiping sweat from my brow. “Guards. Which means they were protecting something.”

Sebastian shot me a wary look. “That’s… ominous.”

I ignored the pit in my stomach and stepped forward. Something glowed ahead.

A Pensieve.

Sebastian looked at me, hesitant. “Well?” he said. “Go on. It’s meant for you, not me.”

I nodded and stepped closer, placing my face into the swirling water.

The world around me shifted.

I saw witches and wizards of the past, using magic to bring water and vegetation to a starving village. Their robes were rich and elegant, yet they were selfless—pouring their magic into the land, restoring life where there had been none.

And watching them, wide-eyed with wonder, was a young girl.

Isidora Morganach.

The name burned in my mind.

The scene faded, shifting again—this time to Hogwarts, where Isidora was standing among students, dressed in school robes.

A Fifth-Year, just like me.

And then I saw it—her home.

The ruins in Feldcroft.

The same ruins Sebastian and I had found earlier.

The memory ended. I pulled away from the Pensieve, my breath coming fast.

Sebastian was already beside me. “Jessa?” His brows were furrowed, concern flashing in his eyes. “What did you see?”

I swallowed, still reeling. “She… was a student here.”

“And that place—her house—it was in Feldcroft.”

“That was her home. The same ruins we found.”

Sebastian fell silent, his jaw clenched. I knew what he was thinking. Why did a powerful witch like her leave behind only ruins?

Before either of us could process further, a ripple of magic pulsed through the room.

The ground beneath our feet shifted.

We stepped back as the stone floor morphed, shifting and twisting like a moving tapestry, revealing—

“A map?” I whispered.

Indeed, Hogwarts and Hogsmeade were carved into the stone, like an ancient blueprint. But in front of us, something more striking appeared.

Four empty portraits.

Sebastian and I exchanged a glance.

“What does it mean?” he asked.

I exhaled. “I don’t know.”

But I intended to find out.
___

The four portraits stood hauntingly empty, their frames ornate yet devoid of any sign of life. Sebastian and I waited, breath held, watching for movement, for a flicker of magic that might breathe something into them. But nothing happened.

The silence in the chamber felt too heavy, as if it knew something we didn’t. My skin prickled.

“I need to report to Professor Fig,” I finally said, breaking the hush. I turned to Sebastian, but he wasn’t looking at the portraits anymore—he was looking at me.

His sharp gaze burned into mine, curiosity and something else—concern.

“What exactly is that magic, Jessa?” His voice was quiet, but firm. “The one in Hogsmeade. The lights you see.”

I hesitated.

Sebastian was relentless when it came to knowledge. If I didn’t tell him now, he would pry, push, demand. There was no point in lying about my magic anymore—he had already witnessed too much.

I exhaled and met his gaze.

“I have Ancient Magic,” I confessed. “It’s in Valancaire blood. My family has always had traces of it, but… I’m the only daughter. I’m the only one who inherited it.”

Sebastian’s lips parted slightly, his eyes widening for just a second before they narrowed again.

“Ancient Magic…” he murmured, rolling the words on his tongue as if tasting their weight.

I could see the cogs turning in his mind, could practically hear the gears shifting as he processed the revelation.

And then, his expression darkened.

“Are you sure,” he asked slowly, “that you aren’t walking into something dangerous by being involved in Fig’s research?”

I stiffened slightly. “I need to be involved.”

Sebastian studied me, searching for something in my expression. I knew what he was thinking—he wanted to argue, to press me further, to tell me I was being reckless.

Instead, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, disheveling it more than usual.

“If things like this keep happening,” he muttered, “you can ask for my help. I can accompany you.”

I blinked. Surprised.

Sebastian never offered something without expecting something in return. But this…

This wasn’t a request. It was a promise.

I felt my heart clench.

“We do battle together well,” he smirked, breaking the tension with a touch of his usual arrogance.

I smirked back. “That we do.”

We left the hidden chamber, the weight of what we had seen still heavy between us.

Sebastian, of course, had sneaked in without permission. I was the only one with a valid excuse to be there, so naturally, I had to sneak him out as well.

“I hope you appreciate this,” I whispered, casting a Disillusionment Charm over him. “If we get caught, I’ll be the one answering for it.”

“Then you better not get caught,” he teased, his voice dangerously close to my ear.

I rolled my eyes but focused on leading him out of the library unseen. He was far too smug about all of this, but we made it out without incident, slipping into the quiet corridors of the castle.

The halls were eerily empty, and when we reached the stairs leading to Ravenclaw Tower, Sebastian hesitated.

Then, he turned to me, his expression shifting from amusement to something serious.

“Is this related to what you and Ominis have been doing?” he asked, voice lower now. Sharper.

I stilled.

Sebastian Sallow was many things—reckless, obsessive, fiercely intelligent—but above all, he was perceptive.

I had to tread carefully.

I conjured a lie—well, a half-truth.

“Actually,” I said, keeping my tone casual, “an elf—Professor Weasley’s house-elf, Deek—asked for our help.”

Sebastian’s brow furrowed. “That’s it?”

“That’s it, Bas. Honestly.” I forced a small smile, trying to make it convincing.

He didn’t look convinced. His dark eyes studied me, searching for cracks in my words.

A tense pause.

And then, before he could question me further, I changed the subject.

“How’s the spellbook deciphering going?”

Sebastian exhaled sharply through his nose, knowing exactly what I was doing, but…

He answered anyway.

“There’s a relic,” he said quietly.

My breath caught.

“A relic?” I repeated, my pulse quickening.

He nodded, glancing around as if to make sure no one was listening. “One that is said to be used to remove Dark Magic curses.” His voice was lower now, more measured.

I stared at him. He wasn’t lying.

Sebastian never hesitated when it came to Anne. But even he knew this was dangerous.

“I don’t know the location yet,” he admitted. “But I’m looking for it.”

I inhaled slowly. “Sebastian…”

“I know,” he muttered, his jaw tightening. “It’s dangerous. It’s reckless. But I have to try, Jessa. This might be the only way to save Anne.”

I bit my lip. My mind whirled, weighing the risks.

What was more dangerous? Letting Sebastian chase this relic alone?

Or keeping him close, making sure he didn’t go too far?

I sighed. Bloody hell.

“Let’s talk tomorrow,” I said finally. “I have something to show you.”

His eyes flickered with something unreadable before he nodded.

“Tomorrow, then.”

Sebastian stepped back, watching me for a moment before turning down the corridor.

“Goodnight, Valancaire,” he murmured, his voice low and lingering.

I felt warmth creep up my spine.

“Goodnight, Sallow.”

He smirked—just slightly—before disappearing into the shadows.
____

The journey to Valancaire Keep had become second nature by now.When I arrived, my grandfather stood waiting at the entrance, as he always did. His imposing figure, clad in dark robes, was illuminated by the faint glow of torches lining the stone walls.

No attacks. No trials. Just him.

I frowned. “No Bombarda barrage tonight?”

He studied me, his piercing gaze unreadable. “You can hone your dueling skills on your own now.” He turned, motioning for me to follow. “Now, we must focus on something far more important—your control.”

I swallowed. Control.

I thought of earlier, when Professor Hecat had been forced to repair the walls of the DADA classroom. The sheer force of my spell. The lack of restraint.

“I might be a lost cause then,” I muttered, only half-joking.

Grandfather raised a brow. “Tell me.”

I sighed and recounted the chaos of class, how Samantha and Leander practically dueled each other into oblivion, how Sebastian and I had taken the lesson too far, and how Ominis had to shield himself from the sheer force of our Deprimo spells.

Grandfather listened silently as we walked through the grand halls of the Keep.

When I finished, I hesitated for a moment before asking, “How do you choose between two dangers, Grandfather?”

He stopped walking.

I took a breath and forced myself to continue.

“When there are two paths, both with equal consequences… how do you know which one to take?”

He studied me carefully, and though he said nothing at first, I could tell he was waiting—waiting for me to say more.

I hesitated before continuing, carefully avoiding specifics.

“What if… there’s someone,” I began, slowly, “who is determined to help another person, no matter the cost? Even if it’s dangerous? Even if they might destroy themselves in the process?”

Grandfather’s expression didn’t change, but I saw the slight flicker of understanding in his eyes.

“And what if the only way to stop them,” I continued, “is to tell them something that could make things worse? If keeping them away from the truth would only make them reckless?”

The words sat heavily in the air between us.

A relic of dark magic.

A potion whose ingredients are too dangerous too get and will lead a reckless person to their death.

Either choice was dangerous.

But which was worse—leading someone into battle, or watching them walk blindly into the abyss?

Grandfather finally spoke.

“A soldier in war,” he said slowly, “does not choose between a blade and an arrow—they choose the path that allows them to keep fighting.”

I frowned slightly, my mind turning over his words.

He continued, his voice steady, unwavering.

“When two choices lead to danger, you do not pick the lesser evil, nor do you weigh their price—you choose the path that allows you to continue your fight.”

I swallowed. “Even if it’s not the right one?”

“There is no right choice in war, Jessa. There is only strategy.” His gaze hardened. “If you think you can save someone from stepping into darkness, you must weigh whether pushing them away will send them running faster into the abyss.”

I exhaled sharply, my chest tightening.

The moment I told him no, the moment I shut him out completely, he would go behind my back.

I sighed. “I don’t know if I’m making the right choice.”

Grandfather placed a firm hand on my shoulder.

“There is no right choice. Only what you are willing to live with.”

I looked up at him, my throat tight.

“And what if I make the wrong one?”

He held my gaze. “Then you adapt. You cannot control people, Jessa. You can only walk beside them.”

A painful weight settled in my chest.

I needed to tell Sebastian something.

The question was—how much?

I exhaled, rolling my shoulders back. I still had training to finish. But in my mind, the decision was already being made.

Grandfather led me into the vast training hall of the Keep, where the air felt thicker with expectation.

Tonight, there were no duels, no spell barrages, and no relentless tests of combat.

Tonight, the focus was control.

“Your magic is powerful, Jessa, but you wield it like a sword meant to cut through everything in its path.” Grandfather stood at the center of the room, his hands clasped behind his back. “Power without restraint is destruction. You must learn to temper it.”

I inhaled deeply and nodded.

Before me stood a series of floating, fragile glass orbs—each one suspended mid-air, bobbing slightly in place. Some were large, others no bigger than a Snitch.

Grandfather flicked his wand, and a strong wind swept through the chamber, pushing the orbs into a slow, rotating dance around me.

“Your task, Jessa, is to shatter only the red orbs.”

I narrowed my eyes. There were at least two dozen in total—red, blue, green, and white—all twirling, shifting, weaving together in a blur of motion.

“One mistake, and you start over.” His voice was calm but firm.

I tightened my grip on my wand.

Slowly, I closed my eyes and listened.

Ancient Magic hummed beneath my skin, and the room seemed to sharpen. I opened my eyes, focusing on the glowing red orbs flickering between the others.

I took a steady breath and lifted my wand.

First spell.

A single Confringo shot through the air, striking one of the red orbs dead center. It exploded into shimmering dust.

I moved swiftly, fluidly—casting with precision rather than force.

Each time I hit a red orb, another moved faster, shifting between the others, forcing me to adjust.

I grit my teeth. I needed to be careful—one mistake, and I would start over.

One spell at a time. No excess. No wild bursts of power.

Five down. Seven. Nine—

“Too much force.”

My breath hitched as my last spell went slightly off course, grazing a blue orb.

The entire set of orbs reset instantly, returning to their floating positions.

“Again.”

I exhaled sharply. Damn it.

But I started over.

And over.

And over again.

By the twentieth attempt, sweat lined my brow, and my arm ached from the precise movements. But I wasn’t frustrated. I could feel myself improving, learning to cast with intention, not just raw power.

I closed my eyes once more.

I breathed.

I raised my wand.

And this time—every single red orb shattered flawlessly.

I exhaled, lowering my wand as the last specks of dust vanished into the air.

Grandfather regarded me silently before speaking.

“Good.”

I blinked. That was the closest thing to praise I had ever received from him.

He walked past me, speaking in his usual even tone.

“Control is not about hesitation, nor is it about restraint. It is about intention.”

I absorbed his words carefully.

“And what of power?” I asked. “Shouldn’t power be used when necessary?”

“Power is a tool, not a crutch. A fool relies on it without thought, a coward avoids it entirely. A true wielder of magic knows when to use it.”

I nodded, his words settling deep into my mind.

Grandfather dismissed me soon after, reminding me yet again to use my mind—to always think before I act.

And I would.

At least, I would try.

I arrived back at the dormitory, my body aching from the training.

Samantha was still fast asleep, sprawled dramatically across her bed, clutching my mother’s ridiculous manual as if it were her lifeline.

I chuckled tiredly before grabbing a piece of parchment and quickly writing down a note:

Ominis, meet me early in the Room of Requirement. We need to talk about Sebastian.

I tied the parchment to my owl’s leg, sending it off into the night sky.

I only hoped he would see it in time.

I barely made it to my bed before exhaustion pulled me under.

But before I succumbed to sleep, Isidora Morganach’s name drifted through my mind.

A fifth-year.

A wielder of Ancient Magic.

A student who had once walked the very same halls I now did.

And a girl who might have found the same magic I was searching for.

My thoughts swirled.

And then, finally, darkness took me.

_______

I awoke early, still feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing against my body.

Samantha was still snoring loudly, tangled in her blankets, the infamous manual clutched in her arms like a prized possession.

I chuckled and scribbled a quick note, leaving it on her nightstand:

Gone out early. No, I’m not hiding. I’ll see you later.

I quickly changed into a fresh set of robes, grabbed my wand and satchel, and slipped out of the dormitory before the others could wake.

The castle was quiet in the early morning, the halls bathed in soft golden light from the rising sun.

By the time I reached the Room of Requirement, I let out a small sigh of relief when I saw Ominis already there, waiting for me.

Dressed in his usual pristine robes, he stood near the table where we usually took tea, his wand resting against his palm.

At the sound of my footsteps, he turned his head slightly.

“You’re early.”

I smiled. “So are you.”

“I had a feeling you wouldn’t let this wait.”

He was right.

I took a breath, my expression growing serious.

“Ominis… we need to talk about Sebastian.”

His grip tightened on his wand.

“I was afraid you’d say that.”
___

The tension between us was palpable, thick like the unspoken words hanging in the air.

Ominis had gone rigid the moment I told him the truth—Sebastian was still looking for the relic.

I saw it in his face, the way his lips pressed together, his grip tightening on his wand. He already knew this was coming, but hearing it aloud made it real.

“We should tell him about the potion,” I said firmly, watching him carefully.

Ominis turned his head slightly, his brows knitting together. “What?” His voice was sharp, precise, a razor-thin edge of disbelief. “Jessa, no. Absolutely not.”

I straightened, refusing to back down. “Ominis—”

“He will try to gather every ingredient himself.” His tone was clipped, controlled but seething beneath the surface. “And that means taking risks we can’t afford. You think he won’t throw himself into the fire if we tell him?”

I exhaled through my nose, already prepared for this argument.

“And continuing to find the relic isn’t equally dangerous?” I shot back.

Ominis let out a humorless laugh, stepping closer, shaking his head. “Of course it’s dangerous. But the difference is that he knows he’s dealing with dark magic—he understands the risk.”

I lifted my chin, challenging. “And you think he’ll just stop if he doesn’t find it? He won’t, Ominis. He’ll keep looking—alone. He’s already sneaking out at night. You wake up and he’s gone.”

That struck a nerve.

Ominis tensed, his jaw clenching as he looked away for a brief moment.

“You think I don’t know that?” he said, voice lower now, rougher. “I hear him leave. I know he’s searching for something. But telling him about the potion is like handing him another battle to fight. Another obsession to drown himself in.”

I sighed, stepping forward.

“When two choices lead to danger,” I murmured, “you do not pick the lesser evil, nor do you weigh their price—you choose the path that allows you to continue your fight.”

His lips parted slightly at my words.

“My grandfather said that, Ominis,” I pressed on, voice steady but laced with urgency. “We can’t stop Sebastian from fighting for Anne. But we can give him a battle worth fighting—the right one.”

Ominis exhaled sharply, his shoulders rising and falling. He turned to face me fully now, his expression conflicted, frustrated—but also something else.

Something achingly tender.

“And what if this isn’t the right one?” he challenged, voice quieter now, but no less intense. “What if we give him false hope? What if this potion fails, Jessa?”

I swallowed, knowing this was his deepest fear. Not just for Sebastian—but for me.

“If it fails,” I said softly, “then at least he won’t have walked this path alone.”

His breath hitched.

I could feel it now—the tension between us shifting, growing heavier, but in a way that had nothing to do with argument.

He stepped closer, just enough that I could see the way his jaw tightened, the way his fingers twitched at his side like he wanted to reach for something but didn’t know if he should.

“You always do this,” he muttered, almost accusingly.

“Do what?”

“Make me see things differently,” he sighed. “Make me doubt myself.”

I gave a small, rueful smile. “That’s what you get for befriending someone with a brain as sharp as yours.”

He huffed, shaking his head—but the corner of his lips twitched just slightly, betraying him.

The moment stretched between us.

A breath.

A choice.

Then Ominis let out a soft exhale and finally relented.

“Fine,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “We’ll tell him.”

I let out a breath.

“But,” he continued, pointing a stern finger at me, “on our terms. No reckless promises. No romantic speeches about how we can ‘save her together.’”

I snorted. “No heroic declarations. Got it.”

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Merlin, I hope this isn’t a mistake.”

“It won’t be,” I assured him.

Ominis only sighed again, shaking his head.

And then, with a wry, knowing smirk, he murmured, “You really are impossible, you know that?”

I grinned. “You wouldn’t have me any other way.”
___

“One thing’s for sure, my knight,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. “He’s going to be furious with us.”

Ominis let out a long, exhausted sigh, rubbing his temples. “Undoubtedly.”

I chuckled dryly. “I give it… ten seconds before he starts yelling.”

“You’re being generous,” Ominis countered, his lips twitching in reluctant amusement. “I’d say five.”

We stood in shared silence for a moment, both of us fully aware of what we were about to do. What it would mean.

Sebastian was going to be livid.

Not just because we had kept this from him, but because we had made the choice for him.

Sebastian didn’t like feeling helpless. He didn’t like the idea of people acting behind his back, especially when it came to Anne.

He was going to rage.

And yet, as much as Ominis and I were both bracing for impact, there was an understanding between us now.

This was the right thing to do.

He would forgive us.

Eventually.

Hopefully.

I shot Ominis a playful smirk. “I hope you’re ready for war.”

Ominis scoffed, straightening his posture with that signature pureblood elegance. “I was born ready, Valancaire.”

I huffed a laugh, shaking my head. “Well, then. Let’s go face our doom.”

“After you.” Ominis gestured, smirking.

I sighed dramatically. “How chivalrous.”

But before we moved, I hesitated, biting my lip.

“This needs to happen now, Ominis.”

He exhaled through his nose, already knowing where this was going.

I grabbed a parchment and quill, writing quickly.

Sebastian—

We need to talk. Urgent. Meet us at the entrance to the Ravenclaw Tower as soon as you can. No excuses.

– Jessa & Ominis

I sealed the letter and handed it to Ominis, who summoned his wand and whistled sharply. A school owl swooped down from the rafters of the Room of Requirement, landing gracefully.

He tied the message to its leg, and without hesitation, the owl took off.

I exhaled sharply, turning to Ominis.

“This is it.”

Ominis nodded, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

“Five galleons says he yells before he even lands both feet on the ground.”

I grinned. “You’re on.”

With that, we left the Room of Requirement, stepping into the storm that was sure to come.

____

I waited at the entrance of the Ravenclaw Tower, my foot tapping restlessly against the stone floor.

A part of me wanted to run.

To delay this confrontation and spare myself the storm that was about to come.

But I had chosen this.

I had chosen to tell Sebastian the truth, and now I had to face the consequences.

The sound of hurried footsteps reached my ears, and I turned to see Sebastian approaching.

He looked… confused. On edge. Suspicious.

The moment he reached me, I grabbed his wrist and started dragging him toward the Astronomy Tower before he could question anything.

“Bloody hell, Jessa,” Sebastian grunted, stumbling after me. “If you want me for yourself this early, just tell me.”

I rolled my eyes, knowing that playfulness would disappear the moment he heard what we had to say.

Merlin.

This was going to hurt.

We reached the Astronomy Tower, and the door to the Room of Requirement appeared before us.

Sebastian frowned. “What is this?”

“Come in,” I said simply.

With a hesitant glare, he followed.

The moment we stepped inside, Sebastian’s eyes scanned the room. He stiffened the second he saw Ominis and Deek.

“This is the Room of Requirement,” I explained. “It’s a room that adapts to the needs of its user. A hidden sanctuary that only appears when you need it most.”

Sebastian turned to me slowly, his eyes darkening.

“So what?” he said, voice low and laced with something dangerous. “You decided to show me your little rendezvous spot with Ominis?”

My stomach dropped.

Ominis let out a long, exhausted sigh beside me, rubbing his temples. “Sebastian, listen—”

“What, Ominis?” Sebastian snapped, his eyes flashing with something I couldn’t place.

“My best friend and the girl I—” he stopped himself abruptly, clenching his fists.

I inhaled sharply, forcing myself to stay steady.

“Sebastian. This is about Anne.”

His entire body froze.

I took that as my cue and told him everything.

• How my grandfather gave me the book and how I had discovered the legend of Essentia Veritas.

• How we started gathering ingredients—from Garreth helping unknowingly to Ominis finding out and eventually joining me.

• How we had copied his notes from the spellbook when we realized he was spiraling and lying to us.

• How Anne asked us to take care of him.

• How we had agreed not to tell him until we had more information—until now.

Sebastian did not move.

He did not speak.

He did not even breathe.

And then I handed him the parchment.

The result of Essentia Veritas.

The parchment that held the truth about Anne’s curse.

His hands shook as he took it from me.

The moment his eyes scanned the words, his expression crumbled.

A sharp inhale. A shaky exhale.

And then—

“You—” his voice broke before it twisted into something raw and furious.

“YOU KNEW.”

I flinched.

“Sebas—”

“YOU KNEW, AND YOU DIDN’T TELL ME?”

The room trembled.

Ominis and I braced ourselves as his magic crackled around him like an untamed storm.

“Sebastian, please—”

“DON’T.” He whirled toward me, his eyes burning with betrayal.

My throat tightened.

This was exactly what I had feared.

“How long?” His voice was shaking. “HOW LONG HAVE YOU KNOWN?”

I hesitated.

“HOW LONG, JESSA?”

“… Weeks.”

Sebastian laughed. A short, hollow laugh that sounded more like a wound than amusement.

“WEEKS?”

I bit my lip. “Sebas—”

“Weeks, Jessa?! And you didn’t think to tell me? My own sister? MY OWN BLOODY FAMILY?”

I inhaled sharply. “We were trying to protect you—”

“DON’T GIVE ME THAT!” he snapped. “You don’t get to make that choice for me!”

Ominis finally spoke, his voice calm but firm.

“Sebastian, you would have done something reckless. You would have thrown yourself into danger, and Anne specifically asked us not to tell you—”

Sebastian let out a harsh, bitter laugh.

“Oh, of course she did! Of course, Anne doesn’t trust me to handle this! But you do, right, Ominis? You, of all people, deciding what’s best for me?!”

Ominis’ jaw tightened.

“You aren’t thinking rationally, Sebastian.”

Sebastian let out a furious exhale, running his hands through his hair, gripping it like he was seconds away from losing control.

He turned to me.

And this time, it wasn’t just anger in his eyes.

It was pain.

Deep, aching betrayal.

“I trusted you.”

My chest tightened painfully.

“I know, Bas. And I’m sorry—”

“SORRY?” he laughed sharply, shaking his head.

And then his voice dropped to something small.

Something broken.

“You two were all I had left.”

My heart shattered.

Ominis tensed beside me, guilt flickering across his face.

Sebastian inhaled deeply, swallowing hard.

“… You should have told me.”

I stepped forward, gently placing a hand on his wrist.

“We should have. And I should have.” My voice wavered, but I held his gaze. “But Sebastian… what would you have done?”

Sebastian’s jaw clenched.

“You would have gone after the ingredients alone. You would have hunted down this potion like it was the last chance you had. And you would have gotten yourself killed.”

Silence.

I gripped his wrist tighter.

“We didn’t tell you because we were trying to protect you. Not because we don’t trust you, but because we know you, Sebastian.”

Sebastian stared at me, his breathing uneven.

“… And what now?” His voice was low. “What do you expect me to do now?”

I inhaled.

“Now… we do this together. No more secrets. No more keeping things from each other. We work as a team.”

Sebastian hesitated.

Ominis, standing behind me, finally spoke.

“… I don’t want to lose you either, Sebastian.”

Sebastian’s shoulders dropped.

Something inside him broke.

He let out a long, shaky breath—and nodded.

“… Fine.” His voice was rough. “But if you lie to me again, Jessa—”

“I won’t.”

Sebastian stood there, fists clenched, his breathing uneven as the weight of everything settled over him. His mind was still reeling from the betrayal—from the knowledge that we had kept this from him for weeks—but there was something else now.

Realization.

His gaze flickered from the parchment in his hands to me and Ominis, his expression unreadable as he scanned the results of Essentia Veritas.

Slowly, his eyes fell on the section that listed temporary potions that could help Anne until the cure was complete.

His brow furrowed.

Then he looked up, meeting my gaze.

“Did you… make any of these?”

I swallowed. “Yes.”

Sebastian stilled.

“We made the temporary potion immediately after we knew of it. We’ve been sending it to her ever since.”

The room was silent.

Sebastian exhaled, a short, hollow sound, and shook his head.

“So that’s why she was feeling better,” he murmured. “It wasn’t because of St. Mungo’s potions. It was you.”

Ominis and I said nothing.

Sebastian let out a short, bitter laugh.

“You mean to tell me that for a while now, I thought St. Mungo’s was finally doing something right, and all this time—it was you two?”

I hesitated, but I nodded.

He ran a shaky hand through his hair, exhaling through his nose.

“… I’m a fool.”

“No, Bas—”

“I am,” he cut in, shaking his head. “I was running around, chasing every dead end, and all this time—you were already fighting for her.”

I bit my lip.

“We were all fighting for her,” I said softly.

Sebastian didn’t answer.

Instead, his eyes dropped to the parchment again, scanning the list of ingredients needed for the cure. His brow furrowed.

Then he looked back at me.

“You said we already have the phoenix ashes.”

I nodded.

His expression hardened.

“… How?”

I exhaled.

“Well, remember the time you asked why I was sneaking out with Ominis?”

Sebastian’s eyes darkened.

“… That night.”

I nodded.

“We weren’t just sneaking out,” I said quietly. “We were tracking a phoenix that was being hunted by poachers.”

Sebastian’s entire body tensed.

“Poachers?” His voice was sharp, controlled—but I could hear the anger building beneath it.

I nodded again.

“… You risked your lives.”

I met his gaze, my expression steady.

“That is the reason, Sebastian,” I said. “That is why we couldn’t tell you.”

I could see it now. The realization sinking in.

The anger that had consumed him was now shifting.

He still wanted to be angry. He still felt betrayed. But he knew—deep down, he knew—that if he had been in our position, he would have done the same.

His eyes flickered toward the door to the Vivarium.

“… The phoenix,” he murmured.

I nodded. “Come.”

He followed me silently as I led him through the door.

The moment we entered the Vivarium, the baby phoenix let out a small, warm chirp.

Sebastian stopped in his tracks.

The firelight flickered across his face, his expression softening for the first time that night.

The weight of everything pressed on him.

I could see it now.

The weight of the truth.

The realization that we had risked our lives.

That I had risked my life.

All for Anne.

Sebastian let out a slow breath, stepping closer. He watched as the phoenix nestled itself in its nest, surrounded by the ashes of its past self.

“… Poachers would have killed it,” he murmured.

I nodded. “If we had been any later, we would have lost the ashes.”

His jaw tightened.

I watched as he processed everything.

This wasn’t just a mission anymore.

This was a sacrifice.

A price we had already paid to get this far.
___

Sebastian sat in heavy silence, his fingers tightening around the parchment containing the results of Essentia Veritas. His eyes moved across the page, scanning every line—again and again—as if he could somehow force the words to change.

I watched as his jaw clenched, his grip on the parchment so tight that it crinkled in his hands.

“She… wasn’t cursed by a goblin.”

His voice was low, his tone unreadable.

Ominis and I exchanged a look.

“… No,” I admitted. “She wasn’t.”

Sebastian let out a slow breath, his chest rising and falling unevenly.

“Then all this time…” He exhaled a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “I—We—were chasing the wrong answers.”

I reached out, gently touching his wrist. “Sebastian—”

His hand twitched beneath mine, but he didn’t pull away.

“… My emotions are making it worse.”

It wasn’t a question.

I nodded.

Sebastian’s face fell.

I watched as the realization sank in—the guilt, the frustration, the sheer helplessness that had plagued him since the day Anne fell ill.

For so long, he had believed that rage and vengeance were the only paths forward. That if he could just find someone to blame, he could take action.

And now?

Now, he was forced to face the truth.

“Sebastian,” I said softly, my fingers tightening around his wrist. “We didn’t tell you this to hurt you.”

“I know.”

His voice was quiet, barely above a whisper.

I could feel the heat of his frustration, the way his anger warred with his understanding.

His fingers loosened on the parchment. He swallowed, closing his eyes for a brief moment before inhaling deeply.

“… What’s next?” he asked.

I hesitated.

“We need to find the rest of the ingredients,” I said, watching him carefully. “Starting with Dragon’s Breath Resin.”

Sebastian’s brows lifted, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of life return to his eyes.

“… You’re starting with the hardest one?”

I nodded.

He scoffed, shaking his head. “Of course you are.”

Ominis crossed his arms. “We thought you’d appreciate the challenge.”

Sebastian smirked at that, but the tension didn’t leave his shoulders.

“You’re seriously planning on extracting resin from a dragon’s breath?”

“We don’t have much choice,” I said. “The resin stabilizes deteriorated organs—it’s the only way to stop Anne’s condition from getting worse while we gather the rest.”

Sebastian frowned, rubbing the back of his neck.

“And how, exactly, do you plan on getting a dragon to politely exhale in your direction?”

I sighed.

“… That’s where it gets complicated.”

Sebastian arched a brow, waiting.

“We’ve found a possible location, but the area is heavily warded,” I explained. “It’s a known nesting ground. The Ministry has protections in place.”

“Let me guess,” Sebastian muttered, folding his arms. “You plan on breaking into a Ministry-protected dragon sanctuary.”

“… We plan on sneaking in,” Ominis corrected.

Sebastian huffed a laugh, running a hand down his face.

“Of course you do.”

“We’ll need to gather more information,” I continued, shifting slightly. “And prepare—potions, protective gear, spells to keep the dragon calm—”

“Wait—” Sebastian held up a hand. “You have protective gear?”

I hesitated.

“… Not yet.”

Sebastian gave me a long, tired stare.

I bit my lip.

“… But we’re working on it?”

Sebastian groaned, closing his eyes as if trying to ward off a headache.

Then, finally, he opened them again and let out a deep sigh.

“Alright.” He glanced at Ominis before turning back to me. “I’m coming with you.”

I blinked. “What?”

“You heard me,” he said, standing up. “You’re not sneaking into a dragon sanctuary without me.”

I exhaled.

“Sebastian, this isn’t—”

“I don’t care,” he cut in, stepping closer. “You kept this from me. You risked your lives. I’m done being left out.”

Ominis groaned. “Sebastian—”

“No.” His voice was firm. “I don’t care how dangerous it is. I’m going.”

I sighed, rubbing my temples. “We’re not trying to leave you out, Bas.”

“Then let me help.”

There was a pause.

I looked at Ominis. Ominis looked at me.

Then, finally, I sighed.

“… Fine.”

Sebastian smirked, satisfied.

Ominis pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering something about a terrible idea.

I ignored him.

“Then we’d better start planning,” I said, rolling up my sleeves.

Sebastian’s smirk widened.

Ominis sighed deeply.

And just like that—

The three of us were in this together.

___

We had started planning, carefully laying out each step, but time was slipping away—I needed to meet Professor Fig.

I let out a slow breath and stood, rolling up the parchment filled with notes and plans.

“I need to meet with Professor Fig,” I said, glancing at Sebastian, whose gaze was already on me.

I knew exactly what he was thinking.

The memory of last night’s escapade in the Restricted Section lingered in the air between us—the battle, the door appearing, the ancient magic, the empty portraits.

He didn’t say anything, but his expression was enough.

Ominis sighed, breaking the silent tension. “At least eat something first, Jessa.”

I waved a hand. “I’ll grab something on the way.”

Both of them looked unconvinced.

Sebastian exhaled sharply through his nose, shaking his head before looking back at our plans.

“You two stay here and figure out the protections we’ll need once we sneak in,” I said. “We have a long way to go.”

Sebastian let out a low hum of agreement, but I could tell his mind was elsewhere.

“Can I trust you two not to hex each other while I’m gone?” I teased, looking between them.

Ominis didn’t hesitate. “I can’t promise that, Jessa.”

Sebastian smirked. “Not in the slightest.”

I sighed. “Fine. Just don’t give Deek trouble.”

Sebastian’s smirk deepened.

Ominis tilted his head toward me. “You realize Deek is probably more capable of handling Sebastian than I am?”

“I heard that,” Sebastian muttered.

I groaned, shaking my head, and hurried toward the door.

Just as I reached it, I caught Sebastian muttering under his breath—

“If she gets back and we’ve hexed each other, whose side do you think she’d take?”

Ominis snorted.

I didn’t wait to hear the answer.

I had a meeting with Professor Fig.

___

Sebastian’s POV

Jessa was gone, off to see Professor Fig, leaving me and Ominis alone in the Room of Requirement.

I could still hear the echo of her voice in my mind, the certainty in her words as she laid out everything—every secret, every sacrifice, every decision she had made without me.

I clenched my jaw, staring at the parchment in my hands.

Essentia Veritas.

The words blurred slightly as my grip tightened.

She did this—she brewed this potion, she went searching for ingredients, she risked herself against poachers, dark wizards—

“She risked her life for Anne,” I muttered, hands on my hips, head tipped up toward the ceiling.

I felt the weight of Ominis’s gaze. “She did.”

I shook my head. “And you just let her?”

“You think I wanted to?” His voice was edged with frustration. “She would have done it with or without me, Sebastian.”

That was the problem.

That was always the problem with Jessa.

She never let herself be protected.

Not by me. Not by Ominis.

Not by anyone.

And somehow, that realization made my chest ache more than the fact that she kept this from me.

I forced myself to take a breath, the air feeling heavy in my lungs.

My eyes flickered to the parchment again.

She already had the phoenix ash.

She had already begun the cure.

She had done all of this, without me.

“She didn’t need me,” I muttered under my breath, and I hated how small the words sounded.

Ominis was silent for a long moment.

Then, gently, he said, “That’s not true.”

I looked at him, expression tight. “Isn’t it?”

He met my gaze, steady, unwavering.

“She did all of this for Anne,” he said. “For you.”

I swallowed hard.

Because that’s what made it worse, didn’t it?

She had done it for me.

She had risked everything for me.

She had walked into the dark, fought battles, made impossible decisions—all while carrying the weight of a secret she had to keep from me.

I looked down at my hands, running a thumb over my palm absentmindedly.

Ominis was watching me.

I could feel it.

I let the silence settle between us for a moment before I asked, “How long have you known about this place?”

Ominis blinked, thrown by the sudden shift. “The Room?”

I nodded.

He hesitated, then said, “Jessa introduced me to it. She found it first.”

I exhaled a laugh, shaking my head. Of course, she did.

“Professor Weasley showed it to her,” Ominis continued. “She used it to catch up on studies, then later to… work on the potion.”

So while I was chasing dead ends, Jessa had been building a sanctuary to find real answers.

I clenched my jaw.

This room—this was hers.

A place she trusted him with.

And not me.

I turned to him fully this time, studying him carefully, as if seeing him in a new light.

“And you?” I asked slowly. “What does Jessa mean to you?”

Ominis stilled.

His hand, which had been loosely curled around his teacup, tensed just slightly.

There was a flicker of something in his expression.

Something guarded.

Something I recognized.

His lips parted, then closed again.

Finally, he said, “She’s Jessa.”

A simple statement.

Like that was all the answer he needed.

And maybe to him, it was.

I studied him for a moment, then let out a breath, shaking my head.

“Right,” I murmured, a ghost of a smirk tugging at my lips. “She’s Jessa.”

Ominis said nothing.

But I saw the way his throat bobbed, just slightly.

Saw the way his fingers curled ever so subtly, as if gripping onto something unseen.

And in that moment, it was clear.

I wasn’t the only one who saw her.

I wasn’t the only one who wanted to protect her.

But I wasn’t going to step aside either.
__

Jessa’s POV

I hurried through the castle corridors, my thoughts racing ahead of me.

By the time I reached Professor Fig’s office, I barely caught my breath before he ushered me inside.

“Jessa!” he greeted, his sharp eyes scanning my face. “How is it?”

I could tell he already knew something was weighing on me.

He gestured toward the chair by his desk, and I sank into it gratefully.

Without another word, he reached for the teapot, pouring a warm cup of tea before sliding it toward me. At the same time, he summoned a plate of pastries and placed them within reach.

“Eat first, dear,” he said, his voice filled with quiet understanding.

I huffed a small laugh. I had barely spoken a word, and yet he already knew I hadn’t eaten.

I took a sip of the tea, letting its warmth settle my nerves, and reached for a small pastry, nibbling at it absentmindedly as I tried to sort out where to begin.

“Professor…” I started carefully.

I hesitated—I couldn’t mention Sebastian.

Fig would definitely not approve of me sneaking into the Restricted Section with someone else, especially Sebastian.

Instead, I focused on the truth.

I set my tea down, clasping my hands together.

“There was something hidden within the Restricted Section,” I said. “At first, I couldn’t find anything… but then I felt it.”

Fig leaned forward slightly, listening intently.

I continued. “I sensed the magic—like a ripple in the air. I followed it, and it led me to a collapsed passage.”

Fig’s expression didn’t change, but I saw the flicker of recognition in his eyes.

“I cast Reparo, and it revealed a hidden staircase—one that led deeper underground,” I explained. “And at the very bottom… there was a door.”

A strange light passed through Fig’s eyes, and he nodded slowly.

“A door?” he echoed.

“Yes,” I confirmed. “And when I touched the ancient magic, it changed the entire room.”

I told him about the puzzles, the sentries that guarded it, and finally, the Pensieve.

Fig’s breath hitched. “Another memory?”

I nodded, my fingers tightening against the armrests.

“It showed me a young girl—Isidora Morganach.”

At that, Fig finally reacted.

He sat back in his chair, rubbing his chin in thought.

“Isidora… that name…” He trailed off. “Go on, Jessa. What else did you see?”

“She was watching as a group of witches and wizards used their magic to restore life to a barren village. Water, vegetation… all brought forth with their power.”

Fig nodded, his expression unreadable.

“She was a student here,” I added. “A Fifth Year. Just like me.”

Professor Fig let out a long exhale, staring off into the distance.

“And there’s more,” I continued.

I told him about the map that appeared beneath my feet, the four empty portraits, and the strange absence of any Keepers.

Fig’s brows furrowed, and he tapped his fingers against the desk.

“That chamber… it must be the Map Chamber.”

I leaned forward, eager. “The Map Chamber?”

“A hidden place where the Keepers left behind their knowledge,Miriam’s research mention as much” he explained. “It seems we were right to follow the trail left behind by Miriam’s research.”

I nodded, my mind racing with possibilities.

“Professor,” I said hesitantly. “What do we do now?”

Fig’s eyes hardened with resolve.

“We find the Keepers.”
___

The Ancient Runes classroom buzzed with quiet conversation as students settled into their seats. Ominis and Sebastian were already seated, both eerily quiet.

Sebastian sat rigid, his fingers tapping absently against the edge of his desk. His brow was furrowed, deep in thought—probably still processing everything from the morning. Ominis, on the other hand, was composed as ever, but the slight tension in his posture told me he was listening closely.

I exhaled softly and took my seat.

Samantha immediately turned to me with a suspicious look. “You missed breakfast.”

I shrugged. “I had a meeting with Professor Fig.”

She tilted her head. “For his research?”

I nodded, keeping my expression neutral. It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either.

I had more pressing matters to think about. Sebastian’s spellbook.

Now that he knew about the potion, there was no reason for him to keep researching dark magic. But I also knew Sebastian—if there was even the slightest chance the relic could help Anne, he wouldn’t stop.

I had to take the book from him.

It was reckless. It was a risk.

But if I had to lie, manipulate, steal, or fight for it—I would.

___

Ancient Runes was usually my favorite class, but today, the tension in the air made it unbearable.

Professor Babbling introduced a new set of runes—ones often used for enchanted objects, protection charms, and spell enhancement. I copied them down mechanically, my mind elsewhere.

Sebastian hadn’t said a single word since class began.

No teasing. No sarcastic remarks. Just silence.

And, of course, my friends noticed.

Samantha, Poppy, and Natty all exchanged glances before Samantha leaned over, whispering loud enough for the other two to hear.

“Alright… what happened?”

I pretended not to hear her.

Poppy nudged my arm. “Jessa.”

Natty tilted her head, studying me. “Did you three fight?”

Before I could answer, Professor Babbling clapped her hands.

“Excellent work, everyone! We’ll continue our analysis in our next lesson.”

As soon as class ended, Sebastian shot up from his seat and walked out.

No eye contact. No hesitation. Just gone.

I didn’t think—I moved.

“Sebastian!” I called, but he didn’t stop.

I hurried after him, weaving through the flood of students leaving the room.

A Favor Called In

I caught up to Sebastian, grabbed his sleeve, and yanked him into a nearby empty corridor.

He stumbled slightly, turning on me with narrowed eyes.

“Bloody hell, Jessa—”

I didn’t let him finish.

“I need the spellbook.”

Sebastian froze. His expression shifted from irritation to suspicion in an instant.

“Why?” he asked, voice cold.

I swallowed, tightening my grip on his sleeve. “Because you don’t need it anymore. We have a plan. We have the ingredients list. We already started making the temporary potion for Anne, and now we’re preparing to get the rest—”

“And what if it’s not enough?” he shot back.

I took a step closer. “It will be.”

He scoffed. “You don’t know that.”

I gritted my teeth. “I do. And so do you, if you’d just let yourself believe it.”

His jaw clenched. “And if you’re wrong?”

I exhaled sharply, my voice barely above a whisper. “Then we’ll find another way. Together. Without risking your soul in the process.”

Sebastian stared at me, breathing heavily.

I could see it—the war inside his head.

His grip tightened around his wand, knuckles white. His shoulders were tense. Every instinct was telling him to fight me on this.

But he knew I was right.

And that was what made it worse.

Finally, he exhaled sharply.

“You really think I’d do something reckless?” he muttered.

I arched an eyebrow. “Do I need to answer that?”

His lips tugged into the ghost of a smirk. But it was fleeting.

For a long moment, we just stood there.

I reached out—slowly—and placed my hand on his.

“You owe me a favor.”

Sebastian’s eyes flickered with recognition.

I tightened my grip on his wrist. “You promised. In the Scriptorium.”

His breath hitched. He remembered.

When he had promised me a favor.

He ran a hand through his hair, exasperated.

“Merlin’s bloody beard, you’re insufferable.”

I grinned. “I know.”

He let out a long breath, his shoulders finally slumping.

His fingers twitched under mine. I felt his hesitation, his resistance. But then… his grip loosened.

Slowly, he reached into his robes—and after a long, agonizing moment—he handed me the spellbook.

I took it gently, clutching it to my chest.

Sebastian exhaled sharply and shook his head.

“This better work, Jessa.”

I met his gaze, full of unwavering conviction.

“It will.”

___

The moment we stepped out of the corridor, my friends were already waiting.

Samantha had her arms crossed, an amused smirk on her face. Natty and Poppy were grinning like they had just witnessed something scandalous.

“Having a moment, were we?” Samantha teased.

I groaned. “Merlin’s sake, Sam—”

Sebastian, the absolute menace that he was, cut me off smoothly.

“What can I say? I was just trying to get Jessa alone.”

I whipped my head to him, mouth agape.

The girls burst into giggles.

Poppy elbowed Samantha. “I knew it! He’s shameless.”

Samantha nodded sagely. “Absolutely no decorum.”

Natty arched an eyebrow. “Flirting in broad daylight? Bold of you, Sallow.”

Sebastian just smirked. “I don’t hear her complaining.”

I gaped even harder. “Excuse me—!”

Amidst my growing humiliation, Ominis finally caught up, trailing behind with his usual air of exasperation.

His expression was already unimpressed.

“Oh, for Merlin’s sake,” he muttered, running a hand down his face.

Sebastian looked entirely too smug.

I turned to Ominis for salvation, but he just sighed deeply. “Let’s get to lunch, Jessa. You didn’t have breakfast.”

I nodded, grateful for the change of subject.

But before I could escape, Sebastian’s voice cut through the air—sharp, yet deceptively casual.

“Oh? So you’re keeping track of her meals now, Ominis?”

I froze.

Ominis stiffened slightly.

The girls exchanged glances, eyes wide with interest.

I knew that tone.

It was the same tone Sebastian used when he was masking something behind his words.

Something sharp. Something possessive.

Ominis, to his credit, didn’t take the bait. He simply tilted his head towards me.

“Someone has to.”

Sebastian let out a huff of laughter, but there was an edge to it.

“How thoughtful.”

I rubbed my temples.

__

We made our way to the Great Hall for lunch, and just as I was about to veer toward my usual Ravenclaw table, Jace waved me over.

Merlin help me.

I sighed, resigned, and followed him to the Slytherin table, where I immediately spotted Vix and Valor already seated, looking far too entertained.

Samantha, Poppy, and Natty were practically vibrating with excitement.

And, to my absolute horror, I somehow ended up between Sebastian and Ominis.

Again.

Vix smirked.

The girls exchanged delighted glances across the table.

And then—it began.

Sebastian, as if possessed, silently piled absurd amounts of food onto my plate.

Ominis, graceful and methodical, poured my tea with the utmost precision, stirring it like he was conducting some kind of ritual.

I exhaled heavily.

“You know,” I started, eyeing both of them, “I appreciate it, I really do. But I have arms. I can serve myself.”

They did not listen.

Sebastian added more roasted potatoes.

Ominis added just the right amount of honey to my tea.

I blinked. “Okay. So we’re just ignoring me?”

Valor groaned, rubbing his temples. “Merlin’s beard, can you three just—not?”

Jace grinned. “You guys are disgusting.”

“Right?” Valor muttered, shaking his head. “Some of us are trying to eat, not witness an impromptu wedding banquet.”

Sebastian? Unbothered. He coolly sliced into his steak, like he wasn’t actively acting like my personal chef.

Ominis? Serene as ever. He simply sipped his tea with the unmistakable air of smugness.

But I knew better.

Their mutual pettiness was palpable.

And then—Jace struck.

“So, Jess,” he said, grinning wickedly, “Mother wrote to me. She’s waiting for your response.”

I choked on my tea.

Samantha and the girls perked up immediately, all of them staring at me with knowing grins.

I cleared my throat, avoiding everyone’s gaze. “I—I’ll write to her later.”

Jace, utterly pleased with himself, leaned back smugly. “She’s probably sending you more educational material.”

Samantha snorted. “Educational. Right.”

I sent her a look.

Natty grinned. “Maybe she sent you the advanced lessons this time?”

I nearly knocked over my tea.

Poppy giggled behind her hand.

And then—Garreth showed up.

“Hey, sweets,” he said smoothly, dropping into the seat beside me, holding a small basket of muffins.

Immediately, all conversation died.

Sebastian’s fork paused mid-air.

Ominis’s hand froze over his teacup.

Jace, Valor, and Vix all leaned forward subtly, as if watching a particularly thrilling duel.

Garreth plopped a small leather-bound journal onto the table in front of me.

Like bloody birds, all their necks craned toward it.

Garreth laughed. “Relax. It’s just some ingredients I listed for you—you know.”

I knew exactly what he meant.

The secret herbology garden.

I hadn’t been able to visit it lately, but I planned to go today and show Ominis and Sebastian. As we promised no more secrets— well when it comes to Anne’s cure. I might found something valuable there.

I glanced at Garreth apologetically.

“Thank you, Gar. This helps,” I said sincerely.

He grinned. “Anytime.”

And then—he handed me the muffins.

“Figured you could use these too,” he said casually. “You tend to forget meals when you’re busy.”

Oh no.

Sebastian’s knife scraped against his plate just a little too hard.

Ominis? He took a very slow, very deliberate sip of his tea.

Jace let out a low whistle. “Well, well, well—sweets, huh?”

Samantha, Natty, and Poppy erupted into laughter.

Valor, watching the entire scene unfold, snorted. “Didn’t think I’d live to see the day when Sallow and Gaunt lost their cool over a Weasley.”

Sebastian scoffed. “I’m perfectly fine, thank you.”

Ominis hummed. “Quite fine.”

Poppy, still giggling, whispered, “They’re not fine.”

Garreth, oblivious as ever, simply leaned on his hand. “You know, Jessa, if you ever need more muffins, just let me know. You’ve got a bit of a habit of skipping meals.”

Sebastian?

Dead silent.

Ominis?

Not blinking.

“Well,” Ominis said, far too pleasantly, “we wouldn’t want Jessa to be overwhelmed with too much… attention.”

Garreth raised an eyebrow. “Overwhelmed? Or well taken care of?”

Oh.

Oh no.

They were doing this.

I immediately threw my head onto the table.

“Please, for the love of Merlin,” I groaned, “can we not do this here?”

Jace, ever the menace, grinned. “Oh no, please, continue—this is great entertainment.”

Valor snorted. “Best lunch I’ve had in ages.”

Sebastian? Still glaring at the muffins.

Ominis? Completely unreadable.

Samantha, eyes sparkling with pure glee, leaned over to me. “You should definitely call Garreth ‘sweets’ back.”

“Don’t you dare,” Ominis and Sebastian said at the same time.

That was it.

The entire Slytherin table lost it.

Sebastian scowled, stabbing a piece of potato like it had personally wronged him.

Ominis merely exhaled slowly, setting his tea down just a bit too carefully.

Garreth?

Completely unaware he had just narrowly avoided being hexed on sight.

I, meanwhile, was considering fleeing the country.

Jace cackled. “This is better than the bloody theatre.”

I sighed deeply, dragging a hand down my face.

“I hate all of you.”
___

Garreth, completely oblivious to the battlefield he had just left behind, sauntered away, leaving chaos and barely concealed male aggression in his wake.

Jace, the ever-present menace, grinned like a Kneazle who had just cornered a helpless mouse. “Well, that was fun,” he mused, stretching lazily. “Shall we make things even better?”

Sebastian and Ominis immediately tensed.

I narrowed my eyes. “Jace, no.”

Jace, of course, ignored me entirely.

“You know,” he said, far too casually, “there’s a Slytherin party happening later. You lot should come.”

Before I could utter a single protest, the girls immediately perked up.

“A party?” Samantha, Poppy, and Natty all lit up. “We’re going!”

“Absolutely!” Samantha declared.

Poppy clapped her hands together. “We study hard, we party hard!”

I groaned. Merlin, help me.

Ominis? Already shaking his head. “We have far too much to do.”

Sebastian? Scoffed. “Pass.”

I sighed in relief. “Same.”

Cue the loud, exaggerated, dramatic groans of disappointment.

“Jessa, Ominis, Sebastian, come on!” Samantha whined. “We never go to these things together!”

“Just for a little while,” Natty tried, looking hopeful.

“Absolutely not,” Ominis and I said at the same time.

Sebastian shrugged. “You can do whatever you want, but I’m not going. Waste of time.”

Jace, who had been waiting for this moment like a vulture circling its prey, suddenly smirked.

“Well,” he said slowly, “Mother thinks you should definitely go, Jessa.”

I froze.

“What?”

The table fell silent.

Jace grinned like the bloody devil.

“Yep. She sent another letter,” he said, drawing it out, savoring the moment. “And she said, and I quote—”

He cleared his throat dramatically.

“Jessa, you should definitely go and unwind. And—” he paused for effect, “you should wear the red dress I packed for you.”

The Red Dress.

Oh no.

My mother packed that?!

I was going to kill Jace.

I did not dare look to my sides.

I already knew.

Sebastian?

Gripping his fork so tight I was worried it would snap. His jaw clenched, and he was suddenly very interested in his plate.

Ominis?

Suspiciously silent, but his teacup made a very deliberate clink when he set it down.

Jace, the menace, clearly enjoyed every second of this.

“Mother’s orders, Jess,” he said, dragging out every word.

I gasped. “You did not just use Mother’s orders against me!”

“Oh, but I did.”

Valor and Vix were already smirking.

Samantha was vibrating with excitement.

“Ohhh,” she cooed, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Jessa, you know what would really make the dress pop?”

Oh no. No. No. No.

Samantha grinned wickedly. “You should absolutely wear red lipstick.”

I choked on my tea.

“Samantha!”

Poppy gasped in delight. “She’s right! With your eyes—oh, you’ll look stunning!”

“Oh, you’ll definitely capture some attention now,” Natty smirked. “Especially since it’s an interhouse party…”

The entire table broke into laughter and knowing glances.

Sebastian?

Was no longer eating. His fork scraped his plate just a little too aggressively.

Ominis?

Sipped his tea. Again. Long. Slow. Unbothered, yet also very much bothered.

Jace?

Looked extremely entertained.

I swore under my breath.

“Jace,” I hissed, “shut up.”

Jace beamed. “See you tonight, then?”

I grabbed a muffin from the basket Garreth left me and chucked it at his head.

He dodged effortlessly.

And then winked.

“Red’s your color, Jess.”

And then, as if this couldn’t get worse, Poppy, sweet, innocent Poppy, added more fuel to the already raging fire.

“So, did you change your mind?” she asked, voice dripping with false innocence.

I shook my head violently. “Absolutely not.”

“Ohhh, that’s a shame,” she sighed dramatically. “I bet Garreth will be there. And you know…”

She tapped her chin, feigning deep thought.

“He’s a Gryffindor.”

She paused.

“And he likes red~”

I. Died.

The entire table erupted.

Samantha was howling. Natty was wiping away tears of laughter. Jace and Vix high-fived.

Sebastian?

His fork clattered onto his plate.

Ominis?

Visibly tensed.

I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.

“You’re all insufferable!” I groaned.

“Well, if you’re not going to the party…” Samantha hummed.

“…maybe you should at least wear the dress for Garreth,” Poppy teased.

I shoved my face into my hands, willing the floor to open up and devour me.

Jace? Beaming. “So, Jessa, about that red dress—”

I threw another muffin at him.

He dodged again. Smugly.

“You’re going to run out of muffins at this rate,” he teased.

Before I could retaliate with violence, I felt a heavy sigh beside me.

“Fine,” Ominis said.

Silence.

I blinked, looking at him. “What?”

“I said, fine.” He sipped his tea again. “We’ll come to the party.”

“We?”

Sebastian snapped his head to Ominis. “Excuse me?”

Ominis arched a perfectly refined brow.

“You don’t have to come,” he said smoothly, “but I will.”

Sebastian glared. “You’re joking.”

Ominis tilted his head, expression neutral. “Am I?”

War.

The entire table went dead silent.

Jace looked delighted. Samantha gasped. Natty and Poppy leaned forward, eyes wide.

I nearly choked.

“S-Sebastian?” I stammered, turning to him.

Sebastian was glaring daggers at Ominis. His jaw was tight.

And then.

Then.

He huffed.

“Fine,” he said, voice sharp.

“Fine?” I echoed weakly.

He leaned back, arms crossed. “If Ominis is going, then I’m going.”

The table exploded.

Jace roared with laughter. Samantha squealed. Poppy nearly knocked over the juice jug.

“You’re both coming now?!” I gaped.

Sebastian shrugged, smug. “You said we shouldn’t hex each other while you were gone. You didn’t say we couldn’t sabotage a party together.”

Ominis grinned slightly. “Oh, I fully intend to enjoy myself, don’t worry.”

Sebastian glowered. “I’ll believe that when I see it.”

Jace, the menace, leaned forward, grinning. “So. Let me get this straight—you two are going to our Slytherin party, just because Jessa is going?”

Both of them turned to Jace, blank-faced.

“Shut up, Jace,” they said in perfect unison.

Jace nearly fell off the bench from laughter.

__

After Jace, Vix, and Valor had thoroughly tormented me with details about the party, the girls stood up, already scheming.

“We don’t have an outfit yet!” Samantha gasped dramatically.

Natty and Poppy nodded in unison. “We need to prepare!”

Samantha grinned at me wickedly. “And don’t worry, Jessa. I’ll lay out your red dress for you.”

I picked up another muffin to throw at her.

Only to realize I had none left.

Samantha giggled in victory as she and the girls left the table.

I was doomed.

That left me, Ominis, and Sebastian.

I sighed, rubbing my temples.

“Well, that was fun,” I said flatly.

Ominis sipped his tea. “Define fun.”

Sebastian shoved a piece of bread into his mouth. “Watching Jessa suffer? That was fun.”

I kicked him under the table.

He barely flinched. Smirking.

Ignoring them, I pulled out the journal Garreth had given me and began skimming through it. I wasn’t even thinking about the party anymore—I just needed something else to focus on.

Then I saw it.

Frozen Mallowroot.

My breath hitched.

One of Anne’s cure ingredients.

“Bas! Ominis!” I whispered urgently, shoving the journal toward them.

“What?” Ominis leaned in.

Sebastian arched a brow, still chewing. “What’s that?” He squinted. “What does that mean? And what even is that journal, anyway?”

His voice was sharp. Bitter.

I realized too late that I had just given away another secret.

Well. No turning back now.

I swallowed.

“Garreth showed me a hidden herbology garden,” I admitted, carefully. “It has rare plants—even ones that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere. That’s where this journal came from.”

Sebastian stilled.

“You’re telling me,” he said slowly, “that Garreth Weasley—not a Herbology professor, not an expert, but **Garreth bloody Weasley—**found a secret garden full of rare plants and just handed you this?”

“Pretty much,” I said cautiously.

Sebastian exhaled sharply. His grip on the table tightened.

“Anything else you forgot to mention, Jessa?” His voice was light, teasing, but his eyes were anything but.

I took a deep breath.

“I didn’t mention it before because I made Garreth promise not to tell anyone,” I said carefully. “But now that we promised no more secrets regarding Anne’s cure, I need you both to swear you won’t tell anyone about the garden.”

Sebastian was quiet.

Ominis pressed his lips together.

Finally, Sebastian leaned back, crossing his arms. “If this garden can actually help Anne, then fine. But don’t expect me to be happy that Garreth Weasley of all people is involved.”

“That’s your problem, Bas,” Ominis said dryly.

Sebastian shot him a glare.

“Regardless,” I cut in quickly, “if Frozen Mallowroot is in the garden, that means we have a chance to get one of the ingredients without nearly dying in the process.”

Sebastian huffed.

“For once.” Ominis added, smirking.

Sebastian kicked him under the table.

I sighed. Merlin help me.
___

I led Sebastian and Ominis through the hidden passage to the Herbology Garden, their expressions a mix of curiosity and silent brooding.

I knew exactly why they weren’t happy.

Sebastian was gritting his teeth. Ominis had his arms crossed.

They were absolutely sulking.

Because of Garreth.

“Are you two seriously still mad about this?” I sighed.

Neither of them answered.

I huffed, stopping to face them.

“If Garreth hadn’t shown me this garden, then we wouldn’t have one of Anne’s ingredients,” I pointed out, hands on my hips. “So quit sulking and start being useful.”

Ominis exhaled dramatically.

Sebastian rolled his eyes.

But at least they followed me inside.

As soon as we stepped through the entrance, the garden unfolded before us—a lush, vibrant oasis of greenery tucked away beneath Hogwarts. Plants flourished wildly, curling over trellises and archways, glowing fungi pulsing with soft light.

Sebastian whistled, clearly impressed.

Ominis, even without seeing, tilted his head, sensing the sheer amount of magic in the air. “This place is… alive.”

I smiled. “Told you it was special.”

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair. “Alright, I’ll admit, it’s incredible. But that still doesn’t mean I like that you were here alone with Weasley.”

“You weren’t complaining when I pulled out this journal and found the Mallowroot, were you?” I quipped.

Sebastian muttered something under his breath.

Ominis chuckled.

I grinned in victory.

And then—I spotted it.

“There it is!” I mused excitedly.

The Frozen Mallowroot stood at the heart of the garden, its crystalline petals shimmering like ice under the glow of enchanted torches.

Sebastian and Ominis helped dig it up carefully, securing the precious ingredient we needed.

“Two ingredients down,” Ominis said with a satisfied nod.

Sebastian, for once, smiled. “Yeah. Two down.”

I glanced around the garden and suddenly had an idea.

“We should take slices of these plants,” I suggested. “We can plant them in the Room of Requirement and have our own supply.”

Ominis looked thoughtful. “That’s actually… a smart idea.”

Sebastian smirked. “It usually is when it comes from Jessa.”

I rolled my eyes, but my heart fluttered just a little.

We spent the next hour carefully gathering plant cuttings, following the instructions from Garreth’s journal. It was a peaceful, enjoyable time.

Sebastian and Ominis actually seemed to relax, focused on their tasks instead of bickering.

For once, it felt normal.

Just us—working toward a shared goal.

That didn’t mean I wasn’t praying for Garreth not to appear and add more chaos.

Luckily, he didn’t.

When we finished, I dusted off my hands and looked at the two of them.

“You know,” I mused. “I think we owe Garreth a basket of muffins.”

Sebastian and Ominis both groaned.

I laughed.

A pleasant afternoon, indeed.
___

Covered in dirt and leaves, the three of us carefully slipped out of the hidden herbology garden, looking around to ensure no one had seen us.

Ominis adjusted his cloak, while Sebastian flicked a stray vine off his shoulder.

“I swear, Jessa,” Sebastian muttered, brushing dirt off his hands. “You always manage to get us into the messiest situations—literally.”

I shot him a smug grin. “And yet, you always follow me anyway.”

Ominis huffed a small laugh. “She has a point.”

Sebastian scoffed. “Well, someone has to make sure you two don’t get yourselves killed.”

“You mean someone has to glare at Garreth Weasley every time he talks to me,” I quipped, raising an eyebrow.

Sebastian stilled.

Ominis stifled a smirk.

“Can we move on before someone actually sees us?” Ominis said, ever the voice of reason.

“Yes, yes, let’s hurry back,” I agreed, leading the way to the Room of Requirement.

The moment we stepped inside, we immediately secured the Frozen Mallowroot beside the Phoenix Ash.

Sebastian examined our growing collection with a small, thoughtful frown.

“This is starting to look like a bloody apothecary.”

I laughed. “That’s kind of the point.”

We then moved on to replanting the slices we had gathered—which was a lot.

“I think we overdid it,” Ominis muttered, running a hand over one of the planters.

Sebastian sighed dramatically. “How did this turn into an agricultural project? I thought we were saving Anne, not starting a bloody farm.”

“Think of it as an investment,” I teased. “Unless you want to hunt down rare plants every single time we need them?”

Sebastian grumbled something under his breath.

Ominis chuckled. “She’s right, you know.”

Sebastian scowled. “That’s becoming an alarming pattern.”

Just then, the room hummed.

Magic rippled through the air, and suddenly—it expanded.

We all watched in awe as more planters appeared, stretching out into a new section of the room.

And then—

Another door materialized.

I blinked. “That… wasn’t there before.”

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “What is it this time?”

I stepped forward cautiously, opening the door—and froze.

It was a room.

A cozy space bathed in warm candlelight, dark green and rich gold accents woven into the furniture. A large mahogany desk sat in one corner, stacked with books and parchment, while a cabinet of potions lined the opposite wall. The entire space had an air of brooding intensity—quiet, controlled, but undeniably powerful.

It was—

“Sebastian.” I turned to him slowly. “This is your room.”

Sebastian stared at it.

He took a slow step inside, his fingers brushing over the polished wooden desk.

“…You’re joking,” he muttered, eyes scanning the room that was undeniably his.

I grinned. “Nope.”

He turned to me, smirking. “So what you’re saying is, the room—your room—somehow thought I should have my own personal space?”

Ominis, deadpan, said, “Honestly, I’m more surprised it took this long.”

Sebastian laughed, a genuine, warm sound. “I suppose it makes sense. I will  spend most of my time here now.”

I then motioned for him to follow as I led him and Ominis back to Ominis’ tea room—which I had previously shown him.

“See?” I said, gesturing to the familiar space. “Ominis has one too.”

Sebastian snorted. “Figures.”

“And,” I added, leading them further down, “Mine is over here.”

Sebastian tilted his head, amused. “I don’t know why, but I feel like yours is going to be… ridiculously over-the-top.”

I gasped dramatically. “Excuse me?”

Ominis grinned. “He’s not wrong.”

I rolled my eyes, but opened the door to my personal space.

Sebastian looked around and smirked. “Yup. Called it.”

“Get out,” I muttered.

Ominis laughed quietly.

After settling everything, we all looked absolutely wrecked.

Dirt-streaked clothes, leaves in our hair—we looked like we had hiked through the Forbidden Forest.

Sebastian stretched, cracking his neck. “As much as I enjoy looking like I wrestled a mandrake, I think it’s time to clean up.”

Ominis nodded. “Agreed. We should freshen up for the party.”

We all groaned.

“I’ll see you both later,” I said, already walking toward the exit. “I’ll meet you at your Slytherin common room.”

Sebastian smirked. “Be sure to wear that red dress.”

I froze.

Ominis sighed heavily.

Sebastian just grinned.

Before he could dodge, I threw a planter at him.
___

I sighed heavily the moment I saw our dormitory.

Dresses were scattered everywhere, makeup lined the vanity, and Samantha was humming to herself like a cheerful executioner.

“Jessa, go shower,” she ordered, waving a hand. “We need to prepare!”

I groaned but did as I was told, knowing there was no escaping this.

By the time I emerged, towel wrapped around me, Samantha was already dressed.

She wore a soft blue dress that hugged her figure in all the right ways—delicate but undeniably flattering. Her usually wild curls had been tamed into soft waves, framing her face beautifully.

She looked like the perfect balance of sweet and mischievous.

I smirked. “Sam, you look pretty! Leander is going to drool.”

She gagged so hard she nearly fell off the bed. “Don’t curse me like that, Jessa!”

I laughed. “Oh, please. Everyone sees the tension except you two.”

She threw a hairbrush at me.

I dodged. “Fine, fine! Your turn to torture me.”

Samantha grinned deviously. “Oh, I’ve been waiting for this.”

She turned, rummaging through the pile of dresses, before pulling out The Red Dress.

I stared.

I sighed.

I internally cursed my mother.

“Merlin, Mother. This dress.” I groaned, taking it from Samantha.

“Oh, she knew exactly what she was doing,” Samantha teased, holding it up against me. “It’s gorgeous.”

“My father actually commented when she was packing and said it was inappropriate—which, of course, Mother dismissed immediately.”

Samantha cackled. “Your mother is a menace.”

“I will burn it after the party.”

“No, you won’t,” she said smugly.

I grumbled but went to change.

It was made of deep, luxurious red silk, cascading down like liquid fire. The neckline was delicate but daring, just off-the-shoulder, exposing my collarbones and the graceful slope of my shoulders.

The bodice was fitted, hugging my curves perfectly, before flowing into a soft, elegant skirt with a subtle slit on one side—just enough to hint at bare leg with every step.

It was utterly, devastatingly flattering.

I stared at my reflection.

Samantha let out a slow whistle.

“Merlin’s beard, Jessa.”

I groaned. “It’s too much.”

“It’s perfect.”

She shoved me down onto a chair before I could argue.

Samantha stood behind me, fingers working through my damp strands.

“You’re lucky your hair is already naturally gorgeous,” she muttered, using her wand to dry it into soft waves.

With a few expert flicks, she styled it into an effortless, slightly tousled look, some pieces left loose to frame my face.

“There,” she said, pleased. “Elegant but just wild enough to keep them on their toes.”

The Makeup.

“Now, for the fun part,” Samantha grinned, grabbing a brush.

I sighed. “Please, not too much.”

She ignored me.

She dusted a soft shimmer over my cheekbones, making my skin glow subtly under the candlelight.

A touch of liner to enhance my eyes, darkening them just enough to look entrancing.

And then—

She held up the red lipstick.

“Sam,” I warned.

“This,” she said dramatically, “is the key to ruining men’s lives tonight.”

I facepalmed.

But, of course, she applied it anyway.

The moment the rich crimson stained my lips, everything changed.

I looked dangerous.

Powerful.

A little too damn tempting.

Samantha stepped back, admiring her work.

“You,” she said smugly, “are going to be the death of them.”

I stared at my reflection.

I didn’t just look pretty.

I looked like trouble.

I groaned.

Samantha laughed. “Now, let’s go break some hearts.”

__

The Grand Entrance

We met up with Natty and Poppy, and Merlin help me—they looked incredible.

• Natty was wearing a dress of deep emerald green, the fabric shimmering like liquid as she moved. Her hair, usually tied back, was styled into delicate braids interwoven with golden accents, making her look regal yet effortlessly elegant.

• Poppy, on the other hand, had chosen a soft, celestial silver gown that caught the light like moonlight on water. Her usual gentle charm was replaced by an ethereal grace, her golden curls falling freely over her shoulders, giving her the appearance of a forest nymph who had wandered into a ball.

The moment they saw me, they stopped in their tracks.

Poppy’s eyes widened.

Natty let out a low whistle.

“Oh, your mother has truly mastered the taming of men,” Natty said, grinning.

Poppy nodded fervently. “I think she just declared war.”

I groaned, adjusting the ridiculously flattering red dress.

“Can we just go?” I muttered, already feeling the anticipation in the air.

The walk to the Slytherin common room was pure torture.

Everywhere we passed, heads turned.

It wasn’t just me—the girls had equal shares of attention, but Merlin, I could feel the heated stares trailing behind me, like a tangible weight against my skin.

The girls giggled, clearly thriving in the attention.

I, on the other hand, wanted to throw myself into the Black Lake.

A Slytherin student I didn’t recognize was standing by the entrance.

His gaze lingered on us longer than necessary before finally pushing the door open.

The moment we stepped inside, I knew this wasn’t just a party.

It was a whole different realm.

• The usual eerie green glow of the Slytherin common room was transformed—the floating lamps now flickered in deeper hues of emerald and gold, creating a mysterious yet intoxicatingly rich atmosphere.

• Dark velvet drapes hung along the walls, framing the space like a hidden ballroom from an ancient wizarding tale.

• The massive windows looking out into the Black Lake had been enchanted, distorting the water outside to appear brighter, more luminous, as though the party itself had drawn the creatures of the deep to come and watch.

And the music.

Instead of the light, playful melodies of a Ravenclaw party, this was something else entirely.

The thrum of deep bass magic pulsed through the room, synchronized with the flickering candlelight, setting the tone for a night of indulgence, mischief, and inevitable chaos.

And the people.

I wasn’t expecting it to be this big.

It wasn’t just Slytherins.

Every house was here.

Hufflepuffs, Gryffindors, and Ravenclaws—all woven together in a sea of silk, laughter, and the kind of trouble only Hogwarts students could create.

This wasn’t just a party.

It was a whole different world.
____

Vix spotted us immediately, lifting his drink in greeting.

“Well, well, what pretty Veelas you are tonight,” he grinned, eyeing us appreciatively. “Come, have a drink. Not too much, though—the night is still young.”

Before I could protest, he ushered us toward the drinks table.

And firewhiskey was the first thing we reached for.

Maybe if I drank enough, I could escape early.

I lifted the glass, the burn of firewhiskey sending a warm hum through my veins, momentarily making me forget about the chaos I was about to endure.

Then, my eyes began scanning the room.

And Merlin’s bloody beard.

There they were.

Sebastian and Ominis.

And they looked dashing.

The Slytherin Duo—Dressed to Kill

• Sebastian had abandoned his usual uniform for a fitted black coat, tailored perfectly to his broad shoulders, with silver embroidery lining the edges. His sleeves were rolled up slightly, exposing strong forearms, and his usual tousled hair was styled just enough to look effortlessly rakish. The dim light cast shadows over his sharp features, making him look like a protagonist in a forbidden novel.

• Ominis was just as striking. He had opted for a deep emerald tunic, the dark green silk draping over him like liquid elegance. The silver fastenings at the collar gleamed under the light, and his ashen blond hair was tousled just enough to look both noble and dangerously untouchable. The way he stood—serene, yet intimidating—made him look like a prince that had wandered into a room full of mischief.

And they had seen us too.

Sebastian’s gaze found me instantly, and the world seemed to halt for a second.

His eyes darkened, his lips parting slightly, as if the sight of me physically took the breath out of him.

Ominis shifted beside him, but he wasn’t immune either—his head tilted slightly, and though he could not see, he could feel the shift in the air, the way Sebastian’s demeanor changed.

Poppy, ever the menace, waved enthusiastically at them.

“Come over here!” she called.

Sebastian muttered something under his breath, and suddenly Ominis coughed, turning slightly red.

Oh no.

Sebastian was describing me to Ominis.

And from the way Ominis coughed and the way Sebastian smirked smugly, I knew—whatever he had said was entirely inappropriate.

My face burned with heat.

Natty and Samantha snickered beside me.

And just like that, the night had only just begun.
___

Sebastian and Ominis strolled toward us, their presence impossible to ignore.

Both radiated confidence, but where Ominis was composed, regal, and striking in his dark emerald tunic, Sebastian was dangerously relaxed, his dark coat framing his broad build, his smirk infuriatingly charming.

Their gazes swept over us.

Sebastian’s eyes lingered on my lips.

My breath hitched.

Sebastian’s smirk deepened, his gaze slowly drifting over my face, down to my throat, and then—his lips parted slightly.

“Beautiful,” he muttered, the word just loud enough for me to hear.

The heat in my cheeks flared.

I tilted my head sweetly, letting a slow, knowing smile spread across my lips.

“And you two look devastatingly handsome tonight,” I said, making my voice as syrupy as I could.

Ominis’s lips twitched, his cheeks dusting slightly pink—but Sebastian?

Sebastian exhaled sharply, his jaw clenching.

One point for me.

Before anyone could retaliate, a commotion drew our attention.

Leander Prewett—Samantha’s eternal rival and unwilling suitor—had stalked toward her, clearly flustered.

“Samantha,” he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck. “You—look good.”

Cue the shrieks of excitement from me, Poppy, and Natty.

Samantha’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Is that a compliment, Prewett?”

Leander grumbled something, then suddenly—

“Would you like to dance?”

“OH MY MERLIN!” Poppy and Natty gasped.

Samantha turned red as a Gryffindor banner.

“W-We shouldn’t—”

“YES YOU SHOULD.” I pushed her forward.

The girls cheered as Leander took her hand and led her to the dance floor, and I saw Sebastian shake his head, amused.

The party had come alive.

Poppy was engaged in lively conversation with Everette Clopton, and Amit was nervously adjusting his glasses every time Natty smiled at him.

My eyes scanned the room, catching sight of Jace, Vix, and Valor, all of whom were surrounded by giggling girls, relishing in the attention like royalty.

And me?

I was seated on the emerald green couch, tucked between two brooding Slytherins, who had barely touched their drinks as they watched the party unfold with far too much tension in their shoulders.

Then—

A new presence approached.

Garreth Weasley.

And Merlin’s beard, the man knew how to make an entrance.

Dressed in a black silk shirt, his sleeves rolled up just enough, the top unbuttoned at his throat, revealing a teasing glimpse of freckled skin, his red hair slightly tousled in the most deliberate way possible—he looked dangerously charming.

He grinned at me, his green eyes bright with mischief.

And then—

“Jessa,” he hummed, reaching for my hand. “You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

Cue the violent snorts from Sebastian and Ominis.

“For Merlin’s sake, Weasley.” Ominis muttered, taking a large gulp of firewhiskey like it was water.

Sebastian did the same, muttering under his breath.

Garreth just grinned.

And then—

“Care for a dance?”

I barely had time to react before Garreth took my hand and—

“Wait a minute—” Sebastian started to complain, sitting up sharply—

Too late.

Garreth swiftly pulled me toward the dance floor.

The moment I was in Garreth’s arms, the energy of the room shifted.

His hands rested at my waist, warm and confident, while my own landed at his shoulders.

“Are you enjoying the party, sweets?” he teased, spinning me smoothly.

“You do realize my dance partners are currently plotting your murder, right?” I whispered.

Garreth let out a low laugh, twirling me effortlessly.

“Oh, I know,” he murmured. “It’s half the fun.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you’re stunning.”

I wasn’t prepared for the way he said it.

Soft. Smooth. With just enough weight to make it something more.

For a brief moment, I forgot about everything else.

The music. The party. The eyes burning into my back.

Just movement.

Just breath and warmth.

The way Garreth spun me, dipping me just enough to make my breath hitch, his grip strong, steady.

For a moment, I let myself enjoy it.

But then—

The song ended.

And when I pulled away, I felt it.

The heat. The tension. The two storms brewing across the room.

Garreth, ever the charmer, took my hand and pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to my knuckles before he ushered me back to my friends.

He grinned. “Don’t miss me too much, sweets.”

Cue the eruption of giggles from Samantha, Poppy, and Natty.

“Jessa, are you trying to kill them?” Sam gasped, fanning herself.

Poppy smirked. “Oh, someone is seething.”

I barely had time to register her words before—

A shadow loomed over me.

Sebastian.

His eyes dark, his grip firm as he downed his firewhiskey like water, slammed the glass onto the table, and—

“My turn.”

And then—

He dragged me onto the dance floor.

The music had changed.

Where Garreth’s song had been lighthearted and teasing, this one was something else.

Slower.

Heavier.

A melody that lingered in the air like a whisper of something forbidden.

Sebastian’s hands found my waist, his touch not light and playful like Garreth’s had been, but deliberate.

My breath hitched.

“Having fun, Jessa?” His voice was lower than usual, the words a careful balance of challenge and something else entirely.

I swallowed. “Are you?”

Sebastian let out a low chuckle, his fingers tightening slightly.

“You tell me,” he murmured, pulling me closer.

The heat between us was undeniable.

I was hyperaware of the way he moved, of the way his thumb brushed against my hip in time with the music.

“Garreth’s a good dancer,” I teased, trying to shift the tension.

Sebastian’s jaw ticked.

“Yeah?” he said smoothly, his hand trailing up my back, barely touching but enough to make me shiver.

I let out a breathless laugh. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Very,” he admitted shamelessly.

And then—he dipped me.

Just enough to make my heart stutter, his face so close to mine that I could feel his breath warm against my cheek.

My pulse roared.

“You know,” he said, voice low, taunting, “Red suits you.”

I inhaled sharply.

And then—

I caught sight of Ominis.

He was seated still, his posture composed—but his grip on his glass was tight, knuckles white.

His jaw locked, his fingers tapping against the wood of the table in a slow, measured way that made something in me coil.

I could almost hear his thoughts.

Sebastian was pushing his limits.

And Ominis was letting him.

But only for so long.

Sebastian pulled me upright, twirling me in a slow, almost lazy spin.

I met his gaze head-on.

“You’re impossible,” I murmured.

Sebastian smirked.

“And yet,” he leaned in, whispering against my ear, “you keep dancing with me.”

The song ended.

Sebastian didn’t let go immediately.

I wasn’t sure I wanted him to.

But then—the moment shattered.

Jace appeared.

“Oi!” he grinned. “My turn.”

Sebastian cursed under his breath.

And just like that—I was stolen away again.

But the fire in Sebastian’s eyes?

It never left.
______

I sighed, resigned to my fate, as Jace continued twirling me like a showpiece.

“You should be thanking me,” he mused, leading me across the dance floor effortlessly.

“For what, exactly?” I muttered.

“For saving you from becoming Sebastian’s next meal.”

I groaned.

Jace just smirked. “Remember what I said?”

I sighed. “Men are monsters.”

“Exactly,” he said, looking far too pleased with himself.

And then—a shadow loomed.

A familiar voice, smooth as silk, firm as steel.

“It’s my turn, Jace.”

I blinked.

Jace looked over my shoulder, froze, and turned.

Ominis.

Standing tall, his posture regal, his expression unreadable.

Jace scoffed, glancing between us. “Ominis, mate, you don’t even dance—”

“I was trained for this,” Ominis interrupted smoothly, already reaching for my hand.

Jace sighed in defeat, flashing me a smirk. “You’re on your own now, sister. Try not to die.”

And just like that—I was whisked away.

Ominis held me perfectly, his movements effortless.

I stared at him, stunned.

Ominis can dance?

Ominis felt my hesitation, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips.

“Slowly, my damsel,” he murmured. “The Gaunts must be pristine with everything.”

And then—the music changed.

Something slow. Something sultry.

Something that burned.

I swallowed.

Ominis’ grip tightened slightly on my waist.

He tilted his head, smirking.

“Careful now, Jessa.”

Oh. Oh, no.

The real danger of the night?

Not Sebastian.

Not Garreth.

Ominis Gaunt.

The melody shifted, the instruments sang, and the air around us thickened—charged with something indescribable.

Ominis moved with practiced ease, his hand guiding mine, his steps measured and precise. It wasn’t like the playful dance with Garreth, nor was it the heated tension with Sebastian.

No—this was something else entirely.

Something deliberate.

Something dangerous.

I swallowed, my breath hitching slightly as his fingers ghosted along my waist, barely a touch—but enough.

Enough to send a thrill up my spine.

Enough to make my entire body aware of how close he was.

I licked my lips, glancing at his face. His sharp features, his ashen blonde hair, the way his lips curved slightly, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.

“I thought you didn’t like parties, Ominis.” My voice was steady, but only barely.

“I don’t.” His voice was low, smooth, threading through the music like another instrument.

“Then why are you here?”

Ominis’ lips quirked.

“Because you are.”

Oh.

Oh.

I felt my cheeks burn.

I wasn’t sure if it was from the warmth of the room or the way his fingers slowly trailed up my arm, guiding my movements, a featherlight touch that sent shivers through my skin.

The room around us blurred—the people, the music, the party itself faded into a distant hum.

It was just him and me.

His presence was intoxicating, his scent—cedarwood and something warm—overwhelming.

And then—he leaned in.

Not close enough to touch, but close enough to make me think he would.

“You’re tense, Jessa.” His breath ghosted over my ear, and I forgot how to breathe.

“I—” My voice betrayed me. I cleared my throat, pulling myself together. “I’m just surprised, that’s all.”

“Surprised?” he mused.

“That you dance like—”

Like a prince from a fairytale.

“Like a Gaunt?” he finished for me, smirking.

Smug. He was smug.

I huffed. “I was going to say ‘like someone who enjoys it.’”

He chuckled, the sound low, rich, sending another ripple down my spine.

“Maybe I am enjoying it.”

I stared at him, my heart hammering.

Was he—was he flirting?

No. No, no, no. This was Ominis Gaunt.

My Ominis.

My steady, logical, morally-upright knight who had spent years watching over me with unwavering patience and affection.

Ominis didn’t flirt. Ominis scolded.

Ominis glared disapprovingly when I did something reckless.

Ominis didn’t—he didn’t do this.

Except—he was.

The smirk, the way he moved, the way his fingers traced the line of my back, the way his breath grazed my skin when he whispered—

This wasn’t an accident.

“Jessa.” His voice was softer now, almost reverent.

I tilted my head up, our faces so close now that if I just—if I just moved a fraction forward—

A loud whistle pierced the air.

I jerked back, startled, and Ominis’ fingers tensed slightly before he released me.

“Oi!”

Jace.

Bloody. Jace.

Standing on a table, grinning like a madman.

“Look at that, folks! The ice prince dances!”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands.

The entire bloody room was watching us.

And not just watching.

Cheering.

Natty and Poppy clapped enthusiastically, Sam was laughing so hard she looked ready to collapse, Vix and Valor were giving each other knowing looks, and Sebastian—

Oh, Sebastian was fuming.

And Jace, the menace, wasn’t done.

“Now tell me, dear sister, are Gaunts better at dancing or—”

I lunged, throwing the nearest object at him—a half-eaten muffin.

Jace dodged effortlessly, cackling as the music picked up again and the party erupted into chaos.

Ominis, to his credit, took the whole thing with a quiet smirk, but I could see it now—the way his ears were slightly pink, the way he was fighting a smile.

I exhaled, placing my hands on my hips.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Ominis tilted his head, lips quirking.

“Maybe.”

And then, he did the most outrageous thing of all.

He bowed slightly, a picture of pure elegance, took my hand, and kissed my knuckles.

The room exploded.

I froze, my brain short-circuiting.

And just when I thought things couldn’t possibly get worse—

Sebastian grabbed my wrist.

“My turn.”

And dragged me back onto the dance floor.

Valor interjected, his voice light and playful, but I could see it—the underlying concern in his eyes.

“Alright, alright—enough dragging my sister around the dance floor.” He clapped his hands, looking between Ominis and Sebastian, both still drunk on firewhiskey and whatever madness had taken over them tonight. “Let’s just play a game instead.”

The room buzzed with excitement.

“Truth or dare!”

The cheers were deafening.

Oh, Merlin’s bloody beard.

I barely had time to react before Jace, ever the menace, climbed onto a table—again.

“Alright, you drunkards! Gather ’round! Let’s make this interesting!”

The couches, armchairs, and floor filled up quickly, everyone crowding together, drinks in hand, eyes glinting mischievously under the dim lighting.

I sat between Poppy and Samantha, while Sebastian and Ominis took their usual places beside me—a fact that did not go unnoticed by the room.

Vix, already tipsy, snorted. “What a shock, she’s in her usual throne.”

I kicked him.

“Alright!” Jace announced dramatically. “Rules are simple. You pick truth, you answer honestly. You pick dare, you do whatever we tell you.”

“And if we refuse?” Sam challenged.

Jace grinned.

“You take a shot.”

The room roared in approval.

I exhaled, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“This is a terrible idea.”

“Exactly why we’re doing it.” Jace winked.

The bottle was spun, flickering in the firelight, and landed on—Poppy.

Poppy squeaked.

“Truth or dare?” Jace wiggled his brows.

“Truth!” she blurted, clutching her drink like a lifeline.

Jace grinned wickedly. “Alright, Poppy Sweeting, tell us—who in this room would you kiss if you had to?”

Poppy choked on her drink, face burning red.

The room erupted in wolf whistles.

Poppy looked around frantically, her eyes darting between Everett and Amit—both of whom were suspiciously interested in her answer.

“N-no one! I don’t know!”

“Poppy, love, that’s not an answer.” Vix smirked.

She whined, covering her face. “I’ll take the shot.”

Cheers and laughter filled the room as she downed it in one go.

The bottle spun again.

Samantha.

She took a deep breath. “Dare.”

Jace’s grin widened.

“Kiss Leander.”

The entire room screamed.

Leander choked on his drink.

Samantha turned to glare murderously at Jace, but her face was bright pink.

I whispered beside her, “You can take the shot—”

And then, before anyone could blink, she grabbed Leander’s face and kissed him.

The room exploded.

Leander? Absolutely frozen.

Samantha? Smug.

“Next question, please.” She flicked her hair back, while Leander looked ready to pass out.

I cackled as the bottle spun again—

And then it landed on me.

Oh.

Oh, no.

The room hummed with anticipation, eyes glowing with mischief.

Jace, grinning like a devil, leaned forward.

“Truth or dare, my dearest sister?”

I swallowed.

No way in hell was I picking dare.

“Truth.”

Jace tsked dramatically. “Coward.”

He tapped his chin, pretending to think.

And then—his grin sharpened.

“Have you ever kissed someone?”

The entire room went silent.

I blinked.

“Jace.”

“What? It’s a fair question.”

I glared at him, but the damage was done.

Sebastian and Ominis? Immediately, devastatingly interested.

Poppy, Natty, and Samantha? Watching me like hawks.

Jace? Grinning like the absolute menace that he was.

I exhaled sharply, feeling my face burn.

“…No.”

The room burst into chaos.

“WHAT?”

“You mean to tell me—”

“Not even a peck?!”

Jace dramatically gasped, clutching his chest. “This is a CRIME.”

Sebastian chuckled darkly, eyes smoldering. “Interesting.”

Ominis? Sipped his drink, but his grip was a little too tight on the glass.

Garreth, suddenly appearing at my side with another drink: “I volunteer as tribute.”

Sebastian and Ominis? Simultaneously snapped their heads to him.

“NO.”

Garreth laughed, holding his hands up. “Kidding. Mostly.”

I grabbed my drink, downing it in one go as if that would erase this entire conversation.

The bottle spun again.

And landed on Sebastian.

The energy in the room shifted.

Sebastian smirked, leaning back.

“Dare.”

Oh, no.

Jace and Valor exchanged a look.

“Kiss Jessa.”

I choked on air.

Sebastian? Absolutely, devastatingly amused.

Ominis? Stiff as a board.

The room erupted in scandalized screams and laughter, the girls whispering excitedly, Poppy practically fanning herself.

I grabbed my drink, drinking without thought, my heart pounding.

Sebastian turned to me, eyes bright with mischief, something dangerous lurking beneath.

And then—

“No.”

The voice was sharp, firm—Ominis.

The room fell silent.

Ominis set his firewhiskey down, his expression calm but unwavering.

“Find another dare.”

Sebastian raised a brow, intrigued.

“Oh? And why’s that?”

Ominis simply tilted his head.

“Because I refuse to watch this game play with things it doesn’t understand.”

The room buzzed with curiosity.

Sebastian? Eyes flickering with something dangerous.

I? Absolutely speechless.

Jace? Grinning like he just won the lottery.

“Alright, alright. New dare.” Jace relented, amused beyond reason. “Sebastian, I dare you to drink three shots in a row.”

Sebastian scoffed. “Easy.”

And just like that, the tension broke, the game continued, but the air remained thick—buzzing with something unspoken, something raw.

_____

The room was in absolute shambles.

I was not going to survive this night.

But the bottle?

The bottle didn’t care.

It spun again, and this time, it landed on Natty.

“Truth or dare?” Jace asked, his grin still positively evil.

Natty hesitated. She was notorious for picking truth, but… perhaps emboldened by the chaos, she steeled herself.

“Dare.”

The entire group hummed with interest.

Jace tilted his head, eyes gleaming. “Kiss Amit.”

Natty turned red immediately.

Amit **looked like he had forgotten how to function.

“W-Wait—” Amit stammered, eyes darting around the room. “Is that entirely necessary? Surely we can—”

“Oh, shut it, Amit.” Samantha rolled her eyes. “We all know you like her.”

Amit gawked. “That is— I— I don’t know where you got that idea—”

Natty sighed, leaned in, and kissed him.

The room went wild.

Amit was frozen, eyes so wide I was worried they’d pop out of his skull. Natty sat back like nothing happened, sipping her firewhiskey with the grace of a queen.

Poppy squealed. “FINALLY!”

Samantha whistled. “Took you long enough, Onai!”

Amit? Amit just stared blankly ahead, as if trying to process life itself.

“Well,” Amit finally said, blinking rapidly. “That was… surprisingly pleasant.”

The girls cheered.

Sebastian scoffed. “Pathetic. He’s acting like he just touched a Veela.”

“Oh, and you’d do better?” Poppy grinned. “Shall we spin again and find out?”

Sebastian smirked. “Try me.”

And the bottle spun again.

It landed on Garreth.

“Oh, this will be good,” I muttered.

Jace perked up immediately. “Truth or dare?”

Garreth grinned. “Dare, obviously.”

Jace chuckled darkly. “Kiss whoever you find most attractive in this room.”

The air grew thick.

Garreth’s eyes immediately flicked to me.

Sebastian sat up straighter.

Ominis gripped his glass a little tighter.

Garreth stroked his chin dramatically. “Well, well. That’s a tough one.”

IT WAS NOT TOUGH AT ALL.

Garreth then smirked at me. “What do you say, sweets? Want another dance partner?”

Sebastian clicked his tongue.

Ominis exhaled sharply.

The room was brimming with anticipation.

Garreth leaned forward slightly, his voice smooth. “I would love to kiss the most beautiful woman here, but I’m afraid she might take another shot just to escape.”

The group erupted into laughter.

I flushed. “I hate you.”

“I know.”

Garreth, ever the showman, grabbed my hand and kissed my knuckles—again—before winking and leaning back smugly.

Sebastian was no longer smirking.

And then—the bottle spun again.

And this time, it landed on…me.

The entire room held their breath.

“Truth or dare, Jessa?” Jace grinned wickedly.

I considered my options.

If I picked dare, Jace would absolutely make me do something horrible.

If I picked truth, it would probably be equally horrible.

But dare meant possible public embarrassment, and truth… truth I could control.

“Truth,” I said firmly.

Jace snickered. “Well then, sister dear—answer me this…”

Oh no.

He leaned forward, voice dripping with mischief.

“Which one of these poor sods is most likely to be your first kiss?”

The room exploded.

My soul left my body.

“JACE!”

“Oh, come on!” Samantha giggled. “We’re all dying to know!”

I covered my face.

“I— I don’t know!”

“LIES!” Jace declared.

Sebastian was watching me carefully.

Ominis was stiff beside me.

Garreth? Garreth was grinning, thoroughly entertained.

“Oh, come on, Jessa.” Poppy goaded. “Surely you have a preference.”

I turned beet red.

“I—I refuse to answer.”

“Coward!” Samantha cackled.

“Next round!” I blurted out. “Spin the damn bottle before I hex you all!”

Jace wiped a fake tear. “Ah, avoidance. The strongest form of confession.”

Sebastian smirked. “She’s saving herself, clearly.”

I whipped around to glare at him. “I swear to Merlin, Sallow—”

And then—the bottle spun again.

And it landed on… Ominis.

The entire group perked up.

Jace grinned. “Truth or dare, Gaunt?”

Ominis sighed heavily. “Truth.”

Jace hummed. “If you had to pick someone in this room to date, who would it be?”

The room went dead silent.

Sebastian stared at Ominis, suddenly alert.

Garreth smirked.

And me?

I stopped breathing.

Ominis hesitated.

And then, finally, he said—

“Jessa.”

My brain malfunctioned.

Poppy gasped.

Samantha choked on her drink.

Sebastian?

Sebastian looked like he was about to combust.

Garreth raised a brow, intrigued.

Ominis cleared his throat. “Purely hypothetical, of course.”

Jace cackled. “Of course.”

I swallowed thickly. “Right.”

“Well,” Jace sighed dramatically. “Would you look at that? It seems we have quite the dilemma here.”

The room snickered.

Ominis refused to look at me.

Sebastian looked positively murderous.

I could not breathe.

Ominis just chose me as his hypothetical date.

Sebastian looked like he was about to snap his glass in half, Garreth was watching everything like it was the most fascinating Quidditch match he had ever seen, and Jace—oh, Jace was thriving.

“Well, well, well.” Jace smirked, swirling his firewhiskey like a pompous nobleman. “It seems we have a bit of a situation here, don’t we?”

“Ominis, mate,” Sebastian finally spoke, voice deceptively casual. “You never told me you had a thing for Jessa.”

Ominis arched a brow, turning to him slowly. “And you never told me you did, either.”

Oh, bloody hell.

“Right! MOVING ON!” I clapped my hands together, trying desperately to break the tension before someone got hexed. “Someone spin the bloody bottle.”

Jace was still grinning like the menace he was. “We’re just getting to the good part, though—”

“SPIN IT.”

Samantha snorted and spun the bottle herself.

The game resumed, but the atmosphere had changed.

Sebastian was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, watching Ominis like he was an opponent on a chessboard. Ominis, for his part, looked perfectly composed, but his fingers were tapping rhythmically on his glass—something only I noticed.

Jace, ever the instigator, had a new mission.

I was in danger.

The bottle slowed… and landed on Garreth.

Jace brightened immediately. “Truth or dare?”

Garreth grinned. “Dare.”

Jace tapped his chin, then smirked. “Kiss the most dangerous person in this room.”

Garreth laughed. “That’s easy.”

Before I could even register what was happening, Garreth Weasley was standing in front of me.

Sebastian sat up straighter.

Ominis exhaled sharply.

“Oh, no—” I started.

Garreth gently took my hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed it.

Again.

For the third bloody time.

Oh. Oh, this man had a death wish.

The room burst into whistles and laughter.

“I mean,” Garreth grinned, “she’s clearly the most terrifying person here. She hexes like a champion, outwits every professor, and can dodge questions better than a politician.”

Jace howled. “Weasley, you absolute genius!”

Sebastian?

Sebastian looked like he was about to strangle Garreth with his own tie.

Ominis?

Ominis drained his firewhiskey and reached for another glass.

“Alright, alright, next round!” I rushed, ignoring the heat in my face.

Poppy was giggling into her drink. “You’re getting quite popular tonight, Jessa.”

“Shut up, Poppy.”

And the bottle spun again.

This time, it landed on… Sebastian.

Oh.

Jace, grinning like a Cheshire cat, leaned forward.

“Truth or dare, Sallow?”

Sebastian smirked—and I already knew we were doomed.

“Dare.”

Jace clapped his hands. “Oh, excellent! I dare you to—” He paused, then grinned wickedly. “Kiss the person you think is the best kisser in this room.”

Absolute mayhem.

Sebastian’s smirk widened.

I instantly panicked.

Ominis set his drink down—hard.

Garreth leaned back, watching with intrigue.

Samantha and Poppy? Squealing.

Sebastian stretched dramatically. “Oh, what a difficult dare.”

“Bas,” I warned.

He turned to me, smug as ever.

“I mean, I’d hate to disappoint the crowd,” he said, standing up.

NO.

NO NO NO.

Sebastian walked right up to me, hands in his pockets, tilting his head like a predator assessing its prey.

“Don’t worry, Jessa,” he grinned, voice dark and teasing. “I won’t bite… much.”

MERLIN HELP ME.

The entire group was watching.

Sebastian leaned in—

And at the last second?

He grazed my cheek with his lips.

Just my cheek.

Barely there.

A whisper of contact.

And it ruined me.

I FELT THAT IN MY BONES.

I was frozen.

Ominis looked like he wanted to kill him.

Garreth was choking on his drink.

Jace? Jace was losing his mind.

Samantha whistled. “OH, THAT WAS A CHOICE.”

Sebastian leaned back, looking disgustingly pleased with himself.

“What?” he grinned. “Did you think I was going to—”

“SPIN THE DAMN BOTTLE.”

The bottle spun violently, my face on fire.

And when it stopped?

It landed on Ominis.

Oh.

The room hushed.

Jace, sensing a divine opportunity, leaned in.

“Truth or dare?”

Ominis sighed. “Truth.”

Jace grinned. “Oh, fantastic. Tell me, Ominis—if you had to steal a kiss from someone in this room, who would it be?”

Sebastian tensed.

Garreth was intrigued.

And me?

I could not handle this night.

Ominis paused.

And then?

He slowly turned his head in my direction.

My heart stopped.

Jace fist-pumped the air.

Sebastian stiffened.

Ominis exhaled. “Next round.”

___

The bottle spun faster and faster, the room growing warmer from the alcohol and excitement. Everyone was buzzed, eyes glinting with mischief.

Ominis had just admitted—without admitting—that he would steal a kiss from me.

Sebastian was still smirking, but there was a sharpness in his eyes now, like he was taking mental notes for later.

Garreth was nursing his firewhiskey, looking like he was debating whether or not this was the best night of his life or the most dangerous one.

Jace? He was thriving.

“Alright, alright,” Jace laughed, spinning the bottle again. “Who’s next to suffer?”

The bottle whirled, finally slowing down…

And it landed on Samantha.

Oh, this was about to be fun.

Poppy gasped dramatically. “Samantha Dale! Truth or dare?”

Sam tossed her curls over her shoulder, pretending to ponder. “Hmm… truth.”

Leander snorted. “Coward.”

Jace pounced immediately. “Sam, tell us—who in this room do you find most attractive?”

The table ERUPTED.

“NO!” Sam yelped. “That is NOT a fair question!”

Poppy grinned wickedly. “You picked truth, love.”

“I didn’t know I’d be SACRIFICED,” Samantha wailed.

Leander was looking away, but I could see the tips of his ears going red.

“Oh, Merlin,” Sam groaned, covering her face.

And then, with absolute pain in her voice:

“…Leander Prewett.”

LEANDER CHOKED ON HIS DRINK.

The entire group exploded into laughter, cheers, and screams.

“WHAT?!” Jace yelled.

Samantha hid behind me. “I AM NEVER COMING TO A PARTY AGAIN.”

Leander was coughing, eyes wide. “YOU—WHAT?”

“Alright, alright, let’s keep it moving!” I teased, but my sides hurt from laughing. “Next round!”

The bottle spun again.

This time, it landed on Amit.

Natty sat up straighter.

Jace cackled. “Amit, truth or dare?”

Amit adjusted his glasses. “…Dare.”

Jace beamed. “Excellent! Kiss the prettiest person in the room.”

Amit went stiff.

Natty was looking anywhere but at him.

Everyone else? Watching. Waiting.

Amit stood up, slowly… and then turned to Natty.

He offered a hesitant smile.

Natty blushed furiously. “Amit, you don’t have to—”

And then he leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek.

The room ERUPTED.

Poppy whistled. “Oh, you’re adorable.”

Natty was hiding behind her hands, her entire face red.

Amit cleared his throat. “Well. That was… pleasant.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “BORING. NEXT.”

The bottle spun again.

This time, it landed on Poppy.

“Oh,” Poppy grinned. “Dare.”

Jace wasted no time. “I dare you to kiss Everette.”

Everette straightened immediately.

Poppy paused, then shrugged. “Alright.”

Before Everette could even process, Poppy grabbed his collar and kissed him square on the lips.

The entire table went WILD.

Everette looked like he had just been hit by a Bludger.

Poppy grinned smugly, taking another sip of her drink. “Done.”

Sebastian choked. “Remind me never to cross you, Sweeting.”

Everette?

Everette had ascended to another plane of existence.

“NEXT!”

The bottle spun again.

And this time?

It landed on Ominis.

Silence.

Jace grinned. “Well, well, Ominis. You could choose truth again… but I think we’d all like a dare.”

Ominis sighed dramatically. “Fine. Dare.”

Jace’s grin widened. “I dare you… to whisper the dirtiest thing you can think of into Jessa’s ear.”

MERLIN’S BEARD.

Sebastian made a strangled noise.

I WHEEZED.

Garreth nearly fell out of his chair laughing.

Ominis?

Ominis calmly finished his drink, stood up, and walked over to me.

“Forgive me, Jessa,” he murmured, leaning in close.

I froze.

His breath was warm against my skin.

He tilted his head, lips barely grazing my ear, and then—

He whispered something so sinful that my brain completely short-circuited.

I gasped, eyes widening.

Sebastian looked ready to commit murder.

Garreth was HOWLING.

Poppy was demanding to know what he said.

I couldn’t even SPEAK.

Ominis stepped back, completely composed, as if he hadn’t just DESTROYED ME.

Jace was in TEARS. “I HAVE NEVER BEEN PROUDER.”

Sebastian downed another firewhiskey.

I grabbed a drink and chugged it.

“Next round!” I croaked.

The bottle spun again… and landed on Sebastian.

Oh. Oh no.

Jace was delighted. “Sallow. Truth or dare?”

Sebastian’s eyes burned into mine.

“…Dare.”

Jace was practically vibrating with excitement. “Oh, I have the perfect one AGAIN.”

He took a dramatic pause before saying:

“Sebastian, I dare you to whisper the dirtiest thing you can think of into Jessa’s ear.”

CHAOS.

Poppy GASPED.

Natty spilled her drink.

Garreth LAUGHED SO HARD he nearly FELL OVER.

I choked on my firewhiskey.

Sebastian?

Sebastian just grinned like the devil himself.

Ominis, who had just recovered from his own dare, stiffened beside me.

Sebastian stretched his arms lazily before standing, making his way toward me with the kind of swagger that screamed trouble.

“Come on, Sallow,” I warned, gripping my drink. “You don’t have to—”

“Ah, but I do,” he murmured, lowering himself to my level.

Oh, Merlin.

The room fell silent.

I felt the warmth of his breath as he leaned in, so, so close.

His fingers brushed my wrist, his lips just barely grazing my ear.

And then—

He whispered.

I forgot how to breathe.

The heat crawled up my neck, spreading through my entire body.

Whatever he said—whatever wicked, sinful thing had just left his lips—was not meant for anyone else but me.

My eyes snapped wide, and I turned to look at him, STUNNED.

Sebastian just smirked, his expression entirely too smug.

Ominis was gripping his glass so tightly I thought it might crack.

Poppy was SHOUTING. “WHAT DID HE SAY?!”

Natty was bright red. “Tell us!”

Garreth, crying from laughter: “Damn, Sallow, at least give us a hint!”

Jace pounded the table. “I AM THE KING OF TRUTH OR DARE.”

Sebastian?

Sebastian just winked at me, downed his firewhiskey, and sat back like he hadn’t just wrecked my entire existence.

I grabbed my drink and CHUGGED IT.

“NEXT ROUND,” I blurted out, trying to ignore how my skin STILL BURNED.

And just like that, the game continued.

But I knew one thing for certain—

I was NEVER going to recover from this night.
_____

The bottle spun wildly, the firewhiskey taking its toll as the dares got progressively worse.

At this point, Valor was on a drunken mission, sneaking paintings off the walls and hanging them in the common room like trophies.

Vix? Currently pressed against a Slytherin girl, snogging her like her life depended on it.

Jace? Forced into a Peeves-inspired jig in front of the entire party, much to his absolute horror.

Leander and Samantha? Their dares had turned into an outright comedic act, at one point involving a Transfigured dancing teacup and an attempt at serenading Professor Black’s portrait.

Poppy and Everette? Suspiciously missing.

Natty and Amit? Equally suspicious.

Garreth, however, had just chosen truth.

Jace grinned. “Alright, Weasley, tell us—have you ever had a dream about Jessa?”

The entire table ERUPTED.

I nearly CHOKED on my drink.

Garreth, drunk and red-faced, ran a hand through his hair and sighed.

“Fine. Yes. Multiple times, actually.”

MORE SCREAMING.

Ominis closed his eyes like he was praying for patience.

Sebastian? Looked two seconds away from hexing someone.

Jace was having the time of his life.

“Care to elaborate?” Jace asked, grinning wickedly.

“NO, HE DOES NOT,” I blurted out, covering Garreth’s mouth.

“I’m next,” Sebastian cut in suddenly, glowering at Jace.

Jace was too pleased with himself. “Perfect. Truth or dare, Sallow?”

Sebastian smirked, finally back in his element. “Dare.”

Jace clapped his hands together.

“I dare you to kiss Jessa’s neck.”

Oh. Oh no.

The room froze.

My entire face caught fire.

Sebastian stared at Jace, and then at me, his smirk deepening.

“Well, well. If I must.”

“Jace, I SWEAR TO MERLIN—”

Before I could even react, Sebastian was already moving, his fingers tilting my chin up just slightly.

His breath brushed against my skin.

I barely had time to process it before his lips grazed my neck—

Soft. Warm.

I shivered.

A lazy, satisfied hum left him before he pulled away, eyes glinting with mischief.

Sebastian grinned. “That bad, Valancaire?”

I struggled for words. “You—! I—! You—!”

Jace? HOWLING.

The girls? SCREAMING.

Garreth? Looked genuinely impressed.

Ominis? LOOKED LIKE HE WANTED TO MURDER SOMEONE.

The worst part?

I still had two more dares to go.

And before I could even collect myself, Jace’s voice cut through the noise—

“Alright, Gaunt, you’re up. Truth or dare?”

Ominis, expression unreadable, drained his drink.

“…Dare.”

Jace beamed. “Same dare as Sebastian.”

MORE SCREAMING.

Sebastian, still smug, raised a brow at Ominis. “Well?”

I couldn’t even react before Ominis had already leaned in.

Unlike Sebastian’s playful tease, Ominis was gentle.

His hand rested on my wrist, steadying me as he pressed a slow, deliberate kiss to my pulse point.

I felt my stomach drop.

His lips lingered.

Soft. Warm. Careful.

I forgot how to function.

When he pulled back, his voice was low.

“…Done.”

I swallowed. “Oh.”

Sebastian was still grinning, but his fingers twitched on his glass.

Garreth? Just shook his head.

Jace? Looked like he had just won the lottery.

And THEN—

“JESSA! YOUR TURN!” Samantha shouted.

I turned slowly, warily. “Truth.”

Jace snorted. “Absolutely NOT.”

The girls giggled.

Leander whistled.

“Dare,” Jace grinned. “Mark Sebastian, Ominis, and Garreth with your lipstick.”

The table EXPLODED.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT,” I yelled, standing up so fast I nearly knocked my chair over.

Jace just grinned wider. “A dare is a dare, sister.”

MURDER.

I was going to commit MURDER.

But everyone was already chanting.

“DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!”

Sebastian, entirely too amused, leaned back in his chair. “You heard them, Jessa.”

Ominis, at least TRYING to be subtle, gulped another drink.

Garreth? LOOKED PLEASED AS HELL.

I grabbed my drink and chugged it.

“FINE.”

The night was going to ruin me.
___

The chanting was deafening.

“DO IT! DO IT! DO IT!”

I was going to die.

Or kill Jace. Possibly both.

The firewhiskey was hot in my veins, my vision slightly spinning as I stood up.

Merlin, how much did I drink?

The room tilted, and before I could steady myself—

“Oh—”

I stumbled forward, directly into Garreth.

Strong hands caught my waist, steadying me.

His grin was lazy, smug. “Careful, sweets.”

I blinked up at him. “Right. Okay. Uh—stay still.”

Garreth chuckled, baring his neck. “Go easy on me, will you?”

The firewhiskey made me bold. I grabbed his collar, pulled him down slightly—

And pressed my lips against the curve of his neck.

His breath hitched.

The room gasped.

His hands tightened around my waist just slightly.

I pulled away, lipstick staining his pale skin.

Garreth exhaled sharply, his smirk faltering for just a second.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered under his breath.

One down.

I turned to Sebastian.

The firewhiskey made me reckless.

I could see the tension in his jaw, the way he was gripping his drink like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.

The challenge in his eyes nearly undid me.

I stepped forward, ignoring the way the crowd silenced.

Sebastian didn’t move.

I didn’t give him a warning.

I grabbed his tie, yanked him down slightly—

But I didn’t go for his neck.

No—I remembered my mother’s words.

“A well-placed touch can crumble a man. A whisper at the right time can bring him to his knees.”

Not the neck. Near the jaw. Just beneath his ear.

I felt the exact moment his breath caught.

My lips brushed against his skin—featherlight, teasing.

A kiss—but barely. Just enough.

His entire body stiffened.

His breath was sharp, shaky.

I felt his fingers twitch at his sides, as if resisting the urge to touch me.

His scent—firewhiskey, cedarwood, something intoxicatingly familiar.

A second too long.

When I pulled away, his pupils were blown.

The room was dead silent.

Sebastian exhaled, barely holding onto his smirk.

“…That the best you got, Valancaire?”

I nearly threw a drink at him.

Two down.

And then—Ominis.

I hesitated.

He was watching me carefully, lips parted slightly, fingers curled on his lap.

I swallowed.

Ominis wasn’t expecting me to do it.

I took his hand, stepping closer—pressing his palm against my waist to balance myself.

He tensed, but didn’t pull away.

His breath hitched when I leaned in.

Lips ghosting against the soft skin below his ear.

Soft. Deliberate. Slow.

A kiss—barely a kiss.

I felt his pulse race beneath my lips.

He let out the faintest sound— barely audible, barely there.

And Merlin, was it satisfying.

When I pulled away, he was gripping his glass like a lifeline.

His jaw was tight, his lips parted, as if he was struggling to form words.

Sebastian looked like he was about to commit a murder.

Garreth had his hand on his face, muttering something under his breath.

The room BURST into screams.

“VALANCAIRE!”

“JESSA, WHAT THE BLOODY HELL—”

“DO IT AGAIN!”

I was too dizzy to function.

I plopped onto the couch, covering my face.

“Never again,” I groaned.

And yet, the damage had already been done.
____

Jace, in all his elder-brother wisdom, decided that enough was enough.

“Alright, that’s it—game over!” he announced, voice cutting through the chaos. “Some of you are already too far gone, and I am not dealing with unconscious bodies in the Slytherin common room.”

A chorus of groans followed, but Jace simply raised an eyebrow.

“I mean it,” he continued. “Some of you are already missing—and I don’t even want to know where they’ve gone.”

My eyes scanned the room.

Sure enough, some of my friends were suspiciously absent.

Nerida and Adelaide waved at me from the other side of the room, shooting me mischievous grins.

They were watching the game.

Great. That meant they saw everything.

I groaned.

Before I could escape, two shadows flanked me.

Vix and Valor.

They both leaned in, lowering their voices just for me.

“It was fun, sister,” Vix murmured, voice laced with amusement.

“But we’re watching you,” Valor added, his tone much more serious.

I rolled my eyes. “Merlin, you two act like I’m a child.”

“We act like we have eyes,” Vix countered, smirking.

“And we saw three very specific men looking at you like you just set fire to their entire world,” Valor muttered.

I felt heat rise to my face.

I didn’t have a response for that.

Instead, I waved them off. “Go be menacing elsewhere.”

They chuckled but didn’t push further.

The party continued, but something had shifted.

The room was warmer, the firewhiskey still burning in my veins, and I— I was still trapped.

Sandwiched between two utterly devastating men.

Sebastian on my left, Ominis on my right.

And Merlin help me, my inhibitions were slipping.

The soft brush of their sleeves against my arms was distracting.

Sebastian, leaning close enough that I could feel his breath on my ear.

Ominis, standing so still yet so incredibly present, fingers barely grazing my wrist whenever I moved.

Garreth?

Too drunk to function.

The poor man had slumped onto a sofa, eyes half-lidded, muttering something about ‘pretty veela witches’ before promptly passing out.

I, however, was wide awake.

Too aware.

Too warm.

The music shifted, the bass thrumming in my chest.

A slower song.

More intimate.

Sebastian leaned in, his voice low, teasing.

“You tired, Valancaire?”

I huffed. “I’m fine, Sallow.”

“Funny,” he mused. “You look a little… overwhelmed.”

Ominis wasn’t speaking, but I could feel his focus on me.

My head was spinning.

Maybe it was the firewhiskey.

Maybe it was the way Sebastian and Ominis were standing so close.

Or maybe, just maybe—it was the way my mother’s words kept circling in my mind.

“A well-placed touch can crumble a man.”

“A whisper at the right time can bring him to his knees.”

Sebastian’s hand skimmed my waist, a seemingly casual brush, but his fingers lingered for just a second too long.

Ominis’s grip tightened on my wrist, a quiet warning.

It was too much.

The tension was electric, winding tight enough to snap.

“What’s wrong, Jessa?” Sebastian’s voice wasn’t teasing anymore—it was dark, edged with something else.

I tilted my head, heat pooling behind my ribs.

“You tell me, Sallow.”

His jaw ticked.

Ominis shifted beside me, his presence an undeniable force, as if he was preparing for something to happen.

The game was simple.

If a well-placed touch could ruin a man, then what about… something more?

I let my fingers trail the rim of my glass, slow, deliberate, and Sebastian’s eyes followed like I’d cast Imperius on him.

“You’re staring, Sebastian.”

“And you like it,” he murmured, voice rough.

I hummed, not denying it.

And then—

Ominis moved first.

His hand ghosted over my wrist, deliberate and feather-light, his thumb brushing the pulse there.

I felt that touch everywhere.

Sebastian’s fingers tensed on my waist.

I turned, meeting Ominis’s steely, unreadable expression, and lifted his hand, bringing it to my lips.

I let the kiss linger, warm breath against his skin, my lips soft against the sensitive underside of his wrist.

Ominis exhaled sharply, almost like a curse.

Sebastian muttered something obscene.

I held the kiss there, longer than I should have, just enough to test. To confirm.

And when I finally pulled away—

Sebastian moved.

“You really don’t know what you’re doing, do you?” he rasped, tilting my chin just slightly.

I let my breath fan over his skin, let my lips brush just below his jaw, exactly where my mother’s manual had instructed.

Sebastian shuddered.

Ominis gripped the back of my dress so tightly I thought he’d rip it.

I barely had time to register the chaos behind me when strong hands grabbed my waist and pulled me back.

“Okay, enough fun, Sallow. Gaunt.”

Valor.

His tone was casual, but his grip? Firm. Protective.

Behind him, I saw Samantha, Poppy, and Natty—all well and truly drunk.

Natty was giggling into her palm, Poppy was squinting at Sebastian like she was trying to solve a riddle, and Samantha—

“Oh, for Merlin’s sake, Jessa, you are diabolical,” Samantha slurred, grinning like she had just witnessed history unfold.

I blinked, brain struggling to keep up.

“What—?”

“You’re all drunk,” Valor cut me off, eyeing me with a knowing smirk. “And I’ve seen enough tonight to know I don’t need to see more.”

Sebastian exhaled sharply behind me.

Ominis’s grip on my back loosened, but only slightly.

“What, worried we’ll do something scandalous?” Sebastian drawled, his smirk returning, though I noted the way his throat bobbed, still recovering.

“Oh, I know you would, Sallow.” Valor grinned, then leveled him with a flat look. “Which is exactly why I’m stepping in before my sister drives you both insane.”

Ominis rubbed a hand down his face, looking as if he needed a lifetime supply of firewhiskey to recover.

Meanwhile, Jace was grinning in the background, arms crossed.

“I don’t know, Valor. It was fun watching them squirm.”

“You’re insufferable.”

“And you love me.”

Valor rolled his eyes, still holding me securely.

“Come on, Jessa. We’ll escort these drunkards to their common rooms. You can thank us later.”

I looked over my shoulder—

Sebastian still looked winded. Ominis still looked like he wanted to commit homicide.

I smirked.

“See you later, boys.”

And then I let Valor drag me away.

____Morning____

Me and Samantha lay flat on our backs, staring at the ceiling, silent, unmoving.

Regret was a heavy blanket over us.

“Tell me that it didn’t happen, Jessa.”

Her voice was hoarse, barely above a whisper.

I turned my head slowly to face her.

“Samantha.” I croaked. “You said Leander is handsome and then kissed him.”

She let out the most pitiful groan.

“Nooo.” She buried her face under her pillow, muffling a scream.

“Oh yes.” I mused, smirking despite the pounding in my head.

Samantha peeked at me, glaring. “And you?”

The smirk died.

My mind flashed to last night. To the neck kisses. To the way my lipstick painted them. To the things they whispered—

”…Obliviate me, Samantha.” I whispered, horrified.

Samantha cackled.

“No, no, no, Jessa. You have to tell me exactly what happened first.”

“I refuse.”

“Come on.”

“Obliviate me first.”

“Absolutely not.”

We burst into laughter, our groans of pain immediately following.

Samantha sighed. “We need food, Jessa. It’s the only way to cure this hangover.”

I covered my face.

“Samantha… Obliviate me first.”

“Get up.”

I groaned, but obeyed.

The Great Hall was in absolute shambles.

The survivors of last night’s party were slumped over tables, half-conscious.

Garreth was sleeping on his bacon.

Leander looked up at us and—oh, Merlin help me—

Samantha blushed violently before grabbing my arm and speeding up.

“Do not talk to me, do not talk to me—” she muttered under her breath.

I snorted but then—

I saw them.

Sitting at our usual spot—

Natty and Poppy, looking like they made the worst decisions of their lives.

Jace, looking unfairly rested.

And then—

Ominis and Sebastian.

I barely managed to stifle a laugh.

They looked—wrecked.

Disheveled. Hungover. Completely spent. And they were both glaring at their plates like it was the reason for their suffering.

And then—I remembered.

My lipstick on their skin.

Their whispers.

The way their hands had held me.

I froze.

Merlin, help me.

And then—

“Ah, look who finally made it!”

Jace, the menace, was already preparing to attack.

I felt the blood drain from my face.

Jace grinned, bright-eyed and all too eager.

“Good morning, dear sister. You look well-rested. Unlike some people.”

He tilted his head towards Sebastian and Ominis.

Sebastian gripped his fork a little too tightly.

Ominis exhaled sharply and took a long sip of his tea.

I swallowed.

I barely had time to sit down before Jace leaned in, smirking.

“Sooo… care to tell us about last night?”

I grabbed the nearest piece of toast and shoved it in his mouth.

“Absolutely not.”

___

Sebastian and Ominis still did not look at me.

They simply continued their ritual, pouring me tea and adding food to my plate as if nothing happened. As if my lipstick hadn’t been on their skin, as if my lips hadn’t lingered on them.

As if they weren’t replaying last night in their heads just like I was.

And then—

“Sooo… it seems three of our dear friends had their first kiss last night.”

Jace’s smug voice rang through the Great Hall.

I froze mid-sip of my tea.

“How romantic, isn’t it? Poppy, Natty, and Sam. Their first kiss—such a sweet and precious moment.”

The three of them immediately turned red, squirming in their seats.

“I-I mean, it’s not that big of a deal—” Poppy stammered.

“Y-Yes! It was just a party game! It doesn’t mean anything!” Natty added hastily.

“Absolutely nothing—” Samantha choked.

Jace smirked.

“Mmm, but I wonder… did anyone else have a particularly interesting night? Anyone in a red dress, perhaps?”

I choked on my tea.

Sebastian’s fork snapped in half.

Ominis gripped his teacup like he wanted to shatter it.

Jace’s grin widened.

“Oh, what’s wrong, dear sister? Surely, you had a peaceful night? No strange dreams? No thoughts of red dresses and lipstick, hmm?”

I launched across the table.

“I will kill you, Jace.”

He dodged easily, laughing as he leaned back.

“Now, now, don’t be so aggressive. We wouldn’t want you to smear your lipstick again—oh wait, you already did that last night, didn’t you?”

Samantha wheezed into her pumpkin juice.

Natty hid her face behind her hands.

Poppy was looking between all of us, eyes full of curiosity and mischief.

Garreth, who had somehow woken up from his bacon coma, groggily muttered—

“Wha’s…what’s going on?”

*“Nothing, Gar. Just talking about how *our dear Jessa left quite an impression last night.”

Sebastian tensed.

Ominis exhaled sharply.

Garreth, still sluggish from his hangover, blinked slowly.

“Oh, yeah. She did.”

Sebastian gripped his new fork.

Ominis downed his entire cup of tea in one go.

Jace beamed.

“See? Even Garreth agrees! So, dear sister, which was your favorite? The charming Gryffindor, the brooding Slytherin, or the noble Gaunt?”

“JACE.”

“What? I’m just curious! After all, you seemed quite enthusiastic last night.”

I threw a piece of toast at his head.
____

Sebastian finally broke his silence.

“Jace.” His voice was low, measured.

“Yes, Sallow?”

“Shut up.”

“Mmm, I don’t think I will.”

Sebastian stabbed his eggs with unnecessary force.

Ominis, ever the composed one, sighed. “Must we do this at breakfast?”

Jace grinned at him. “Oh, come on, Ominis. Aren’t you curious too?”

Ominis paused.

For a moment, I thought he was going to let it go, but then—

“She did linger quite a bit on me.”

I dropped my fork.

Sebastian snapped his head towards Ominis.

Jace whistled. “Oh-ho, look at that! Gaunt’s got some fire in him today.”

“Ominis.” I hissed, betrayed.

*“What?” He shrugged, completely composed. “I’m just stating the truth. It was quite… memorable.”

“What’s memorable is that I’m going to hex all of you into next week.”

Sebastian scoffed.

“Oh, please, Jessa. You were having plenty of fun yourself.”

I gasped.

“SEBASTIAN.”

I nearly died on the spot.

Samantha perked up.

“Oh! So you DID use it!”

Sebastian and Ominis both turned to her.

“Wait, wait, wait—” Jace leaned forward. “Use what?”

“The manual your mother gave her,” Samantha giggled.

I kicked her under the table.

“And,” she continued, “you should all be thankful she just marked you with her lipstick and didn’t follow the next few pages. Otherwise—”

She burst into laughter.

Sebastian looked murderous.

Ominis cleared his throat aggressively.

Jace looked like Christmas came early.

“Oh, now we have to hear about this.”

“No, you don’t!” I snapped.

I turned to Samantha, eyes blazing. “Well, I saw YOU, Natty, and Poppy using those techniques on Leander, Amit, and Everette, so let’s not throw stones, hmm?”

Samantha immediately choked.

Natty spilled her tea.

Poppy hid behind her hands.

Jace grinned wider. “Oh? OH? Now THIS is interesting!”

Sebastian and Ominis looked mildly appeased.

“You were all following a bloody manual?” Garreth finally spoke up, looking absolutely baffled.

“You kissed my neck like that because of a manual?”

Sebastian and Ominis both turned to him sharply.

I threw my entire napkin at his face.

“WE ARE NEVER SPEAKING OF THIS AGAIN.”

Sebastian and Ominis, at the same time—

“We’ll see.”

Samantha, who was already on thin ice with me, was still not done.

She leaned forward, eyes glinting with mischief, and oh no. Oh no.

“So… what exactly was that thing you whispered to Jessa last night?”

I immediately turned red.

Sebastian and Ominis both tensed.

Jace, who was clearly living for this, let out an exaggerated gasp.

“Oh, YES. Now this is what I wanted to know!”

Sebastian, to his credit, kept his face blank—but his grip on his fork tightened.

Ominis exhaled sharply, reaching for his tea like it was the only thing keeping him sane.

“Come on now,” Jace grinned. “We all saw how Jessa nearly fainted. What was it, hmm?”

“Nothing important.” Ominis said smoothly.

“It was very important.” Samantha countered immediately.

Poppy, now invested, tilted her head. “It must have been something truly sinful if Jessa looked like she wanted to crawl into the floor.”

“Exactly!” Samantha nodded enthusiastically.

Natty, who had been watching the exchange like a particularly thrilling Quidditch match, leaned in. “Well, Sebastian? Ominis?”

Sebastian finally smirked.

“What makes you think we’d just say it aloud in the middle of breakfast?”

Ominis hummed in agreement, swirling his tea.

“Besides,” he added, voice infuriatingly casual, “it was meant for Jessa, not for an audience.”

The table collectively groaned.

“BOOO!” Jace slammed his hands on the table.

“That’s not fair!” Samantha pouted.

“That’s completely unfair,” Poppy agreed.

Sebastian just raised an eyebrow. “You wanted a show? Should I whisper it again, then?”

I whipped my head to him so fast I almost fell off my seat.

“Sebastian!”

His smirk deepened.

“I wouldn’t mind reminding you, love.”

Oh. My. Merlin.

Ominis exhaled, setting his teacup down. “Enough of this ridiculous conversation.”

“Oh, so you don’t want to repeat yours either, Ominis?” Jace grinned, sharp as ever.

Ominis tilted his head. “Would you like me to whisper it to you instead?”

Jace shut up immediately.

Sebastian actually let out a bark of laughter.

I was covering my face with my hands.

Samantha, clearly still unsatisfied, huffed. “Fine, fine. But I’m warning you both—if I ever find out what you said, I will absolutely use it against you.”

Sebastian only grinned. “Good luck with that.”

Ominis sipped his tea. “Indeed. You’d need to be very creative to get us to reveal something like that.”

Jace, who had recovered, smirked. “Oh, don’t you worry, Gaunt. I love a challenge.”

I let out a groan and slumped onto the table.

I shouldn’t have remembered.

I shouldn’t have remembered.

But my mind—traitorous, wicked—dragged me back to it.

Sebastian’s voice, deep and sinful, curling around my ear like smoke, wrapping around me in ways I had no defense against.

“If I had my way, I’d ruin you in the best way possible—right here, right now. Slowly. Until you’re begging.”

My stomach dipped.

And then Ominis—calm, poised, lethal. His voice was like silk, smooth and slow, but there was something beneath it—something dark, something dangerous.

“You think I’m a gentleman, don’t you?” His lips had been too close to my ear, his breath warm against my skin. “If you only knew the thoughts I have about you, Jessa… you’d never let me this close again.”

I sucked in a sharp breath, my fingers tightening around my fork as my face burned.

Oh, no. Oh, Merlin.

I dared a glance at them.

Sebastian was stirring his tea, the motion slow, **controlled—**but the grip on his spoon? White-knuckled. His jaw tight, lips parted just enough to look infuriatingly tempting.

And Ominis? That man.

He sat there too composed, too pristine, but I saw the way his fingers drummed against the table in irritation. Saw the way his mouth pressed into a thin line—like he was actively restraining himself.

And Jace—

Jace was watching me.

His smirk was pure menace. He knew.

That absolute fiend knew.

I needed to Obliviate myself. Immediately.

______

The classroom was tense.

Not from potion fumes, not from any botched experiments, but from the sheer, suffocating awkwardness.

Natty sat rigidly beside Amit, both avoiding eye contact like they had committed a crime. Poppy and Everette were red-faced, whispering like they’d just been caught sneaking into the Forbidden Forest after hours.

And then, the crown jewel of entertainment—Samantha and Leander.

The two refused to acknowledge one another, despite the very obvious fact that they were seated right next to each other. Samantha’s hands were clenched into fists on the table, while Leander was pretending to read his textbook so hard he might’ve been trying to burn a hole through it with his eyes.

I had never been more entertained.

Unfortunately, I had other problems.

Because I could feel it.

Three distinct stares.

One burning into my side with unrelenting intensity—Sebastian.

The other, sharp and assessing, lingering with far too much amusement—Garreth.

And then—

Ominis.

He was blind, yes, but I could feel him, the weight of his presence, the way he sat just a little too still, as if listening to every movement I made.

Merlin.

I refused to turn my head, refused to meet their eyes, because if I did—if I so much as acknowledged the memory of last night—I would combust.

And then—

“Why do I feel as though I’m being boiled alive in a cauldron?”

Professor Sharp’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.

Instantly, the room froze.

I saw the guilty shift of my classmates—every single one of us who had been at that party.

The professor narrowed his eyes, surveying the sea of red-faced students with thinly veiled suspicion.

“Hmm,” he muttered. “I don’t think I want to know.”

Relief swept through the room.

Sharp sighed and rolled his shoulders before striding to the blackboard.

“Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s move on,” he said. With a flick of his wand, words appeared on the board in crisp, sharp letters.

Veritas Serum

A murmur ran through the class. A truth serum.

I heard Sebastian snort, and I could practically feel the amusement rolling off Ominis.

Oh, of course this would be today’s lesson. Of course.

Garreth shifted forward in his seat, grinning. I could already tell he was scheming something.

Sharp leaned against his desk, crossing his arms. “In its most refined state, Veritas Serum is an incredibly powerful potion—so potent, in fact, that it is heavily restricted in use.

harp continued, his sharp eyes scanning the room.

“In its most refined state, Veritas Serum is incredibly potent—so much so that it is heavily restricted in use. It is a potion of absolute truth, capable of breaking even the most guarded mind. However, the version we will be brewing today is a weaker variation, meant to last for only a few minutes.”

A collective shift of unease moved through the class.

I did not like where this was going.

“This version,” Sharp continued, “will only elicit minor truths—things that are already near the surface of your mind. If brewed correctly, it should provide an interesting—if temporary—glimpse into the power of truth-telling potions.”

Near the surface.

I didn’t like that phrasing at all.

Sharp turned and flicked his wand. The ingredients appeared on the board.

•Hellebore Essence – enhances the potion’s potency

•Jobberknoll Feathers – stores memories, crucial for extracting truth

•Moondew Drops – prevents mental resistance

•Powdered Root of Asphodel – stabilizes the effect

I furrowed my brows, committing it to memory as I prepared my cauldron.

“Veritas Serum is delicate,” Sharp continued, his gaze sweeping the classroom. “One mistake, and the effect will be unpredictable. Some might vomit truths uncontrollably, while others might lose their ability to lie for hours.”

Oh, brilliant.

“Begin.”

There was a scramble of movement as everyone got to work.

The Brewing Process

I reached for my ingredients, carefully measuring out the Moondew Drops first. It had to be added in small portions, or else the serum would become too strong—I was not about to risk spilling my deepest secrets to this classroom.

Beside me, Garreth was already stirring like a madman.

“Exciting, isn’t it?” he grinned, dropping in three Jobberknoll feathers at once.

“That’s too much, Garreth.”

He waved a hand dismissively. “What’s the worst that can happen?”

I didn’t dignify that with an answer.

Across from me, Sebastian and Ominis worked in silence.

Sebastian, of course, was watching me.

I refused to look up, focusing on my own potion instead. I stirred clockwise twice, counterclockwise once, and watched as my brew turned a shimmering, light blue.

“Perfect,” I murmured.

Sharp prowled through the classroom, observing. When he reached my cauldron, he nodded, his expression one of rare approval.

“Well done, Valancaire. Ten points to Ravenclaw.”

I beamed.

Sebastian made a displeased noise beside me, and Ominis let out a soft scoff.

Oh, this is fun.

A Terrible Idea

Once everyone had their potion completed, Sharp stepped back to the front of the room.

“Now,” he said, tone measured, “we need a volunteer.”

Silence.

Not a single person moved.

Sharp raised a brow. “What? After all that work, no one is willing to test it?”

Fine. I will choose. Mr.Sallow.

Sebastian has been chosen as a sacrifice.

Sebastian despite his protest drank my potion.

Ominis, already enjoying himself, leaned in slightly. “You should have brewed it stronger, Jessa. This is far too mild.”

Sebastian glared. “Sod off, Ominis.”

Samantha giggled, nudging me. “Oh, this is going to be so good.”

Sharp sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Well, since we’ve already made a complete mockery of this class, I suppose I should ask something useful.”

He turned to Sebastian with a calculating look.

“Mr. Sallow, what is your greatest ambition?”

Sebastian blinked. His lips parted slightly, but the serum did its work—he had no choice but to answer.

“To master every form of magic I can… and to find a way to heal Anne.”

The room quieted.

Even with all the teasing, even with the drunken chaos of the night before, that answer hit hard.

Ominis exhaled quietly. “Typical.”

Sebastian shook his head, like he was trying to fight off the serum’s pull. “That’s not—can we ask something else now?”

Poppy said sweetly. “What’s your type?”

Sebastian exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. “You all are insufferable.”

“Not an answer,” Natty sang.

Sebastian’s jaw tensed.

His fingers tapped idly against the desk.

And then—

“Sharp,” he muttered. “Witty. A little mean.”

Ominis let out a soft huff.

Garreth arched a brow. “A little mean?”

Sebastian grinned slightly. “I like a challenge. Someone who doesn’t back down. Someone who—” his voice dropped slightly “—pushes back.”

The class snickered.

I felt heat crawl up my spine.

Sebastian’s smile widened, sensing the shift in the room.

“Brave. Stubborn. Reckless.” He tilted his head. “You know. Trouble.”

Leander snorted. “Sounds like a recipe for disaster.”

“Or something else entirely,” Garreth muttered, amused.

Sebastian leaned back, satisfied. “Next?”

“Alright,” Poppy continued, grinning. “What do you want your type to wear? Be specific.”

Sebastian blinked.

He hesitated.

The class waited, holding back laughter.

Sebastian exhaled.

“Something dark,” he admitted. “Something fitted.”

I swallowed.

“Something elegant. Sleek.”

Garreth smirked. “Go on.”

Sebastian’s eyes flickered toward me for a second.

“Something that leaves nothing to the imagination.”

Chaos.

Ominis pinched the bridge of his nose.

Samantha covered her mouth, laughing.

Garreth grinned, shaking his head.

“Next,” Sebastian pressed on before anyone could linger too much on that statement.

“Alright,” Leander grinned. “What part of your type are you most attracted to?”

Sebastian’s shoulders tensed.

He let out a sharp exhale, then answered.

“Their mouth.”

My stomach flipped.

“Go on,” Natty urged, delighted.

Sebastian tilted his head slightly.

“The way they bite their lip when they’re thinking. The way they smirk right before they do something dangerous.”

My breath hitched.

“That’s oddly specific,” Poppy whispered.

Sebastian ignored her.

“Their hands, too.”

The room perked up.

“Interesting,” Garreth smirked. “Why?”

Sebastian’s fingers tapped once against the desk.

“Because I know exactly what they’re capable of,” he murmured. “I know what they can do.”

Silence.

Ominis tilted his head slightly, unreadable.

Sebastian sat back, satisfied.

“Smell?” Poppy asked, still a little flustered.

Sebastian inhaled slightly, then answered.

“Something soft. Something warm. Something familiar. Like home.”

For the first time, his voice faltered.

My heart stuttered.

Garreth and Ominis exchanged glances.

Sebastian cleared his throat.

“Alright,” Garreth grinned, ready for the finishing blow. “Last question. Who would you want to kiss the most in this room? And how?”

Sebastian paused.

The air felt heavier.

I felt my fingers curl into my robes.

Sebastian inhaled.

Then—

“Jessa,” he said smoothly.

The class exploded.

Ominis visibly stiffened.

Garreth groaned. “Of course.”

Sebastian grinned wickedly.

Leander laughed. “Come on, Sallow, you know the drill. How?”

Sebastian turned toward me, eyes dark with amusement.

“Slow,” he murmured.

A shiver crawled up my spine.

“But not too slow. Just enough to make sure I’m in control.”

Ominis let out a low exhale.

Sebastian tilted his head, watching me carefully.

“And then?” Poppy asked, entranced.

Sebastian smirked.

“Then I’d see what happens,” he said, voice low.

The classroom descended into absolute chaos.

Just when Sebastian thought his suffering was over, Professor Sharp—who had, up until this point, been barely concealing his amusement—finally spoke up.

“Miss Valancaire’s potion worked wonders for your bravery, Mr. Sallow,” he stated dryly, eyes glinting with amusement. “Five points to Slytherin.”

The class erupted into laughter, and I buried my face in my hands.

“But,” Sharp continued, fixing his gaze on Garreth, who was still shaking with barely contained laughter, “since Mr. Weasley enjoyed himself far too much at Mr. Sallow’s expense… I think it’s only fair that he gets his turn.”

The class cheered.

Garreth’s grin vanished. “Wait, wait, wait—what?”

Sharp gestured toward the cauldron filled with Sebastian’s potion.

“Go on, Mr. Weasley,” he said, tone completely devoid of sympathy. “Drink up.”

The class lost it.

Sebastian, looking far too smug, leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.

“Oh, this is going to be fun,” he murmured.

Garreth sighed dramatically, muttering something about his own bad karma, but ultimately, he lifted the flask and took a swig.

The effects were instant. His posture stiffened, his eyes widened slightly, and then… he sighed in defeat.

The class settled, waiting.

Sebastian cracked his knuckles, relishing the moment.

“Alright, Weasley. Let’s start simple,” he said, voice dripping with satisfaction.

“Alright, same questions,” Sebastian announced smugly. “First: What’s your type?”

The serum kicked in immediately.

Garreth’s smirk faded.

His hands twitched on the table. His mouth opened… then closed.

The class leaned in.

“Go on, Garreth,” Poppy teased.

His lips parted slightly.

“Sharp. Quick-witted. Dangerous.”

I stiffened.

Garreth’s Adam’s apple bobbed. His fingers tapped the table as if forcing himself to continue.

“Someone who doesn’t back down from a challenge. Who keeps me on my toes. Who can—” He exhaled sharply. “—outthink me before I even have a chance to act.”

The class whispered excitedly.

“Bloody hell,” Leander muttered. “He’s got a thing for powerful women.”

Garreth, cheeks burning now, ignored him.

Sebastian grinned, sensing an opportunity. “Alright. Next question. What do you want your type to wear? Be specific.”

Garreth’s lips twitched, almost involuntarily.

“Something dark. Something elegant. Something that clings in all the right places.”

The class burst into laughter.

Sebastian choked on air.

Garreth pressed his fingers to his temple. “Gods, this is torture.”

Samantha was giggling uncontrollably. “You’re too specific, Weasley!”

“I hate this game,” he muttered.

“Alright,” Sebastian continued, still smirking. “What part of your type are you most attracted to?”

Garreth let out a sharp exhale. His hands gripped his robes.

“Their eyes.”

I felt my stomach twist.

“More than that,” Sebastian pushed. “Be detailed, Weasley.”

Garreth gritted his teeth, clearly fighting the serum.

“Blue,” he said quietly. “Like stormy skies before lightning strikes.”

The room went dead silent.

I swallowed hard.

Sebastian’s smugness vanished.

Ominis tensed.

Samantha slapped my arm excitedly under the table.

Sharp raised a brow, entertained. “Go on.”

Garreth exhaled again. His eyes flickered to my lips—just for a second.

“And their mouth,” he admitted.

A sharp inhale.

“The way they smirk. The way they bite their lip when they’re thinking. The way they tease.”

Sebastian’s grip on the table tightened.

Ominis tilted his head slightly.

“Smell,” Sebastian prodded. “Since everyone is suddenly obsessed with that.”

Garreth closed his eyes in resignation.

“Honey. Something sweet but not overpowering. Something that lingers. Something that makes you lose your mind.”

The class exploded.

“Oh, this is delicious,” Poppy whispered.

“Alright, alright,” Sebastian rolled his shoulders, shaking off whatever was getting to him. “Final question.”

Garreth braced himself.

“Who would you most want to kiss in this room? And how?”

The room held its breath.

Garreth stared at the table. His jaw clenched.

His fingers curled slightly, as if resisting.

Then, finally—

“Jessa,” he said hoarsely.

A wave of reactions hit the class.

Sebastian looked like he was two seconds from throwing a book at his head.

Ominis’s fingers twitched on his wand.

Samantha nearly keeled over in delight.

“Go on, Weasley,” Sebastian drawled, masking his irritation with amusement. “How would you do it?”

Garreth’s fingers flexed against the wood of the desk.

A pause.

Then—

“Slow,” he murmured. “Gentle at first.”

My heart nearly stopped.

He licked his lips, then huffed out a soft laugh.

“And then not gentle at all.”

Chaos.

Poppy squealed.

Samantha smacked my arm violently.

Sebastian stood abruptly.

Ominis unreadable.

Sharp, holding back a smirk, finally intervened.
___

The laughter had barely died down when Sharp, with perfect composure, casually said:

“You know, how about we complete the set?”

The class froze.

Sharp’s gaze landed on Ominis, whose expression was immediately suspicious.

“I had quite the difficulty tracking down all three of you after that Callidora Bloom incident,” he continued, eyes glinting with amusement. “It’s only fair that the last piece of the puzzle, Mr. Gaunt, also gets his turn.”

Ominis stiffened.

A wave of delighted chaos erupted.

Sebastian, already too far gone in his amusement, clapped Ominis on the back.

“Oh, this is going to be good,” he grinned.

Garreth, still red-faced from his own disaster, suddenly looked alive. “Yes! Keep things fair! He has to answer the same questions!”

The girls were in hysterics.

“Come on, Ominis!” Poppy cheered.

“Be brave!” Natty grinned.

Samantha, grinning wickedly, nudged me. “I hope you’re ready for this.”

I, on the other hand, was barely breathing.

Ominis, arms crossed tightly, jaw locked, shook his head. “Absolutely not.”

But Sharp was already conjuring a flask. “You know the rules, Gaunt.”

“Drink up, Ominis,” Sebastian practically purred, enjoying this too much.

The class erupted in a chorus of encouragements, laughter, and chants.

Ominis hesitated.

Then—

He sighed, defeated. He gritted his teeth, grabbed the flask, and downed it.

A hush fell over the room.

Ominis sat still. His grip on his wand tightened. A slight shudder ran through him as the serum took effect.

Sebastian grinned. “Alright, same questions.”

Garreth leaned forward, utterly gleeful.

“First question: What’s your type?”

A pause.

Ominis’s fingers curled. He fought it.

Then—

A slow exhale.

“Someone with a sharp wit. A voice like silk. Soft but never fragile.”

The class stilled.

His head tilted slightly, as if imagining something only he could feel.

“She’s warm,” he continued, his voice lower now, almost reverent. “She makes me feel… safe.”

The room felt too small.

Sebastian’s grin faltered.

My breath caught.

Ominis shifted. His lips parted slightly.

“And when she touches me…” He paused. The class leaned in. He exhaled sharply.

“Everything else ceases to matter.”

Silence.

Amit nearly dropped his quill.

Poppy squeaked.

Samantha grabbed my arm so tightly I lost circulation.

Garreth, eyes wide, let out a slow whistle. “Oh, wow.”

Sebastian, for once, was speechless.

I was too stunned to function.

Sharp, watching this all unfold, looked entirely entertained.

“Go on,” he said, clearly enjoying the tension. “Next question.”

Sebastian, recovering, grinned.

“What do you want your type to wear? Be specific.”

Ominis stiffened.

His hand twitched.

“…Something soft. Something that makes me want to reach out and touch.”

I shivered.

He paused. His lips twitched, almost like a smirk.

“Perhaps a fabric that drapes—light, smooth. Something elegant. Something easy to slip off.”

Chaos.

The class erupted.

Samantha dropped her quill.

Natty and Poppy nearly fell off their chairs.

Sebastian choked.

Garreth let out a disbelieving laugh. “Ominis, mate, I had no idea you were like this!”

Ominis, however, just sat there—serene, unbothered.

My face burned.

Sharp smirked. “Well, that was… illuminating. Next question.”

Sebastian cleared his throat, still recovering.

“What part of your type are you most attracted to?”

Ominis’s jaw clenched. His breathing hitched.

“…Her voice.”

The class blinked.

Sebastian tilted his head. “Her… voice?”

Ominis nodded slowly.

“Her words,” he clarified. “How she speaks. How she teases. How she whispers.”

I swallowed hard.

His head turned slightly—toward me.

The air felt thick.

I saw Sebastian’s jaw tighten.

Garreth raised a brow. “Alright. We’ve got touch, voice, whispers… anything else?”

Ominis hesitated.

Then, softly—

“Her scent.”

A collective gasp.

Poppy grabbed my arm. “Jessa,” she whispered.

I was too stunned to move.

Sebastian, clearly unimpressed with this level of intensity, quickly moved on.

“Right, next—”

Garreth interrupted, grinning.

“Oh no, we’re not done yet,” he said, grinning devilishly. “Final question, Ominis.”

Ominis tensed.

“Who would you want to kiss the most here? And how?”

Sebastian’s eyes darkened.

I froze.

The room was silent.

Ominis’s grip on his wand tightened.

His throat bobbed.

And then—

“Jessa.”

I stopped breathing.

The class reacted violently.

Poppy and Samantha squealed. Natty gasped. Garreth laughed loudly, slamming a hand on the table.

Sebastian stared, completely unreadable.

Ominis was still.

Garreth, still grinning, leaned forward.

“And how would you kiss her?”

Ominis’s lips parted.

His fingers twitched.

A sharp inhale.

And then—

“Slow.”

I felt faint.

His voice was smooth, low, unshaken.

“Deliberate.”

Sebastian’s hand clenched into a fist.

Ominis tilted his head slightly.

“As if I were memorizing her.”

A long pause.

Garreth let out a strangled laugh.

“Sweet Merlin.”

Sebastian, expression tight, leaned back in his chair.

Ominis exhaled slowly. The serum was wearing off.

I, on the other hand, was about to perish.

I wanted to die.

The teasing was unbearable, and I was already preparing my escape when—

“Alright,” Professor Sharp cut in, smirking slightly. “It seems unfair that Miss Valancaire—the undeniable main character of this entire debacle—has not been questioned.”

I choked on air.

“Professor, I don’t think—”

“How about you try your own brew?” Sharp continued, ignoring my protests.

The class erupted.

“YES!” Garreth cheered, slamming his hand on the desk.

“OHH, THIS IS POETIC JUSTICE,” Samantha declared.

Leander looked downright gleeful. “Come on, Jessa, it’s only fair!”

I turned to Ominis, desperate for help.

Ominis smirked. “It would be dishonest to refuse. We should all be held accountable, don’t you think?”

Traitor.

I turned to Sebastian, my last hope.

Sebastian grinned wickedly. “Drink up, sweetheart.”

Damn them all.

I groaned, grabbed the potion, and downed it in one swift motion.

The moment it took effect, I felt the same sensation Sebastian, Garreth, and Ominis must have—an unsettling warmth spreading through my chest, forcing the truth forward.

Merlin, I was doomed.

First Question – What’s Your Type?

Poppy grinned. “Alright, let’s start easy. What’s your type, Jessa?”

I wanted to clamp my mouth shut.

But I couldn’t.

“Clever, sharp, and a little infuriating,” I blurted out.

The class gasped.

Sebastian and Ominis both straightened slightly.

Garreth looked way too smug.

Leander grinned. “A little infuriating? You sure about that?”

I groaned. “Fine. Very infuriating.”

The class cheered.

“Go on,” Garreth encouraged, enjoying this far too much.

I exhaled sharply.

“Confident,” I muttered. “Not cocky—well, actually, a little cocky. But not insufferable. Someone who pushes me, challenges me—but never belittles me.”

I heard Ominis inhale softly.

Sebastian leaned back, smirking.

Garreth’s grin widened.

“Interesting,” Natty mused, exchanging glances with Poppy and Samantha.

“And?” Everett pressed, clearly entertained.

I swallowed. “Someone who—when they set their mind on something, they won’t let it go.”

Sebastian’s jaw clenched slightly.

Ominis tilted his head, unreadable.

Garreth’s smirk faltered for a moment.

“Someone who knows exactly what they want,” I finished.

Second Question – What Do You Want Your Type to Wear?

“Alright,” Leander pressed on. “What do you want your type to wear? Be specific.”

I huffed, trying to fight the truth.

But the potion was merciless.

“Dark colors.”

A wave of tension hit the room.

“Dark?” Sebastian smirked, eyes sharp.

“Yes,” I muttered. “Something tailored. Something fitted.”

Ominis exhaled, pressing his lips together.

Garreth leaned in slightly.

Sebastian’s smirk deepened.

“Something that—” I hesitated, then groaned as the truth forced itself out, “—makes them look devastatingly good.”

The room erupted.

Samantha grabbed my arm, shaking me.

Poppy was practically in tears from laughing.

Garreth pumped his fist in victory.

Sebastian looked like the cat that got the cream.

Ominis cleared his throat, looking away.

“I might combust,” I whispered.

“And?” Everett pressed, enjoying this far too much.

“Or something effortlessly charming. Something casual—like they didn’t try, but still look unfairly good.”

The room groaned.

Ominis sighed deeply, shaking his head.

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, amused.

Garreth chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.

Third Question – What Part of Your Type Are You Most Attracted To?

Leander wiped his eyes, still grinning. “Okay, okay, last one before the big one. What part of your type are you most attracted to?”

I inhaled sharply.

And then—

“Their voice.”

Silence.

I saw Ominis go rigid.

Sebastian’s smirk faded, replaced by something deeper.

Garreth watched me carefully.

Sharp quirked an eyebrow.

“And?” Natty pressed, intrigued.

My fingers twitched slightly.

“The way they talk,” I murmured, feeling every word like an exposed nerve.

“Explain,” Garreth smirked.

Damn him.

“The way they say my name.”

The room sucked in a breath.

Ominis’s jaw clenched.

Sebastian’s hand curled into a fist.

Garreth’s grin softened slightly.

“That’s oddly specific,” Poppy whispered.

“She’s very observant,” Ominis muttered, voice low.

Sebastian exhaled slowly, like he was restraining himself.

I swallowed thickly.

“And their hands,” I added.

Ominis flexed his fingers.

Sebastian’s grip on his wand tightened.

Garreth glanced down at his own hands, thoughtful.

“Strong,” I whispered. “But gentle, too.”

Sebastian shut his eyes briefly.

Ominis exhaled slowly.

Garreth smirked, looking satisfied.

Final Question – How Would You Want to Be Kissed?

“Alright, alright,” Garreth interjected, eyes gleaming. “We all know what’s next. How would you want to be kissed?”

The room went still.

I felt my breath hitch.

I couldn’t stop it.

My lips parted.

“Slow,” I whispered.

The room felt heavier.

Sebastian’s throat bobbed.

Ominis’s fingers twitched against the desk.

Garreth’s smirk faltered.

“But deep,” I continued.

Silence.

“Like they’re savoring it,” I added.

Sebastian exhaled sharply.

Ominis gripped his wand tighter.

Garreth sat back, dazed.

“And?” Samantha pressed, fascinated.

I licked my lips.

“Like they want to ruin me,” I admitted.

Absolute chaos.

Sebastian shot up, knocking over his chair.

Ominis exhaled slowly, flexing his fingers.

Garreth ran a hand through his hair, muttering something under his breath.

Samantha looked positively delighted.

Poppy covered her mouth, giggling.

Natty fanned herself.

Leander wheezed. “Merlin’s bloody beard.”

And then—

“Alright,” Professor Sharp finally interrupted, clearly entertained. “That’s enough confessions for today.”

I slammed my head against the desk.

I was never going to live this down.

I slumped onto my desk, utterly drained, mortified, and deeply contemplating my own demise.

The confessions had left me ruined—not just because of what was said, but because of who had said them.

Professor Sharp, as unbothered as ever, glanced down at my lifeless form.

“Let me die here, Professor Sharp,” I mumbled into my arms. “I will haunt you forever.”

Sharp snorted. Actually snorted. Merlin, has the world ended?

“I can’t have those three haunting me too, Miss Valancaire,” he replied dryly. “So, unfortunately, you’ll have to survive this one.”

A chorus of laughter erupted from the classroom. Suppressed giggles, snickers, and outright wheezing filled the air.

My soul left my body.

Professor Sharp, mercifully, dismissed the class before I could be further humiliated. But the real problem began the second we stepped out into the hallway.

The Teasing? Oh, It Did Not Stop.

“So… slow but deep, huh?”

I whipped my head to the side to find Garreth grinning down at me, voice far too smug, hands lazily behind his head.

Merlin, please just kill me now.

But it was too late.

“Like they’re savoring it,” Natty mimicked in a sultry whisper, batting her lashes.

Poppy, red-faced but still full of mischief, clasped her hands to her chest dramatically. “Like they want to ruin me.”

I physically staggered.

No. No, no, no—NO.

Heat crawled up my face as Samantha fake swooned against Leander, who was currently laughing his ass off.

Even Everette and Amit—sweet, innocent Amit— were failing miserably at keeping their faces straight.

And then came the real menaces.

Ominis.

Sebastian.

Garreth.

Sebastian, walking with that arrogant stride of his, was eating this up like it was the best entertainment he had ever witnessed.

“Oh, don’t let us stop you, Jessa,” he drawled smoothly, smirking down at me. “Go on, tell us more.”

I turned scarlet. I will kill him. I will actually kill him.

Garreth, casual and dangerous, tilted his head.

“So… I take it my neck was your favorite?”

The audacity.

Sebastian, who had been thoroughly amused just a second ago, whipped his head toward Garreth so fast I thought he might break his own neck.

Ominis exhaled sharply, his lips parting slightly as if he, too, was reconsidering murder.

I whirled on Garreth, smacking his arm.

“Oh my god, stop!”

“Oh, I’m not the one who said—”

“GARRETH.”

I could barely function, too aware of the two Slytherins flanking me.

Sebastian was no longer smirking. His jaw was tight, grip on his book just a little too firm.

Ominis?

Unreadable. Face impassive, head tilted just slightly in my direction.

But I felt him. The way he lingered, the way his fingers twitched, as if resisting the urge to reach for me.

Garreth, being a complete menace, was still grinning.

“No need to be shy, sweetheart,” he teased. “I’m flattered, truly.”

Sebastian and Ominis both stopped walking.

Oh no.

I felt DOOM.

My entire friend group was watching with delight.

Poppy, giggling behind her hands.

Natty, smirking knowingly.

Samantha, nearly crying with laughter.

Even Amit looked like he was about to start taking notes.

“Oh, this is getting good,” Leander muttered, crossing his arms as if waiting for the drama to unfold.

Sebastian’s voice was deceptively calm.

“Careful, Weasley.”

Ominis, finally speaking, was even softer.

“Yes. Very careful.”

Garreth paused, glancing between them. A slow, knowing smile stretched across his lips.

“Oh,” he mused. “I get it now.”

I was going to explode.

Natty, sensing absolute chaos, swooped in before things could get worse.

“Alright, alright,” she laughed, grabbing my arm and dragging me forward before a duel could break out. “Let’s get to our next class before we all witness a murder, yeah?”

Inwardly screaming, I let her pull me away.

This is fine. Everything is fine. Nothing has changed.

…Except now I had three very different problems.

Three very handsome, very competitive problems.

And absolutely no idea what to do with them.

The Room of Requirement – The Plan (Or So I Thought)

Classes passed by in a blur, and before I could fully process the disaster that was my life, my so-called friends all suddenly had places to be.

Suspicious.

Natty, Poppy, and Samantha were up to something.

And judging by the way Samantha winked at me before practically running in the opposite direction, I could guess exactly what it was.

“Enjoy,” I called after them knowingly, shaking my head as they waved in response.

That left me with two brooding Slytherins.

Ominis and Sebastian, still stiff from their confessions, flanked me as we walked in heavy silence.

I sighed, exasperated.

“Alright,” I said. “Let’s go to the Room of Requirement and strategize for the Dragon’s Breath Resin.”

The walk was too quiet, the air thick with unspoken tension.

I tried to ignore the way my heart sped up.

I was fine. Everything was fine.

The confessions earlier?

They were just words.

But the moment we stepped into the Room of Requirement, and the door sealed behind us, I knew I had to address it.

I turned sharply, clapping my hands together.

“OKAY.”

Both boys flinched.

“HOW ABOUT LET’S GET THIS OVER WITH?”

Ominis’ brows furrowed. “Get what over with?”

“Our first kisses.”

Silence.

Sebastian stared at me.

Ominis stilled completely.

“What?” they said in unison.

I rolled my eyes. “You heard me. Let’s not embarrass ourselves in another public questioning. Let’s just—” I waved vaguely “—get it over with.”

Both boys looked downright BEWILDERED.

Sebastian, recovering first, let out a sharp laugh.

“Jessa, are you seriously suggesting—”

“YES, I AM SERIOUSLY SUGGESTING.”

Ominis took a slow, measured breath. “You want to—”

“Kiss you both? Yes,” I deadpanned.

Sebastian tilted his head, something dark and teasing in his voice.

“And… who goes first?”

I narrowed my eyes.

Oh, he was enjoying this.

And then—brilliant idea.

“You won’t know,” I said smoothly.

Sebastian’s smirk faltered.

Ominis’ brows shot up.

“What?”

“I’ll blindfold you.” I crossed my arms. “I’ll kiss you both, and neither of you will know who was first. Fair.”

“I’m already blind my damsel” Ominis said.

“Oh but you’ll like the sensation Ominis” I grinned.

Both boys fell silent.

Sebastian was calculating every possible outcome.

Ominis looked like he was seriously reconsidering his life choices.

“…Fine,” Ominis finally muttered.

Sebastian smirked, but there was something darker behind it. “You’re right. I do like the idea.”

I smiled, pretending I wasn’t about to ruin us all.

This was either the stupidest idea I’ve ever had… or the most brilliant.

…Or both.___

I took a slow, steadying breath.

“Just to be sure you won’t know, I’ll cast a movement silencing charm, Ominis’ hearing is sharp after all.”

A flick of my wand, and a muffled hum wrapped around us, sealing the moment in absolute secrecy.

No one would hear this.

No one.

Sebastian and Ominis remained perfectly still, blindfolded, waiting for my next move.

I let the silence stretch, letting the tension build—a slow, torturous tease.

I swallowed.

No turning back now.

I stepped closer, reaching out blindly in the dim candlelight.

My fingertips brushed against his jaw—sharp, defined. He stiffened immediately, his breath hitching as if my touch had shocked him.

A whisper of a smirk curled at my lips.

I let my thumb graze slowly along his cheekbone, a silent warning of what was to come.

Then, I kissed him.

Slow.

Firm.

Calculated.

I pressed my lips against his, molding against him in a way that left no room for hesitation.

Not too demanding.

Not too hesitant.

Just enough.

My mother’s manual had been explicit—

A kiss should be a whisper and a promise, never a demand. Make him chase it.

So I did.

I lingered, letting the heat build between us, my hand curling at the nape of his neck, pulling him in ever so slightly.

A low, desperate sound slipped from his throat—something between a sigh and a growl—and

I pulled away, but only barely, letting the ghost of my breath linger just above his lips.

A sharp inhale.

A barely restrained shudder.

Then I was gone.

Leaving him completely wrecked in silence.

The Second Kiss

My heart thrummed as I turned toward the second.

This time, my hand found his wrist first, feeling the faint, rapid pulse beneath my touch.

He, too, was tense—gripping the edge of the couch like a lifeline.

I lifted his hand, guiding it to my waist.

A sharp inhale.

He was breathless already.

I leaned in, this time with more certainty.

Our lips met in a slow, devastating pull—a deeper kiss, one that wasn’t just teasing—

It was claiming.

Lingering.

My fingertips traced along his collar, igniting something dangerous between us.

Then—a bite.

A slight tug of my teeth against his lower lip, my mother’s lesson repeating in my mind—

A well-placed bite is both a statement and an invitation. If you do it right, they’ll beg for more.

His exhale turned ragged.

His fingers tightened on my waist—an unconscious grip of restraint.

I pulled away slowly, my breath ghosting over his lips before I completely broke away.

The room was unbearably still.

Sebastian and Ominis sat there, blindfolded, completely wrecked and undone.

Silence stretched, their breaths uneven, shaky.

I stepped back, crossing my arms, trying to suppress the triumphant smirk threatening to spill across my lips.

With all the casual confidence I could muster, I flicked my wand—

The charm lifted.

“Now… was that so bad?”

Nothing.

No response.

Just two men sitting in stunned silence.

I forced a casual tone, my hands clasped behind my back as if I wasn’t currently feeling like I had just ignited something irreversible.

“So—what do you think?”

Silence.

I cleared my throat.

“Not bad for your first kiss, eh?”

They removed their blindfolds.

And then—

Sebastian ran a shaky hand down his face, his jaw tight, pupils blown wide.

Ominis’ shoulders were rigid, his fingers digging into the armrest of his chair, as if he needed to anchor himself.

The room was thick with tension.

I clapped my hands together loudly, forcing myself to focus.

“Alright! Now that we’ve settled that—”

“Settled?”

Sebastian let out a hollow laugh, arching a brow at me.

“You think that settled anything, Jessa?”

Ominis exhaled, long and measured, as if he were still recovering.

“Because it feels like you just started something instead.”

I ignored them both.

“We should get back to planning.”

I turned my back before they could trap me in their gazes again.

“Dragon’s Breath Resin,” Ominis said, his voice deceptively even.

Sebastian was still staring at me, his hand pressed to his jaw, his lips parted as if he could still feel me there.

“Fine. Dragon’s Breath Resin,” he muttered.

The words were practical, but his tone was not.

I forced myself to breathe.

“Alright, so—”

I unfurled a parchment, listing down everything we knew about the ingredient.

Dragon’s Breath Resin

✔ Extracted from a live dragon’s exhalation.

✔ Used to stabilize deteriorated organs.

✔ Difficult to obtain—extremely volatile.

✔ Located in dragon territories, specifically active nesting grounds.

“It has to be taken directly from the dragon’s breath,” Ominis murmured, his fingers skimming over the parchment.

“We’re going to need protections,” Sebastian added, his voice more serious now.

“We’ll have to find out where exactly we can go without immediately being burned alive.”

“We can check poacher camps,” I suggested.

Ominis nodded. “If poachers are after them, they might have information on where the nesting sites are.”

Sebastian huffed out a breath. “So, our options are: risk breaking into poacher territory or sneak into a dragon’s nest.”

I grimaced. “When you say it like that, it sounds terrible.”

“That’s because it is, darling,” Ominis muttered.

My stomach flipped.

He rarely used endearments, but when he did—

Merlin help me.

Sebastian leaned forward, arms crossed, gaze heavy on mine.

“What’s the plan, then?”

I focused on the parchment, willing my heartbeat to slow.

“We’ll have to gather information first,” I said.

“Fig might know something about poacher activity,” Ominis suggested.

“Or we can check the Ministry’s records,” Sebastian added.

I nodded.

“We’ll need defensive potions—Fire Protection, Wiggenweld, Invisibility.”

“I can brew those,” Ominis said.

“I’ll handle the scouting,” Sebastian volunteered.

I hummed. “And I’ll deal with tracking.”

I tapped the parchment with my wand, marking down our next steps.

The plan was forming.

The strategy was sound.

The logic was solid.

But the air was still charged.

I felt it.

Sebastian was still looking at me.

Ominis was still too quiet.

I exhaled sharply, turning back to them with a strained smile.

“Good. That’s settled then.”

Ominis tilted his head slightly, his voice low, thoughtful.

“Settled?”

Sebastian’s smirk was slow, dark, dangerous.

“You keep saying that, Jessa.”

My stomach dropped.

I had a very bad feeling that things were far from settled.

Escape, Escape, ESCAPE.

“Let’s meet here every afternoon after classes to report our progress, yes?”

I tried to sound steady, as if I wasn’t currently drowning in tension.

Neither of them answered.

It was not settled.

Not even close.

I inhaled sharply.

I was supposed to clarify things.

Not make them worse.

But instead, it only made me want both.

…And maybe even—Merlin help me—Garreth too.

Oh, my god.

I blamed Jace.

I needed an excuse. An escape.

“I need to go,” I blurted suddenly, standing up too fast.

Sebastian arched a brow. “Go? To where?”

“Something else to do,” I said vaguely.

Then I bolted.

Before I made things worse.
____

The moment I stepped foot inside Valancaire Keep, I barely had a second to react.

A flash of silver cut through the air—Diffindo.

I barely dodged in time, the spell slicing through the stone behind me, leaving a deep gash in its wake.

Then another.

Expulso.

I rolled, feeling the explosion heat my back, dust scattering around me.

A third spell—**Confringo—**shot toward me, but I flicked my wrist, Ancient Magic crackling at my fingertips, shattering the fiery blast into harmless embers before it could strike.

Through the dust, I saw him.

My grandfather stood on the training ground, his stance rigid, unimpressed.

“You skipped training.”

His voice carried across the space—calm, measured, but sharp as a blade.

I braced myself.

“I thought I should increase the intensity since you seem to think you’re too good to train anymore.”

Merlin’s beard.

I barely managed to stand properly before another spell came flying at me.

I deflected it with a snap of my wand, my muscles already tensed, anticipating the next barrage.

“I apologize, Grandfather,” I said, my breath slightly uneven.

His cold blue eyes remained locked onto me, calculating, dissecting.

“You were enjoying student life? Fine.”

A pause.

“But you will train double today. Harsher. Harder. We are in the final steps of mastering your control. You will not fail me.”

I swallowed hard.

This was going to hurt.

I was led to the training ground, the air heavy with the weight of expectation.

The once-familiar field had transformed.

Where I once dueled against phantoms of the past—where I had honed every incantation and perfected my transfigurations—today, the dummies were different.

Not just lifeless figures. They moved.

Spells whispered through the air as if they had minds of their own, defending, countering, striking.

I felt the pulse of Ancient Magic thrumming within me, restless, hungry.

Grandfather paced behind me.

“Your transfiguration training is complete,” he stated.

“Now, we focus on control.”

A flick of his wand, and the dummies rushed me.

I barely had time to dodge as they moved like real opponents—their limbs twisting, wands sparking.

But this wasn’t about dodging.

This was about control.

A sharp breath.

I extended my hand.

I felt the Ancient Magic pool in my fingertips, crackling, waiting to be unleashed.

Then, I let go.

The first dummy stopped mid-charge, its body jerking unnaturally.

My grip tightened.

It struggled, its limbs twitching violently—but I commanded it.

With a flick of my wrist—SLAM.

The dummy was crushed into the ground, the impact sending shockwaves through the earth.

I barely had a moment to breathe before another one lunged at me.

I reacted faster.

Ancient Magic surged from my core, weaving through my fingers as I twisted my palm—

The dummy froze, suspended in the air, its body convulsing as if fighting itself.

Then, **with one sharp motion of my hand—**I bent it backwards.

CRACK.

I shattered it.

Splinters of wood scattered across the ground, but I wasn’t done.

Three more.

I could feel the power seething beneath my skin, demanding more.

Another opponent—I lifted it effortlessly, twisting its body against itself, forcing it to bend to my will.

It struggled—but I was stronger.

“Not good enough.”

My grandfather’s voice cut through my concentration.

He raised his hand—a surge of force knocked me back.

I barely caught myself, landing in a crouch.

“Do not let it consume you,” he warned.

I clenched my fists, gritting my teeth against the raw, unfiltered surge of power coursing through me.

Ancient Magic was limitless.

But I was not.

I took a breath.

Focused.

Control, Jessa. Control.

Two dummies left.

**I moved faster than thought—**my body shifting like an extension of the power within me.

A wave of my hand—one dummy was flung into the sky, hurled so high it vanished.

The last one charged.

I met it head-on.

I extended my fingers—and everything around me bent to my command.

The dummy stopped mid-stride.

I tilted my head.

Its limbs twisted at unnatural angles, a marionette with severed strings.

Then, I clenched my fist.

It shattered instantly.

Silence.

My chest rose and fell, sweat trickling down my temple.

Grandfather remained still.

Then, finally, he spoke.

“You are beginning to understand.”

His tone wasn’t praise.

It was expectation.

“Again.”

I exhaled, rolling my shoulders.

This time, I would not falter.
___

By the time Grandfather finally released me, the sky had long since turned a deep shade of ink, the stars scattered like distant, uncaring witnesses to my suffering.

Past midnight.

My body ached, the remnants of brutal training still lingering in my bones. My fingers trembled slightly, my muscles screaming in protest.

I barely made it past the dormitory entrance.

Collapsing onto my bed, I let out a long, weary breath, sinking into the mattress like a corpse finally given rest.

The room was dim, quiet—except for the slow, even breathing of my roommate.

I turned my head slightly, and there she was—Samantha, asleep, a peaceful little smile on her face.

My eyes flickered downward.

And there, clutched in her grasp—

My mother’s bloody manual.

I let out a slow, exasperated sigh, covering my face with one hand.

Of course.

Because the universe clearly hadn’t punished me enough tonight.

Here I am again.

Heavy.

Exhausted.

Burdened beyond my years.

I had stolen a few moments of reprieve—a fleeting taste of something normal, something light.

But now?

My shoulders felt heavy again.

The weight of everything—**my magic, the training, the missions, the rebellion, Anne’s cure.

I stared at the ceiling, letting the silence settle over me.

I needed to sleep.

But my mind refused to quiet.

Tomorrow, everything would start again.

And I would carry it all.

Because I had to.