The Daughter of Valancaire

Jessa’s POV

The days blurred together in a cycle of preparations, training, and far too much teasing.

Professor Fig and I returned to the Restricted Section, this time with more time to properly study the chamber.

He was mesmerized by the map, tracing the outlines of Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and the other locations marked. But just as before, the portraits remained empty—silent, lifeless. We assumed they contained the souls of the Keepers, but why they had yet to appear, we couldn’t say.

Fig sighed, rubbing his temple as he studied the markings.

“This will take time, Jessa,” he admitted, clearly frustrated but determined. “Miriam had been onto something, and I’ll have to comb through her documents again to see if I’ve missed anything.”

I nodded. “Let me know if you find anything. I’ll continue searching on my end too.”

He smiled at that, placing a hand on my shoulder. “I knew I could count on you.”

With that, he continued his research, and I returned to the far more dangerous preparations I had with Sebastian and Ominis.

Preparing for the Dragon’s Breath Resin

Between classes, missions, and evading my meddling friends, the three of us had been thoroughly preparing for what was undoubtedly a suicide mission.

Ominis had taken over brewing the necessary potions—Fire Protection, Wiggenweld, Invisibility—and was even researching enchantments for fire-resistant clothing. He didn’t trust any of us to go near dragon fire without some kind of magical reinforcement.

Sebastian, on the other hand, was scouting poacher camps for information. I had explicitly threatened him to never engage, just to observe and keep his distance.

He agreed.

I knew better than to believe that fully, but I had to trust him.

Meanwhile, I buried my head in books and old records, cross-referencing Sebastian’s findings with my own research.

We needed a confirmed dragon nest—one that we could actually reach without dying immediately.

All the while, Ominis and Sebastian were still subtly competing for my attention in ways I tried very hard to ignore.

Unfortunately, the moment I stepped outside my research haze, my friends were waiting like starved wolves.

“Oh, how’s the progress on ‘US’?” Poppy teased at breakfast, wiggling her brows.

“Us?” I blinked.

She smirked. “You, Sebastian, and Ominis. Obviously.”

I nearly choked on my tea.

“Absolutely not,” I muttered.

They were insufferable, constantly fishing for updates, much to my horror. I had bigger things to focus on—like not dying in dragon fire.

To make it worse, the Great Hall breakfasts were an absolute nightmare.

Sebastian and Ominis still had their ongoing battle of who could serve me tea first, while my brothers—Jace, Vix, and Valor— kept grilling me about my health and training in private.

I barely had time to eat between dodging their questions and avoiding more teasing.

However, turning the tables and teasing my friends about their own romantic troubles was delightful.

•Samantha and Leander were still bickering—except now, they turned red after.

•Natty and Amit were much shyer about their progress, but we all saw it.

•Poppy and Everette had been hanging about suspiciously in the Beasts classroom.

Life was absolute chaos.

We had finally informed Anne that Sebastian knew everything.

Sebastian, Ominis, and I had all gone to Feldcroft to explain everything—the potion, the research, the plan, why we had to keep it from him at first.

Anne had given Sebastian an earful.

He took it like a guilty child being scolded, wincing at every pointed word.

But after that, we all sat outside for a picnic, finally relaxing for the first time in a while.

Anne was an absolute menace.

She teased us relentlessly.

“So,” she hummed, grinning wickedly, “Sebastian and Ominis, huh?”

I nearly choked.

Sebastian groaned loudly, covering his face. “Anne, please—”

“Oh, hush,” she waved him off. “You were both hopeless when we were younger, and now it’s worse.”

I wanted to die.

Then—the final blow.

“You know, Jessa, I quite like the whole ‘Duke and I’ situation you’ve got going on.”

Sebastian almost choked to death on his tea.

Ominis snorted so hard he had to cough.

I wanted to hex her.

Of course, when we recounted the Slytherin Common Room party, we conveniently omitted the most humiliating details—the kisses, the whispers, the dance.

Anne, however, saw right through us.

“You’re hiding something,” she said flatly.

We all looked away.

___

As a thank you for his journal listing the plants from the hidden herbology garden, I had given Garreth a set of gem candies.

He gratefully accepted them, smiling at me.

And then, to my absolute shock, he invited me to dinner in Hogsmeade.

I agreed.

And then immediately stammered like an idiot.

Garreth grinned at me the entire time.

“Did I just fluster you, Valancaire?” he teased, eyes twinkling.

“No,” I lied horribly.

“Oh, I definitely did.”

I was going to suffer.
___

Training had gotten harsher.

Grandfather had noticed something that I hadn’t fully acknowledged myself—

Using my Ancient Magic weakened me.

And so, the focus of my training had shifted.

Endurance. Stamina. Control.

Every time I used too much power, he forced me to keep going.

Every time I showed signs of fatigue, he pushed harder.

I was learning to harness my strength—but at a cost.

Each night, I collapsed into bed, drained beyond words.

I could feel myself getting stronger, adapting, but it came at the price of my body screaming for rest.

Still, I endured.

I had to.

For my Family and Friends.

For myself.

___

All of our preparations, all of our research, all of my training—

Will be tested this moment.

We had found the location.

A confirmed dragon nest.

And today—

We were going to steal from it.
_____

Into the Forbidden Forest: The Dragon’s Nest

The night air was crisp as the three of us stood at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, cloaked in fire-resistant garbs that Ominis had painstakingly crafted. The protective enchantments shimmered faintly under the moonlight, a testament to his meticulous work and research.

I adjusted the strap of my satchel, double-checking the potions Ominis had brewed for us—Fire Protection, Wiggenweld, Invisibility—before glancing up at the two Slytherins.

Sebastian, ever restless, tightened his gloves, his broom in hand, practically itching to get moving. Ominis, on the other hand, stood stiffly beside him, wand clenched, his posture taut as if already bracing for disaster.

We had planned this carefully. Every route. Every risk. Every necessary precaution.

And yet, the tension between them was palpable.

“We should get moving,” I urged, mounting my broom. “It’s a long flight to the deeper parts of the forest.”

Sebastian wasted no time, swinging a leg over his broom with a confident smirk.

But Ominis?

He hesitated.

I arched a brow. “You are not backing out now.”

Ominis scowled. “I’m not backing out, I just—” he sighed sharply, gripping his wand. “You already know I despise flying.”

“You’re just saying that because you want to ride with Jessa,” Sebastian accused, eyes narrowing.

Ominis’ head snapped toward him. “Ride with you, then?”

Sebastian grinned. “Obviously.”

“Absolutely not.”

Sebastian scoffed, offended. “What do you think of me?”

“Reckless.”

Sebastian gaped. “You—” He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “You trust Jessa more than me?”

“Yes.”

I fought the urge to laugh.

Sebastian threw up his hands. “That’s it? Just yes?”

Ominis simply tilted his head toward me, expectant.

I sighed, motioning for him to get on. “Alright, fine. Ominis rides with me.”

Sebastian grumbled something about “favoritism” but mounted his broom regardless.

I smirked. “Unless… you both want to ride with me? This broom can carry three people.”

Both of them froze, horrified at the mere thought of it.

I raised a brow. “Well?”

A beat of silence.

Then—

Sebastian sighed. “Ominis, just ride with her.”

Ominis smirked. “I planned to.”

Satisfied, I let Ominis grip my waist and adjusted my hold on my broom. “Hold on tight.”

Sebastian shot one last glare before kicking off into the night sky.

And with that, we soared into the Forbidden Forest.

Flying at night over the Forbidden Forest was… unsettling.

The moon cast silver streaks over the treetops, illuminating the shifting canopy below. Shadows twisted and slithered between the dense foliage, the occasional glow of beastly eyes flickering through the darkness.

Every so often, I could hear the distant roars of unknown creatures, hidden deep within the ancient woods.

Ominis held on firmly, his grip secure yet not tense, trusting me to navigate through the night.

Sebastian flew just ahead, his silhouette cutting effortlessly through the air, glancing back at us every so often.

“I don’t like this,” Ominis muttered, his voice barely audible against the wind.

“You don’t like flying in general,” I teased.

“That’s not the point.” He exhaled sharply. “The air… it feels wrong.”

I frowned.

Ominis’ senses were incredibly sharp. If something felt off to him, it was worth noting.

“We’re close to the nest,” Sebastian called over the wind. “I can see a clearing ahead.”

I tightened my grip on the broomstick, angling slightly downward.

Then, suddenly—

A warm gust of air hit us.

Not cold. Not neutral. Warm.

Sebastian jerked back slightly, gripping his broom as he looked over his shoulder.

“That wasn’t normal wind,” I murmured.

Ominis’ hold on me tightened. “That was—”

A low, rumbling growl reverberated from the ground below.

Sebastian turned fully now, his wand slipping into his hand immediately.

“Bloody hell,” he muttered.

The dragon was awake.

The Dragon’s Nest

We descended carefully, landing on the soft earth just outside a hidden clearing.

Towering rock formations and massive, overgrown roots shielded what lay beyond, the landscape almost unnatural in its concealment.

Sebastian crouched low, his wand raised as he surveyed the area.

I mirrored him, Ominis beside me, his wand extended, sensing our surroundings.

“This is it,” I whispered. “The nest.”

Beyond the tangled thicket, I could just barely make out a cavernous opening, steam rising from its entrance. The scent of charred wood and scorched earth hung heavily in the air.

Ominis exhaled, his grip on his wand unwavering.

“Now what?” Sebastian asked, keeping his voice low.

I swallowed.

Now… we steal fire from a dragon.

And pray we live to tell the tale.

___

We uncorked the Invisibility Potions, chugging them down like our lives depended on it—because they very well might.

The cool sensation spread over our bodies, rendering us completely unseen. I watched as Sebastian and Ominis flickered out of sight, their forms vanishing into thin air, leaving only the slight shuffle of their boots on the scorched earth.

The charred remnants of trees and broken stones surrounded us, steam rising eerily from the smoldering nest ahead.

And right next to it—Dragon’s Breath Resin.

That was it.

The glistening, amber-like substance pooled near the edges of the cavern, thick, molten, pulsing with energy.

But beside it, sprawled across the nest, was a Ukrainian Ironbelly—its massive, obsidian-black scales glinting under the moonlight as it huffed in exhaustion.

It was… beautiful. Terrifying.

I swallowed hard. “There. That’s it. That’s the resin.”

Sebastian let out a low whistle, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Bloody hell. Never thought I’d be this close to a dragon and still be breathing.”

Ominis let out a sigh. “I already know at some point in our lives, a dragon would chase you, Sebastian.”

Sebastian glared at him, offended.

I rolled my eyes. “You two can fight about your doomed futures later. Let’s move before it—”

A piercing roar shattered the night.

The ground trembled beneath us.

The dragon lurched upward, wings flaring, its growl turning guttural, full of rage.

Something was wrong.

And then we heard it—shouts in the distance, the crackle of spells cutting through the air.

“Poachers,” Sebastian growled.

I whipped around, heart pounding as I caught sight of figures cloaked in shadow, their wands raised, chains gleaming in the moonlight as they tried to ensnare the beast.

The dragon thrashed, letting out a furious, pained cry.

I clenched my jaw.

“No.”

Sebastian turned to me.

“What should we do?”

I already knew the answer.

“We can’t let them have the dragon.”

Ominis let out a long, suffering sigh.

“Bloody hell. Here we go again.”

Sebastian smirked.

“Oh, you love it.”

Ominis muttered something under his breath, but I was already moving.

We couldn’t risk revealing ourselves.

Not yet.

“They can’t see us. We hit them quietly. One by one,” I whispered.

The boys nodded.

Like clockwork, we spread out, positioning ourselves around the poachers.

Sebastian went right, flanking the group, while Ominis and I moved left, keeping low as the dragon roared above us, clawing against its restraints.

One of the poachers grunted, gripping the chain tighter.

“Bloody beast! Bind it down!”

A cruel, echoing laugh followed.

“We’ll make a fine fortune out of you.”

I felt a white-hot rage burn in my chest.

Not if I have anything to say about it.

On my mark.

One breath.

Two.

“NOW.”

The three of us struck at once.

Sebastian disarmed the first poacher, sending him flying backward with a well-aimed Expelliarmus before Silencio cut off his scream.

Ominis, his movements swift and practiced, sent out an Incarcerous, snaring one of the wizards in glowing ropes, his expression unreadable.

I flicked my wand at another, wordlessly sending a Stupefy into his chest.

One by one, the poachers fell—but there were more than we expected.

Too many.

And then—the dragon broke free.

With one final earth-shaking roar, it twisted, snapping the chains, sending half of the poachers engulfed in its flames.

We barely had time to react before the fire lit up the entire clearing, the once-darkened night illuminated in a sea of gold and crimson.

Everything smelled of smoke and death.

We stood there, breathless.

Watching as the dragon ripped through its remaining captors, its fiery wrath leaving no survivors.

My stomach twisted.

That… that could’ve been us.

Ominis said nothing, just nodded once.

We barely had time to process the moment before—

“Well, well… who do we have here?”

The three of us whipped around.

Two dark wizards stood before us, their robes shimmering under the moonlight, their wands already raised.

We were still invisible—but I felt it in my gut.

They knew.

The one in deep purple smirked.

“You lot aren’t trying to steal our dragon, are you?”

Sebastian stepped forward, dropping the Invisibility Charm.

“That dragon isn’t yours.”

The wizard in red laughed darkly.

“You think?” He tilted his head, amused. “Too bad you won’t be around to see us claim her.”

**And then—**a barrage of spells exploded toward us.

I barely had time to yank my wand up, casting Protego Maxima, the golden shield blazing to life just in time to absorb the impact.

The ground trembled. The dragon turned its head toward us.

Not good. Not good at all.

One of the wizards, the one in purple, conjured a strange, glowing metal.

The other in red muttered a spell, launching it toward the dragon.

The collar latched onto its neck—and the beast screamed.

My blood ran cold.

The dragon writhed, claws digging into the dirt, its body twisting in agony.

Sebastian and Ominis reacted instantly.

The Invisibility potion has worn off.

Spells clashed. Curses flew. The two boys pushed forward, casting and dodging with deadly precision.

But I—

I saw red.

The wizard in red laughed, pointing his wand toward the dragon again.

NO.

I didn’t think. I acted.

The ancient magic burned through my veins, crackling at my fingertips as I flicked my wand.

The dark wizard in red barely had time to register my spell before his entire body twisted, transfigured into a pebble.

And then, I crushed it under my boot.

Silence.

Ominis and Sebastian froze, their battle with the other wizard momentarily forgotten.

Shock.

Fear.

And then—

Sebastian recovered first, his grip on his wand tightening. He turned, expression dark.

“Let’s finish this.”

Ominis stunned the remaining wizard, binding him instantly.

The clearing was deathly quiet.

Only the sound of the dragon’s ragged breathing remained.

It was still in pain, the collar gleaming around its throat.

Then—a flicker of movement.

Fire swelled in its chest.

I barely heard Sebastian and Ominis shouting my name before the flames rushed toward me.

I launched forward, yanking my wand out.

“ACCIO.”

The collar ripped off.

The dragon stopped.

A long, suspended moment.

None of us breathed.

The dragon exhaled.

Then, slowly, it turned, gathered its eggs from the nest, and took off—soaring into the sky, vanishing into the night.

We stood there.

Silent.

Breathless.

And then we collapsed onto the ground, panting.

Sebastian muttered, voice hoarse.

“Bloody hell.”

Ominis, still on his back, exhaled.

“That… was the worst thing we’ve ever done.”

I stared at the sky, heart still pounding.

And then—I smiled.

Because we were alive.

We gathered the Dragon’s Breath Resin carefully, stuffing it into protective vials. My hands were shaking slightly, the aftermath of the battle still coursing through my veins.

Sebastian finished sealing the last vial, exhaling a breath that sounded half relief, half disbelief.

“We need to go. Before another dragon decides it doesn’t like us.”

No argument there.

We mounted our brooms, Ominis settling behind me without hesitation, and took off into the night.

The wind rushed past us, cool and exhilarating against my flushed skin.

For a moment, we said nothing.

Just three reckless souls soaring above the world, carrying the proof of our near-death experience.

And then—

Laughter.

It started small, bubbling up from Sebastian’s chest, until it broke free—a breathless, disbelieving laugh.

I caught it next. A wave of hysterical relief, of ridiculous triumph.

Ominis, ever composed, let out a short, exasperated chuckle.

And suddenly, we were all laughing—giddy, half-delirious, victorious.

We were alive.

We survived a dragon.

I clutched my broom tighter, feeling something I hadn’t felt in a long time.

Not just relief. Not just exhaustion.

I felt alive.

The castle loomed ahead, and reality sank back in. We slowed our flight, careful as we slipped through the shadows and made our way to the Room of Requirement.

Inside, the room seemed to breathe with us, shifting, expanding.

We set the Dragon’s Breath Resin down beside the Phoenix Ash and Frozen Mallowroot.

Three down.

We had three pieces of Anne’s cure.

The weight of that realization settled over us.

No words were needed. Just quiet. Just the moment.

The Tea Room welcomed us into its warmth. We slumped onto the couches, the exhaustion catching up.

I had expected questions.

And Sebastian? He never disappointed.

He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, eyes dark with something I couldn’t quite place.

“Jessa…” His voice was softer than usual. Still laced with awe. “What you did back there. What was that?”

I held his gaze for a moment.

Ominis, beside me, exhaled slowly.

“It was the same as the lightning.”

His voice was quiet, thoughtful. Knowing.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened.

“But the lightning—” He stopped himself, brow furrowed.

He didn’t know.

Not really.

I sighed, tilting my head back against the couch.

No more secrets.

“Yes,” I admitted. “It was my Ancient Magic.”

Sebastian’s grip on his knee tightened.

“But where does it come from?”

I looked at him, at Ominis—both watching me, both waiting.

“The Valancaire bloodline,” I answered simply.

Sebastian stilled. Ominis, however, had no reaction.

He already knew. Or maybe, he’d already pieced it together.

Sebastian, on the other hand, looked at me like I was something entirely new.

I inhaled deeply, then continued.

“But only I—the only daughter—can actually wield it.”

Silence.

The room felt heavier.

Sebastian sat back, dragging a hand through his hair, his expression unreadable.

Ominis merely folded his hands over his lap, his sightless gaze fixed in my direction.

For a moment, none of us spoke.

And then—

Sebastian let out a slow, breathy laugh.

“Bloody hell.”

I sighed, already knowing what was coming.

“I suppose I should be used to you ruining my life by now,” he muttered.

I rolled my eyes.

“You’re alive, Sallow.”

He smirked, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Barely.”

Ominis, still quiet, finally broke his silence.

“So… what happens now?”

That was the real question, wasn’t it?

I looked at the table—at the ingredients we nearly died for.

____

“The Moonstone Core Essence is easy,” I said, still catching my breath from our ridiculous, near-death experience. “I… I have someone I can ask for it.”

Both Ominis and Sebastian turned their attention to me at once.

Focused. Alert. Suspicious.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes.

“Who?”

Ominis tilted his head, already skeptical.

“Weasley?”

I exhaled, bracing myself.

“Yes.”

The room dropped into silence.

Neither looked pleased.

At all.

Sebastian scoffed, shaking his head.

“You’re joking.”

Ominis, ever the more composed one, simply pursed his lips.

“You trust him?”

I crossed my arms.

“More than I trust either of you in Knockturn Alley.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes.

“That’s not a high bar, love.”

I shot him a glare.

“I mean it. Be nice to him. He’s unknowingly helping us.”

Sebastian huffed.

“Unknowingly? And you think he won’t start asking questions?”

Ominis let out a slow breath.

“Jessa, you know what he’s like. He’s observant. Curious. Too much for his own good.”

I sighed.

“He gave me that journal—the one that helped us find the Mallowroot. He has knowledge to things we don’t.”

Sebastian still didn’t look convinced.

“And what do you plan to tell him? That we need a very rare ingredient for a potion we can’t explain?”

I groaned.

“I’ll figure it out.”

Sebastian’s smirk was sharp.

“Oh, I’m sure you will.”

I ignored him.

Ominis, who had been silent, finally spoke.

“And the Elderwood Infusion?”

I turned to him, frowning.

“That one’s… trickier.”

He nodded.

“The stocks are controlled, and it’s rarely sold to just anyone. If we want it, we’ll need to either find a seller in Knockturn Alley or have the right connections.”

Sebastian leaned back, arms crossed.

“Well, lucky for you both, I have both.”

I arched a brow.

“Oh? And who do you know in Knockturn Alley?”

Sebastian grinned.

“People.”

Ominis exhaled through his nose.

“Oh, that’s reassuring.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes.

“We have Galleons. That’s all that matters.”

I hated that he had a point.

Rare ingredients like Elderwood Infusion didn’t just require money. They required negotiation. Luck. A willingness to get your hands dirty.

And Sebastian Sallow was very good at all three.

I sighed.

“So, let me get this straight. I have to ask Garreth for the Moonstone Core Essence, and you two get to go on a shady shopping trip to Knockturn Alley?”

Sebastian smirked.

“You can always join us, darling.”

Ominis scoffed.

“I’d rather not get arrested, thanks.”

Sebastian clapped him on the back.

“Oh, come on, Gaunt. You’d look stunning in Azkaban robes.”

Ominis deadpanned.

“Say that again, and I’ll personally make sure you get to experience them first.”

I groaned, rubbing my temples.

“This is already a disaster.”

Sebastian grinned.

“Oh, absolutely.”

Ominis sighed.

“But it’s the best plan we’ve got.”

I glanced at the table of ingredients, at the Dragon’s Breath Resin, Phoenix Ash, and Frozen Mallowroot.

I leaned back, arms crossed, watching the two Slytherins like a cat watching mice.

“Well, I have my galleons.”

Sebastian arched a brow, but before he could speak, I continued,

“I have my allowance… and some jewelry to sell.”

“No.”

Sebastian’s response was immediate.

I blinked at him, tilting my head.

“Excuse me?”

He met my gaze, unwavering.

“You’re not selling your jewelry.”

I smirked.

“Is that the line you draw, Sebastian? My money?”

His jaw ticked, but his response was firm.

“Yes.”

Ominis, listening silently up until now, let out an amused sigh.

I tapped my chin.

“Oh, so you two can throw galleons around in shady alleys, but my money is off-limits?”

Sebastian huffed.

I narrowed my eyes, watching him carefully.

“And where, exactly, did you get your galleons, Sallow?”

There was a beat of hesitation.

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, clearly debating how much to say.

Ominis let out a soft chuckle.

“This should be good.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes.

“Alright, fine. I… may or may not have acquired some extra funds from a few… friendly wagers.”

I arched a brow.

“Wagers?”

Ominis, catching on quicker than me, sighed.

“You were dueling for money again, weren’t you?”

Sebastian smirked.

“Well, it’s not my fault people underestimate me.”

I groaned.

“Sebastian.”

He raised his hands in mock innocence.

“They bet, they lose. I just… happen to collect.”

I shook my head.

“That is a shady way to make money.”

He grinned, all too pleased with himself.

“But effective.”

Ominis sighed.

“Well, at least you have some sense of self-preservation.”

I snorted.

“Says the man who’s definitely never had to bet on anything in his life.”

Ominis lifted his chin.

“Because I don’t have to.”

Sebastian smirked.

“Of course not, Mr. Gaunt.”

Ominis rolled his eyes but admitted,

“I have money, too. More than enough.”

Sebastian laughed.

“Obviously.”

I folded my arms, grinning.

“Oh? Are we bragging about our money now?”

Sebastian grinned wider.

“Just pointing out that you don’t have to spend a single galleon, love.”

Ominis tilted his head.

“Yes. We will handle it.”

I exhaled, shaking my head.

“Unbelievable. Two very rich, very stubborn Slytherins.”

Sebastian smirked.

“Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?”

Ominis chuckled.

“Or a nightmare.”

___

We drank our tea in comfortable silence, exhaustion settling into our bones after everything we had been through. The quiet hum of the Room of Requirement was a familiar presence by now—always shifting, always adapting.

But then, it changed again.

A deep, resounding pulse ran through the walls, sending a shiver up my spine. The very air around us shifted, and I felt Sebastian and Ominis tense beside me.

“What—” I began, but before I could finish, a new doorway unfolded before us.

We all stood.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes.

“Why is it still changing?”

Ominis took a slow step forward, his wand flicking to trace the outlines of the entrance.

“This… isn’t random,” he murmured. “It’s responding to something.”

I swallowed hard, exchanging a glance with them before stepping through the threshold.

Inside was a vast, empty space.

A dome stretched overhead, its smooth stone surface illuminated with an eerie, silvery glow. The floor beneath us was etched in ancient runes, spiraling outward in unfamiliar patterns.

I felt a strange pull.

The symbols looked old—older than Hogwarts itself. The kind of markings that did not belong in an ordinary Room of Requirement.

Sebastian let out a low whistle.

“Alright, that’s unsettling.”

Ominis traced his fingers lightly along one of the runes.

“These are… different.”

I furrowed my brows, trying to read the script.

“What do they mean?”

Ominis shook his head.

“I’m not sure. I can recognize a few, but the language—it’s older than Latin.”

Sebastian exhaled, scanning the space.

“This whole thing feels like a trap.”

I took a deep breath, stepping forward, the pull growing stronger.

“It’s not a trap,” I whispered. “It’s… something else.”

Ominis turned toward me, sensing the shift in my energy.

“What do you feel?”

I pressed my palm lightly to one of the runes. Magic thrummed against my fingertips, ancient and alive. A warm, golden glow flickered beneath my touch, as if it was responding to me.

Sebastian and Ominis both took a step closer, watching intently.

Sebastian muttered,

“You’re doing something.”

Ominis inhaled sharply.

“No. She’s activating something.”

And just like that—

The entire dome lit up.
___

The moment the dome lit up, magic hummed through the air, a deep, resonating vibration that sank into my very bones.

I gasped softly, feeling the thrum of energy pulse outward, touching everything—and them.

Sebastian stiffened, his fingers twitching slightly at his sides.

Ominis inhaled sharply, standing completely still, his head tilted as if listening to something only he could hear.

They felt it too.

Their magic responded to mine, intertwining, coiling, pulling—

A sensation unlike anything I’d ever felt before.

And then—

It vanished.

The glow from the dome flickered once, like a dying ember, before fading completely. The runes on the floor dimmed, their power retreating into silence.

Sebastian exhaled loudly.

“What—” He ran a hand through his hair, eyes still wide. “What the hell was that?!”

I shook my head, stepping back as my heart pounded against my ribs.

“I… I don’t know.”

Ominis’ brows furrowed, his fingers pressing lightly against the runes.

“It felt… familiar.” His voice was quiet, almost contemplative. “Not hostile, not like a trap… but old. Ancient.”

Sebastian huffed, crossing his arms.

“Fantastic. Another cryptic magical mystery for us to solve.”

I swallowed, staring at the now dormant chamber.

I turned to them, voice steadier than I felt.

“The Room gave this to us.

And if it gave it to us—it meant we would need it.”

I looked between them, certainty settling in my chest.

Sebastian and Ominis exchanged a glance.

Neither of them argued.

—

It was late, the warmth of our tea long gone, replaced by the cool weight of reality pressing down on us.

“We should go,” I sighed, stretching my arms as I stood.

Ominis nodded, adjusting the collar of his robes.

“I’ll prepare a list of potential contacts for the Elderwood Infusion. I know a few names from my family’s more… unsavory dealings.”

Sebastian smirked.

“Look at you, embracing the family legacy after all.”

Ominis rolled his eyes.

“Shut up, Sallow.”

And just like that, the bickering resumed.

“No, we should go tomorrow—early,” Sebastian argued.

“That’s idiotic,” Ominis countered, voice as dry as parchment. “No one goes to Knockturn Alley that early unless they want to be marked as an Auror or a fool.”

Sebastian scoffed.

“Fine. Late evening then.”

“Midnight.”

“What?! Ominis, we’re buying an ingredient, not plotting a murder.”

“Merlin, I wish we were,” Ominis muttered under his breath.

I rubbed my temples.

“If you two can’t agree, I’ll pick the time myself.”

Both of them turned to me instantly, speaking over each other.

“No.”

“Absolutely not.”

I sighed, exasperated.

“Before we go, we need to make sure everything is in order first. I know we want this done as early as possible, but we can’t be reckless.”

I looked at Sebastian pointedly as I said it.

He placed a hand over his chest, feigning offense.

“Jessa, please. I am the picture of caution.”

I snorted.

“Right. And I’m the Minister of Magic.”

Ominis let out a quiet chuckle, clearly enjoying the moment.

Sebastian sighed dramatically. “Fine. We’ll be thorough. But I have some names to add to the list, too. Some of them owe me a favor or two.”

Ominis turned his head toward him, skeptical.

“You? With contacts?”

Sebastian smirked.

“You’re not the only one who knows a few shady people, Gaunt.”

I crossed my arms.

“Well, good. That’s settled. Let’s meet up tomorrow and go over everything in more detail.”

The boys exchanged glances.

“Fine,” they said in unison.

—-

We finally made our way out of the Room of Requirement, descending the corridors in comfortable silence—aside from a few lingering glares exchanged between my two brilliant, stubborn idiots.

At the Grand Staircase, we finally split ways.

Before I could turn, Sebastian lingered, shifting his weight like he was debating something.

And then—softly, sincerely—

“Thank you.”

Me and Ominis was caught off guard.

Not just a thank you for tonight.

Not just a thank you for the plan.

It was deeper.

A thank you for telling him the truth.

For keeping Anne safe.

For choosing him.

I felt warmth coil in my chest.

“Get some rest, Bas.” I smiled, nudging him lightly. “We still have a dragon’s worth of work ahead of us.”

He huffed a laugh, shaking his head, but there was something softer in his expression now.

Ominis, who had been quiet, finally spoke.

“Try not to do anything reckless in the meantime,” he added dryly, his tone familiar—almost fond.

Sebastian rolled his eyes but grinned.

“No promises.”

With one final glance, I turned on my heel and disappeared into the night—

Off to the Valancaire Keep.

Back to training.

________

I stepped out of the Keep, expecting the usual.

A spell flung my way. A harsh greeting wrapped in a challenge. My Grandfather standing like an unmovable force, waiting for me to prove myself again.

But today—

Nothing.

No attacks.

No commands.

No Grandfather.

The absence unsettled me more than a duel ever could.

Frowning, I made my way inside the Keep, my boots echoing against the cold stone. The training grounds were empty, the torches dimmer than usual.

And then I found him.

Standing still, back rigid, hands clasped behind him as he gazed up at a portrait.

A woman.

Her face was unfamiliar—high cheekbones, dark waves of hair, eyes filled with something hauntingly sad.

I hesitated at the doorway, uncertain, before quietly stepping forward.

He did not turn to acknowledge me.

Only spoke.

“Today is your grandmother’s death anniversary.”

I stilled.

The weight of those words settled heavy in my chest.

“…That’s her?” I asked softly, looking up at the painting once more.

A part of me wasn’t surprised. I had always wondered why there were no portraits of my Grandfather or Grandmother in the Valancaire Manor.

My father never spoke of them.

Never even mentioned them.

And for a long time, I never questioned it.

But now—I did.

My Grandfather remained silent for a moment, eyes never leaving the portrait.

Then, he said, voice as cold and steady as always, but… if you listened closely, just closely enough—

There was something else beneath it.

“Your father… did not understand the weight of our name. Not truly.”

I swallowed, my hands curling into my sleeves.

Not truly.

So what did that make me?

I looked back at the portrait, at the woman who had been erased from our halls, from our home, from our legacy.

And I felt it.

The unspoken grief. The silence. The way her absence shaped the man standing before me.

My Grandfather, for the first time, felt almost—human.

Before I could say anything, he turned and held something out to me.

A box.

I took it carefully, opening the lid to reveal—

A hair ornament.

A small, delicate comb, lined with glistening rainbow jewels that shimmered under the dim light.

It was… beautiful.

Too gentle, too fragile to be something from this place, from this man.

He watched me examine it, then spoke, his words sharp but laced with something heavy.

“We had a daughter. That was for her.”

I froze.

I looked up at him sharply, my breath caught in my throat.

A daughter?

He had a daughter?

“She died three months after her birth.”

Something inside me cracked.

I swallowed thickly, my fingers gripping the edges of the box.

His voice did not waver, his face unreadable.

But when I looked closer—when I really looked—

I saw it.

A grief so deeply buried, so forgotten by time and legacy, that only the weight of his silence could tell its story.

“Your grandmother did not survive the grief,” he continued, his gaze distant.

Grief.

The word felt foreign in this cold, merciless place.

I looked back at the hairpiece, my chest tightening.

It was meant for her.

A child who never grew.

A child who never got to carry the name Valancaire.

And now…

“I am sure she would like it if a daughter of Valancaire had it.”

I felt my fingers tremble around the ornament, the weight of its meaning pressing against me.

I opened my mouth, words forming—

But before I could speak, my Grandfather turned.

And with all the finality of a man who refuses to linger in the past—

“Now, let’s proceed with your training.”

A Lesson in Endurance

I barely had a second to breathe before he was moving.

We stepped into the training grounds, where sparring dummies had been replaced with something else entirely.

Obstacles.

Rings of enchanted fire, moving platforms, walls that shifted with unpredictable patterns.

This was not just a battle of magic.

This was a battle of stamina.

And I had no choice but to endure it.

“Your magic drains you,” he stated, watching as the arena shifted before me. “That is your weakness.”

I gritted my teeth, preparing myself.

“That will change.”

And so, it began.

The air burned. My legs screamed. My magic pulsed inside me, demanding release, but I had to control it.

Leap. Duck. Shield. Run.

Over and over, again and again.

There were no breaks.

No pauses.

No mercy.

And when I thought I couldn’t move anymore—

I did.

Because I had to.

Because I was a Valancaire.

Because I carried more than just my name.

Because somewhere, in a past long buried—

A daughter of Valancaire never got to live.

And I would.

___

I stepped into the dormitory, my fingers curled tightly around the small box that held my grandmother’s hair ornament. The weight of today—of my training, of my grandfather’s words, of the history I never knew—settled into my chest.

But before I could sink into my thoughts, I caught sight of Samantha, still very much awake.

And reading—

My mother’s bloody manual.

I sighed.

“Sam.”

She startled, nearly dropping the book, looking like a child caught red-handed.

“Oh—uh—hi!” she squeaked, quickly snapping the manual shut.

I narrowed my eyes, walking toward her. “I told you to stop reading that thing.”

She flushed, hugging the book to her chest. “I was just… you know, studying. Expanding my knowledge.”

I arched a brow. “You are going to give Leander a heart attack at this point.”

That made her gasp dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. “How dare you? I am an innocent academic woman, Jessa. My research is purely for—”

“Oh, please,” I cut in, rolling my eyes. “I’ve seen the way you look at him after you read certain passages.”

Her face turned a delightful shade of red.

I smirked. “I rest my case.”

Before she could argue further, her eyes flickered down to the box in my hands, curiosity lighting up her face.

“Ooooh,” she said, sitting up. “What’s that?”

I hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the small, intricately carved box before sighing and handing it to her.

She took it gently, opening the lid—

And let out a soft gasp.

The hair ornament inside shimmered under the candlelight, its rainbow jewels reflecting a soft glow.

“Jessa,” she whispered, eyes wide in awe. “This is beautiful.”

I swallowed. “It was my late grandmother’s.”

Samantha’s gaze snapped to mine. “Your late grandmother?”

I nodded, exhaling slowly. “My grandfather gave it to me tonight.”

She looked back at the ornament, a warm smile touching her lips. “It suits you. You should wear it sometime.”

Something in my chest tightened.

I smiled back. “Maybe I will.”

Satisfied with her snooping, Samantha finally placed the box beside my bed as I began preparing to sleep.

Or, well—

I tried.

Because Samantha Dale was not done tormenting me.

She picked up the manual again, flipping through the pages like a scholar with an undiscovered relic of magic.

“Now, Jessa,” she began, far too smugly, “I do believe we need to go over some advanced techniques. The section on kissing techniques, for example—”

I threw a pillow at her.

She yelped, laughing.

I groaned, dragging my hands down my face. “Sam. I swear.”

She ignored me completely, holding up the book with a wicked grin. “Did you know that apparently, the key to an utterly ruinous kiss is—”

“SAMANTHA.”

She cackled.

I lunged for the book, fully prepared to destroy it, but she dodged, still laughing like the menace she was.

Eventually, my exhaustion won, and I collapsed onto my bed, groaning into my pillow.

Samantha, still giggling, finally settled down too, flipping through the book with a self-satisfied sigh.

“I bet Sebastian and Ominis would love to—”

“I will hex you.”

That only made her laugh harder.

Despite my embarrassment, despite her absolute lack of mercy, I found myself grinning into my pillow.

The teasing continued until both of us dissolved into laughter.

And as the candlelight dimmed, as our giggles turned to sleepy murmurs, as the warmth of friendship settled over the room—

We drifted into sleep.
___

Samantha practically shoved me into the vanity that morning, determined to style my hair.

“Sam, we don’t have time—”

“Hush,” she scolded, twisting my hair with practiced precision, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. “You’re wearing the ornament.”

I sighed but relented.

Minutes later, with my hair carefully styled and the rainbow-jeweled comb nestled delicately in place, I gave her a look. “Happy?”

“Very,” she grinned, stepping back to admire her work. “You look like a noble lady of old.”

I rolled my eyes, but my lips twitched with amusement.

We slipped into our new uniforms—a fitted Ravenclaw blue coat and slacks, sleek and refined, a nice shift from the usual skirts. Samantha adjusted her cuffs, nodding approvingly.

“Not bad,” she mused. “We might just outshine the Slytherins today.”

I snorted. “You’re ambitious for a Ravenclaw.”

“And yet, I’m right,” she quipped, linking her arm through mine as we headed to the Great Hall.

Jace, Sebastian, Ominis, Natty, and Poppy were already seated when we arrived.

The Ravenclaw table was noticeably packed today, so much so that some students were now spilling into other house tables.

Most notably—

Leander, Amit, and Everette.

All suspiciously sitting not too far from our group, but not too close either.

As if they were hovering.

I narrowed my eyes.

Samantha, the traitor, immediately ran ahead to sit beside Poppy, leaving me to fend for myself.

The only open seat left?

Right between Ominis and Sebastian.

Again.

I sighed dramatically, dropping into the seat, only for the two Slytherins to immediately start their routine—pouring my tea, stacking food onto my plate, subtly nudging each other aside as they did so.

I didn’t even try to stop them.

Jace, watching this spectacle, huffed a laugh.

“Merlin’s beard,” he mused, glancing around. “It’s ridiculous how full the Ravenclaw table is today.”

I followed his gaze and—he was right.

Even Ravenclaws who normally sat elsewhere had somehow squeezed into the table, shoulders brushing as they made room for each other.

And then there was Leander, Amit, and Everette, their presence unusual given that they weren’t usually this close to our group.

Jace smirked, then said loudly, “You lot aren’t sneaky, you know.”

The three froze before hastily pretending to be very interested in their plates.

The table erupted into laughter.

Natty grinned, leaning toward them. “Really, you could have just sat with us.”

Leander coughed, Amit turned red, and Everette pretended not to hear.

Poppy giggled. “Maybe they like the view better from over there.”

Samantha winked. “Especially today.”

I tilted my head in confusion, until—

Jace turned to me.

His gaze flickered toward my hair ornament, and his eyes softened with recognition.

For a moment, his teasing vanished.

“It looks good on you, sister,” he said, quiet but warm.

The table followed his gaze.

Everyone’s attention shifted—to me, and then to the ornament.

There was a beat of silence before the girls began murmuring in awe.

“It really does,” Poppy agreed, admiring the way the rainbow jewels caught the light.

Sebastian, ever quick with words, smirked. “It suits you,” he said, before turning slightly Ominis. “It’s an intricate piece—elegant, with different colored jewels embedded in a silver comb, woven like branches.”

Ominis, who had remained quietly listening, hummed thoughtfully. “It sounds like something crafted with care.”

I swallowed.

“Thank you,” I said softly, fingers brushing over the ornament. “It was my grandmother’s.”

Jace gave me a knowing look.

The others seemed to pick up on the weight behind those words, and there was a brief moment of quiet understanding.

And then—

An All-Too-Familiar THUD.

The morning owl post arrived in a flurry of wings.

A particularly heavy letter slammed onto the table—right in front of me.

Again.

I stared at it.

Everyone else stared too.

And then—

Jace snorted.

“Must be a Valancaire thing,” he said, far too amused.

Sebastian arched a brow. “Another love letter, Jessa?”

I glared. “Don’t start.”

Ominis, ever the calm one, simply sipped his tea. “You could just… open it.”

I sighed.

Something told me that whatever was inside—

It wasn’t going to make my life any easier.

___

I stared at the wax seal.

The impeccably pressed parchment.

The neat, flourishing script.

And sighed heavily.

It was from my mother.

Jace, across the table, sipped his juice far too innocently.

I narrowed my eyes, my voice turning sickeningly sweet—the kind of sweet that sent a warning chill down his spine.

“What did you write to Mother, Jace?”

He tilted his head, smiling brightly. “Whatever do you mean, dear sister?”

I scowled. “I haven’t even had the chance to write to her yet.”

Jace beamed. “Exactly! You were making her sad by not writing! So I did what a good son does—”

He pressed a hand to his chest dramatically.

“—I wrote to our mother.”

I groaned loudly, throwing my head back.

Merlin save me.

I tore open the thick letter, already dreading what was inside.

And oh, it was worse than I imagined.

My Darling Daughter,

First of all, you looked absolutely radiant in that red dress.

Jace was right to describe it to me in great detail, as it seems my impeccable taste in dressing you has, yet again, proven successful.

Your father, of course, will say otherwise—but that is of little concern.

More importantly—

I have now been made aware of certain events that transpired during a particular Slytherin Common Room party.

Oh, where do I even begin?

Perhaps with the Truth or Dare game?

You kissed three boys on the neck, Jessa? Three?

How very bold of you. Your mother is proud.

And the way you did it, my dear—a lingering kiss? Lipstick marks left behind?

You applied my teachings well.

But I must ask—which one did you enjoy kissing the most?

I expect a thorough analysis in your next letter.

Of course, we must also discuss the dancing.

My dear, do you realize the kind of devastation you left in your wake?

Jace’s recounting of Mr. Weasley’s face, the pure jealousy that followed, the downward spiral of Mr. Sallow and Mr. Gaunt—

Oh, my sweet girl. You wield power you don’t even realize.

And then the whispers.

I have never been prouder.

Oh, Jessa, your father would be absolutely horrified if he knew.

I am delighted.

Now—my next request is simple:

Write back immediately.

Tell me everything.

And wear red more often.

With love,

Your Mother.

I stared blankly at the parchment.

Jace grinned wickedly at me, while the girls were practically vibrating with excitement.

“So? What does it say?” Natty asked eagerly.

I let out a long, suffering sigh and just handed them the letter.

I buried my face in my hands as they snatched it immediately, their eyes scanning through the contents.

And then—

Screaming.

“Oh my god,” Samantha wheezed, clutching her stomach.

“Your mother is amazing,” Poppy gasped, near tears.

“This is the greatest thing I’ve ever read,” Natty choked out, gripping my shoulder.

Sebastian, who had been pretending not to listen, suddenly straightened.

“What does it say?” he asked sharply.

Ominis, also suspiciously invested, leaned slightly toward the commotion.

The girls all turned to me slowly, grinning like they were about to set fire to my entire existence.

I shook my head violently.

“No.”

Samantha waved the letter in the air. “Oh, but your mother asked a very important question.”

I paled. “Don’t you dare.”

Poppy cleared her throat dramatically and read aloud:

**“But I must ask—which one did you enjoy kissing the most?”

Dead. I was dead.

Sebastian choked on his tea.

Ominis turned his head sharply in my direction.

Garreth—**who had just walked up to the table—**stopped in his tracks.

I was going to haunt Jace forever.
___

Garreth grinned wickedly as he squeezed himself into the already crowded table, elbowing Sebastian aside just enough to make room for himself.

“So,” he said far too smugly, folding his arms on the table and leaning in toward me. “Who was it, Jessa?”

I glared at him immediately, my face still burning from the sheer embarrassment of my mother’s letter.

“Gar,” I groaned, exasperated. “Must you really squeeze in here just to torment me?”

He placed a hand over his heart, feigning innocence.

“Oh, no, sweets. I am merely trying to confirm our dinner plans that you so enthusiastically agreed to.”

My eyes widened in absolute horror.

Dinner.

I had agreed to that.

I snapped my gaze toward Sebastian and Ominis, who both stiffened visibly.

Poppy gasped audibly, while Samantha covered her mouth to stifle her laughter.

“Oh my,” Natty said in mock surprise, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Garreth’s smirk only deepened as he leaned closer. “Oh, did you forget, love?”

I opened my mouth—then closed it again.

This absolute menace.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, his fingers gripping his fork just a little too tightly.

Ominis, though outwardly composed, exhaled through his nose rather sharply, his head tilting slightly toward me.

Sensing the chaos unfolding, Leander, Amit, and Everette sat up straighter, completely enthralled.

And then, as if he hadn’t already set the entire table ablaze, Garreth grinned even wider and casually delivered the final blow.

“Yes, sweets, I’ve got the best seat confirmed. Meet me at the exit, yeah?”

And then, the wink.

That damned wink.

A collective gasp rippled through the table.

Everette whistled low, shaking his head in awe. “Bloody hell, that was smooth.”

Amit was nodding furiously, already scribbling something down in his notebook.

Leander snorted, muttering, “I need to write that down—what did he just say?”

Garreth sat back smugly, utterly pleased with himself, while I sat there speechless, my brain short-circuiting from the overwhelming combination of amusement, horror, and something else I refused to name.

Sebastian and Ominis, however—oh, they were absolutely fuming.

__

Garreth left like the absolute menace he was, tossing one final, devastatingly smug remark over his shoulder.

“Don’t forget, sweets—wear that hair ornament,” he purred. “It looks sinfully beautiful on you.”

Chaos. He left chaos in his wake.

I sat there, stunned, blinking rapidly, absolutely drowning in the weight of what just happened.

The table was dead silent—except for Sebastian’s fork scraping aggressively against his plate and Ominis gripping his teacup so tightly it might actually shatter.

Natty, my savior, bless her, clearly noticed that I was both dying inside and also in mortal peril from the two absolutely fuming Slytherins flanking me.

So, in her infinite wisdom, she cleared her throat loudly and announced,

“Oh, look at the time!”

The entire table turned to her.

“We should really be heading to Herbology early, right, Poppy? Samantha?”

Poppy, ever the gossip, furrowed her brows. “What? No.”

Samantha, very much enjoying my suffering, added, “Absolutely not.”

Natty’s eye twitched.

She shoved both of them, causing a minor commotion at the table. “No, no, we need to go! We have to fix our plants!”

Samantha dug her heels in, resisting like a stubborn hippogriff.

“Natty, we literally don’t.”

“Yes, we do!” Natty snapped. “And Jace promised to help us, didn’t you, Jace?”

She turned the full force of her narrowed eyes on my brother, who had been happily watching the disaster unfold like a bloody front-row spectator.

Jace, the traitor, paused mid-sip of his juice, blinked once, then nodded.

“Ah… yeah. Yeah. I’ll help.”

He leaned down as he passed me and whispered in my ear,

“Good luck.”

Before I could strangle him, Natty forcefully dragged Poppy and Samantha away, herding them like rebellious sheep.

Leander, Amit, and Everette—who had been watching the entire ordeal like they were studying a new magical creature in the wild—scrambled up and followed Natty like lost puppies, whispering among themselves about Garreth’s insane levels of smoothness.

And then.

I was left.

Alone.

With two very, very furious Slytherins.

Oh, bloody hell.
__

Sebastian crossed his arms, glowering at me like I had personally stabbed him in the heart with a cursed dagger.

Ominis, equally livid but far more terrifying in his quiet anger, merely tilted his head, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table.

I sighed, already exhausted. “Okay. In my defense—”

Sebastian scoffed, shaking his head. “Oh, this should be good.”

I ignored him. “I agreed to the dinner when I was THANKING him for the journal that HELPED US.”

“Helping himself, more like,” Sebastian muttered.

“Helping himself to you,” Ominis added darkly.

I nearly choked. “Merlin’s beard, will you two—”

“You could have just said thank you,” Sebastian said, voice mockingly high-pitched, flailing his arms dramatically. “‘Oh, Garreth, thank you so much, you’re the best, here’s a polite handshake, goodbye.’”

I stared at him, deadpan. “A handshake?”

“Yes.”

“Like a business agreement?”

“Yes.”

Ominis nodded in full support.

I threw my hands up. “I CAN’T REFUSE A DINNER INVITE FROM SOMEONE I JUST THANKED.”

Sebastian gave a scoff of betrayal, looking at Ominis. “You hear that? She just admitted it. She’s going.”

“I literally just said that.”

“And you expect us to be okay with that?” Ominis snapped.

“I expect you both to STOP ACTING LIKE I JUST PROMISED HIM MY HAND IN MARRIAGE.”

Ominis crossed his arms, offended. “You might as well have.”

Sebastian nodded in absolute agreement.

I was so close to hexing them both.

I took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“I was going to ask him about the Moonstone Core Essence too! It’s a WIN for us!”

Sebastian leaned forward, practically growling. “A win for us or a win for Weasley?”

Ominis exhaled, long and slow, as if he were barely containing the urge to throttle me. “So you mean to tell us—”

“Oh, here we go,” I muttered.

“—that this dinner,” Ominis continued, voice dangerously calm, “is purely business.”

“Yes,” I gritted out.

Sebastian huffed, folding his arms so tightly I thought his robe might rip.

“Right. And when he leans in, all charming and smooth—‘Oh, Jessa, your eyes are like the depths of the Black Lake’—”

“I—”

“—‘Oh, Jessa, your hair ornament looks absolutely sinful on you’—”

I nearly threw my teacup at him.

Ominis, not to be outdone, added, “And let’s not forget—‘Oh, Jessa, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.’”

Sebastian gasped dramatically, placing a hand over his chest. “Oh, my stars! How could I resist such a compliment, Sebastian, Ominis?”

I whipped out my wand so fast they actually flinched.

“I SWEAR TO MERLIN, IF YOU TWO DON’T SHUT UP, I WILL HEX YOU BOTH SO HARD YOU’LL WAKE UP SPEAKING IN MANDARIN.”

They both immediately went silent.

I took another deep breath, glaring at them. “You two are completely unreasonable.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “And you’re completely blind.”

“I WILL BLIND YOU.”

Ominis let out a low, mocking chuckle, leaning back slightly. “Go on, then. Blind me harder.”

I.

Was.

Going.

To.

EXPLODE.

BUT

Oh, I could play this game too.

I exhaled dramatically, placing a hand over my chest like some delicate damsel. “Okay, fine,” I sighed, my voice thick with sarcasm. “You got me. I wanted to marry Garreth Weasley. That’s why we’re having dinner. And obviously, we’ll have five babies together. Happy?”

Sebastian’s eye twitched.

Ominis stiffened so hard I thought he’d become a human statue.

Sebastian crossed his arms, scowling. “Oh, really? Five? That’s the number you settled on?”

Ominis let out a low, exasperated sigh beside me. “At least be realistic, Jessa. Weasley can’t handle five.”

“Excuse me?!” I choked, gaping at him.

Sebastian snorted, clearly entertained now. “You’re right, Ominis. He’d probably pass out after one.”

“Oh, you absolute hypocrites.” I scoffed, throwing up my hands. “Five is perfectly reasonable! I could have said ten!”

Sebastian leaned in, eyes dark with something wicked. “Oh, now you’re just saying things to make us mad.”

Ominis tilted his head toward me, a small, knowing smile tugging at his lips. “Mad isn’t the right word.”

I ignored the way my stomach flipped.

“Anyway!” I pushed on, dramatically brushing my hair back. “I’ll be sure to swoon at Garreth the entire night. Maybe I’ll even twirl my hair—oh! Maybe I’ll let him tuck it behind my ear, how utterly scandalous!”

Sebastian’s jaw locked so tight I could hear his teeth grinding.

Ominis tilted his head toward me so slow and deliberate I felt genuinely cornered.

“Uh-huh,” Sebastian deadpanned. “And what else, Jessa? Do go on.”

I smirked, doubling down. “Oh, I might wear my black dress. The one that clings to all the right places.”

Sebastian stiffened.

Ominis’ lips parted slightly, but the expression on his face wasn’t shock. It was something else entirely.

Something deliciously dangerous.

I felt that look.

I felt it everywhere.

But I was committed now.

“Oh! And I’ll be sure to fix my hair nicely.” I sighed dreamily, pressing a finger to my chin. “You know… so Garreth can mess it up later.”

BANG.

Sebastian’s hand slammed down on the table.

Ominis exhaled sharply, his fingers gripping his wand.

I blinked.

I had done it.

I had pushed them too far.

A slow, creeping sensation crawled up my spine.

I was in so much trouble.

Sebastian’s voice was low, dangerous, silk wrapped around a knife.

“You’re not wearing that dress.”

Ominis’ lips curled into a mockery of a smile. “Or if you do… you won’t be wearing it for long.”

I whipped my head toward him so fast I nearly gave myself whiplash.

Sebastian let out a low, knowing laugh, his fingers drumming against the table.

Oh.

Oh, I had truly messed up now.

I swallowed. “…Right. So. I’ll just—”

They both leaned closer.

I grabbed my wand.

“DON’T COME ANY CLOSER, OR SO HELP ME—”

A slow, unimpressed voice rang through the air, cutting through the thick tension like a blade.

“That was too much to watch.”

I froze.

Sebastian and Ominis stilled.

We turned in unison—like guilty criminals caught red-handed.

Standing just a few feet away, arms crossed, was Valor.

And beside him? Vix, looking far too amused for my liking.

Oh. No.

Sebastian exhaled sharply, running a hand down his face. Ominis, however, just stood there, composed as ever, but the slight flush on his ears betrayed him.

Valor’s gaze honed in on me, unimpressed and utterly exasperated.

“You do realize that you are in a public area, yes?” he said, voice edged with authority.

I opened my mouth to defend myself—

“Oh, they know.” Vix cut in, smirking. “Trust me, everyone knows.”

I wanted to die.

I couldn’t even look around, but I knew people had seen.

The tension. The arguing. The standing way too close and nearly hexing each other.

I felt my soul leave my body.

Valor sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Sister, Sallow, Gaunt.”

We all stiffened.

“How about you go to your class now?”

Sebastian cleared his throat, suddenly very interested in the floor.

Ominis straightened his robes, looking as if he had been on his way to class the entire time.

I, meanwhile, was mentally digging my own grave.

“Oh, yeah,” I said too quickly, grabbing my bag. “Herbology! Right. We’ll be late! We should go!”

And then I bolted.

Sebastian and Ominis immediately followed, not daring to say a word.

Behind us, I could hear Vix laughing.

Merlin’s beard.

This was not over.
___

We speed-walked into the greenhouses, avoiding eye contact with every single soul in our path.

My face was still burning, and judging by the way Sebastian was staring straight ahead like he was on a military march and Ominis’ stiff posture, I wasn’t the only one suffering from post-public-display-of-absurdity regret.

We arrived, trying to slip into our seats unnoticed.

That was a mistake.

Because the moment we sat down, my friends were already waiting.

Arms crossed. Smug faces on. Judgment palpable.

Garreth, Amit, and Leander sat across from us, watching with great amusement, while Samantha, Poppy, and Natty leaned forward, grinning.

Oh, no.

“You all look,” Poppy started, glancing between us, “very… tense.”

Sebastian groaned, rubbing his temples.

Natty smirked. “Did something interesting happen?”

Samantha, still playing innocent, tilted her head. “Perhaps a discussion of wedding plans? Maybe… baby names?”

I choked.

Ominis let out a slow exhale, and Sebastian just sighed loudly, slumping onto the table like he had already accepted defeat.

“Oh, you know,” I said casually, trying not to combust on the spot, “just the usual—plotting, scheming, maybe a little light murder. Nothing to be concerned about.”

Leander, who had definitely been eavesdropping, muttered, “Right. That explains the whole ‘ready-to-duel’ vibe you lot had going on.”

Garreth, completely ignoring everything else, smirked at me.

Before I could be further interrogated, the door swung open, and Professor Garlick entered, her usual bright smile in place.

“Good morning, class!” Professor Garlick beamed, her green robes flowing gracefully as she stepped forward.

“Today,” she said, clapping her hands together, “we have a particularly exciting plant to study—one that I suspect you youngsters will be… quite fond of.”

The class perked up, curiosity piqued.

Garlick gestured to a peculiar-looking plant sitting in the center of the greenhouse.

It was lush and leafy, with small, golden buds swaying gently, almost like they were breathing.

I narrowed my eyes.

That was… suspicious.

Garreth, already intrigued, leaned forward. “Is it dangerous?”

Professor Garlick chuckled. “Not quite. But it is… potent.”

I did not like where this was going.

“This,” she said, gesturing dramatically, “is the Sundew Shimmerbloom.”

Sebastian raised a brow. “That’s a ridiculous name.”

Garlick ignored him.

“It emits a pollen,” she continued, “that mimics the effects of Firewhiskey—except in a much more… refined way.”

The entire class stilled.

Poppy gasped. “You’re giving us Firewhiskey in plant form?”

Professor Garlick laughed. “Oh no, dear! Not exactly. The effects are temporary, far less… overwhelming than alcohol. It merely induces a sense of relaxation and, well—“happiness.”

I narrowed my eyes at the suspiciously swaying plant.

“So,” Leander muttered, “you’re saying it’s Firewhiskey Lite?”

Amit, always the voice of reason, raised a hand. “Professor… is this even legal?”

Garlick waved her hand, completely unfazed. “Perfectly legal! As long as the plant is properly handled. The Ministry uses it in relaxation potions.”

Sebastian scoffed. “So, you’re giving us a plant that can get us tipsy. In class.”

“In the morning,” Ominis added flatly.

Garreth was already grinning. “Where do we start?”

Class Begins… Poorly

Professor Garlick, delighted by our enthusiasm (or lack of), clapped her hands.

“Excellent! Now, to properly extract the pollen, you must coax the plant open gently, without startling it. Otherwise, it will release a large cloud all at once.”

The class nodded.

Sounded easy enough.

Or so we thought.

The moment we began, chaos ensued.

Leander, impatient and reckless as ever, went in too fast—the plant reacted violently.

A golden cloud burst from the petals, engulfing his face.

He froze.

Then—

“Ohhhh, I feel great.”

Leander leaned back, a dazed grin spreading across his face.

Professor Garlick sighed. “And that, class, is exactly what I warned against.”

Sebastian and I stared at Leander in horrified fascination.

“Is he—” I started.

“Oh, he’s gone,” Sebastian muttered.

Meanwhile, Poppy was laughing hysterically, and Everette had already inhaled a small dose accidentally, giggling at literally nothing.

Garreth, clearly trying to make things worse, gave the plant a little shake.

Amit, frantic, whispered, “Don’t. You. Dare.”

Garreth winked.

Then he shook it harder.

Amit shrieked as another wave of golden pollen exploded.

Half the class got hit.

Giggles. Laughter. Uncontrollable grins.

Samantha, high off plant pollen, turned to Leander. “You have… the most fascinating nose.”

Leander, still dazed, beamed. “Do I really?”

Professor Garlick facepalmed.

I, realizing we were all doomed, slowly turned to my own plant.

“Alright, you two,” I muttered to Ominis and Sebastian. “Let’s not be complete menaces—”

Garreth, from across the table: “Too late.”

Sebastian grinned.

Ominis sighed.

And our disaster of a lesson continued.

It started with Leander, still high off his accidental pollen dose, twirling his wand and marveling at his own hands.

Then Poppy, who had been hit as well, suddenly turned to us, eyes shimmering with excitement.

“You know what we need to do?” she whispered conspiratorially.

Sebastian, already smirking, leaned forward. “Oh, this should be good.”

Poppy ignored him and clutched my arm. “We need to go hippogriff riding!”

I blinked. “What.”

“Tonight.” She beamed. “Me and Everette have talked about it, but now I’m certain. I can see it. Us. Flying into the sunset.”

Everette, also mildly intoxicated by pollen, grinned. “I would love that.”

Sebastian gagged dramatically. “Merlin, get a room.”

I elbowed him. “Oh, because you have room to talk?”

He winked. “I always have room.”

I groaned. Hopeless.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the table, absolute catastrophe was unfolding.

Natty, ever the responsible one, was frantically trying to stop Amit from climbing onto the table.

“Amit, no.”

“Natty, yes!”

Amit, eyes glazed with pollen-induced enthusiasm, stood atop the table, spread his arms, and dramatically announced:

“I dedicate this song… to my greatest love!”

The entire class turned to stare.

Leander, completely enraptured, whispered, “Oh, this is gonna be good.”

Natty, horrified, tried to pull him down. “Amit, please—”

But it was too late.

He cleared his throat.

And then—

He began to sing.

Not well.

But with absolute, heartfelt passion.

As if things weren’t bad enough, I suddenly heard muffled choking.

I turned just in time to see Sebastian and Garreth, those two absolute menaces, aiming their plants at me.

“You wouldn’t dare.” I narrowed my eyes.

Sebastian grinned. “Oh, I absolutely would.”

Garreth beamed. “And I’ll assist!”

I dodged, using the table as a shield—

And Ominis got hit instead.

Sebastian froze.

Garreth paled.

Ominis, slowly turning his head in their direction, exhaled sharply.

“…Oh, you absolute idiots.”

And then—chaos.

Ominis retaliated. Violently.

What followed was a full-scale pollen explosion.

Sebastian threw a handful of pollen directly at Ominis.

Ominis, seemingly uncaring of the fact that he was covered in the stuff already, cast a sweeping charm that sent an entire cloud of golden dust flying back at Sebastian.

Garreth, laughing his arse off, decided to help neither of them and just egged them on.

“Yes! More!” he cheered. “Make it a real duel!”

Meanwhile, I was trapped between the two, trying not to inhale a lungful of plant-induced euphoria.

“STOP IT!” I coughed, waving the air. “You’re going to get the entire class high!”

Sebastian, looking entirely too entertained, threw another handful of pollen at Ominis.

Ominis, who was clearly done with all of us, cast a charm that sent the whole plant exploding in Sebastian’s direction.

Amit, still standing on the table, still singing, lifted his arms dramatically as pollen rained down like golden snow.

Leander clapped. “Truly, a performance for the ages.”

At some point, I turned desperately to Professor Garlick.

“Professor! Aren’t you going to stop them?”

She simply grinned.

“Ohhh, just a little bit more.”

I stared at her in absolute horror.

SHE WAS ENJOYING THIS.

I turned back just in time to see Sebastian lunging at Ominis—Ominis raising his wand defensively—and Garreth encouraging them both like an enthusiastic commentator at a Quidditch match.

Leander, fully invested in the drama, turned to Amit.

“Do another song.”

Amit, delighted, took a deep breath.

Natty, horrified, tried again to pull him down. “Amit, for Merlin’s sake—”

I sighed heavily.

___

Professor Garlick Had Enough.

She flicked her wand, face entirely unbothered, and with a sharp swish, an icy wave of water came crashing down on every single pollen-drunk idiot in the greenhouse.

I barely managed to dodge the splash, watching in immense satisfaction as the three menaces—Sebastian, Ominis, and Garreth—were absolutely drenched.

Along with Poppy, Natty, Samantha, Leander, Amit, and Everette, who had also succumbed to the pollen madness.

Professor Garlick smiled, far too pleased with herself.

“Well,” she mused. “How was it?”

And Then They Looked… Confused.

I stood there.

Wearing three extra robes.

Three scarves.

An absolute idiot.

And the worst part?

They had no idea.

Sebastian blinked.

Ominis tilted his head.

Garreth rubbed his temple.

Poppy wiped the water from her face, looking dazed.

Natty stared at her hands like they betrayed her.

Samantha was squinting at Leander, who looked absolutely lost.

Amit and Everette?

They just shrugged at each other before returning to fixing their plant pots.

Professor Garlick let out a satisfied hum.

“Oh, yes,” she explained casually, “too much pollen causes a bit of… memory loss.”

Silence.

A very heavy, very concerning silence.

They. Forgot. Everything.

I stood there, still wearing three extra robes and three scarves, as the three absolute menaces turned to look at me.

Sebastian frowned.

“…Jessa.”

Ominis furrowed his brows.

“…Why are you wearing—?”

Garreth, squinting.

“…Is that my robe?”

Oh, Sweet, Sweet Payback.

They had no idea.

They didn’t remember anything.

Not the pollen madness.

Not the ridiculous territory-marking.

Not Ominis threatening to carry me.

This Was My Chance.

I smiled.

“Oh, you don’t remember?” I said sweetly.

They all shook their heads.

Perfect.

With zero hesitation, I ripped off their robes and scarves, shoving them back into their hands with a sharp huff.

“You three insisted I wear them,” I sighed, shaking my head dramatically. “Wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

Sebastian stared at his robe like it betrayed him.

Ominis gripped his scarf suspiciously.

Garreth just grinned.

“Merlin,” he muttered, looking far too entertained. “I must’ve been brilliant.”

Sebastian whipped his head toward him.

“Brilliant? You probably—”

Ominis cleared his throat, straightening his collar.

“I feel like I should apologize.”

“Oh, you should.” I glared at all of them.

Class Continued—With Everyone on High Alert.

No more pollen madness.

No more territory marking.

No more singing on tables.

Everyone. Was. Careful.

But me?

I was just delighted knowing they would never know the true extent of their stupidity.

___

Herbology ended in utter disgrace, as expected.

By the time I shook off the trauma of wearing three robes at once, classes had passed in a blur, and before I knew it—

I was back in the Room of Requirement.

With two Slytherins who were already plotting something questionable.

Sebastian and Ominis were hunched over a list of names, contacts, black-market suppliers, and less-than-reputable merchants who might have access to elderwood.

We cross-checked each name, scratching off the ones that seemed too risky or downright insane.

Then, we wrote and sent letters to potential connections.

All we had to do now was wait for their responses.

Ominis and Sebastian had also pooled their galleons together, calculating exactly how much they should bring.

Naturally, they both decided to forbid me from contributing.

Sebastian, the absolute menace that he is, leaned back and said,

“Well, if all else fails, we could just steal it.”

I glared.

Ominis scoffed.

“We’re already going to Knockturn Alley, Sallow. Let’s not add grand larceny to the list.”

Sebastian smirked, unapologetic.

I ignored them and sighed.

“You know, we should also plan how to be discreet,” I pointed out. “Aurors are always roaming Knockturn Alley. What if we get caught?”

For once, they actually thought deeply about that.

Which meant I had them exactly where I wanted them.

Time to strike.

I took a deep breath and said, “I’ll go with you.”

Immediate Chaos.

Sebastian practically choked on air.

“WHAT?”

Ominis immediately sat up straighter.

“No.”

Sebastian leaned forward, his brows furrowed.

“Jessa, absolutely not. That place is vile.”

I arched a brow.

“I think it’s safer than the dragon nest and the phoenix cave, Bas.”

He scowled because he knew I was right.

“That’s—That’s different!”

Ominis cut in, shaking his head.

“Jessa. I think we can handle it.”

I crossed my arms.

“No.”

Ominis sighed.

“Yes.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes.

“Jessa—”

“No.”

“Jessa, we can do this without you—”

“No.”

Ominis exhaled, clearly exhausted.

“Why are you like this?”

Sebastian groaned.

“Merlin’s beard, you’re impossible.”

I just smiled sweetly.

“And you both love me for it.”

I was joking but it worked.

Silence.

Neither of them denied it.

Finally, they exchanged a glance, looking utterly defeated.

And then, in unison:

“Fine.”

I grinned victoriously.
__

Despite their absolute reluctance, Sebastian and Ominis begrudgingly agreed to let me come to Knockturn Alley.

And after that little war of wills, we spent the next hour brewing potions, fortifying our supplies, and… playing with the baby phoenix.

It was a rare, peaceful moment.

Watching them like this—relaxed, distracted, genuinely enjoying themselves—you would think they were just normal boys.

Boys who didn’t carry immense burdens.

Boys who weren’t insane about control and possessiveness.

But we all knew that wasn’t the case.

As the evening approached, I set down my potion vial and dusted off my uniform.

“I need to go,” I said casually.

Sebastian immediately narrowed his eyes.

“Go where?”

Ominis, already suspicious:

“…Jessa.”

I sighed, bracing myself.

“My dinner with Garreth.”

Immediate Chaos. Again.

Sebastian slammed his hand against the table.

“You’re actually going?”

Ominis scoffed, shaking his head.

“This is ridiculous.”

I rolled my eyes.

“I already told you—I need to talk to him about the Moonstone Core Essence.”

Sebastian threw his hands in the air.

“Oh, sure! That’s the reason.”

Ominis crossed his arms.

“Yes, clearly, he invited you to a romantic dinner in exchange for a simple favor.”

I groaned.

“Don’t start.”

Sebastian jabbed a finger at me.

“No, you don’t start! You can’t just—”

I immediately turned on my heel, heading for the door.

Before they could spiral into another hour-long fight, I looked over my shoulder and said sweetly:

“I know you’re going to follow me.”

Sebastian opened his mouth—probably to deny it.

I flicked my wand at the door.

“You won’t be able to. I warded the Room.”

Utter Horror.

Both boys went still.

Sebastian gaped.

Ominis’ brows shot up.

I smirked.

“You’ll be stuck here until I come back.”

Sebastian immediately ran for the door and grabbed the handle—only for it to not budge.

He turned back to me, eyes blazing.

“Jessa.”

I batted my lashes.

“Do your homework, yeah?”

Ominis exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple.

“I actually hate you sometimes.”

I smiled sweetly.

Sebastian banged on the door like a petulant child.

“You can’t just—JESSA.”

I waved at them delightfully and walked out.

Behind me, I could hear:

Sebastian: “Undo the wards, Gaunt.”

Ominis: “She’s better at warding than me, you idiot.”

Sebastian: “THEN BLOW THE BLOODY DOOR UP.”

Ominis: “That is not a proportionate response.”

I laughed to myself and happily made my way to my totally innocent dinner.
__

I sighed heavily before pushing open the dormitory door, already bracing myself for whatever awaited me inside.

And there it was.

A sight of absolute betrayal.

Samantha stood over my bed, an entire selection of dresses laid out before her, grinning menacingly.

I rubbed my temples.

“I expected this.”

Samantha only beamed brighter.

“I’m honored that you’ve come to accept your fate.”

I let out another sigh, already knowing resistance was futile.

“Thank you for helping me, Sam. I love you. But please—don’t overdo it.”

Samantha scoffed.

“Overdo it? Me?”

I gave her a deadpan look.

She ignored me.

“I picked the perfect dress,” she continued gleefully.

“Remember Garreth’s confession? How he said he dreamt about you? How he described exactly what he’d want you to wear?”

I froze.

Oh no.

Samantha grinned wider.

“I found the perfect one.”

She held up a dark, elegant gown—one that clung to all the right places and left very little to the imagination.

Oh, Merlin’s bloody beard.

Despite my protests, Samantha worked her magic.

Garreth had picked a formal restaurant, so she styled me accordingly.

My hair was pulled back into an intricate, loose chignon, with soft strands framing my face—a style that was both effortlessly elegant and subtly seductive.

To complete the look, she placed my grandmother’s hair ornament—the same one Garreth specifically told me to wear.

And then—the lipstick.

Not the usual shade.

No, a deeper red. A shade that bordered on sinful.

It darkened my features, made my lips look fuller, softer, far more inviting than they had any right to be.

When I finally looked in the mirror, I gasped.

Oh, Merlin.

I whipped around to Samantha, scandalized.

“SAM.”

Samantha grinned smugly.

“Perfect, isn’t it?”

I stared at my reflection.

The dress hugged my curves, cinching at my waist before flowing down elegantly to my ankles.

The fabric was smooth, dark, and deceptively simple, but each movement revealed more— the slight shimmer, the daring cut, the way it followed the natural lines of my body.

Paired with the ornament in my hair and the deep red of my lips, I looked…

Too much.

Too powerful.

Too tempting.

Garreth was going to lose his mind.

And so were two certain Slytherins.

I buried my face in my hands.

“I hate you.”

Samantha laughed.

“You’ll thank me later.”
____

I met Garreth at the exit, fully accepting my fate.

Students stared as I walked past, but Merlin help me, I no longer cared.

I had made peace with Samantha’s schemes.

And then I saw him.

Garreth Weasley stood there, devastatingly handsome.

This time, he was wearing a deep red silk shirt, tailored perfectly beneath a well-fitted black coat. The contrast highlighted the warmth of his auburn hair, the mischief in his hazel eyes.

And then—his eyes found me.

His smile faltered. His mouth slightly parted.

He looked like he’d forgotten how to breathe.

He took a step forward, staring.

“I… I didn’t know you could be more beautiful, Jessa.”

I felt my face heat up.

Before I could respond, he took my hand, pressing a soft kiss against my knuckles.

And then, I noticed it.

A carriage.

I raised a brow.

“Gar. Really?”

Garreth grinned, unapologetic.

“Well… I’m not going to let you walk looking like that. Do you have any idea how many people I’d have to duel before we even reach the restaurant?”

I laughed, shaking my head.

“You’re ridiculous.”

He helped me into the carriage, and within moments, we were on our way to Hogsmeade.

The carriage ride was surprisingly smooth, the cool air crisp but pleasant.

When we arrived, I expected to step into one of the usual bustling inns.

Instead, Garreth led me to a smaller, more intimate restaurant—one that felt hidden from the usual student haunts.

The lighting was warm, golden, casting a soft glow across dark oak tables and plush velvet seating.

Candles floated gently in charmed glass spheres, filling the room with a subtle flicker of light.

A quiet melody played in the background— not loud enough to be distracting, but just enough to add to the ambiance.

The scent of aged wine, fresh herbs, and slow-roasted meats filled the air.

It was elegant, yet cozy. A place meant for whispered conversations and stolen glances.

I turned to Garreth, stunned.

“Gar. You pulled all the stops.”

He grinned proudly and pulled out a chair for me.

“Only the best for you, sweets.”

I shook my head with a laugh and took my seat.

“It’s beautiful.”

He sat across from me, watching me with that same fond amusement.

And then, dinner began.

For a moment, it felt… normal.

No scheming. No missions. Just two people enjoying a good meal.

Garreth immediately launched into a story about how he had nearly blown up the entire potions classroom again, this time due to an experiment involving Ever-Blooming Nightshade and Chizpurfle Fangs.

“And before I knew it—BAM! Cauldron’s gone. Poof. Disintegrated. Professor Sharp just looked at me like he was reconsidering his life choices.”

I snorted.

“I think you might be the reason he drinks Firewhiskey after class.”

Garreth grinned.

“Most likely. But hey, at least the explosion was aesthetic. The flames were this gorgeous shade of violet.”

We talked about new potions we were learning, comparing ingredients and theories.

He was especially excited about a potential breakthrough with a strength-enhancing potion—one that wouldn’t leave the drinker with temporary muscle cramps (like the last batch he brewed).

That was the perfect time to bring it up.

I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice.

“You mentioned earlier that you’ve been experimenting with moonstone, right?”

Garreth nodded.

“Yeah. It’s fascinating, actually. When infused correctly, it can stabilize high-energy potions—like Felix Felicis or even certain Draughts of Power.”

I hesitated for a moment before asking,

“Do you know where I can get a Moonstone Core Essence?”

Garreth raised a brow.

“That’s… a pretty rare ingredient, sweets.”

“I know,” I said. “But it’s important.”

He studied me for a moment, then sighed dramatically and leaned back.

“Well, I do know someone.”

I blinked.

“…You do?”

“Of course I do. I’m Garreth Weasley.” He grinned. “I have connections.”

I rolled my eyes.

“And?”

“And I might be able to get my hands on it. For a price.”

Garreth grinned at me, mischief glinting in his hazel eyes.

“A second dinner?” I guessed.

He shook his head.

“Not this time.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Then what?”

His gaze darkened, a slow smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“A kiss.”

I blinked.

A what now?

“A kiss,” he repeated, his voice smooth, playful, but undeniably serious.

I opened my mouth, ready to argue, but then—his gaze shifted.

Lower.

To my lips.

And suddenly, my mind went completely blank.

The candlelight flickered between us, casting an amber glow across his face, the sharp line of his jaw, the teasing tilt of his mouth.

And then—he stood.

Took my hand.

His fingers were warm, firm as he glanced around.

Then, without a word, he led me away.

Through the restaurant, past the murmuring patrons, until we reached a secluded alcove, hidden just enough from wandering eyes.

I barely had time to process what was happening before he turned—

And pinned me against the wall.

My back met the cool stone, my breath hitched—

And Garreth Weasley stood so close, I could feel the heat of him.

His hands rested against the wall beside my head, caging me in.

The air shifted.

The teasing glint in his eyes was still there, but beneath it—something deeper.

His gaze flickered over my face, searching, waiting.

And then, his voice—low, hushed, almost reverent—

“May I?”

I nodded.

And then he kissed me.

At first—it was gentle.

A slow, deliberate press of lips, like he was savoring the moment, memorizing the way we fit.

His hands moved, one resting at my waist, the other sliding up to my jaw, tilting my face just so.

My fingers curled into his coat.

And then—

Not so gentle.

The moment he felt me respond, the restraint snapped.

Garreth pushed in, pressing me fully against the wall, his body flush against mine.

The kiss turned hotter, deeper, demanding.

I felt dizzy.

His fingers slid into my hair, tugging slightly, pulling me further into him.

Merlin, he tasted like cinnamon and something dangerously addictive.

He groaned against my lips, a deep, needy sound that sent a shiver down my spine.

I was drowning in him, completely lost—

And then, I remembered something.

My mother’s manual.

Her words rang in my head:

A kiss should be a whisper and a promise, never a surrender. Make him chase it.

So I did.

I slowed the kiss, teasing, pulling back just enough to make him follow.

I traced my fingers up his chest, dragging my nails lightly along the fabric of his coat—

And oh, how that worked.

Garreth shuddered, his grip on me tightening, his breath ragged.

His lips barely parted from mine as he murmured, voice hoarse, almost desperate—

“Jessa.”

I smirked.

He swore under his breath and kissed me harder.

A little more urgent. A little more reckless.

I was utterly ruined.

And I had ruined him right back.

When we finally—finally—pulled apart, we were breathless.

His forehead rested against mine, our noses barely brushing.

I opened my mouth to say something, anything—

And then he spoke first.

His voice was serious. Steady. Final.

“I will court you.”

My mouth dropped open.

“What?” I croaked.

He grinned, running a thumb over my swollen lips.

“You heard me.”

I blinked.

“You—” I swallowed. “Garreth Weasley. Are you saying you’re going to—”

“Court you.” He smirked. “Properly. Thoroughly.”

He leaned in, whispering against my lips—

“And I’ll win.”

I had no words.

“Gar, you know that I—”

“I know, I know,” he interrupted, his voice warm with amusement. “You have Slytherin men ready to kill me on sight.” His thumb grazed my knuckles as he brought my hand up between us, his grin nothing short of wicked. “But I don’t care, sweets. I will court you.”

My breath hitched.

The confidence, the certainty in his tone—he wasn’t joking.

This wasn’t just a game to him.

I searched his face, expecting a trace of hesitation, but there was none. Only fire in his hazel eyes, unwavering and full of intent.

I opened my mouth, ready to argue, to remind him how dangerous this would be—

But I had nothing.

No words.

Because Merlin help me, part of me wanted it.

Wanted him.

“Speechless?” Garreth teased, his voice dipping lower, rich and honeyed.

I exhaled sharply, dragging my hand from his grasp—only for him to catch it again, tangling our fingers together.

“And as a reward for that kiss,” he murmured, bringing my hand up to his lips, brushing them across my knuckles, “I will definitely get you the Moonstone Core Essence.”

I blinked.

“You mean I can get anything from you for a kiss?”

He grinned.

“Yes.”

Before I could react, before I could even breathe, he kissed me again.

A gentle press of lips, as if he were savoring the taste of our earlier moment.

But then—he tilted his head, deepened it, drew me in.

His hands, large and warm, framed my face, thumbs stroking my cheekbones as he stole the air from my lungs.

I felt lightheaded, lost in the feeling of him—all warmth, all cinnamon and fire.

The flicker of his breath, the slow drag of his lips—it was too much.

My fingers curled into the fabric of his coat, pulling him closer without thinking.

I felt him smile against my mouth before he let out a soft, satisfied hum, like he had won something.

I barely registered the way I melted against him, how effortlessly he made me forget everything else.

It was just us.

And then—too soon, he pulled away.

A deep exhale, a slow, lingering glance.

My chest rose and fell unevenly, my lips still tingling, my head positively spinning.

I could still taste him.

And so could he.

His thumb brushed over my bottom lip, his smirk utterly sinful.

“You’re never getting rid of me now, sweets.”
____

Our dinner ended with Garreth laughing as I tried to scrub my lipstick off his mouth.

“Merlin’s sake, hold still!” I grumbled, dabbing at his lips with my handkerchief.

“But it’s proof,” he teased, his voice full of laughter. “I should leave it. Walk around. Brag.”

I gasped, smacking his arm. “Garreth Weasley, don’t you dare.”

He only grinned wider.

It took me forever to get the red stain off his mouth, and by the end of it, I was flustered, fuming, and entirely too aware of the way he kept looking at me.

Still, as we made our way back to the castle, I felt lighter than I had in weeks.

The night air was cool against my flushed skin, the warmth of his presence beside me comforting in a way I didn’t want to acknowledge.

When we reached the Ravenclaw Tower, he paused, turning to me with that same easy, knowing grin.

I swallowed, hesitating, before softly saying, “Thank you, Gar. For tonight.”

His gaze softened, his fingers brushing my wrist before he took my hand again—but this time, he only lifted it to his lips.

A slow, deliberate kiss.

His hazel eyes flickered playfully, but there was something unmistakably real beneath it.

“Prepare for my relentless pursuit, sweets,” he murmured.

And then, with one last smirk, he turned and walked away.
____

The moment I reached the Room of Requirement, I knew I had made a grave mistake.

I didn’t even have time to brace myself before the door slammed open from the inside.

Two figures stood in the threshold.

Two very angry, very possessive figures.

Sebastian and Ominis.

Oh, this was going to be bad.

I barely had time to breathe before Sebastian’s eyes scanned me—lingering, calculating.

His pupils dilated.

My stomach dropped.

And then his jaw ticked.

Ominis, standing eerily still, was holding his wand too tightly, his knuckles white.

“You locked us in,” he stated flatly.

I swallowed. “For your own good—”

Sebastian let out a sharp, humorless laugh.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he murmured, taking a slow, deliberate step forward.

“You really thought that would stop us?”

I backpedaled.

This was not how I planned my night to go.

“I—” I cleared my throat, trying to salvage this disaster before it spiraled.

“You’ll be pleased to know,” I started lightly, “that I got us the Moonstone Core Essence.”

Silence.

I rushed ahead. “He had a lead on it, and he promised he’d get it for us, so really, it’s a—”

“A what?” Sebastian cut in, voice dangerously low.

I hesitated.

Ominis took a step forward, his brows furrowing just slightly.

“You made a deal with Weasley?”

“It’s not a—”

Sebastian’s lips curled. “And what, exactly, did he get in return?”

I paused.

Their eyes narrowed.

Damn it.

I licked my lips. Wrong move.

Sebastian’s gaze flicked down to my mouth.

Oh, Merlin save me.

I forced a too-bright smile.

“A kiss.”

Dead silence.

The air shifted.

I regretted everything.

Sebastian stilled. His fingers twitched at his sides.

Ominis’ jaw clenched, his grip on his wand so tight I thought he might snap it in half.

“You,” Sebastian said, voice dangerously calm, “traded a kiss for the Moonstone Core Essence?”

I opened my mouth—

“With Weasley?” Ominis’ voice was deceptively even.

Oh.

Oh no.

The Absolute Chaos That Ensues

Sebastian made a low, frustrated noise, running a hand roughly through his hair.

“So let me get this straight,” he drawled, stepping even closer. “Weasley gets a kiss, and we—” He gestured wildly. “We get locked in a room?!”

I backed up further. “It was a strategic move!”

Ominis let out a sharp exhale, his nostrils flaring.

Sebastian was breathing heavier now, pacing, absolutely seething.

Ominis tilted his head toward me, voice low, quiet.

“Did he touch you?”

My stomach dropped.

“That’s none of your—”

Sebastian snapped.

“Did he put his hands on you, Jessa?”

I rolled my eyes, trying to defuse the situation.

“Oh, for Merlin’s sake, what do you think he—”

“Did he touch your hair?” Ominis cut in smoothly, voice sharp as a blade.

“What?”

“He told you to wear that ornament, didn’t he?” Ominis murmured, his tone eerily calm. “Did he touch it? Did he tuck your hair back? Did he brush his fingers against it?”

Why did I feel like I was being interrogated for a crime?

Sebastian let out a bitter laugh, raking a hand through his curls.

“You know what?” he mused, voice dropping lower.

“If Weasley gets a reward for a simple ingredient, then what the hell do we get?”

My stomach flipped.

“Excuse me?”

Ominis, for once, looked amused.

Sebastian tilted his head, his eyes blazing.

“Where’s our reward, sweetheart?”

Oh.

Oh no.

I needed to abort mission immediately.

I turned on my heel, ready to escape—

Sebastian caught my wrist.

Ominis stepped into my space.

Trapped.

Completely trapped.

I exhaled shakily.

“I am going to hex both of you.”

Sebastian smirked.

Ominis leaned in.

“You could try.”

The air was thick, charged with something far more dangerous than anger.

Sebastian and Ominis weren’t just furious.

They were done waiting.

I breathed heavily, my pulse pounding, their presence suffocating and hot.

They were so close, their bodies radiating heat, trapping me between them like I was some prized quarry—like I was something they had already decided belonged to them.

I squared my shoulders, forcing myself to meet their intensity head-on.

“What exactly do you want from me?” I demanded, my voice coming out lower, breathier than I intended.

Sebastian’s lips parted, his gaze dropping to my mouth before flicking back up, his expression dark and wildly unreadable.

Ominis, standing impossibly still, tilted his head toward me, sensing every shift in the air, his breathing slow and measured.

I exhaled sharply, my chest rising and falling as I threw out the truth, bare and undeniable.

“Garreth has asked to court me.”

The words hung between us like a dagger, a final push—an invitation, a challenge, a declaration of war.

Sebastian inhaled sharply, his jaw tensing, his fingers twitching like he was physically restraining himself.

Ominis exhaled slowly, a low sound from the back of his throat, his brows furrowing just slightly.

“And what about you two?” I pressed, meeting them with the same fierce energy they were drowning me in.

“Are you going to keep playing this game?”

Sebastian let out a breathless laugh, a rough, taunting sound that sent a shiver down my spine.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he murmured, stepping closer.

“We don’t play.”

And then Ominis moved.

His fingers grazed my wrist, featherlight but deliberate, slowly trailing up the length of my arm.

I shuddered.

He found my shoulder, his fingertips tracing the bare skin just above my collarbone, his movements so precise, so calculated, like he was memorizing every inch of me by touch alone.

“You think this is a game?” Ominis murmured, his voice silk and sin, so close I could feel his breath against my cheek.

His fingers trailed higher, up my neck, his thumb ghosting just beneath my jawline, his touch possessive, like he was claiming me without a single word.

My breath hitched.

I was drowning in him, in the warmth of his skin, the unshakable gravity of his presence.

“We’re not like Weasley,” he whispered, his voice sending a shiver straight down my spine.

Sebastian exhaled sharply, watching the scene unfold with hungry, narrowed eyes, but Ominis wasn’t finished.

He leaned in further, his lips brushing the shell of my ear, his voice dark and dangerously soft.

“If you’re going to be courted, Jessa,” he whispered, his touch burning into my skin, “then it will be by men who will ruin you for anyone else.”

A sharp inhale.

My knees nearly buckled.

I barely had time to process the words before Sebastian was there.

“Merlin’s bloody beard, Ominis,” he growled, his voice rougher, deeper, laced with something dangerously untamed.

And then his hand was on my waist.

Firm.

Certain.

I gasped as he pulled me flush against him, the warmth of his body searing through my clothes.

“Do you want to know the difference between us and Weasley, sweetheart?” he murmured, his voice low, teasing, his thumb brushing slowly along the curve of my hip.

My heart stuttered in my chest.

Sebastian smirked, his lips mere inches from mine, his gaze dropping to my mouth unapologetically.

“We don’t ask,” he murmured.

“We take.”

I whirled away from them, ripping myself out of their heat, forcing distance between us.

They let me go, but I could feel their eyes on me, hear the way they exhaled in frustration.

I swallowed, my lips parted, my thoughts scrambled.

This was too much.

This was dangerous.

I needed to leave.

I straightened, forcing a steady breath, and when I turned back, I lifted my chin.

“You want to court me?” I challenged, forcing my voice to steady despite the pounding of my pulse.

They both watched me, unwavering, unapologetic.

Ominis tilted his head slightly, sensing the shift in the air, and Sebastian’s lips curled into something slow and knowing.

I exhaled.

“Then prove it.”

“Let’s seal the deal, then,” he murmured.

Before I could breathe, before I could think, he grabbed me, one hand at the nape of my neck, the other gripping my waist.

And then—he kissed me.

Deep.

Rough.

Claiming.

My gasp was swallowed between us, my fingers clutching desperately at the front of his coat as he tilted my head back, taking what he wanted, ruining me for anyone else.

There was no hesitation, no teasing—just pure, unrelenting hunger.

This was not in my mother’s manual.

I was spiraling, drowning in the heat of his mouth, the strength of his hands holding me still, keeping me exactly where he wanted.

And then—

I was pulled away.

Sebastian growled, his grip tightening for a moment before I was wrenched from him.

Ominis.

His hands found my face, gentle but firm, searching, mapping, memorizing.

And then he kissed me.

Soft at first.

A slow, dangerous pull, like a whisper of silk over bare skin.

But then—he deepened it.

His fingers traced along my jaw, tilting my face up as his lips parted mine, his kiss smoldering, deliberate, devastating.

My knees buckled, and he held me, his arm firm around my waist, anchoring me as I fell apart in his hands.

I whimpered, my grip clutching the fabric of his shirt, my body shaking with the force of it all.

Sebastian exhaled sharply beside us, and when Ominis finally pulled away, I barely had time to breathe before—

Their eyes devoured me.

I blinked, stunned, wrecked, completely ruined.

Sebastian’s lips were red-stained, bruised, his smirk lazy but burning.

Ominis looked equally marked, his thumb brushing the edge of his lip, his face unreadable—but his breathing uneven.

My lipstick—completely gone.

All of it smeared across them.

I touched my lips, feeling the absence, feeling the way my body still burned from them both.

I looked at them—bewildered, shaken, utterly speechless.

They?

Looked like men who had won.

“I—”

I couldn’t even form a coherent thought. My mind was spinning, my lips still tingling, my breath utterly wrecked.

And then—

A small, startled voice cut through the tension.

“I—I am sorry to interrupt, but I just thought you wanted to see the phoenix! It—it will have its first flight.”

We all turned, wide-eyed, to see a bewildered house-elf standing at the entrance of the Room of Requirement, looking between me, Sebastian, and Ominis.

And then—the three of us realized what we must look like.

Me? Lipstick gone, my breath still unsteady, my knees still weak.

Sebastian? Smirking, completely unrepentant, his lips stained with evidence.

Ominis? Breathing heavy, a hand still loosely gripping my waist, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let me go.

I squeaked, scrambling away from them, horrified.

Sebastian bit his lip, trying—and failing—to suppress a chuckle.

Ominis cleared his throat, standing stiffly, his expression returning to its usual stoic mask—but his fingers twitched, as if still feeling the ghost of me against them.

The poor elf blinked up at us, clearly trying to process the scene.

I… I wanted to die.

“Right. Yes. The phoenix.” I forced my voice steady, ignoring the way my body still burned.

Sebastian stretched, looking too pleased with himself, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “A first flight? Now that’s something worth seeing.”

Ominis, ever composed, merely exhaled, rubbing his temple. “Yes. Let’s go. Now.”

I could still feel their lips on mine.

Still hear the words they hadn’t said aloud.

Still sense the promise in the way they kissed me.

But for now—

We turned toward the phoenix’s perch, pretending that the moment hadn’t just changed everything.

___

The baby phoenix spread its wings, wobbling at first before taking off into the air with an almost graceful determination. The sight warmed my heart—its first flight, its first real moment of freedom.

For a moment, I let myself enjoy just that.

Sebastian, Ominis, and I stood there in quiet awe, watching as the little creature soared, its feathers glinting in the warm glow of the Room of Requirement.

But all good moments have to end.

I sighed. “It’s late. I need to go..”

I turned toward the door, only to be caught by Sebastian.

His grip was firm, warm, grounding. I barely had time to react before he spoke.

“I’m serious, Jessa. I will court you.”

I blinked up at him, but before I could even form a response—

“So will I.”

Ominis’ voice cut through the air like a spell well-cast, steady and unwavering.

That… surprised me the most.

Sebastian? He wore his heart on his sleeve, always passionate, always relentless when he wanted something.

But Ominis? Ominis was careful, calculating, the perfect gentleman—until he decided he wanted something.

And now I was that something.

I inhaled, trying to ground myself as I looked between them. They weren’t joking.

They stood side by side, shoulders squared, eyes—(or in Ominis’ case, his very presence)—unshakably focused on me.

I swallowed. “I suppose you already talked about this?”

Sebastian smirked. “Well, we had quite some time to think about it when you locked us in.”

Ominis let out a breath, tilting his head slightly. “And we came to the same conclusion.”

I stared at them.

These two. These two absolute menaces.

A phoenix’s first flight.

A first step into something unknown.

Was it so different from what was happening right now?

I was still stunned, still breathless, but I refused to let them see it.

Instead, I smirked. “Then may the best wizard win.”

I turned on my heel, not daring to look back—because I could feel them watching me.

This wasn’t over.

Not by a long shot.
___

I barely made it past the dormitory threshold before Samantha tackled me with her eyes.

She didn’t even say anything at first—just stared, wide-eyed, mouth agape, practically vibrating with excitement.

Then—

“YOU GOT KISSED!”

I flinched. “SAMANTHA.”

Her gaze zeroed in on my lips—bare, slightly bruised from not one, not two, but three absolute menaces.

I felt heat crawl up my neck.

She screeched. “So Garreth kissed you! I knew it!”

I turned beet red. (Not just him, two more.)

“I—I need to get ready, Samantha.”

I bolted for the shower, slamming the door shut just as she yelled—

“YOU OWE ME DETAILS, VALANCAIRE!”

Merlin’s sake, I barely escaped with my life.

After barely dodging Samantha’s interrogation, I made my way to the Keep, throwing myself into training.

I needed the distraction.

Unfortunately, Grandfather noticed.

The moment training ended, as I wiped sweat from my forehead, he glanced at me—and his piercing gaze stopped at my lips.

I froze.

He narrowed his eyes.

“Your lip is bruised.”

Oh. OH.

I resisted the urge to slam my head against a wall.

I knew exactly what it looked like.

Fighting was part of my training, but this—this wasn’t from training.

I opened my mouth—closed it—then tried again.

“Sparring accident,” I said far too quickly.

Grandfather hummed.

Did he believe me? Merlin, I hoped so.

Thankfully, he didn’t press further, simply nodding as if accepting the excuse.

I had never been more relieved in my life.

The moment I was dismissed, I made my way back to the dormitory, hoping for at least a second of peace.

But instead, I collapsed onto my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind an absolute mess.

Three lips. Three dangerous wizards. Three bold declarations.

And a grandfather who definitely saw my bruised lips and didn’t quite believe my lie.

I was never going to hear the end of this.
___

I woke up early, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I stared at the blank parchment in front of me.

Merlin help me.

I had to write to my mother.

Not just any letter—a letter explaining that two dangerously competitive Slytherins and one charming menace of a Gryffindor have officially asked to court me.

This would go… horribly.

My quill hovered over the parchment before I finally gave in and started writing.

Dear Mother,

Before you start plotting weddings and grandchildren, let me make one thing clear—this is NOT my fault.

I don’t know what kind of Valancaire spell you wove into my blood, but I would like to formally request that you take it back.

Ominis, Sebastian, and Garreth have all—simultaneously, mind you—decided to court me.

And I am convinced this is some kind of cosmic joke.

Also, your dresses? Menaces. Absolute MENACES.

I wore one to dinner with Garreth, and let’s just say… it did exactly what you designed it to do.

If you send me another red dress, I will personally Obliviate myself.

Love,

Jessa

I sighed heavily, sealing the letter before I moved onto my next one—Anne.

This one was easier.

Dear Anne,

How have you been? I hope you’re feeling better.

I wanted to visit you again soon—hopefully with less dramatics this time.

There’s been… a lot happening.

Let’s just say Sebastian is infuriatingly himself as always, Ominis is a dangerously charming enigma, and Garreth—well. Garreth is Garreth.

I’m beginning to think my entire life is one elaborate setup.

Can’t wait to see you again.

P.S. I promise I’ll make Sebastian behave. (Or try.)

Love,

Jessa

Satisfied, I set the letters aside, stretching before turning to Samantha.

She was still curled up in bed, her face peaceful, breathing slow.

Then—

She mumbled something in her sleep.

I blinked.

Lea—?

Leander’s name.

A wicked grin spread across my lips.

I leaned closer and whispered, “Oh, Leander—tell me more.”

Samantha jerked awake so fast she nearly fell off the bed.

“W-What?!”

I cackled.

She smacked me with a pillow.

“Merlin’s sake, Jessa!” she groaned, rubbing her face.

I grinned far too innocently. “Oh, don’t mind me. I just think it’s adorable how much you and Leander have grown closer.”

Samantha gaped. “I—you—”

She turned red, flailing for an excuse, but I just stood up, smug, and stretched.

“Come on,” I said, grabbing my coat. “Time for breakfast.”

The breakfast I was absolutely dreading.

Samantha grumbled but got up, still glaring at me as she quickly got dressed.

And then—together—we made our way to what would surely be…

Absolute. Utter. Chaos.
___

We arrived at the Great Hall, the familiar buzz of morning conversation filling the air. As expected, our usual spot was occupied by our friends, and as if the universe enjoyed tormenting me, I once again found myself seated between two suitors.

Two very attentive, very possessive, and now far too bold suitors who were actively serving me like I was royalty.

Sebastian poured my tea.

Ominis carefully set my plate.

Sebastian added sugar before I could even reach for it.

Ominis—not to be outdone—buttered my toast with terrifying precision.

It was suffocating.

It was sweet.

It was absolutely mortifying.

I was about to protest when Samantha turned, eyes burning with determination.

“Alright, Jessa, spill it,” she grinned like a wolf, “I want every detail. What happened with Garreth last night?”

Natty and Poppy perked up immediately.

Jace, the menace, leaned in with a smirk.

I panicked.

I pounced.

“Oh, guess who was muttering Leander’s name in her sleep this morning?”

The entire table exploded.

Samantha choked on air.

Leander, who was sitting a few seats away, perked up with a confused expression. “What?”

I grinned wickedly.

Samantha, beet red, smacked my arm violently.

“You—YOU—” she spluttered, fully scandalized.

Natty, Poppy, and Jace?

They turned on her instantly.

“Oh, this is better than I expected,” Natty said, grinning.

“Hold on, hold on,” Jace waved his hands dramatically. “Are you telling me that our dear Samantha Dale was dreaming about our resident Gryffindor menace?”

“I—YOU—NO!” Samantha tried to argue, but the damage was done.

Poppy gasped, clutching her chest. “This is so romantic.”

Leander, now red himself, coughed awkwardly into his drink, pretending he wasn’t absolutely dying of curiosity.

I smirked.

Victory was mine.

But then—

Samantha recovered.

And grinned.

“Well, at least I didn’t come back with my lipstick completely gone after my date.”

The world froze.

Natty’s eyes widened.

Poppy dropped her fork.

Jace nearly fell out of his seat.

“WAIT—WHAT?”

“Oh, this is delicious,” Jace cackled.

Sebastian and Ominis?

They stilled.

Sebastian’s grip on his cup tightened.

Ominis’ fingers twitched on his wand.

I felt DOOM.

I grabbed my cup and pretended to drink tea, even though it was empty.

Samantha leaned in smugly now, her revenge swift and merciless.

“Go on, Jessa,” she mimicked my earlier tone. “Guess who had their lipstick completely ruined last night?”

The table pounced.

Natty gasped dramatically. “Jessa! You kissed him?”

Poppy clapped her hands. “How was it?”

Jace looked delighted. “Merlin’s beard, was it Weasley?”

And then—the final knife.

Leander, Everette, and Amit—who had been **innocently eating breakfast before this madness started—**now fully turned to me.

Leander grinned.

Amit looked scandalized.

Everette? He gave me a slow, impressed nod.

“You know, I actually kinda respect this,” Everette mused.

I whimpered.

Meanwhile—

Sebastian had gone eerily quiet.

Ominis?

Unmoving. Silent. Unreadable.

Both their jaws were tight.

Both of them were absolutely going to kill me.

Jace, ever the menace, noticing the thick tension, grinned even wider.

“Oh, this just got interesting,” he muttered gleefully.
____

I—

I barely had time to react, let alone breathe, before Garreth Weasley, in all his gleeful, red-headed menace, waltzed up to our already highly tense breakfast table.

Holding a goddamn bouquet of blue roses.

Roses. Blue.

Like my bloody eyes.

I was already doomed.

He stopped in front of me, grinning, completely unfazed by the thickening atmosphere around him.

“They match your eyes, sweets.”

Oh, I was going to die.

I could feel the air turn dangerous on either side of me.

I could hear Sebastian crack his knuckles beside me.

I could sense Ominis gripping his wand like he was debating which hex to use first.

Garreth, the insufferable menace, knew exactly what he was doing.

And then—the real bomb.

He grinned wickedly, glanced between me and my two fuming suitors, and casually dropped the absolute worst sentence of my entire life.

“Oh? Did you already tell them?”

I went completely still.

The entire table went still.

The entire Great Hall seemed to pause.

Then, louder than necessary, absolutely reveling in my suffering—

“Oh, I am officially courting Jessa.”

The world exploded.

Samantha choked on her juice.

Poppy dropped her spoon.

Natty actually gasped.

Jace, the absolute traitor, started laughing so hard he nearly fell off his seat.

And—oh. Oh no.

Amit, Leander, and Everette?

They were writing.

THEY WERE TAKING NOTES.

I barely had time to process this absolute catastrophe before—

Ominis, oh sweet Merlin, Ominis.

Calm. Smooth. Absolutely deadly.

“Oh?” Ominis said, voice silky, tilting his head in Garreth’s direction. “Did Jessa tell you this, too?”

And then—

“I am courting her.”

I almost fainted.

But before I could recover—

Sebastian, the human embodiment of chaos and possessiveness, leaned forward, eyes dark and challenging.

“So am I.”

More. Chaos.

Samantha squealed.

Poppy covered her mouth.

Jace, the absolute menace, turned to me with wide, delighted eyes and whispered, “You’re living my dream.”

AND THEN—

I saw Valor and Vix, sitting at their own table, suddenly peek over curiously, clearly trying to figure out why our table had turned into an all-out war zone.

I could not have them involved in this.

I turned back to the three lunatics surrounding me.

“Okay—okay!” I hissed, throwing my hands up. “This is breakfast, NOT A DECLARATION OF WHATEVER THIS IS—”

“Oh, but it is,” Sebastian murmured darkly.

Ominis nodded in agreement.

Garreth, completely unfazed, just grinned wider and shrugged. “I don’t see the issue, sweets.”

I glared at him.

“The issue, Garreth, is that I AM GOING TO DIE FROM SECONDHAND HUMILIATION.”

Garreth had the audacity to laugh and smoothly counter, “Oh, I wouldn’t let that happen. You see, I’m quite good at catching things.”

Sebastian’s jaw ticked.

Ominis exhaled sharply.

The tension? Lethal.

And then Garreth, the absolute menace, turned to the other two, unbothered, and smirked.

“Well, I suppose this makes things interesting,” he said lightly. “A healthy bit of competition, yeah?”

Sebastian looked like he was about to flip the table.

Ominis’ grip on his wand tightened.

Oh. Oh no.

This wasn’t just a competition.

I—I needed an escape.

“Right,” I said, quickly standing up, grabbing my tea, and trying to act natural. “I need—I need to go. Samantha, Natty, Poppy, let’s go—let’s go do… things.”

Natty raised a brow. “What things?”

“LIFE-THREATENING THINGS, NATTY, LET’S GO.”

I turned on my heel, walking as fast as possible.

But behind me, I heard Garreth laugh, Sebastian curse, and Ominis exhale in absolute exasperation.

And somehow…

Somehow, I knew—

This was far from over.
___

Jace’s POV

What. A. Spectacle.

My dear little sister with three suitors, completely and utterly overwhelmed by the absolute chaos she created, and what does she do?

She runs away.

I sighed.

Typical.

Not that I minded.

No, in fact, I found it all incredibly entertaining.

Watching her squirm was always a personal favorite pastime of mine.

But.

That didn’t mean I wasn’t watching.

I turned my gaze to the three lunatics left behind—Garreth, Sebastian, and Ominis.

They were still seething, still staring in the direction Jessa had fled, their postures tense, their emotions so obvious it was almost pathetic.

Oh, how predictable.

I took my time, letting the moment simmer before stepping forward, slinging an arm casually over Sebastian’s and Garreth’s shoulders while resting a firm hand on Ominis’ shoulder.

I smiled.

Eerily.

“You know,” I started, my tone light, almost friendly. “I really don’t mind my sister having a little fun.”

The three froze.

I tightened my grip.

“But just so we’re clear,” I continued, voice dipping just slightly, “you do realize what will happen if any of you force something she doesn’t want… right?”

Silence.

Garreth’s easy smirk faltered just a fraction.

Sebastian, still stubborn as ever, tilted his chin up, but I could see the shift in his shoulders, a wariness creeping in.

Ominis, to his credit, remained composed, but his grip on his wand tightened.

Good.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Valor and Vix, now standing just behind me, their eyes sharp, assessing, calculating.

The weight of our presence wasn’t something anyone took lightly.

Because we weren’t just siblings.

We were Valancaires.

And our name carried weight.

Ominis was the first to break the silence.

“Jessa isn’t someone who can be forced,” he said smoothly, his voice cool and even. “She’d hex us before we even tried.”

Sebastian exhaled sharply through his nose, crossing his arms. “Not that we would,” he muttered. “We’re not idiots.”

Garreth, perhaps the only one with the audacity to remain relaxed, merely grinned again, scratching the back of his head.

“Come on, mate,” he said with a laugh. “You don’t think we’d do something stupid, do you?”

I didn’t answer immediately.

I let the silence drag just long enough for the unease to settle in.

Then I smiled again.

“You wouldn’t be the first to do something stupid over my sister.”

Garreth laughed—a little more nervous this time.

Sebastian scowled, clearly irritated but not stupid enough to challenge me.

Ominis? Ominis just exhaled slowly, as if accepting the conversation for what it was.

I gave them all one last look, then patted their shoulders, just slightly harder than necessary, and turned away.

“Good talk,” I said pleasantly. “Enjoy your breakfast.”

Valor and Vix followed behind me, and as we walked away, I heard Garreth mutter, “Blimey.”

Sebastian cursed under his breath.

And Ominis?

Ominis simply sighed.

I smirked.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

____

Girl Talk—A Chaotic Sharing of Boy Moments

Natty, Poppy, Samantha, and I bolted into the courtyard, laughing breathlessly as if we had just escaped a battlefield.

Which, in a way, we had.

The Great Hall?

A warzone.

The three-way suitor chaos?

A complete disaster.

The looks on the boys’ faces?

Utterly terrifying.

And now, I had four absolute menaces staring at me like I was a prize-winning hippogriff egg that had just hatched.

Natty was beaming.

Poppy was grinning ear to ear.

Samantha had the smirk of a woman who knew far too much.

I was doomed.

“Oh, Jessa,” Natty sighed dramatically, still catching her breath. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much madness at breakfast before.”

“Oh, I have,” Samantha quipped, teasingly. “It was the day Jessa walked into the Slytherin Common Room in that red dress.”

Poppy gasped. “Oh, Merlin, you’re right! That was just as chaotic!”

I groaned, burying my face in my hands.

“Oh, come on—can we not?”

“No, no, we absolutely can,” Natty grinned. “So, tell us. What actually happened?”

I hesitated.

…What actually happened?

Let’s see.

Sebastian and Ominis stole kisses like absolute menaces.

Garreth kissed me breathless.

And now I was being pursued relentlessly by three dangerously competitive men.

Yeah.

Maybe let’s tame that a bit.

“Well,” I started, choosing my words carefully, “they… all asked to court me.”

Samantha rolled her eyes. “Obviously.”

“Oh, we know that much,” Natty deadpanned, amused. “Tell us what you didn’t say at breakfast.”

I bit my lip, looking away.

Poppy gasped, eyes wide. “Wait—did Garreth kiss you?!”

I cleared my throat, suddenly very interested in the cracks of the stone floor.

Silence.

And then—chaos.

Natty and Poppy screamed.

“Oh, Merlin! He did!” Natty clapped her hands together, grinning wildly.

“How was it?!” Poppy nearly bounced in excitement.

Samantha, smirking knowingly, crossed her arms. “Hmm. Was it like what he said in the confession?”

I glared at her. “Oh, but when I asked about your boys, you all nearly hexed me in defense, and now you expect me to—”

“Yes, because your love life is absolute madness, and we are living for it!” Natty exclaimed.

Poppy nodded eagerly. “Exactly! So? How was it?”

I groaned, hiding my face in my hands.

“It was—” I cut myself off, cheeks burning.

Natty and Poppy leaned in closer, grinning.

I exhaled sharply, muttering, “He’s a menace.”

Another round of excited giggling.

“And Sebastian and Ominis?” Natty prompted, knowingly.

I shot her a look.

She and Poppy squealed.

“No way—they did too?!” Poppy nearly fell off the bench.

“I—” I waved my hands, desperately trying to contain the chaos. “I don’t want to talk about it!”

“Which means it was good.” Natty smirked.

“Which means it was dangerous.” I corrected, huffing.

“Oh, Merlin,” Poppy whispered, still grinning. “You’re doomed.”

Samantha, laughing smugly, leaned in.

“So, which one was the best?”

I gasped, mortified.

“Oh, absolutely not!”

Samantha pouted. “Come on! We’re just curious!”

“Oh, I bet you are!” I groaned.

I needed out of this conversation.

Desperate, I turned the tables.

“Enough about me!” I announced.

I whipped around, pointing at Natty, Poppy, and Samantha.

“What about you lot and your boys?”

Silence.

They froze.

I smirked.

“Oh, no,” I drawled. “We are not doing this one-sided interrogation. Spill.”

Poppy and Natty exchanged panicked looks.

Samantha, on the other hand, grinned smugly.

“Oh, I don’t mind,” she said happily. “I saw Leander with his shirt unbuttoned after practice, and I’m certain I stopped breathing for a moment.”

Poppy and Natty screamed.

“Oh my god, Samantha!”

“You’re in so deep!”

I gasped. “Wait—did he see you staring?”

Samantha scoffed. “Of course he did. The absolute menace smirked and asked if I was alright.”

We all gasped.

“He flirted with you?!” Natty squealed.

“Oh, he knows what he’s doing.” Samantha sighed dramatically, looking very pleased.

We all collapsed in laughter before I turned to Poppy.

She bit her lip, flustered.

“I rode a hippogriff with Everette,” she confessed.

Silence.

Then, absolute pandemonium.

“What?! When?!” I demanded.

She hid her face, giggling shyly. “A few days ago! He asked if I wanted to go flying with him, and—I don’t know, I just—it felt right.”

Natty squealed. “Poppy! That’s so romantic!”

I grinned. “Did he—”

“No!” Poppy interrupted, eyes widening. “But—” She bit her lip. “I think he wanted to?”

We gasped again.

“Poppy, you absolute menace,” I teased, nudging her.

She merely beamed, delighted and flustered.

Then, all of us turned to Natty.

Natty immediately groaned.

“Fine,” she sighed, giving in. “Amit took me stargazing.”

Poppy and I screamed so loud we nearly choked.

“Natty! That is the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard!”

She groaned again, hiding her face in her hands. “It was sweet, alright? He—he knew I liked looking at the stars, and he wanted to show me a new constellation he found in one of his books.”

I clutched my chest dramatically.

“He’s in love with you.”

Poppy nodded. “Absolutely in love.”

Natty laughed, flustered, and grinning despite herself.

We giggled together, basking in the pure ridiculousness of it all.

Here we were, four girls—completely overwhelmed by boys, chaos, and ridiculous amounts of romance.

I sighed, leaning back against the bench.

“At least,” I muttered, “we’re in this mess together.”

Natty, Poppy, and Samantha nodded in agreement.

And for a moment, we were just four girls in the middle of a ridiculous, wonderful mess.
_____

We all trudged into History of Magic, and I immediately braced myself for the worst battle of the day—staying awake.

Merlin help me.

Falling asleep in class was disrespectful, and as a Valancaire, I had a reputation to uphold.

That didn’t mean it was easy.

And to make matters worse, Garreth didn’t have this class, so there was no buffer between me and my two overly-eager suitors.

Sebastian and Ominis, who apparently decided that History of Magic was now a contact sport, had taken it upon themselves to engage in the most infuriatingly subtle war of physical contact imaginable.

It started innocently enough.

A brush of Sebastian’s shoulder against mine.

Ominis’ hand resting just a bit too close.

A slight lean, a fleeting touch, a shared breath too close to my ear.

I felt everything.

It was infuriating.

It was dangerous.

And I was not going to let them win.

So, instead of falling victim to their absurd game, I decided to play my own.

I bombarded Professor Binns with questions.

Every.

Single.

One.

That popped into my head.

The ghostly professor perked up (as much as a ghost could) at my sudden enthusiasm.

“Well, Miss Valancaire,” he droned, sounding almost delighted at finally having a student who cared. “That is an excellent question—”

Behind me, Sebastian groaned under his breath.

Ominis let out a soft exhale, likely realizing exactly what I was doing.

The entire class was wide awake now, staring in horrified fascination as I and Professor Binns engaged in what could only be described as a full-blown debate.

At first, my classmates had been amused.

Then confused.

Now?

They were shocked.

Even the eternally bored Ravenclaws looked like they were witnessing a historical event unfold in real time.

Professor Binns, who had likely never been this engaged in centuries, was practically glowing (as much as a ghost could glow) as he launched into a detailed historical analysis in response to my relentless questioning.

“…And so, you see, Miss Valancaire, while the goblin rebellions were indeed a matter of socio-economic oppression, one could argue that the Ministry’s reaction was equally—”

I narrowed my eyes, countering immediately.

“But isn’t it true that the Goblins had already established economic independence prior to the restrictive decrees? So, wouldn’t that mean—”

“Oh-ho! A wonderful counterpoint, Miss Valancaire!”

Twenty points to Ravenclaw.

The class gasped.

Sebastian looked like he wanted to bang his head against the desk.

Ominis let out a long-suffering sigh.

Leander, Amit, and Everette were taking notes, as if I had cracked the code to surviving Binns’ lectures.

And my fellow Ravenclaws?

They were staring at me like I had just done the impossible.

Because I had.

I had actively participated in History of Magic…

…and lived to tell the tale.

The only ones not pleased?

My two suitors, who had definitely lost their battle for my attention.

____

Sebastian and Ominis flanked me as we made our way to the Room of Requirement, their footsteps a little too in sync, their presence a little too close.

I could feel the tension radiating off them.

Sebastian leaned in, voice dangerously low.

“I know what you did.”

Ominis mirrored his tone, his usual composure slipping just enough to make it clear he was not amused.

“So do I.”

I blinked innocently.

“Whatever do you mean?”

I could practically hear Sebastian’s eye twitch.

Ominis exhaled sharply.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Sebastian drawled, mock thoughtful. “Perhaps something to do with completely ignoring us for an entire class period.”

“Oh yes,” Ominis mused, his voice silky smooth, but his grip on his wand tightening just a little. “I quite enjoyed sitting in silence while you engaged in a scholarly duel with Professor Binns.”

Sebastian let out a hollow laugh.

“Oh, let’s not forget—she didn’t just survive a Binns lecture. She won.”

Ominis nodded solemnly.

“Truly, a feat of magic.”

I pressed a hand to my chest, feigning offense.

“Are you saying you weren’t completely enthralled by my intellectual prowess?”

Sebastian groaned.

Ominis rubbed his temple.

I grinned.

“I suppose I did get twenty points for Ravenclaw,” I added airily.

“Twenty,” Sebastian repeated flatly.

“Yes.”

Ominis let out a slow breath. “She’s insufferable.”

“I love that about her,” Sebastian said without hesitation.

I laughed, but before I could taunt them further, Sebastian stepped closer.

“Next time,” he murmured, voice dark and low, “you won’t be able to ignore us so easily.”

Ominis matched his step, tilting his head toward me.

“No matter how many historical debates you throw at us.”

A shiver ran down my spine.

I swallowed.

“Oh? And what exactly are you going to do about it?”

Sebastian smirked.

“You’ll see, darling.”

Merlin save me.
_____

We arrived at the Room of Requirement, anticipation thrumming in the air as we approached the table where the letters from Sebastian and Ominis’ connections lay neatly stacked.

I could feel the eagerness from both of them—even Ominis, who maintained his usual composed demeanor, had his fingers subtly twitching as he reached for his letter.

Sebastian, on the other hand, had no patience.

“Well?” he demanded, snatching up the first letter and breaking the wax seal in one sharp motion.

Ominis exhaled, tilting his head in Sebastian’s direction.

“You could at least pretend to have self-restraint.”

Sebastian ignored him, eyes scanning the parchment quickly.

His brows furrowed.

“Well?” I prompted, stepping closer.

Sebastian didn’t look up, just sighed heavily and handed me the letter.

I skimmed it quickly.

“Elderwood is in high demand. The last known shipment to Knockturn Alley was already bought out by private buyers. Unless you have connections to the Carrow family or the Black family, finding it through official channels will be impossible. If you’re willing to deal under the table, I may have other options, but they will come at a steep price. Let me know if you wish to proceed.”

I glanced at Ominis, whose expression remained unreadable.

His fingers tapped lightly against his letter, deep in thought.

Sebastian muttered something under his breath.

“Fantastic. Exactly what I wanted to hear.”

I turned to Ominis.

“Any better luck?”

He unfolded his letter carefully, his lips pressing into a thin line as he read.

“…No,” he finally said.

His tone was neutral, but I could sense the frustration beneath it.

I took the letter from him, my eyes scanning the elegant, meticulously written script.

“Elderwood is scarce and heavily monitored due to its properties. The only sources left are through collectors and old pureblood families. There are whispers of a supplier who still deals in it, but I cannot confirm their legitimacy. If you insist on pursuing this, tread carefully. There are those who would not take kindly to outsiders meddling in these affairs.”

Sebastian groaned, running a hand through his hair.

“So, our options are: pay an extortionate amount, deal with shady suppliers, or infiltrate an aristocratic circle full of blood supremacists.”

Ominis hummed.

“Well, if we’re aiming for efficiency, perhaps we should consider all three.”

Sebastian gave him a flat look.

“Oh, excellent. Let’s just break into Black Manor while we’re at it.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose.

“Before we jump straight into criminal activity, let’s make sure we exhaust every possible lead first. We want this done as early as we can, but we cannot be reckless.”

I pointedly looked at Sebastian.

He raised his hands in mock surrender.

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Ominis smirked.

“She’s right to be concerned.”

Sebastian scowled.

“I’ll have you both know, I’m perfectly capable of self-restraint.”

I arched a brow.

“Oh? When have you ever demonstrated this miraculous ability?”

Sebastian opened his mouth—then closed it.

“…That’s not the point.”

I rolled my eyes.

Ominis sighed.

“Fine. We’ll take a day to see if we can find more information. If nothing turns up, we’ll reevaluate.”

Sebastian crossed his arms, but eventually nodded.

“Fine. Let’s meet up tomorrow and go over everything in more detail.”

I exhaled, relieved that they were being somewhat reasonable.

“Alright. We’ll finalize our plan then.”

But as I looked at the letters in my hands, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was going to be much more complicated than we had anticipated.

Sebastian and Ominis watched me pace, my mind racing with realization.

Of course. I was a bloody idiot. The Keep—the place I had trained in night after night—was inside a heavily warded land.

A land full of ancient, untouched nature.

I had been so focused on surviving my grandfather’s training that I had never stopped to notice the trees themselves.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes.

“Jessa, what is it?”

I stopped, turning to them.

“I think I have someone that might know more details about the Elderwood.”

Sebastian groaned.

“Please tell me you’re not kissing someone again for information.”

I whipped my head toward him, glaring.

“Sebastian.”

He held his hands up in mock surrender, smirking.

“Just making sure.”

Ominis, ever the calm one, asked,

“Who is it?”

I hesitated.

I had promised Anne no lies.

And I wasn’t going to start now.

I took a deep breath.

“My grandfather.”

The room stilled.

Ominis’ face remained carefully blank, but I could see it.

The way his shoulders tensed.

Sebastian, noticing Ominis’ reaction, frowned.

“What’s wrong?”

Ominis tilted his head slightly, his grip on his wand tightening.

“The Valancaire patriarch… Jessa’s grandfather… He has been known to be…”

He trailed off, his expression grim.

I sighed.

“Ruthless.”

Sebastian’s brows furrowed.

“So? A lot of old wizards are ruthless. My uncle included.”

Ominis turned toward him, voice even, but firm.

“No, Sebastian. The Valancaire patriarch is not like your uncle.”

Sebastian’s smirk faded.

His eyes flickered back to me.

“…How ruthless are we talking?”

I inhaled deeply, choosing my words carefully.

“…Enough that no one questions him.”

Sebastian blinked.

“And you’re just going to ask him about the Elderwood?”

Ominis, now fully rigid, turned toward me.

“Jessa. Why would your grandfather know about it?”

I hesitated again.

I had never told them about my training.

And now?

Now, I was dangerously close to slipping.

“I—”

Ominis’ head tilted sharply.

Sebastian folded his arms.

Oh, bloody hell.