The Daughter of Valancaire

Jessa’s POV

I ran to Beasts class.

Not walked.

Not briskly strolled.

Ran.

I could feel the evidence of my poor, hormone-fueled decisions burning on my neck and collarbone, and I prayed to Merlin that no one would notice.

I should have known better.

Because the second I arrived, my girl friends took one look at me—one damn look—and chaos erupted.

“Oh. My. Merlin.”

Poppy, Natty, and Samantha stared at me in sheer horror, their gazes immediately zeroing in on the faint but undeniable markings on my skin.

I froze.

“What?” I said innocently.

They did not buy it.

“Jessa.” Samantha hissed, grabbing my arm and dragging me closer.

She tilted my chin up, inspecting my neck like I was some kind of crime scene.

Natty covered her mouth, trying (and failing) to hide her outrageous laughter.

Poppy blushed so hard she looked like a Pygmy Puff.

“What the hell happened to you!?”

I groaned, covering my face.

“It’s fine. It’s nothing.” I waved them off. “Just… help me get rid of it before dinner.”

“Nothing?” Samantha echoed, incredulous.

“NOTHING!?”

She pointed to the evidence on my skin.

“Jessa, did you get attacked by a Hippogriff? Or was it all three of your suitors?”

I choked.

Poppy squeaked, looking scandalized but also fascinated.

“Oh, Merlin—was it all three?”

“NO!” I snapped, face on fire.

Natty shook her head, sighing.

“You’re so stupid.”

“I KNOW!”

“So stupid.”

“I GET IT, NATTY.”

I let them fuss over me, quickly casting spells and dabbing potions to erase the evidence of my mistakes.

My mind, however, was still in turmoil.

Because now that I had a moment to think, I realized something awful.

When I was with those three—

My magic hummed.

Not in the way it did when I cast spells.

No.

It burned.

It heated me up in a way that was entirely unnecessary, entirely ridiculous, and entirely dangerous.

I was so, so stupid.

By the time I looked presentable again, class had already begun.

Sebastian and Ominis were nowhere to be found—probably still at tryouts or plotting something worse.

I didn’t want to think about it.

Instead, I forced myself to focus, tending to the creatures with my friends, ignoring the occasional giggles and side-eyes.

Poppy, bless her soul, tried to act normal, but I could see her shoulders shaking in silent laughter every time she looked at me.

Natty and Samantha?

Unforgivable.

Samantha elbowed me with a smirk. “So, dinner’s going to be fun.”

I groaned.

Yes.

Dinner was going to be a nightmare.
____

I was dreading dinner.

Not just because I knew Valor had extracted the truth from Jace like a damn Veritaserum victim—

But because I had no idea what kind of punishment awaited me.

And then I saw it.

And froze.

Sebastian.

Ominis.

Garreth.

Jace.

All seated at the Gryffindor table.

Away from us.

Away from me.

Like banished prisoners awaiting execution.

Sebastian was picking at his food aggressively, looking downright betrayed.

Ominis was sipping tea like he was plotting murder.

Garreth was trying not to look guilty.

And Jace?

Jace looked like he’d aged twenty years.

I stared at them, and they stared back.

And despite being blind, Ominis felt it.

He tilted his head toward me, expression unreadable—

But I swear I saw a smirk.

My Friends? Utterly Useless.

The girls and boys behind me?

Completely lost it.

Samantha was wheezing. “They look like prisoners of war!”

Leander wiped away a fake tear. “A tragedy, really. The downfall of Sallow and Gaunt. History will remember this.”

Poppy clapped her hands together. “What exactly happened?”

Everett tilted his head. “Are they being punished?”

Natty, ever the composed one, simply grinned. “It does seem… deserved.”

I groaned.

“Valor found out about… things.”

“What things?” Samantha prodded, smirking.

”…Library things.”

Poppy gasped. “Oh, Merlin. The library thing?”

Natty, blinking in realization, whispered, “The tethering spell?”

Everett, who clearly had no clue what we were talking about, just nodded along. “Ah, yes. The… thing.”

Doom Incarnate Approaches

Before I could explain further, Valor stood up from the Gryffindor table.

And walked straight to us.

The Ravenclaw table went silent.

Sebastian and Ominis watched like it was their own execution.

Garreth suddenly found his goblet very interesting.

Jace?

Jace just stared at his plate like he was already planning his funeral.

Valor stopped behind me, arms crossed, looking eerily like Grandfather.

I did not like that.

The Judgment

“We will talk,” Valor said, voice calm and cold, “after your detention with Jace.”

Detention.

Oh. Oh right.

I had detention tonight.

And with Jace, of all people.

Oh, this was going to be a nightmare.

Internal Screaming & A Desperate Wish for an Escape

I groaned internally.

My missions had slowed down, but trouble kept finding me.

Sebastian and Ominis were suffering exile.

Valor was preparing for an inquisition.

Jace was probably going to make my detention worse.

And on top of all that, I still had to deal with Professor Fig’s research on the portraits.

And at this point?

I would rather deal with ancient magical mysteries, unknown forces, and possibly a vengeful spirit haunting Hogwarts than sit through whatever lecture Valor had prepared for me.
___

Dinner ended.

And my suitors?

Ushered away by Vix like misbehaving children, not even allowed to look in my direction.

I swear I saw Garreth trying to send me a wink before Vix physically turned his chair around.

Ominis looked far too composed, which meant he was furious.

And Sebastian?

Sebastian looked ready to kill something, but unfortunately for him, his current captor was one of my older brothers.

He wasn’t winning this round.

I turned back to my so-called friends—

And immediately regretted it.

Samantha, Poppy, and Natty were thriving in the drama, but at least they had the decency to offer me ‘support.’

Poppy handed me candies, looking far too amused.

“For the stress, Jessa. You deserve it.”

Natty gave me a book, her eyes shining with fake sympathy.

“You must be exhausted. Here, something to distract you from your… overwhelming situation.”

And Samantha?

Oh, Samantha.

She handed me a fresh pot of concealment cream, barely holding back her laughter.

“For your poor, poor neck.”

I wanted to hex them all.

“I hate you three,” I muttered.

They just smiled sweetly.

“No, you don’t,” Samantha said.

“You love us,” Poppy added.

“And we love your suffering,” Natty finished.

Merlin save me.

The Walk to Detention

Jace was mercifully quiet as we walked to detention.

Which was probably worse than him yelling at me again.

I sighed. “Just say it.”

Jace didn’t look at me. “Say what?”

“Whatever you’re thinking.”

He finally turned, giving me a look.

“Jessa, I have run out of words.”

I scoffed. “Impossible.”

Jace pinched the bridge of his nose. “No. Truly. I think I have exhausted my entire vocabulary of disappointment.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s not that bad—”

Jace stopped walking.

And stared at me.

“Not that bad?”

I hesitated. “…It could be worse?”

Jace tilted his head. “Oh, could it? Shall we test that? Perhaps I should leave you alone with those three for another evening and see what happens?”

I groaned. “Okay, okay, I get it.”

Jace just shook his head and kept walking.

“We are going to be in so much trouble when we go home.”

I sighed. “Oh, I know.”

And then, in perfect sibling synchronization, we both muttered—

“Mother is going to have a field day.”
_____

By the time Jace and I arrived at Professor Weasley’s classroom, I was already mentally bracing myself for a tedious night of parchment-sorting and silence.

Instead—

It was… surprisingly pleasant?

Which was unusual, considering it was detention.

Organizing Chaos

Professor Weasley set us to work organizing a small mountain of documents, records, and enchanted books that had a habit of flying off the shelves.

It was tedious, but nothing I couldn’t handle.

Jace, however?

Less than thrilled.

“You know,” he muttered, flipping through a parchment stack, “when I said we should spend more time together, I did not mean detention.”

I snorted, stacking books. “You should have been more specific, then.”

Jace just rolled his eyes. “Right. Next time, I’ll clarify that I meant ‘without looming academic punishment.’”

I smirked. “Noted.”

As we worked, we actually found ourselves enjoying it—which, again, was absurd for detention.

Professor Weasley, noticing our enthusiasm, even let us borrow some of the books we found.

Jace, predictably, hoarded an entire stack of Ancient Runes texts.

I found a forgotten tome on magical dueling strategies—a rare edition, covered in dust, but fascinating nonetheless.

For a moment, it was just us.

No suitors.

No meddling friends.

Just two book-loving twins, content in their shared love for knowledge.

It was peaceful.

For a brief, blissful moment, I even forgot about Valor.

Until—

Oh. Right. Valor.

As detention came to an end, realization hit me like a Bludger to the skull.

I had to face Valor next.

I groaned, slumping over the desk dramatically.

“I take it back. I’ll organize parchment forever. Just let me stay here.”

Jace, ever the traitor, simply patted my shoulder.

“Enjoy your trial, little sister.”

I glared at him.

And then reluctantly stood up.

It was time to face my fate.
___

As soon as I stepped out of Professor Weasley’s classroom, I spotted Valor waiting in the corridor.

Jace, ever the concerned twin, opened his mouth—likely to say he’d stay with me—

But Valor’s sharp voice cut through the air like a blade.

“Go to your common room. Now.”

Jace froze.

He glanced at me, eyes flickering with sympathy and worry, but Valor was immovable.

With a sigh, Jace gave me one last look before turning away.

I wished he had fought harder.

Because now, I was alone with Valor.

And I knew exactly what was coming.

Interrogation Begins

He didn’t say anything at first, just turned and strode away.

I followed, feeling like a child being led to the executioner’s block.

Then, he pushed open the door to an empty classroom and gestured for me to step inside.

I hesitated.

“Jessa.”

That was all it took.

With a sigh, I stepped inside.

The door shut behind us with an ominous click.

“Tell Me Your Crimes.”

Valor turned to face me, arms crossed, his expression a mix of cold calculation and something much heavier—worry.

Then, finally, he spoke:

“Tell me. What are your crimes?”

I blinked. “Excuse me?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Shall I list them?”

I swallowed.

“One.” He held up a finger. “You were caught— twice— in a compromising position with boys who have officially sent a letter of courtship to our family.”

I opened my mouth—

“Two.” A second finger. “One of these incidents involved a CUPBOARD.”

I winced.

“Three.” Another finger. “You are actively encouraging competition among your suitors.”

I scowled. “That is not fair—”

“Four.” He ignored me. “You have somehow bewitched not just one, not two, but THREE pureblood families into actively writing to Father about you. And yet you still act as if this is a casual flirtation.”

“…That sounds exaggerated.”

Valor just looked at me.

I sighed. “Okay, fine, that’s a little bad.”

“A little?”

I huffed.

“Five.” Another finger. “You are sneaking around in the dead of night. I assume for your little ‘missions,’ but after recent events, who knows anymore?”

“I’m handling it—”

“Six.” He leaned forward slightly, voice quiet but firm. “You’re hiding something.”

I froze.

“Jessa,” Valor said carefully, “I know you.”

His eyes scanned my face, searching.

“You’ve been acting reckless. Throwing yourself into everything. But there’s something else.”

I felt something tighten in my chest.

He couldn’t know.

Not about the Glen.

Not about the Pensieve.

Not about the memories I saw of Sebastian’s broken future.

So I did what I did best.

I deflected.

“Valor, I—”

“Don’t.”

His voice was sharp.

I stopped.

Valor sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.

“…Jessa. I’m not scolding you just because I enjoy it.”

I scoffed. “Could have fooled me.”

He shot me a look.

Then, his voice softened.

“You just woke up, Jess.”

I stilled.

“Seven years. We thought we lost you. And now that you’re here, you’re throwing yourself into chaos at every turn.”

His jaw clenched. “You’re reckless. You’re taking risks. And I can’t protect you.”

I swallowed.

“Valor…”

“I know you’re strong.” His voice was firm. “I know you don’t need me to fight your battles. But I am your older brother, and I will not sit back and watch you fall.”

I felt a lump forming in my throat.

I had expected fury. A lecture. Maybe even threats of writing to Father.

But this?

This was worse.

Because Valor wasn’t just angry—

He was afraid.

For me.

For the first time, I had nothing witty to say.

No joke. No playful deflection.

Just…

Truth.

I stepped forward and hugged him.

He stiffened, caught off guard—

But after a moment, he sighed and hugged me back.

“I’m not going anywhere, Valor.” I murmured. “I promise.”

He didn’t say anything.

But I felt him exhale—some of his tension melting away.

The Aftermath

When we finally pulled apart, he sighed again.

“…You’re still in trouble.”

I snorted. “Of course I am.”

He shook his head, finally looking a bit more like himself. “Just… be careful, Jess.”

I smiled. “I will.”

And with that, the trial of Jessa Valancaire finally ended.
____

After Valor’s final warning, I was officially released on probation.

His exact words were:

“If I catch wind of any more scandalous activity, I will personally write to our grandfather. And Jessa, I swear on Merlin’s grave, you know he will act on it.”

A chill ran down my spine.

Because he was right.

I did not need Lord Valancaire getting involved in my personal life. That would be the death of me.

So, with that pleasant thought hanging over my head, I made my way through the silent corridors of Hogwarts, climbing the stairs to the Astronomy Tower—

Straight to the Room of Requirement.

When I stepped inside, the familiar warmth of the Room of Requirement wrapped around me, the soft glow of enchanted lanterns casting flickering shadows on the walls.

And there they were.

Sebastian and Ominis.

My troublemakers.

Sebastian was lounging on the sofa, legs stretched out, looking far too comfortable for a man who nearly died at Quidditch tryouts.

Ominis sat beside him, posture too composed, holding a book he wasn’t reading—a telltale sign he was overthinking something.

Their heads snapped up the moment I entered.

And then…

I did the only logical thing.

I sighed dramatically and dropped into a chair across from them, throwing my arms over the sides like I was an exiled queen returning to her kingdom.

Then, I said it.

“So, how was your day?”

Sebastian let out a laugh, low and mocking, as if he couldn’t believe I had the audacity to ask.

“Oh, you know. Just got nearly murdered at Quidditch tryouts.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Murdered? Valor didn’t actually kill you?”

Ominis scoffed. “No, but he got dangerously close. He and the Slytherin captain seemed to have bonded over their mutual hatred for him.”

Sebastian groaned, rubbing his temple. “You’d think they were planning a war strategy instead of a Quidditch lineup.”

I snorted. “Well, you did abandon Quidditch for years after Anne’s curse. Maybe they just wanted to test if you were serious about returning.”

Sebastian glared. “Testing if I’m serious should not involve Bludgers aimed exclusively at my face.”

I grinned. “That sounds like a you problem.”

Ominis chuckled. “It was rather enjoyable to watch.”

Sebastian shot him an offended look. “Oh, so you enjoy my suffering now?”

Ominis turned his head slightly toward me. “He nearly crashed into the stands trying to avoid one of them.”

I gasped, clutching my chest. “Merlin! What a tragedy! The infamous Sebastian Sallow, taken down by an angry piece of wood.”

Sebastian huffed, crossing his arms. “It’s not funny.”

I laughed harder. “It’s a little funny.”

I turned to Ominis, tilting my head. “And you? How was your first day as Sebastian’s Quidditch water boy?”

Sebastian grinned. “Oh yes, do tell her.”

Ominis’ jaw clenched.

“I hate you both.”

Sebastian laughed.

I smirked. “Oh? Did they make you carry towels? Maybe cheer from the sidelines?”

Ominis’ voice was dry and sharp as a blade. “No. They made me hold the Bludgers.”

I blinked. “…What?”

Sebastian grinned wider. “It was incredible. You should’ve seen him. He stood there, completely unbothered, while the other players panicked.”

Ominis sighed. “I did not sign up for this.”

“But you held them?” I asked, impressed. “How did that even work?”

Ominis pinched the bridge of his nose. “They thought it would be amusing. Apparently, I’m less likely to get killed by them because I can’t see them coming.”

I stared. “…That is insane.”

Sebastian nodded enthusiastically. “I know! Isn’t it brilliant?”

I glared. “That’s not brilliant. That’s borderline suicidal.”

Ominis sighed heavily. “At least someone understands.”

Sebastian leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “Alright, darling. We’ve suffered enough for your entertainment. Now—what about your day?”

Ominis hummed. “You did have detention. And then, of course, there was Valor.”

I paused.

Oh.

Right.

That.

I shifted slightly. “Um. Nothing interesting happened.”

They both stared.

Sebastian smirked. “Liar.”

Ominis tilted his head. “Mm. She’s definitely lying.”

I huffed. “I am not lying.”

Sebastian leaned forward. “Oh really?”

Ominis matched him. “Not even a little?”

I fidgeted.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. “Did Valor threaten you?”

I hesitated.

Ominis exhaled sharply. “He definitely threatened her.”

I sighed. “It’s fine.”

Sebastian’s smirk dropped. “Jessa.”

I rolled my eyes. “He just said that if I get caught in another scandal, he’s writing to my grandfather.”

A heavy silence.

Sebastian and Ominis exchanged looks.

Then—

Sebastian cursed.

Ominis sighed.

And I groaned, already sensing a new round of plotting incoming.

The Aftermath

I leaned back in my chair, staring at them.

“So. What’s the plan? Bribe Valor? Fake my death? Escape to a new country?”

Sebastian grinned. “All excellent ideas.”

Ominis sighed, rubbing his temples. “Merlin, give me strength.”

I laughed.

Despite everything, despite the chaos of the day, I felt…

Lighter.

I crossed my arms as I stared at the two most frustrating yet irresistible men in my life.

Sebastian, sprawled out on the couch, smirked like he was not the problem here.

Ominis, sitting with his usual calm and collected demeanor, looked too composed for someone who had been seconds away from causing a scandal in the library earlier.

I needed to be firm.

“Alright. We need to talk.”

Sebastian raised a brow, grinning. “Oh? About how we should continue what we started earlier?”

Ominis sighed, muttering under his breath. “Merlin, help me.”

I glared.

“No. We need to talk because if you haven’t noticed—we are acting like hippogriffs on heat.”

Silence.

Ominis blinked.

Sebastian outright laughed. “I—okay, I was not expecting that.”

I huffed. “It is not funny, Sebastian.”

Sebastian grinned. “It’s a little funny.”

I ignored him and pressed on.

“This is not okay. I refuse to have this entire courtship turn into a scandalous disaster that ends with my grandfather dragging you both to an early grave.”

That wiped the smirk off Sebastian’s face.

Ominis nodded approvingly. “Go on.”

I took a deep breath and began listing our new survival guide:

“First. No more public displays of… whatever that was in the library.”

Sebastian whistled. “You mean us completely ruining your ability to think?”

I glared. “Yes, exactly that.”

Ominis smirked slightly. “She does have a point. We nearly got caught.”

Sebastian sighed dramatically. “Fine, no public devouring. But that means we have to make up for it in private.”

Ominis elbowed him. “Stop talking.”

I ignored that comment. “Second. We are not using tethering charms to kidnap me anymore.”

Sebastian groaned. “But it’s efficient.”

I raised a brow. “It’s illegal.”

Ominis nodded. “She’s right.”

Sebastian sighed. “Ugh, fine. No more tethering charms. What else?”

I hesitated, then steeled myself.

“Third. If any of you pull another stunt that results in me getting detention or my brothers threatening you—I swear—I will Obliviate myself and flee to another country.”

Silence.

Ominis looked far too amused. “You wouldn’t.”

Sebastian grinned. “You’re too obsessed with us to leave.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Try me, Sallow.”

Sebastian shut up.

Ominis crossed his arms, nodding in approval. “These are reasonable conditions.”

Sebastian leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. “Alright, darling. You’ve given us rules—does that mean we get to add some of our own?”

I sighed. “Fine. But if you say something ridiculous, I’m throwing you into the Forbidden Forest.”

Sebastian grinned. “Rule number one: If you’re going on a date with Weasley, you tell us first.”

I raised a brow. “Why?”

Ominis tilted his head. “Because we don’t want to find out from other people that you’ve been out doing—Merlin knows what—with him.”

Sebastian nodded seriously. “It’s only fair. We let you know where we are.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine. As long as you don’t follow me around.”

Sebastian opened his mouth to protest, but Ominis grabbed his sleeve. “Deal.”

Sebastian grumbled. “Fine. But I will be inspecting him after.”

I ignored that and gestured for them to continue.

“Next?”

Ominis thought for a moment. “No more teasing us in class unless you are prepared for the consequences.”

Sebastian leaned in closer. “Yes. That.”

I swallowed.

Oh.

Ominis’ voice dropped to a whisper. “We do remember exactly what you did in Defense Against the Dark Arts, Jessa.”

Sebastian’s grin turned wicked. “Oh, we remember very well.”

I shifted uncomfortably. “Alright. Alright. I get it.”

Sebastian chuckled darkly. “Do you?”

I huffed. “Yes. Next rule.”

Sebastian smirked. “Just one more: You have to spend time with us. Alone. Not just in the Room of Requirement. We will go on actual dates.”

I paused, lips parting slightly.

A date. A real date.

Not a mission. Not sneaking around.

Something just for us.

I sighed, pretending to be bothered, but they could both tell I was hiding a small smile.

“Fine.”

Sebastian grinned. “Wonderful.”

Ominis tilted his head. “So, do we sign a contract, or…?”

Sebastian laughed. “No need. We’ll just punish her if she breaks the rules.”

I stared.

“Excuse me?”

Ominis smirked. “You heard him.”

Oh.

Oh.

I should have known that no agreement with these two would ever be safe.

The air was thick, humming with something more than just magic—it was us, the three of us, tangled in something far more dangerous than I had realized.

My magic was responding, rising, a fever in my blood that pulsed every time their eyes darkened, every time their voices dropped into something more than just amusement.

I was trying to suppress it, trying to keep my thoughts clear, but it was getting harder.

Their magic—Sebastian’s fiery presence, Ominis’ quiet, steady pull—it fed into mine, and the longer I stayed here, the more I felt like I was drowning in it.

We had made our rules, and yet—

I needed one more.

I took a steadying breath, meeting their gazes.

“Regarding our dates.”

Sebastian’s brow arched, his smirk just waiting for me to say something that would amuse him.

Ominis tilted his head slightly, already expecting what I would say next.

I lifted my chin, determined to be firm.

“You need to inform my brothers. So they don’t assume things and—”

Sebastian groaned, throwing his head back dramatically. “Oh, come on—”

Ominis exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening.

“And—” I continued before they could interrupt me, “any intimate activities will happen here. Only when we are alone.”**

Silence.

A long, dangerous silence.

Sebastian’s gaze darkened instantly. The playful spark in his eyes shifted, his smirk faltering into something far more dangerous.

Ominis, who had been calm, too calm, suddenly tensed, his fingers curling as if he was restraining himself from something.

Neither of them spoke for a long moment, and I knew—

I knew—

I had just said something very, very dangerous.

Sebastian was the first to move, shifting forward, his voice low, edged with something molten.

“So you’re saying—” he started, slowly, deliberately, ”—that anywhere else is off-limits?”

I swallowed tightly. “Yes.”

Sebastian’s lips parted, his tongue darting out to wet them as if thinking. Considering.

“But here,” he murmured, reaching up, his fingers brushing my wrist, sending a shiver through my skin, “we can do whatever we want?”

“Within reason,” I choked out.

Ominis, silent this whole time, suddenly shifted closer, his fingers trailing gently over the pulse point in my wrist.

“You’re making it very difficult,” he murmured, “for us to behave.”

Merlin.

Sebastian leaned in, his breath ghosting over my skin, and I knew—

I knew—

I had just set a trap for myself.

I had made a mistake.

A terrible, terrible mistake.

The moment the words had left my lips—that this room was the only place where we could be alone, where we could do as we pleased—I felt the shift.

The tension snapped.

Sebastian and Ominis were on me instantly, a deliberate and calculated collision of heat and hunger, like two predators who had been circling for far too long.

I barely had a chance to react before Sebastian’s hands were on me, pulling me firmly into him, his grip possessive, urgent, unyielding. His lips crashed against mine with an intensity that made my breath stutter—as if he had been starved and was now finally allowed to feast.

I whimpered into the kiss, my hands flying to his robes to steady myself, but he wanted more—he always wanted more.

“My love,” he murmured against my lips, his voice a breath, a growl, a promise of destruction.

His words set fire to my skin, and Ominis was right behind him, always the counterbalance, the steady tide to Sebastian’s raging storm.

He pulled me from Sebastian just as quickly, his hands softer, gentler, but his intent just as ruthless.

“My dear,” he whispered, his voice velvet, as his lips ghosted along my jawline, trailing lower. His touch set me alight, and I shivered, my knees nearly giving out from the weight of it all.

Their magic swirled around me, feeding into my own, a chaotic storm of fire and shadow, wrapping me tight, suffocating me in the best way possible.

Sebastian’s fingers traced the back of my neck, his lips returning to claim me, his kiss demanding, teasing, devouring. Ominis tilted my chin to the side, his breath hot against my throat, pressing slow, lingering kisses down my neck, pausing deliberately, as if he was memorizing me with his lips.

I whimpered, my hands clawing at their robes, grasping for something, anything to keep me steady, but they—they would not allow it.

“You’re trembling, my dear,” Ominis whispered darkly, his lips brushing the sensitive skin beneath my ear.

Sebastian chuckled, his voice dripping with amusement and satisfaction, his kisses never ceasing.

“She likes it,” he murmured against my lips, “don’t you, love?”

I couldn’t answer.

I was gone, my mind blank, my body alight, their magic drowning me in something I had never felt before—something I would never recover from.

Ominis’ hands slid lower, his grip tightening at my waist, and Sebastian’s lips parted against mine, his teeth grazing in a way that sent a shockwave through me.

Merlin’s bloody beard.

I was going to die here.

I wrenched myself back with what little sanity I had left, panting, dazed, overwhelmed.

Their hands were still on me, still holding me in place, and their eyes burned.

Predatory.

Focused.

Unrelenting.

Sebastian’s lips were swollen, his breathing heavy, his chest rising and falling with deliberate control.

Ominis’ jaw was tight, his fingers still pressed into my skin, his lips darkened from the indulgence.

I was ruined.

“I—” my voice wasn’t steady, my thoughts weren’t clear.

Sebastian laughed, tilting my chin up with infuriating ease. “Struggling, love?”

Ominis chuckled, his voice smooth, but dangerous. “Perhaps she’s realized the mistake she’s made.”

I barely had time to catch my breath before they pushed me back, guiding me through the doorway of my personal quarters—the one the Room of Requirement had given me.

It was exactly like my childhood bedroom at the manor, a place that had once been my sanctuary.

Golden hues glowed softly along the walls, reflecting the warmth of candlelight. The air was sweet with the scent of pink roses, the same ones that had always filled my childhood windowsill.

It was perfect, but at this moment, it was dangerous.

Because I was alone with them in a space meant for comfort, intimacy, seclusion.

I turned toward them, heart pounding, but Sebastian and Ominis only watched me quietly, their eyes still dark with unfinished desire.

They had not forgotten what had just happened.

Neither had I.

Sebastian exhaled deeply, his lips curving, as he leaned against the doorframe.

“You look lovely here,” he murmured, his fingers grazing over mine, sending a wave of warmth through me. “Like you belong.”

I stepped back, but Ominis followed, reaching for my wrist, his touch deliberate, patient, but unyielding.

“Of course she does,” he said, his voice silk and fire, “she’s the lady of this house, isn’t she?”

I shivered, and they both noticed.

They always noticed.

Ominis tilted his head slightly, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “Are you cold, my dear?”

I narrowed my eyes, knowing exactly what he was doing.

Sebastian grinned—that smug, infuriating grin that meant nothing good. “Shall we warm her up, then?”

Oh no.

I took another step back, but Sebastian moved forward, trapping me between them.

The room felt smaller, the golden candlelight flickering against the tension rising again.

Ominis leaned in, his breath a whisper against my cheek.

“You should know by now, my dear.”

Sebastian’s hand brushed against my waist, his grip featherlight, teasing, promising.

“You can’t run from us in here.”

I barely had a moment to breathe before Sebastian’s lips brushed against my ear, his voice low, sultry, and absolutely devastating.

“Don’t worry, love.”

His fingers skated along my waist, slow and intentional, as if he had all the time in the world to unravel me.

“We won’t go all the way. Not tonight.”

I should have been relieved, but I wasn’t.

Because I knew him.

And I knew Ominis.

They would push me just enough to make me beg for more.

Ominis was behind me now, his presence so close, so warm, his breath ghosting down my neck, his lips just barely grazing my skin.

“But moments like this, my dear—”

His hands slid down my arms, wrapping around my wrists with a touch so gentle, so consuming, that I felt trapped without force.

Sebastian’s lips curled against my jaw, his grip tightening just enough to make me shiver.

“They’re few. With Anne coming back, we won’t have much time alone here.”

I sucked in a breath, my knees threatening to give out.

Ominis’ fingers traced lazy circles along my pulse. “So we just need to… store up.”

“Store up everything we can get from you.”** Sebastian finished, his voice dipping into something almost reverent, something sinful.**

Ominis pressed a lingering kiss to my shoulder, slow, deliberate. “With your consent, of course.”

I was undone.

Absolutely undone.

I clenched the fabric of Sebastian’s robes, desperate for something to ground me, to steady the chaos brewing inside me, but they—they wanted the storm.

“Such a good girl,” Sebastian murmured, lips trailing down, down, down.

Ominis sighed against my ear, his voice silken, indulgent, patient in his cruelty.

“So eager to be ruined.”

I let out a sound I didn’t recognize, something they liked too much, because the moment it escaped, I felt Sebastian’s smirk against my skin, and Ominis’ grip tighten ever so slightly.

I was drowning in them.

And I never wanted to come up for air.

I could barely think.

Their hands—warm, possessive, utterly unchallenged—moved slowly against my skin.

Sebastian’s fingers traced the line of my waist, his touch deliberate, his lips grazing my throat, never quite giving, always teasing.

Ominis was just as cruel, taking his time as his hands slid down my arms, his thumbs brushing over my pulse, feeling the way my heartbeat stuttered under his touch.

“Breathe, my dear,” he murmured, and I shuddered, because he knew.

He knew exactly what they were doing to me.

Slowly, patiently, purposefully—

They peeled away my layers, as if unraveling a mystery, as if memorizing every inch of me, as if worshipping the very existence of my body.

Sebastian’s lips ghosted down my collarbone, a soft exhale of reverence following after.

Ominis’ fingertips danced over the curve of my spine, barely touching, sending shivers up my skin.

This is alright, isn’t it?

We weren’t going all the way.

That was the line.

This was fine.

Right?

Then why did it feel like I was losing myself?

Sebastian hummed, low and indulgent, as his teeth grazed my shoulder, biting just enough to make me gasp.

“Feel her, Ominis,” he said, his voice filled with nothing but smug, wicked approval.

Ominis’ hands swept down my back, lips brushing against the shell of my ear. “She’s trembling.”

I was.

Merlin, I was burning, unraveling, trembling, because they knew exactly how to destroy me.

Sebastian’s hand trailed down, slow and confident, tracing patterns against my bare skin.

Ominis’ breath was hot against my neck, his voice silken and devastating.

“Are we too much, my dear?”

I let out a soft whimper, something that made Sebastian chuckle against my throat and Ominis smirk against my skin.

Sebastian lifted his head, his chestnut eyes burning into mine, voice low, teasing, possessive.

“Good.”

It was a game—a slow, agonizing, beautiful game.

One that neither of them planned to lose.

One that I was determined to win.

Clothes were shed like secrets, falling away slowly, carefully, until there was nothing left between us but the weight of our own restraint.

The line remained.

We dared not cross it.

But everything else?

Everything else was free reign.

Ominis’ touch was meticulous, practiced, as though mapping out every inch of me for the first time and the last.

Sebastian was a storm, his lips claiming space, his hands branding me, his breath hot against my throat as he whispered praises I could barely comprehend.

I felt them both everywhere.

I pushed them just as far as they pushed me—testing, teasing, daring them to lose their composure.

They did the same.

And oh, how we all suffered.

Ominis’ fingers traced the curve of my spine, his lips ghosting over my shoulder as he whispered, “You’re learning fast, my dear.”

Sebastian chuckled against my skin, voice dark, wicked with approval. “Too fast. She’s trying to ruin us.”

I was.

And it was working.

They did things to me I couldn’t name— things that made my breath catch, that made my magic shudder against the weight of their hands, their lips, their whispered curses and frantic murmurs of my name.

I did the same to them.

I used every bit of knowledge I had, every secret I had devoured from books and every shared whisper between girls in the Ravenclaw tower.

They were undone beneath me.

Sebastian let out a sound I had never heard before, something low, sinful, utterly wrecked.

Ominis was just as lost, his careful restraint fraying, his breath coming faster, his fingers tightening against my hips as if he was barely holding himself together.

And still, they would not cross that final line.

They were navigating uncharted territory, careful to share me equally, careful to not let jealousy consume them.

I should have questioned it.

I did question it.

But they simply said:

“We can tolerate each other.”

“It’s strange.”

“It’s weird.”

“But here we are.”

And then they stole the breath from my lungs once more.

I had no more words.

No more thoughts, no more sense of time—

Only this.

Only them.

And the aching, burning truth that we were playing with fire, but none of us wanted to stop.

We indulged, maybe a little too much.

My skin was ruined in the best way—dark marks blooming, a testament to their hunger, to mine.

I was glowing with sweat, hair a tangled mess that Sebastian couldn’t stop running his fingers through.

“You’re stunning like this,” he murmured, voice thick with satisfaction.

I was breathless, my body aching in the most indulgent way, their hands still lingering on my skin.

Ominis’ fingers ghosted over my collarbone, the remnants of his mouth’s worship still tingling there.

Sebastian had been cruel, wicked in his teasing.

And I?

I had given it all back—the way I gripped their hair when they went down, the way my nails scraped over their skin, the way I whispered their names like prayers, and the way they moaned mine like worship.

I had them.

I rolled my eyes back, almost ascending when they finally—finally—

Oh.

Oh.

I knew because Ominis’ breathing was uneven, still calming himself, and Sebastian looked wrecked, jaw slack, chest rising in deep breaths.

And then they did the worst thing.

Sebastian—ever the menace—tilted my chin up, his lips brushing against mine, against my jaw, against the marks they had left.

Ominis—the devil in disguise—whispered in my ear, his breath a slow, tormenting thing.

“You take us apart, my dear.”

I shuddered.

They had ravaged me.

And I had ruined them.

We were equal in this war of indulgence.

I exhaled, voice hoarse from the prayers I had made of their names.

I settled between them, sore, satisfied, and absolutely wrecked.

A smug smile curled on my lips as I whispered—

“Well. That should keep you both satiated for a while.”

Sebastian chuckled darkly, pressing his lips to my temple.

“We’ll see about that, love.”

Ominis hummed, his hand trailing lazy circles on my back.

“Yes, my dear. We’ll see.”

___

I stared at my reflection in absolute horror.

Oh. Merlin.

I looked ridiculously ruined.

My neck, shoulders, collarbones—even my **thighs—**marked with the evidence of their devotion.

Even my—

I touched my lips, feeling the slight swelling, the proof of Sebastian’s kisses, Ominis’ hunger.

“What am I going to do?” I whispered, voice breathless, my fingers tracing the imprints they had left all over me.

From the mirror, I could see Sebastian smirking behind me, arms crossed over his bare chest, utterly shameless.

“What are you talking about, love?” he murmured. “You look breathtaking.”

Ominis, still lounging lazily on the bed, chuckled. “You look thoroughly adored, my dear.”

I whirled around, glaring.

“You two menaces! How am I supposed to leave this room looking like this?” I gestured wildly to my neck, my disheveled hair, my swollen lips, the way my body still trembled slightly from the aftershocks.

Sebastian tilted his head, pretending to think.

“You could always stay here, in bed, let us admire our work a little longer.”

Ominis sighed dramatically. “A masterpiece should not be hidden away, Sebastian.”

I grabbed a pillow and threw it at them.

“Fix it.” I demanded.

Sebastian laughed, catching the pillow, and Ominis finally got up, stretching.

“Alright, alright,” Sebastian relented, moving to me with that devastating smirk still in place. “Let’s see what we can do.”

I shivered as his fingers brushed my shoulders, his touch softer now, reverent.

Ominis came behind me, hands gently pulling through my tangled hair, his movements slow, methodical.

They were taking care of me.

Sebastian pulled out a small tin of salve, opening it with practiced ease.

“This will help with the bruising.” He smirked. “Though I’d rather keep them there.”

I huffed, rolling my eyes, but when his fingers brushed my skin, spreading the cooling balm, my breath hitched.

Ominis worked through my hair, combing through the tangles carefully, as if he had all the time in the world.

Sebastian’s hands lingered, softly kneading over my sore muscles, easing the aches they had given me.

I hated them.

I loved them.

I sighed, closing my eyes, sinking into their gentle care.

For all their teasing, all their mischief, they knew how to worship me properly.

Ominis pressed a soft kiss to the back of my neck.

Sebastian tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear and murmured, “Better, love?”

I exhaled, opening my eyes to meet his warm, chestnut gaze.

“Better.”

And I was.
____

It was late.

The air in the Room of Requirement was still thick with the remnants of our indulgence, a lingering warmth that clung to my skin, to my clothes, to my lips.

Sebastian tugged at my wrist, reluctant, while Ominis sighed beside him, his hands still lingering on my waist.

“Do we have to let you go?” Sebastian murmured, his voice low, husky, filled with the kind of longing that made my knees weak.

I exhaled, smiling softly.

“Yes.”

They both groaned, frustrated, but amused.

I took their hands, squeezing them lightly.

“Remember the rules.” I warned.

Ominis chuckled, brushing his thumb over my knuckles. “How could we forget? You made them so unfairly biased.”

Sebastian, still sulking, lifted our joined hands and brushed his lips over my fingers. “We’ll behave.” A pause. “Mostly.”

I arched a brow, giving him a pointed look.

He grinned unapologetically.

“And you’ll talk to my brothers?” I added, watching their amusement fade into something more resigned.

Sebastian sighed dramatically. “Yes, love, we’ll suffer through Valor and Vix’s interrogation if it means getting back to our rightful place—” he gestured dramatically ”—beside you, where we belong.”

Ominis smirked. “They’ll give us hell, but we’ll manage.”

I smiled, satisfied.

I knew tonight had been rare.

The three of us alone, uninhibited, able to indulge without interruption—it wouldn’t happen often.

But I would treasure it.

With one last glance, one last whispered goodbye, I left.

I slipped into the Ravenclaw dormitory as quietly as possible, already imagining the peace of my bed, the comfort of finally sleeping without the weight of training, potions, or secret missions.

I barely made it two steps inside before—

“Oh? Back already?”

I froze.

Samantha.

And in her hands—

Mother’s bloody manual.

Natty, Poppy, and Samantha—all awake, all waiting, grinning like kneazles who caught a canary.

I groaned. “I am too tired for this.”

“And yet—” Natty drawled, “you had energy for… other things.”

Poppy snorted, trying not to laugh. “She looks alive. That’s a miracle.”

Samantha smirked, flipping through the pages. “So, did the manual help?”

I grabbed a pillow and threw it at her.

Despite their teasing, they helped me fix my hair, my uniform, and apply more necessary concealment charms to ensure I didn’t walk into breakfast tomorrow looking scandalous.

And finally, exhausted, content, I let myself fall into sleep.

Hoping that tomorrow would be calm.

I was wrong.
___

The morning light streamed through the window, casting a soft golden hue over the Ravenclaw dormitory. I stretched, still groggy from last night’s… events, only to be immediately greeted by an overly energetic Samantha Dale, grinning like a menace.

“Good morning, Duchess of Debauchery!” she chirped, far too awake for my liking.

I groaned, rubbing my eyes. “I hate you.”

Samantha laughed, twirling a lock of her hair in front of the mirror. “Oh, but you love me. Besides, someone has to keep track of your ever-growing list of suitors. What’s next? A Beauxbatons lad? Durmstrang royalty?”

I ignored her, my attention shifting to the stack of letters waiting on my bedside table.

Four letters.

One from my mother, one from my father, one from Professor Fig, and one from my grandfather.

With a deep breath, I opened the one from my mother first.

Mother’s Letter

My Dearest Daughter,

I have reread your letter a dozen times now, and each time, my heart swells with love. You cannot imagine how happy it made me to hear you say those words.

You, my miracle, my greatest wish come true. No matter how the world sees you, you are mine. You were never a mistake or a misstep—you were destiny.

(And if I ever hear you doubt your place in this world again, I will Apparate to Hogwarts and smother you with affection until you beg me to leave.)

As for your suitors…

Sebastian and Ominis are expected. Garreth, however—my, my, a Weasley! How delightfully unpredictable.

I must say, my dear, you do make things interesting. Your father is, of course, brooding about it, but that is to be expected.

Speaking of your father, he insisted on writing to you himself. Don’t let his seriousness fool you—he adores you, even if he expresses it like an unsolvable Arithmancy equation.

Write to me soon, my love. Tell me more about your days, your discoveries, and of course—your scandals.

All my love,

Mother

I sighed, a warm feeling settling in my chest. She knew exactly what to say to ease my heart.

I reached for my father’s letter, already bracing myself for the tone shift.

Father’s Letter

Jessa,

Two courtship letters were one thing. Now there is a third.

A Weasley.

I have questions. Many questions.

Your mother is thrilled.

I am… contemplating exile.

Explain.

Your Father.

I choked on my breath.

Samantha, still fixing her hair, raised an eyebrow at me. “That bad?”

I handed her the letter, and she burst into laughter. “Oh, your poor father. He is suffering.”

I groaned. “He doesn’t even ask how I am. Just—‘explain’!”

“You did this to yourself,” Samantha reminded me, grinning.

Professor Fig’s Letter

Ms. Valancaire,

I believe I have made a breakthrough regarding our research. There is more to be uncovered about the portraits and the lingering magic within Hogwarts—perhaps even something connected to you.

Come to my office after class. We have much to discuss.

Professor Fig

I perked up at that. Finally, something not related to my love life.

“Professor Fig need to see me after class for his research,” I murmured, setting the letter aside.

Samantha hummed, amused. “Good. You can use a distraction from your disastrous romantic endeavors.”

Grandfather’s Letter

I hesitated before opening the last one.

I had written to him about the strange humming of my magic—how it seemed to react around certain people.

His response was… unexpected.

Jessa,

The magic within you is growing restless. That is to be expected.

The Valancaire bloodline has always been deeply attuned to magic, but yours—yours is different. Yours is ancient, unshaped, seeking something.

It is responding to those who stir it.

Be cautious.

I trust you, Granddaughter. But remember—magic calls to what it desires, not always what is safe.

Do not be reckless.

Your training may be over, but your lessons are not.

Grandfather

I stared at the letter for a long time.

Magic calls to what it desires.

Not always what is safe.

“Alright, that’s enough serious brooding,” Samantha announced, clapping her hands. “Let’s get to breakfast. You have three suitors to suffer through, and I have Leander to torment.”

I rolled my eyes, stuffing the letters away. “You’re insufferable.”

“And yet, you love me.” She winked. “Now, come along, Duchess.”

I sighed, standing up.

The day had only just begun, and I could already feel the chaos brewing.
___ 

Samantha and I arrived at the table, the usual group already seated. The air was thick with knowing looks and suppressed laughter.

The moment I sat between Ominis and Sebastian, Garreth—cheerful menace that he was—grinned at me.

Sebastian and Ominis, ever the coordinated duo, served me my breakfast without missing a beat. My girls giggled behind their hands, while their boyfriends simply looked between us, suspicious.

“Alright,” Leander finally asked, narrowing his eyes. “What did we miss?”

“You don’t need to know,” Ominis and Sebastian said in eerie perfect unison.

Garreth smirked but said nothing, simply focusing on his own plate.

Jace, seated across from us, looked between me and my suitors, his brow furrowed. “Okay… what happened? Did you—wait.” His eyes widened. “Did you stop the courtship?”

Sebastian and Ominis, mid-sip of their tea, nearly snapped their necks whipping their heads toward Jace.

“NO.”

Jace visibly recoiled at the simultaneous outrage.

Ominis, ever composed, set his teacup down and spoke, his tone smooth and final. “We agreed.”

“Agreed?” Jace repeated, his sharp gaze darting to me.

“Yes,” Sebastian said, leaning back, crossing his arms smugly. “We agreed to follow every rule and custom your brother laid out—AND our own rules.”

Jace blinked. “Your… own rules?”

Oh no. Here we go.

Ominis nodded. “First, we must inform Valor and Vix if we wish to take Jessa on a date.”

The table gasped.

Poppy choked on her pumpkin juice. “Wait, what?”

Natty stared. “You actually let Valor and Vix have power over your dates?”

“No public scenes,” Sebastian continued, ignoring them.

Samantha gasped dramatically. “Oh no, no more heated Ravenclaw library moments?”

I kicked her under the table. She yelped.

Sebastian and Ominis, as if in perfect sync, cut their food calmly.

“Next,” Ominis said, “we must be informed of Jessa’s dates with Weasley.”**

The table fell dead silent.

Then, chaos.

“DATES?”

Leander coughed. “WAIT, YOU ACTUALLY LET HER—”

“EXCUSE ME?” Poppy nearly fell off her seat.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Jace pinched the bridge of his nose. “So, you two—who barely tolerate Weasley’s existence—have agreed to let him continue his courtship?”

Sebastian gritted his teeth, his grip on his fork tightening. “Unfortunately.”

Garreth, thriving in their suffering, took a leisurely sip of his tea, smirking. “Oh, I love this arrangement.”

I sighed. “In exchange, Garreth has to do the same.”

Natty clapped a hand over her mouth. “HE HAS TO INFORM THEM?”

Ominis turned to Garreth, his eerie pale eyes narrowing. “Yes. You will inform us when you take Jessa on a date.”

The table descended into another round of horrified gasps and laughter.

Leander wheezed. “YOU HAVE TO REPORT TO HER OTHER SUITORS?!”

Garreth, inexplicably unfazed, smirked at me. “Worth it.”

I wanted to die.

Samantha, giggling uncontrollably, leaned over. “Jessa, my dear, you are living in absolute madness.”

Jace, shaking his head in disbelief, pointed a finger at me. “You know, when you first got here, I thought you’d have a quiet school life.”

Garreth snorted. “Mate, she has three men managing their time with her like a bloody Auror schedule.”

I buried my face in my hands. “Can we please just eat?”

Samantha patted my back, giggling. “Oh, love, this is the most entertainment we’ve had all year.”

“Absolutely,” Leander agreed. “I can’t wait for the next disaster.”

Merlin help me.

____

Jace observed us carefully, his sharp green eyes scanning me, Ominis, Sebastian, and Garreth. His expression twisted in obvious disgust.

“Hmm.” He leaned back, arms crossed. “You four disgust me.”

The table stilled.

Leander blinked. “Wait. What?”

Jace gestured vaguely to us, his eyes squinting in deep suspicion. “For some reason, this is worse.”

Poppy, giggling, leaned forward. “Oh? How so, dear Jace?”

He tapped the table, his face one of utter disbelief. “You’re all acting so… so…” He gestured at us again, as if searching for the right word.

“Decent?” Natty supplied, smirking.

“EXACTLY.” Jace pointed at her. “Too decent. TOO coordinated. TOO… well-behaved.”

Samantha snorted. “So, let me get this straight—you’re complaining that they’re acting civilized?”

Jace grimaced. “Yes. It’s unnatural. I know these idiots. Sallow should be smirking more, Ominis should be subtly threatening Weasley, and Weasley should be gloating. But no, they’re just… existing.”

The girls giggled in delight.

Samantha nudged me, whispering theatrically. “Oh no, darling. We’ve reached the ‘unholy alliance’ stage.”

Poppy nodded, barely holding back laughter. “Jace, you may never recover from this.”

Leander, still confused but amused, grinned. “Wait, so you mean… the fact that they’re NOT trying to kill each other is MORE unsettling?”

Jace pointed at me. “Yes. And it means something worse is coming.”

Garreth, finally deciding to stir the pot, leaned back and smirked. “Or maybe, dear Jace, we’ve simply matured.”

Jace visibly recoiled. “You? Matured?!” He turned to Ominis. “Has he been cursed? Blink twice if he’s cursed.”

Ominis sipped his tea. “Unfortunately, he’s not cursed.”

Sebastian, as smug as ever, leaned his elbow on the table, grinning. “You seem really distressed, Valancaire. You alright there, mate?”

Jace narrowed his eyes at him. “Oh, I am watching you three. Something isn’t right. This—whatever this is—feels like the calm before the storm.”

The girls teased relentlessly.

“Oh, Jace, darling,” Natty mock-cooed. “Are you worried about your dear sister?”

Samantha clutched her heart. “Jace, you sound like a father sending his daughter off to marriage.”

Leander wiped an imaginary tear. “Next thing you know, he’ll be setting a curfew for their dates.”

Jace groaned, rubbing his temples. “You’re all insufferable.”

Garreth, still grinning, draped an arm over my chair, looking way too comfortable. “Oh, Jace. Love, rivalry, and alliances—it’s all just part of the fun.”

Jace stared at him. Then at Sebastian. Then at Ominis.

He sighed.

“I hate everything about this.”
___

The entire day, our friends watched us in a mix of fear, horror, and amusement.

We were decent.

Sebastian and Ominis did not sandwich me in class.

Garreth did not try to rile them up.

No teasing. No unnecessary touching. No stolen moments where I found myself pressed against a bookshelf or whispered to in a dark corridor.

We were studious, focused, and composed.

For the first time since this whole courtship began, I had a peaceful and silent day of classes.

My friends, however, were having an existential crisis over it.

Samantha, eyes narrowed in suspicion, whispered, “It’s unnatural.”

Poppy, watching Sebastian actually take notes instead of trying to distract me, whispered, “It’s like seeing the castle without moving staircases. Something feels… wrong.”

Natty nodded solemnly. “It’s like watching a Niffler ignore gold.”

Amit, who had just returned from the Divination Tower, looked at us nervously. “I swear I saw signs of an impending disaster in the tea leaves. And I think… I think it was about them.”

Leander leaned in, whispering dramatically, “What did they do to you, Jessa? Are you under a spell? Blink twice if you need to be rescued.”

Samantha, without missing a beat, added, “Actually, don’t blink. You have nice eyes, it’d be a shame to miss a good moment of suffering.”

Garreth, who was usually one to fuel the chaos, simply smirked and said, “Oh, they’re behaving themselves. For now.”

Sebastian, who was finishing his Transfiguration notes, simply said, “We have agreed to rules, that’s all.”

Ominis, calm and composed as ever, added, “There’s nothing wrong with being respectful, is there?”

Silence.

Amit, in sheer disbelief, whispered, “THEY’RE FOLLOWING THE RULES?”

Leander shook his head. “This is unnatural. I need a drink.”

Poppy, staring between the three of them, muttered, “I feel like I’m watching a dangerous beast pretend to be tamed.”

Jace, watching from the sidelines, exhaled deeply and said, “This is worse. I don’t know how, but it is.”

The girls were trying to hold in their laughter.

Because they knew. They knew what happened last night.

They were the ones who had helped me hide the evidence.

Samantha, leaning in close so only I could hear, whispered, “It’s that good, huh?”

I choked on my pumpkin juice.

Turned beet red.

The girls giggled in silent triumph.

Because this was a secret that only we would ever know.
____

Dinner was quiet.

Too quiet.

Valor, from the Gryffindor table, had his hawk-like eyes trained on us. Watching. Observing. Waiting for any reason to hex someone.

Sebastian, ever composed, calmly cut into his steak and said, “Valor agreed with my date with you tomorrow. The place near Feldcroft.”

I blinked. Okay. That’s… good? Right?

Then he added, “He asked Anne to look over us.”

I choked.

WHAT.

Anne. The woman who just walked in on me and my suitors in the Room of Requirement not too long ago. The woman who absolutely will make my life a living hell if she saw anything remotely scandalous.

I could already hear the teasing.

Ominis, calmly sipping his tea, continued. “I have my date with you the next day. It’s a surprise where, but Vix will be waiting for us to return.”

I swore I saw Poppy trying to discreetly take notes.

Garreth, grinning, added, “And I’ll have you the day after that. Safer. Just around Hogwarts. Valor agreed, just not past curfew.”

Jace, mouth completely agape, stared at the three of them.

“Merlin. It’s like a bloody class schedule.”

The entire table erupted into laughter.

Leander, amused, leaned forward. “Oh, what’s this? Courting by syllabus? Shall we get Professor Weasley to approve it?”

Amit, genuinely intrigued, said, “You know, if you all need a detailed itinerary, I could draft something. I do enjoy an organized system.”

Natty, shaking her head in amusement, teased, “You all have become so efficient in your courtship. It’s almost impressive.”

Poppy, grinning, added, “Does this mean Jessa gets homework after each date?”

Samantha, feigning seriousness, said, “We must ensure she submits detailed notes and reflections after each outing. It’s only fair.”

Garreth, smirking, winked at me. “Oh, I’d be happy to read her notes.”

Sebastian and Ominis simultaneously reached for their wands.

Jace, now rubbing his temples, muttered, “This is my sister’s life now. Three idiots scheduling dates like they’re lining up for exams.”

Valor, still watching from across the hall, noticed the laughter and narrowed his eyes.

The teasing only got worse.

“Oh! Oh!” Samantha gasped dramatically, “Who has her for Hogsmeade weekends? I must know!”

Leander, nodding in mock seriousness, asked, “What about the midterm dating assessments? Have they been scheduled in?”

Amit, flipping to a blank page in his notes, offered, “Shall I draw up a chart? We can color-code by suitor.”

Sebastian, face unamused but entirely resigned to the madness, muttered, “You all are insufferable.”

Ominis, too composed, said, “I, for one, appreciate efficiency.”

Garreth, grinning, leaned in toward me. “Well, sweets, we should also start planning next term’s schedule. You know, before these two beat me to it.”

The table erupted again.

And I?

I was dying inside.
__

I excused myself, standing from the table.

“I need to meet with Professor Fig.”

The reaction was instant.

The girls exchanged knowing glances, while the boys—including Jace, who had finally resigned himself to the chaos—watched with barely concealed amusement.

Because my three suitors?

They visibly tried to stop themselves from saying anything possessive.

Practically hear their jaws clenching.

Sebastian, ever composed but clearly struggling, simply said, “If you need help, let me know.”

Ominis, too smooth but still tense, added, “Same here.”

Garreth, grinning like a fox, leaned back in his seat.

“I do excel in magical theory, sweets. Let me know if you need my expertise.”

The audible groan from Sebastian and Ominis was almost louder than the chatter in the Great Hall.

I bit back my laugh, covering my mouth as I turned away.

“I’ll be fine. Try not to kill each other while I’m gone.”

I walked away, still hearing the teasing behind me.

“Oh, they’re learning self-control,” Samantha teased. “How adorable.”

“I thought Sebastian was going to combust,” Poppy whispered.

“Ominis looked like he was this close to casting a Tethering Charm just to keep her at the table.” Natty giggled.

And Garreth?

“I don’t see why we’re holding back, personally,” he mused. “I think we should send her off with a farewell kiss. All three of us.”

That immediately started an argument, and I left the Great Hall feeling both exasperated and amused.

Merlin. They were hopeless.