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petriwriting · 5 months ago

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Like the movies - Theodore Nott X Reader

Summary: Ex lovers meet again and rekindle the romance they once had.

Fluff, Older!Theo, Post graduation

A/N: this is based on a cheesy hallmark christmas movie I watched a while ago. this fic will be fluffy, but also kind of cheesy so be warned. No mentions of book canon events (like the battle at Hogwarts) Italics are flashbacks or letters.

The busy streets murmured with chatter and the sounds of footsteps. It was like any other day, It was the midday rush. Witches and wizards scurried past you to get their afternoon coffees and quick to-go lunches in between their snobby ministry jobs, men in nice suits and colorful ties and women in heels. The perfect setting for the busy city. The rough cobblestone streets threatened your ankles with every step, but you were used to them so much that you could walk quickly in a rhythm with them. You exhaled a soft pillow of air from your lungs, watching it sail away in the cold air. It was a bit windy, with an unexpected chill. Your fingertips felt cold so you buried them into your coat pockets seeking warmth, decidedly finding refuge from the chatter of the street in a small coffee shop. The warmth immediately embraced you and it was a sweet relief. You recognized the scent of fresh bread and pastries, standing in line to order yourself a hot tea to beat the cold, maybe a croissant if they had one.

The usual crowd was there, people for business meetings, mothers grabbing a quick bite, and servers busing tables and wiping down surfaces. As you wandered up, you noticed something. A tall man stood in front of you with a beanie, you couldn't quite read the menu from behind him. He stood next to a blonde woman who held onto his arm. His cologne... you knew that scent. You couldn't possibly miss it. It was Theodore Nott. He had turned around, as if on cue, to meet your eyes, surprised to see it was really you. He smiled softly, although at first his mouth was agape for a short moment in shock. You looked even better than you did when he had seen you at school last.

In that moment, all the memories flooded the both of you. Soft touches, running your fingers through his soft hair, The candlelight anniversary you spent in the astronomy tower, kissing on the Hogwarts express to make up for lost time after not seeing each other over the summer, skinny dipping in the black lake, sneaking around the corridors at night. It felt like reliving a romantic novel, nostalgic and sweet like candy. it was starting to make you wonder why you had ever broken up in the first place. But then you remembered the harsh reality in front of you. He was clearly with a woman, maybe his girlfriend, or his wife. You had no clue. He had moved on from you, that was that. Despite all these emotions, you were honest with yourself. It was still good to see him after all this time.

"Hi." he said gently. "Hi," you replied. The woman by his arm looked confused "Teds, who is this?" she asked. Ted. you knew he hated when people called him ted. "This... This is Y/N." he said. "A friend from school." He said. you smiled. "It's good to see you!" you chimed. The woman put herself between the two of you, "I'm Mel, Ted's fiance." She said with a quirky smile. She did not seem bothered by you, but she was curious, and it was clear you must have been a soft spot for you based on what she had said next. "I recognize you," she said, tilting her head. "You are in that picture on our wall, all dressed up in quidditch gear." You know which picture she is referring to, because you have a copy of the same photograph. It makes you elated to know he still has your picture up on the wall after all this time. "Well it's good to finally meet you," she smiled sweetly. "I studied in America but I love seeing what school life was like for Hogwarts alumni." The woman said, her blonde curls bounced when she turned her head towards theo. "Maybe we could get a coffee together sometimes? I didn't know you were in town." He said. You nodded. You never really left. "That would be nice, you know where to find me," you chuckled softly. "Aww, it'll be like a reunion!" Mel chirped. The couple in front of you turned and ordered their drinks, and you did the same right after them. Once your drink was ready, an herbal tea, you rushed out the door to get some air.

You were in slight disbelief, but you had heard from a professor once that love would find its way back to you if it was meant to be.

. . . . . .

Nostalgia had hit you the next day, you woke up and stayed in bed for a while, turning over every memory in your mind from your school days that seemed so far away yet just like they had happened yesterday at the same time. You crawled over the edge of your bed, grabbing a small shoe box. you sat up and slowly opened the cardboard lid to reveal a gathering of photographs and trinkets. You saw the same photograph Mel had mentioned seeing you in, your thumb running over the glossy surface of the photograph lightly. Then, another photograph, you remembered Pansy Parkinson had taken the picture and said with a big smile "Cheers to the handsome couple!", in which Theo was sat down and you had your arms around him from behind, you smiled at the camera while he had his eyes on you with a smirk. Another photo was a group class photo, all your classmates and friends. Another photo was you and Theo the night of the yule ball, dressed in your nicest robes and Theo with a bowtie to match your dress, you were hugging his side tightly while his arm was around you. The nostalgic ache returned in your stomach as you felt a longing for your lost days. There was Theo's old Slytherin class ring he had given you as a promise ring, the shiny silver and emerald gem held up nicely over the years. And there was a beaded friendship bracelet from your best friend in there. It was full of fond memories, and a tender feeling overwhelmed you until your fingers had led you to a small, thick envelope full of parchment.

It was a letter, enchanted by the smell of rose. It had slightly smeared, navy ink in messy handwriting on it. The nostalgic feeling became a bit too overwhelming, so you had to take a deep breath as you contemplated tossing the letter back in the box and never opening it again, or reading the sentiments it contained. you decided on the later, slowly unfolding the parchment with a crinkle sound, greeted by familiar messy cursive penmanship.

Y/N, I can't wait to see you again. I have some news. My father is taking me to Italy after graduation. I would love to take you with me. He says he has an opportunity lined up for me to work there. He said he wants me to attend college there, like he and my grandfather have done. There's so many beautiful things there to see, and I want to have you by my side for all of it. I've missed you so much this summer, each one feels like an eternity without you. I have my mothers ring, I want you to have it and wear it when I see you again. I want to marry you, and wake up next to you every day. I want to start a life together. I cannot wait until we can start our lives together officially. I love you. so much. We will catch up when I see you again in the coming weeks. - With love, your teddy.

After reading the letter, tears welled in your eyes, and you would have cried for an hour if it weren't for your responsibilities calling you. It ached to know he had moved on, that he had found someone else. You felt like you had just been left behind, and it pained you to know that under different circumstances, maybe, you would have married him and gone with him on his travels. But the thought of Mel wearing his mothers ring just did not sit right with you, and it was hard to be truly happy for them. You wanted whatever was best for him, even now.

. . . . . .

Weeks had passed, and Theodore had contemplated dialing you, or sending you an owl. But he didn't, because truthfully he wasn't sure what to say without sounding desperate. He sat in his home office, it was a late evening. He had a small flat with Mel, he could hear her stirring around the place getting ready for bed. He would never tell you, but they had been arguing a lot lately. He had gotten engaged to Mel in the spring, to please her parents who wanted her to be married very soon. He had only been with her for a whole one year now. It felt rushed, and They both wondered if the feelings of doubt were normal or an intuitive sign that maybe it wasn't right after all. Mel was gravely offended and upset that Theodore had purchased a ring to propose to her, rather than giving her his mothers wedding ring that had been passed down and in his family for many generations. And in turn, Theo was upset that Mel was selfish, only ever wanting to do things she took pleasure in, not truly listening to him.

He exhaled, and tapped his quill against the blank page. No words could come out. He thought comfort from old friends would be kind. He had already written Draco recently, who was expecting a baby with Astoria Greengrass, his now wife. His life seemed to fall into place perfectly after school. It didn't seem fair. He even checked up on some of his other buddies from those days. Nothing seemed to give a truly nostalgic happiness quite like seeing you that day had. He still knew how you liked your coffee, your favorite song, hoping it hadn't changed. He felt slightly empty in his day to day life. But he had no idea you were still in town until he had run into you.

"Ted!" Mel called. He hated when she would yell, rather than just walking over to where he was. "Yes?" Theo called. He sighed. Mel popped her head into his office. "Have you seen my watch? the gold one, I can't find it anywhere." Theo looked at her, empty handed and he truthfully had not the slightest clue where it could be. "No idea." He said flatly. "Is everything ok?" she asked him suspiciously. "yes." Theo had said. "Just tired." He said. "Oh... well don't be up too late, you'll have to see me off in the morning." She said, and then went back to looking for her watch. She had been packing. Right. Theodore had remembered Mel was going to be out of town for the next two weeks, going back to America for her school reunion. He had forgotten, but he didn't want to admit to her it was going to be nice to be alone for a bit, he could reflect and figure out his loneliness.

The next morning, Theo woke up at 11:30am. He had slept in. Mel was going to be furious. she must have been already on the train by now, at least a hundred miles away. He sighed in discouragement, writing her an owl immediately to apologize to her. She would be very upset when she got back home, and Theo would probably never hear the end of it from her, but it wasn't like it was a 6 month cruise across the world, it was only 2 short weeks. She should be fine, or at least he used that to reassure himself. He kept thinking of you whenever his mind wandered, especially when he was reminded of his school days. He remembered how sweet you were, and how you were his very first love.

He spent the morning finding you in a phone book Mel had purchased, with almost everyone who lived locally. His fingers gently skimmed over the ink that said your name and address. After some time, he contemplated his decision to go see you, finally deciding that he would. Theo made himself a quick breakfast, dressed and headed out the door.

When he arrived at your flat, he knew you would likely have been spending the day in bed, sleepy. That's always how you spent sundays when you were younger. His feet carried him to the door, but he could not bring himself to knock at first. He hesitated, toying with the idea of just leaving, but there was a part of him that was still fond of you that kept his feet locked in place at your door. He gently knocked on the door, hearing you shuffling about inside for a few minutes before you answered.

You gasped when you saw him. "Theo," you exclaimed happily. He was right, you were wearing pajamas and a robe over top. "Please come in." you said. "I'm happy you came to see me." you said. "Me too," he admitted. "How is Mel doing, where is she this morning?" you asked hesitantly. "She's out of town, actually." he said, sounding slightly saddened.

"Oh. Well hopefully you won't be alone too long." you offered. "Would you like some tea?" Theo nodded, hoping you still remembered he liked a bit of honey, and one sugar cube to chew on while it cooled. It was a ritual of his. you closed the door once he entered, and walked over to the kitchen to put on some hot water in the kettle.

"I'm glad you're here," you said. "really." you said gently. "Please have a seat." you offered, Theo sat at your kitchen island and everything suddenly felt strange, like things were just right where they were always meant to be. "I just wanted to catch up, see what you were up to," he said. "And sorry if you had plans today I could just leave if it's too much trouble-" You cut him off, "No-no. I'm fine. I enjoy your company." you said softly.

"So what have you been up to? I hear you're getting married soon?" you asked fake excitedly.

"Yes, about that..." he trailed off. You looked at him and frowned. "Is everything ok with Mel?" you asked him somewhat concerned. "Oh, yes yes, of course." he lied. "I ... was actually going to ask if you still had my mothers ring." You wanted to burst into tears, but maintained a cool and mature demeanor, something you were never good at. Your heart had dropped right out of your chest and into your lower stomach, smelling and causing a slight nausea. "oh, Yes I believe I still do... It's probably somewhere with my old things from school, I could find it for you."

"That would be great," he said. "Mel seems like a kind girl, erm. How did you guys meet?" You stammered, there was a bit of awkward tension now.

"My Father was mates with hers when they were younger, He introduced us." Theo explained. one thing you knew about him was that he did not have the best relationship with his father. "That sounds nice. I'm glad you have someone." you said gently.

"Are you seeing anyone?" He asked you, quite blunt. "Oh, erm, no,-no. I'm not." you said.

"Oh," Theo said. "Any guy would be lucky to have you. I'm surprised."

"Thanks. Just haven't found the right person I guess." you said softly, with an exhale the kettle began its drawn out whistle and you grabbed two saucers and two cups for the tea, dropping a bit of sugar in yours and putting a few sugar cubes onto Theo's plate, you sat it down on the counter and returned to the cabinet to grab some honey and a spoon for him. He smiled to himself as he watched you. You hadn't changed that much, still the same version of yourself that he had fallen in love with all those years ago.

"Anyway, The ring," you said stiffening up. "I'll have to look through my old things but I'm positive it's here somewhere. I know it's an old family heirloom, so I didn't ever throw it away."

you said, holding the cup of tea to warm your hands. "Are you proposing to Mel?" you asked.

"Well, I already did. My father mentioned that damn ring and she was upset that I bought one since I didn't have it at the time." he sighed heavily. "I'm sorry to hear that." you replied. "I can look for it now." you set your mug down, and scurried off towards your bedroom. Theo chuckled to himself as he watched you.

You searched your closet first, then drawers, and cabinets. anywhere in your bedroom that you could have stashed it away. You kept it on a chain, until the day you would be ready to wear it on your finger again, but when that time never came seeing it made you sad.

Theodore approached with his mug, his boots alarming you to his every step, He leaned in the doorway and sipped his tea. "You don't have to find it today." he said gently, trying to ease your frantic searching. He felt bad about it, knowing it might ache for you the way it did for him.

"I think, It's in here, just- wait," you said, tossing around your things to find it in your closet. While you were distracted, Theodore sat at the end of your bed, seeing the small box "Memories" written on it in your handwriting. He didn't want to snoop, but it was already open. He couldn't help but peek at the contents. He set his mug of tea on your bedside table and grabbed one of the photographs, It was the picture of you with your arms around him. He took a moment, wanting to cry for those good days when you were both happy, but not wanting to embarrass himself. He had to shake the fluttery feeling off, and remind himself that he was engaged, and the wedding venue was picked out, and his fiance's family had already started planning things.

He longed for you, for your touch, your scent, your gentle voice all of you. But he couldn't tell you. He found himself staring at the photo, his thumb gently tracing over it. he smiled.

His silence had caught your attention when you had fallen short trying to find the ring. You turned around and flushed pink. "So sorry," you said, knowing he had already seen the photos and letters he had written you as a young man. You quickly grabbed the box, and turned to stash it away when you had tripped over a sock on your floor, the photos wisped over the floor, his scarf falling out and unrolling itself, and you were both startled by the "Cling" sound of something falling onto your wooden floors. "I found it!" you exclaimed, collecting yourself to your feet, it was a silver plated ring with ornate detailing on it and a polished diamond in the center. You had kept it around a chain to wear around your neck when you missed him after the break up...

You held it out to Theo in your hand with a sigh. His fingers grazed your hand as he picked it up and held it between his fingers. "Thanks," he said.

. . . . . .

Just before graduation, you found yourself lying on the soft bed of grass by the black lake, with theo by your side. One arm was behind his head acting as a pillow, and the other was in his jumper pocket fiddling with his mothers ring. You had gotten his letter, you knew he wanted to, but you had no idea what would come next.

"I love you." he said, sincerely and simply. "I love you." You replied quickly. He sighed, sitting up after a moment. "Teddy?" you cooed, seeing he was distraught. "Y/N," he exhaled softly, you felt your stomach sink down and your body melted into the earth's touch, you were nervous. He was acting strangely. "My father has arranged for me to leave. He insists that I go on my own." he said. he sounded weak, like a wounded animal. "I know I already promised this to you," he said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the shiny ring that was once his mothers.

"But I want you to keep this until I come back." you looked at him, your glassy eyes looked like they could cry any second, and it shattered his heart. you leaned forward and kissed him passionately, his soft lips colliding with yours.

. . .

After graduation, Theo had seemingly disappeared, He didn't owl you or try to contact you at all, and it hurt tremendously. Finally, after asking around and searching for him for days, you had his mothers ring around your neck on a chain, going to the last resort. You walked up to the Nott manor slowly, anxiety rising in your chest you forced your breath to steady. You had to convince yourself he wasn't kidnapped, hurt or worse. You walked up the brick steps and placed a stern knock on the door.

After a while, his father finally answered. He was displeased to see you. "My boy doesn't want to see you," he said. "You should just go home." he snapped at you, his tone was rude. "Where is Theodore- Is he okay?" you asked, he was tempted to shut the door in your face but he humored you. "Theodore is doing fine. But he Does Not want to see you anymore." he said again, this time louder and more aggressive. "And that doesn't belong to you." he said, reaching for the ring around your neck. You stepped back and tucked it into your shirt. "Tell me where he is." you insisted. "Absolutely not. We don't need filth like you in our bloodline.. My boy can do better." He snarled and slammed the door, click, he locked it.

Your eyes welled with tears as you ran off from his street, breathing so heavily you were hyperventilating. You were left so confused, and hurt. Theo wouldn't possibly do that to you, he'd tell you right?

. . .

The night Theodore left, he was at the Nott manor gathering his things and packing. His father stood in the doorway, ready to diffuse the situation if heaven-forbid he decided to run away. "Where is Y/N?" Theo asked, he was still wearing his slytherin sweater despite no longer being a student technically. The thick wool brought him comfort. "I have to see her before I go anywhere." Theodore stood up to his father, ready for conflict.

"She's gone." He snapped. "She said she doesn't want to see you. and she made off with your mothers ring, probably selling it for cash.." he muttered. "She wouldn't do that. You are a filthy liar." he snapped through gritted teeth. "Tell me where she is or I won't go." Theodore's father laughed in his face, "You're going boy, even if we have to restrain you."

Before Theodore could lunge at his father, he had disarmed him and some of his fathers cronies had appeared to restrain Theo, and stun him. He put up quite the fight before he was finally defeated.

. . . . . .

In the coming two weeks, you had made it a habit to see Theodore nearly everyday, falling back into the old familiar friendship you both missed. You went shopping together, he had even made you dinner, and assembled your new dresser for you, yes- you could have used magic to do it, but where is the fun in that?

It felt like domestic bliss, but it had to end. Tomorrow morning, Mel would be back in town and your lives would have to go back to how they were before you had each other in them. Not that you couldn't stay friends, but Mel seemed pushy and you didn't want to pry. You fell back in love within those two weeks of keeping each other company, you were thankful that he came into your life when he had. It was a dull aching love.

You found yourselves sitting on the rooftop patio of your building, overlooking the nice view of the sunset. Theo had pulled up a chair next to yours, closer. You had both of your cups of cocoa, and Theo was smoking a cigarette, a habit he had long forgotten after school, especially because Mel said she hated them, and that they smelled gross. You were never particularly fond of the smell, but it was homely to you because Theo had smoked during his school days.

He sighed and took a long drag, exhaling a cloud of smoke that slowly disappeared into the air. you turned to him. "So," He said, breaking the silence. "I'm going to leave Mel," he said. You were quite shocked by this, though part of you was not surprised, they didn't seem entirely happy together.

"Why?" you asked curiously. "She seems sweet, and you have a whole life together planned, why give up now?"

Theo was silent for a while, thoughtfully taking a hit and then a sip. "Because," he began, his words trailing out like puzzle pieces being strung together, until it all finally made sense to you.

"To be truthful, I don't want to marry her. I don't think I ever did. The only person I ever really wanted to marry... was you. After I left, I wrote to you nearly every day, even after I realized you weren't receiving any of my letters, I still did it because it was comforting. That's why I never asked for the ring back, until I thought about giving it to her, but I think I did that because my father wanted me to. And I've learned to not care what he thinks so much." He said, his voice was soothing, like honey upon your ears. " I don't care what he says, I don't think anything could keep me from you." He says with a desperate exhale, putting out his cigarette. "Teddy?" you said gently. "What are we going to do?"

"I don't know, but we'll figure it out. and I'm sorry for all the lost years. I want to make it up to you. however I can." He had matured so much as a person, and you saw now that he had blossomed from a boy into a man in those 5 years. You stayed quiet, and smiled softly, his hand grabbed yours, you were now close enough together that you could rest your head on his shoulder as the sunset's warm glow slowly became overwhelmed by darkness.

. . . . . .

The next morning, it was a rainy and lazy day. you rolled out of bed to the knock on your door. Sheepishly and hesitantly, you wandered across the floor, wondering when the rain had even started. You opened the door, gasping when you were met with a sopping wet Theodore. You smiled, happy to see him again. He breathed heavily as if he had run right to you, dripping water on your door mat. "Mel left me. It's over." he said, with an exasperated breath. You looked concerned for him, knowing that breakups weren't ever pleasant for anyone involved. "Can I kiss you?" he asked. You did not utter a word, instead you kissed him deeply, making up for lost time, Ignoring his wet hair dripping onto your face, It felt like an explosion having his arms wrapped around you again, tasting him, smelling his musky cologne again, feeling the touch of his embrace. He spun you around and you pulled back and smiled.

"Take it inside you damn kids!" the old woman who lived next door to you muttered before bringing her groceries inside her apartment. you both couldn't help but laugh and smile at each other.

"Come in, I think you need a shower." you said gently running your fingers through his wet hair.

"One more thing," He said, reaching into his pockets, grabbing his mothers ring that was still on your silver chain from the last time you wore it. "This belongs to you. I shouldn't have asked for it back." Now inside, you smiled again and kissed him once more, It was the start of a rekindling of an old flame, officially now of course. You both couldn't possibly feel more in love than you did in that moment.

#reader insert #my writing #x reader #hp x reader #hp #slytherin x reader #theodore nott x reader #theodore nott #theodore nott x y/n #harry potter

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elphabathropp-www · 22 days ago

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Things I would do if I was adapting Wicked to the movies (considering that I couldn't bring the original cast back for any reason):

I would have cast age accurate, complete newcomers for the main cast (aside from Morrible and the Wizard). Insanely talented 18-25yo kids you've never heard of, but are glad got discovered. Kids that would never have a chance for a big break if not for this, kids from outside of the Anglo-Saxon world, outside of the global north and the global west even, who could never afford an agent or to be SAG-AFTRA on their own, etc;

I would have cast Lisa Minelli as Madame Morrible (such a MISSED opportunity for a Judy Garland homage here);

I actually liked how they made Idina and Kristin's cameo, so I would do something that big and campy, but I would a) make it loud and clear that they're Kumbricia and Lurline (because I actually read the book, unlike a painful amount of people involved in this movie) and b) dress them in their original Broadway outfits (the second act wicked witch dress, minus the broom and the hat and the blue bubble dress);

I would cast exclusively Wicked alumni to play every secondary character. Stephanie J. Block to play Melena, Norbert Leo Butz to play Frexppar, every Shiz student, every Munchkinlander, every Emerald City citizen, every Witch hunter would be played by former and current Elphabas, Glindas, Fiyeros, Nessas, Boqs, Wizards and Morribles from productions worldwide;

Glinda would wear many more colours than pastel pinks and lavenders, because not even Barbie was that one-dimensional;

I would make it three hours long, but I would make it one part;

I wouldn't add new songs, because it's sinful for Wicked to have any songs that weren't originally sung by the OBC, especially not by Idina or Kristin;

I would, however, find a way to include As If By Magic into it (I know it was cut when they decided to make Dr. Dillamond a History professor instead of a Life Science one, but still I think the scene gives so much to Fiyero's character and his relationship with Elphaba and his views on Animals' rights. With some thought into it we could definitely make it work. Where there's a will, there's a way);

I would make it PG-13 for three reasons. 1-) unlike some greedy Hollywood producers, I actually wouldn't want for little kids, who were being heavily marketed to, to read the books (if you know, you know), 2-) I would push the limits of the rating to the very max with my take on ALAYM and 3-) look at what my girl Elphaba has been through, she deserves an F bomb, c'mon;

I would have released it in 2023, because why the fuck wouldn't you plan everything to be released on the 20th anniversary, for fuck's sake?!

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supremegladiator · 5 months ago

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Since every student of Ravenwood can't be The Young Wizard:tm:, I like to imagine all manner of professions which both alumni and current students like to pick up to make use of their mana for the sake of contributing to their homes, other than immediately becoming scholars

Various inventors guilds that have popped up and collaborated with each other for all manner of creations to benefit the lives of civilians (or, just for the sake of testing the boundaries of knowledge).

Wizards working in local infirmaries and having small medical practices, coming up with unique ways of using healing magic to help magic and non-magic users alike.

Effects specialists, who make use of their powers to help with shows at venues such as Fireglobe Theatre and play around with illusory magic for entertainment purposes

Of course, wizards like Boris Tallstaff who work within local libraries as archivists and assistants– restoring older texts and helping scholars retrieve information thanks to magic sorting systems.

Spiral researchers-- those who study the flora and fauna, and look into the ways magic impacts them. Particularly those who know about the song of creation, seeing the ways in which traces of it can be found in natural settings as a recurring trend, and what this means for the spiral and those living in it.

#wizard101 #original posts #wizzy hcs #most of this is just the kind of ideas ive had in my brain for my ocs for a while now teehee

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fannedandflawless · 1 month ago

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Sirius Black Vs The Wards: Why Death Eaters Weren’t Invited To Tea

We’ve all heard it: “Hogwarts is the safest place in the wizarding world.” But who actually set those protections? How do they work? And more importantly—why do they fail in such spectacular fashion when a certain Animagus wants to drop in for a visit? Let’s take a look at the foundations of these fabled defences—and why they might be more aesthetic than foolproof?

🏰 Who Set the Wards on Hogwarts?

✔️ Hogwarts is protected by centuries-old enchantments laid by the Founders and reinforced by successive Headmasters—currently, Dumbledore.

These wards include:

Anti-Apparition barriers

Muggle-repelling charms

Detection wards for dark magic

Protective enchantments layered into the very stone

Sounds airtight? Hold that thought.

🐺 So How Did Sirius Black Break In?

✔️ He was an unregistered Animagus. The wards don’t detect animals the same way they detect humans. ✔️ He had intimate knowledge of the school grounds from his time as a Marauder. ✔️ He had access to:

The Marauder’s Map (the blueprint of Hogwarts mischief)

Secret passageways hidden even from the staff

Decades of experience evading authority

📌 The Ministry’s Dementors were stationed around Hogwarts—but they couldn’t detect him in his Animagus form. And if they did? They still needed direct proximity.

Sirius snuck in multiple times. Into the castle. Into the Gryffindor dormitories. And what was the school’s response?

“Board up the Fat Lady’s portrait. That’ll fix it.”

🐍 Meanwhile… THE DEATH EATERS

Here’s where the logic falls apart spectacularly:

Death Eaters—many of them former students—can’t get in.

We’re talking Bellatrix, Lucius, Narcissa, Travers, Rookwood, Yaxley, Dolohov, and other former Slytherin alumni—even Voldemort himself. These were witches and wizards with significant magical ability and extensive history at Hogwarts. And yet... not one of them could find a way in without relying on a teenager and a piece of broken furniture? Suspiciously neglected. Strategically nonsensical.

They knew the castle. They lived there. Yet none of them could break in?

So what does Voldemort do?

Assigns Draco Malfoy, a sixteen-year-old schoolboy, the impossible mission of assassinating Dumbledore—as punishment for Lucius' failure at the Ministry.

Under immense pressure and with no adult help, Draco devises his own plan: fix a broken Vanishing Cabinet—which had been rotting in a corner like a half-assembled IKEA wardrobe—to sneak Death Eaters into the castle.

A dusty, half-forgotten wardrobe becomes the cornerstone of a death squad invasion—like someone planned a high-risk coup using magical flat-pack furniture and crossed their fingers it wouldn't collapse mid-assembly.

Let that sink in:

Full-grown Death Eaters couldn’t manage what a teenage fugitive dog animagus did three times over.

And here’s the kicker—Peter Pettigrew, the very Death Eater who faked his own death and lived as a rat for over a decade, knew about the secret tunnel between the Shrieking Shack and Hogwarts via the Whomping Willow. He had used it himself. So why didn’t he lead the Death Eaters through it?

Even if it was partially sealed or risky, surely it could’ve been reinforced faster than restoring a Vanishing Cabinet. Was Voldemort unaware of it? Or did he not trust a path once tied to the Marauders?

If speed and surprise were the goal, the Whomping Willow route seems a baffling omission. Dubious, darling. Deeply dubious.

🤯 THE IMPLICATIONS:

🔥 Sirius Black > Death Eaters in Hogwarts Infiltration

Sirius had deeper magical intuition, resourcefulness, and a working knowledge of the school’s blind spots.

The Marauders, collectively, understood Hogwarts better than most of the staff.

The Death Eaters, despite their power, relied on brute force and bypassing rather than subtlety.

And let’s not forget—his Animagus form was a dog. While it's never explicitly stated how the wards classify Animagi, it’s reasonable to assume that Sirius’ form allowed him to bypass the usual detection spells. Perhaps Hogwarts is accidentally pet-friendly—but not evil-detection efficient. Just ask Rita Skeeter, who snuck into places as a beetle without setting off a single alarm. So maybe the rule is: if you don’t look magical, you’re fine. You can sneak in if you look like a lovable stray—or an unremarkable insect. Good luck if you’re in full Death Eater robes, though.

🤨 Or… The Wards Are Dubiously Selective

Hogwarts’ security flexes depending on plot demands.

If Voldemort needed in, there’s always some reason he couldn’t—until Dumbledore was dead.

Are the wards magically intelligent? Or just wildly inconsistent?

Hogwarts: “No evil may enter—unless it’s disguised as a dog.”

🪞 Lingering Reflections:

This raises a serious (Sirius) question:

Was Sirius Black secretly one of the most magically competent characters in the series?

If so—why didn’t the Order use him better? Why wasn’t he teaching stealth? Why wasn’t he training students?

And perhaps more pressingly—why didn’t Dumbledore clear his name?

He knew Sirius was innocent. He had strong reason to believe the truth about Peter Pettigrew—ever since the events in the Shrieking Shack. Though he claimed he lacked proof after Pettigrew escaped, one must wonder why a wizard of Dumbledore’s stature couldn’t sway the Ministry or rally support. Instead, he let Sirius remain a fugitive, locked in Grimmauld Place, haunted and hunted.

Was it fear of public backlash? Political games? Or simply another case of Dumbledore trusting that “the greater good” would work itself out?

Or was it simply another oversight by the narrative so focused on the Chosen One that they forgot the Black sheep genius in the corner?

⸻

Previously: Hogwarts Security Issues: The Safest Place? Really?

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blorbologist · 2 years ago

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Re-watching Calamity (for ~research~) and this time around Patia has really stood out to me. Of course Cerrit and Laerryn and Zerxes are showstoppers, but I decided to pay more mind to the other three members of the Ring of Brass, and just... Patia Por'co, guys. Patia Por'co.

Patia's relationship to what she knows (and does not know) is, I think, the pure distillation of knowledge is power.

She carries all her knowledge, all of Avalir's knowledge, with her, levitating, all this power at her fingertips. I think that there's something to be said with her about how generational power and knowledge are so often intertwined - children of alumni having easier access to the same academic leg up as their parents, knowing who to know, having the ins and outs of how this works handy. I don't believe any of the other members of the Ring of Brass come from backgrounds like this, and if not it's fitting that the only one that does is the one most tied to knowledge. On top of being an elf to boot, something which must amplify the consolidation of resources throughout the years.

[Shunting the rest under the cut bc oops this got Long]

I think it's interesting, too, how Patia seems extremely adept at navigating the lies and half-truths of Avalir's politics, yet reserves honesty for her friends. If someone lesser than they knows what they shouldn't, she will take that power away from them. On my relisten, I'd forgotten that one of the memories the Ring of Brass analyzes tries to throw Patia under the bus, and how quickly she shows Nidas memories proving that she did as right by him as she could. And the reveal that she and Zerxes tried to bring back Evandrin, and upon the failure she removed the painful memory at his request.

(Mechanically, too; as a wizard, her knowledge literally is her power. That's the wizard thing, baby, and if Laerryn exemplifies a wizard whose INT is intellectual skill/problem-solving, then Patia is probably INT as memory. Streetsmart and booksmart besties. Also revealing herself to goad Dean Hollow into popping back in, only to immediately Sphere her and cause the bitch to get eaten by her own spell? Maybe that's a stretch of my 'knowledge is power' bit, but it's too fucking cool of a moment not to remind you of it.)

The first time she died, it was for knowledge. Touching the Tree of Names, and she never did let it go (would she, if she could have?). When she died - that first time - did she meet the Raven Queen?

Patia's direct tie to quite possibly the second-most knowledgeable being in the Exandrian mythos (behind Ioun, but I'd argue you know a lot to handle fate and death, on top of being a wizard in life) feels very deliberate to me. The Raven Queen, the mage who did what no other could (except Vecna a long-ass time later, and only for like a day or two), was at least a contemporary. Perhaps a teacher, or mentor, or admired idol. And now Patia can't even remember her name.

It's funny how much knowledge was actually taken from Patia, between that name and her parents'. Just as she removed knowledge from others. No matter how powerful you get, even with a protective ring, you are always at the mercy of your predecessors. What they chose to do with knowledge. And what Patia chooses to do, now.

In her last moment alone, she relates this knowledge to selfishness. Her grandfather's decision to make a city fly because he and others could. The Gau Drashari's decision to keep all information about the Tree of Names secret. While I disagree with her a bit, it really rounds out knowledge is power - because it's hoarded, it's made a tool for selfishness and control. And Patia acknowledges it likely always will be selfish, but for now at least she can break this cycle.

She breaks Avalir, the model of it her grandfather holds, and sends the Librarium with all the knowledge she carries to Maya.

(I'll note that Maya probably doesn't know what the orb is or does, so sending the model library is a great way to help get that message across, too, on top of the meaning of the moment.)

When it comes time to send all of Avalir's knowledge away, it's not some mage acquaintance from another city she sends it to. Hells - she doesn't even teleport herself out, with it, to ensure its protection and proper use. She sends it to a child, a teenager, the daughter of her friend. Someone with no power, who will have nothing but her family in the Calamity. I can't quite pin down why she choose Maya. Because a teenager is innocent, uncorrupted by power? Because she wanted to give the family of her friend leverage, knowledge to rebuild, a fighting chance?

There's so much Patia did not live to know. She points it out herself that she never found love, or became a parent, all for the sake of Avalir, for knowledge, for power. To maintain the legacy that preceded her. Excellent DMing on Brennan's part to take the quiet moment, as the sphere is sent to Maya, to then put Patia in the place of a child, one robbed of the knowledge of who her parents even were.

And yet. As she sends all she has ever known away, she still reaches for it. Almost wants it back. Almost.

Her story begins and ends with a wish: happy Replenishment, grandfather. And on that fateful day, in place of the stolen tithe she and Laerryn and Nidas have been shuffling around the city, she gives her life to save the world. and she gives away the knowledge to rebuild it.

And there's nothing else she needs to know.

IDK. I think we should talk about Patia more.

#idk how much sense this makes I just. am holding Patia like one of those cool glass ornaments in my hands #it's been a while since I've written Meta and I'm still Emotional. Calamity is full of such heavy hitters I Get why she gets overshadowed #but MAN. MAN IS SHE A COOL CHARACTER.#exu calamity #critical role #patia por'co #cr meta

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redheadspark · 6 months ago

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Hi, could you do Oliver Wood with #20 for the december prompt? Happy holidays!

A/N - I love this! Thanks for requesting this, anon!

Fireworks

Summary- It's the small things that bring people together

Warnings - Just fluff

“Luv, what do you think he has planned?”

“Who knows. It’s George we’re talkin’ about, he could be plannin’ anything,”

“You’re not wrong,”

Oliver chuckled as the pair of you stood inside Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, particularly for a Christmas Party that George Weasley conducted only for his closest friends. He closed the shop for the public and brought a handful of old friends, classmates, colleagues, and business partners, along with several families that he stayed in contact with since the Battle of Hogwarts. You and Oliver were freshly married, a month after the Battle, and starting a new life together. Back to reality, no more evil to look out for or Death Eaters that could swipe you. With Voldemort gone, peace was once again in the Wizarding World, uneasy at times with uncertainty, but peace nonetheless.

You and Oliver never expected to be married in such a rush, but you figured it was the best time after surviving the night at Hogwarts where your old school was ablaze and your friends were dying left and right of you. You both were planning a wedding a few months down the road, but it was put on hold when Voldemort took power and lives were being taken at night. Oliver wasn’t willing to let anything happen to either one of you when wizards and witches were being killed in their sleep or kidnapped out of the blue, so you both went into hiding instead. When the dust settled and families were rebuilding their lives again, you and Oliver finally got married with just a handful of closest friends and family in the garden behind Oliver’s childhood home.

George Weasley was in attendance as one of Oliver’s groomsmen, both yourself and Oliver taking care of him for some time after he lost of twin at the battle. He missed his twin, more than anything, and you knew he had changed for both the better and the worse. You invited him over to have dinner at least once a week, lending him your spare bedroom when he didn’t want to sleep at the flat near the joke shop, even giving him long talks and hugs when he was especially lost in his own mind.

He got back on his feet, marrying Angelina Johnson a year later losing Fred and the pair of them finding hope in one another. You and Oliver went to the wedding, seeing his happy George was when Angelina walked down the aisle to him and they kissed under the enchanted fallen flower pedals thanks to Mrs. Weasley. It was a magical afternoon at The Burrow, and a sure sign of new things to come.

With the holiday season well underway, George invited you and Oliver to his shop for his Annual Christmas Party. It was exciting to see George happy and almost back to full self again, working part-time at the shop and Harry Potter helping too since he invested some galleons in the business. Seeing a sea of old friends and new faces in the cramped but cozy shop made the night better, the fireplace active with a massive fire, and new gadgets and products being tested thanks to some of the shop employees invited to the party.

Oliver met up with all the Gryffindor Alumni and old Quidditch Team members, reviewing old stories and games they never forgot. You gravitated over to the other Gryffindors that were in your year back at school, seeing the familiar faces and going over old stories as well. About halfway into the party, you found Oliver again, seeing George standing at the top of the stairs that stood in the middle of the shop. He was sporting a maroon tux, looking healthier than he did before as he held a glass in his hand and the room fell silent for him.

“Thank you all for coming tonight, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people and supporters in my life,” He started, holding onto the glass a pinch tighter as he took in a long breath, “This shop was a vision of mine and Fred’s, and we wanted to have our heart and soul in this place. We couldn’t have done it alone, not without every single one of you. So, I personally wish to thank you all,”

He then held up his glass and smiled, “To Fred,”

“To Fred,” A chorus of voices repeated, everyone taking a small sip from their glasses. As you drank your glass of water, you felt Oliver reach down to lace your fingers together as he took a sip from his whiskey, making you lean your head on his shoulder and curl into him a bit.

“Now, I don’t wish to have this party be a downer, Fred would’ve killed me,” George replied, everyone, chuckling as he looked over to the left where Angelina was. She was grinning, sporting a cup of juice and her spare hand on her 7-month pregnant belly with a massive smile on her face, “Angelina and I are looking forward to the new year and the growth of this shop, as well as the growth of our family,”

You could see Mrs. Weasley to the right being misty-eyed as Mr. Wesley was watching George with pride in his eyes.

“But as a treat, for all of your support since we’ve opened this shop, I want to unveil our new product exclusively for this party,” George informed the guests, all of whom were looking at him in both confusion and excitement. He reached behind him taking out of a small wooden box what looked to be a turning top toy of sorts in his palm. Holding it out in front of him, the device looked like it was dipped in a rainbow, shining in the light of the shop as he touched the button on the top.

Within seconds, the top levitated in his palm and spun so fast it was almost memorizing. Every watched on bated breath as fireworks as small as his fingers shout out and around the top. George took out his wand from his suit inner pocket and tapped the top, which grew to the size of his head and the fireworks expanded to take up the space around him and in the air of the shop.

Everyone gasped in shock and awe, fireworks of all shapes and sizes boomed and exploded around the store. You too seemed amazed at the sight, something so simple as an item would bring so much joy within seconds. It made you look over at Oliver, seeing him look up at the fireworks with a smirk on his lips. You were glad to be where you were thanks to him: his patience in you opening up to him when you two were classmates, his hardworking nature in building a home together with you after you both decided to be together, his loyalty to his friends and yourself in fighting at Hogwarts against Death Eaters.

But most of all, his love for you from the moment you two met as 2nd years.

He tore his eyes away from the fireworks to see you staring at him, his smile not leaving his face as he leaned over to kiss you softly on the lips. You felt the rest of the world fading away, the sounds of the partygoers cheering and applauding George, the smell of sweets, and the fireworks exploding in the air. Oliver ceased to make you feel loved and adored by him, feeling like you were the one main component in his world that would keep him stable and happy. Even after the struggles of living in the real world, plenty of fights and spats, and ended in hugging and apologies, job opportunities and failures, you two stayed together. You both carried literal scars from the Battle of Hogwarts, reminders of being alive and not wishing to take it for granted for one moment.

Neither one of you saw George watching you two kiss, his smile a bit bigger since you told the news to George that you were pregnant and were planning to tell Oliver later that night at the party.

The End.

#Oliver wood #Oliver wood x reader #Oliver wood x you #Oliver wood x oc #harry potter #Harry Potter fanfiction #fanfiction #writing #hp #hp fandom #hp fanfic

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mysteriesinjasminefields · 6 months ago

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Hogwarts Legacy Alumni?

I was replaying Hogwarts Legacy, and I was at the scene where Sirona is protecting our beloved MC from Victor Rookwood, and Theophilus Harlow. What I noticed was how frank she was with them. It could be since they are locals in Hogsmeade.

My take on is that when they used to be students in Hogwarts, Vitor and Harlow were classic Slytherin bullies. Not to be that type of person who sees a Slytherin and calls them evil, but these two are.

In another side quest, Sirona tells the MC that she was close friends with Professor Garlick. I can easily see Garlick and Sirona casting Transformation and Expelliarmus on them whilst they are teasing first years. Again this is what I see happening, which is why I am referring to them as Alumni. I can also see behind the scenes when MC comes to three broomsticks, Sirona tells them stories of their time at Hogwarts. Which is why I think Sirona is still so close to Hogwarts by working at The Three Broomsticks.

Which leads me to my next point. No matter how a student ends in their life, they still stick close to Hogwarts. They all make sure no matter if they love/hate Hogwarts they still keep close. This can also occur because the Wizarding world is small, but this is my take on it.

Below I have attached the clip that inspired this post.

Remember, this is only my opinion. Stay curious, stay kind, and stay a while.

#hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy mc #hogwarts legacy sebastian #sirona ryan #three broomsticks #victor rookwood #harlow #hogwarts houses #hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry #hogwarts oc #hogwarts legacy female mc

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seriiousgiirl · 1 year ago

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⋆˚࿔ 𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

❛ welcome to my blog ⋅ everything below the cut ⋅ find me also on ao3 ⋅ requests ❜

— ୨୧₊˚ 𝒮𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓊𝓈 𝒮𝓃𝒶𝓅𝑒

Through the Darkness — part 1 / part 2 . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 . ⊹ ₊ ݁. husband!severus snape/reader, psychological trauma, temporaly blindness, angst with a fluffy ending.

Sweet Juice — link here . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 . ⊹ ₊ ݁. severus snape/alumni!reader, incorrect use of potion, fluff, comfort sex, age difference, nsfw

Dead Man Running — link here . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 . ⊹ ₊ ݁. death eater!severus snape x auror!reader, enemies to lovers, childhood friends, young severus, first wizarding war, nsfw

My Satisfaction — link here . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 . ⊹ ₊ ݁. severus snape x teacher!reader, fluff and smut, foreplay, sexual frustration, age difference, jealous severus, nsfw

— ୨୧₊˚ 𝒜𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒜𝓃𝒸𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓃

Blood in the Wine — part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 . ⊹ ₊ ݁. regency!au, strangers to lovers, slow burn, tension, mutual pining, angst, smut will happen later, age difference, forced marriage, gothic setting.

On your knees, and pray — link here . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 . ⊹ ₊ ݁. priest!Astarion, kind of enemies to lovers, smut with plot, age gap, somnophilia, taboo kink, dominance and submission, bondage, sensual education, forced proximity, tender worship, rough sex, corruption kink, oral sex, fangs and more...

— ୨୧₊˚ 𝐿𝑜𝓀𝒾 𝒪𝒹𝒾𝓃𝓈𝑜𝓃

My Attention — link here . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁ 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 . ⊹ ₊ ݁. tva!loki x reader, canon divergent, no mention of Sylvie, pure fluff and smut, tension, mutual pining and office romance. NSFW, clothed sex, semi-public sex.

— ୨୧₊˚ 𝒥𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓈 𝒮𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒹

It was love — part 1 / part 2 / part 3 / part 4 / part 5 / part 6 (coming soon) . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ݁ 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 . ⊹ ₊ ݁. alternate universe - canon divergence, post-silent Hill 2, angst and fluff and smut, touch-starved, redemption, grief, mourning, psychological trauma and horror, mutual pining, James adopted Laura, age difference, smut, vaginal sex, rough sex, rough kissing, aftercare, daddy kink, James deserves his happy ending, James is desperate and pathetic, based on the Silent Hill Games and mostly the remake

#masterlist #fanfiction #navigation

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writingsoftarnishedsilver · 7 months ago

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Aurors and Irises | Sebastian Sallow x OC #24

Summary: Sebastian becomes jealous of Alaric Thornton, a charming Auror who captivates their Defense Against the Dark Arts class—and Evie in particular. This eventually leads to an exchange with Ominis about unspoken feelings and hidden truths in the Undercroft.

Words: 7,574

Tags: Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, Jealousy, Unspoken Feelings, Soft Moments in the Undercroft, Fluff with a Side of Angst, Love Triangle (Sort Of), Secret Pining, Ominis Gaunt Knows Everything

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Read on AO3

The classroom buzzed with anticipation long before Professor Hecat even entered. Rumors about a special guest had circulated for days, and now, as the Defense Against the Dark Arts class waited for their lesson to begin, the energy was electric. Sebastian sat between Ominis and Evangeline, idly spinning his quill between his fingers, but even he couldn’t help stealing glances at the door.

“Do you think it’s true?” Natty leaned over from her desk in front of them, her voice low but eager. “An actual Auror coming to talk to us?”

“It’s probably just someone from the Ministry,” Sebastian said dismissively, though his gaze flicked toward the door again. “Aurors are too busy chasing dark wizards to come chat with a bunch of students.”

“Or maybe they’re here to recruit,” Ominis added dryly, his wand resting lightly on his lap. “You could always join up, Sebastian. You’d look dashing in an Auror’s uniform.”

Sebastian smirked, but before he could respond, the door opened. Professor Hecat strode in, followed closely by a tall figure who immediately drew the attention of every student in the room.

“Class, settle down,” Hecat said briskly, her voice cutting through the chatter. “Today, we have a guest speaker from the Auror Office. Everybody, please welcome Alaric Thornton, a Hogwarts alumni. Alaric has kindly taken time out of his busy schedule to speak with you about magical law enforcement.”

Alaric stepped forward with an easy smile. His dark robes, neatly tailored, bore the polished insignia of the Auror Office, and his posture was effortlessly composed.

Sebastian recognized him almost immediately. Being two years his junior, they hadn't crossed paths much, but Sebastian remembered Alaric sitting at the Hufflepuff table in the Great Hall in his earlier years—always polished, always self-assured, and always popular. Back then, Alaric had been the type to command a room with just a look, and judging by the way the class seemed captivated, not much had changed.

“Good morning, everyone,” he said, his voice warm and engaging. “It’s great to be back at Hogwarts—brings back memories, though I have to admit, it’s much nicer standing here without the threat of an exam looming over me.”

A ripple of laughter went through the class, even earning a faint smirk from Professor Hecat who then continued.

“Alaric will sit in on our lesson today, observing how we tackle advanced defensive techniques. At the end, he’ll be available to answer your questions about the Auror Office and his work."

Alaric smiled, giving a small, self-deprecating shrug that only seemed to make half the class more enamored with him. He stepped to the side, leaning casually against the wall, his arms folded, exuding the effortless charm of someone completely at ease.

As Professor Hecat directed the students to pair up, the atmosphere in the classroom shifted to a hum of concentration. With a focus defensive techniques, pairs were instructed to alternate between casting and countering a series of rapid, layered spells. The air quickly filled with the crackling sounds of magic, bursts of light flaring as shields collided with hexes.

With Natty quickly claiming Evie as her partner, Sebastian paired with Ominis, though his focus wasn’t where it should have been. He kept glancing toward Evie, who was working at the far end of the room. She was always sharp in these lessons—quick with her counters and precise in her movements. But today, she seemed even lighter than usual, her posture straighter, and there was a faint flush on her cheeks that Sebastian couldn’t ignore.

He knew exactly why. Every now and then, Alaric’s voice would carry across the room, offering advice or praise as he observed the students’ spellwork. And more often than not, it seemed like his comments were directed toward Evie.

“Excellent timing,” Alaric called, stepping closer to her as she deflected Natty’s well-aimed jinx with a smooth flick of her wand. “That shield was perfectly cast. You’ve got a natural instinct for this.”

Sebastian’s wand faltered mid-hex, and Ominis barely managed to counter it in time. Ominis sighed, lowering his wand. “If you’re going to half-hex me, at least have the courtesy to be vaguely apologetic.”

“Sorry,” Sebastian muttered, though his eyes remained locked on Evie. She was smiling faintly now, murmuring something in response to Alaric that Sebastian couldn’t hear over the sounds of spellwork around them.

His irritation only grew as the lesson continued. Alaric’s attention wasn’t exclusive to Evie—he offered advice to other students, too—but it was clear she had caught his interest. Every time he moved across the room, his gaze seemed to linger on her just a little longer than necessary, his comments carrying a tone of genuine admiration. And worst of all, Evie didn’t seem to mind.

Sebastian found his mind wandering back to last term, when he’d tried—unsuccessfully—to understand what Evie looked for in someone. It had started as a joke, the kind of teasing banter that often filled their conversations, but he’d become fixated after she mentioned wanting someone “sturdy.” The word had stuck with him, frustratingly ambiguous, and he’d replayed it over and over, trying to decipher what she meant. Sturdy, as in dependable? Or sturdy, as in physically strong? He’d even gone back to the Witch Weekly quiz she’d filled out, analyzing her results in his mind like they were ancient runes, desperate to figure out what kind of person she wanted.

And now, as he watched her with Alaric Thornton, he felt like he had his answer.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened as he drew comparisons he didn’t want to make. Sure, he had his own strengths, but Alaric seemed to check every box Evie might have on her hypothetical list of “perfect qualities.” Strong, dependable, capable—there it all was, standing at the front of the room. And it wasn’t just his personality, though he was obviously charismatic enough to rival even Sebastian. What really made Sebastian's teeth clench was the way Evie’s gaze had lingered on Alaric’s frame, the faintest flush rising in her cheeks as he praised her spellwork.

He was the picture of a seasoned Auror: tall and broad-shouldered, with a naturally athletic build that made him look like he belonged on the cover of Quidditch Weekly. His robes, though standard issue, fit perfectly, accentuating his toned frame rather than concealing it.

Sebastian glanced down at himself. Sure, he had muscle—years of Quidditch training and dueling had seen to that—but there were times when he wasn’t as sharp as he wanted to be. Maintaining his form took effort and consistency, and if he let his guard down for even a few days, it was obvious, and it didn’t help that he had a notorious weakness for Honeydukes’ confections.

The thought of Alaric probably skipping dessert in favor of push-ups made Sebastian’s teeth clench in frustration.

With a sigh, he forced himself to redirect his attention to Ominis, who was growing impatient. “Are we going to continue this duel, or should I just start hexing you for real?” Ominis asked, raising an unimpressed eyebrow.

“Relax,” Sebastian muttered, raising his wand. “I’m focused.”

“Yes but not on me,” Ominis countered, his voice low enough that only Sebastian could hear over the crackling of spells around them. “And it’s not exactly subtle.”

Sebastian opened his mouth to retort, but Alaric’s voice carried over again, cutting through his thoughts like a blade.

“You’ve got excellent form, Evangeline,” Alaric said, stepping closer to where Evie stood. “If you ever consider a career in magical law enforcement, I think you’d find yourself right at home.”

Sebastian’s heart lurched in his chest as Evie’s cheeks turned pink, but she tilted her head slightly, her voice steady. “Thank you. I’ve been focusing on curse-breaking, but... I’ll keep it in mind.”

Curse-breaking. Right. Sebastian clung to the reminder like a lifeline, though it didn’t do much to soothe the irritation bubbling under his skin. She had plans, dreams, and none of them involved chasing dark wizards alongside someone like Alaric Thornton. At least, that’s what he told himself.

As the dueling session drew to a close, Professor Hecat raised her voice to regain the class’s attention. “Enough for today. Wands away,” she instructed, her sharp tone cutting through the lingering sparks of magic. “Alaric will now take questions. I expect you to be respectful and brief.”

A murmur of excitement rippled through the students as Alaric stepped forward with his easy smile. A few students surged toward the front of the room, eager to ask about his experiences as an Auror recruit. Sebastian, however, didn’t bother staying.

Without a word to Ominis or Evie, he shoved his hands into his pockets and stormed out of the classroom. Ominis, still seated, rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, “Subtle as always.”

Sebastian’s hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor as he stormed away from the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, his jaw set. He didn’t care if the entire class had noticed his abrupt exit. He just needed to be away from the nauseating mix of Alaric Thornton’s effortless charm and the way Evie had smiled at him.

“Sebastian!”

Of course she had followed him.

He slowed but didn’t stop, muttering under his breath, “Just let it go, Evie.”

When her footsteps quickened to catch up, he sighed and finally turned around, his expression carefully neutral. “What?” he asked, his voice sharper than he intended.

Evie frowned, her brows knitting together as she stepped closer. “What’s going on with you? You’ve been off all lesson. You weren’t paying attention, your dueling was sloppy, and now you’re running off before the lesson’s even finished.”

“Nothing’s going on,” Sebastian replied quickly, brushing past her concern with a casual shrug. “I just didn’t feel like sticking around.”

“Sebastian,” she said, her tone softening, “this isn’t like you. You love Defence. Did something happen? You can tell me if—”

“I’m fine, Evie,” he interrupted, his voice firm but not harsh. “Really. You don’t have to worry.”

Her frown deepened. "You're not acting fine."

For a moment, her words seemed to chip away at his resolve. He hesitated, his arms dropping slightly, but then he shook his head and gave her a faint, forced smile. “Evie, relax,” he said lightly. “I just needed some air, that's all”

Evie’s concern didn’t waver. She studied him carefully, her gaze searching his for a hint of honesty. “If you’re sure…” she said finally, her voice uncertain. “But if something’s wrong, you can talk to me. You know that, right?”

Sebastian met her eyes briefly, his chest tightening at the sincerity in her voice. He wanted to tell her, to let the words spill out—but he didn’t know how to explain it without sounding ridiculous. What was he supposed to say? That the way she smiled at Alaric Thornton made him feel like he was losing something he hadn’t even claimed?

“I know,” he said instead, his tone softening slightly. “Thanks, Evie. But really, I’m fine.”

Evie hesitated for a moment longer, her frown softening into something more thoughtful. Then, she stepped forward and looped her arm through his. Sebastian tensed at first, caught off guard, but she didn’t let go.

“Well, if you’re going to storm off, we might as well make the best of it,” she said lightly, tilting her head to look up at him. “Let’s head to lunch early before Ominis gets there and steals all the good rolls.”

Sebastian blinked. Her warmth, her easy humor—it always had a way of disarming him, cutting through the tangle of frustration that so often churned beneath the surface. It was maddening and comforting all at once, how effortlessly she could pull him out of his own head.

He allowed himself a faint smile. Her arm resting in his felt natural, easy—too easy, really. But he still let her guide him down the corridor.

“Since when does Ominis steal anything?” he asked, trying to redirect the conversation.

“Oh, he’s subtle about it,” Evie teased, her lips curving into a small smile. “But I’ve seen it. The dinner rolls vanish faster when he’s around. It’s the quiet ones you have to watch, you know.”

As they walked, Evie chatted beside him, her voice light as she filled the air with anecdotes and observations about their classmates. Sebastian nodded along, his responses automatic, but his mind was still a whirlwind of jealousy, frustration, and unspoken feelings.

It was only when Sebastian and Evie slipped into the Great Hall, still side by side, that he came back into focus. The scents of roasted chicken, freshly baked bread, and warm pumpkin juice filled the air, but the pair had one mission in mind: to grab the best offerings and get out before anyone else caught on.

“You know what to do” Sebastian whispered conspiratorially, nodding toward the Gryffindor table. “I’ll handle Slytherin’s end.”

Evie raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a smirk. “You got it, Sallow."

They split up. Sebastian moved quickly, weaving through the Slytherins with practiced ease. He snatched two warm rolls from the edge of a platter, grabbed a small dish of spiced butter, and spotted an untouched treacle tart farther down the table. With a quick glance to ensure no one was paying attention, he reached out and slid it toward him. He could practically hear Ominis’s future complaint: “You’ve become alarmingly adept at theft, Sebastian.”

Meanwhile, Evie darted between the Gryffindors, her movements light and swift. She claimed a dish filled with flaky pastries and an apple pie, keeping her face composed despite the adrenaline of their covert mission. She caught Nellie's curious glance as she walked past, giving her a quick smile and a “don’t ask” shrug before slipping back toward the Great Hall doors.

Sebastian was waiting near the entrance, holding his pile of pilfered goods on a plate. When Evie appeared, balancing her own haul, he gave her an approving nod.

“Not bad,” he said as they ducked out of the hall and into the corridor.

“You should know by now,” she retorted, her tone light, “that I’m good at everything.”

“Modest, too,” he shot back, his grin widening.

They made their way to the courtyard, the late September air still pleasantly warm as they settled onto a low stone bench beneath one of the arches. The courtyard was quiet, most students still inside heading to the Great Hall for lunch, giving them a moment of peace. Sebastian handed her one of the rolls he’d swiped, and she passed him half of her pasty in return.

“See?” she said, biting into her apple pie. “Teamwork.”

He accepted the offering with a nod of thanks. They ate in companionable silence for a while, the tension from the morning slowly melting away. Evie’s legs swung slightly as she sat, the casual rhythm matching the lightness of her tone when she finally spoke again.

“You know,” she said thoughtfully, “for all your faults, you’re actually pretty fun to be around.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, licking some sugar from the corner of his lip. “For all my faults?"

Evie smirked, leaning back against the stone arch. “Don’t worry, it’s not a long list… just a very noticeable one.”

Sebastian scoffed, setting his treacle tart aside. "You mean to tell me you’ve been keeping a list?"

Evie rolled her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. It’s more like... mental notes. Helps me prepare for the next time you inevitably drive me up the wall.”

“Ah, so you’re admitting I’m on your mind,” Sebastian shot back, leaning closer. His grin turned mischievous, and his tone held just enough teasing to mask the weight behind his words.

Evie scoffed. “I said your faults are on my mind. Not you.”

Sebastian chuckled softly, shaking his head. He leaned back against the arch next to her, letting the cool stone steady him. The way the sunlight played across her features—her hair catching hints of amber, her cheeks flushed from the breeze—it made it harder to keep up his facade of teasing indifference.

Evie broke the silence first, her gaze flicking up to meet his. “So, are you going to tell me what was really bothering you in class earlier? Or do I have to guess?”

Sebastian hesitated, his jaw tightening. Then he shrugged, forcing his usual smirk back into place. “I told you, it’s nothing. Just didn’t feel like sticking around to watch Alaric show off.”

Evie tilted her head, studying him. “You don’t like him?”

Sebastian snorted, turning his gaze to the courtyard fountain. "I remember him. He graduated a couple years ago. Wasn't much different then—acting like he could do no wrong." His voice carried an edge, though he tried to mask it with indifference.

Evie raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "And that bothers you because...?"

He shrugged, his smirk resurfacing, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. "Just stating the facts. He's one of those people who walks into a room and makes everyone else feel like they’re standing in the shadows."

She tilted her head, leaning forward slightly. "Including you?"

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, and he exhaled sharply through his nose. "Hardly. I just don’t like the way he... carries himself, that’s all."

Evangeline didn’t respond right away. She nodded slowly, absently tearing off a piece of the roll in her hand, her gaze drifting toward the courtyard fountain. Sebastian noticed the subtle shift in her expression, the way her brows knit together as if she were weighing her words carefully.

The silence stretched on, and his irritation flared. He had seen that look before—when she was deciding whether to say something she knew he wouldn’t like.

“What?” he pressed, his voice sharper than he intended.

Evie hesitated, her fingers stilling as she glanced at him. For a moment, she looked like she might deflect, brushing it off with one of her usual witty remarks. But instead, she exhaled softly, her shoulders relaxing as she made her decision.

“I mean... I find him interesting,” she admitted, her tone cautious, almost apologetic.

Sebastian’s stomach tightened, a sharp pang of jealousy twisting through him. He forced himself to keep his expression neutral, though his heart clenched painfully in his chest.

“Interesting,” he repeated, his voice flat.

Evie didn’t miss the edge in his tone, but she pressed on. “I just mean he’s... confident,” she said quickly. “He clearly knows what he’s doing."

Sebastian's calm expression faltered as her words sank in, and a strange, unwelcome knot twisted in his chest. Confidence. Knows what he’s doing. Evie had never spoken about a man like this before—not to him, at least.

The only other guy she’d ever spoken to him about romantically was Lysander Clearwater, and even then, she’d barely mentioned him unless Sebastian forced the topic. But this—this was different.

She was talking about Alaric Thornton willingly. Complimenting him right to Sebastian's face even when she had the chance to deflect. The realization hit him like a bludger to the chest: Evie wanted him to know.

And he hated it.

Sebastian forced a casual shrug, trying to ignore the way his stomach churned. “Well, good for him,” he said lightly, though the words tasted bitter. “Confidence isn’t exactly rare around here, though.”

Evie raised an eyebrow, clearly catching the shift in his tone. "Yes, well, you do have enough confidence for three people, Sebastian."

Sebastian huffed a laugh, but it lacked his usual charm. “And yet, here you are, finding him interesting instead of me,” he shot back before he could stop himself.

Evie blinked, startled, and for a moment, the playful banter hanging between them stilled, replaced by a tension neither seemed prepared for.

Her expression shifted to something between confusion and curiosity. "Of course I think you're interesting." She said softly.

Sebastian's heart skipped a beat at her words, and for a fleeting moment, he let himself believe she meant them the way he wanted her to. But her tone was soft, too neutral, like she didn’t even realize the weight of what she’d just said.

“There you two are,” Ominis’s voice rang out, startling them both.

Sebastian sighed. His friend's interruption was both a relief and a frustration, like being saved from drowning only to realize you still wanted to be submerged.

Evie, on the other hand, seemed grateful for the distraction. She straightened, leaning forward to wave him over.

"Ominis! We raided the Great Hall, my friend." She offered him a sly grin, gesturing toward the small pile of stolen goods on the bench beside her. “Help yourself before Sebastian eats it all.”

Ominis tilted his head, his wand tapping lightly against his open palm as he smirked. “Ah, the famous Sterling-Sallow Snatchers strike again. Though, judging by the tension I walked in on, I’d say there’s more than just dinner rolls being fought over.”

Sebastian scowled, brushing crumbs off his hands. “Very funny, Ominis.”

“Isn’t it just?” Ominis replied smoothly, his smirk widening. He lowered himself onto the bench, picking up a roll and taking a thoughtful bite. “Now, do tell—what were you two discussing with such fervor that it required scowls and evasive silences?”

Evie groaned, leaning back against the arch with a dramatic sigh. “Nothing, Ominis. Sebastian’s just in a mood.”

Sebastian shot her a glare. “I’m not in a mood.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Ominis said, his tone deceptively light. He took another bite of the roll, clearly enjoying himself. “Is this about Alaric Thornton? I couldn’t help but notice your spectacular lack of focus in class, Sebastian. And your stormy exit afterward—very subtle, by the way.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t want to talk about Alaric,” he muttered.

Ominis raised an eyebrow, his smirk unwavering as he casually leaned back. “Oh, but I do. Alaric Thornton—former Hufflepuff, current heartthrob of Defense Against the Dark Arts. He certainly made an impression, didn’t he? And," Ominis fixed his unseeing gaze onto Evangeline, "He seemed to take quite a liking to our dear Evie."

Sebastian barely contained his scowl, his jaw tightening as Ominis’s words hung in the air. Meanwhile, Evangeline crossed her arms over her chest, obviously feigning nonchalance. “He was just being nice,” she said, her tone carefully casual. “It’s not a crime to appreciate someone’s talent, is it?”

“Not at all,” Ominis said smoothly, his smirk growing. “Though I think it’s safe to say that Alaric’s appreciation extended beyond just your talent.”

Evangeline rolled her eyes. “He’s a guest speaker, Ominis. He’s supposed to be encouraging students. Doesn’t mean anything.”

Ominis chuckled. “Of course. I’m sure his lingering compliments and the way he conveniently positioned himself near you every chance he got was purely professional.”

Sebastian’s scowl deepened, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. “He’s a professional flirt, that’s what he is,” he snapped, the bitterness in his tone cutting through the air. “Encouraging students, my—”

Evie let out a frustrated sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. “This is ridiculous. Even if he was flirting with me, what does that have to do with anything?"

"A fabulous question, Evangeline." Ominis drawled, "Sebastian, do you have an answer to that?"

Sebastian opened his mouth to retort, but the words caught in his throat. What could he say? That the idea of Alaric Thornton flirting with Evie made his blood boil? That he couldn’t stand the thought of anyone else seeing her the way he did?

Instead, he clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as he forced out a sharp, dismissive laugh. “I don’t have to answer that.”

Ominis raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “Ah, the classic Sebastian Sallow deflection. How original.”

Evie groaned, throwing her hands up in exasperation. “Honestly, you’re both impossible.”

She pushed herself up from the bench, brushing crumbs off her robes as she turned to leave. “I’m going to the library. If either of you decides to stop acting like children, you know where to find me.”

Sebastian stared after her, his frustration warring with the urge to follow her. But he stayed rooted in place, his pride holding him back even as his chest tightened.

Ominis waited until her footsteps had faded before turning his unseeing gaze toward Sebastian, his smirk gone, replaced with something more thoughtful. “Well that was productive,” he said simply.

Sebastian stood up abruptly, his glare fixed on Ominis. "What the hell was that for?!"

Ominis didn’t flinch at Sebastian’s outburst. Instead, he tilted his head with maddening calmness. "What do you mean?"

Sebastian let out a sharp breath, his glare intensifying. "Don't play coy, Ominis. You know exactly what I'm talking about. You were goading me in front of her."

Ominis leaned back against the bench, the very picture of ease. “If by 'goading,' you mean gently encouraging you to acknowledge your feelings, then yes, guilty as charged.”

Sebastian scoffed, pacing a few steps before turning back to face him. “You call that gentle? You practically spelled it out for her! What part of my feelings for Evie being a secret do you not understand?"

Ominis raised an unimpressed brow, his wand twirling idly between his fingers. “Oh, forgive me, Sebastian,” he said dryly, “I must have missed the part where you actually did something about those feelings instead of sulking."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists. “It’s not that simple, Ominis.”

Ominis let out a humorless laugh, standing and pointing his wand in Sebastian’s direction, not threateningly, but deliberately. “Oh, it’s exactly that simple. You're in love with her, Sebastian. Everyone with functioning eyes—or ears, in my case—knows it. But instead of telling her, you’d rather sit here and stew in jealousy while someone like Alaric Thornton swoops in.”

Sebastian’s chest tightened. “What am I supposed to do, Ominis? Just waltz up to her and say, ‘Hey, Evie, by the way, I’m in love with you. Thought you should know.’”

“Yes."

Sebastian groaned, running a hand through his hair. "I don't even know why you think you're qualified to give advice. It's not like you've ever expressed any interest in anyone, let alone your best friend."

Ominis’s expression shifted, his smirk faltering for just a fraction of a second before it was back, but there was a flicker of something—pain, or perhaps resignation—in his normally composed demeanor. “You’re not the only one who’s been afraid of ruining something important, Sebastian. You’re not the only one who feels like admitting the truth could cost you everything.”

Sebastian stared at Ominis, completely thrown off balance. His mind reeled, trying to piece together the unexpected revelation. “Wait… are you—” He faltered, his voice breaking slightly as disbelief set in. “Ominis, are you saying you’re—?”

“I’m saying,” Ominis interrupted sharply, his tone a mix of irritation and vulnerability, “that your experience isn't exactly unique, Sebastian."

Sebastian’s mouth opened, then closed, words failing him. His shock morphed into confusion, and then, like a slow, dawning realization, his thoughts drifted to something he hadn’t thought about in months.

The Witch Weekly quiz. Ominis's results. The little glance he and Evangeline had exchanged afterwards. Then their walk by the Black Lake alone last week...

For a moment Sebastian thought he might implode.

"Ominis," he said, his voice dangerously low, "Don't tell me you're in love with Evangeline."

Ominis froze for half a second at Sebastian’s accusation, then an unexpected sound escaped him—a short, startled laugh. It was quiet at first, but it quickly grew louder, resonating with a genuine amusement that Sebastian hadn’t heard in years. Ominis tilted his head back slightly, his shoulders shaking as the laughter spilled out of him. For a moment, he looked utterly unguarded, the usual tension in his face completely gone.

Sebastian just stood there, dumbfounded, watching as his friend nearly doubled over with mirth. “What the hell is so funny?” he snapped, his confusion giving way to irritation.

Ominis straightened slightly, wiping at the corner of his eye even though no tears had fallen. “Sebastian,” he said, his voice still rich with amusement, “you are, without a doubt, the most daft person I’ve ever met.”

Sebastian’s frown deepened, his brow furrowing. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Ominis said, his tone still light but laced with exasperation, “that for someone who prides himself on being clever, you have an absolutely astonishing lack of awareness.”

Sebastian crossed his arms. “I don’t see how that's relevant when you’re clearly avoiding my question.”

Ominis smirked, shaking his head. “Oh, I’m not avoiding anything. I’m just marveling at the sheer absurdity of what you just said.”

Sebastian’s mind raced, his irritation mounting. “Then explain it to me, because I’m not finding this nearly as amusing as you are.”

Ominis sighed, though the smile hadn’t quite left his lips. He leaned back against the bench, his posture relaxed but his expression sharp. “Sebastian, do you honestly think—after everything I’ve done, everything I’ve said—that I’m in love with Evangeline?”

“Well, I—” Sebastian faltered, his confidence wavering. “It’s not that far-fetched, is it? You’re always looking out for her, always writing to her, always—”

“Because she’s my best friend, you absolute knob,” Ominis interrupted firmly, the laughter fading from his tone. “Merlin knows someone has to look out for the two of you, considering how hopeless you both are.”

Sebastian blinked, his irritation faltering as uncertainty crept in. “Then… who?”

Ominis stiffened, the lingering amusement fading from his expression. His usual composure flickered, and for the first time, he looked genuinely uncomfortable. “That,” he said slowly, his voice measured, “is none of your business.”

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, his curiosity ignited like a spark catching dry tinder. “Oh no, no, no. You don’t get to pull that card now,” he said, stepping closer, his earlier irritation momentarily forgotten. “You just gave me a lecture about being honest with my feelings, and now you’re hiding yours?"

Ominis’s jaw tightened, and his fingers twitched around his wand. “Sebastian, I’m warning you—”

Sebastian didn’t back down, his curiosity and determination overpowering any sense of self-preservation. “Oh, no, you’re not getting out of this,” he said, his voice sharp with intent. “You’ve just called me an idiot for not confessing my feelings, and now you’re dodging the exact same thing? Come on, Ominis—who is it?”

Ominis’s lips pressed into a thin line, his grip on his wand tightening. “Sebastian, drop it.”

“Oh, I get it—you’ve got some grand secret crush and you’re too scared to admit it. That’s rich, coming from you, the self-proclaimed moral compass of our little trio. So, who is it? Is it someone we know?”

Ominis’s expression didn’t shift, but his silence was answer enough. Sebastian’s eyes widened slightly, a mixture of intrigue and disbelief flashing across his face. “It is someone we know.”

“Sebastian,” Ominis said quietly, his voice carrying a warning edge. “Let. It. Go.”

But Sebastian was far beyond reason now, his mind racing through possibilities. “Not Evangeline,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head. “You’ve made that perfectly clear. So, who else? Someone in Slytherin? No—no, wait.” His eyes lit up as a thought struck him. “Is it someone from another house? Natty? Nerida? Merlin, tell me it’s not Samantha—”

“Enough!” Ominis’s voice cut through the air like a whip, startling Sebastian into silence. His unseeing eyes seemed to burn with an intensity that made Sebastian instinctively take a step back.

Ominis took a deep breath, his composure barely held together. “You don’t get to demand answers from me, Sebastian. Not about this.”

Sebastian hesitated, his earlier bravado crumbling under the weight of Ominis’s fury. “I’m just trying to understand,” he said, his voice quieter but no less determined. “Why won’t you tell me?”

Ominis’s lips curved into a bitter smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Because. Unlike you, I’ve learned to think before I act. And I fear this won’t go well.”

“I just…” Sebastian started, his voice trailing off. “I don’t understand why you won’t trust me with this.”

Ominis sighed heavily, his composure wavering as he reached out and grabbed Sebastian’s arm. The grip wasn’t rough, but it carried a firm finality. “Fine,” he muttered, his voice low and filled with frustration. “You want to know so badly? Fine.”

Before Sebastian could protest, Ominis began pulling him toward the castle, his pace brisk and purposeful. Sebastian stumbled slightly, surprised by the sudden shift, but quickly fell in step, curiosity outweighing his irritation.

“Where are we going?” he demanded, his voice a mix of confusion and impatience.

“The Undercroft, obviously,” Ominis said curtly, his grip on Sebastian’s arm unrelenting. “If I’m going to explain this, it’s not going to be in the middle of the bloody courtyard where anyone could overhear.”

Sebastian blinked, taken aback by the intensity in Ominis’s tone. It wasn’t often that Ominis let his emotions slip like this, and it only made Sebastian more curious—and, if he was honest, a little apprehensive.

The walk to the Undercroft was silent, the tension between them thick enough to cut with a knife. Ominis’s expression remained unreadable, his usual calm replaced by something far more guarded. Sebastian’s mind raced with possibilities, but no matter how many scenarios he conjured, none seemed to fit.

When they finally reached the entrance, Ominis tapped his wand against the mechanism, the doorway sliding open with a low rumble. He stepped inside without hesitation, releasing Sebastian’s arm as he crossed the threshold.

Sebastian lingered for a moment, uncertainty prickling at him, before following. The cool air of the Undercroft washed over him, the familiar space offering little comfort in the face of Ominis’s uncharacteristic mood.

Ominis turned to face him, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. The dim light cast sharp shadows across his features, highlighting the tension in his jaw. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching uncomfortably.

“Well?” Sebastian prompted, his voice tinged with impatience. “You dragged me all the way here. Are you going to tell me, or are we just going to stand in awkward silence?”

Ominis let out a sharp breath, his fingers tapping against his arm as if he were debating how much to say. “I shouldn’t even be telling you this,” he began, his tone clipped. “But since you’re so insistent—and because you’re too thick-headed to drop it—I’ll explain. But when you don't like what I'm about to say, remind yourself that you asked for this."

Sebastian’s irritation flickered with curiosity as he crossed his arms, leaning against one of the stone pillars. “Fine,” he said, his voice tight. “I’m listening.”

Ominis stared past him, his sightless gaze unfocused, but the tension in his expression was unmistakable. For a moment, it seemed as though he might change his mind, the words caught in his throat. Then he exhaled sharply, his resolve hardening.

“It’s Anne,” he said, his voice quiet but firm.

Sebastian froze, the name hitting him like a hex to the chest. For a moment, he was sure he’d misheard. “What?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“You heard me,” Ominis replied, his tone sharper now. “Anne.”

Sebastian stared at him, the weight of the revelation sinking in like lead in his chest. “You’re—” He faltered, shaking his head. “You’re in love with my sister?”

“Yes,” Ominis said simply, the single word carrying a depth of emotion that Sebastian wasn’t prepared for.

For a long moment, Sebastian couldn’t speak. He thought about Ominis’s unwavering presence in Anne’s life, his quiet dedication to helping her heal in whatever way he could. It wasn’t just duty or loyalty—it was love. Pure, selfless, and steadfast. The signs had been there, clear as day, but Sebastian had never put them together.

“Since when?” he asked finally, his voice hoarse.

Ominis let out a soft laugh. “Since forever, it feels like,” he admitted. “But I realized it fully a few years ago. Before—before everything with Solomon. Before things fell apart.”

Sebastian’s chest tightened, guilt mingling with a strange, unfamiliar unease. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because what good would it have done?” Ominis shot back, his tone sharp. “You think Anne needed that from me? That she needed more complication in her life when she was already dealing with so much?”

Sebastian flinched at the truth in Ominis’s words, but the defensive part of him couldn’t help but push back. “You could have said something to me. I’m your best friend.”

“And that’s exactly why I didn’t,” Ominis said evenly. “Because I didn’t want to risk this. Us. And because I knew how much Anne means to you. How much she’s always meant to you.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, his emotions warring within him. Part of him wanted to lash out, to be angry at Ominis for hiding something so important. But another part of him—the part that knew Ominis better than anyone—understood why he’d kept it to himself. And it was then that Sebastian felt a strange, unexpected lightness creep into his chest. The shock and confusion began to fade, replaced by a sense of clarity.

He let out a shaky laugh, running his hands over his face. “Merlin’s beard, Ominis. You’re in love with my sister.”

“I am,” Ominis said evenly, without hesitation.

Sebastian laughed softly, shaking his head. “Alright then."

Ominis raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “Alright?” he repeated, his tone cautious.

Sebastian took a step forward, resting a hand on Ominis's shoulder. “I’m not saying it’s not bloody weird, mate. But you... You’ve always been there for her. More than I have. And… well, there’s no one I’d trust more.”

Ominis’s lips parted slightly, as if he wasn’t sure how to respond. For a moment, his expression softened, the vulnerability he so often hid finally breaking through. “Sebastian,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with something like gratitude.

Sebastian held up a hand, cutting him off with a wry smile. “Don’t get all sentimental on me now, Gaunt. You’re still an insufferable know-it-all, and I’m going to make sure you never forget it.”

Ominis let out a quiet laugh, the tension between them easing. “I’d expect nothing less.”

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation giving way to an unspoken understanding.

"So..." Sebastian crossed his arms over his chest, "How long has Evie known?"

"Since last year," Ominis replied.

Sebastian blinked, his arms uncrossing as his mouth fell open slightly. “Since last year?” he repeated, his voice rising an octave. “She’s known this whole time, and I’m only just finding out now?”

Ominis shrugged, his expression impassive but tinged with the faintest smirk. "She's a good listener. Better than you, that's for sure."

Sebastian groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “I can’t believe this. Evie’s been walking around with this… knowledge, and she didn’t say a word to me. What else have you two been keeping from me?”

Ominis smirked, his posture relaxing slightly now that the tension between them had eased. “Plenty,” he said with maddening calmness. “But nothing that’s any of your business.”

Sebastian’s groan turned into a frustrated laugh, his hands falling to his sides as he shook his head. “Unbelievable. You two are a pair of scheming snakes, you know that?”

Ominis tilted his head thoughtfully. "Actually, she's in Gryffindor. That'd make her a lion."

"Oh shut up," Sebastian rolled his eyes, his mind suddenly latching onto a new train of thought. “Hang on a minute... if you told Evie about your feelings for Anne…” He trailed off, his eyes widening slightly. “That means you two talk about this sort of thing.”

Ominis raised an eyebrow. “Astounding deduction.”

Sebastian didn’t rise to the bait, his focus laser-sharp. “Which means…” He straightened, a grin creeping onto his face. “Maybe she’s talked to you about her feelings.”

Ominis’s expression didn’t shift, but Sebastian swore he saw the faintest flicker of discomfort cross his features.

“Oh, she has, hasn’t she?” Sebastian pressed, his grin widening. “You know something. What did she say?”

Ominis leaned back against one of the stone walls, his arms crossed and his face impassive. “Even if I did know something, I wouldn’t tell you. That’s between me and Evie.”

Sebastian groaned, dragging a hand through his hair. “Come on, Ominis. You were my best friend first!"

Ominis let out a quiet, exasperated laugh, shaking his head. “Yes, because that’s exactly how trust works. Whoever’s known someone the longest automatically gets all the secrets.”

“It should work like that,” Sebastian grumbled, his arms crossing tightly over his chest. "I can't believe she's been telling you all her romantic secrets this entire time, and you've been pretending you're none-the-wiser," he finished, throwing up his hands in frustration. "You probably know her favorite flowers, her dream date, and what she thinks about me, and I’m just sitting here like an idiot!"

Ominis’s lips curved into a small, smug smile. “I do know her favorite flowers, actually. But as for the rest…” He tilted his head thoughtfully, clearly enjoying Sebastian’s exasperation. “Well, that’s privileged information.”

Sebastian groaned, pacing back and forth across the Undercroft like a caged animal. “Unbelievable. You’re sitting on a goldmine of answers, Ominis. Answers that could change everything.”

“Or,” Ominis said, his tone calm but firm, “If you want to know how she feels, you could ask her yourself. Don’t put me in the middle of your inability to communicate.”

Sebastian stopped pacing, his brow furrowing as a new thought struck him. “Alright, fine,” he said, turning to face Ominis with a begrudging look. “If you’re not going to tell me everything, then at least tell me one thing.”

Ominis raised an eyebrow, his smirk barely faltering. “And what, pray tell, would that be?”

Sebastian pointed a finger at him, a glimmer of determination sparking in his eyes. “Her favorite flowers. You said you knew them.”

Ominis tilted his head, considering. “And what exactly would you do with that information?”

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “It’s not like I’m planning to raid a greenhouse. I just…” He hesitated, his voice softening. “I want to know.”

Ominis sighed, his smirk fading into something more thoughtful. “Fine. But only because it’s harmless.” He paused for dramatic effect, clearly savoring the moment before continuing. “Her favorite flowers are irises. Her favourite colour is purple so, it makes sense."

Sebastian blinked, the words settling into his mind like a puzzle piece clicking into place. “Irises,” he repeated softly, his voice laced with something that sounded almost like awe.

Ominis crossed his arms, observing him with mild curiosity. “What? Surprised they’re not something more exotic?”

But Sebastian wasn’t listening anymore. His thoughts had already transported him to Feldcroft and the purple and white blossoms he'd picked for the vase in her room. He hadn’t even known what they were called—he’d just liked the way the colors complemented each other.

“You don’t think…” He hesitated, narrowing his eyes thoughtfully. “Do you know if irises grow wild in Feldcroft? Behind the cottage, maybe?”

Ominis looked confused but nodded slowly, "Yes, I... believe they do, why?"

Sebastian ran a hand through his hair, his movements quick and restless. “Because last summer, when Evie visited, I picked some flowers from the patch behind the house for her room. Purple and white ones.”

Ominis let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re either the luckiest fool I’ve ever met, or…” He trailed off, his smirk returning faintly. “No, actually, you’re just lucky.”

Sebastian huffed, crossing his arms as he leaned back against the stone wall. “Lucky, my arse,” he muttered, though his tone was more self-satisfied than annoyed. “Maybe I just know her better than you think.”

Ominis raised a skeptical eyebrow, though the faint smirk on his face betrayed his amusement. “Oh, of course. Pure instinct, is it? You’re so in tune with her likes and dislikes that you unknowingly gave her the perfect flowers without even trying. How romantic.”

Sebastian’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he rolled his eyes, brushing off the jab. “Say what you want, but it clearly worked. She loved them.” He paused, a small, proud smile tugging at his lips. “And now I know why.”

Ominis snorted, crossing his arms as he turned toward the exit. “Yes, well, congratulations, Sebastian.”

“Face it, Ominis. I’m a natural,” Sebastian quipped, his smirk widening.

Ominis raised a hand dismissively as he began to walk away. “Keep telling yourself that. Maybe if you say it enough times, it’ll actually be true.”

Sebastian followed a few steps behind, his grin still firmly in place. “Admit it. You’re impressed. That’s got to count for something.”

Ominis stopped at the door, turning his head slightly in Sebastian’s direction with a knowing smirk. “Fine. You know what? I’m feeling charitable. You’ve probably never noticed, but there’s a patch of irises near the greenhouses. Purple and white.”

Sebastian’s smirk faltered for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought. “Near the greenhouses? Where exactly?”

Ominis let out a quiet chuckle as he stepped through the door, his voice echoing slightly in the corridor. "Just use your eyes, Sebastian. You're not completely blind."

Sebastian lingered in the Undercroft for a moment after Ominis left, shaking his head as he muttered under his breath, “Smug git.” Yet there was no real bite in his tone—just the faintest flicker of gratitude.

Irises.

Sebastian allowed himself a small, smug grin at the thought.

Sure, Alaric might have her attention now. She might find him attractive, even interesting. But Sebastian knew her. And tomorrow, he’d stop by the greenhouses, find that patch of irises, and pick the perfect ones.

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

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ibrithir-was-here · 3 months ago

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I want to know more about Ileana and Drac backstory. Why did he chose her? Does she come from a noble family who made a deal with Dracula - was it basically an arranged marriage? Is she a reincarnation of his previous wife? Did he had a previous wife(s) at all??

Hey thanks for asking about this story!!

So, my idea per her backstory links into my idea for Dracula's backstory. I didn't just want to make him Vlad Dracula cuz that's been over done to (un)death :p

But then he does clearly identify himself as a member of the Dracula family who did actually exist, and who he seems to be quite proud of.

So I got digging to see if I could find anything that might work to slot into actual history.

And low and behold, Wikipedia has an extremely dubious little mention of Vlad Dracula'a son, "Minhea the Evil" , having has a purported third son, "Morus Atrum"

Which, it so happens translates from Latin into something approximately like "Dark Bite"

Which, all of its absolutely dubious historicity aside, sounds like a fang-tastic sort of "real name struck from the records in shame and evil moniker put in it's place" sort of name for a vampire! >:D

(My birth name name for him Mihail Imre Dracula, with credit to @animate-mush for the middle name—I liked the idea of the Devil’s favorite student having the name of the Archangel who tossed him out of heaven)

So my backstory for Dracula is that he's the illegitimate grandson of Vlad Dracula, the son of Minhea with a Romanian peasant woman, who grew up hearing all these amazing (and gory) stories of his lineage and determined he would be the greates of them, and the friendly fallen monk who helped corrupt raise him helps set him up to become a Scholomance alumni and all around terror

(His being raised amoung the so called "lower classes" is also my justification of why my version of Dracula speaks Romanian privately when the upper classes

After he's achieved full undead status after wizardly warlording his mortal life away, he decides it's probably high time he got down to spreading evil in new and creative ways, and sets his eye on finding a suitable bride he can make unholy offspring with (kinda fudging/adjusting the idea of a person being born a vampire if they're the illegitimate child of two illegitimate people—one of whom happens to be a vampire wizard)

And of course, being a proper nobleman, he wants to keep it in the family. So he sends out his dark magic feelers into the world, looking through all his half-siblings descendants

So then I set about trying to find a suitable Dracula descendant to throw an ill-fates child onto 😅

When low and freakin behold--there actually was an Elena Dracula that fit perfectly into the time period I wanted and who was the illegitimate daughter of Peter the Lame, the nephew of my version of Dracula!!

So that just seemed like Fate xD I did elect to keep her name as Ileana, since this is a fictional character and not in any way a true reflection of who Elena Draculesti might have been, but it was a fun little bit of serendipity

So Ileana is seen by some of Dracula’s contacts, witches, who know of his preference to see himself as the destined third son of fables, the one who passes through the trials that destroy all others, the one who is promised Youth without Age and Life without Death, the one who wins the beautiful golden haired princess…

And they steal the child away, raising her to be a dutiful bride to her awaiting lord and master, who will come to claim her on her 18th birthday…

(As to a previous wife during his mortal life? I will admit I have become very drawn by @see-arcane ‘s idea of Countess Dolingen being his wife who left him that he’s never truly gotten over, so in the realm of the tumblr version of Ileana’s story (if I made it a proper book I’d have to do my own thing of course) Dracula does pick her because she reminds him of his first wife—but this one will be loyal, she’ll never leave him. He’ll make sure of it)

#asks #(n)ever loved #Ileana #my OCs #Dracula #count dracula #countess dolingen #other people's ocs #friend oc #Dracula backstory #bram stoker #vlad dracula #who isn’t Count Dracula #brides of dracula

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witchy-detective · 1 month ago

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Here is a snippet from a fanfiction I'm writing, really just for me, my own amusement.

The premise is that after Moaning Myrtle was murdered and Hagrid was found guilty, Dumbledore finally snaps, kills Tom, and destroys his diary, written in Theseus's perspective.

Featuring: the poem Boots by Rudyard Kipling for fun and Albus being unstable as a treat.

Content warning: Murder, police interrogation, mentions of self-harm, allusions to World War I. Corrupt government officials behaving like corrupt government officials. Psychological conditioning. Discussions of abusive relationships.

Enjoy!

Theseus Scamander did not want to be back at Hogwarts so soon. Not that he wasn't fond of the place. Every alumni to the school had some affection for it, but not when it was under these circumstances. He had just finished the paperwork from the trial of that half giant boy whose pet monster was responsible for the Warren girl's death and the other attacks that had the school in a panic for months.

Now, he was being called back to investigate another death.

By wizarding standards, the crime scene was horrific, shredded paper everywhere, soaked in blood, the second smile that was the gaping neck wound, the gorey runes drawn on the hands and forehead of the body, the bright red eyes frozen in terror. It was terrible, but Theseus had seen war, lived in the trenches, in the mud. He had seen worse.

They had apparently already apprehended the suspect, and he was being detained in Dippet's office. He knew who it was. Hell, he killed the kid in his own classroom and didn't even bother to run.

He didn't want it to be true, " How is the suspect, Armond?" Theseus addressed the auror guarding Dippet's office.

Armond brightened when Theseus addressed him, "Considering everything, he was very cooperative. He hasn't said anything, though. He's been reciting the same creepy poem under his breath for hours, though. He's just staring ahead. Not acknowledging anyone."

The older Scamander brother's eyes widened, " Merlin..."

" It's weird seeing his like that... I mean fuck. He taught all of us, he was like an uncle to most of us. Knowing he was capable of something... something like that... Why would he do it?"

Theseus sigh, "I'll try talking to him. Maybe he'll open up to a more familiar face."

"Seven- six- eleven- five- nine and twenty miles today,

four- eleven- thirty two the day before,

Boots, boots, boots, boots, moving up, and down again -"

Theseus, sheepishly opened the door and walked in, acting more guilty than the man sitting in front of him, " Albus?"

He'd never seen the professor more disheveled in his life. He sat in a chair in the center of the room. His auburn hair loose around his shoulders. Theseus wondered if he had cut it since Bhutan. The rims of his eyes were red, his face and hands which he kept fidgeting with covered in blood, the magic surpressing cuffs digging into his scarred wrists," Theseus, I was starting to think you wouldn't show up."

Theseus took the chair opposite, "you were waiting for me..."

" Ask me. " His former professor looked at his sharp eyes pleading, " I know you're going to ask me why I killed that boy. Please, Theseus, I've been sitting here for hours. I can't trust any other aurors, even Armond."

The auror straightened, alarm bells ringing in his head. He'd never seen a hint of panic from Albus before, "Fine Albus, why did you murder Tom Riddle?"

The redhead's face grew solem, " I have reason to believe that if left unchecked, he would have become the biggest threat this wizarding world has ever seen."

Theseus blinked, "That's a strong accusation."

Albus's voice shook, " I mean, every word of it."

"Why do you get to decide what's a potential threat to our world?" The young auror quieted under the blue-eyed glare he had received realizing the irony of the statement, " Sorry, professor."

" Have you even been in a truly terrible relationship, Theseus? Romantic, platonic, or even familial?"

" I can't say that I have."

" I have. When you survive knowing a person like that, one who merely uses you for their own ends uncaring to the damn they may cause, you are finely tuned to see their behaviors in others."

" You mean Grindelwald."

Albus cut him another harsh look eyes darting to him like a corner animal, " Of course I mean Grindelwald. You are paying attention to the wrong information, Theseus. Now, I am not psychoanalyst, but they have outlined these anti- social behaviors as symptoms of psychopathy. All behaviors Gellert and Tom share... shared. Except for one, Gellert has a goal, a cause he has thrown himself into. Tom, however, only cared for his own immortality and power."

Theseus was becoming impatient, "Still, these behaviors aren't sound evidence for your claims! Tom didn't hurt anyone!"

" Myrtle Warren."

" What?"

The younger man realized the other man's hands were shaking, " I don't know how he did it, but he killed Myrtle Warren and used the act of taking her life to make a horocrux. He then framed Rubius Hagrid for the crime to gain accolades for good measure."

" What is a horocrux?" Even with everything that has happened, their roles haven't changed. Albus was still his teacher, and he was still Albus's student.

The ghost of a calm smile spread upon Albus's face for a moment, "A horocrux is an object that is made to contain a fragment of an individual's soul. With the purpose of prolonging their life. As you can imagine, this is the most vial, the most selfish of dark magic."

Theseus crossed his arms, " Speaking of dark magic, the runes we found on Tom's body were clearly blood magic and clearly your doing."

Albus stared at his hands, watching the cuffs glint in the light, " A rather inconvenient talent of mine. They were to block the connection between the body and horocrux so I could destroy it once Tom was dead. That would be the diary that was torn apart. If only he had listened to me... If only he'd listened..."

Theseus wrote something down, "What did you use as the murder weapon?"

Albus was still looking down at his hands. "My old MI6 knife, I never stopped carrying it with me after the war. I think it slid under my desk while I was binding him."

Theseus paused in his writing, "You were in the muggle secret service?"

"The muggle government is more knowledgeable about magic than you know, plus I was much more charming in when I was your age than I am now. But they armed me anyway so other operatives wouldn't get suspicious."

"Is that where you heard, Boots?" Theseus asked.

Albus nodded, shrinking into himself a little.

Theseus finished writing and sighed before standing up, " Thank you for the explanation, Albus. I'll be right back."

Albus started to stare off into space again and resume his chant, "Anytime, Theseus. There's no discharge in the war..."

Theseus shuddered and left the room.

Theseus handed his report to Armond,"He confessed. He believed the boy was a threat to others, that he was using dark magic."

Travers who had finally deigned to show up grumbled once Armond was out of ear shot, "He. Used dark magic. " Even after becoming acting British minister of magic after Fawley fell ill, he still has it out for Albus.

"He only did it to nullify the magic the boy had done!"

"He you see his arms?! He's clearly sick in the head!"

"He just lost his nephew and one of his students, on top of everything else that has happened!- "

Travers didn't even try not to smile, " I always knew this day would come. It was only a matter of time before he'd reveal that he's just like his former lover."

" I don't think he's aware he did anything wrong, I think he needs help!" The Auror shouted.

" He needs to be put down!" The minister yelled back.

Theseus blocked the door, sure Albus had clearly lost it, but he was still his mentor, his friend, "What are you talking about?! He's our only chance of defeating Grindelwald! You know that! He's been taking every spare moment he has trying to find him!"

Travers glared down at Theseus with an evil grin, " Fine. We'll just lock him up until we need him." He shoved him to the side as her himself into the office, locking behind him.

" Shit!" The auror yelled.

Armond ran down the hall towards him, "Theseus, we have a problem! "

"Merlin, what now?!" Theseus groaned, getting to his feet.

"The murder weapon, the knife Albus said he dropped! It's not there. It's not in his classroom or office!" Armond panted.

"Shit, did you search him?!" Theseus's stomach dropped

Armond looked sick as well, "He- he was so compliant we assumed he wasn't."

Muffled yelling came from behind the door, " Get off of me!"

" Please don't!"

"I said, get off me!!!"

The two aurors rushed to the door, trying to kick it down when magic wouldn't budge the lock, " Fuck I shouldn't have let Travers in there!" There was note of panic in Theseus's voice.

After a pause, Armond started to freak out, "He's not trying to- oh God! Shit we have to get the Albus out there!In the state, he's in. Has gone mad?!"

Armond was answered by a mangled scream and a loud thud and the sound of glass shattering, theseus swore under his breath, " fuck, Bombara Maxima!"

The door was smashed into splinters and the two aurors ran in to find Travers on the ground with the missing knife piercing his neck, burns on his arm, and one of the windows behind him broken.

Armond was checking on the minister, while Theseus rushed to the window, " Oh fuck Merlin, he's dead!"

Theseus kicked the wall, "And Albus is gone. This is a nightmare!"

Armond examined the burns," This has to be magic, but how?"

Theseus yelled, "I don't know! He couldn't have gotten the cuffs off. Did Travers take them off?"

Armond looked up at him," They aren't on him, is the tracking spell on them working?"

Theseus took out a map from his pocket and sighed,

" No..."

#dumbledore x grindelwald #albus dumbledore #grindeldore #the secrets of dumbledore #gellert grindelwald #albus x gellert #theseus scamander

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