purplehyacinthriver

[purplehyacinthriver]

Ominis Gaunt [Mood Board] for my fanfiction "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" by HyacinthSpector available on AO3 and Wattpad.

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Excerpt from Chapter 34: Non-Verbal Disagreements

The sardonic tone of Sebastian’s voice cut through her focus, piquing her interest. "Come now, Ominis, don’t be rude."

Merith's attention flickered between Sebastian and Ominis, tension rising in the air around them like an ominous storm. She had been attempting to concentrate on her lesson, but the sharpness of their disagreement was impossible to ignore. William, usually the voice of reason, appeared deeply frustrated, concern etched across his brow. Merith’s curiosity swelled as she wondered what complexities brewed under their apparent conflict.

The atmosphere thickened with intensity; the words exchanged hung like unspoken challenges. Ominis' tone dripped with disdain as he admonished Sebastian to "drop the subject," his voice icy and dismissive. Sebastian, indignant, shot back, an anger sparking in his eyes like a flame. "What’s your problem?" He retorted, his voice rising in indignation.

As the argument escalated, Merith felt a knot tighten in her stomach, her unease growing with each passing moment. Ominis’ carefully chosen words seemed intent on striking deep, and Merith sensed a darker undertone in their clash. When he retorted, “Even if you found the cure, you have no idea where she is. And why is that, exactly, Sebastian?”, the weight of his words crushed the breath from Sebastian's lungs.

Without another word, Sebastian turned sharply on his heel and stormed out of the room, the door swinging wide behind him like an ominous gash in the air. The heavy silence that ensued was suffocating, and Merith couldn’t shake the feeling that something far deeper lay beneath the surface of their disagreement.

William sighed deeply, shaking his head in disappointment as he turned to Ominis. "There was no need to be that harsh," he remarked, frustration creeping into his voice. Ominis' retort was quick, bladed: "Why not? It’s clear he hasn’t learned a thing." The bitterness surrounding his words made Merith ponder the stakes at play in their conflict. She observed the exchange carefully, noting the tension that lurked within their interaction. Just as she steeled herself to interject, William's eyes met hers, an unspoken plea for her assistance shining through.

Merith gave William a slight nod, and he stepped toward the door after Sebastian. "Let’s refocus, everyone," she stated, attempting to restore a semblance of normalcy to the atmosphere, hoping to smooth over the tension. Despite her efforts, the strain was palpable.

After another half-hour, Merith concluded the lesson, summarizing the critical points and inviting any lingering questions. As the students began to file out, she approached Ominis, who stood near the door with arms tightly crossed over his chest.

“Is everything alright, Ominis?” she inquired, striving to maintain an air of genuine concern rather than mere idleness. Ominis tilted his head slightly in her direction; for a fleeting moment, Merith thought she detected a flicker of vulnerability within his gaze, but it was quickly masked. He redirected his focus, flicking his wand to open the door. "Just fine, Professor," he replied curtly, his words laced with formality, "well, if you require—"

“—Thank you for your concern and assistance on New Year’s,” he interrupted, his voice betraying no emotion. “However, I require nothing, and I would kindly ask you to avoid discussing me with the other Gaunts—I am aware they have ties to your family.”

Merith’s expression stiffened, her instincts warning her of the underlying threat in his words. A chill trickled down her spine upon realizing how deeply Ominis understood her connection to his family, unsettling her further. It dawned on her that his trust in her was far less than she had initially presumed.

“Of course, Ominis,” she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil swelling within. “I would never dream of discussing your personal matters with your family.”

His clouded gaze bore into her, as if searching for something; then, with a decisive turn, he pointed his wand at the door. "I'll leave you to your lesson planning," he said brusquely before exiting the room in a swift motion.

[purplehyacinthriver]

Merith Vulchanova [Hogwarts Legacy OC Professor]

Excerpt from chapter 37 of "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" by Hyacinth Spector

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Merith’s gaze lingered on Aesop, her eyes reflecting a silent connection. Tentatively, her fingers reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “I never expected to find you here,” she murmured softly, her voice laced with both wonder and uncertainty.

A smile tugged at her lips, a bloom of warmth awakening within her. "You brought me an almost immediate comfort. It’s a sense of… stability, perhaps. Something both familiar and foreign—a soothing tide after a tempest, lapping gently around me, threatening to embrace me entirely." She hesitated, a frown of uncertainty knitting her brow. "But I still struggle to grasp it. This… closeness. This sensation. I don’t know what it means or where it may lead, but…" Her voice faltered as she looked away, suddenly bashful, warmth flooding her cheeks.

Finally, she met his eyes again, her expression blending vulnerability with cautious hope. "I wish to venture deeper into your waters than I perhaps should," she confessed, a tentative smile playing on her lips. "To explore what lies beneath the surface."

"Let me assist you in navigating those waters," Aesop replied, wrapping his large hands around her face, one cradling the back of her head, the other brushing her cheek, his thumb gently caressing her bottom lip.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62126245/chapters/161829880

[purplehyacinthriver]

Sebastian Sallow [Moodboard]

Mood board for my Hogwarts Legacy fanfiction "Legacy of Shadows: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" by HyacinthSpector available on A03 and Wattpad.

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Next followed Sebastian, giving his friends a rather haughty smile, an easy grin spreading across his freckled features. "Nice effort lads, but I fear I may be your match." Sebastian winked, striding to the dueling space. His demeanor suddenly shifting, his stance sharpening, his eyes narrowing as the smile slowly dissipated from his face into an unsettling expression. His eyes were dark, and the muscles in his cheeks and neck had become tense, twitching under his intensity.

Sebastian sent a barrage of casts towards the training dummy with astounding speed:

Accio

Confringo

Glacius

Confringo

Glacius

Confringo

The dummy creaked against the constant freezing and burning of his casts. Despite his outward appearance of enjoyment, a subtle tension had crept into his features— an anger. It was a fury that seemed to simmer just beneath the surface, contained by a thin veneer of lightness and jest. She could see it now, and perhaps it felt oddly familiar to her.

William, noticing Merith's puzzled expression, quickly cast a shielding charm around the dummy. Sebastian, his brow glistening with a bead of sweat, looked momentarily frustrated. "Careful, mate, you'll explode the bloody thing, and then we'll get more detentions," William said lightly, his tone a blend of warning and amusement. The serious intensity vanished from Sebastian's face, replaced by a familiar grin as he clapped William on the back.

"What, admitting defeat?" Sebastian teased.

"In your dreams, Sallow," William retorted, the two boys then began a playful scuffle. Merith's gaze drifted back to Ominis, who was observing the interaction with a similarly perplexed expression, mirroring her own.

---

[purplehyacinthriver]

Mirabel Garlick [Mood Board]

Mirabel Garlick is a side character in my Hogwarts Legacy fanfiction titled: "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" by HyacinthSpector available to read on ao3 and Wattpad.

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𝘈𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘱 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘬.

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘧𝘶𝘭—𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶... 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘵, 𝘐 𝘴𝘶𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮.” 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘫𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘩.

December 1891, months after Ranrock's defeat, Merith Vulchanova becomes the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. A former Triwizard Champion from Durmstrang, she is drawn to a mysterious ancient tome found in her ancestor's cursed keep. Encouraged by her father, the Durmstrang headmaster, Merith assumes her teaching role, grappling with familial expectations while seeking independence, and a budding romance with a fellow professor. The tome's ancient power looms ominously as tensions rise and war approaches, forcing her to confront her loyalties and true desires.

[purplehyacinthriver]

Hogwarts Schedule for my professor OC in my Hogwarts Legacy Fanfiction for those who are following along and seeking further clarity on Merith's routine. I took some creative liberties, as there is not concrete answers within canon.

"Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" by HyacinthSpector

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62126245/chapters/158907100

[purplehyacinthriver]

Hyoto Kogawa (Chiyo Kogawa's Nephew) a side-character from my Hogwarts Legacy Fanfiction "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" by HyacinthSpector available on Wattpad and A03.

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Excerpt from Chapter 32: The Sorrows of Ominis Gaunt

The duo continued to discuss Quidditch, a topic Merith had little interest in, her only exposure being from overhearing her brother and Aric delve into discussions for what seemed like hours. Despite this, she nodded along, making supportive hums when necessary, as the pair bickered for the duration of the journey.

Mirabel and Hyoto carried considerable house pride, a concept that was foreign to Merith, as Durmstrang prioritized school pride as a whole rather than factional affiliations. The spirited duo was locked in a debate about a previous Quidditch match between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, which had taken place in November before her arrival.

“It should have been a FOUL!” Hyoto exclaimed, waving his arms dramatically. “He deliberately put himself in the way of Ravenclaw’s Seeker! It was obstruction!”

Mirabel scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Hardly! Quite bold of you to accuse Isaac Cooper of such a thing! He’s an honorable player and the most talented Chaser at Hogwarts!”

Hyoto waved her off dismissively. “Oh, please, Isaac Cooper isn’t that grand!” he shot back, making an exasperated sound. 

“Hyoto, green is not your color,” Mirabel teased, laughing as he scowled at her.

“Are you suggesting I’m jealous of Isaac Cooper? Me? That’s a laugh! He couldn’t throw a Quaffle into a Butterbeer Barrel!" 

He continued, “I was, and am, a more talented Chaser than that little Billiwig, right Merith?” he called over his shoulder.

“Undoubtedly,” Merith responded easily, having no real idea what he was talking about. Chaser? Did that mean he chased something? He certainly seemed wily enough to be good at it, she thought.

“Well, Hufflepuff has nothing on our Keeper, Andrew Larson! If Hufflepuff hadn’t caught the snitch, you would barely have made a dent in our defenses!” 

“Yes, well, it is a shame your Seeker was not up to the task; it’s one of the most vital positions in the game, don’t you agree, Merith?” Mirabel noted.

“Oh yes, one must seek out…um, what needs to be sought, I suppose,” Merith added, her voice trailing off. She had only been half paying attention, still trying to cast the caked mud off her boots.

They both turned to her, incredulous expressions painted across their faces. “Merith? Have you ever watched Quidditch?” Hyoto asked, sounding genuinely shocked as if she had grown a second head.

---

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62126245/chapters/158907100

[purplehyacinthriver]

Merith Vulchanova (descendant of Durmstrang founder, Nerida Vulchanova). The main OC in my Hogwarts Legacy fanfiction titled "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" by Hyacinth Spector available on Wattpad and AO3.

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Awareness settled in as the stillness returned, thickening the air.

Her heart pounded fiercely as she scanned her surroundings, aware of lurking eyes among the brambles. "Show yourself!" she called, voice steady though fatigue clawed at her strength.

"SHOW YOURSELF!" she shouted again, her voice rising in intensity. A massive gray wolf emerged from the shadows, its gaze locked intently on Merith.

Its muscles rippled beneath its rugged coat as it moved with a silent grace, its piercing amber eyes reflecting an ancient wisdom and an unyielding strength. With every step, the wolf exuded an air of both majesty and menace, a true guardian of the secrets hidden within the darkened woods.

In that moment, fear should have gripped her, but it didn't.

The wolf’s eyes bore into her, a knowing look that pierced the haze of fear. "Please guide me; I shall take the hag away from this forest."

Merith recognized this creature was no ordinary wolf.

"You are the guardian of this forest, aren’t you?" she asked, her voice strong despite her uncertainty.

The wolf replied in her mind, I can show you the way, but you must leave the hag behind.

She gasped in disbelief. "Leave the hag?" she echoed, staring into the wolf's intelligent eyes. "I can’t do that; I must bring her with me!"

Do you truly think you must? She is entwined with the forest; her kind dwells here.

"But she eats children!" Merith protested, shooting a glare at the hag.

It is in its nature to do so, the wolf replied calmly.

Give me the hag, and I will ensure no more harm comes to this place, the wolf said, retreating into the deeper shadows of the forest.

"No! I can't!" Merith cried desperately. 

Of course you can, the wolf countered, its gaze unwavering as it faded into the brambles.

[purplehyacinthriver]

me as a writer

[purplehyacinthriver]

Gorvoth Gaunt - an original character who first appears in chapter 31 of my Hogwarts Legacy fanfiction "Shadows of Legacy- A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" By HyacinthSpector available on A03 and Wattpad.

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The slender man turned his attention to Merith, and a flicker of recognition crossed her mind as he met her gaze. “Ah, Ms. Vulchanova. This is a surprise,” he said, his icy stare undermining the warmth of his words. His mismatched eyes, one a murky green and the other a frigid blue, were like storm clouds poised to unleash their fury—striking yet foreboding, reflecting the turbulence of a tempestuous soul. They hinted at a volatile brilliance, captivating yet chilling, evoking the unsettling sense of a predator lurking in the shadows, ready to strike.

“I could say the same to you, Gorvoth,” Merith replied coolly as he seized her gloved hand in a tight grasp, placed a perfunctory kiss atop it—his gaze unsettlingly intense. She recoiled slightly, gripping the glass Sirona had just delivered and taking a small sip to steady herself.

“I didn’t realize we were on such familiar terms, my dear,” he said, a sly smile forming as his upper lip curled back, exposing his jutted incisors. He leaned in closer, as if drawing power from her discomfort. “I am truly sorry to hear about Aric—no, really I’m not,” his laughter mocking, standing tall again. “We both know he was never worthy of your divine blood. His pure-blood lineage is rather… spotty. Half-bloods litter that line.” 

“You revel in the sound of your own voice, don’t you?” Merith replied, her tone light yet edged with sarcasm, barely masking her disdain. Gorvoth held her gaze, unfazed, before signaling for his companions to follow him upstairs. 

Gorvoth turned, casting one last glance at Merith before confidently striding away. "I'll be seeing you," he called over his shoulder, his tone light yet laced with a subtle threat, as if he relished the idea of their paths crossing again. Once the group had vanished from view, Merith let out a breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding, grateful the crowd returned to its jovial hum.

[purplehyacinthriver]

so many people not wanting to give kudos to ao3 works that they like if said works contain smut, because they're not comfortable having their accounts attached to the works. and the intention of this post is in no way to guilt trip or manipulate people into doing anything. that being said, I'd like to let you know that if you want to give your favorite authors kudos on their works that contain smut (or works that do not contain smut), but are not comfortable with your name being attached to the works, you can still give them kudos by logging out of your account before doing so. this way your kudos will appear as kudos from a guest user, your favorite authors will still receive your kudos, and your account will not be attached to the works ♡

[purplehyacinthriver]

Aesop Sharp [Mood board] - From my Fanfiction "Shadow of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel available on AO3 and Wattpad.

━━━━━━♥━━━━━━

Upon reaching the door, she grasped the handle and flung it open, nearly colliding with Aesop, who stood just beyond, wearing an expression of equal surprise.

“Aesop, I—” she began, breath catching as she struggled to articulate her thoughts, the weight of their earlier frustrations lingering in the air between them.

“Merith,” he replied softly, his voice a low, warm whisper that anchored her in place. She had never heard him utter her name with such tenderness before; it sent a flutter through her chest, her heartbeat echoing so loudly she feared it could be heard throughout the classroom.

Aesop stood framed in the doorway, illuminated by ethereal moonlight streaming through the window. Something about him appeared exquisite beneath the cool glow of night. Tugging self-consciously at her dressing gown, Merith felt uncertain about how to begin.

“I’m sorry; it seems I keep losing my temper with you. While I still disagree, Aesop, I will heed your warning. But hear me now, I am no silly girl.” Her voice steadied as she found the strength to meet his gaze. Their eyes locked, and a shared understanding began to bridge the gap the earlier confrontation had created.

“I must confess, I acted rather boorishly myself, exceedingly ungentlemanly,” he said lightly, a hint of jest creeping into his tone as he clasped her hands in his. “I regret my remark about your naivety—there are matters I am not at liberty to disclose, aspects of the situation you understandably lack awareness of.

It was unkind of me to wield that against you. My words, though perhaps too blunt, were born from concern for your well-being; I genuinely wish to protect you from harm.” His tone shifted, growing serious, and she felt the weight of his sincerity wash over her.

[purplehyacinthriver]

Me at age 13, exhausted at school after staying up all night to read fanfic: I can’t wait until I’m an adult and I can stay up reading without any consequences!

Me, an adult, exhausted at work after staying up all night reading fanfic: Fuck.

[purplehyacinthriver]

Mood board of Merith Vulchanova (OC) from my fanfiction "Shadow of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" available on AO3 and Wattpad.

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Crossing into what was known as the Central Hall, they halted before an impressive stone statue of a unicorn grappling with a werewolf, supported by a band of goblins.  Something about it unsettled her, although her attention quickly shifted back to Professor Weasley, who shared a whimsical phrase: "Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus."

“Excuse me?” Merith replied, arching an eyebrow at the enchanted stone dragon wreathed in billowing smoke.

“It’s our school’s motto, 'never tickle a sleeping dragon'—a cautionary tale for well-meaning students.”

“Dare á eldinn,” Merith murmured, noting the professor's bewildered expression as she gazed up.

“It’s the phrase from my family’s crest—dare to dance with fire,” Merith elaborated, her gaze still fixed on the enchanting creature, which had turned its attention to a hapless knight edging nearer.

[purplehyacinthriver]

William Wexley (MC) in my Hogwarts Legacy fanfiction- "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" available on Wattpad and AO3.

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As the darkness of Professor Fig's untimely demise still lingered in the castle's halls, William found himself drawn to the enigmatic Merith Vulchanova (OC), a descendant of the powerful and feared founder of Durmstrang, Nerida Vulchanova. With a mysterious aura surrounding her, Merith had arrived at Hogwarts on a mission to unravel the secrets hidden within an ancient, sealed tome bound in a spell of anicent magic. As their paths collide, an unlikely alliance is forged, one that will test the unbreakable bond between mentor and student. But the shadows closing in around them hinted at a much greater purpose - to unlock the tome's unfathomable power and confront the treacherous forces that seek to shatter the very foundations of the wizarding world.

[purplehyacinthriver]

Aesop X OC New Years Kiss

When they finally reached the lake, Aesop’s excitement was quickly tempered by the sight that greeted them. Much of the water remained unfrozen, glimmering faintly under the moonlight, with only patches of ice forming near the edges. 

“Oh no, what a shame,” Aesop said, his voice laced with sarcasm as he surveyed the scene. "Skating on water that clearly desires to become a veritable swimming pool hardly aligns with my notion of leisurely enjoyment."

But Merith was unfazed by the open water and Aesop's commentary. “Worry not!” she replied cheerfully, her eyes sparkling with determination. With a swift flick of her wrist, she cast a Glacious charm, sending shimmering waves of frost cascading across the surface. The ice crackled and hissed as it rapidly firmed up, hardening beneath them into a glistening expanse.

“There! Good as new!” she declared triumphantly, flashing Aesop a grin that could thaw even the coldest of hearts. 

Aesop raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. “You truly have a talent for making the impossible seem possible.”

“I'm glad you noticed!” she laughed, already stepping back onto the ice. “Now, come join me! The fun awaits!” 

Merith’s laughter rang out across the frozen surface of the lake, her spirit liberated as she glided gracefully over the smooth ice. Each step ignited delightful exhilaration, the crisp winter air further fueling her enthusiasm. She felt as if she were a child again, carefree and filled with joy, her spirited movements a celebration of the magical night. 

“Come along, Aesop! The ice is as fine as silk!” Merith called back, her voice playfully inviting him to join her in her frolic. She spun in delight, arms outstretched, inhaling the invigorating air as if it were the essence of freedom itself, completely oblivious to the cold that nipped at her cheeks.

As Merith glided closer, the pale moonlight danced across her face, illuminating the natural charm that radiated from her. "You're like a snowflake, Ms. Vulchanova," Aesop called out, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Delicate, yet free. One moment you're here, and the next, you might just melt."

Merith's laughter was music to Aesop's ears as she spun around, her feet moving in perfect harmony with her merriment. "Oh, I assure you, I won't melt!" she exclaimed, feigning a dramatic pose. "Besides, I've never been one for delicateness!" With a playful smile, she danced past him once more, oblivious to the patch of ice that lay in wait.

Just as Merith's foot touched the ice, she wobbled precariously, her balance faltering. Aesop's instincts kicked in, and he sprang into action, his hand closing around her wrist with a firm but gentle grip. Merith gasped, surprised by the sudden movement, but as her gaze met Aesop's, she felt a shiver run down her spine. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them suspended in a moment of pure connection.

Aesop's gaze was intense, almost possessive, and the grip he held felt both grounding and electric. "Careful!" he admonished gently, though the corners of his mouth turned upward in a playful smile. "This ice can be quite capricious. One moment, you glide like a swan; the next, you're an unwitting test of the lake's depths."

Merith's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she breathed, "Perhaps I have a penchant for a touch of danger!" Her gaze was transfixed on Aesop's, drinking in the warmth and intensity that radiated from him. As they shared the moment, an air of possibility enveloped them, an unspoken connection simmering just below the surface.

The pulsing music faded into the background, and the world around them vanished. It was just the two of them. "Merith," Aesop began, though she recognized the flicker of hesitation in his eyes. Taking a breath, she felt emboldened, her heart racing with anticipation.

"About our outing," Merith said softly, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. "I don't believe we need to stick to the rules and decorum, do we? Not when the world outside is momentarily forgotten."

Aesop's brow furrowed as he processed her words, his mind appeared to be racing through the protocols of propriety that had always guided his actions. Yet, somehow, in the warmth of their shared moment, that hesitance began to soften. The glimmering lights of the festivities surrounding them seemed to fade into a mere background, amplifying the enchanting bubble they were creating together.

"Perhaps we should," she suggested softly, leaning in slightly as her heart skipped a beat. Aesop's eyes sparkled with a hint of desire, and his breath quickened. As the atmosphere shifted, their faces began to inch closer. "Perhaps, Merith," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

The flickering flames danced in tandem with the swell of emotions between them, and Merith felt her heart drumming loudly in her chest. With a soft, inviting breath, she leaned in, her gaze locked on Aesop's lips, which parted ever-so-slightly with quiet expectation.

And then, in a spontaneous culmination of emotions, Merith closed the distance between them, capturing the moment with a soft, lingering kiss. Aesop's lips were warm and surprisingly gentle against hers, igniting a spark that reverberated through her very core.

Moments flowed like water as they lost themselves in that kiss, tasting the sweetness of spontaneity and vulnerability. The vibrant sounds of the Three Broomsticks faded, the world outside folding away, and it was just them—the warmth of connection blossoming amid the moonlight.

---

Excerpt from Chapter 23 of my Hogwarts Legacy Fanfiction "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" available on AO3 and Wattpad.

[purplehyacinthriver]

Mood board for my Aesop Sharp X Female OC Fanfic available on Wattpad and AO3 called "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel".

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“𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘭𝘺; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵. 𝘐𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦, 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘦𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴. 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴.”

In December 1891, several months after the fall of Ranrock, Merith Vulchanova arrives at Hogwarts as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. A former Triwizard Champion from Durmstrang, she seeks her position for scholarly pursuits and answers in a mysterious tome discovered in her late relative's castle—an achievement of her ancestor shortly before their enigmatic passing. With encouragement from her father, the headmaster of Durmstrang, she secures her role through well-placed connections.

During the holiday break, she resides at Hogwarts alongside other faculty, including Potions Professor Aesop Sharp. Their frequent clashes hint at a deeper connection forming between them. As Merith navigates the pressures of her family legacy, she strives for independence in her new role as a professor and mentor. The book she pursues may wield immense power, bringing weighty consequences, and she must uncover her true allegiances amidst brewing conflicts.

This narrative unfolds within the framework of the Hogwarts Legacy game from the perspective of Merith Vulchanova, who aids the main protagonist, William Wexley, along with Ominis and Sebastian. Their intertwined journeys of self-discovery reflect one another, culminating in choices that shape their futures. A slow-burn romance blossoms between Mirith, 29, and Aesop Sharp, 42. Exploring themes of self-growth, complex family dynamics, and the contradictions of the wizarding world, this story is canon-compliant and rich with references to both the game and the broader Harry Potter universe.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62126245/chapters/158907100

[purplehyacinthriver]

Banter between Aesop Sharp X Female OC Professor

At breakfast the following day, Merith had excused her absence, explaining that she had fallen ill but had since made a full recovery after some rest. Professor Onai and Professor Ronen were deep in discussion about the upcoming term, trying to impart some wisdom on classroom management to their new pupil. Merith nodded along pleasantly; however, she found it difficult to concentrate on their conversation this morning due to her lingering fatigue.

She had run out of her sleeping draught and had resorted to splitting doses until her supply was restocked. To quell her nerves, she had been compensating with a generous goblet of wine before sleep. Furthermore, she had not received any correspondence from her father since their previous meeting. Admittedly, she had become increasingly preoccupied with the new obligations that had emerged in her life lately, causing her to neglect her research into the mysterious medieval tome.

Looking around the Great Hall, she had yet to spot William and his companions; perhaps they were still sleeping. There were rumors circulating around the head table that the students may have indulged in some excitement in the Gryffindor common room the previous evening, with festivities that continued until the wee hours of the morning.

“Don’t look at me; I am the head of Slytherin House,” Professor Ronen retorted to Professor Onai, who raised her arms in annoyance.

“There is no head of Gryffindor House in the castle at the moment, therefore we are all responsible for managing the different houses regardless of house allegiance,” she replied, her tone firm.

“Ah, let it be, Mudiwa. Let the kids have some fun,” Professor Howin, the Care of Magical Creatures professor, chimed in, patting her colleague's arm. “There was no harm done,” she added casually.

“As far as we know,” Aesop muttered before continuing to eat.

“As long as nothing untoward occurred, I see no reason to fret. These young people have been kept here, likely against their own wishes. It’s only fair to avert our gaze in this situation,” Merith said understandingly. “Well, I am under the impression that some untoward behavior did occur... just look at my daughter; she can barely keep her head upright.” Merith giggled but quickly stifled her laughter when Mudiwa shot her a weary look. Her daughter, Natsai Onai, a sixth-year student, had her head lazily perched on her hand as she scooped breakfast into her mouth.

“Oh Mudiwa, you can’t tell me you didn’t get up to some trouble as a student,” Professor Ronen teased, his large, characteristic smile brightening his face.

“Well, all I’m saying is that I think there was more than pumpkin juice being sampled,” Mudiwa sniffed, as Merith fought the urge to grin at the humor in the moment.

“Anything missing from your supplies, Aesop?” Mudiwa queried.

“Not that I’ve noticed,” Aesop replied simply, his eyes catching Merith’s with a small twinkle.

“You will understand my plight when you have young witches and wizards of your own,” Mudiwa said knowingly to Merith and Aesop—the two currently childless adults at the table.

Mudiwa and Professor Ronen continued their discussion about their respective children and the challenges of parenthood.

“I say good on the students. Parties never quite compare to the secret dwellings of our youth,” Merith mused, shooting a glance at Aesop.

“Such scandal coming from such a reputable Durmstrang graduate! What would your superiors think?” Aesop teased in his usual straight tone, his humor always subtle and sarcastic.

“I see it more as a testament to my ingenuity in the face of adversity,” she replied playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned slightly forward, her hair catching the candlelight and framing her face like a halo of warmth.

“Well, that’s one way to phrase it,” he chuckled.

“Didn’t Slytherin dormitories have salacious parties?” she questioned, amusement flickering across her features. The corners of her mouth turned up, revealing a hint of mischief behind her well-bred demeanor.

“Oh, quite salacious indeed. I, however, remained acquiescent in my chambers,” he continued, the words rolling off his tongue with a hint of sardonic amusement. “I’m afraid my youthful escapades came considerably later. Once I became an Auror, I reveled in my... successes. Perhaps a little too enthusiastically with fellow young, willful Aurors.” His gaze drifted momentarily as if lost in the memory of those thrilling, reckless days.

“My, my, Aesop. Now that does surprise me!” she remarked, delighting in his self-exposure.

“And what kind of trouble did you and your handsome young gentleman friends get into?” She smiled coyly, the soft porcelain of her wine glass glinting as she took a measured sip, savoring the moment as if it were a fine vintage.

“I don’t think it would be gentlemanly to recount the events in the presence of a lady,” Aesop replied, suppressing a smile that threatened to break free, his eyes darting down as he cut away at a large turnip. There was a charming awkwardness to his demeanor that made her heart flutter with delight.

“Look who’s being scandalous now! Young Aesop seems rather rakish indeed,” she laughed.

Aesop shook his head, continuing to eat, his expression a carefully crafted mask of feigned indifference, though the corner of his lips twitched as if fighting back a smile.

“You won’t divulge anything? Perhaps then you really are a gentleman!” she teased, returning her attention to her own meal, the warm bread resting softly on her plate, as golden as the first rays of morning light.

Excerpt from Chapter 18 available on Wattpad and AO3!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/62126245/chapters/158907100