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Excerpt from Chapter 51: "Twilight of Innocence" from "Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel" by HyacinthSpector

The castle slumbered still, but spring had begun to press itself into the world. Tiny wildflowers—dog violets, pale primroses, and soft wood sorrel—pushed through cracked stone. Grass, damp with dew, chilled her bare feet and dampened her hem as she moved beneath twisted yew trees and low hedgerows.

Downward, always downward—toward the lake, where a veil of mist hung low, silvered by the rising sun.

The viaduct courtyard loomed ahead, stone gone blush with rose-gold. Beneath its underpass, braziers flickered with quiet light. A song thrush called from the canopy above—its notes sharp and crystalline in the hush.

At the wrought iron gate, she paused, then descended the moss-slick stairs leading to the boathouse. Below, the lake spread wide and dark, black as glass, still as waiting breath.

But not empty.

A small boat rocked gently near the center, haloed by the sun’s first gold. Merith stopped, half-veiled by the trailing limbs of a willow, watching.

William rowed.

Sleeves rolled to the elbow, forearms tensing with each pull—steady, deliberate. He could have used enchantment. He didn’t. There was meaning in that silence. In the labor.

At the stern, Ominis sat upright, one hand trailing languidly in the water. His head tilted toward the breeze, as if listening not to the others, but to something just beyond the veil of sound—wind, water, memory.

And at the bow, Sebastian knelt like a figurehead—arms flung wide, chest outthrust, theatrical as ever. His laughter rang like bells through the mist, catching sunlight on his face. For a moment, he seemed unbearably young—untouched by weight or war or time.

A ripple beneath the surface.

Then—a tentacle, vast and pale, broke the water, brushing the side of the boat with almost affectionate force.

Sebastian yelped—a sharp laugh more than fear—and tumbled over the edge in a splash that shattered the quiet. Water scattered like shattered glass; birds scattered skyward.

For a beat, silence.

Then he surfaced, sputtering and grinning, hair plastered to his brow, eyes alight.

“I’m fine!” he shouted, between breathless laughter, treading water like a mischief god.

William offered a hand. He ignored it. Clambered up on his own, robes sodden, boots sloshing. He tugged one off and shook it, water pouring in a gleaming arc. Then he shook out his hair like a dog, utterly without shame.

Ominis groaned, turning aside. “Sebastian—Merlin’s bones—”

“Worth it,” Sebastian declared, flopping like a prince into the bottom of the boat.

Merith watched.

Unseen.

Her hand lifted absently to her waist, brushing the golden fringe that swayed with each breath. And in her chest, something bloomed. Not quite sorrow. Not envy.

Something gentler.

Something older.

How brief youth was. How rare its lightness.

She thought of Aric—of fogged greenhouse windows and laughter pressed between glass panes. Of duels beneath moonlight, reckless and radiant. Of Michaél’s voice, clear and daring, daring the world to catch him as he danced along the garden walls.

When had she last laughed like that?

She didn’t know.

No one ever does—until the memory is already behind them.

The boys’ laughter faded as the boat turned gently back. Merith lingered a breath longer.

Then turned.

Mist coiled behind her, folding over her footprints—softly, quietly—as if she had never been there at all.

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sudden drawing of Pippin and Sharp they're buddies

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Images depict the lasting effects of dark magic upon Sebastain's soul.

She paused, then added, "And I know Mr. Sallow lost his uncle and was missing for some time."

William flinched, the mention striking a raw nerve in his composure. He appeared caught in a struggle, meticulously weighing what to reveal as emotions swirled within him, his blue eyes flickering with unspoken pain.

"It's just... Sebastian can be stubborn. Ominis, too, I suppose." His fingers raked through his hair in frustration, a familiar habit he reverted to in times of stress. "Last year, the three of us encountered a situation—led by Sebastian. You see, his sister Anne is unwell. She was cursed by Victor Rookwood a few years past. She once attended Hogwarts, but after that incident, her health declined, and she was removed from school..."

"Sebastian was one of the first friends I made here," William continued, his voice thick with nostalgia. "We dueled in Professor Hecat's class, and his talent impressed me. He was a champion at crossed wands, humble in defeat. Rather than sulk, he welcomed me as a friend—or perhaps an asset. While fiercely loyal, Sebastian can also be determined, sometimes to a fault."

Merith listened intently as William labored to articulate his feelings; the weight of his emotions was palpable in the shadowed corners of the classroom.

"He became consumed with finding a cure for Anne, to the detriment of everyone around him. I even encouraged him at times, convinced we could accomplish anything together. He has that effect, making one feel invincible." He chuckled softly before continuing, "Ominis, however, was less approving, often trying to obstruct our plans. In hindsight, perhaps he was right. Still, we persisted. Sebastian discovered an ancient relic attributed to Salazar Slytherin, convinced it held the key to saving her."

A flicker of raw emotion crossed William's turbulent blue eyes. "But the magic was dark—there are always consequences when tampering with such powers, as Ominis warned... and Sebastian's uncle, Solomon Sallow, was a consequence of that."

Merith's brows knitted in confusion, her heart aching as she silently pieced together the fragments of William's story. She held her questions, allowing him to gain momentum.

"Because of this, Anne wanted nothing to do with Sebastian and vanished without a trace. He searched for her in vain before returning to Hogwarts, where a letter finally reached him. It was from Anne, asking him to stop looking for her, stating she never wanted to see him again. He was devastated, but relieved to know she was safe."

He took a moment, gathering his thoughts as he stared at the desk beside him, his fingers tracing the grains of the wood. “It’s hard to watch someone you care about lose themselves,” he continued, his voice steadier now. “I thought my encouragement would help him find peace, to temper that fire with a bit of reason. Instead, I inadvertently fanned the flames.” There was a pause, as he glanced up to gauge their reactions, and he took a deep breath before adding, “Sometimes, love isn’t enough though, is it? Sometimes, it can lead to destructive paths, and you don’t even realize you’re walking down them until it’s too late.”

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

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

There was clear hurt beneath the facades the trio projected. Sebastian appeared to be the most outspoken and confident of the group; it was almost inconceivable to imagine he was someone who had endured so much pain. Yet, he carried on as if nothing had happened to him. That was a dangerous type of grief—the kind one pushes to the depths, unwilling to be acknowledged, often until circumstances forced it into the light.

Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel - Chapter 1 - HyacinthSpector - Hogwarts Legacy (Video Game) [Archive of Our Own]

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In the aftermath of the Goblin Rebellion, shadows stir in the North. Merith Vulchanova returns to Hogwarts not for nostalgia, but for answers—buried secrets, ancient magic, and a family legacy tied to something far older than dragons. As the lines between myth and history blur, and the truth behind the Zmey surfaces, she must decide what she's willing to awaken—and what it will cost her.

Dark academia meets magical espionage in this slow-burning Hogwarts Legacy sequel, where power is never given freely, and nothing stays buried forever.

**Warning Explicit Sexual Content Below!**

Chapter 41: Unearthing Solice from "Shadows of Legacy" by HyacinthSpector available on A03 and Wattpad!

Merith stirred at the sound of the enchanted lock rattling open, followed by the unmistakable clatter of a door closing. The soft padding of footsteps across the squeaky floorboards pulled her from the remnants of sleep. Squinting against the dim light, she caught sight of Aesop in the doorway, shedding his coat and tossing it onto the nearest chair. When he turned and met her gaze, surprise flickered across his features before he quickly averted his eyes, clearly caught off guard. “My apologies, I didn’t expect you to still be in bed,” he said, his voice a curious mix of surprise and a gentle, apologetic tone.

Though there was no mirror in Aesop's room, Merith could easily envision her hair as a chaotic mess. The burnt cloves, infused with oil to darken her lashes, had likely smudged after a night spent wrestling with restless dreams. Yet, frustratingly, she couldn’t recall a single dream from the previous night. The thought triggered a wave of anxiety that prickled across her skin as fragments of the night before flooded back. She had slipped out of her dress beneath the covers in the early morning light, and now found herself draped haphazardly in rumpled underclothes. Heat surged through her cheeks—this was not how she wanted him to find her.

But he had witnessed her in her unrefined glory—undone, unrehearsed, simply herself without the usual façade. Still, she couldn’t shake the embarrassment that tinged her cheeks. Her heart raced as she watched him pace awkwardly in front of her, his gaze glued to the floor, as if he were wrestling with his own thoughts. The silence hung between them, thick with unspoken words and the strange intimacy of the moment.

Drawing on an unexpected surge of courage, Merith rose from the bed and approached him, her heart pounding louder with each step. “I’m sorry, I haven't enjoyed a restful night's sleep in quite some time,” she confessed, her voice softer and tinged with an unusual shyness. “Thank you.”

He looked up at her, his expression surprisingly tender. However, just as quickly, his gaze flicked away, as if the very sight of her was too much to bear. Irritation coursed through her. Why was he looking away? Without thinking, she cupped his face in her hands, drawing his focus back to her. “Why do you look away from me?” she asked gently, searching his dark eyes for an answer.

His breath hitched slightly, and their eyes locked in a moment charged with unspoken tension. “Because you are indecent,” he whispered, the words escaping him with a raw vulnerability. A flush crept across his cheeks, matching the heat that surged within her. The electricity in the air shifted—a palpable thrill igniting a fire deep inside her.

“Does that stir you?” she teased, her voice lilting as she leaned closer, their faces just breaths apart. Aesop's gaze darkened, stormy and intense, revealing the longing that flickered in the depths of his eyes.

“Unequivocally,” he confessed, the raw edge to his voice deepening the tension that enveloped them. In an instant, her hands found the crisp fabric of his shirt, gripping it tightly as his hands cupped her face with a need that sent butterflies swirling in her stomach.

Their lips crashed together, an eruption of pent-up desire filling the space between them, igniting like a spell cast in the heart of the Forbidden Forest. It was chaotic yet utterly captivating, the last piece of a puzzle falling into place as their bodies instinctively aligned with each other’s warmth. There were no more barriers, no more pretenses. In that moment, they were woven together in a tapestry of raw emotion and fierce need, while the rest of the world faded into insignificance.

The kiss deepened, each shared breath and frantic touch igniting embers that stoked the flames of their yearning. She lost herself in him, reveling in the urgency that propelled them both—a wild surge that consumed every coherent thought. Aesop’s hands traveled along her jawline, savoring its delicate curves as if tracing a cherished map. She felt herself melting against him, surrendering fully to the moment’s intensity, a dance of skin against skin, trust intertwining with vulnerability.

As they broke apart briefly, breathless and trembling, Merith caught his gaze once more. The intensity in Aesop's dark eyes held her captive, a silent exchange of unspoken promises and shared desires electrifying the air. She could feel the tension crackling, the weight of the moment hanging between them like a fragile thread.

Seeking reassurance, he lifted an eyebrow, and she responded with a soft, inviting smile that beckoned him closer. Wordlessly, she pulled him toward the bed, her heart racing as they stumbled back onto the soft mattress. Aesop ended up above her, their bodies mere inches apart, a repository of heat and longing.

But as their lips met again, she felt him wince against her, a flicker of pain flashing across his features like a shadow dimming the light. The heat of their passion collided abruptly with the memory of his previous injury, and a pang of guilt surged through her, making her feel inconsiderate. In the fervor of the moment, she hadn't considered his discomfort.

The air thickened with a delicate pause, a vulnerable moment where it seemed he might retreat, the distance of regret threatening to creep in. Yet, she refused to let that happen. "Stay," she whispered, her voice earnest as she gently guided him back, shifting their positions. With a subtle twist, she maneuvered him comfortably onto the bed, allowing him to recline against the pillows while she settled herself atop him, ensuring he was at ease. 

"Simply thus...,” she murmured, her hands resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. Their eyes locked, and in that shared gaze, she conveyed her resolve to hold on to this moment. Slowly, Aesop began to ease into the position, his gaze softening as he allowed himself to relax into her warmth.

Her skirts, a flowing cotton drape across her lap, shifted with subtle grace, revealing the pearlescent skin of her thighs. A delicate thrill bloomed in Merith’s stomach at the unexpected exposure, a mixture of vulnerability and excitement. Aesop’s gaze flickered downward; hesitation evident as a dance of consideration played in his darkened eyes. She sensed his restraint; an unspoken question weighed heavily in the air between them.

"You may touch me," she murmured, her voice a whisper that pierced the quietude of the room. Her heart raced, a frantic drum against her ribs. Gathering his hands gently in her own, she led them to the curve of her thighs. The contact sparked an electric jolt, chasing away any lingering chill, replaced by a blossoming warmth and a fragile seed of trust.

Aesop's touch remained tentative at first, his fingers exploring the soft flesh with deliberate slowness—gentle pressure that both soothed and ignited. Their lips remained locked in a tender ballet, breaths mingling, the world outside the small room receding into a soft, unfocused blur. Each touch became a whispered promise, a silent question, answered by the yielding contours of her body.

“You’re beautiful,” he breathed against her lips, the words a low, rough rasp that resonated within her. His voice, imbued with sincerity and reverence, stripped away her carefully constructed facade, leaving her exposed and vulnerable, yet somehow exquisitely safe.

Heat surged in Merith’s cheeks, a soft blush deepening with each passing moment. A sincere smile danced on her lips, reflecting the tenderness of his touch. “And so are you,” she returned, the honesty flowing from her as naturally as the kisses they shared.

As Aesop’s fingers deepened their exploration, tracing the subtle nuances of her muscles, Merith surrendered to the growing tide of sensation. They were learning each other's bodies, mapping the landscapes of desire, tracing the delicate lines between longing and surrender.

Her fingers twisted in the dark silk of his hair, pulling him closer, a soft moan escaping her lips as she pressed her hips more firmly against him. This sound, unfamiliar in its intensity, hinted at the raw desire simmering beneath his controlled exterior. His hands moved from her thighs to her waist, drawing him up into a seated position against the headboard of the bed. Wrapping his arms around her, she nestled more firmly on his lap, burying her face in the crook of his neck. His breath was hot against her skin, the subtle rasp of his stubble a tantalizing contrast to the softness of her flesh, while he pressed small, lingering kisses along the curve of her neck and down her shoulder.

The sensation of his embrace was new, exciting, yet strangely comforting. A sliver of guilt pricked at her conscience as memories of the effortless intimacy she once shared with Aric resurfaced—the way her body had molded against his with a familiar ease. But this was different; it was a nascent exploration, a tentative dance with the unknown. There was a safety in Aesop's touch, a promise of something deeper than mere lust, yet it was tinged with delicious uncertainty.

She felt his fingers at her shoulders, delicately working at the silken ribbons that held her bodice in place. The soft lace trim tantalized the sensitive skin of her collarbone as he untied the first bow, revealing the swell of her breast. His lips followed, brushing against the newly exposed skin in a slow, deliberate exploration that sent shivers cascading down her spine.

He was a scholar, meticulous in his study, and it seemed he approached her body with the same careful attention to detail. He repeated the process on the other strap, and with a soft sigh, the bodice slipped down, pooling gently at the base of her breasts.

Aesop’s gaze lingered, a silent appraisal that made her skin prickle with anticipation. He was devouring her with his eyes, and she reveled in the sensation of being seen—truly seen. A tremor ran through his body, a physical manifestation of the desire that simmered just beneath the surface. His hands rose again, gently cupping her breasts, his thumbs brushing over the sensitive peaks.

Merith felt her body heat, the embers of desire igniting into a raging inferno. She arched her back, pressing her hips more firmly against him, savoring the delicious friction. Her hands moved to his shirt, unbuttoning it with feverish impatience. Their kiss deepened, slowing, evolving into a desperate exploration of each other's mouths. His hands found her waist, pressing their bodies together, eliciting a soft gasp from Merith.

Her hands wandered over his now-exposed chest, tracing the defined contours of his muscles with delicate fingertips, her nails leaving a trail of gooseflesh in their wake. The fine hair on his chest caught the light, accentuating the hardness of his physique and adding a layer of warmth beneath her touch. As she pushed the sleeves down his arms, she grasped his biceps, the memory of their strength and skill fresh in her mind. 

She had admired his form before—the sculpted lines of his torso—but now she could touch him, feel the heat radiating from his skin, the pulse of life beneath her fingers. He was within her grasp, and the realization filled her with an intoxicating sense of power and possibility. 

Merith's fingers trembled with anticipation as they reached beneath her skirts, deftly untying the ribbons that held her drawers in place. A surge of impatience coursed through her, a desperate yearning to feel his touch, to bring his skin against hers.

With a swift motion, she lifted one leg, sliding the cotton down her calf and discarding it thoughtlessly onto a nearby chair. She repeated the process with her other leg, casting away the garment as if to signal her readiness. The air around them felt charged, electric with unspoken desire.

"Ever so impatient, as is your custom." Aesop murmured, drawing her into a tighter embrace as his lips finding the sensitive hollow of her shoulder once more. His hands rediscovered the softness of her thighs, now unhindered by fabric. He traced the inner curve with deliberate care, each stroke sending shivers of anticipation coursing through her. With the cotton of her drawers no longer there to absorb the sensation, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.

Merith pressed her exposed womanhood against the rough texture of his trousers, her head falling back, a soft gasp escaping her lips. She rocked against him, relishing the abrasive pressure, savoring the exquisite discomfort it brought. When her gaze met Aesop's, she found his eyes dark with desire, his expression etched with an intensity that ignited a fire within her. He squeezed her thighs, his thumbs pressing deeply against her most sensitive skin, while his fingers fanned out across the plush top of her thighs.

He was hard beneath her, had been for some time, and she had reveled in the knowledge. With a tentative curiosity, she reached down, her fingers brushing against the fabric of his trousers, outlining the rigid shape beneath. He grasped her hand, gently but firmly, and placed it on his shoulder, then guided her other hand to the same position.

He shifted her hips subtly, momentarily taking away the delicious friction that had been building between them. The sudden absence of contact left her yearning, a sweet ache intensifying the anticipation that hung in the air. His fingers continued their exploration of her thighs, circling closer to her core, teasing and tantalizing, making her tremble and hold back a frustrated whine.

Finally, he pressed his fingers against her entrance, not entering, but applying small, circular motions. He explored the slickness, the throbbing heat, his fingers dancing across her most sensitive areas. She moaned against his ear, her breath coming in ragged, uneven gasps.

He continued to tease, moving his fingers with maddening slowness between the sensitive areas, building the tension to an almost unbearable level. He returned to her entrance, pressing slightly harder, and she arched her back, desperate to feel his touch more deeply. His other hand kept her raised, preventing her from fully succumbing to the mounting pressure.

He began to slowly, deliberately slide one finger inside her, inch by laborious inch, until a sigh of relief escaped her lips as he finally filled her. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. She grinded her hips against his touch, and he added another finger inside her, stretching and filling her until she was almost trembling with need. She was more than ready for him, and yet he continued to tease, enjoying her reaction, his eyes fixed on her face, gauging her pleasure, her impatience. He took his time, gauging her responses, watching how the tension coiled within her. Every movement was deliberate, each caress calculated to explore her limits.

Merith sighed, the sound a mixture of longing and resignation. Once again, her hand instinctively went to his trousers. She watched his expression as her fingers brushed against the fabric, a familiar tremor running through him. She cupped him, the subtle movement enough to elicit a low groan from his throat. This time, however, he didn't flinch away from the touch.

A spark of hope flickered within her. With a gentle hand, she worked at the buttons of his trousers, easing the fabric down to offer him some reprieve. He exhaled against her neck, the warmth of his breath sending delightful shivers cascading down her spine. Emboldened, she slipped her hand inside, her fingers encountering his rigid length. He was undeniably hard, pulsing with a life of its own against her gentle touch.

Aesop withdrew his hands from her hips, the brief absence of contact prompting an involuntary soft sound of discomfort to escape her lips. Despite her efforts to remain composed, the sound revealed the depth of her yearning. He elevated his hips slightly as Merith, now emboldened, reached for the waistband of his trousers, assisting him in removing them entirely.

A flicker of nervousness crossed his features, a familiar shadow lingering in his eyes as her hands lightly traced over his cursed limb. Yet, within her, there was no trace of disgust or fear. It was a part of him—integral, like his smile or the furrow of his brow when lost in thought.

She had embraced this truth long ago. Her gaze met his, and she cradled him gently in her hand, offering silent reassurance. She held him in the warmth of her eyes, conveying that there was no shame in their union, no darkness clouding the intimacy they shared in this moment.

With a fluid motion, Merith pulled her bunched chemise over her head, letting it fall to the floor. The firelight danced across their naked bodies, casting long, flickering shadows on the walls. They paused, a silent acknowledgment passing between them, allowing a moment to fully absorb one another.

Merith's eyes roamed the contours of his form, pausing to admire the definition of the muscles in his chest and the way his abdomen tightened with anticipation. Aesop's gaze reciprocated her exploration, a palpable hunger evident in his eyes as he studied the gentle curve of her breasts and the soft swell of her hips.

Then, with a determined grace, Merith positioned herself atop him, her weight settling comfortably against his form. The warmth of their nakedness was intoxicating, cathartic. It felt like a magical ritual, a sacred joining. Perhaps, in a way, it was.

She began to move against him, her hips rotating slowly and deliberately. There was nothing separating their bodies now—only skin against skin, warmth against warmth. Their arms encircled each other tightly, a desperate embrace born of a shared vulnerability, as though they both feared the other might vanish if they dared to let go. Merith positioned herself carefully, guiding him inside her. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as he filled her, a sensation that was both exquisite and overwhelming.

Aesop groaned against her skin, the sound a raw expression of pleasure and release. They moved slowly at first, exploring the contours of each other's bodies, savoring the feeling of being so intimately connected. She allowed herself to sink deeper into the motions, her hips rolling in time with his. As they continued, their pace began to build, the rhythm becoming more insistent, more demanding.

Their breaths grew ragged, each gasp and moan serving as a testament to the mounting pleasure enveloping them. Their skin became slick with sweat, glistening beneath the warm firelight. Although the flames in the hearth were beginning to wane, flickering lower and lower, the warmth radiating between them was sufficient that Merith scarcely noticed. In that moment, their world contracted to encompass only the two of them—a universe defined by touch and sensation, filled with moans and whispers, underscored by a desperate need that threatened to consume them both.

The friction intensified, sending jolts of euphoric energy coursing through her body. He pushed upwards, meeting her thrusts with an equal fervor, his hands gripping her hips tightly, guiding her, urging her on. Merith arched her back, her breasts straining against his sculpted chest. She tangled her fingers in his hair, drawing him closer, and pressed her mouth against his neck, tasting the salt of his skin.

They moved with increasing urgency, swept away in a whirlwind of sensation. Her mind became a blur, consumed by the feeling of him inside of her, the sound of their ragged breaths, and the raw, primal pleasure that surged through her veins. A tightening sensation gripped her lower abdomen, followed by a wave of heat that washed over her, intensifying the experience and drawing her further into the depths of their shared ecstasy.

She cried out, a vocirerous keening that was lost in the crescendo of their passion. Aesop's movements became more frantic, more desperate, as he too felt the peak approaching. He groaned, a deep, guttural sound that resonated through her very being. His body tensed, every muscle straining with effort. Then, with a final thrust—a torrent of release that sent shivers down her spine. Merith gasped, her body convulsing in response. Waves of pleasure washed over her, each one more intense than the last.

She clung to him, her nails digging into his back, as she rode the crest of the climax, her body completely consumed by the sensation. Slowly, gradually, the tremors subsided. Their breathing began to slow, their heart rates returning to normal. They remained locked together, their bodies slick with sweat, their limbs intertwined.

The silence that descended was broken only by the crackling of the dying fire. It was a comfortable silence, a silence of contentment and satiation.

Merith buried her face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent and savoring the warmth of his skin against hers. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as if fearing she might slip away. 

After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke, his voice a low murmur against her ear. "Merith," he whispered, “I—” She pressed her fingers gently against his lips, silencing him. "Don't say anything," she replied softly. "Just hold me." 

And he did, embracing her as the fire flickered and finally died, plunging them into darkness. 

Shadows of Legacy: A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel - HyacinthSpector - Wattpad

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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.

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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.

---

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.

---

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

“��𝘰𝘶 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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.