#hogwarts yule ball

[the-colourful-witch]

🏆 The Triwizard Champions 🏆

I worked on this piece for a while, figuring out the designs, poses, uniforms, composition. It was really fun! I like that I added the decorative border at the last moment. It really pulls the whole thing together✨

I’m really interested in the other wizarding schools, like Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. I am still figuring out the uniforms.. I might do a sketch sheet on those soon. You’ll see :)

Which Champion’s your favourite?🌟 Personally, I really like Fleur, because she’s the first character I read about that shared my name. Nine-year-old me was very, very excited about that.

[myrows]

Wolfstar Yule Ball AU🤞🏻

[kerimcberry]

Yule Ball Part 2 ✨

AHH FINALLY 😭💚💛

[polly-sly]

Look at these two distinguished boyfriends 💘

Artist: _daril.__ on instagram

[cassiopeiasdaughter]

gold rush

Theodore Nott x fem!reader

summary: loving Theo in secret was not something you had ever planned

word count: 5k

warnings: swearing, no use of y/n, no assigned House (reader isn’t a Slytherin tho :/ ), not proofread , alcohol consumption , sexual themes (but for like a sec)

ao3 & main masterlist

Stolen kisses in broom closets, hidden touches in-between classes, laying alone together in the astronomy tower or the room of requirement; that was your relationship with Theo.

A relationship his father, his peers, no one from the magical society he associated with would approve. Of course you knew that when everything started, and that is why you curse yourself now; minutes from the Ball all your friends are attending, dressed in a beautiful gown you picked, crying your eyes out for the love story you will never have with the person you want most.

But let’s take this from the start

You two have known each other since your first year, you met him on the train; a quiet boy, with curious eyes. 

When you said goodbye to your parents and boarded the Hogwarts Express you were filled with excitement and fear. Overwhelmed by the many unknown faces you came across, you quickly ran to the first quiet room you could find and that is how stumbled across Theo. You were shy at first but introduced yourself.

“Theodore Nott”, he responded, with a tone too formal for a boy his age, that you think about it now and laugh.

He shared his sweets with you and you told him everything you knew about Hogwarts. Its founders, the architecture of the castle, the stories written about the Forest and the Lake. He showed interest, explained how the stories are fake and you shouldn't believe in everything you read but then, feeling sorry for spoiling your favorite stories and myths, he told you about the ghosts of the castle and their stories.

He said he wanted to be sorted in Slytherin, make his father proud; and secretly he wished you would be sorted there too so he would spend more time with you.

After arriving at Hogwarts, and entering the Great Hall you and Theo got separated, but you were too thrilled with everything around you to care. It was everything you had imagined and so so much more!

He was indeed sorted into Slytherin and for some reason you felt happy for him.  He was quickly welcomed by the other Slytherins, the older seemed intimidating and the ones your age scared you just as much. But he didn’t mind them, he looked like he belonged there with them, laughing and introducing himself, making friends that would have his back.

You could not help but feel a sting of hurt inside you, not knowing why then. All that faded into nothing after you got sorted into your House. Laughs and cheers welcomed you as you sat at your table, shaking hands and hugging your classmates, you felt at home. Then the feast began and life took off quicker than you could have imagined.

As the years passed you and Theo barely talked. He was friends with people you never liked, or understood. You hated the way they thought themselves better than others, or how they would put your friends down, because of their House or blood status.

They never messed with you,maybe it was because you were quiet; insignificant to them, never talked back, not much of a threat. That is what you considered yourself.

Well, until things got bad.

One night after a study session with Hermione, in the library, both exhausted but content with yourselves, you stumbled across Theo and his friends, in the halls. 

The usual came up, the word mudblood now something ordinary for you to hear. Everything went on as it always did, voices raised, stupid jinxes threat to be hexed, until Pansy decided she wanted to have more fun and cast an Incarcerous at Hermione.

“Get used to it mudblood, soon we will have you and your kind just like this”, she shouted.

The look on Hermione's face told you that for the first time in her life she was scared, felt defeated. The boys had stopped laughing and the expression on Theo’s face was unreadable to you; shocked and embarrassed? 

You felt an anger you had not felt in a long time, not since the first time you heard about blood purity, Voldemort and his beliefs; face flushed and hands nearly shaking from anger you cast and Expelliarmus at Pansy and then sent a Bombarda her way that had her flying across the hallway.

After casting a Finite Incantatem and freeing Hermione you went up to Pansy, now being dragged up by Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini and shouted:

“How miserable and pathetic are you really that you have to act this way? Did your parents sell you off to a rich, pureblood wizard, Dumbledores age that you have to take it out on us?”

Pansys face changed many colours, before opening her mouth to shout, “How dare y-”

“Enough.” Theo cut her off, speaking for the first time that night. His voice serious and louder than you had ever heard it be. 

“Come on, let’s go, curfew will begin soon”, Draco mumbled and they all left, Theo being the last one to walk away, his gaze fixed on yours, eyes speaking many things- none of them clear to you.

You paid more attention to him now, noticed the way he looked and acted. How he never raised his hand in class, but always knew the answer. He paid attention to many things simultaneously. He was a skilled wizard, that much you could admit; there was no spell in class that he could not perform, his potions always came out perfect and the way he flew was impressive. 

He was also handsome, tall figure, brown messy hair, he would occasionally run his hair through, and green eyes you could get lost in forever. These things didn’t mean anything to you, of course not, you were just being honest and fair, he was smart and beautiful, but also a Slytherin and member of the Sacred 28. 

Beginning of 6th year, some teachers agreed to take certain measures to deal with House rivalry. One of them being, mixed seating charts. As if Slytherins and Gryffindors sitting together for one hour per day will be enough to end the Wizarding Wars that have lasted so many years.

Your ‘partners’ were students you were on good terms with, some of them your friends and others classmates you were mere acquaintances with. There was one class though, Potions with Slughorn to be exact, where you were seated with Theodore Nott.

At first you hated the idea, dreading the awkward hours you would have to spend with him, judging you for cutting up ingredients with the wrong technique or not stirring your potion thoroughly; all these thoughts made you feel inadequate and self-conscious.

But you decided to get over yourself, ignore Theo and his remarks as best as you could and study hard to prove yourself to him. And that would be 6th year for you. Oh how wrong you were.

You had decided, Tuesday was the worst day of the week. Too many classes, too much homework, far too many extra curricular activities you foolishly had decided to take up and worst of all the dining hall served your least favorite foods, all together that day.

Immediately after waking up, you looked forward to getting into bed, after a nice hot shower and relaxing until falling into a deep peaceful sleep; but unfortunately that would have to wait. First class of the day was History of Magic, and todays subject would be “the 14th Century Wizarding Economic Bubble” -as if anyone cares about this, you thought to yourself.

After many failed tries at focusing in class and pay attention at professor Binns, you gave up and let your mind wander to many distant places, how you would spend your weekend, when your next Hogsmeade trip would be and what items you couldn’t wait to buy from the shops there; suddenly you felt the person sitting next to you smacking your arm in attempt to wake you up from your daydreaming. You gave her a confused look and then heard Binns call out your name, you slowly turned your head to him with a guilty expression on your face.

“So she can hear, great news, doesn't everyone agree?”

A few Slytherins laughed at that, but he quickly continued and said: “Enough now, would you be so kind and answer my question?”

“I am sorry sir”, you stammered, “Could you repeat the question?”

“Very well, remind us please what event lead to the Economic Bubble of the 14th century.”

Fuck me, thought, you had no idea what the answer was, and couldn’t really improvise. You looked around the classroom, embarrassed and not wanting to look anyone in the eyes, and let out a curse of “ummmm”s and “give me a minute”s.

Then, your eyes landed on Theo, who was looking at you so closely that you wanted to Incendio yourself and escape this mess; he was judging how stupid you were, and at that thought you felt your cheeks heating, after a few seconds you realized he was mouthing something at you, the words “1378” and “Soap Blizzard” being repeated slowly and silently.

The Soap Blizzard of 1378 you realized, but couldn't bring yourself to say it. You didn’t like the feeling of being pitied by Theodore Nott that he helped you in class, and you also didn’t want him to think you needed his help or anyones for that matter. 

You turned your head and looked at Professor Binns, calm now and serious.

“I don’t know sir.”, you exclaimed, eyes blank and looking forward.

“I’m sorry to hear that, that will be 5 points from your house, mister Longbottom, care to answer the question?”

Class continued, but Theos eyes never leaving your figure, looking puzzled and disappointed.

Your last class of the day had finally come; Potions. Professor Slughorn had explained to you the method to create todays potion and it was your turn now to brew it.

You were chopping up dragon scales when Theo, interrupted you; 

“You should cut them up a little smaller, like this.”

“Nott, I don't remember asking for your input. Brew your potion and let me brew mine.” you answer annoyed, picking up from where you had left form, ignoring Theodores advice (even if it was correct).

He scoffed and said “I just wanted to help, but you are so bloody stubborn that-”

“That what? I don't need help from you, I don’t want to owe you anything and I don't even trust you.”

“Impossible, that is what you are.”, he said with a sigh

“Excuse me, have you given me any reason to not be cautious around you? Do you remember who your friends are and what pretentious bullshit you believe in? Superficial, that is what you are.”

“And you are not superficial? You don't know me, yet you judge me for my friends and my family.”

“Better than judging you for your blood status.”

“I never-”

“Mr. Nott, if I may disrupt this interesting conversation with your classmate, your potion is fuming and the noise you are making is distracting the rest of your classmates, please now, stop chatting and continue.”, Slughorn said, not in the mood to put up with loud teenagers.

You rolled your eyes at his “Yes, of course sir. We apologize” and then resumed your work.

Your interactions with Theo shifted from utter silence to snark remarks, him calling you “a stubborn and pompous witch” and you responding with the occasional scoff, eye roll, threat to jinx him or all three. 

Unfortunately came the day when Professor Slughron assigned you to brew “Dreamless Sleep Potion”, a difficult task that you had to complete with Theo. This meant you would have to spend most of your free time, two or three days a week with him, but at least your chances at perfecting this potion were extremely high.

The first few weeks you didn’t really talk to eachother, just did what you had to do, kept notes and then bid each other goodnight. Then you realized he could be civil if he wanted to, so you talked about basic stuff; bonded over the boring classes you hated, complained about Transfiguration homework and discussed Quidditch games. After a few more weeks, he began walking you back to your dorm, not wanting to disrupt the conversation you were having and you let him.

One night, both of you sat at a classrooms floor facing eachother, exhausted from the worked you had done, you asked him a question. 

“You are nothing like your friends, w-why are you even friends with them?”

He looked at you and smiled, then looked back down at his fingers and toyed with the signature Slytherin ring her always wore.

“We are more similar than you think”, he says playfully.

“You are a bigger asshole than you seem or are they kinder than they look?”, you answer, not backing down, challenging him with sparkling eyes.

“So I am kind?”, he smirks avoiding the question.

“Shut up.”, you roll your eyes smiling.

“They are my family, they- they mean more to me than my real family does. I can't leave them, don't really want to.”

You turn your eyes to look at him closely, disappointed by his answer, but you have to admit that you understand him. Your friends are like family to you too. You don't know what you would do without them.

You then feel guilty, you have heard of Theos situation; his mother having passed early on, giving birth to him, his father being a bitter man, who blamed his son for his wife's death. Escaping that situation and finding people who love him and have his back, no matter what, at last you don't find it that odd- him being friends with them. 

“Makes sense”, you say, sincerely.

You walk back together that night, silence settling on you two, but not the awkward one; the peaceful one, where you are content and relaxed with the other person, just by being around them, not needing noise to fill out the void between you two.

You think about him as you doze off in bed and the thoughts put a smile on your face.

Ravenclaws knew how to throw a party. Maybe it was because of their ridiculously expensive and rare alcohol, or their choice in music. Maybe it is because their Common Room looks absolutely insane lit up and full of teenagers getting drunk and dancing like crazy; either way Racenclaw parties are a must. That is what your friends tell you. For one night students put away their differences and get absolutely smashed together. 

And that is how you ended up on a Saturday night, with a glass of firewhiskey in hand bobbing your head to the Weird Sisters and other rock bands.

“I am going to get a refill.”, your friends shout at you

Not bothering to open your eyes you shout “Alright”, and keep dancing. Moving your boy to the beat and feeling the music has always been something that you sought out. The freeing yourself aspect of it is what you love most; for once not caring what you look like or what others think of you.

After a few minutes of waiting for your friends and not finding them, you go to look for them. The room is dark and they are pretty drunk so you don’t blame them for disappearing. Instead you bump into a certain Slytherin you wished to see.

“Hello!” You shout out to Theo, smiling up at him, alcohol fueling you with courage, “decided to leave your lair for once?”

He laughs at that and replies “I was forced to come, this isn’t exactly my scene.”

“Oooh don’t tell me the Theodore Nott is too cool for a party like this” you say playfully, voice teasing him “are you more of a Ministry Ball type of man?���

He makes a face at that and says “Hate those even more actually”, “I just like something a bit more quiet”

And maybe it was the alcohol, or the fact that you were both alone and you can forget your differences for just this moment, but you extend your hand to him and say, “Come on let’s go outside”, and maybe for the same reasons as you, he accepted.

He let you lead him outside, at a quiet space looking at the night sky.

You both remain quiet for a while, savoring the silence and serenity of the night.

"You were the first person I met.", you say softly before turning to look him in the eyes, "In Hogwarts, out first day, we spent the train ride together."

"You remember that?", he asks surprised

"Of course I do.", you answer "I was terrified when I stepped on that train. I-I was so scared that this image I had created in my mind about Hogwarts would turn out to be nothing like I had thought."

He looks at you, waiting for you to continue, to open up to him.

"I thought everyone would judge me and hate me- no one would ever truly accept me. Not even here.", you continue, staring at his eyes, voice filled with complain.

"But I stumbled across you and you were kind and you listened to me babble about Godric knows what. But you-you didn't make fun of me and you stayed with me. And all those years I've wondered if-if you did that out of politeness and perfect manners or-or because you liked me- my company.", you laugh at the end, embarrassed. Your cheeks have grown red and hot and you can't look him in the eyes anymore.

"I am babbling still, nothing has changed after all these years."

You curse yourself for revealing all that to him, lowering your walls- letting him in. You don't know why you trust him, or if you should. Preparing yourself for the awkward response he will give you even better if he says nothing and just leaves, you think.

"I did like you", he says and snaps you out of your thoughts. You feel his hand on your shoulder, turning you to him.

You face each other now and his hand comes up to your jaw, thumb lightly stroking your skin.

"I do like you" he says, barely a whisper. And it stirs something in you, to slowly tip your face to his and he does the same.

You kiss each other, gently, as if both unsure and afraid to step into this new territory with eachother. But as time goes by you relax into the kiss, eyes closed, his hands in your face your at his shoulders; keeping close to one another. You let out a sound as you feel him open up your mouth, tasting you as he deepens the kiss.

You let go after a while, both out of breath

"I should get inside, I need to find my friends.", you say apologetically

"Alright, yeah, and I think I'm calling it a night.", he says, lips red and swollen, and hair a bit messed up from earlier.

You reach up and give him a quick kiss, sweet and filled with things you can yet put into words, "Goodnight." you whisper and he responds smiling "Goodnight.".

The next time you talk to him is at your Potion-brewing-dates in an empty classroom. It is a few hours after classes have ended. It is dark outside and you can hear the rain pouring outside.

You couldn't stop thinking about him after the kiss. Going to bed, with your hands inside your underwear pretending they are his, and the image of his face after you kissed him, glassy eyes and maroon lips.

You rush to the class you are supposed to meet him, a few minutes late- not something you typically do.

You open the door hastily, and say "I am sorry I am late."

He is waiting for you, arms crossed at his chest defensively, legs straight in front of him, back leaning on the wall, "It's alright.", he responds. "Shall we?", he points to the ingredients at the table.

You nod and get to work. Falling into silence both busy with what you are doing.

After an hour, while waiting for the potion to brew you are found sitting down, your legs crossed and arms leaning on top of your knees; his back being supported by the wall across from you while his legs are sprawled out in front of him.

You look at eachother, both silently daring the other person yo make the first move- say something about the kiss- or anything at all.

You are the one to break the silence, "Do you regret kissing me?", you ask scared.

"No.", he responds and then asks, "Did you hate it?" now him being the one to sound scared, self-conscious, not typical of him.

"No", you respond by shaking your head, and then having found the courage you ask what you most want to know, "Do you still like me?"

"Yes." he exclaims, with a sigh, not comfortable with sharing his emotions, being this vulnerable with someone.

You smile and then move to straddle him. "I like you too.", you say.

His body is now between your legs and your hands find purchase on his shoulders as you kiss him deeply. He sighs and closes his eyes as he kisses you back; his hands roaming down your back, tugging and holding you close.

You stay like that, kissing and eliciting sounds out of one another, until the noise the potion makes after being brew scares you and you have to pull back. You laugh at eachother, Slughorns assignment completely forgotten.

You both get terrible grades in Potions, but couldn't care less.

After that, you can't get enough of eachother, always craving each others touch. He drags you into empty broom closets and kisses you in between classes. You sneak out and meet him at the astronomy tower, holding back noises every night- not wanting to get caught. after Quidditch matches he pulls you into the showers with him; one hand on your mouth and his other inside of you.

He knows you now. Knows exactly what to do in order to drive you insane, get you to lose control. Savors the sounds you make as he whispers praises in your ear every time he moves inside of you aor when he kisses the spot underneath your ear. You love how he orders you to open your eyes and look at him everytime you come undone, because of him.

But you also know how to turn him into clay, what buttons to push to make him lose himself to you. You know now, that it turns him absolutely crazy when you turn your eyes to look into his when you take him in your mouth and you love to feel his reactions when you say his name as you move with him inside of you.

You are his and he is yours, but only in secret.

You lay on top of him now, face nestled on the spot under his jaw, breathing him in, your hand drawing patterns on his chest and his hand running up and down your spine.

"We should get going." he says, with his eyes closed and with a smile that still hasn't left his face.

You always hate it when this moment comes, how you have to go back to acting like strangers, not saying anything when he sits next to you in class, or when his friends are around.

You hate the anger you feel when you see him talking to other girls, knowing you have no right to these feelings, because you have chosen this. This, being something you don't even know how to call.

"Why do you even care? We are just fucking", you had shouted one night, angry at him for showing he cared when he found you crying in an empty classroom over something ridiculously insignificant. You knew it wasn't true later that night; your back hitting the bookshelves as he took you over and over again, with his voice in your ear whispering "you are mine" over and over again until you came.

You remember that now, as you are dressing up and getting ready to leave him and it hurts how you are only his here, closed off from the world and the people that clearly mean more to him than you do.

"The Ball is next week.", you say, hopeful he will skip it or jokingly ask you to go with him.

"Yeah, you have a date yet?", he asks as he puts on his tie.

"No, you?", you respond, curious and hoping- wishing for him to say no.

"I think I'll go with Daphne", he replies and continues after pausing to look at your reaction to his words. "It's like a tradition".

"Oh.", is the only think that comes out of your mouth. You hate yourself for feeling like this, second best, not even a choice you realize. You are just something for him to play with in his free time.

Eventually he will grow bored of you and move on with a girl his father approves for him. Someone like Daphne, rich, pureblood, a Slytherin, with great manners and parents who raised her to be proper and civil.

The worst thing is that Daphne is actually nice. She has never said anything bad about other Houses, made comments on blood purity, she is smart and beautiful and kind. She is someone who would make Theo happy and that makes you sick.

As you walk over to the door, ready to leave him and run straight to your dorm room and cry your eyes out he asks, "What is wrong?"

“I don’t want to do this anymore.”, you exclaim loudly, trying to convince yourself as well as him.

“Don’t do this, not over something so stupid like the Ball.”, he says, startled after what you just confessed.

“It isn't about the Ball, I can't feel like your whore Theo, I want something more. You don’t get to have your fun with me and then hide me away, like there is something wrong with me.”, you say crying now, hating yourself for letting your emotions show. 

“Like you would be proud to be with me around your friends? The ones who call me and my family Death Eaters?”, he replies annoyed and shaking his head.

“Are they wrong? Have you seen the way you and your friends treat them? Treat anyone who isn't a pure blooded Slytherin? Have you thought that maybe, everything you have been told in your life needs to be thought, checked? That you need to rethink your values? You can't stand and do nothing when people have died because of your beliefs!”, you shout at him, knowing that not everything you are saying is true. You know you are being unfair and hurtful; but you want him to also feel the ache in your chest.

“You knew who I was before we started this, why did you start this with me? Did you think you would change me? Fix me? Did you think I would drop everything to be with you? Well, I will not.”, he says. His voice is stern and cold, as if you two are strangers once again.

“Fine”, you say, “Goodbye.” you shout walking away, not bothering to look him in the eyes.

The next few weeks are unbearable. 

Every time you see Theo you feel your insides turning, your heart leaping out of your chest, tearing into pieces. You see him laugh with his friends, with other girls, acting as if nothing has changed in his life. As if what you had was minuscule, meaningless. As if you were just another girl, disposable.

You feel betrayed, mostly by yourself, for allowing you to let him in, trust him, trust that what you had was as important to him as it was to you.

And what did you have?

Stolen kisses in broom closets, hidden touches in-between classes, laying alone together in the astronomy tower or the room of requirement; that was your relationship with Theo. A relationship his father, his peers, no one from the magical society he associated with would approve.

Of course you knew that when everything started, and that is why you curse yourself now; minutes from the Ball all your friends are attending, dressed in a beautiful gown you picked, crying your eyes out for the love story you will never have with the person you want most.

Your friends forced you to dress up, snap out of whatever was happening that you didn’t want to tell them. They helped you fix your hair, put on makeup and jewelry, get a beautiful gown from Hogsmeade; all ready. Dance, drink and forget; that is what they told you. 

Dance, drink and forget, then; that is what you will do. 

As you enter the Great Hall, Theo is nowhere to be found. Good, you think, for all you care he could sulk on his own, down at his pathetic common room, with his depressing friends. 

While heading to the dance floor you spot Daphne Greengrass swaying with Blaise Zabini, odd you think but decide to ignore any more thoughts that could lead to Theo.

You hug your friends after you find them and let them lead you to the dance floor.

You laugh and sway to the music, carefree, until you see him enter. His hair is messed up and his tie is tied up as if he did it in a hurry.

When he sees you he comes running, bumping into classmates on the way to you, shouting apologies left and right.

He stands before you now, breathing heavily, pupils blown out, skin flushed, hands moving nervously. You realize he isn't wearing his ring and that confuses you even more than him, standing here, in front of you and the whole school. 

“I was wrong”, he says, looking at you sincerely, his green eyes sweet and kind once again.

“About what?”, you ask thunderstruck, afraid to move or speak, scared that everything will disappear.

“I would drop everything for you, I-I will do it. Ask me anything and it is yours. I am yours.”, he confesses. 

And you want to tell him to stop, take it all back, he can still pretend nothing is going on between you, he doesn't have to ruin his life for you. Because no matter what you think of his friends and family, he loves them and they make him happy. That is all you want for him, to be happy.

“No Theo, you don't have to do this. I don't care about it anymore, I am sorry we fought. I am sorry, you were right; I was jealous and insecure, but it doesn't matter now. I just want you to be happy, and I don't care anymore if they make you happy and not me. I can live with that.”, you say to him. Hoping he understands how you feel about him, that you love him, truly.

“You. You make me happy. And I want to be happy with you, I don't care who sees, I don't care what they say. I want everyone to know I love you. I want them to know”. he says, smiling and holding your face in his hand, gentle and steady. 

You can only smile and say “I love you too.”

And you don't see Pansy smacking Draco in the arm and then pointing at you; or your friends coughing up and spitting out their drinks. You don't see Daphne Greengrass whispering I told you to Blaises ear. 

No, you don't see all that, because you and Theo kiss eachother for the first time after all those weeks, and it is as if you two are the only people in this world.

fin

SORRY FOR MISTAKES, I WAS TOO BORED TO READ THIS AGAIN AND ENGLISH ISN’T MY FIRST LANGUAGE.

feedback and criticism are appreciated and needed! 

divider by: @saradika​

[orionscelt]

Yule Ball Oufits (1/?)

Ominis and Sebastian

[theillusionmachine]

Where Love and Confusion Begin (Ominis Gaunt x F!Reader)

"Do you really think I could be that cruel and careless to you?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

December 25th, 1893 The Yule Ball... Wear your best formal attire-

Everywhere I turned I seemed to hear about. Countless after countless bouts of excited, restless chatter would always manage to come echoing back to me. And while I understood why most would be excited about the prospect of a ball, I on the other hand couldn't help but feel... downright anxious about it all.

I knew it sounded silly, completely dramatic. Afterall, I had been through a lot worse things during my time in Hogwarts. But for some reason, my mind, my thoughts, my worries just couldn't relax. And when they did for a short while, they'd slowly begin to drift back onto one person...

Ominis Gaunt.

I was practically infatuated with the man. For a multitude of reasons, besides his obviously good looks. He was marvelously kind, had a whit so quick it could make your head spin, and could be snarky and sarcastic one minute. But caring and loving the next.

Ominis simply made it hard not to love him.

But he did, however, make it hard for me to even think about going to the Yule Ball with him. We were friends, close ones despite the fact that I had only been at Hogwarts for a couple of years. Our friendship would be something I'd always treasure, something I would never want to ruin because my love for him clouded my judgement.

And the thought of losing him because of that was enough to make me nauseous.

"Enjoying a cat nap, are we?"

I slowly cracked open one of my eyes, wincing slightly at the beam of sunlight that had been slowly warming me as I laid down in one of the many alcoves at Hogwarts. But once my vision focused fully, Sebastian came into view. Grinning down at me cheekily.

"I wasn't napping." I muttered, forcing myself to sit up. "Just enjoying the sun.

"You could've gone outside for that." Sebastian suggested, now sitting down on the floor too.

"It's freezing, you sit outside for an hour." I replied, a little too snappy for my liking.

But Sebastian wasn't fazed by my crass mood in the slightest. In fact, Sebastian seemed to find me to be quite humorous. "Aww, is someone missing their nap partner?" He teased, making me grumble in annoyance.

"Oh, shut it, I don't know what you're talking about."

Sebastian let an exaggerated sigh, leaning back slightly on his hands before continuing. "You both are insufferably stubborn you know that right? Ominis was in a terrible mood after History of Magic because you decided to ditch today."

I scoffed at Sebastian theatrics, not even bothering to hide the fact that I had rolled my eyes. "History of Magic is painfully boring, anyone who goes to that class will be in a ba-"

"History of Magic is tiring enough, but her not being their made it worse." Sebastian deadpanned, trying his hardest to imitate Ominis's tone.

"Well, I am very entertaining." I replied sarcastically. "And can you really blame me for skipping out on that class? I swear if I hear one more time how many wizarding cloaks were destroyed during the Goblin Rebellion, I'll lose whatever mind I have left."

"It's 632." Sebastian couldn't help but laugh at my less than amused expression.

"Are you finished? Or did you actually approach me to talk about something important?"

"Yes." He began, clearing his throat. "If you would stop changing the topic that is."

"I am not-"

"Ah, ah, that's the same thing Ominis said to me after classes. You two are so incredibly in sync today." Sebastian teased. "It's quite adorable really. He's moody, you're moody, you're happy, he's smiling up a storm, if you've disappeared to... god knows where, a majority of the time he's right there with you."

It annoyed me to no end how right on the money he is...

"What're you getting at Sebastian?" I questioned meekly, trying my hardest to ignore the flush I was beginning to feel on my cheeks.

"I think we both know exactly what I'm getting at." Sebastian spoke bluntly, raising up from the stone-cold floor. "Maybe you should ask him, Ominis can get into his head rather easily. And you know that can stop him from saying what he wants to."

Sebastian then walked away, leaving me practically dumbfounded on the floor.

Ask him... ask him... merlin I don't know if that idea made me feel better or worse. The idea of being rejected by him was painful. But maybe if I asked to go with him as friends that it would work...

"Sebastian, you might've actually had a good idea for once."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had decided to skip dinner for the night, not feeling too hungry after the talk I had with Sebastian. I figured a moment alone would give me enough clarity to decide whether I'd actually bite the bullet and asked Ominis to the ball.

"Ah, there you. I was starting to think you were avoiding me."

But a moment alone in this school was a rarity... Of course, he was here... why wouldn't he be?

"Ominis, I figured you would've been in the Great Hall for dinner." I greeted, trying to keep my nervous laughter from bubbling up to the surface.

"Wasn't hungry." He answered nonchalantly, turning back to face the fireplace of our common room.

I stood there for a moment, in silence, completely unsure of what to say next. But Ominis beat me to it, filling the silence before I got the chance to.

"Aren't you going to sit?" He began, I hadn't even noticed he had turned his head again, his eyes somehow managing to land right on me.

Just like they always managed to do...

"Or were you really avoiding me?"

That sentence managed to snap me out of my tongue-tied state. That nervous laugh I held in before leaked out before I had the chance to stop it this time around. "You know I wasn't avoiding you."

I finally moved from my spot, walking over and sitting next to him on the couch. I couldn't help but gaze over at him. His hand was lightly raised in the air, his wand beaming red at the tip as a book rested in his lap. A small smile curved his pale pink lips, he looked completely at ease. Which after the past couple of years was a nice sight to see.

"You're nervous." Ominis muttered, and though his voice was soft, I couldn't help but tense up. "You keep bouncing your leg... I know you only do that when you're anxious about something."

"I didn't even realize I was doing it." I admitted, leaning back into the cush couch cushions.

Ominis copied my movements, leaning back against the cushions a mere moment later. His book was now abandoned, the pages of it turning carelessly on their own accord. "Something on your mind?"

I took in a steady breath; thankful it had not trembled like I thought it would. "Maybe." I answered coyly, making Ominis's small smile bloom slightly.

"Are those thoughts the reason I've hardly heard from you all day?"

damn it damn it damn it... think of something to say quick... don't come off as suspicious...

"Hey, maybe you were the one avoiding me. Last time I checked I haven't heard from you too much either today." I deflected, trying to sound humorous.

"Hmm," Ominis hummed. "You've got a good point there... but I have a reason for my... disappearance." He added vaguely.

I leaned forward trying to get a good look at his face. The shadows of the fire danced along his face, illuminating his marble eyes beautiful. His expression was humorous too, and I knew exactly why...

"You know I hate it when you leave me hanging like that." I grumbled, making him let out a smooth chuckle.

"I merely wanted to avoid the constant chatter of the Yule Ball is all. It's beginning to become a bit... excessive."

"You two are so in sync today."

I shook my head, trying to get the words Sebastian had spoken out of my head. "You're telling me, you should hear what I wake up to everyday as of late."

"I could only image." Ominis replied, chuckling once again. "I would rather not hear about something I know I'm not going to."

I could feel my heart sink at his words. I hadn't even thought of the fact that he might not want to go at all.

"N-not going to? Why wouldn't you go?" I questioned curiously.

"A blind person spending their night alone at a ball doesn't exactly sound to enticing to me."

"Oh." Is all I could think to say, I leaned back into the couch contemplating my next move carefully.

Should I ask him... what if he just really doesn't want to go. I don't wanna look stupid.

Screw it...

"Would you want to go with me?"

I tense at my own words, not daring to move to see Ominis's reaction. My heart was racing, so much so it felt as though my pulse was about to burst through my skin. And the silence I was met with after I asked was completely unsettling.

Merlin why did I listen to Seb-

"It's a bit untraditional for a girl to ask a boy to a ball, isn't it?" He pondered.

Okay, it's not a total no... that's a relief.

"Maybe, but it's not like that has to be a bad thing." I replied hopefully. "And besides, it'll be fun to go with someone who... so entertaining to you." I added, attempting to sound boastful, but it just came across as a bit... jumbled.

Another bout of silence came, and in those few moments of the quiet. Part of me wished I was a legilimens, so I could see what was going on inside his mind... so I could hear what he thought of all of this.

When finally, I got my answer.

"I think it'd be nice to go with you."

Oh, my Merlin he actually said yes...

I couldn't stop the smile that began to form, a bubbling shyness began to boil to the surface. And my heart still definitely felt like it was going to beat out of its chest. With what little shred of coolness I had left, I finally was able to reply.

"It's a date...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then, the 25th rolled around... a day I was dreading at one point. But now felt so excited about it that I couldn't sleep.

I felt giddy, or like a swarm of butterflies was fluttering throughout me. I felt restless, I couldn't stay in one place, and I fought the urge to not pace most of the night. But for some reason, I couldn't seem to care... and with every passing hour that I stayed awake, it just revitalized me.

Though, judging from the bags in my eyes, my body didn't exactly share the same sentiment I did.

But thank goodness for Samantha Dale...

I never would've guessed she had such a knack for Herbology. Yet, when she let me up into her dorm in the Ravenclaw tower, after we agreed to get ready together. A whole spread of concoctions was set up.

"You know there is such a thing as beauty sleep." Samantha teased as she stared at my reflection in her vanity.

She carefully places a mint green cream under my eyes, making a pleasant tingling sensation hit me. "That'll clear those bags up in no time!" She stated confidently.

"Thank you." I began to bounce my leg again as the nerves began to creep up on me.

"Nervous?" Samantha asked, sitting down on the edge of her bed.

"Is it obvious?" I asked in reply, letting out a shaky chuckle.

"Just a smidge." She spoke considerately. "But I don't think you need any reason to fret. I find you and Ominis to be a lovely pairing."

My eyes shot up from my hands to gaze at her and I could feel an eyebrow raise questioningly. "P-paring? as in?"

"A couple?" Samantha replied, just as questioningly as I did.

"Oh... we aren't together... like that." I muttered sheepishly.

Samantha chuckled, looking over at me incredulously. "There's no way! Honestly, a lot of people already assume you two are together."

"Really?"

Samantha scoffed, shaking her head at me. "Look, I've seen the way you look at him. And I've seen the way he is around you. People who aren't in love don't act like that."

"Hey, I'm not denying that I've fallen for him." I admitted honestly. "It's just... a hard thing to say to someone you've grown so close to."

Samantha just eyed me for a moment, seemingly taking my words in. "You think he doesn't feel the same way, do you?"

I felt my lips curve into a bittersweet smile. My sights falling onto my hands again. "It's hard to believe that he would."

"Hmm... but, you two are going to the ball together?"

I chuckled at her puzzled words before nodding my head. "Sounds maddening, doesn't it?"

Samantha was quick to shake her head, a sudden, bright smile coming second later. "Not maddening, but an opportunity. You should say something to him!"

"Eh..."

"No, no, just listen for a second!" Samantha exclaimed. "It'd be the perfect opportunity to, honestly this sounds like something that would be in a romance novel!"

"But this isn't a romance novel."

"Exactly! So, it'll be even more beautiful, when the pair of you are slow dancing... and the music and the others around you fade because all you can focus on is yourselves. And before you know it, you two will kiss."

That truly does sound picture perfect...

"Why would it be more beautiful?"

Samantha lovesick smile faded into fondness. "Because it'll be real, and I'll know that the love you feel will be real as well."

I took in a deep breath, trying not to get consumed by the possibilities Samantha planted in my head. But I simply couldn't...

"You have such a way with words." I huffed playfully. "So, I'm really going to do this? I'm... I'm going to tell him that I... love him."

Samantha nodded; her expression full of enthusiasm. "That's exactly what you're going to do! You'll arrive as friends and leave together reveling in love."

"Won't leave tonight as friends." I muttered moreso to myself to... pep myself up.

But Samantha managed to hear me. "Exactly." She spoke, her tone full of satisfaction. "Now, enough chit chat. We must get our hair done." She added, jumping up from her bed before walking over to me.

"Yes let's..."

As I gazed at myself in the mirror, and I felt the occasional tugs of my hair, my mind began to wander. And soon enough, it wandered right onto Ominis. I was sure he was being a lot more composed than me. But part of me wished that he was just as giddy as I was. Or had thought of little scenarios about how out night would go like I had.

But I seriously doubt that would be going through his mind..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cross, shift, pull, tie...

"Ominis?"

Cross, pull... shift, tie

"Uh, Ominis?"

Tie... tie... tie...

"Ominis! Are you trying to fix your tie or choke yourself?" My friends' words were humorous. And I could hear him try to, but fail to hold back a laugh.

"I couldn't tell you honestly." I admitted, laughing myself as I attempted to tug my fingers out of the knot, I managed to get them in.

I could hear Sebastian begin to walk over to me before I suddenly felt a slight tugging on my undone tie. "You can slick back and swirl your hair into... merlin knows how many swirls; you can somehow manage to perfectly button hundreds of those tiny damn things. But you can't fix a tie?" Sebastian muttered humorously.

I let out an exaggerated sigh before I replied. "I can't be perfect at everything can I?"

"Oh, shove off." Sebastian rebutted, breaking out into a laughter. "There, now that looks like a bowtie... you're welcome princess." He added mockingly.

I sighed, attempting to give him a glare. "Don't call me that."

Sebastian bellowed out another laugh before his footsteps began to wander in our room once again. "What would you prefer I call you?"

"Not that." I scoffed, carefully sitting back down onto my bed.

My thoughts began to push to the forefront of my mind, and it didn't take too long for it to fixate itself on her. Since she asked me, I couldn't help but spend many nights thinking about us... about her. Or how tonight would go, if by the end of the night we'd still be nothing more than friends... or something more.

Merlin did I wish we'd end up being something more. I don't know how much longer I can keep up this... facade with her.

"Ah, what's going on in that mind of yours?" Sebastian questioned but before I even attempted to respond he cut me off. "Is it her?"

"When did you get so bloody... observant?"

"I always have been, dear friend of mine. You just never bothered to notice." Sebastian boasted, I could only imagine how cocky his demeanor was as he spoke.

"My apologies, I've simply been too distracted by all the dabbling in the Dark Arts you did." I replied sarcastically.

"Hey, I stopped... eventually." Sebastian grumbled. "S-stop changing the subject... you two are way too good at it. You must've rubbed off on her."

I simply smiled at his words, soaking in the thought of her once again. The smooth sound of her voice, her raspberry iris perfume, her touch. I could drown happily in the thoughts of her, day in and day out.

I couldn't help but not to... I was hopelessly in love with her. And part of me was terrified because of it. But it was a fear I was thankful to experience in some way, and I'd experience it time and time again if it meant I could have her.

But I knew it my heart that I would never get that lucky...

"You should tell her, Ominis." Sebastian suggested, taking me out of my head once again.

I shook my head at his words, doubt began to replace the feelings of fondness I felt before. "I don't know..."

"What's there not to know? Tonight is the perfect opportunity to."

"I don't want to ruin things with her." I muttered lowly.

"Trust me, you wouldn't." Sebastian reassured me. "And, it's better to say something to her now. 'Cause it'll eat away at you mate, and you don't want that."

"How can you be so sure?" I questioned, genuinely wondering how his mind could work so optimisticly.

Sebastian let out a soft scoff, as if he was stating the obvious. "Friends don't act the way you two act with each other. And last time I checked I never saw you and Anne cuddled up on the common room couch."

"Well-"

"Or had Anne playing with your hair while you napped on her lap."

"Okay but-"

"And I know for a fact that I've never seen Anne get... viscerally envious because she heard a group of girls talking about trying to slip you a love potion."

"Okay, okay, I get your point." I managed to speak, letting out a huff. "I understand what you're saying, I do."

"Ah, finally, you admit I'm right. Your life would be so much easier if you said that more." Sebastian boasted once again. "So, you're going to tell her tonight then?"

"I am." I spoke strongly, though I couldn't help but feel that doubt that had stopped me so many times before seep through. "I can't believe I'm going to, but I am."

Sebastian sounded thrilled as he let out an elated laugh. "Finally! Seriously, watching you two pinning over each other was starting to get old."

"Sorry for the inconvenience." I apologized, rolling my eyes at Sebastian's theatrics.

"Don't beat yourself up over it." Sebastian replied nonchalantly.

"Now let's get a move on, you don't want to keep your lady waiting too long now do we?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second I left the Samantha's dorm and made my journey back to the Slytherin common room. It was like my nerves continuously dashed away with each step I took. I felt levelheaded, as cool as one could be. It almost eerie to me, how I felt so nervous one minute but then completely calm the next.

Things just... felt right, like whatever was bound to happen tonight was simply meant to be. And I couldn't wait to spend my night with him, gently swaying as time seemingly ceased to exist.

Damn Samantha and her romance novels.

"Well, someone knows how to dress up." I turned my head, following the sound of Sebastian voice.

But any reply I attempted to come up with was lost the second I saw Ominis.

Green looks amazing on him...

"Wow," I began, sitting up from the arm of the plush couch. "You look fantastic."

Ominis was stood there, that same, at ease smile I looked forward to seeing so much greeted me tauntingly. "I'm sure you do as well." He spoke gently, my hands were then lightly gripped and placed in his hold.

My eyes mindlessly wandered down to them, and the longer my hands were place in his the more I realized how warm his felt compared to mind.

"Well, on that note, I think I'll leave you two lovebirds alone." Sebastian teased, quickly exiting the common room soon after.

The silence that came after Sebastian left was comfortable. There was no pressure or... plaguing thoughts to think of something to say. It was as if we were taking each other in, or simply just wanted a moment to ourselves.

I began to trace the faint lines I could feel on his palms before moving over to the next. Ominis's smooth laughter came soon after, making me look up to gage his reaction.

"Reading palms now, are you?"

"Mhm," I replied, smiling softly. "You want to know what I see?"

"Yes, very much so."

"Okay, I see..." I paused, tracing over a particularly deep line, one that almost felt like a scar. "That you have great hands."

I could see that he was taken aback, but not uncomfortable. A light, red flush soon bloomed on his cheeks, illuminating his blue marble eyes.

"And, that your cheeks will glow with a marvelous red tinge." I added whimsically.

"Stop it." Ominis muttered, a light laugh following his meek words.

"Fine." I relented easily, smoothly dropping his hands before hooking my arm with his. "We have a ball to get to anyway."

It didn't take too long to find our way to the great hall, that had been transformed into an icy yet stunning ballroom. The sounds of the classical were an easy guide for the pair of us.

"There seems to be a lot of people here." Ominis spoke, I could feel his arm tense under my hold.

"Seems too." I replied nonchalantly. "Doesn't surprise me too much, after all, all we've heard about these past few weeks is the ball.

"I just... don't want to bump into anyone."

I took my eyes off of the crowd and back towards him. He looked nervous, unsure of himself.

Can't have that...

"Oh, don't worry about that, you won't." I reassured him, giving his arm a light squeeze. "That's what your lovely date is here for." I added teasingly, bumping my hip against his.

Though the worry was still evident on his face, Ominis had begun to smile. Hopefully I was able to ease his nerves slightly. "You definitely are lovely."

"Hmm, so are you." I complimented, before gently guiding him through the crowded hall. "More than lovely." I grinned as I saw his cheeks flushed again.

"Darling..." Though he sentence stopped once I did, finally managing to find an open enough place to dance.

Wordlessly, I clasped his hand, Ominis seemed to catch onto what I was doing and was quick to glide his hand from my ribs to the middle of my back. My breath became caught in my throat at his touch and my posture straightened.

Don't tense, don't tense... we're just dancing.

"Is this okay?" He nearly whispered; I hadn't even noticed how close we were to each other, as we glided... cheek to cheek.

"P-perfect." The breath that was got in my throat finally escaped as I spoke. "Wouldn't want to be in this embrace with anyone else."

"I don't think you mean that." Ominis stated bashfully, delicately turning us around before we began to glide again.

"I know that I do." I answered defiantly. "I honestly couldn't imagine dancing with somebody else."

"Really?" He didn't sound completely doubtful this time around, honestly, he began to sound a bit humorous.

"Are you doubting my honesty, Ominis?" I asked, trying to match his playful tone.

"No, no... i just think you haven't... considered your options." He replied carefully, trying his best to articulate his words.

"Hmm, let's me think then... Amit? Nice, but no. Garreth? He's nice as well but not my type... and he's definitely into Natty."

"Sebastian?" Ominis chimed in, his face becoming void of much emotion.

"No, I imagine he'd step on my feet all night. That sounds less than pleasant does it not?"

"You have a fair point." Ominis agreed, before a slightly sinister grin took over. "Leander."

I grumbled at the mention of the infamous Gryffindor's name, the vibrations of Ominis's laugh could be felt soon after. "Don't make me retch."

Ominis's hand began rub circles into my back, I began to smile at the sensation, closing my eyes as he began to lull me into relaxation.

But then...

"So, why, would you choose me?" He asked, my eyes opening once again.

"Wh-why are you-"

"I just want to know." He cut me off gently. "It's been baffling to me as to why you chose to go with me."

"Because I know you-"

"You know Sebastian quite well."

"Not in the same way I do you... not in the same way that you know me too." I explained, finding it hard to believe I was starting to be so open about something I was so used to shoveling down.

But I wasn't going to stop now.

"You... you make me feel safe, and I know that I can trust you with anything I come to you with."

"I'm not always the most... understanding with some of the things you've spoken to me about." Ominis argued, as if he was trying to downplay my points.

"And I love how honest you are with me. You don't fill me with false confidence, or some... mindless delusions. You're my voice of reason, my tie to reality."

His grip began to tighten on my, and I could see his jaw begin to tense. "Reality isn't always the sweetest."

"You make it sweet."

He stopped his movements at my words, his eyes shut, and his head lowered, shaking. "Stop it." He muttered lowly.

"Why?" I spoke quietly. "Why do you want me to stop?"

"You don't mean it, you, you can't mean it."

"You know I'm no liar." I stated bluntly. "I mean every word... and I mean it when I say that I love-"

A harsh bump made the pair of us stumble, our hold finally coming apart. My words fell mindlessly, like the many specks of enchanted snow that surrounded us.

"Oh I'm sorry!" A voice spoke, clearly beggining to panic at what they had just done.

"It's fine don't-" The sound of hurried footsteps stop me once again, and I didn't need to turn around to know who they had belonged to. I didn't bother to try and finish my sentence, instead opting to hurry after Ominis before I lost him completely.

That wand really did imprint this place in his mind...

I could hardly keep up with him as he ran through the mostly desolate hall. The only people who were lingering in them were broken hearted girls, and the occasional... handsy couples.

Thankfully, before Ominis could fully disappear from my sight. I managed to see him slip outside into the courtyard. I hurried toward the large double doors, hoping I had the chance to catch him.

"Ominis wait!" I called out, my breath desperately trying to calm itself.

He was at the now frozen fountain, leaning against the stone tensely. "Why are you doing this to me?" He asked through clenched teeth.

I stepped down from the snow-covered stone steps, carefully approaching him. "Doing what?"

"Toying with me like this!" His voice was trembling, and he was clearly upset.

Was I too forward? Did he not take what I was saying seriously?

"Toying with you?" I repeated distantly. "Do you really think I could be that cruel and careless to you?"

He turned his head toward me, his eyes seemingly swimming in emotions he was struggling to contain.

"Ominis, my emotions, what I've said tonight, was never a game. It's real to me and it always has been." I admitted, feelings of vulnerability began to creep in. "I- I honestly, don't know how much blunter I need to be for you to believe me but, whatever it takes I'll do it!"

"Darling," Ominis called out fondly, he took in a deep breath before he continued. Most likely wanting to compose himself. "I'm sorry I... It's my mind toying with me, not you."

I grasped his hands, gripping them in hopes of emphasizing my point. "Well, tell your mind to stuff it." I huffed, Ominis bit his lip, holding back a bout of laughter.

I then laid my head against his chest, and I felt him rest his against mine soon after. "Friends don't act this way with one another, do they?" His voice was deep, vibrating slightly through his chest.

"No... and most don't cuddle by the fireplace or... spend all night talking, not even caring about how exhausted they felt because... they were with each other.

I felt him drop my hands from his before his arms wrapped themselves around me. "I treasured those nights, you know that?"

"Feelings mutual." I spoke against his chest, taking in a deep breath of his cologne. "And I hope they're still mutual when I tell you that I've fallen in love with you, Ominis."

My heart at that point felt like it was about to burst through my chest. But at the same time, it felt as though a weight had been lifted off of it.

I had never felt so free yet so... terrified at the same time.

One of his hands that had been embracing me began to travel up my body. Undoubtably leaving goosebumps in its wake. My jaw was then cupped, and my breath stuttering once I felt his thumb gently tugged on my lower lip. Before gently tilting my head up toward him.

"Definitely mutual." Ominis muttered, his lips tauntingly ghosting over mine. "Is this okay, love?"

We weren't leaving tonight as friends.

I closed the gap that kept our lips apart, and with that action, my breath dissipated with it. But I honestly could care less about that. Not when it was stolen away because of Ominis, not when he every touch of his lips and hands warmed nearly every inch of me.

Not when I found out that he actually loved me too.

He pulled away a bit too soon for my liking. A tremor quaked through my body. And I couldn't tell if it was cause my body was finally aware of the cold. Or if I simply missed the sensation of Ominis's touch.

Ominis attempted to warm me up, rubbing my arms as he pulled me closer to him once again. "Cold? Would you like to head back inside?"

A mindless smile curved my lips, a hazy wave of lovesickness came soon after. "No, being here is perfect... nearly perfect."

"Nearly? What can I do to make things picturesque for you?"

"Just... kiss me again, please."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello, I hope you all enjoyed this fic. It was actually a request someone sent in, and I absolutely loved writing it!

Sorry if there were some typos. I tried to proofread it as I went along but sometimes things slip by me. I have another request sent in that I'm going to work on next. But if you liked this one and had an idea of your own. Send it in and I'll gladly take the time to write it for you! Until next time, Illusion.

[eternalremorse]

Gorgeous Ominis x MC art by mira_fenris on IG (also Iren Paponova on Pinterest)

Posted with the artist's permission.

[georgeweasleyslostearhq]

JUST ASK

Pairings: George Weasley x Fem! Summary: George asks you to the ball. Warnings: none?

George watched you from across the room as McGonagall announced the Yule ball, you were sat between Hermione and Angie, smiles covering all your faces.

you looked over at them and leaned towards Angie

"I bet 5 galleons Fred asks you" you whispered, a smirk on your face

she looked at you and shook her head

"fine" she sighed.

-

he walked out of the room with Fred, going to lunch while thinking about the ball.

he'd been in love with you for a while now and this would be the perfect opportunity to act upon that. but he would never do anything

"Freddie!" he heard your sweet voice call out. coming up behind him and his brother

"hey, Love" Fred grinned, waiting for her to catch up, pulling you in a hug as you got to them

George would never do anything because you're his brothers best friend.

you pulled away from Fred and looked up at George, his heart fluttering at the eye contact.

you smiled gently at him "hi George"

"hello" he smiled back

"so, have you been planning any pranks lately?" you questioned as you walked with them to the great hall

"do we ever really stop planning?" Fred joked "but no, yeah, George had the great idea of- you know, it's too good, George you tell it" Fred nudged his brother and made him tell you his idea

"it's stupid it doesn't matter" George grew nervous and brushed it off

"it's not stupid, it's brilliant!" Fred exclaimed excitedly

"yeah, I bet it isn't stupid. c'mon George tell me" you pleaded as he looked down

"well I was thinking maybe one of will pretend to be Trelawney and teach a class" He explained sheepishly

"it will surely make her go more crazy, she'll probably think she has a twin or something" Fred laughed

you didn't mind Trelawney, she was crazy art times but she seemed misunderstood too. but you couldn't deny it was a good idea

you laughed along with him and agreed

"well that's definitely not stupid" you told George, he smiled and felt his cheeks warm up

-

as you sat down, the twins on the other side, already filling their plate, you decided to bring up the ball

"so, who are you guys planning on asking to the Yule ball?" you asked curiously

Fred shrugged "haven't thought about it yet." you looked at George and tilted your head at him

"I don't know" he bit into his chicken, trying to avoid the subject

"what about you? who do you want to ask you?" Fred smirked at you

"I don't know" you mimicked George's answer, he looked up at you and furrowed his eyebrows, swallowing his chicken

you would probably say no to anybody but George, but he doesn't have to know that.

"We'll it's not for a while so. Just sit back and relax for now. No need to worry" Fred smiled

"I'm not" you scoffed

"And if worse comes to worst then George will always go with you" Fred nudged him. Making George look up in shock. Frantically shaking his head

"What? No I won't" he huffed. Making a face.

You're smile faltered. Is that really his reaction?

"yeah, Fred, I would rather go with Draco Malfoy than George" you played it off, chuckling lowly

that hurt George. you would rather go with a stuck up Malfoy who only cared about blood status than him?

so George only laughed along, nodding his head

-

it was finally December and George was trying to work up the courage to finally ask you.

he was sick of hearing you talk about the ball with your friends saying you still didn't have a date.

and he didn't want to go alone either.

and he would also hate himself for not asking you and seeing you with somebody else.

so he tried thinking

he couldn't just go up to you and ask, that's not like him, he needs to go big. fireworks was so overdone though so he needed something else.

he tried to start conversations with you, One on one, which was going well

but he had ran out of ideas

so he had one choice, go to your best friend.

"Fred, I need help"

his twin looked up at him as he scribbled ideas for pranks

"what is it?" He asked

"promise you won't tease me" George mumbled

"depends on what it is" Fred shrugged cheekily

George sat on his bed, his shoulders slumped as he played with his hands

"I want to ask Y/n to the ball" he muttered

"blimey, yell it out to the world then mate" Fred said sarcastically

"I said I want to ask Y/n to the Yule Ball" George repeated louder

"my Y/n?"

the younger twin looked at him dully

"I need your help" he pleaded

"why?" Fred questioned

"because I don't know her like you do" George sighed

"why do you want to go with her?" Fred got up, standing in front of his brother

"because I like her" George confessed sheepishly

"awww, Georgie fancies a girl" Fred teased, earning a glare

"just do a firework show for her" Fred shrugged, not knowing what to say

"that's so basic, we do fireworks all the time, I want to impress her" George replied

"ah, ok then, just give her a gift" Fred suggested

"I don't know what she likes" George exclaimed, waving his hands around

Fred furrowed his eyebrows "then what the hell do you know?"

"nothing! that's why I'm asking you!" George whined loudly

Fred let out a deep breath

"fine, I'll tell you what she likes" he agreed to help

George went to his bedside table and pulled out a piece of parchment and a quill, looking to see his brother looking at him like he had two heads

"what are you doing?" Fred shook his head, confused at his brothers behaviour.

truth be told, Fred was happy for his brother, he did have his suspicions about how George acted around the girl. but now he knows.

"writing this stuff down, for ideas" George smiled innocently

the two brothers discussed everything George wanted to know about you

down to your favourite flowers, colours, time or day, food. they went into how you have multiple teddy bears on your bed and how you almost have a full collection of cards from the chocolate frogs.

"what does she like to do in her free time?" George asked, looking up at his almost filled page

"she liked going down to the black lake, she spends time in the library to read. other than that just hanging out with friends" Fred answered.

"alright" George mumbled, scribbling it down and smiling gratefully at Fred

"think that will be enough?" Fred asked, by now he was sat next to George, watching him as he wrote down what he said

"do you think it is?" George furrowed his eyebrows

"I think what you have down will be more than enough to figure out how to ask her, it also gives you a lot of space to get to know her too, this is just the bare minimum" Fred nodded his head.

"alright" George looked down at the piece of paper again, smiling at it "thanks, Fred" he whispered to his brother

"don't worry about it, she'll say yes" Fred nudged him, sensing the nervousness in his brothers voice.

George could only hope that this information could help him. because he was slumped.

--

you came back to your room after dinner to find a letter on your bed, your name written in a rough messy handwriting on it. with a chocolate frog box on top of it.

you picked them both up and decided to go for the letter, you unfolded it and read it to yourself

meet me at the astronomy tower after after you read this.

sincerely, Wait and see ;)

you put it down and took the chocolate, opening the box, catching the frog as it hopped out,

"not so fast, bugger" you murmured.

after the frog stopped struggling you took out the card, noticing to name that you always looked for, the finishing touch to your collection since you started since 1st year.

you smiled as you saw his face in the card, the name reading

Celestina Warbeck.

you contemplated going or not, and when Angelina came into your dorm, she excitedly told you you should go, because you never know what it could be?

you put on a jumper and went off to the astronomy tower, hugging yourself protectively, your wand in your pocket in case.

you walked up the stairs and went in, noticing his tall figure in the darkness of the room.

the sun was almost fully and it was coming to the time where it started to snow for the winter.

you walked closer

"George?" you recognised him from behind, it couldn't of been Fred, you saw him in the common room when you left

he smiled at you nervously, his grin seeming lopsided

"hello" He swallowed deeply

you looked around the tower, no one else in sight

"disappointed?" he sighed

you looked back up at him and shook your head vigorously

"no- No I'm not disappointed, shocked? surprised? yes" you replied quickly

he revealed a bouquet of your favourite flowers from behind his back, handing them out to you

"oh? thank you George, they're my favourite! how'd you know?" you took them from his hands

"lucky guess, I'd say" he chuckled

"so why'd you bring me up here?" you interrogated him, smelling the flowers

"well I was hoping that maybe- only if you want to, of course, that you'd might- maybe, want to go to the Yule ball, with a certain Weasley?" he rambled sheepishly

"and who might that certain Weasley be?" you smirked

"me" he whispered, his eyes wide with anticipation of your answer

"I wouldn't rather go with anybody else" you beamed up at him

"good- great that is perfect, thank you- um, amazing" he stumbled on his words

he couldn't describe the feeling of you saying yes even if he tried, he was more than every word that describes happy.

"well then, shall we go back, or do you want to stay and watch the start come out" he looked up at the dark sky, noticing a few little shining stars

"I'd like to stay here for a bit it that's ok with you" you replied

"perfect"

-

you guys got closer throughout the weeks leading up to the ball, you got to know each other and went out to Hogsmeade for a date.

and tonight, the ball. you hadn't seen each other all day

you walked up to him as he stood facing Fred, away from you.

he noticed Fred averting his eyes to something behind him, making him turn, seeing you, in a long dress, looking like it was made of silk

you looked breathtakingly beautiful to him

"bloody hell" he whispered Fred whispering the same thing beside him

Fred had never seen his best friend look so beautiful. and when he looked over to his brother, he saw the love that was held in his eyes as he looked at you.

"Hi" you looked at them

"Hey, Love" Fred smiled, hitting George in the arm to make him answer

"Hi" he said, looking like he was in a trance

"Angie's on her way, t be honest I have no idea where she went, she was beside me one minute and gone the next" you giggled, looking at Fred

"gorgeous" George stopped Fred from responding by blurting out suddenly

"pardon?" you apologised, asking his to repeat

"you look. absolutely gorgeous" he breathed

you blushed profusely

"thank you George, you look really handsome"

"ready?" he holds out his arms for you. you look over at Fred and furrow your eyebrows

"go on, i need to wait for Angie, I'll see ya in there" he smiled

you smiled and locked your arm with George "let's go"

Fred watched as you two walked into the hall, a big smile on his face as he saw his two best friends together.

------------------------------------------------

[n0va25]

Sneaking kisses at the Ball 💕

[princess-sallow]

Dancing with my Slytherin boys at the Yule Ball. 🥰🌸💕

I am so in love with it and it makes me happy. Thank you! 🥹✨

Commission by: @giselsan

[the-colourful-witch]

🌌 Pansy Parkinson at the Yule Ball 🌌 Did someone say PINK? While drawing this, a pink demon possessed me and went crazy. I decided to go slightly crazy with these designs, pushing my limits a little. For most Yule Ball looks, I try to work with the most striking features of the character and create a dress that enhances or complements it. Like the wide necklines for Hermione or the accentuated waist for Lavender. However, when I think of Pansy's character in the books, I feel she's always overcompensating, exaggerating, laughing too loud, and putting herself in people's faces. So, for her dress, I wanted to hide her best features. Make her drown in her dress, in the extravagance of it. She's trying to get noticed and in doing so, makes a bit of a spectacle of herself. I'm extremely curious about your thoughts on this approach :) Feel free to comment on what your favourites are. Also, shoutout to @thatslytherinbitch54 for asking me to hurry up and draw Pansy in her Yule Ball gown already :) (Just teasing, I'm always open to requests, so feel free to make them.)

[jmliebert]

•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙YULE BALL WITH TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙

Wearing black, perfectly tailored robes

His face is even more handsome now that his jet-black hair are all slicked back

Showing off his perfect bone-structure 

High cheeks and strong jawline 

He’s to die for

Full of grace, and silent confidence 

His presence is truly magnetic 

The room seems to gravitate towards him 

Although he’s not seeking attention really

When he sees you at the top of the stairs his pupils widens slightly

But other than that he is collected as always

He stretches out his hand towards you in a gentle manner 

Hands cold

So is his soul

Fingers long and slim, with few silver rings on them

Saying sweet nothings into your ear

Enigmatic smile on his face

Your heart skips a beat at that

And you lose your mind when you two are slow dancing 

He’s a perfect dance partner (to no surprise)

Every one of his steps seems effortless 

His hands steady on the small of your back, and he doesn’t get any lower 

You melt in his close embrace

You melt when his cheek touched yours

You melt when he’s looking deep into your eyes

And even beyond them, straight into your soul 

You shiver 

His gaze is so powerful yet you can sense a hint of sadness behind it 

Emptiness hidden deep within 

Which is strange because all he do in life is succeed..

Anyway!!! 

He’s always near you, even if you are not dancing together or talking to each other

Stealing glances 

Getting you your favourite drink (you have no idea how he knows but he just do)

His manners are impeccable and he’s not leaving your side really as you are his date tonight 

But he’s somewhat cold and distanced at all times

Not really here

Only when he kiss you breathless in a hidden corner of a castle you forget all that was before

Away from prying eyes

Only you and him

And then you finally feel truly seen by Tom

Suddenly full of desire, his cold demeanour is fading for a sweet, little moment  

His eyes longing

Gripping your ass hard, pulling your body so close to his it’s almost painful 

His silver rings imprinting on your soft body

And suddenly the moment is all gone, ending as quickly as it has begun

As if nothing had happened Tom fixes his hair and robes

Wipes a single tear from your slightly blushed cheek with his thumb

Leaving you all alone and undone in this hidden corner in the dark

Coming back to his reserved self 

With face sculpted in a marble, lacking of any true emotion yet again 

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

 you can find more of my works about tom ♡here♡

[bloofinntoona]

Baby's Breath

Word Count: 1.4k

Themes: Fluff, a little bit of angst? Sebastian Sallow x F!Reader (Reader's house can be up to you!)

Summary: (SPOILER FOR HOGWARTS LEGACY ENDING) You're asking Sebastian Sallow who will he take to the Yule Ball.

Author's Note: So... This is my first fanfic(after a while). I played Hogwarts Legacy and I love Sebastian's questline and his story. I'd thought I wrote a little bit of a story after the main HL story. Based on the marriage question???? scene from the first Avatar movie.

A year has passed since the massive battle with Ranrok, as well as the murder of Solomon Sallow. You, Anne, and Ominis had decided to not turn Sebastian in. The weight of killing his own family member was tormenting enough for the teen, there was absolutely no need of putting him behind bars at Azkaban. Despite the darkness that has been brewing inside Sebastian, his friends still have much love for him. Especially you.

You didn't think much of it at first. Why, Sebastian Sallow was notorious for being the Slytherin bad boy. Dodging detentions here and there, and persistently asking his schoolmates to duel in his not-so-unsanctioned-secret-dueling club. One would think that this boy was a menace. But you know that he was more than that. Sebastian was smart, curious, relentless, outgoing, kind, cunning, and obviously as ambitious as a Slytherin could be. As if the boy couldn't be more perfect, he has the most beautiful hazel eyes you've ever seen. You particularly noticed the tiny freckles that adorned his face — you swear you could see constellations if you connected the dots.

Getting back to your relationship before the incidents was not easy. Ominis and Anne took their time to make small talk and joke around with Sebastian. You, on the other hand, shared a kinship. You also wielded the unforgivable curses with him. You often found yourself between Sebastian's arms, finding consolation from the responsibilities of being the so-called Hogwarts Hero who possessed the Ancient Magic. There was also a time when Sebastian broke down in your arms, feeling guilty for being too absored in the Dark Arts. Nevertheless, time is the best healer as you both were able to cope and live somewhat normally in school.

After all that you both have been through, there was never a point where you confessed to each other. Yes, you hugged and comforted each other. You swore you felt him kissed your forehead once. Perhaps it's the archaic rule of courting in the 19th century that your guardians had been drilling into your brain. Or perhaps you're just too scared of being rejected and loosing the closest friend in your life.

⁂✲＊⁂✲＊⁂

You shifted your feet back and forth, hearing the snow rustling underneath your platform shoes. Merlin's beard, you thought, where in the world is Sebastian? Saying that it's freezing in Hogsmeade is an understatement. The wind blew past your ears as you cursed yourself for putting your hair in an updo today. You jumped as you felt hands tickled your sides, "Hey!" you shouted, turning around. Sebastian grinned, "Sorry, 'had to pick up something earlier." He patted your head, which prompted a red blush spreading across your face. "Shall we?" He offered his hand as you head into The Three Broomsticks. Nothing like a full glass of Butterbeer can make you feel better, especially with Sebastian as your company. This is how you both liked to spend the weekends after a tedious week full of classes and homework. The outing almost ended with You and Sebastian racing on the broom, cruising over the lake until you both reached the rickety docks in Lower Hogsfield, looking over the school.

"That was a good race. Obviously, I was here first." The boy puffed his chest.

You rolled your eyes, "Sure, consider yourself lucky that we're alone 'cause I literally landed first!"

Sebastian and you playfully bantered, pushing each others' broom. He accidentally pushed a bit too hard which sent you flying back. "Oop-!" you yelped as you felt his swift hands caught your back and pulled you close to him. Too close. You felt your chest pressed against Sebastian. Godrick's Heart, did he grow taller? You also swore he was not this strong and muscular before. Puberty years did work wonders for teen boys. Feeling his warm breath against your face, you started to panic and gently pushed him away. You swore you could see a hint of disappointment in his face.

"So," you cleared your throat, "The Yule ball is coming soon. I, uh, heard that you're supposed to look for your own date." You paced around the dock, afraid to look at Sebastian. "Have you thought about who you're going to ask?" You bitterly questioned him. A part of you was a bit disappointed that Sebastian didn't ask you when the ball was announced. You'd expect him to take you, even as friends. The thoughts of Sebastian secretly having a crush without telling you made your guts churn. It's not like other boys haven't asked either, Garreth Weasley was very sweet, offering an enhanced (his words) Wiggenweld potion warped in a bow with an invitation to the ball. You were flattered, but you thought there wasn't a point of going without the boy you actually had a crush on.

"I thought about it." Sebastian calmly said, using his wand to cast Levioso, levitating a rock and flung it to the lake.

"Oh..." you gulped. "May I know who?" You wanted to slap yourself for asking, why would you want to hear answers that will hurt? You still have your back facing Sebastian.

"Guess!" and there's Sebastian Sallow, never making it easy for you.

You used your wand to flung some pebbles into the water. "Well, Imelda Reyes is an amazing flyer. I bet you learned a flying trick or two from her," You smiled bitterly, "Plus, you both are in the same house, so I bet you're close with her?"

You could hear his laugh. "No way, I'm not keen on being ridiculed by Imelda." Sebastian flung more rocks into the water.

"I guess Natty is a good option too. She's brilliant, probably the kindest person I've ever met-"

"What about me?" Sebastian joked, "I'm also kind."

You rolled your eyes. "Also she has a professor as a parent, like you."

"It's not Natty, too... Gryffindor for me," He shook his head, "Don't get me wrong, Natty's a good friend. But she's just a friend for me."

"What about Poppy? She's the cutest girl in school. I think her passion for the beasts is amazing too." You chimed.

Sebastian shook his head again. "Nope, not her."

You raked your brain, thinking about the rest of your schoolmates. You didn't even notice Sebastian's footsteps inching closer to you.

"Ominis?" you blurted out, now facing Sebastian. Hearing your question, he made a face and blurted out an explosive laugh. "I mean I would, but he probably would kill me first," he wiped a tear from his eyes, "no, not my dear friend Ominis Gaunt."

"I give up!" You held up your hands, "I don't know who you have in mind."

Sebastian lets out a sigh. "There is this girl," he stood close to you, "She is beautiful, brave, and possesses an ability like no other. She's always eager to beat me in duels and learn new things. This girl is always there for me, through thick and thin. Even though I was a sodding disappointment of a mate, she still greets me with a warm smile. I don't think I could be here right now without her."

Your breath hitched, feeling warmth crept around your face. Sebastian's face is turning red as well. He took your hands in his, caressing your fingers softly. You can feel your body heating up despite the cold air. "I'm glad you came to Hogwarts. Having you in my life was the best present the universe gave me." He reached inside his pocket and presented you with a corsage decorated with baby's breath and baby blue ribbon. "I was going to give it to you tomorrow. But since we're having this conversation..." He smiled, face red as ever, "Will you go to the ball with me-"

Sebastian didn't get to finish his sentence before you crashed your lips against him. You could feel electricity sparked all over your body, butterflies flying all over your stomach. It seemed like forever, feeling his soft lips molded with yours. His hands rested on your waist, gently pulling you closer. You snaked your hands around his neck, entangling your fingers in his brown locks.

You broke the kiss, resting your forehead against his. "I'd take that as a yes?" Sebastian whispered. You nod, couldn't get a word out of your mouth. He smiled, peppering small kisses on your cheeks before capturing your lips for another kiss.

He pulled back, took your hand, and wrapped the corsage around your wrist. "You know, I had to do a bunch of tasks to have Professor Garlick help me grow this flower." He chuckles, admiring how the flowers looked on you.

"Sebastian.. I-" You grinned widely, "Thank you. I would love to go to the ball with you." You couldn't help but to wrap your arms around him again. "Why baby's breath?"

"Well, darling, they said it's the symbol of everlasting love."

⁂✲＊⁂✲＊⁂

[crowlipso]

Alternate Yule ball outfits for my mc and Sebastian, inspired by Tudor fashion.

I know the time setting is the Victorian era but just hear me out- okay— please.

[ancient-and-gauntly]

Corridor Waltz

Sebastian x F! Reader Warnings: Just some post argument fluff and light discussion, nothing big, female reader clear Summary: After Sebastian is too stubborn to ask you to the Yule Ball and finds out who you went with instead and argue, the two of you find yourselves at a crossroad in the corridors.

“I didn’t mean to make you upset.” You break the silence,smoothing out the skirt of your dress carefully. “You just didn’t ask me, and I didn’t want to go alone so-”

“So you ask Leander-Fucking-Prewitt? The top idiot himself?” Sebastian repeats himself harshly. “I wanted to ask you but with everything going on I-I forgot and,” He trails off, sighing in defeat. “I'm sorry, Y/N. Its all my fault. Yet another big thing ruined by my stupid pride. Sebastian paced anxiously in the dimly lit corridor of Hogwarts, the shadows flickering as the torches cast dancing silhouettes on the cold stone walls. The air was thick with tension, as your argument slowly dissipates and begins to make room for regrets

You stood a few feet away, back turned to him and posture tense. The echoes of your heated words still reverberated in the quiet corridor. He had been too proud to ask you to the Yule Ball, convinced that you would reject him, and you had been equally stubborn in not extending an invitation yourself. The weight of unspoken feelings hung heavily in the air, a palpable force that pushed you two apart even as your hearts pulled you together.

Unable to bear the silence any longer, Sebastian took a deep breath and approached you slowly. He reached out, his fingers gently grazing your arm. You tensed slightly at his touch, but he persisted, turning you to face him. Your eyes were stormy, a mixture of hurt and confusion. Sebastian couldn't stand to see you like this.

"Hey," he said softly, his voice breaking the silence. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things. I just... I didn't know how to ask you."

Your eyes searched his, looking for sincerity. Slowly, you nodded, acknowledging the apology. “I forgive you, Seb.” You respond, wiping another small tear from your cheek. “But we can’t keep doing this to each other. We-we have to finally draw that line in the sand as to what this- what we are.”

Sebastian took a step closer, cupping you face in his hands. He tilted your chin up, forcing you to meet his gaze. There, in the flickering light of the torches, he saw vulnerability in your eyes, a reflection of his own thoughts and feelings swirling in them. Leaning in he pressed a soft, apologetic kiss to your lips. It was a gentle touch, a silent plea for understanding. The tension gives way to a bittersweet mixture of longing and forgiveness.

Sebastian pulled away, his eyes locked with yours. "Can I have this next dance right here?" he asked, his voice low and earnest. “Well, what I am assuming is another dance.” He adds, half chuckling.”’S’hard to tell, with the way this orchestra plays.”

You looked at him in shock and confusion. “Right here? In the corridor?”

“Of course.” he replied softly, tucking a strand of hand behind your ear. He sighs as you slowly return his smile and nods. Sebastian took your hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. With his other hand on your waist, he guided you into a simple dance. “Wait I-” you attempt to not trip. “I’m not a very good dancer.” You try to explain shyly, but he just chuckles.

“Then here,”Sebastian smiled and gently pulled you feet to stand on top of his.”Now you don’t have to worry about it, and I don’t have to bend so far down to do this.” He pecks your lips softly once again

The two of you swayed together in the corridor, the torchlight casting a warm glow on your faces. Sebastian held you close, foreheads pressed together. The world outside the corridor ceased to exist, and for a moment, it was just the two of you, caught in the quiet magic of the dance.

“Sebastian,” You whisper, breaking the uncertain silence. “Why did you wait so long to ask?” 

"I didn't want to ruin our friendship," Sebastian admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I was scared, Y/N. Scared that if I asked you to the ball or to even hogsmeade for a drink alone, it would change everything."

“But not asking me changed everything too," You replied, your voice a mixture of sadness and understanding. "We've been avoiding this for too long, Seb."

He nodded, his grip on your waist tightening softly. "I know. I just... I didn't want to risk losing you."

You sighed, resting your head against his shoulder. "You won't lose me, Sebastian. After everything we have been through, you think asking me to a dance would ruin it? I care about you too much for that."

Sebastian smiled, relief washing over him. "I care about you too, Y/N. More than I've been willing to admit."

As the two of you continued to dance, the tension between you slowly dissipated. Your hand found its way to Sebastian's shoulder, and you continued to softly sway together. "So, what happens next?" you finally asked, your voice a gentle curiosity.

Sebastian's eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked down at you. "Well," he began, his tone teasing, "first, we'll pack our bags, run away together, and have grand adventures across the world. Then, we'll get married in a magical ceremony under the stars, surrounded by unicorns and enchanted flowers."

You rolled your eyes playfully, a small smile tugging at your lips. "Oh, really? Unicorns and enchanted flowers?"

Sebastian chuckled, pulling you even closer. "Absolutely. And we'll spend our days exploring hidden corners of the world, having thrilling escapades, and, of course, dancing in torchlit corridors."

“Oh really?,” You couldn't help but laugh at the whimsical picture he painted. "You have quite the imagination, Sebastian Sallow."

He grinned, his eyes filled with warmth. "Well, I figure if we're going to dream, we might as well dream big. But if that's too much, I guess we can start with the basics, like you being my girlfriend."

You smiled."Now that sounds more realistic."

"For now... Future Mrs. Sebastian Sallow." He teases, pecking your lips once more.

“What have I allowed to happen?” You giggle, pressing your forehead to his once again.

He laughed, the sound echoing in the corridor and causing your heart to skip a beat. "Just planting the seed for the future, darling. You know, for when you can't resist my charm any longer."

You shook your head, a playful glint in her eyes. "We'll see about that, Mr. Sallow."

“I can’t wait.”