#Natty's OC Bits

[leviiackrman]

SIMS 4 OC LOOKBOOKS: The Drakes - Jess, Sam, Tobin, Natalie, Winnie & Bailey

A new family inbound! When I say new, I mean to the sims lmao, these guys are some of my longest running ocs - from back in the early days! So glad I can finally capture this family all together cus I love them so much! Like father like son for their boy Toby, while Natalie has the most calm mind of all of them - no one knows how that happened. Wouldn’t be complete without their fur babies: Winnie and the now v elderly Bailey! (Bailey has seen every inch of this couples bullshit… she’s v tired) Let me know who’s your favourite!

Ackermans || Rikihisas || Enatsu || Kyutoku || Olalias || Hatakes || ATLA || Ginnivan || Ishimoto

Tag list (ask to be added or removed): @carrionsflower @statichvm @risingsh0t @simonxriley @tommyarashikage @kanos @confidentandgood @unholymilf @florbelles @thedeadthree @shellibisshe @roofgeese @aezyrraeshh @faerune @tekehu @jackiesarch @minaharkers @sergeiravenov @carlosoliveiraa @rosenfey @greenecreek @queennymeria @heroofpenamstan @alexxmason @tethrras @jamessunderlandgf @a-treides @solasan @bigbywlf @delzinrowe @fenharel @imogenkol

[imaginaryf1shots]

My Girls (IX) | Max Verstappen

Words count: 1K

Driver!OC x Max Verstappen

Summery: Cecilia Hansson daughter of a Swedish billionaire, a race car driver, with a dream of making it big in Formula 1. However she has a few secrets that may hurt her as women are disliked in the sport.

Series Warnings: google translated french, dutch, cursing, child abandment, absent father, drinking, car accidents, Jos Verstappen, misogyny, Christian horner (tell me if i missed anything)

This is a secondary blog so I won't be able to respond but I'm adding you all to the taglist.

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Max Masterlist

Previous || Next

DADDY

2022

In French

It's well established that Nathalie LOVES Max, after her mother she loves him the most. Now the girl was old enough to realise that Max came into her life after she was born and that he isn't her dad. As she's been told to call him Max(indirectly), by everyone, even Max. But three years in his relationship with Cecilia and with two years of living together Max became a very important part of her life. Nathalie doesn’t remember life before Max, she got so used to him that when he and Cecilia are away she misses him as much as he misses her mum.

"Maman." The young girl of 6 whispers as her mum sat on her bed reading her a story. Cecilia looked up hearing the timid tone in her daughter’s voice, Nattie showed her usual telltale of being nervous, she was playing/fidgeting with a plushy that Max won for her in an amusement park and she was avoiding eye contact.

"What is it, mon ange?" Cecilia asked and gently brushed Natties hair out of her face.

"Max-Max isn't my dad right?" A few things came into Cecilia’s mind, first Nathalie is speaking in French, which Max knows a bit but it isn't his strongest language, and she certainly wasn't expecting this, she stopped from answering right away thinking it over, she was trying to think where this came from. It's never been a secret that he isn't, biologically at least and she thought that Nattie understood that.

"No he isn't my love, why are you asking?" Cecilia's mind ran a 1000 times an hour thinking everything over. "Did someone say anything?"

"Not really." Nattie shook her head before she pouted and stopped playing/fidgeting with her plushie, her blue eyes meeting her mother's. "Don't dad's drop their kids off at school?"

"Sometimes, they do." Cecilia had no idea where this was going.

"They play with their kids."

"Yes."

"They buy them things."

"Yeah."

"They go swimming?"

"Uh-huh."

"They teach them how to cart and how to do things?"

"Yeah."

"And they cook them breakfast and help them brush their teeth and pick their clothes."

"They do my love, why are you asking all this?"

"Well Max does all this, doesn't that mean he's my dad?" Cecilia's heart broke for her little girl, she grew up in a loving family with both her parents together. She can't imagine what Nattie is feeling, some part of her feels guilty. Should she have talked to her and explained everything that has to do with her bio dad? Nevertheless she's forever glad for Max for filling that part in Natties life. He does treat her like a dad would, he’s so selfless taking her in like his own despite being in his early twenties at the time and just giving her pure unconditional love, his family taking her in as their own.

“Do you want him to be your dad?” Cecilia softly asks and she leans down so she’s able to meet Nathalie’s eyes, Nattie shyly nods, Cecilia smiles reassuringly. Her and Max haven't talked about the possibility of him being Natties dad but he had the question on the tip of his tongue a few times, she could tell each time but didn't want to pressure him into asking, she thought he'd eventually ask her but it looks like her impatient daughter beat him to it first. “Do you want to ask him?”

“Yes.” Nattie whispers, she looks nervous but Cecilia knows that that’s what Nattie has been after all along, she wants her mother to confirm that it’s okay to ask Max to be her dad, that her feelings are correct, she hasn’t been reading into it too much.

“Do you want to ask him now?” Max was in their shared bedroom getting ready for bed last she left him, with one last nod from Nattie, both of them left Nathalie’s bedroom and crossed the hallway to the master bedroom the drivers shared. walking in Max was already in bed, he had his back to the headboard looking at something on his phone with the lights dimmed. Nathalie races to the bed and gets on before she crawls up the bed to where Max is.

“Hey there, schatje, I thought you were going to sleep.” Max asks and opens his arms for the girl who instantly snuggles into his side, after she gets under the covers. “Do you want to stay with Mummy today?”

“No.” Nathalie says with a small smile.

“No?” Max is amused yet a tad bit confused, Nathalie rarely sleeps with Cecilia now, when she was younger she would sleep with them every once and a while but since they moved in together it became less and less now.

“I want to sleep with daddy.” Cheeky, Cecilia thought, Nathalie looked like she would be too scared to ask before they came in the room but look at her now. Max looked at Cecilia with wide eyes, she was standing just in the room, she was grinning at her boyfriend, who looked surprised. Max then turned to look at Nathalie who was nervous.

“What did you call me?” Max had to be sure, he could be too tired, he could have misheard, this could be a mistake, a slip of the tongue.

“Daddy.” She whispered again, Max pulled her on his lap and just hugged her, her face his in his neck as she wrapped her arms around his shoulder.

“You want me to be your dad?” Max asked, his voice wavering, it’s rare to see Max this emotional, but his voice is heavy as he asked Nattie.

“Yeah, can you be my dad… please?” Nattie asked both Max and Cecilia could tell that the girl is tearing up, Cecilia’s own eyes filled with tears as did Max’s.

“Yeah, definitely, if you want me to.” Max pulled back enough to see her face and it was already wet, her blue eyes looking up at him with so much love and innocence, this is a young girl who always wanted a dad and he’s beyond willing to fill that role for her.

“I do.” Nattie dragged the ‘o’ out as she cried, a sob leaving her mouth making Max pull her back in for a hug, Cecilia moved to the bed sitting beside them her hand fell onto Max’s thigh in comfort.

“I love you so much, schatje, it’ll make me the happiest man to be your dad.”

Send some requests please 🙏

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Taglist:

@luciaexcorvus . @vellicora . @tpwkstiles . @belennasif . @eugene-emt-roe . @fanboyluvr . @fangirl125reader , @christianpulisic10 . @belennasif . @itsjustkhaos . @crashingwavesofeuphoria . @mynameisangeloflife . @mirrorball-6 . @skynel09

[octoberautumnbox]

Happy Anni-box-sary!! :DDDD

Whew! It's been a year since I've started writing on this platform (and in general fsgsdjkfghjadskfh), and what a wild ride it has been. Ups and downs scattered throughout the year, but I really wouldn't have it any other way :uwuge:

All that said, let's move onto the box 2024 recap!

Yuri fics I've written: 8

Fly in the Night Trip

Love in the Night Train

Juicy Juicy

Friday

Adrenaline

Enjoy

I Got All I Need

Like It Like I Love It

buncha drabbles I didnt count, some of them fluff, some of them angst, all of them box 📦‼

Yuri fics other people have written: 6

@fillinforlater's Friends that can Keep a Secret

@birchleavesdawn's Bitter Taste

@xshadowdelta's Former Manager pt. 1: Back in Town

@usedpidemo's Cruel Flower

@prael's Reality

@leafostuff's Operant Conditioning

Non-Yuri fics I've written: 11

in my best attempt not to double count when there was more than one idol in the fic (lmao),

1 for soloist Chaeyeon

1 for Kiss of Life

2 for woo!ah!

2 for tripleS

2 for Kep1er

3 for fromis_9

Funnest fics to write:

Hell Week: despite not doing sins's prompt justice, I really did enjoy how I built Yubin and OC's character, even as the writer i fell in love with how sweet Yubin came to be, and while I do think the sex could have been fluffier, i do like how i wrote the ending :DDD

Cute and Caring Noona from Apartment 424: i think deep down inside i knew the apartment thing was gonna come back, even at the time, though i had to promise myself it wouldn't be a series. Yujin and Xiaoting are still a killer duo i'd love to write but it wouldn't fit that well with what i've decided on what the apartment fics will be, instead i'm going with the direction that The Sultry and Pervy Soda in Apartment 307 went and go from there

Like It Like I Love It: EASILY my top 1 from this year. it was everything reader box would have wanted in a yuri fic: a casual relationship, a possibility that there's something more in it, hot sex (literally), and just the right amount (maybe a bit too little) of showing off babygirl yul. i really hope this isn't peak box but going back to why i started writing in the first place, which is that i wanted to see more quality yuri fics, this was something that if i were still a reader would have sated me for at least another year. good job box!

Idols/Groups I've come to know:

Kiss of Life: I think they debuted before me? I noticed Natty first bc ofc I did 😭 but quickly fell in love with how Bobsky just vibes so well with them aaaaaaa

tripleS: I started paying attention around Girl's Capitalism but I knew of them since Generation. I still know only like ten of them and still need to look up whether they're of age or what number S they are but I've written the group thrice now so worth :DDDD

Kep1er: zozi was tough for wizones and I'm not exception, so there was a lot of animosity to this group starting out. I only really started loving this group because of choiyuj, and it was me falling in love with that tiktok that cookies n seggs noona was ever made and it's been upwards ever since

Collabs:

One Heck of a Joyride with @leafostuff: simultaneously this took way too long and not long enough LMAO we started in Feb and released in May, if u can remember Best Job Ever and Like It Like I Love It came out in May too so that was hectic for me. but it's my first and to date only long fic and I hope someday to surpass it in terms of word count and idol nuguness :sitt:

Prompts:

@i-am-lifeform24's Curated Companions: this first major prompt I took part in, where I wrote Dito Muna Tayo :nolookk: it got me attention I didnt know how to feel abt (I still don't tbh) but it was a major step in the right direction to temper my expectations of myself: it reminded me to write for me

@msafterhours's Seasons: this was a major L for me jfkgjslahhf I wrote A Little Goes a Long Way, misunderstanding the prompt "Seasons" for "Seasoning" and making a cooking fic instead. it was a great laugh with him tho, and a memory I come back to fondly

@mintwithchoco's Favorite Song: I wrote Orange-Tinted Sunset with Sticky in mind but promising mint I'd break Belle's heart lmao, at the time my current favorite song switched from that to Nothing and it all just fell in place. I had the idea a long time ago for Haneul but this was the perfect chance to broaden my horizons yet again, and to my dismay it proved @0cta9on right that I kinda was okay at all three genres of fics that touched on after all :bearlazy:

Growth:

can't remember if I said it out loud on the tl but im not a serious writer! that just means that I dont consciously aim to improve how I write and I'm totally fine with the skills and style I have now, and any exp gained or skills learned is has been passively achieved

that said, I'm really so so happy with Fly in the Night Trip and Love in the Night Train. In my first ever fic i said i wanted my next work to be a smut, and that i would be able to write more of what i wanted on my blog soon. Enjoy was both of those, and i even got to write so much more of my ult bias throughout the year and then some. you could call it self-serving, or as @capslocked so eloquently put it, unconsidered readers, all of you. :sitt:

thats why im really happy to be able to come full circle with another fluff in Love in the Night Train, because i feel like it concludes such an awesome year in such an awesome way. id tell 2023 box that just keeping at it wouldve worked out so well, but the extra effort to write just a tiny bit better, to listen to @midnightdancingsol's advice, to stick with it even though work fucked us up (and still does) is going to be well worth it

Hiatuses: 2

ok obviously im not as proud of this one. but each time i did, it was me reevaluating how I run the blog and what sort of stuff I'm getting myself into. it was well worth taking a step back from writing and just figuring out what exactly I wanted to do, and the breaks did wonders for how I paced myself.

these were me asking myself questions that struck the very core of how I conduct this cacophony of a kpop smut blog. it made me aware of arbitrary rules I was holding myself to, and gave me a chance to do away with them. everyone has to clear out their inventory every once in a while, and these were mine :DDDD

Everything else:

ive stopped tracking notes bc I learned since I occasionally write nugu and non-smut to never expect 100+ and I'm always pleasantly surprised when I get there slfjglah but yeah, there's better things to keep track of like what I did above

these are what really matter to me: yuri, writing, and the community i've become part of. while I do think the 1022 club is a fun milestone to celebrate, anything else is a bit more work than i care to make a separate post about (except maybe on bluesky lmao)

at my core, im a glassy, a true fan of the little ball of sunshine that is jo yuri. i keep saying that as long as im able to make one of you lovely readers a fan of her too, i'll know i'm doing good! so to all you box followers, all you honorary glassys, please tune in to yuri! she just released her tenth(!!!) OST entitled Spring Days Pass, will appear in Squid Game season 2 which premieres on Dec. 26 on Netflix, and is bound to have a comeback lined up soon :cuteplead: please join me in supporting her! :DDDD

Aaaaand that's it I think? A wild ride for sure, and I'm happy to have spent it here doing what I love. Hopefully all you readers also show greater support to my fellow writers and friends on here, and as always, stay tuned for more box fics in the future!

Thanks for reading, and see you all in October Autumn Box season 2!!

[rooksunday]

for @corrieweek day five: fix-it

this crossover came to me in a vision. shiv and widget are my corrie ocs.

Shiv eyed the natborn with the kind of look she usually gave to Fox: unimpressed, with a chance of derision. To her disconcernation, the nattie simply grinned wider.

“You’re very good at that! The whole glowering thing, I mean. I can see why you’re in charge.”

“I’m not in charge,” Shiv said at once. Flattery wasn’t the way to her viscera. Nil points, nattie. “I’m Chief Medical Officer for the Coruscant Guard. If you’re looking for someone in charge of this posting, you need Commander Fox.”

Because Commander Thorn was still on Scipio.

“Commander Fox is the big one with the coffee stains on his armour, am I right? Wanders around under a cloud of existential despair and smells a bit like premeditated murder?”

“I can neither confirm nor deny that description.”

The nattie had definitely met Fox.

Another smile. “Of course! Anyway, whoever that was, and I’m not saying it was Commander Fox, but they told me to ‘piss off and bother someone who gives a single solitary shit’, although they said it in a language I don’t think they thought I knew, so.” The nattie spread their arms wide and wiggled their fingers. “Here I am!”

Shiv didn’t groan or bury her face in her hands because she hadn’t let Fox break her yet but fierfiek, give a genetically modified girl a break. How Fox hadn’t been decommissioned was the biggest mystery on Coruscant.

“Again, while I can neither confirm nor deny anything about any being you may have encountered prior to arriving in my office—“

“Naturally.”

“What is it I can assist you with?” Shiv asked. “Stranger who has yet to introduce themself,” she added, arching her eyebrows.

“Ooh, you’re good at that as well, aren’t you? Well! I’m— Hang on, I’ve got a card, just a tick.” The nattie fished around in the pockets of their pinstripe suit jacket—an odd fashion that Shiv hadn’t seen on Coruscant, but admittedly, she didn’t pay particular attention to anything but blasters and dresses—until retrieving a small wallet with a triumphant cry. They flipped it open so Shiv could read it. “Here you go! My credentials. Pronouns are he/him, and I’m—“

“‘The Doctor’,” Shiv pronounced.

“Exactly! Now you say—“

“Doctor Who?”

He nodded like a toy dog perched in the rear of a speeder. He had a lot of teeth for a nattie.

“Yes yes, there’s a whole bit, but you see— And this bit is important, Chief Medical Officer of the Coruscant Guard, but I need a doctor. Another doctor. I’ll take a medic. Several, if you’ve got them,” the Doctor said, his rambling turning frenetic. He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “There’s been a bit of an accident, you see.”

Shiv shot to her feet. “If you’ve hurt one of my Corries—“

“No! At least, I don’t think so. Chap wasn’t wearing armour. Silly, really—“

“You hit a natborn and came here?”

They were all going to die.

Shiv pushed the Doctor ahead of her, following the sweep of his increasingly wild gestures towards a blue rectangular box that looked like four doors stuck together. It was plonked in the middle of the Corrie foyer, with no clear indication of how it had gotten inside. Widget had his blaster out but was holding it as if by habit, and not in readiness. He shrugged when Shiv gestured a question at him.

“It just appeared, sir,” he said.

“What’s this?” Shiv asked the Doctor.

“My vehicle. It’s licensed, don’t worry. More importantly, see, is what’s inside.”

“Yes, do show us your victim.”

The Doctor made an odd grimace and opened the door to his odder vehicle. “It’s bigger on the inside, yes, yes, but the thing is— Oh dear. I think he’s dead. There’s bits of him all over. People don’t tend to recover from that kind of thing usually.”

Shiv stared into the vehicle for a long, long moment. At the lumpy black and red bits spattered about the inside of the Doctor’s vehicle. At the familiar, impractical robe that she had always thought absurd. She glanced at Widget, who looked a question back. Finally, she returned her attention to the Doctor. He looked like one of Fox’s feral tookas that had just delivered a rat, but to his credit, he was disguising his smugness reasonably well.

But he hadn’t been raised in armour. Shiv read glee all over his pinstripes.

“You appear to have killed the Chancellor of the Republic in a-a road traffic accident,” Shiv said.

“I do appear to have done that, yes,” the Doctor conceded, without an admirable effort at contrition.

Shiv hummed and looked at Widget. Widget was disguising his glee excellently. “Have we got a procedure for that, Trooper?”

“I think there’s a fine, sir.”

“There you go, Doctor. There’s a fine. Payable to the Coruscant Guard Retirement Fund.”

Widget jerked. “Are we retiring, then?”

“I certainly am.” Shiv tilted her head at the Doctor, who grinned back, as if anticipating her question. She jerked a thumb at the Doctor’s vehicle. “Got room in there for a few more?”

The Doctor slung an arm around Shiv’s shoulders. “My dear Chief Medical Officer, I have room for an army.”

[cochart]

Here’s my Hogwarts Legacy OC.

And here are some impressions of the game. I like it fine by the way.

Here are HL friends in Persona style btw.

I bought this game on sale recently and so far have been enjoying it. It’s a fun enough game even though I was never obsessed with Harry Potter except when I was like seven.

Here are some of my thoughts, some good and some a bit critical I guess.

1. Good but not memorable

Maybe because I was never obsessed with Harry Potter series the way some people are, I found the game decent but not memorable (e.g. Zelda or Persona level). It’s decent; in other words, it’s a bit bland. I don’t have any particular complaint about the game mechanics, but I don’t have anything particularly nice to say either. The exploration is fun enough. The battle can be a bit repetitive but overall okay. Collecting trinkets and doing puzzles can be amusing. But none of this all comes together to leave a strong impression. I think it’s a decent RPG for weekend fun though, especially if you’re a Harry Potter fan. That it’s not too memorable also means that it’s average a.k.a. you likely won’t have to ragequit this game. The gameplay is pretty easy, so it would be perfect for casual gamers who don’t want no Dark Souls taking over their weekend.

2. Character design matters

In an RPG, having a good character design matters. This is partly due to the fact that I don’t really enjoy the “realistic” rendering that so many western games employ, but I found the overall character design less than charming. Customizing my own character feels so much less fun when it’s hard to find a charming build. I’m sorry, but why does every option for my character make her look like she’s thirty-five? I feel like a damn PhD candidate in Hogwarts already without my character looking like she’s thirty-five years old. By the way, I also considered making a male character, but the male characters look equally old and not that charming. I think it’s partly the hair. Almost every hair option makes your character look thirty-five.

The NPCs don’t fare much better either. Yeah, they’re nice and I find Natty pretty cute. But that’s about it. They all have their stories and stuff, but something is just lacking.

It’s not like I want anime character design either. A style like Arcane would have been awesome.

3. I feel like a Mary Sue

I’d say being a Mary Sue might be better than being an emotional support character for dev’s Mary Sue, but it still feels weird to me. Maybe it’s because I’ve been playing too much Atlus games recently and in their games, everyone’s out to kill you. I’m not used to characters fawning over me. There are many moments including when you’re taking a class that you’re blatantly praised for your abilities. The Ravenclaw boy gushing about how you must be a part hippogryph during your flying lesson is one of them.

Everything about the plot makes you a Mary Sue as well. You’re this mysterious new kid with ancient magic powers who excel at everything. I know it’s somewhat necessary in an RPG, but this game makes you feel like you’re playing some “Modern Girl in Hogwarts” game. I don’t hate it that much, but it still feels weird.

4. Missed opportunities

I’ve played old EA Harry Potter games and loved them, but I don’t know if it was a good idea to make an original Hogwarts game a solo exploration game. To me, one of the charms of HP series is the focus on the friendship and the adventures of the trio. In HL, you’re alone most of the time. I know a lot of modern players don’t deal well with turn-based games, but I think an original Hogwarts game that is turn-based where you can build your party of Hogwarts students would have been quite fun.

I also feel like there are a lot of missed opportunities with the school life content. Cramming in classes and having afterschool adventures would have made it feel more like life and Hogwarts where you’re not a graduate student.

Here, so you can get stressed thinking about crammed scheduling!

For an open exploration game, I’d rather have preferred something like Fantastic Beasts where you’re an adult. The game taking place in 19th century London would have been awesome. You’d be a recently graduated wizard who’s working both in wizard and muggle world solving some crime or something. This could have also made a better opportunity for the stealth element in the game as you can try to be discreet around the muggles.

[writingsoftarnishedsilver]

The Solstice Ball | Sebastian Sallow x OC #11

If Bridgerton met Hogwarts Legacy.

Summary: Evangeline readies for the Solstice Ball with her friends' help, navigating nerves and feelings of uncertainty about her place in the pure-blood world. Though Lysander is polite and well-intentioned, hints of doubt and his family’s scrutiny weigh on her. During the ball, Ominis and an unexpectedly present Sebastian pull her for dances, giving her brief respite from the pressure and allowing Sebastian a chance to be close to her.

Words: 9,847

Tags: Slow Burn, Pure-blood Society, Courtship Traditions, Unspoken Feelings, Friends To Lovers, Jealousy, Romantic Tension, Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Natty, Cressida, and Nellie circled Evangeline, filling the sixth year girls’ dormitory was filled with laughter and soft chatter. They had been fussing over her dress, adjusting every detail, each one determined that she look absolutely perfect.

“I still can’t believe you’re going to the Solstice Ball,” Cressida said for the millionth time, securing a delicate silver pin in Evangeline’s hair. “It’s one of the biggest social events of the year. Just being invited is a huge deal.”

Evangeline managed a smile, but she couldn’t shake the nervous flutter in her chest. “It feels a bit overwhelming,” she admitted, her eyes drifting to her reflection.

The gown she wore was a rich, deep green that complimented her hazel eyes, its fabric cascading over her curves in a way that felt both elegant and daring. Silver threads wove intricate patterns along the neckline and sleeves, catching the candlelight and giving her an ethereal shimmer with every movement. Her dark hair had been carefully styled, loose waves framing her face while delicate silver pins held stray curls back, adding an almost regal touch to her appearance, but it still felt as though she were playing dress-up. “I know Lysander invited me weeks ago, but the pressure didn’t quite sink in until… well, now.” She glanced at herself in the mirror with a frown.

The Solstice Ball was a prestigious tradition, hosted annually by one of Britain’s 24 most esteemed pure-blood families, with the honour rotating each year. This time, the event was held by Lysander’s family, the Clearwaters, making Evangeline’s role as his date feel all the more significant—and daunting. Beyond its elegance, the ball served as a social stage for public declarations, courtship displays, and strategic family alliances—a rite of passage steeped in the unspoken expectations of pure-blood society.

“You seem nervous,” Natty observed, smoothing the hem of Evangeline’s gown. Her voice was gentle, sensing the weight her friend carried tonight. “You want to talk about it?”

“I am a bit, yes,” Evangeline admitted, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “It’s just that this is a... very official, very public event, I… I don’t know. It feels like more than just a date. It’s like a formal introduction to his world.” She paused, looking down. “It’s a lot to take in. I just keep wondering if I’ll even fit in.”

Nellie clucked her tongue, waving a hand dismissively. “Pure-blood, shmure-blood. Just because you didn’t grow up with all these formalities doesn’t mean you don’t belong there. Besides, you’ve already won over Lysander, haven’t you?”

Evangeline smiled, grateful for the vote of confidence. “Yes, I... it does seem so. And I’ve been enjoying our time together,” she admitted softly, though there was a hesitation in her voice. “He’s wonderful, truly. Kind, thoughtful… he’s always been such a gentleman.” She paused, pushing down the traitorous feeling of discontent that always seemed to creep in when she thought about her future with Lysander.

Her friends exchanged knowing looks, sensing there was more left unsaid, but let the moment pass without pressing.

They’re all going to be dazzled anyway,” Cressida added, giving her a reassuring pat. “Lysander’s family clearly respects him since they're allowing him to choose his date, so if he’s bringing you, they must know you’re important to him.”

Evangeline managed a soft smile, touched by her friends’ unwavering belief in her. “Thank you.”

“And besides,” Cressida added, fastening a silver chain around Evangeline’s neck, “Ominis will be there, right? He’s a Gaunt—pure-blood to the bone. So you’ll have someone familiar by your side who gets how intense these events can be.”

Evangeline laughed softly, her nerves settling a little. “Thank Merlin for Ominis. Just knowing he’ll be there makes it easier to face everyone else.”

Nellie finished the final touches of Evangeline’s makeup, her eyes bright with approval as she stepped back to admire their work. “There,” she said, nodding with satisfaction. “You’re going to stop hearts.”

Evangeline let out a nervous laugh, trying to quiet the flutter in her stomach as she took one last, steadying look in the mirror. She looked like she belonged at the Solstice Ball, like a girl crafted to fit seamlessly into this world of legacy and luxury. Yet, as she took in her reflection, a part of her felt undeniably out of place, as if she were wearing someone else’s life for the night. The layers of tradition, the weight of pure-blood expectations—all of it pressed down around her, a reminder of just how far her own past lay from this world’s storied halls and ancestral lineages. Still, for this night, with her friends’ help and encouragement, she would play her part.

Cressida gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze, a bright smile lighting up her face. “I’m so excited for you, Evie. You’ll be wonderful.”

Evangeline tried to hold onto her enthusiasm, but a thought, unbidden, flickered through her mind—a familiar face, a lopsided smirk, dark eyes catching hers in a crowded room. She was unable to stop herself from wondering what girl he’d spend the night with now that she and Ominis would both be otherwise occupied. The idea made her chest ache, but she scolded herself, forcing her attention back to the present. This night was a formal announcement of her courtship with Lysander, a milestone he’d asked her to be part of. Tonight, her focus belonged to him.

She took a steadying breath, shaking off the lingering thoughts of Sebastian, and turned to her friends, giving them her warmest smile. “Thank you—all of you. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”

The three of them beamed back at her, each one offering a final round of encouragement and hugs before Natty gently guided her toward the door. “Now go,” she said with a grin. “And let us know everything tomorrow.”

Evangeline smiled, allowing herself to feel a surge of confidence as she stepped out of the dormitory, her heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and nerves. 

She descended the steps into the Gryffindor common room, her fingers trailing along the polished banister, as a hush fell over the room. Several students paused to look up, their curious gazes sweeping over her as she moved toward the portrait hole. A few offered murmurs of approval, and she caught one or two wide-eyed glances from her younger housemates. She gave them a small smile, hoping it looked more confident than she felt, and slipped through the portrait hole.

Waiting just outside was Lysander, who looked every inch the part of a pure-blood gentleman, his dark, tailored robes cut to fit his tall, lean frame perfectly. His gold-blonde hair was combed neatly back, and his bright blue eyes lit up with warmth as they landed on her. There was an undeniable charm to him, a confidence that seemed to belong naturally to someone born into this world of etiquette and expectations.

When his gaze landed on her, it softened, a faint blush creeping over his cheeks as his eyes roamed over her figure in admiration. He extended a hand to her, his fingers cool against hers as he drew her close, “You look lovely,” he murmured, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Evangeline’s cheeks warmed, and she squeezed his hand gently, offering him a smile. “Thank you, Lysander. You look wonderful, too,” she replied, trying to push aside the faint awareness of something that felt slightly… off. She knew she should feel more attracted to him; he was undeniably handsome, strikingly so, but there was a certain spark missing, a feeling she couldn’t quite summon, no matter how hard she tried. She told herself it was simply nerves.

He chuckled, glancing away as if to hide his own embarrassment, “I suppose I should make an effort, seeing as my family’s hosting,” he said with a slight shrug, though there was a touch of pride in his tone. But beneath his polite smile, she sensed a flicker of something more—a faint hesitation in his gaze as it moved over her;

Though he hid it quickly, Evangeline picked up on it, her smile faltering slightly. “Is... everything all right, Lysander?”

He hesitated, then nodded, his gaze briefly flickering away before he returned it to her. “Of course. I just… well, I want you to enjoy yourself tonight.” He paused, his smile fading slightly as his eyes softened. “You know, some of these families can be… very particular. Old-fashioned. I know it’s a bit much, and I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

Evangeline’s brow furrowed slightly, sensing the hesitance in his words. She understood, of course—she’d expected a degree of judgment here. But there was something about the way he looked at her, something in the way his gaze lingered on her figure, that made her heart clench slightly.

“Don’t worry,” she replied with a reassuring smile, though her chest felt tight. “I’ll be all right. Besides, I’m here with you.”

He smiled, but she couldn’t help but notice the flicker of uncertainty in his expression. “Yes, well… just know that I’m here for you, all right? I want you there and I... I think you look amazing.”

Evangeline’s smile faltered. She wanted to believe his words, to feel reassured by them, but a small part of her felt a pang of insecurity, a sense that he too worried that she wouldn't measure up. The unease lingered as he led her down the quiet, empty corridors.

When they reached the grand fireplace in the main hall, Lysander turned to her, “Ready for the Floo?” he asked.

Evangeline took a deep breath, steadying herself. The idea of stepping into the Clearwater estate—the grand heart of Lysander’s prestigious family legacy—filled her with a flutter of nerves she couldn’t entirely quell. But as if sensing her hesitation, Lysander’s hand gave hers a gentle, reassuring squeeze, anchoring her in the moment. He had invited her into this world, had told her she was beautiful, that she was enough. The warmth in his gaze made her heart steady, and she found herself nodding, holding onto that reassurance.

“Ready,” she replied, her voice soft but steady.

They stepped into the fireplace together, and with a swirl of green flames and a murmured location, they were swept away, spinning through the Floo network until they arrived in a sprawling entry hall. Evangeline blinked, the scent of pine and cedar filling her senses as she adjusted to their new surroundings.

The Clearwater estate was nothing short of breathtaking—a massive country manor nestled in the rolling hills of northern England. High, vaulted ceilings rose above them, and towering windows lined the walls, offering glimpses of snow-dusted grounds and the expansive gardens beyond. Evergreen wreaths adorned the walls, and silver ornaments gleamed from garlands draped along the staircase, all lit by the soft glow of enchanted candles.

While she marveled at the opulence of it all, Lysander led her forward, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze as they moved through the grand hall. She could feel the subtle shift in atmosphere as they approached the party, the faint sound of strings and laughter filtering through the open doors.

As they entered the main ballroom, a tall, stately doorman standing just inside cleared his throat and called out in a deep, resonant voice, “Mr. Lysander Clearwater, accompanied by Miss Evangeline Sterling.”

The announcement echoed across the hall, drawing the attention of everyone present. There was a polite smattering of applause, heads turning to observe them as they stepped into the room. Evangeline’s heart fluttered, and she felt herself instinctively tighten her hold on Lysander’s arm. All around them were faces, expressions both curious and scrutinizing, each one belonging to one of Britain’s most prominent pure-blood families.

The ballroom itself was as breathtaking as the estate’s grand entrance, its high ceilings adorned with enchanted snowflakes and angels that drifted gracefully through the air before vanishing, leaving only a faint shimmer. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden light over everything, illuminating the guests’ elegantly tailored robes and glittering jewelry. Yet, for all its beauty, the ballroom felt almost like a stage, with her and Lysander as actors under the spotlight.

Lysander glanced down at her with a gentle smile, offering her silent reassurance as they began to make their way through the crowd. But the weight of so many eyes on her was nearly overwhelming, and her heart raced as she met the faces she recognized, thanks to Ominis’s help in preparing her for the evening.

Directly across the room, she saw the Rosiers, and a few steps away from them were the Notts, the Greengrasses, and, in the corner, a small cluster of younger members of the Bones family. Each family name conjured Ominis’s careful descriptions from the last few weeks—the Rosiers, with their dignified but unyielding ways; the Notts, known for their quiet but influential presence; and the Bones family, a more progressive branch yet still wary of outsiders. She felt herself instinctively standing a bit taller, hoping to project confidence even as whispers began to hum through the crowd.

From her peripheral vision, she noticed Lady Selwyn, a striking woman with silver hair pulled back in an intricate twist, watching her with an expression of cool appraisal. Just beside her was her son, who glanced briefly at Evangeline before returning his attention to his mother, the two of them leaning close to exchange what she could only assume were pointed comments.

Lysander leaned down to murmur in her ear, his voice warm and reassuring. “You’re doing wonderfully, Evangeline. They’re simply curious—nothing more.”

Evangeline nodded, managing a small smile in return, though her pulse quickened as they passed by a cluster of guests that included members of the Shacklebolt family and the Montagues. She could feel their gazes assessing her, each one almost certainly wondering about her background, her connection to Lysander, and her place in this world of lineage and privilege. Every smile, every polite nod they extended felt as though it carried a question rather than a welcome.

An orphan, isn’t she? No known family… a curious choice.

Rather unusual for a Clearwater to bring someone without a lineage, is it not?.

Though her chest tightened, Evangeline forced herself to hold her head high, willing herself to remain composed. Just breathe, she reminded herself. You’re here because he wants you here.

Then, across the room, Evangeline recognized Lysander’s parents, standing near a gathering of dignified guests. Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater were the picture of elegance—his mother in a deep sapphire gown that shimmered like the midnight sky, and his father in stately robes of rich navy trimmed with silver. They spoke with effortless grace, offering polite nods and warm smiles to the other guests. Evangeline could see where Lysander had inherited his poise and charm, but the sight of his parents brought a fresh wave of nerves.

As they crossed the room toward them, Lysander leaned down and whispered reassuringly, “Don’t worry. They’re thrilled to meet you.”

Evangeline mustered a small smile and a nod, grateful for his steadying presence but acutely aware of the scrutinizing gazes that followed their every step. She could feel herself slipping into a practiced politeness, a mask that she hoped would help her navigate the evening.

“Mother, Father,” Lysander greeted them warmly. “I’d like to introduce you to Evangeline.”

Mrs. Clearwater’s eyes lit up with a smile that, though kind, held the sharpness of someone well-versed in societal expectations. “Miss Sterling, what a pleasure it is to finally meet you,” she said, extending a graceful hand. “Lysander has spoken so highly of you.”

“It’s lovely to meet you both,” Evangeline replied, taking her hand with a respectful nod. “Thank you for inviting me. And please, call me Evangeline."

Mr. Clearwater gave her a polite smile, his gaze appraising but not unkind. “We’re glad to have you with us tonight, Evangeline,” he said. “The Solstice Ball is a tradition we’ve looked forward to hosting for years.”

“I am most pleased to be here,” she replied, choosing her words carefully. “It’s truly an honour to witness such a longstanding tradition.”

As they continued to chat, Evangeline found herself relaxing, her initial nerves giving way to a tentative ease under the polite but genuine interest of Lysander’s parents. The questions his parents asked were gentle, considerate, and more about getting to know her than she’d expected.

Mrs. Clearwater asked her which subject she enjoyed most, and as she replied, sharing her fondness for Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts, she noticed a warm approval in the woman’s eyes. Even Mr. Clearwater’s questions were light and conversational, his expression softening as he listened to her talk about her her favourite professors. Though there was an air of formality in their questions, she could sense their genuine curiosity, and it helped her to feel less like an outsider.

“I’ve heard from Lysander that you’re quite dedicated to your studies,” Mr. Clearwater remarked with a slight smile. “He says you spend hours in the library.”

Evangeline managed a small laugh, glancing at Lysander, who returned her smile with pride in his eyes. But as she looked away, a pang of guilt pricked her heart. She had told Lysander so often that she was “studying” when, in reality, her late-night hours were often spent in the shadows of the Undercroft with Sebastian and Ominis.

She tried to brush the thought aside, focusing on Mr. Clearwater’s friendly expression. “Yes,” she replied, her voice steady. “There’s always more to learn, and the library feels… comforting, somehow.”

Mrs. Clearwater nodded approvingly, her gaze warm. “That dedication is commendable, Evangeline. Lysander also tells us you’re also quite a talented Quidditch player. It’s rare to see someone so well-rounded in both studies and sport.”

Evangeline forced another smile, hoping they wouldn’t see the hesitation in her eyes. “Thank you, Mrs. Clearwater-"

But before Lysander's mother could say more, a voice called across the room, “Lysander! There you are!”

A distinguished-looking wizard with graying hair and a finely embroidered robe approached them, his expression one of pleasant expectation. Evangeline felt Lysander’s hand tighten gently on her arm as he turned to face the newcomer.

“Uncle Hamish,” Lysander greeted, his tone warm and familiar. “It’s good to see you.”

The man gave Lysander a hearty clap on the shoulder before his gaze fell on Evangeline. “Ah, you must be the Miss Sterling I’ve heard so much about,” he said with a friendly but appraising look. “Welcome to the Solstice Ball. It’s rare we see fresh faces around here.”

“Thank you,” Evangeline replied, inclining her head respectfully. “It’s an honour to be here.”

Uncle Hamish’s eyes twinkled with curiosity, but before he could ask her anything further, more family friends began to approach, and soon Lysander and Evangeline were drawn into a string of introductions. Each new face carried a name steeped in history: the Travers, the Macmillans, and the Rowles, each offering polite nods or warm smiles, their expressions various shades of curiosity and judgment. And Evangeline, for her part, continued to smile, to play along, even if the polite nods and mildly approving expressions of the guests never reached their eyes.

As they continued their rounds, she noticed familiar faces from Hogwarts in the mix. Scorpius Malfoy, looking every bit his aristocratic heritage in a deep blue robe with silver trim, chatted with an older member of the Shacklebolt family. The Notts triplets lingered in a group by the tall marble fireplace, and the Greengrass children exchanged pleasantries with the Black family near the refreshment tables. Each of them was a reminder of just how tightly woven the pure-blood world was, how its traditions and alliances were valued more than ever within the gilded confines of this ballroom.

“Lysander Clearwater,” a cold but civil voice said, interrupting them. Evangeline turned, coming face to face with a dignified woman in shimmering silver robes and an intricate hairpiece adorned with tiny crescent moons. Evangeline recognized the woman immediately—Lady Marigold Selwyn, one of the strictest, most traditional pure-blood figures in the room, according to Ominis.

“Lady Selwyn,” Lysander greeted smoothly, giving a polite nod as Evangeline curtsied. Lady Selwyn’s gaze shifted to Evangeline, her expression unreadable.

“You must be Miss Sterling, I presume?” The older woman’s eyes lingered on her, calculating. “It’s rare to see a… newcomer, at an event like this.”

Evangeline managed a polite smile, her heartbeat quickening. “Thank you for welcoming me, Lady Selwyn.”

Lady Selwyn’s smile was small and unreadable. “Indeed.” Her gaze flicked back to Lysander and her smile held a hint of something sharp as she continued, “I must say, I wasn’t aware the Clearwaters would be so… comfortable inviting someone of unknown heritage to such an event.”

The words hung in the air, delicate yet barbed, and Evangeline felt a tightening in her chest as the implication landed. She glanced at Lysander, hoping for a confident dismissal of the remark. But to her surprise, his expression faltered, and for the first time that evening, he seemed unsure. His hand tightened slightly around hers, as though reassuring himself as much as her.

“Lady Selwyn,” he began, his voice measured, “Evangeline is my guest tonight, and that’s all that should matter.”

The response, though polite, felt strangely hollow, and Evangeline could sense that it hadn’t quite satisfied the question hovering in the air. Lady Selwyn raised an eyebrow, her faint, polite smile never faltering as she regarded them both, and after a moment, she offered a small, dismissive nod.

“Of course,” she said smoothly. “Forgive me, my dear. It’s just that traditions are… important to some of us.” With that, she gave them both a polite nod and drifted away, leaving Evangeline feeling strangely exposed.

The silence lingered for a moment, and she turned to Lysander, hoping for some reassurance. But his expression remained oddly guarded, and he looked away, clearing his throat.

“It’s nothing,” he said softly. “Lady Selwyn… she's particularly traditional. Don’t take it personally.”

Evangeline studied him, a seed of doubt taking root. There had been something in his response—something evasive. But before she could press the question and figure out what, a familiar figure caught her eye across the room. Ominis stood near a corner, looking poised and calm as he conversed with a few guests, his posture relaxed despite how much Evangeline knew he hated these events. Relief washed over her as she saw him, and for a moment, the tension in her chest eased. She managed a small smile, grateful to see a familiar face amid the sea of strangers.

“Would you excuse me for a moment?” she asked, her hand slipping from Lysander's. “I’d like to say hello to Ominis.”

Lysander nodded, his expression softening. “Of course. I’ll be right here.”

With a grateful smile, Evangeline excused herself and wove through the crowd, making her way toward Ominis. He sensed her approach, turning slightly and offering her a warm smile when she reached him.

“Evangeline,” he greeted, his voice a comforting balm amid the evening’s mounting tension. “You look… truly stunning.”

“Thank you, Ominis,” she replied, her voice soft with relief. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Ominis tilted his head, his smile fading slightly as he caught a note of strain in her tone. “Are you all right?”

She hesitated, her gaze flicking back to where Lysander stood, surrounded by his family’s world. “I’m… not sure,” she admitted, feeling her guarded composure begin to crack. “There’s a lot I didn’t expect about tonight.”

“Am I one of them?”

Evangeline couldn’t see him, but she’d know that voice anywhere. She turned slowly, and there he was—Sebastian, standing behind her with that familiar lopsided smirk, dressed in dark formal robes that seemed to make his eyes even darker, more intense.

"Sebastian," she breathed, both surprised and unsteady.

Ominis’s expression held a hint of mischief, “I thought you’d appreciate a familiar face or two,” he said, as if orchestrating this was the most obvious thing in the world.

Evangeline glanced back at Sebastian, her emotions twisting. She knew, logically, that she shouldn’t be entirely surprised. Sebastian was a pure-blood, after all, even if his family name didn’t hold the same prestigious position among the 24 as Ominis's. And, in a way, it was perfectly reasonable for Ominis to bring him as a guest, given that he had, once again, openly spited his own family’s expectations by refusing to bring a date.

Still, seeing Sebastian here, dressed in dark formal robes that seemed to sharpen every line of his face, took her by surprise. The sight of him like this—a balance of elegance and barely-contained restlessness—made her heart skip in a way she hadn’t quite prepared for.

“I hope you’re not too disappointed to see me,” Sebastian said, a trace of teasing in his voice, though his gaze was sharper, more intent, as he took her in.

She shook her head, managing a small smile despite the way her chest tightened. “No, not at all. I—” She paused, “I'm just surprised. What are you doing here?” she managed, her voice soft.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “What? I can’t attend a fancy ball with my best mate?” His smile softened slightly as his gaze held hers.

Ominis gave her arm a light squeeze, “What was it you came to tell me?”

Evangeline blinked, her thoughts scattering. She had prepared herself for this night, for Lysander’s world and all the traditions it entailed. But she hadn’t prepared for Sebastian—hadn’t anticipated the way his dark, roguish eyes would draw her in with the simplest of looks, how his presence alone could make her feel unsteady.

“I… nothing, I just wanted to say hello, Ominis,” she managed, trying to focus on anything but Sebastian’s gaze.

She cast a nervous glance back toward Lysander, reminding herself of his kindness, his patience, his unwavering attention tonight. This night was important to him—to them. And she was here to be part of his world, to show him the respect of her focus and presence. It wasn’t fair to let herself be pulled in another direction by someone who, no matter how much he meant to her, wasn’t courting her. Wasn't offering her a future in the way Lysander was.

“I should get back,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else, willing her heart to slow as she took a step back. “Lysander’s waiting for me.”

Ominis’s expression softened, reading the conflict in her face. “Of course, Evie,” he said gently, his gaze flicking to Sebastian, who gave him an unreadable look in return.

With one last glance at them both, she turned, making her way back through the crowd to Lysander, hoping her face didn’t betray the tumult within her.

Sebastian watched her retreat, his expression unreadable and his eyes never leaving her until she melted into the crowd. He knew, deep down, that he shouldn’t have come. This was Evangeline’s night, a public statement of her courtship with Clearwater. He could see it in the way Lysander had held her hand, his possessive pride at having her by his side, dressed in a gown that has Sebastian’s heart stuttering.

And yet, he couldn’t help himself.

“She looks beautiful tonight,” Sebastian murmured, almost to himself, his voice carrying a note of longing he hadn’t intended to let slip.

Ominis nodded, his own gaze softening as he watched Evangeline laugh with Lysander across the room. “She does,” he agreed, though there was a subtle edge to his tone, as if reminding Sebastian of the reality before them. “But remember what this night means for her. For Lysander.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, and he forced himself to look away, staring at the glittering crowd as though he could will his heart back under control. “I know,” he muttered, the words barely audible. The sight of her with Lysander—the easy way they fit together tonight—stirred something raw and painful within him, something he fought to keep buried.

Ominis’s expression darkened slightly, and he lowered his voice. “Though,” he said slowly, a hint of suspicion creeping into his tone, “I believe I know what she wanted to come over and tell me.”

Sebastian frowned, catching the shift in his friend’s demeanour. “What do you mean?”

Ominis’s lips pressed into a thin line, his usually soft expression hardening slightly. “While you’ve been enjoying the food and drinks, I’ve been making an effort to blend in with our esteemed pure-blood company—listening.” His voice grew colder, a hint of bitterness lacing his words. “Being a Gaunt has its uses at events like this. People assume I’m interested in their little whispers about lineage and appearances.”

Sebastian’s brows knitted, his gaze fixed on Ominis with sudden intensity. “What did you hear?”

Ominis took a slow breath, casting a careful glance around to ensure they wouldn’t be overheard. “There’s been talk of Evangeline all evening,” he said, his voice barely above a murmur. “Many here are intrigued by the Clearwaters’ choice to invite someone whose heritage is… less defined. And old Lady Selwyn isn’t the only one who finds it... surprising.” He paused, his jaw tightening. “Some of them have made comments... about her appearance, too."

Sebastian’s fists tightened as Ominis’s words sank in, his face darkening with barely controlled fury. “They’re saying what about her?” His voice was low, simmering, yet his anger was barely contained. He couldn’t believe it—no, he could believe it, but that only made it worse.

Ominis’s gaze flicked to him, noting his clenched jaw. “I overheard many of them talking about it from the moment she walked in. Comments about her ‘fitting in’ if she just—” he hesitated, his voice edged with disgust, “if she lost a few pounds,’ or ‘if she refined herself just a bit more... Honestly Sebastian I can’t even bring myself to repeat it all."

Sebastian’s entire body went rigid, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. A fierce, unspoken fury simmered beneath the surface, his expression hardening into something dangerously unreadable. He couldn’t help but think of Evangeline—how she’d spent the summer in quiet, hidden grief, the weight of loss taking its toll on her. By the time sixth year had started, she’d returned looking as though she'd be hollowed out, her natural curves diminished, her face pale and drawn. He remembered watching her then, noticing the exhaustion in her eyes and the way she seemed to drift through each day, her usual spark dimmed.

Only recently, after countless shared meals where he’d made it his mission to coax her into actually eating, had he seen her begin to come back to herself. Her laughter had returned, the colour in her cheeks brightening, and he’d watched her figure regain the fullness it was always meant to hold. And to Sebastian, her softness, her radiance, her curves—they were everything that made her uniquely, stunningly Evangeline. Irresistible, if he were honest with himself.

The idea that anyone could see her, truly see her, and still suggest she needed to change, to “refine” herself for this world, struck him like a physical blow. And now here she was, enduring these vultures picking apart her appearance as if she hadn’t already lost enough.

“They’re speculating about her background, as well,” Ominis continued, his voice tight with disdain, “Lady Selwyn has already suggested she’s not a suitable match for Lysander because her heritage is unknown. And a few others seem to think Lysander hasn’t been entirely honest with his family about her… origins.”

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, his voice barely controlled. "What do you mean?"

Ominis let out a slow, frustrated breath, his gaze hardening as he glanced around the room, ensuring their conversation remained private. “I mean,” he said quietly, “that Lysander may have presented her here tonight without fully preparing his family for the reality of who she is. Not out of malice, but perhaps… convenience.” His jaw tightened, his normally calm demeanor fraying at the edges. “He may not have explicitly shared that Evangeline is an orphan, that her past is… obscured. Instead, it seems he’s let them draw their own conclusions. And unfortunately, some of the 24,” he glanced meaningfully at Lady Selwyn across the room, "Know the truth."

Sebastian’s anger blazed, his fists clenching at his sides. “If Lysander didn’t tell his family… then she’s here, surrounded by people who already don’t think she belongs. And he’s left her to fend off rumors and comments on her own?”

He could hardly stand it. The gall of it—to parade Evangeline into this room as a token of courtship without the courage to be fully honest, to be proud about who she was. His mind whirred, torn between fury and the urge to pull her out of this charade himself.

Ominis nodded grimly, his expression unreadable. “Exactly.” He paused, glancing in Evangeline’s direction, where she stood next to Lysander, her posture stiff. “She’s holding her own, but...”

Sebastian could barely hear him through the roaring in his ears, his gaze searching for Evangeline across the room. The grace with which she held herself, even as he knew she felt out of place—it left his heart aching and his fists itching to knock some sense into the people around her. “If Lysander can’t even stand up for her… he doesn’t deserve her,” Sebastian muttered, voice harsh.

Ominis’s hand found Sebastian’s shoulder, holding him back. “Sebastian, keep your head. Making a scene will only make things worse.”

Sebastian took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to rein in the fury simmering in his chest. Ominis was right, of course; storming across the ballroom and demanding the respect Evangeline deserved wouldn’t help her in this situation. It would only serve as further fodder for those gossiping mouths to twist, to fuel the whispers that already followed her every step tonight.

But he couldn’t ignore the knot tightening in his stomach as he watched her beside Lysander, her expression calm and poised yet visibly weary.

“She deserves better than this,” he muttered through clenched teeth, his eyes never leaving her figure in the distance. “I can’t just stand here and do nothing.”

Ominis’s grip on his shoulder tightened, grounding him. “Then don’t. But we need to handle this the right way.”

A plan began to form in his mind—a way to pull her from the crowd, if only for a moment, to give her a breath of reprieve. He cast a sidelong glance at Ominis. “If I bring her away for a dance, it won’t cause too much of a stir… right?”

Ominis smirked, catching on to Sebastian’s line of thinking. “A dance could be explained as a courtesy—once she’s already danced with Lysander, there’s no reason why we couldn’t offer.”

Sebastian nodded, his gaze sharp with intent. “If we both can pull her away, perhaps for some of the… longer numbers, we might give her a real break from all of this.” He smirked, a flash of determination in his eyes. “Besides, a little reminder that she’s not alone tonight might do wonders.”

Ominis chuckled, his own smirk laced with mischief. “Indeed. And perhaps it’ll unsettle a few of the more… observant guests, seeing her so well-accompanied.”

With a shared look of understanding, the two made their way across the ballroom toward Evangeline and Lysander, their expressions composed, projecting an air of pure-blood decorum that rarely found its way to Sebastian’s face. He could feel Ominis’s approving smirk beside him, as if the two of them were setting off on a mission rather than simply crossing a room.

As they neared her, Sebastian caught Evangeline’s eyes, watching as a flicker of surprise lit her expression. He suppressed a grin, noting the subtle way her brows lifted, and the small, almost concealed smile that tugged at the corner of her lips. If nothing else, it seemed his ‘proper’ entrance was already having the intended effect.

Lysander greeted them both with a nod, his expression polite but tight, perhaps aware that he was no longer the sole focus of Evangeline’s attention. Before he could speak, however, Ominis stepped forward with the composed grace of a Gaunt heir, inclining his head toward Evangeline.

“Miss Sterling,” he said in a voice smooth enough to rival any of the assembled pure-blood elite, “Mr. Sallow and I would be delighted if you’d allow us each a dance this evening."

Evangeline’s eyes widened, and a faint laugh slipped from her lips as she looked from Ominis to Sebastian, who had plastered a charmingly formal smile on his face to match the act.

“Indeed,” Sebastian added with a glint of mischief, inclining his head. “Would you join us for a dance or two, Miss Sterling? If your esteemed date has no objections, of course,” he said, directing a pointed look at Lysander. It was as courteous as a request could sound, though Lysander caught the unspoken challenge in his tone.

Lysander, managing a polite smile, nodded after a tense pause. “Of course,” he replied, though there was a hint of reluctance in his tone.

Evangeline’s gaze darted between the three of them, her cheeks tinged pink, and her lips pressed together as though she were holding back a laugh. The sight of Sebastian dressed to perfection and behaving as though he were part of the pure-blood inner circle was almost too much for her to bear.

Sebastian couldn’t resist a smirk as he watched her, knowing exactly how out of place she must have felt seeing him behave with such exaggerated propriety. He winked, a subtle gesture that went unnoticed by Lysander but sent a rush of warmth to Evangeline’s cheeks.

“Very well,” she said, managing to keep her tone composed despite the amusement dancing in her eyes. “I’d be honoured to have a dance with each of you.”

“Excellent,” Ominis replied smoothly, reaching for her dance card as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He carefully signed his name, then passed it to Sebastian with a knowing look.

Sebastian took the dance card, his fingers brushing against hers for the briefest moment, sending a subtle but unmistakable jolt through him. He maintained his poised expression, though the corners of his mouth twitched with a hint of amusement as he signed his name in a bold, sweeping script. Handing the card back to Evangeline, he caught her gaze, letting his warm eyes linger a moment longer than strictly necessary.

“Thank you, Miss Sterling,” he said with the utmost formality, his voice a low murmur. “I look forward to our dance.”

Evangeline stifled a laugh, glancing at Ominis with a raised eyebrow, as if to say, Is he serious? But Ominis simply gave a slight, knowing nod, thoroughly enjoying their shared performance.

“Until then,” Ominis added, his tone gentle but unyielding, signaling that they’d soon be reclaiming her attention. He gave her a small, polite bow before turning to leave, his every movement laced with subtle but unmistakable confidence.

Sebastian followed Ominis’s lead, and as they walked away, he couldn’t resist one last glance back at Evangeline. She was watching them, an expression of bewildered delight etched across her face, as though she still couldn’t quite believe what had just happened.

The two made their way back to a vantage point by the ballroom's edge, positioning themselves where they could keep an eye on her. Ominis leaned close, lowering his voice to avoid drawing any unwanted attention.

“Well,” he murmured, a satisfied smirk tugging at his lips, “if nothing else, we’ve given her something to smile about.”

Sebastian’s gaze softened, his anger toward Lysander momentarily replaced by a sense of quiet pride. “Good. Merlin knows she deserves a bit of joy tonight.” He watched her as she returned to conversing with Lysander, her posture slightly more relaxed, her smile genuine. The heaviness in his chest lightened, if only just.

Sebastian and Ominis continued greeting clusters of dignified guests and elite families as the night continued on. Sebastian wore a faintly amused smile, a mask of charm that he’d perfected over the years. Though he held little regard for pure-blood traditions or the rigid expectations of these gatherings, Sebastian knew how to navigate them effortlessly, his natural charisma easing conversations and winning approving nods even from the most scrutinizing figures in the room.

Ominis, meanwhile, was equally adept at the art of polite socializing, his demeanour practiced and precise. His background and name alone commanded respect, and combined with his easy elegance, he could sway conversations and command attention with a quiet word or two. Together, they formed an unbreakable front, subtly deflecting any barbed questions or suspicious glances that came their way regarding Evangeline.

After a few drinks, they found themselves by the bar, each holding a glass of something dark and smooth as they observed the room with a mixture of detachment and careful interest. This late into the night, the laughter had grown louder, the polished veneer of decorum slipping just enough to reveal the familiar arrogance that often accompanied pure-blood gatherings.

“Merlin’s beard, the gall of some of these people,” Sebastian muttered, barely keeping his disdain out of his voice. He took a measured sip of his drink, his gaze shifting to Evangeline across the room.

“Pure-blood tradition,” Ominis replied, his voice laced with irony. “It’s a game, Sebastian. A game we’re all forced to play.” He gave a small shrug, his eyes flicking towards Lady Selwyn, who was in the middle of what looked to be an animated conversation with a group of guests.

Just then, the orchestra struck up the first notes of a formal waltz, finally signaling the beginning of the evening’s opening dance. A hush fell over the ballroom as the guests turned their attention to the dance floor, where Lysander led Evangeline forward with a confident smile.

Sebastian’s gaze zeroed in on her instantly, his heart giving an involuntary, almost painful lurch. She looked radiant, her gown catching the candlelight as she moved, the deep green fabric cascading around her figure.

Her face held an expression of reserved concentration, her eyes meeting Lysander’s with a polite but distant smile. Sebastian’s jaw tightened; he couldn’t help but feel as if she were forcing herself to play a role for him.

Next to him, Ominis nudged his shoulder, pulling Sebastian from his tense reverie. “If you keep staring like that, you’re going to set the whole ballroom on fire.”

Sebastian huffed a quiet laugh, his grip tightening around his glass. “Wouldn’t that be a sight,” he muttered, though his gaze didn’t waver from the dance floor.

Ominis raised an eyebrow but said nothing, watching as Lysander placed a steady hand on Evangeline’s waist, guiding her effortlessly across the floor in time with the music. Lysander’s movements were polished, his steps exact and calculated. Evangeline followed gracefully, though Sebastian could sense a hint of discomfort in her posture, the faint strain in her shoulders as she tried to match Lysander’s steps.

“I wonder what she's thinking,” Sebastian murmured, his gaze never leaving Evangeline.

“…probably something along the lines of ‘don’t trip,’” Ominis replied with a smirk, though his tone softened as he watched her. “But more likely, she’s just focused on keeping up with every unspoken rule in this room."

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. “She shouldn’t have to.” He watched as Lysander spun her, her gown flaring out elegantly before she returned to his arms. Though she was smiling, it was distant, a careful expression that made Sebastian’s chest ache. He’d seen her more relaxed battling a bludger on the Quidditch pitch.

Ominis tilted his head, considering Sebastian's expression with a subdued smile, “You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you're jealous.”

Sebastian shot him a look, but the slight flush in his cheeks betrayed him. In response, Ominis chuckled, though there was an understanding glint in his eyes. “Careful, or you’ll end up declaring a duel for her honor before the night’s through.”

Sebastian managed a dry laugh. “Don’t tempt me.” He took a long sip from his glass, gaze unwavering from Evangeline as she and Lysander moved together in perfect, rehearsed steps.

Soon, the orchestra swelled, and the dance came to an elegant close, applause rippling across the room as couples broke apart and moved to the edges of the floor.

Sebastian watched with a mixture of impatience and something deeper as a series of partners approached Evangeline for dances. He clenched his jaw each time a new hand slipped around her waist, guiding her through the steps of formal waltzes and lively gavottes, though the sting was lessened by the simple fact that none of them were Lysander. Still, a faint ache lingered as he watched her smile politely, never quite reaching her eyes, as she moved gracefully around the floor.

But then, finally, it was Ominis’s turn, and Sebastian allowed himself a small sigh of relief, tension easing from his shoulders. He watched as Ominis approached her with his usual effortless poise, offering his hand as though it were his natural role to lead her across the floor. Evangeline’s smile softened, her eyes lighting up in genuine warmth as she placed her hand in his. The orchestra began a slower waltz this time, and Ominis guided her gracefully into the steps, their movements fluid and comfortable.

Sebastian found himself leaning back, finally able to enjoy the sight of her at ease, her laughter unforced as she and Ominis shared quiet words only they could hear. The tension that had simmered in his chest all evening gradually faded, replaced by a sense of peace. At least with Ominis, she was in good hands, safe from scrutiny or judgment. Safe from having to be anything but herself.

Just as he was beginning to relax, a familiar voice beside him interrupted his thoughts. “Looks like they’re having a good time, doesn’t it?”

Sebastian glanced over, finding himself face-to-face with Lysander at the bar. His smile was polite, his tone cordial, but Sebastian caught the glimmer of something sharper in his eyes.

“Yes,” Sebastian replied smoothly, keeping his expression neutral. “I’m glad to see her enjoying herself.”

Lysander hummed thoughtfully, turning his gaze back toward the dance floor. “It’s good for her to be around friends.” He paused, swirling his drink idly. "I don't need to worry so much about Ominis trying to charm her."

Sebastian felt a sudden shift, the unspoken understanding settling heavily between them. Lysander’s offhand remark about Ominis hadn’t just been a casual observation. But for a fleeting moment, they were united in a mutual sentiment—one both protective and possessive over Evangeline, sparked by the sight of her in Ominis’s embrace.

Sebastian’s smirk softened just a fraction, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Lysander. “Indeed,” he said with a hint of a drawl. “Ominis is as steady as they come.”

Lysander inclined his head, his smile faintly amused. “Exactly. He’s dependable, the sort one doesn’t have to worry about. It’s… reassuring.”

Sebastian’s jaw clenched at the subtext in Lysander’s voice, the implication that anyone else would be a threat. “Reassuring,” he echoed dryly, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Though I doubt Evangeline needs anyone to monitor her choices. I imagine she won’t settle for anything less than exactly what she deserves.”

Lysander’s polite smile tightened, his grip on his glass shifting ever so slightly. “Naturally,” he replied smoothly. “Evangeline has a rare quality. Someone worth respecting—and valuing properly. I'm fortunate to have the means by which to do so. Legacy and tradition certainly help in that regard.”

Sebastian felt the words land like blow to the chest, the calculated sting of Lysander’s remark hitting exactly where it was meant to. Legacy and tradition—a direct reference to his own lack of both. His family name carried none of the prestige of the honoured 24, and whatever heritage he might have claimed had been buried along with his parents. The remnants of his family, shattered and estranged, left him with no claim to any grand lineage, unlike the man currently courting Evangeline.

But Sebastian held his composure, allowing only the faintest smirk to play at his lips, one that dared Lysander to push harder if he wanted a response. “Legacy and tradition,” Sebastian echoed, the words coming out slowly, almost contemplative. “Those are essential, of course.” He paused, swirling his drink as if lost in thought. “But I imagine Evangeline’s not someone who can be… contained by mere tradition.” His gaze flickered back to Lysander, his meaning clear. “Anyone who thinks so might be in for a bit of a surprise.”

Lysander’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, his composure still intact, but Sebastian could sense the underlying tension building with each carefully veiled remark. “True enough,” Lysander replied, his tone masking his irritation. “But she does appreciate the stability that tradition offers. Familiarity, honour… a sense of belonging.” He looked at Sebastian with a faintly superior expression, as though implying that only someone of his status could provide her with such things.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened subtly, though he maintained his relaxed posture. “Perhaps. But then, she’s not someone to be boxed into anyone else’s expectations. She’s far too… vibrant for that.” He let his gaze linger on Evangeline, who laughed at something Ominis said, her eyes bright, her entire demeanour relaxed and radiant.

Lysander’s smile grew faint, his eyes fixed on Sebastian with barely concealed disdain. “You sound quite invested, Mr. Sallow,” he said, his voice smooth but the barb unmistakable. “One might even mistake your attentiveness for something… personal.”

Sebastian turned to meet his gaze directly, his own smile sharpening just enough to reveal the edge beneath it. “Perhaps I am invested, in the sense that I want to see her happy. But then, I am her closest friend. You know, Evangeline has a way of inspiring… loyalty.” He tilted his glass slightly, as though in a subtle toast. “After all, only a fool would take her presence for granted.”

Lysander’s composure wavered for the briefest moment, his fingers tightening around his glass, but he quickly masked it, returning the slight nod with a cold smile. “I wouldn’t dream of it."

Before either of them could speak again, the music shifted, signaling the start of another dance. Sebastian glanced toward the floor, where Evangeline was laughing, her gaze bright as she exchanged a few words with Ominis.

Sebastian downed the rest of his drink in one smooth motion, feeling the warmth settle in his chest as he set the glass down with a soft clink. He met Lysander’s gaze one last time, his smile sharp and challenging.

“Well then, best not to keep her waiting,” he said lightly, inclining his head toward the dance floor. “I’d hate for anyone to think I’m neglecting the rules of tradition.”

He gave Lysander a final nod, then turned, his stride calm and unhurried as he made his way to the edge of the dance floor where Evangeline stood, watching Ominis with a warm smile as he gave her a gentlemanly bow. When Ominis stepped back, he turned and caught Sebastian’s eye, a glint of amusement flickering across his face as he gave a subtle nod of encouragement.

Sebastian couldn’t help but smirk, letting his irritation from the exchange with Lysander melt away as he approached Evangeline, taking in the sight of her as if seeing her anew. Under the ballroom’s warm, flickering lights, she looked ethereal, every bit as captivating as he’d imagined in his most vulnerable moments. The gown she wore perfectly complemented her hazel eyes, its delicate fabric draping elegantly over her curves in a way that was both tasteful and irresistibly alluring.

His eyes traced the line of her jaw, the curve of her shoulders exposed by the off-the-shoulder cut of her gown. And then there was her mouth—a soft, inviting shape that seemed made to pull his gaze, her lips parted in a smile that made his heart stumble.

He hadn’t realized he was holding his breath until he was close enough to feel the warmth radiating from her, an intoxicating mix of confidence and shyness that seemed uniquely hers. Her gaze flicked up to meet his, her eyes widening just a fraction as she registered the intensity in his expression. The hint of surprise in her eyes made his pulse race; she had no idea how stunning she was, or the effect she had on him.

“Sebastian,” she greeted him, her voice soft, and he felt a rush of warmth at the sound of his name on her lips.

He held out his hand, his fingers itching to close the distance, to feel her warmth in his palm. “Miss Sterling,” he replied, his voice a low murmur that carried an undercurrent of unspoken admiration. "May I have this dance?

“Certainly,” she replied, a faint teasing glimmer in her eyes as her hand slipped into his into his, sending an unexpected thrill up his arm.

They took their place on the dance floor, and as he settled one hand at her waist, feeling the warmth of her through the thin fabric, he fought to keep his composure. Her body fit against his so naturally, the gentle curve of her hips pressing against him in a way that felt achingly intimate, even through the propriety of their formal stance. His hand at her waist tightened just slightly, grounding him, as though any release would risk him forgetting himself entirely.

When she looked up at him, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, he managed a faint smile, though the heat simmering beneath it was impossible to disguise.

“Don’t look so shocked,” he murmured, his tone low and teasing. “Believe it or not, I can manage the occasional formal dance without causing a scandal.”

She let out a soft laugh, her shoulders relaxing as they moved in sync with the music. “I’m… impressed,” she admitted, amusement lighting up her gaze.

Sebastian chuckled, his voice warm and rich. “I’ll take that as a high compliment,” he said, letting his hand press just a little more firmly at her waist. “Though, I must admit… it helps to have such a stunning partner. You look... remarkable tonight."

It was an understatement, and he knew it, but he was afraid that admitting the truth—that he found her nothing short of breathtaking—might unravel the thin thread of restraint he clung to.

Her cheeks flushed, and he watched, captivated, as a soft smile curved her lips. “Thank you,” she replied, her voice so quiet he had to lean in to hear it, her breath brushing against his skin, sending a shiver down his spine.

They turned, his hand tightened instinctively at her waist, drawing her just a bit closer. Her eyes flicked up to meet his, and the air between them thickened, the tension growing into something palpable, something unspoken yet unmistakable.

"I must admit, I'm... quite surprised you're here tonight," she murmured, her gaze softening as it held his. There was an unspoken question in her eyes, a flicker of curiosity and something more—a longing he hadn’t dared to hope for.

Sebastian’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Ominis thought you might appreciate some familiar faces,” he replied smoothly, though the truth lay deeper than that. The chance to see her tonight, to be close to her, had been too tempting to ignore. “And, truthfully, I couldn’t resist.”

She raised an eyebrow, her own smile growing as she tilted her head to study him. “Couldn’t resist a formal pure-blood gathering?"

He took a steadying breath, a faint, wistful smile crossing his face. “Well,” he began, his voice lightening just slightly, “I came to offer my services as a very traditional, well-mannered dance partner.”

Her laughter was soft, genuine, and it lit up her eyes in a way that made his pulse quicken. “Well-mannered? That’s new,” she teased, her voice warm.

“Only for tonight,” he said, his tone holding a playful edge, though his gaze on her was steady, unwavering. “Consider it my rare attempt at making a good impression.”

She tilted her head, still smiling. “A good impression? Whatever for?”

“Perhaps to remind you that I’m worth at least one more dance,” he replied smoothly, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of her hand, sending a thrill up his arm.

Evangeline’s gaze softened, a hint of colour rising to her cheeks. “I suppose I could allow that.'

Their steps fell into sync, an effortless rhythm carrying them across the floor. Sebastian found himself drawn to the small details—how her hair framed her face, the warmth of her hand in his, and the way her lips curved into that small, shy smile when she met his gaze. She didn’t seem to realize just how utterly captivating she was. She was more than beautiful; she was… mesmerizing, a force he felt powerless to resist.

As their first dance concluded, Sebastian held onto her hand a fraction longer than necessary, his gaze lingering on her as if memorizing every detail. The orchestra struck up a new melody, and he hesitated, reluctant to let her slip away.

"One more?" he asked despite himself.

Evangeline smiled shyly, offering him a small nod, and he felt a rush of satisfaction as he led her back into the flow of the music, their steps effortlessly aligning.

This dance was slower, more intimate than before, the distance between them narrowing with each turn. Sebastian couldn’t stop himself from tracing every curve, each shy glance, and the soft flush of her cheeks under the ballroom lights. As he felt her heart beat in rhythm with his, he almost let himself believe that this moment was real—that there was no Lysander waiting at the edge of the crowd.

When the final notes faded, they stilled, and reality began to press in on him. Sebastian forced his grip to ease, his hand dropping from her waist as he prepared to release her, despite every instinct screaming to hold on.

As they pulled apart, he managed a faint smile, though his eyes betrayed a flash of pain. "Thank you for the dance, Evangeline. You’ve made my evening…" He trailed off, his voice losing its strength as he struggled to maintain his composure, glancing away briefly to gather himself.

Evangeline gave him a soft, searching look, her own emotions flickering in her gaze. "The pleasure was mine, Sebastian," she whispered, her tone achingly sincere. Then Sebastian caught a flicker of movement over her shoulder—Lysander was watching, a faint frown creasing his features as he started toward them.

Sebastian’s jaw clenched, and his heart twisted painfully. He wanted to say something, to tell her what he truly felt, but the words lodged in his throat, tangled with fear. Instead, he took a steadying breath and stepped back, letting her slip from his grasp with a forced, bittersweet smile.

Every fiber of him longing to reach out, to ask her to stay, to say what he had kept buried inside. But he remained silent, watching her treating form as she she was swept in the Ravenclaw's arms, the vision of her, radiant and out of reach, searing itself into his mind.

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

[thealtoduck]

New PJO OC: Hector Bird

Name: Hector Bird

Gender: Male

Home:

Garden of the Hesperides, San Fransisco, California, U.S.A (Born)

Annapolis, Maryland, U.S.A (Raised)

Camp Half-Blood, Long Island, New York, U.S.A (during summers)

Species: Half-Blood

Godly Parent: Erytheia (One of the Hesperides, Nymphs of Sunset and Evening)

Other Family:

Johnathan Bird (Father)

Zoë Nightshade and the other Hesperides (Aunts)

Atlas (Grandfather)

Love Interest: Leo Valdez

Fatal Flaw: Bitterness

——

Physical Description: He’s very handsome and has the regal and beautiful facial features inherited from his mother. His eyes are honey brown as if one could see the sunset in his eyes. His hair is dark and silky. His skin is tanned and has a soft sunny shimmer to it. His build is slim but athletic from his training at Camp Half-Blood. He also has a piercing in his belly button in silver with a pear shaped gem.

Personality: Hector is a bit reserved at first glance, seeming quite unapproachable and someone you just admire from a far, like a piece of art. But once you get to know him, you’d learn he’s pretty nice and kindhearted. He’s very loyal and devoted to his friends.

He usually acts as the mediator, when there’s an argument between his friends, usually keeping things from getting out of hand.

He might only be a child of a nymph but don’t let that fool you, he fights viciously as if he was a son of a war god. It’s assumed it’s a trait passed down from Atlas, his divine grandfather.

He can come off as a bit touchy and a little difficult when he’s feeling disrespected. Especially when written off as ”just the son of a nymph” or something like it. And when he actually gets mad… you better run.

He however does his best to always hold his head high, staying regal and polished in his composure.

——

Skills and Abilities:

Average Half-Blood Abilities: Enchanced Strength, Speed, Durability, etc…

Hypnotic-Singing: Like the Hesperides, his singing can put the hearer into a light trance.

Dance: He’s a trained dancer in commercial Jazz.

Weapons:

Meteor Hammer

Bozdogan Mace

——

Other facts:

Zoë was the one who led him to camp after the two met in a strange twist of fate. Hector was only 11 years old and didn’t know his godly parent at the time and didn’t know he was related to her but Zoë could tell just looking at him that he was the son of one of her sisters. Despite her dislike of men and heroes she knew she needed to make sure he got to camp safely.

He views Percy somewhat like an older brother. The two got to know each other during their first summer in camp where they both were put in the Hermes Cabin at first.

He’s friends with a lot of nymphs in the forest and lake at Camp Half-Blood.

——

Mini Playlist:

——

[a-spes]

may be in a writing crisis (again)(is that even surprising at this point?) but i got some (good?) ideas so the best i can do is sharing with you all so i am not the only one loosing my mind over it 🥲

Maria Hill x AoS!R — Since she (R) came back from that mission, things are different. At first, the changes were so small that no one noticed, but when she started disobeying direct orders and putting her life in danger during missions, Maria decided that she couldn't let this behavior slide anymore.

(a lot of angst + argument + superior maria hill, and i firmly believe she's hot when she's strict)

Natasha Romanoff x younger sister!R, Yelena Belova x younger sister!R — There were three in Ohio. Three sisters, but one of them has been left behind that night. The urgency of the situation didn't give them a chance to run behind to get the younger of them. She died that day. At least, that's what they thought, until they stumble in their little sister, years after that night. But things can't go back as it used to be that easily, can it?

(I need to do some research and/or rewatch the movie because it has been a long time but it would be angsty, and comforting)

Natasha Romanoff x Daughter!OC — Honestly, I don't even know. I am currently creating an OC for a PJ roleplay, and she ended up with the last name "Romanova". The problem is, the more I think about it, the more I am liken"hm, I could write a fic with her in it" or something with R having similar features. But idk because I've never written anything with an OC.

Also started a found family thing with Natasha Romanoff x Spider!R. It happens after Infinity War, and it's basically R&Natty living together in the empty compound, so a lot of fluff with a bit of angst (or a lot, maybe ...). But it's gonna be a series so it's not for now, just a side project atm.

Also have two WIPs to finish, and the last part of Devious Lies to start. So many things to do, and yet I am unable to write 🥲😭 (i'll write tomorrow)(at least i am gonna try)(i promise)

[boxdstars]

yooooo another mara Q <3: when did she first get heart eyes for natty? as in, was there a moment when her brain went 'i want that one'

Hi silly! <3 Thank you for the ask :)

This one is a funny story because a lot of it isn’t in even game, it’s all crafted my my design. See, Amara predates HL by a long shot. She was her own isolated HP oc, and currently she’s also a tertiary antagonist in my own novel. In none of these does she have a canon relationship. Rather she’s a bit of a womanizer.

So, on my second official Amara playthrough (the one I post for content) I was like hm. I should give Mara a gf. I didn’t have anyone in mind I just went through the first act of the game carefree until I realized I really liked the dynamic she and Natty could have. There’s totally opposites but have a lot of shared values, even if they both have wildly different ways of achieving them.

In a way, this is also how Mara fell in love. Happenstance. They’re from rival houses but have no animosity towards one another, just two girls who slowly bonded since Nat showed up. Amara was sort of indifferent about love, she had no interest and found grandiose acts of a display rather.. cringe. In a way, she still does. But when alone with her girlfriend she’s quite the sap. And the SIMP. Because if Natty wants to do something even if Mara hates it, she will fold and be like “yeah.. okay fine” because she loves Natsai so much.

The “I want her moment” definitely was at the very end of their fourth year, when they were school friends at that point and would duel casually. Something about being against Nat in a one-on-one duel was the most thrilling and romantic thing for Amara that it didn’t even matter that she cleaned house (because it’s Mara and she won ofc) because she was like “how is she so pretty” like the lesbian she is

[nightxwitch]

Stairs

Credit: The idea of Sebastian trying to climb the stairs to the female dorms while arguing with his romantic interest only to fall on his ass was from @kirke-is-my-name, who kindly gave me permission to write about it. ♥

The characters (other than my OC), places, and spells are all from Hogwarts Legacy.

All main characters have been aged up to 20 years old, since I’m an adult and don’t feel comfortable writing romance about teenagers. This is somewhat of a love triangle situation between Sebastian/my OC Séance/Ominis but will ultimately lead to Séance/Sebastian. Feel free to imagine yourself as the love interest, I don’t mind, I simply don’t like writing “y/n” stories as much. :) I also posted this on Fanfiction.net under the same username. Here's the link if you'd like to read it there:

Some parts are in Sebastian’s POV, some parts are from Séance’s POV. I do hope you enjoy despite the fact that I wrote this all in one sitting! ^~^

Word count: 4,616

Rating: T for a bit of cursing and sensual references.

-

Séance’s POV

“Séance, do you have a moment?” Ominis asked, catching up to me as I exited Professor Hecat’s classroom.

“Of course, what can I do for you, Ominis?” I replied, making a beeline for the edge of the hallway so others would pass us by.

Ominis shifted from foot to foot restlessly, and he adjusted the collar to his robe. “I was wondering- well, I just wanted to ask if you would like to join me at The Three Broomsticks this Friday after classes.”

“That sounds lovely,” I agreed, “will Sebastian be joining us as well?” Sebastian almost always accompanied us when we went to The Three Broomsticks, and on the rare occasion he didn’t, Natty, Imelda, or Poppy had tagged along.

“Not this time…I thought it could just be you and I this trip.” His cheeks appeared a bit flushed, but I attributed that to his rush to grab my attention after class.

“Well, that sounds just fine to me. I’ve got to stop by Tomes and Scrolls anyhow, so perhaps I’ll do so afterward.”

“It’s a plan then.” Ominis replied, a smile spread across his lips. “I’ll see you in final period.” He added before waving and heading off toward his next class.

I turned to make my way to the Herbology corridor.

-

Sebastian welcomed me with a grin and a quick wave of his hand as I entered the classroom, walking to my potting station adjacent to his.

“Hey.” He greeted me.

“Hello Sebastian, how are you?”

“I’m excited for my next Crossed Wands duel. I’ve been practicing and I’m going to destroy Imelda.” The brunette chuckled, before glancing my way. “How are you? You’ll be there, right? This Friday afternoon.”

I froze, feeling guilty already. I hadn’t missed one of Sebastian’s duels yet, just as he hadn’t missed any of mine. “I’m so sorry Sebastian, I’m afraid I’ve already made plans Friday. I had no idea you were scheduled to duel.”

“Oh,” He replied, a disappointed expression on his face, “It’s alright, I understand. I guess I can’t expect you to be at all of them.”

“Maybe I can reschedule,” I began.

“That’s not necessary, Séance. If you’ve already made plans, then you should see them through.” He insisted.

“Alright then,” I replied uncertainly.

Professor Garlick then began rattling off information about the amazing Venomous Tentacula and its different properties, informing us that the plant could even be utilized in certain potions.

-

Sebastian’s POV

The remainder of the day passed, and I found myself simmering for most of it. I couldn’t figure out why, given that Séance had only made plans because she hadn’t been aware of my scheduled duel. Regardless, she had every right not to come. She had no obligation to me. I knew I was acting ridiculous, but I still couldn’t help the way that I felt, even if my feelings weren’t justifiable.

I dragged myself to the male Slytherin dorms, dropping my bag to the ground with a loud thud. I defeatedly slumped onto my bed face-first, groaning.

“You seem to be in quite a mood.” Ominis said cheerily from his bed next to mine, and I jumped at the surprise of his company.

“Ominis! I didn’t know you were there.” I replied, rolling onto my back.

“Forgive me, I’d simply assumed that the person whose eyes worked would have seen me when he came in.” He quipped, chuckling.

I sighed, annoyed, even though I knew I’d usually have found humor in the situation and Ominis’ joke.

Ominis furrowed his brow, turning his face in my general direction. “Alright, what’s wrong? You’re usually mercurial but this is a new level of sulking, even for you.”

I groaned in irritation and waved him off even though he wouldn’t see it. “I don’t want to discuss it. Why don’t you tell me what’s got you so nauseatingly cheerful?”

Ominis grinned once again at the subject, and he clasped his hands in front of him. “If you must know, I’ve got a date this Friday.”

“A date? With whom?” I asked, my eyes narrowing in suspicion. Friday was the day Séance had told me she had plans.

I mentally reassured myself that it couldn’t be her, because she’d given no implication that she was romantically interested in Ominis. In fact, she hadn’t seemed to take particular interest in anyone as of yet.

“With Séance. I asked her today after Defence Against the Dark Arts.” Ominis’ cheeks reddened and he continued to smile, evidently unable to wipe the dopey look off his face.

“That can’t be right, Séance doesn’t date. Everyone knows that.” I pointed out. Many men, and even some women, in our school had tried. She’d turned them all down, albeit gently. “And why didn’t you tell me you were going to ask her?”

“I suppose the right person just hadn’t asked her yet.” Ominis shrugged. “And I didn’t want to say anything until there was something to tell. Now there is.”

“You can’t date her!” I blurted out before clamping my mouth shut, resting my face in my palm.

“And why not?” Ominis replied defensively. His glare missed me by a couple feet, but I got the message.

“B-Because, it’ll ruin our friend group.” I said, scrambling for an excuse. Even to my own ears, it fell flat. “Besides, are you sure she even knows it’s a date? Did you explicitly ask her on a date?”

 “Sebastian, if I didn’t know you better, I’d say you sound jealous.” Ominis crossed his arms over his chest. “I thought you’d be happy for me. And no, I didn’t say ‘Hey Séance, will you go on a date with me?’, but I did ask her to accompany me to The Three Broomsticks. When she asked if you were coming, I told her I would like for it to just be the two of us. I don’t feel I could have made it much more obvious that I was asking her on a date.”

“Jealous? Why would I be jealous?!” I asked incredulously, despite absolutely feeling jealous.

“Because I know you used to like her, but that was years ago. I’d thought you had moved past those feelings.” Ominis countered, still looking indignant. “Apparently I was incorrect.”

“So I might have had some feelings when we first became friends, but that was so long ago! Things are different now.” As I spoke the words, I could feel that they were a lie.

“What stopped you from acting on those feelings back at the start, then?” Ominis asked. “You must not have liked her much if you didn’t bother making a move. That’s never been an issue for you with other women.” He pointed out.

“Because I liked Séance too much. I didn’t want to ruin our friendship, or destroy the group dynamic we have. I’m not great with women, I knew I’d fuck it up somehow, so I let it go.” I admitted.

“Did you? Let it go, I mean? Because it sure doesn’t sound like you ‘let it go’.” Ominis pursed his lips skeptically.

“I thought I had.” I admitted quietly. “But now I don’t know how I feel.”

“Well, you better figure it out, Sebastian.” Ominis said coldly. “Because I don’t want things to progress with Séance unless I know there’s nothing between you two on her end. You need to settle this.”

“How can you even like her?” I asked cynically.

“What kind of a question is that?” Ominis retorted. “You know how because you like her, too.”

“That’s not what I meant. You were vehemently against me using Dark Magic and were furious when I learned the Unforgivable Curses. How can you now seek the hand of someone who uses those very same Curses?”

Ominis was quiet for a moment, pondering this. “It bothered me too much at first,” He conceded, “But I’ve known her for so long now. She only uses those spells to protect and help others.”

“That’s the same reason I started learning them!” I exclaimed frustratedly.

Ominis sighed defeatedly. “I’m aware, Sebastian. I stopped raking you over the coals for that ages ago. Where is this coming from? You know you’re not going to talk me out of having feelings for her, right?”

I took a deep breath as well. “I know…” Standing up, I grabbed my book-bag off of the floor where I’d dumped it earlier. “I’m going to the library to study.” I told him dryly.

-

Séance’s POV

Ominis sat next to me in Defence Against the Dark Arts as usual, but he looked much more perturbed than he typically did. 

“Is everything alright today, Ominis?” I asked him, whispering since we were supposed to be listening to Professor Hecat.

He continued looking forward but tilted his head toward me to hear more clearly. “I’m okay, but I think you need to speak to Sebastian.” Ominis murmured back, frowning.

My brow furrowed in confusion, “Why?” I asked him.

“I’ll not say more, you two need to have a discussion.”

And he stayed true to that sentiment, refusing to elaborate when I attempted to get him to throughout the class. The bells rang and the nervousness fluttering in my stomach became a full-on swarm as I made my way to Herbology class, knowing I’d see Sebastian there. I wondered why Ominis had said I needed to speak to him, and whether it was about something bad. Had I done something wrong, or was he still unhappy about me missing his duel?

I entered the Herbology room, my glance nervously flicking toward Sebastian. He was already seated, and even as I sat next to him, he refused to look at me.

“Hi, Sebastian…” I greeted him awkwardly.

“Séance.” He replied curtly.

“Okay, what’s wrong?” I asked, trying to level with him.

“What do you mean? Nothing’s wrong.” He replied flatly, still refusing to glance in my direction.

“Ominis told me I needed to speak with you. He wouldn’t say anything more than that.”

Sebastian laughed dryly, rolling his eyes. “Oh, did he now?”

“Okay seriously, Sebastian-” I began, but he quickly cut me off.

“We should pay attention to Professor Garlick.” He stated dismissively, turning his gaze toward the red-haired woman.

My brow pinched in concern, and I frowned, “That’s a first” I muttered.

Sebastian never had an issue ignoring teachers in favor of chatting with me before. It was clear he was upset, but I didn’t understand why. After all, I’d offered to postpone my plans and he had declined. I didn’t feel I'd earned his ire at all. Then again, he was known to have a temper sometimes. I decided to shrug it off and assumed things would improve on their own. If he didn’t start acting normal by the end of the day, then I’d bring the matter to his attention again.

The rest of class passed without incident, but also without Sebastian so much as looking at me. As the bells chimed to signify the end of the period, Sebastian turned to leave but I gently grasped his forearm to stop him.

“Sebastian, aren’t we walking to the next class together?” I inquired. We had every other day, given that we shared the same final period, where we’d join Ominis as well.

“I’ve got something I need to do before going to class.” He informed me shortly, pulling his arm away and heading off.

I sighed, gathering my belongings, and walked toward Professor Sharp’s classroom for final period.

“Who put a broomstick in his ass?” Imelda asked, watching Sebastian’s back as he hurried off.

“I don’t know. I must have done something to anger him.” I shrugged, looking over at her.

 “Can’t imagine what.” She said, smirking as if she knew something more than I did.

I looked at her suspiciously. “What do you know?”

“Not much more than you do.” She replied, gesturing for me to enter Professor Sharp’s class ahead of her. I found Sebastian already seated. I felt my eyes narrow in irritation. He clearly lied about not being able to walk to class with me since he was here before me. I decided not to sit next to him and Ominis, and instead choose a station next to Imelda.

“So, you’re avoiding Sebastian now?” She asked, quirking an eyebrow. “Here I thought he was the one avoiding you.”

“Things are weird with him right now and I don’t know why.” I muttered, disgruntled. “I thought I should give him space until I figure it out.”

“I’ve an idea.” She smirked at me; a knowing glance shot my way.

“You do? What is it, then?”

“It’s because of your date with Ominis, of course.” She informed me flippantly with a wave of her hand.

I froze, squinting at her. “My what?”

She looked at me, brow furrowed and eyes narrowed “I heard him ask you out yesterday in the hallway. Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell anyone about it. I don’t care enough to anyway.”

My eye twitched as the synopses in my brain misfired. “I…I’m not going on a date with Ominis. He only asked me to The Three Broomsticks. We always go there together.”

“Alone?” She asked, putting an emphasis on the word.

I gaped at her in silence for a moment. “Well, no…”

“That’s what I thought.” Imelda made her point, tugging at the base of her top to adjust it.

“But why would Sebastian be treating me differently because of that?” I asked.

Imelda looked at me like I was a dolt and opened her mouth to answer, but Professor Black interrupted from right behind us.

“My apologies, ladies. I didn’t realize I was interrupting your social hour with my boring instruction. Shall I wait for your gossip about Mr. Sallow to conclude before I continue?” He asked, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

Both of us blushed, embarrassed at being confronted in front of the whole class. I knew my face was beet-red. Each of us muttered an apology.

“Ah, excellent.” Professor Sharp said and then retreated, continuing to teach. I couldn’t pay attention, more focused on Sebastian across the room and my thoughts of the situation at hand. I kept looking his way to see if he had a reaction to what our professor had said in front of the class. He met my stare a couple times, holding it for a few seconds, his face devoid of expression, before looking elsewhere.

‘That’s enough.’, I decided, ‘I’m talking to him after class’.

I had my supplies packed up before the bells even rang and sprang up the second I heard the first notes ring out. I saw Sebastian rushing to escape the classroom ahead of me, but I had been prepared for this and caught up to him.

“That’s it, you’re talking to me right now.” I commanded him authoritatively, grabbing his upper arm and pulling him back once we were far enough down the hallway.

With my hand on his arm, I could feel muscle that his robes hid well. In the last few years, he’d grown up quite a lot. He was now at least six inches taller than my 5’7 height, and I had to look upward to view his face. It was unlike when we first met, and our heights had only been centimeters apart. My hand, fully stretched, still didn’t even cover half of his bicep as I held onto it.

He turned to me, and his eyes flicked to mine, cold and dark. “Oh, am I?” He asked derisively, tearing his arm from my grasp. “And why should I do that?”

I blinked, caught off guard by this reaction. “Because we’re supposed to be friends.” I answered, desperately trying to figure out why he’d be this infuriated.

“Friends?” Sebastian repeated, his posture relaxing deceptively as he raked his hand through his messy brown hair. “I don’t think so.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my voice wavering slightly. “What is that supposed to mean?” I asked hollowly.

“A friend wouldn’t ditch me to go on a date with someone who’s like a brother to me!” His anger exploded again, and he paced back and forth, continuing to muss up his hair and make it even more wild.

“Sebastian…” I said softly, “I had no idea it was a date; you have to believe me.”

“Yeah, right!” He spat back, “You know what? I’m done with this conversation.” He stormed off, and I followed right on his heels.

I called after him several times, trailing him all the way to the dorms before he finally stopped to turn around.

“What do you want?!” He yelled; expression twisted in fury. “I don’t want to talk to you! I’m done with this, stop pestering me!”

I glared at Sebastian, crossing my arms over my chest. Stepping closer to him, I looked up at his enraged face.

“You’re really this petty? You’re going to end a four-year friendship over a misunderstanding? You have no right to treat me this way! Even if I wanted to go on dates, I could, Sallow. You don’t own me. You are so out of line it’s unbelievable.” I shouted, tears of frustration brimming my eyes. “I’ve sat around waiting for you to ask me out for years, Sebastian. Years, and you never did. I’ve turned down everyone else who asked in the pathetic hope that you might throw me a scrap of romantic attention. Meanwhile, I’ve had to stand by and watch you date a new woman every other month. So, you don’t get to do this. I’m the one who’s done.” I poked his chest, hard. “I’m done talking to you. And believe me when I say I’m done being friends with you, too.” I added, my voice trembling.

I turned and ran up the stairs to the female Slytherin dorm rooms, finally letting the tears fall onto my cheeks now that he could no longer see me.

-

Sebastian’s POV

“I’ve sat around waiting for you to ask me out for years, Sebastian.”

The words repeated themselves in my head several times before they fully registered. Why was I such an idiot? Why did I say I didn’t want to be friends with her anymore?

“I’m done being friends with you, too.”

My jaw finally shut, and I sprung into action.

“Séance, get back here! We’re not finished with this conversation!” I shouted after her, still clinging to my anger as I sprinted up the stairs.

Only, there were no stairs. It became a flat, slippery ramp and I stumbled back, sliding downward and finally landing on my ass. I grunted at the brunt of the fall, my cheeks reddening in embarrassment. If that wasn’t a lesson in humility, I didn’t know what was.

“Impressive,” Imelda said wryly. “That’ll win her over for sure.”

She smirked at me, and I could tell she was holding back laughter. How gracious of her. I stood up again, my fists clenched.

“Will you please get Séance to come down here?” I asked through gritted teeth.

“Why should I?” Imelda asked, that familiar judgmental tone in her voice. “It seems you’ve done enough already. You really messed this one up.”

“Please, Imelda, I’m begging you.” I stared at her, my expression hard and serious.

“Hmm…Alright. But only because you begged. I like Séance. I think she’ll be able to keep you in line. Someone has to.” She gave me an up-and-down glance then disappeared up the staircase.

I paced back and forth, awaiting Séance’s return at the bottom, our conversation on replay in my mind.

-

Séance’s POV

Imelda approached me, and I knew I looked like a full-on lunatic. I had tears running down my cheeks from when I was upset only a minute ago, but now I was also stifling laughter after what I’d just witnessed. Sebastian, fully in his rage-mode, getting dumped onto his ass by a magic staircase. I started chuckling all over again. There were too many emotions brewing within me. Embarrassment that I’d finally admitted my feelings for him, fear over what the things that had transpired between us would mean and how things would change moving forward, anger that he was treating me so poorly, helplessness over the entire situation, hurt that he tried to end our friendship over nothing, and humor over the staircase situation. I laughed again as I thought of it.

“I see you watched Sebastian’s staircase debacle.” Imelda said, a mirthful smile playing on her lips.

I smirked back at her. “It was quite a finale to a hellish display.”

She gave a bark of a laugh, then sat next to me on my bed, touching my shoulder. “Are you alright?”

I looked over at her, noticing for the hundredth time how pretty she was. For all her snark, surface-level narcissism, and detached demeanor, she was quite wonderful once you got to know her.

“Yes, Imelda, I’m fine. Thank you for checking on me.”

“That’s what I’m here for.” She said, leaning further on the bed and crossing her legs underneath her. “Well, that and…”

“And what?” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose to take the edge off my headache. “What did Sebastian say to you?”

“He really wants you to go back down and talk to him. He literally begged me to come get you. As much as I usually love seeing a cocky, delusional man resort to begging, I did actually feel a bit bad for him.” She bit her index finger, looking off into the distance as she thought about it. “You are quite something to lose.”

“You should have heard the way he was talking to me, Imelda.” I refuted. “But thank you, that’s sweet of you to say.”

“I did hear him. Well, most of what he said, anyway. There’s a lot of passion in that man.” She grinned over at me. “That kind of passion transfers well into other areas, if you catch my meaning.”

I laughed a bit and then sighed, shaking my head. “Only you, Imelda.”

I blushed upon pondering what she’d said. Sebastian was nothing if not passionate.

“There is no one like me.” She remarked, her hand flat under her face to frame it and exaggerate her statement. “So, are you going to go talk to him?”

I groaned, tilting my head, and glanced toward her. “Should I?”

“I’ve got to say, I’m rooting for him. He’s got fire, that one. Men without fire are so boring.” She snickered. “Besides, you’re obviously mad for each other.”

My face reddened again as I opened my mouth to deny it, but I couldn’t. “How do you know?”

“Are you serious?” She scoffed, throwing her hand to the side in front of her. “For one, I could cut the sexual tension between you two with a knife. The way he looks at you- it’s like he’s a starving wolf and you’re a giant steak dinner.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes at her exaggeration.

“On a more serious note, I’ve observed both of you the last few years and you’re always taking care of each other. He’s loved you for a long time. Why do you think he dumps the girls he dates before things get too serious with them? Besides, even when others turned their backs on him, you never did. Why start now?”

Her last sentence rang in my ears, and I looked at her, shocked.

“What?! I do say something profound every once in a while.” She said defensively, raising her eyebrow at me. “What are you still doing here? Go, go. Get your man.” She shooed me away like a pet who was begging at mealtime.

“Alright.” I said, standing up. “And Imelda? Thank you.”

“It was nothing.” She waved me off as I left the room.  

I silently made my way down the staircase, unsure if Sebastian would even still be waiting after so long. He was. I found him seated at the bottom of the stairs, against the opposite wall. His knees were bent, his elbows resting on them, and his long fingers wound through his hair. I could tell just by a glance that he was horribly upset. I got down on my knees in front of him.

“Sebastian,” I said gently.

“I’m sorry.” He said immediately, the words flat. It was obvious he was beating himself up over it all. “For everything. I didn’t mean it.”

I leaned forward and took his hands, gently untangling them from his hair and holding them in my own. His stayed limp and pliant.

“Look at me.” I requested, squeezing his hands in mine.

He slowly turned his face upward, meeting my gaze. His irises were dark and murky, his cheeks and eyes rouged. I could tell he had shed at least a few tears. My throat felt tight at the realization, and my eyes began to water. Sebastian had cried because of me.

“I’m sorry, too.” I whispered. “I didn’t mean it either.”

He shut his eyes and shook his head for a moment before staring back into mine.

“For what?” He asked. “You didn’t do anything wrong, I’m the one who started everything. I’ve been acting like an idiot because I’m jealous.”

“I’m sorry I hurt you. I never would have agreed to go with Ominis if I’d known he looked at it that way. You know that.”

“I know…” Sebastian admitted, his brow furrowed as he leaned his head back to rest against the cool stone of the wall. He seemed to have no energy left in him. “But jealousy obviously isn't the most logical of emotions.”

“Why are you jealous?” I asked, wanting to know the extent of how he felt.

His head lulled forward, and he gazed up at me with an obvious expression, his brows lifted emphatically. “You know why.”

I sighed, giving him an exasperated look. “You’re really going to make me-”

In one quick movement, he’d leaned forward, simultaneously pulling my hands so I fell closer to him. His full lips claimed mine and he freed one of my hands, his interlacing itself in my hair as he held my head to his own. He pulled back an inch, and I felt his breath against my lips.

“I’m in love with you.” He murmured, resting his forehead against mine. “I don’t want to be friends anymore because I want to be much more than that.”

My heart was hammering in my chest. I’d been waiting to hear those words, or any words like them, from him for so long. I leaned forward, kissing him once again. He reached around me and pulled my legs apart, tugging me onto his lap to straddle him as he deepened the kiss. My legs wrapped around his waist, his thighs supporting my backside. His tongue danced with mine and I moaned softly against his kiss, my hands entangled in his hair. He gently bit my lip, one hand reaching around to grab my ass and hold me closer to him while the other remained cupping the side of my face, stroking my cheek with his thumb.

“I love you too, Sebastian.” I said so softly it was almost a whisper.

His coffee-black eyes flicked up and down my face, taking in every inch of it. He breath came and went quickly, and I could feel his excitement brush against me. I stroked his cheek, running my thumb along the spray of freckles there.

“You’re beautiful.” He murmured, leaning in to kiss me again.

“I’m really going to have to cancel that date.” I said and groaned, breaking off the kiss. I was already feeling bad for Ominis.

“Yes, you are.” He confirmed, laying me on my back and hovering over me, his strong arm underneath my waist to prop me up. He began kissing down the crook of my neck, then back up until he got to my ear. “Because you’re mine now.”

[seedsinmygarden]

Professor!OC Secretly Dating HLP

This was the only romantic thing I wrote for the Professors! I think this was so cute, especially Professor Ronen's! (This one also doesn't contain ALL the Professors, as the original request only said "some Professors.")

Word Count: 588 words

Tags/Warnings: Fluff galore, Aged-Up Non-MC Character (Professor!OC).

--

PROFESSOR WEASLEY: Thank Merlin Garreth hadn’t figured anything out yet! He has grown suspicious of the amount of time Professor OC spends in his aunt’s office… And truly, no funny business happening there even then! The couple prefer to sit down with a cup of tea by the fire and talk about the previous week. She appreciates Professor OC for listening to her miniscule rambles about what this student did or that, and she is eternally grateful for their comforting embrace when being Deputy Headmistress is too much of a headache for her.

PROFESSOR SHARP: Dates themselves, even in the secrecy of his office, are rare. He’s hosting detention far too often. (Garreth’s a cockblock fr) On the odd occasion they both do manage to find a free night together, it is spent hiding out and enjoying a bottle of rum together in the private professor’s room above the Three Broomsticks. No students at all. Just the two of them, quality time that Professor Sharp hasn’t had with someone ever since his wife had passed years ago. He’s happy to move on and find happiness in someone new… and he was sure that she was too.

PROFESSOR GARLICK: It is very hard to keep the relationship under wraps when it comes to Professor Garlick! The students love her to death, truly, and sometimes won’t even leave her alone. It comes to a point where Professor OC has to, quite literally climb in through the window of her private room in the Greenhouses just to be able to spend some time together. She calls them her sunshine, because they brighten her day just from seeing them and sharing a smile.

PROFESSOR RONEN: Dating Professor Ronen secretly? Good luck. This man will kiss the very ground Professor OC walks on. He tries not to make it so obvious, but fails far too often as he is constantly singing their praises or talking about something they had done recently. He also will send lovely notes charmed into an origami bird to fly right to Professor OC, wherever they are in the castle. Truly a gentleman, always smiling in Professor OC’s presence, and constantly letting them how just how much he appreciates having them in his life.

PROFESSOR ONAI: She sees it all coming. She knows. The true savior to the secrecy of your relationship. She is constantly prepared with answers to every question the students have, if they ever start questioning. Professor Onai is sure that the relationship with Professor OC is worth it, but she does fear the reaction her daughter will have and has insisted that neither of them utter a word to Natty of the relationship until Onai is confident that they are both ready to bring Professor OC into their family dynamic.

PROFESSOR KOGAWA: Professor OC meets Professor Kogawa upon their arrival to Hogwarts, and they had taken a rather immediate fascination to the flying professor. The way she cared for the students and the way she was confident in them when they didn’t feel confident in themselves… it intrigued Professor OC. They loved the way she treated their students. In their secret relationship together, Kogawa had even proven to be just as caring and kind to Professor OC and Merlin, Professor OC could have proposed on the first date.

HEADMASTER BLACK: He is married!!! … but he won’t mind having a little bit of fun, only as long as no students or professors find out. The affair would certainly be the talk of the school. Scandalous!

[imaginaryf1shots]

My Girls (|||.5) | Max Verstappen

Words count: 5149

Driver!oc X Max Verstappen

Platonic!Driver!oc X the grid

Summery: Cecilia Hansson daughter of a Swedish billionaire, a race car driver, with a dream of making it big in Formula 1. However she has a few secrets that may hurt her as women are disliked in the sport.

This is just how some of the grid found out about Nathalie.

Series Warnings: cursing, child abandment, absent father, drinking, car accidents, Jos Verstappen, misogyny, Christian horner (tell me if i missed anything)

A/N: Wasn't planning on posting this today, but I've been recieving a lot of love on this series so I thought why not treat you all.

Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Max Masterlist

Previous || Next

How they found out

2018 (Lewis) Nathalie is 2

It’s a nice day in Monaco, a lot of people who live in Monaco are now out of the country and it has a few tourists. The summer break is full on, Cecilia decided to enjoy the day and take Nathalie out, the mother daughter duo had a full day out. They went shopping, got Nathalie a new toy and a couple new outfits, Cecilia can’t believe how fast Nattie is getting bigger she’s walking, talking and eating. Then they got ice cream, Cecilia drove around for a bit while Nattie slept, Monaco is so small that Cecilia felt like she drove all of Monaco over 10 times, she stopped at a pier for a bit, Cecilia got out of the car, left the window open and lent on the side of the car looking out at the sea, it’s been so long since she’s partied on a yacht, it’s been a long time since she’s gone to any party. Period. 

Does she miss that time in her life, yes, does she regret it, no. She'd do the same things all over again, make the same mistakes, date that asshole if it meant she’d have her daughter with her. 

When Nathalie woke up, Cecilia decided it was time to head back. Having some disney music on, the windows down, wind in their hair, they were having so much fun. Glancing at the rearview window to see her beautiful girl smiling and moving around, made Cecilia the happiest woman alive.

Parking the car Cecilia got out of the car, grabbed their shopping bags, before she unbuckled Nathalie, the girl wanted to walk on her own. Closing the car and locking it, Cecilia held out her hand for Nathalie to take it.

“Maman, I don wanna goh home.” The small girl looked up at her mum with puppy dog eyes, pouting in the way she knew that Cecilia was weak for.

“Why Mon Ange? Want to spend more time with maman?” She asked with a smile, ever so patient, the way her mother was with her. Nodding, Cecilia smiled, she unlocked the car, placed everything back in locking the car before she held her hand out for Nattie, holding her mum’s hand, they walked around their neighbourhood. Nathalie was telling Cecilia about the play date she had with her cousin, or more like trying to, the two year old’s vocabulary was still very limited. One of Cecilia’s older brother’s sons is Nathalie’s age, so they often had play dates. Cecilia still lived with her parents, she never got to move out, her brother’s old room now Nathalie’s. 

The girl let go of her mum’s hand and started skipping as they walked, a woman with her dog was walking on the other side, the dog suddenly barked, scaring the little girl, who stumbled and fell down, in an instant her eyes filled with tears. 

“Maman!” She sobbed, holding her hands up wanting to be carried. Cecilia rushed to her making sure she wasn’t hurt before she scooped her up. The girl hugged her mother and cried. 

“It’s okay baby, let’s go home, it’s okay, you’re alright” She hushed, rubbing her hand up and down the toddler’s back in a comforting manner, she turned around to walk back to their house, her eyes looked around before they settled on a familiar pair of eyes. There he stood her colleague, she knows they live in the same neighbourhood, Monaco is small but Lewis Hamilton lived on the same street as her. They’ve met before on the grid and at FIA events.

Lewis knew it was her, the girl’s crying and shouting for her mother, gained his attention. Looking from mother to daughter, he quickly assessed the situation before giving Cecilia a kind smile. He nods in understanding before he walks up the steps for his building. Acting like he saw nothing.

Cecilia wanted to cry but she hoped that the nod and smile from the older driver meant that he’d keep it a secret. From her knowledge of Lewis, from his character he isn’t the type to tell. She doesnt know him that well but she hopes she knows him enough to make that judgement. 

Walking back home she hopes that she’s right.

2019 (Seb and Charles)

“I think you did great.” Sebastian said, making Cecilia roll my eyes at him, and sigh. The four time world champion took no offence knowing how frustrated she is, and he’s very close to the female.

“I don’t know about that.” Cecilia muttered and chose not to look at both the drivers with her, they were both out of their champagne covered clothes and into their team kits, the three finished their post race media duties and were in the hotel lobby slowly making their way to their rooms. They were all placed in the same level as each other, for the Canadian Grand Prix, it was accidental but none of them was complaining. 

“Has anyone at Mclaren said anything?” Charles asked his friend, they have known each other for years now, cecilia was the only female who was at all the races growing up, not the only female at a race but she was at all of them, any race she could participate in she was in, and any race she could go to watch she went, because of that the girl’s social circle is big. Which wasn’t a good thing when the media found out about her being the new Mclaren driver, calling her all the names under the sun, ‘fans’ asking for her to be removed.

“No, but I'm on a yearly contract, I have to get as many podiums as I can to guarantee a seat next year.” Cecilia said and they got into the left, she leaned into the back of the elevator and crossed her arms.

“Then you got nothing to worry about, you’ve been winning Mclaren points every race, something not a lot of drivers can do in their first year.” Sebastian says, patting her shoulder.

“Says the great Sebastian Vettle.” Cecilia says and pouts, Seb and Charles laugh at her antics, Seb pulls her for a side hug. He’s been looking out for her since she was a reserve driver, she had met him a few times before she got into F1, she is a F2 World Champion after all. 

“Come on Cece, you’re doing amazing, Mclaren has been singing praises about you since the start of the season besides we’re only 7 races in AND you won in Austria.” Charles said and the trio got out of the left walking down the hallway towards their rooms.

“Maman!” A young squeaky voice shouted before a small body crashed into cecilia. The woman instinctively picked up the girl, before she froze.

“Nathalie!” Another older voice shouted, the males stared wide eyed as another woman who they know as your mother ran over, a nervous and apologetic look in her eyes.

“It’s okay Maman I got her.” Cecilia told her mother with a small smile, Nathalie wrapped her arms around her mum’s neck and laid her head on her shoulder shyly looking at the men staring at her and her mother.

“Are you sure?” She asked not convinced, Cecilia nodded, her mother leaving back to her room which is next to her daughter’s.

“Is she yours?” Sebastian asked softly, he had no idea cecilia had a daughter, and from the looks of it he knew that Charles also had no idea. 

“Yeah, Nathalie, say hi.” The young girl refused and hid her head in her mother’s hair.

“She looks so much like you.” Sebastian said with a smile, he could see the worried look on her face, he instantly knew this is the reason the girl disappeared for a year and a half.

“That’s why you took time off.” Charles concluded, saying what Sebastian was thinking, Nathalie is a spitting image of her mother, a mini her, with blonde hair and bright blue eyes, the eyes are something the Hannsons all had, a family trait. “How old is she?”

“Nattie, why don’t you tell them how old you are?” cecilia tried to prompt her daughter softly, the young girl looked at her mother, seeing them looking at each other, they couldn't spot anything that wasn’t cecilia, Cecilia is looking at a younger version of herself. “Come on, mon ange, you always see them on the telly.” 

“I’m three.” The little girl looking at them and holding her four fingers out, Cecilia laughed and pushed one finger down, kissing her cheek.

“Such a big girl.” Sebastian told her with a grin on his face, making Nathalie grin at him, she’s at the age where she doesn’t like to be babied, and loved to act a little older, wanting to be independent. But at the end of the night all she wanted was to snuggle and sleep with her mum. “Did you eat?”

“No, I wanted to eat with maman.” 

“Come on, let’s get into my room where we can talk, privately.” Cecilia followed the two males silently into Sebastian’s room, Cecilia sat on the sofa and Nathalia got out of her arms and started wandering around, her curiosity getting over her shyness. As the males sat down everyone made sure they could still see Nat.

“Why didn't you tell me?” Charles asked, he didn’t want to sound like he was angry or betrayed even if he was feeling a little sad his friend didn’t trust him enough to tell him she has a daughter.

“It’s a decision that my family and I took when I decided to keep her, and still continue racing, I was barely 18 when I had her, I got pregnant when I was 17, and it was a hard time, my family gave me the all the choices and told me they’d stand by me no matter what. But when I told them I wanted to race there were some things that we agreed upon.”

“Being the only female isn’t easy, people were already talking, brining a baby into it would’ve just pushed it more.” Sebastian added before Cecilia continued, again he understood her reasoning. He saw tears in her eyes a couple times when she was hounded and booed, she looks strong and unbothered on the outside but when she’s alone she lets her tears out, the one time she had a podium this year was just filled with boos and hate.

“Yes, and I couldn’t just tell anyone, I was hiding her, but if people started to find out then they found out, but I wasn’t going to parade her around. A couple of people at Mclaren know, and I think Lewis knows.” Cecilia ran her hand through her hair pushing it out of her face.

“Lewis knows?” Charles was surprised by that, yes Cecilia and Lewis weren’t enemies, but they weren’t close, not close enough for him to know and for Charles to not know.

“I think he does, you know he lives close to me and my family, he saw us once in Monaco.” Cecilia explained.

“He didn’t say anything?” Seb asked knowing that if Lewis knew he wouldn’t say anything to anyone anyway, you can trust Lewis with your secrets.

“No, never asked either, but I’m 99 percent  sure he knows.” Cecilia said and smiled at Nathalie who came over saying she’s hungry. The group took a break and ordered food from room service, in the meantime Cecilia left her daughter with the two men and quickly went to her room getting her daughter’s plastic plate, utensils and cup, with a toy she can play with. By the time she was back Sebastian had Nathalie laughing so hard. Taking out her phone she took a quick video wanting to savour the moment. Nathalie looked up to Seb so much and for some reason seeing him with her daughter made her so happy, her role model with her daughter. Seb already had two children and another on the way, he knew how to handle kids.

Cecilia sat next to Charles leaving Seb to play with her daughter, Charles took Cecilia’s hand in his making her look at him, he was smiling at her, before he pulled her in for a hug. Thinking about how hard it must’ve been for her, having to choose and take all those decisions at only 17.

“Mathew?” He whispered and Cecilia nodded into his shoulder, she tried not to tear up, it’s been over three years, but out of her family she never talked about it with anyone, she doesn’t want to keep her daughter a secret, she wants to take her to races for her to see her mum race in real life and not just on screens.

“But he gave up all his rights, couldn’t even stay for her to be born, his name isn’t on her birth certificate.” Cecilia told him and he squeezed her tighter, if she had another family she would’ve been so lost, he’s thankful for the love her family has for each other.

“She doesn’t need him and neither do you, she has a family that loves her.” Charles told her, pulling back and smiling at his friend.

“And new uncles.” Seb added before tickling Nathalie, who just laughed her heart out.

The food came and as Cecilia ate she helped her daughter and answered all the questions the two had for her, ranging from does Nat travel everywhere with her, to how hard she had to train to be able to get back in shape after the pregnancy.

2019 (Lando, Pierre, Alex)

The end of the first half of the season, summer break. Most drivers went back home to begin their time off. Not all drivers though. Before everyone heads home, some of the drivers decided to spend a few days in Monaco to party and live it up before they returned home. Of course those already living in Monaco were already there. 

A yacht was rented for the group to have a semi-private time together and let loose, the drivers made a group chat and agreed on a time and date to meet up and just party, all plus ones and close friends invited. Charles had Lando, Pierre and Alex at his house for a pre-party hangout.

Cecilia made her way to Charles’ house first in her Mclaren, one of the guys would be riding with her on the way there, she planned not to drink, knowing she had to be sober for her plans with Nathalie the day after. Her mum told her to postpone her outing with Nattie to have a night out and drink and live like everyone her age, Cecilia wasn't like everyone her age, she has a daughter she has to think about. To Cecilia, Nathalie always came first.

It didn't take her long to reach Charles’ building, before she made her way up, having already been there a few times before. Ringing the doorbell once, the door swung open and Pierre was standing there with a drink already in his hand. An amused Cecilia raised her eyebrow.

“Cecilia!” Pierre greeted dragging the ‘a’ a little, looks like the drink in his hand wasn’t his first one. 

“Piereeeee.” Cecilia exaggerated before she invited herself in, seeing as the Frenchman wasn’t moving. Making it to the living room, Cecilia saw her teammate sitting with a beer in his hand, Alex and Charles talking about something. “Looks like you lot are already having fun.”

“Cece, you’re late.” Lando told the older girl, with a little whine.

“I’m not, I came on time like we agreed.” The girl said looking at her phone.

“You left me with them, you’re my teammate, you're supposed to help me.” Lando fake whined making Cecilia laugh as she sat next to him. “When are we leaving anyway?”

“Daniel said the yacht will move in an hour or so.” Alex told the group. 

The group decided to leave in 40 minutes or so, Charles’ girlfriend was on her way anyways. 20 minutes in, Cecilia’s phone rang while she was in the bathroom.

“Cece, your phone’s ringing!” Charles called for his friend, standing outside the bathroom door. “It’s your mum.”

“Answer for me please, I'll be out in a minute.” The female called trying to finish her business faster to get out. She heard Charles talking to her mum in french, but she couldn't make out what he was saying. Everyone in her family spoke French, Swedish and English as main languages, with a few speaking more, but the baseline is those three languages. So it wasn’t weird for her to have Charles talking to her mum in their mother tongue.

Getting out of the bathroom after washing her hands, she found Charles in the kitchen with her phone looking worried and conflicted.

“What is it?” She asked, holding her hand out for her phone. “What did she want?”

“Uh, she wanted to tell you that Nathalie is sick.” He didn't know how to tell her without scaring her, he thought about saying it in other ways, but how do you tell a mother that their child is ill without scaring them, you simply can’t. 

“Sick? How sick, I was just there.” Cecilia asked, already moving, Charles followed after her. He cursed himself once he saw the look on her face, she’s imagining the worse.

“She said it wasn't serious, she just threw up and complained about her stomach.” Charles explained, the others looked at the duo, Lando and Alex having no idea what the other two were saying only knowing a few french words but nowhere near the amount they'll need to understand the fast and panicked French, Pierre who got what they were saying had no idea who they were talking about.

“That’s serious, I’m sorry but I have to go.” She got her bag and turned to leave, her hands were shaking and her heart beating in her chest so fast she wondered if anyone could hear it.

“Wait, you’re panicking, you can’t drive like this.” Charles said, driving over the speed limit in streets like Monaco is dangerous even to people like motorsport drivers, driving fast is second nature, but not when you’re panicking. 

“What do you expect me to do? She’s my daughter!” Pierre choked on air it seemed looking wide eyed at the blonde woman. “I’m getting there, move out of my way.”

“What’s going on?” Lando asked moving closer, he’s never seen either driver mad at each other, but Cecilia was shaking, tears were gathering in her eyes as she tried to push them away.

“Fuck, fuck.” Cecilia cursed noticing how much she’s shaking, no way she could drive right now, Charles is right. She looked at Lando. “I uh, I have a daughter, who is sick right now, i have to go.”

“I’ll drive you.” Charles offred being the only one who didn’t drink. “Come on.”

He pulled her by her shoulder leaving the rest of the drivers shocked. Charles and Cecilia left, leaving the other three to put the pieces together, Pierre telling them what he heard in French and like those before them they started connecting the dots, the reason she took time off. Lando being her teammate, looking back now there were hints, but without context he wouldn't have got it.

A bracelet with Maman, flashes of pictures when she was showing him something on her phone, lots of I love you darling and what not, but he thought maybe she was dating someone, he’s seen her mother in their hotels but she doesn't always come to the track. A woman who can guess now is a nanny who’d come up to talk to Cecilia and leave. So many hints, but damn Cecilia hid it well.

“Who do you think the dad is?” Alex asked after they came to a few theories and conclusions, waiting for Charles to come back.

“Must be that asshole Mathew, they dated when we were racing years ago and continued until I'm guessing she got pregnant.” Pierre said, none of Cecilia’s friends ever liked Mathew. 

“Who?” Lando asked, he had no idea who they were talking about, him and Cecilia didn’t really get close before F1, she was always in the groups above him.

“An asshole Cece dated for a while, filthy rich, a couple of years older, was taking over daddy’s job and wouldn't shut up about it.” Pierre informed Lando. “Cecilia’s also very rich but you don’t see her walking around throwing it in everyone’s face, don’t know who he was showing off to.”

“He used to stay in Monaco a lot, but from his Instagram I haven't seen him here in years, his Instagram was once filled with pictures of him and Cecilia but one day everything was gone, I thought that meant they broke up.” Alex said, frowning.

“Me too, she too deleted all their pictures, before she went MIA.” 

They talked for a bit more before Charles came back, and filled in the gaps given permission by Cecilia and made them swear not to tell anyone, giving Pierre a look. They swore to keep it a secret, if this came out it would hurt their friend, the backlash could be carrier altering. 

They got ready to leave Charles’ girlfriends texted that she’ll meet them there. One the way they got a call from Cecilia telling them(charles) that Cecilia is okay, she just ate something that didn't agree with her stomach. Lando shouted that he wanted to meet his niece before he went back to London, Cecilia laughed and told him to come over whenever. Pierre and Alex also invited themselves, making Cecilia laugh again, shaking her head at her friends who couldn't see her.

With a final ‘have fun’, she hung up.

Late 2019 (Max)

By this time in 2019 Daniel and Carlos also knew about Nathalie, they haven’t met her, seen pictures but they knew about her. With it being Monaco Grand Prix weekend, and under the reassurance of her family and friends mixed with her daughter’s pouty face and big eyes, Cecilia decided to let her daughter come to the race. She’d come in with her mum from the back entrance, with the help of Mclaren they were able to get in undetected. They were there since early morning, Nattie met Daniel and Carlos, they were mesmerised by the little girl, Charles once again was saying to anyone and everyone(that knows about Nattie) that he’s her favourite and he had a reason to say that, proud uncle. 

Cecilia’s mum stayed with the girl in the drivers room whenever they saw any cameras coming around, Nathalie had a little nap before they went to watch the race from the hospitality.

It was race day, everyone was buzzing, Cecilia was starting fourth, not bad. She didn’t just want to win this race because it’s her home race but because her daughter was watching, and she looked so cute with the headphones she had on that muffled the sounds a little, the place is noisy as hell. 

Starting the race, Cecilia had Max, Lewis and Charles ahead of her with Seb just behind her. The Monaco race is always a fan favourite, Cecilia knows this track like she knew the back of her hand, she ran it and drove through it, she can find her way around with her eyes blindfolded. This may be the reason she was able to get to second place, taking over Charles, before she took over Lewis. Cecilia was just thinking about how proud her daughter would be watching and knowing that her mum was the only woman in F1 and that she was beating all those men. When the race came to an end, she was back in third place, lewis having overtaken her in the final two laps but she had the fastest lap so that’s another point for her team.

Cecilia was grinning when she took off her helmet, happiness cursing through her, she wished she could win, but having a podium is something that she loved the feeling of, she’s becoming better and better with each race, and it’s evident in her scores. Mclaren are over the moon with her. She celebrated with her team, before she got weighted and interviewed.

After the celebrations and more interviews, the venue started emptying. Cecilia saw her daughter for a few minutes before she was rushed for a quick meeting. By the time she was done, most of the place was empty; a few teams were still present, also doing meetings or last checkups and whatnot. 

“Maman, where's Nattie?” Cecilia asked her mother, seeing her sitting alone. The small room made her feel a little claustrophobic after a long time.

“She is napping in your room.” Going to her room to take her daughter home, she opened the door and saw the small blanket Nattie couldn't sleep without but she wasn’t there, there wasn't any place for the girl to hide in, but Cecilia still looked everywhere, with each passing minute she started to panic. 

“Maman! She isn’t here.” Cecilia called to her mother who was talking with Lando now, both looked as panicked as her when they heard her words. “Start looking around, if you find her, call me.”

“I’ll tell the others!” Lando called as both him and Cecilia left the Mclaren garage, they went opposite ways, while Cecilia's mum started looking in all the small spots Nathalie could’ve gone to in the garage. Cecilia called for Nattie as she walked/ran, her eyes taking in everything as much as she could. Managing to take out her phone and call Charles while still looking around.

“Hey are you-”

“Is Nattie with you?” She cut him off, he could hear the urgency in her voice, frowning.

“No, I’m with Seb, we'll look for her.”

“Okay my mum and Lando are also looking, call me.”

“Okay.”

Coming up on RedBull’s garage, it looked empty, but Cecilia wasn’t leaving a place where she didn’t look. She crouched as she tried to see if the tiny human she gave birth to was anywhere. “Damn it Nattie, where are you?”

Standing up she was about to leave when she heard talking, walking in more, she was going to walk where none RedBull personnel were allowed, and at this moment she didn't care. And it’s a good thing she did, rounding the corner where her daughter was, in her orange Mclaren shirt and a RedBull(?) hat, in the arms of today’s winner, Max Verstappen himself. 

Her daughter is okay, and looked like she was having the time of her life talking to Max. quickly texting her mum and Lando that she found her, before she made her presence known.

“Nathalie! Where were you?” Walking up to the due, once she was in range her girl leaned over and Cecilia easily took her form Max. “You scared me so much.”

“I’m sorry Maman.” She whispered not looking sorry at all, looking up at Max she found herself tearing up, she only just held herself together to find her girl, now letting a little bit of the panic she was feeling get to her, she couldn't help it. 

“It’s okay, I found her walking by the garage and she said she wanted a hat like mine.” Max explained(maxplained) trying to calm the almost crying mother, he found out from Nathalie that her mum is Cecilia and he could see the resemblance loud and clear. “I came back here to give her one, before taking her back to Mclaren.”

“Thank you.” Cecilia said letting a few tears slip out of her eyes, Nattie seeing the tears on her mother’s face also started crying, Max instinctively just pulled the mother daughter due in his arms. He doesn't know why he did it, but it felt like the right thing to do, he felt one of Cecilia’s hands grab his RedBull shirt tightly and her hand was shaking. 

“She was telling me how her mum was on the podium, how she was the only girl racing.” Max said to Cecilia, trying to lift up her mood a little, pulling back a little, Cecilia gave her daughter a teary smile. Max whipped Nattie tears. 

“I’m okay baby, don’t cry.” Cecilia told her girl softly.

“Mum was just worried about you.” Max said in a tone Cecilia hadn’t heard out of the man before. Yes they’ve grown closer as drivers/friends, their relationship is different from the one they’ve had before, but Max is no Charles or Pierre, they aren’t as close as she is with them. 

“Yes, mon ange, you have to be careful, you have to tell me or grand-mère where you’re going.” Cecilia said softly, pushing Nattie’s hair behind her ear, the hat on her head far too big for her. 

“I’m sorry momie.” 

“It’s okay baby.” Cecilia said and placed Nathalie on the floor, holding her hand. She turned to look at Max, she didn’t ask him because he might’ve not agreed, but she hugged him with one arm around the neck, yes he gave her a hug but she was crying. “Thank you so much Max, I was going out of my mind.” 

Max placed one of his hands around her waist and the other one landed on top of Nathalie’s head in a comforting manner.

“It’s okay, I was just about to go find you.” He told her they were talking so low, Nathalie couldn't pick up on what they were saying. 

“I owe you one.” Cecilia said and pulled back the hand he had around her took a few seconds before it dropped as well.

“Well, I’ll hold you onto that.” He cheekily replied, making Cecilia smile and nod her head.

“Whatever you want.”

“I call first dibs on babysitting duties, I mean not a lot of racers in Monaco.” He shrugged. “And Nathalie said she wanted to see who won today, so she may have to see me a lot.”

“We’ll see about that, I might just start winning.” Cecilia joked with the other driver, they held eye contact for a moment, shades of blue meeting in a stare they couldn't decipher yet, Cecilia’s phone rang breaking them from their moment, she fished it out of her pocket answering once she saw Charles’ name. Telling him she was at RedBull and that she’s coming, ending the call quickly. She gave Max another grateful look. “I’ll owe you another one, if you could just keep Nattie a secret.”

“You don’t have to owe me for that one, I wasn't planning on it.” telling thank you again Nat and Cecilia left for Mclaren where Charles, Seb, Lando, Danny and her mum were waiting, Pierre had to leave once he knew that they found Nattie.

-> Next

Taglist:

@luciaexcorvus . @vellicora . @tpwkstiles . @belennasif  . @eugene-emt-roe . @fanboyluvr

[the-kcm-muggleborn]

Kind For You

Fandom: Hogwarts Legacy

O/C: Sebastian Sallow x Edwart Thompson x Ominis Gaunt ✨️platonic✨️ (My OC)

Warnings: Slight swearing

Word count: 1634

Chapter 3

Part 6

Edwart received an urgent letter from Natty telling him to meet her in the middle of the night. Near some castle, thankfully Nattie did attach directions. So he sneaked out of the Hogwarts grounds and quietly flew his broom.

“I am glad that you received my owl. We need to stay low and remain quiet.”

“Natty. What's going on? Why are we all the way out here?” Edwart said quietly.

“As promised, I did some investigating to find out what Harlow is up to. I followed him to the Hog's Head. I noticed him reading a letter. All I could see was that it was signed by and bore the seal of Victor Rookwood.” She took a long deep breath.

“And one other thing Harlow has mentioned you to his colleagues, they did not mistake you for someone else did they?”

Edwart just got caught in a lie. No choice now but to tell Natty the truth.

“No they didn't, Rookwood and Harlow are after me.” 

“Why did you lie to me?” Nattie was visibly displeased. “And what do they want with a Hogwarts student?

Edwart sighed heavily “Because. I haven't known you for a very long time and I..” He stumbled on his words. “I'm sorry. I was told not to tell anyone. And I'm not a very trustful person. Is it necessary I tell you right now?” 

Natsai was clearly disappointed. She shook her head as she explained further.

“That letter is the tangible proof that Officer Singer needs. It is why I followed Harlow here and why I wrote to you. I need your help to retrieve it. We can talk about it later if you'd like. But you can trust me.” 

“Alright. I'll help you find the letter, Natty.” Edwart agreed.

“I'm glad to hear it.” Natty smiled a bit. “First, we must access the castle keep. I'll check the main gate. But I think we have to find another way in. I do not see any guards, but we should still try to be as quiet as possible. Harlow is here after all.”

While Edwart and Natty were quickly sneaking through the castle. Edwart began to think if he should trust Natty or not. Her mother was a Professor and it could expose his and Fig's plans. She was definitely a good person. He was feeling conflicted.

“That is the main keep.” Natty pointed while looking at Edwart.“My guess is that we'll find Harlow and the letter inside.”

“Wait.” Edwart grabbed Natty by hand. “Someone's coming. Quick! Behind there.”

They've both hidden behind a crate when Edwart heard a familiar cheeping. 

 “Gah! Restrain the beast!” Harlow screamed angrily while other poachers were hitting the animal with casts to tame it.

“Shit! Highwing!” Edwart whispered anxiously.

“Do you know that Hippogriff?” Natty looked bewildered. 

“It’s a long story.” Edwart sighed. 

“Very well, new plan.” Edwart looked at Natty surprised. “I get the evidence and you free that Hippogriff. Agreed?”

“Thank you.” Edwart managed to say through slight shock.

“This is our chance. Let's go!” 

Both of them ran out of their cover but only Natty made it through the closing gate.

“Blasted!” Edwart swore to himself "I hope Natty will be okay…”

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

Sebastian raised his head a bit to look at his friend sitting in bed next to him with a wand in his book.

Sebastian was exhausted. The events of Feldcroft with Edwart uncovered so many new things, that he felt mentally drained. He fell into his bed face first as Ominis chuckled and said. “I take it, he told you?” 

“Ah. If only you knew half of it.” Sebastian signed heavily as he turned to lay on his back. “Edwart… Told me... About his past.”

“Oh?” Ominis made an intriguing noise. “About his ability I presume. Or something else?”

“Yes, his ancient magic thing. and yes more. He knew we might talk so he gave me consent to pass that story on to you. I think he might compete with you, for the most hostile place to live I've heard of…” Sebastian joked trying to ease himself at the thought of the traumatic backstory of his friend.

“I'm listening?” Ominis said, raising an eyebrow as he put down his book.

Sebastian started telling Ominis everything that happened today in Feldcroft to the point of finding the triptych in the Undercroft. Telling Ominis about the tragic story of their mutual friend.

“I guess. Do you think he said everything there is?” Sebastian asked

“Merlin's beard…” Ominis said under his breath with a concerned face. “I’m simply out of words… I can't imagine Edwart become violent like that. But his distrust to the world makes more sense now.”

“I don't. He always finds a way to surprise us.” Ominis chuckled.

“True. He volunteered to help me with finding a cure for Anne. You know what that means Ominis. With his ability and you being Salazar Slytherin's descendant, we could really find a cure. Don't make me beg.” Sebastian pleaded.

Ominis just shook his head. “Already told you, Sebastian. No. Whatever cursed Anne was connected to Dark Arts. I will not meddle in it again. I will help you with anything else but not with finding the scriptorium.”

“But there's a chance-” Sebastian tried again but Ominis interrupted him. 

“I said no Sebastian.” And he went back to his book, ending the conversation as Sebastian brooded and muttered under his breath like a child…

It took Edwart quite a while to find Highwing. But she wasn't alone. There was another Hippogriff next to her. Chained to the ground. Edwart fought through his slight fear towards such a big animal so he threaded carefully.

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

“Highwing. It's all right. there we go.” He cooed as he ruffled her feathers. “We’re calm. I am calm. We have to go okay? I’ll help you.” 

As if she understood him she chirped happily at Edwart and let him climb her.

“There you are!” Natty finally appeared. 

Natty used an Alohamora to free both Hippogriffs. Just then Harlow and the Poachers showed up. That's when Highwing decided it was time to fly.

“We have to go!” Edwart spoke, shaking slightly. 

She grabbed Natty by her arms and dropped her perfectly onto the other Hippogriff. That's when Edwart and Natty heard “Avada Kedavra” which set chills down their spines as a green long spell flew to their side. Thankfully it didn’t hit either of them. Natty seemed to have the time of her life. That's when Edwart first saw that famous Gryffindor Bravery.

As they were lowering to land, a sun was starting to peek out through the nearby mountains announcing the start of another day. Edwart was grateful it was a Saturday morning.

“How exciting!” Natty laughed.

“I'm glad you had such a good time.” Edwart said, shaking with “I wasn't sure we were going to make it out alive.”

“There was no need to worry. I had it all under control.” Natty said, still giggling.

Edwart shot her an unconvinced face, he signed as Natty continued more seriously now. “I will say I did not expect to see him cast the Killing Curse at us. He won't forget this. Be on your guard.”

“Of course. What did the letter say?”

“First can you finally tell me the story of why are Harlow and Rookwood after you? Don’t think I’ve forgotten.”

“Blasted.” Edwart thought. “I don't feel safe telling her everything.” He decided to play it differently.

“Fine, they're after me because of something I found in Gringotts with Professor Fig.”

“When were you in Gringotts?” Natty asked, clearly surprised.

“Just before the sorting ceremony. I found something they want that is very valuable and could give Rookwood and Harlow great power. That's why me and Professor Fig are working together. To try and destroy it.” Edwart lied. He hated doing that. But he had no choice. He didn't trust Natsai yet. He wanted to tell her. But thinking about how long it took him to trust and finally tell Sebastian and Ominis even though Professor Fig told him to keep quiet. It wouldn't be fair. To either of them.

“Hm… I understand.” Natty replied thoughtfully. “The letter said that Rookwood's looking for a phoenix. Not sure where he will find one.” Natty chuckled “It also included Harlow's orders to inspect that castle for the poachers. Thank you for your help. This should be enough to connect Harlow to the crimes. I shall deliver the letter to Officer Singer. She'll have to do something when she sees it.”

“I��m glad to have helped you.” Edwart smiled shyly.

“Now,” Natty said with a bright smile. “Tell me, where did you meet these Hippogriffs?”

Edwart chuckled. “I’ve met Highwing before. Poppy introduced us.”

“Poppy Sweeting knows a Hippogriff?” Natty laughed, “Of course she does. She will be relieved to know that Highwing's safe. Looks like I came to the right person for help.”

“Oh. I am always at your service. Whenever you need me to help you, Rob some poachers.” Edwart joked light-heartedly. 

“My mother will be worried. I must go. Seek me out soon. I shall have much to tell you.” Natty chuckled and with that, she flew away on her brown hippogriff.

Edwart was loving this. He could run into danger. But he was so glad Natty wasn't aware of his special ability. This made him feel a little bit more like a regular student… but then he remembered he was sitting on Highwing…

<Part 5 /// Part 7> 

- - - - - - - - - Author's notes- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thank you so much for reading Part 6. Two more to go! As some of you have probably understood, this takes place the same day Feldcroft trip does. Ah Natty! such a well written female gryffindor. And a comeback of Highwing! (actually found a perfect giff for it!) Edwart finally befriended Higwing. People who read everything are aware of how afraid he was at first. She's slowly growing on Edwart. I still haven't done her side mission with that Archie kid, but I will in Chapter 4. Sorry for her fans:)

[gemwing1988]

The Cuphead Show: Dreamstones Edition TV Tropes

A/N: Warning, this fanmade TV tropes will contain for a future fanfiction. Please read with care and enjoy.

Abhorrent Admirer:

It was bad enough that Lexie and Katie are being the object of desire for the Devil and King Dice back in Heart, Soul & Mind, but they now have their TCS counterparts developing a Villainous Crush in them.

Once again, Anubis the Shadowbending jackal Bounty Hunter has his eyes on Natty, stubbornly determined then ever.

Poor Liam winds up getting one in the form TCS Cala Maria. Sure, she’s pretty as far as giant mermaids go but still…

In the separate summer special, “The Isle of Severus”, the titular antagonist becomes a second unwanted suitor for Lexie.

Accidental Karma:

Actually Pretty Funny: While the Devil did deny finding one Cuphead’s jokes funny before he laughs at the last one when they were reaching their turn on the Obliterator, the Devil actually find Katie’s Pokémon themed joke concerning a bus to be hilarious.

Adaptational Karma:

Instead of ditching both Cuphead and Mugman and went on ahead to win the recital competition by passing Cuphead’s song as his own, Ludwig ends up losing, prompting him to throw a tantrum and accidentally confessed to the audience and the judge he stole Cuphead’s song, causing him to unintentionally ruin his reputation and deemed a phoney to the public eye. Of course, he still gets a piano dropped on him and had to be sent to a hospital… where a certain demon makes a call.

Adaptational Nice Guy:

With the Dreamstones being his moral compass, Cuphead is mellowed down a bit and tries his hardest to go down the right track… most of the time.

With Say Cheese being adapted out, Elder Kettle doesn’t display any of his less savoury behaviour.

Adapted Out:

A handful of some episodes either the authoresses don’t like will either be adapted out. The following are Baby Bottle, Another Brother, Piano Lessons, Say Cheese and Lost in the Woods.

Baby Bottle himself will be adapted out due to the removal of his titular episode in the fanfic adaption as well as Bowlboy in Another Brother. It’s left to debate about Ludwig.

The scene of the Devil falling into a thorn bush and getting tangled in some brambles in the retelling of “Roadkill” is edited out and replaced with him falling down the overly long stairways leading out the Underworld and having to climb them back up again before collapsing in exhaustion. The part with the rabbit biting his nose stays the same with a slight change of dialogue when he spots it hopping over to him.

Adults are Useless:

Averted for the main protagonists as well as Misterie.

Subverted on Elder Kettle’s part whenever he goes Papa Wolf in some fanmade episodes.

Played straight for most of the other residents of the Isles, most especially when it concerns the Devil popping up.

Affectionate Nickname:

Amusement Park of Doom:

Ascended Extra:

The Devil makes more appearances in some fanmade episodes, making the Big Bad he was meant to be.

King Dice gets a bit more action in some fanmade episodes starring him as well while he only had four appearances in one episode person season (two if you count his smaller role in “The Devil and Ms. Chalice”).

Baddie Flattery:

Berserk Button:

Butt-Monkey: An OC in the form of a toon weasel has the worst of luck on the Isles where he owes the Devil his soul and his sole purpose in existence is being a gag character who has a string of misfortunes that would give Scrat from Ice Age a run for his money

Big “NEVER!”:

Big “NO!”:

Big “WHAT?!”:

Bound and Gagged: In “Rolling in the Dice”, Lexie sadly winds up as the victim of this trope after King Dice catches her spying on him backstage and develops his Villainous Crush in her, locking her in his dressing room during the rest of the show.

Changed My Jumper:

Cheaters Never Prosper:

Crazy Jealous Guy:

Despite a Nail:

Although they’re prevented from sucking up the nourishments from Elder Kettle’s garden to spite the Cups, the Root Pack still run away in terror.

Although he loses to the Dreamstones and the Cups in the music competition and accidentally reveals he had cheated by stealing Cuphead’s song, ruining his reputation, Ludwig still gets a piano dropped on him courtesy of one of his rivals instead of Mugman.

In the adaption of Cupstaged, the Dreamstones convince Cuphead not to sabotage the Devil’s audition in petty revenge and not to ruin Mugman’s moment to shine. However, despite the Devil performed a successful performance, he still didn’t get the role he wanted and had to play the part of Chatman. However, he still gets a Throw the Dog a Bone moment where it’s revealed that the villain in the play does a Heel-Face Turn and is adored as a reformed character.

In the retelling of Roadkill, rather than falling into a thorn bush and getting tangled in its brambles (Gemwing1988’s least favourite scene) after he stepped on a pine cone, the Devil winds up falling back down the stairways and is forced to climb back up again, collapsing in exhaustion. However, he still gets his nose chomped by a rabbit while the mishap with the thorn bush will be recycled and passed onto the weasel OC in one scene of one of the Devil’s attempts to nab his soul.

The Dreaded: As the main antagonist, the Devil is the most feared creature in all of the Inkwell Isles. And despite his silliness, he is still a main threat to the Dreamstones.

Easily Forgiven:

Engineered Public Confession:

Entitled to Have You: Once again, the Terrible Trio are the Dreamstones’ unwanted lovers.

Everyone Has Standards:

Even Evil Has Standards:

Floating in a Bubble: In the retelling of Roadkill, the Bubbles of Failure also bubble up anything the Devil greatly desires… such as a bride as Katie ends up inside a bubble, prompting Lexie and Natty to protect her from the Devil while thinking of a way to free her.

Hand Gagging: The Devil does this on Katie twice.

Here We Go Again:

Humiliation Conga:

As the Karmic Butt-Monkey, Dice ends up facing his comeuppance in the most humiliating way, whether it’s trying to steal Lexie away from Liam, trying to capture Katie and Cuphead or stealing Natty’s wand.

While nowhere near the extent of Dice, the Devil and Anubis have their moments of bad luck and humiliation at the hands of the Dreamstones. Such as the Devil still getting his nose bitten by a mischievous bunny after he collapsed in exhaustion when he had to climb up the stairways in the Underworld again after he fell down on them.

Hypocrite:

I Have You Now, My Pretty:

I Love You Because I Can’t Control You:

Anubis, stubborn as ever to make Natty his despite her defiance and sassy personality.

TCS Devil and King Dice pretty much inherited this attitude from their game counterparts when they set their sights on Katie and Lexie.

Irony: The Devil says he loves it when his victims run before he gleefully chases after the terrified Cups and humans, but he gets extremely annoyed and offended when they escaped him after they tricked him into destroying the Soul Ball machine, freeing all of the souls.

The Devil: (exclaims in outrage as he sees the group running through the exit) You don’t get to run away!

I Want Them Alive!:

Karmaic Butt-Monkey: TCS King Dice has it a lot worse than his game counterpart this time ‘round.

Know When to Fold ‘Em: Even though he had never met the Devil (nor does he ever wish to), Severus greatly fears Old Scratch and is content with ruling his island by his own means without having to give away his soul.

Laser-Guided Karma:

Whenever the Terrible Trio are up to no good in antagonising the Dreamstones, karma is always a corner away.

Hector Wolfe (@akluthor1998’s OC), faces his own comeuppance every time. It takes a few episodes until karma puts him in his place for good.

Lovely Assistant: In “A Bunch of Hopus Pocus”, Katie and Lexie get picked out by Hopus Pocus to be his two volunteers for a couple of acts in his magic show, only to realize too late that it was all a set up to send them directly into the waiting arms of the Devil and King Dice.

Loves the Sound of Screaming: When it comes to terrified people screaming in his presence, the Devil loves it as though their screams were more like cheers of praises.

The Devil: (smugly satisfied) My fans, they just can’t get enough of me.

Mama Bear:

Mass “Oh, Crud!”:

Meet Cute:

Named by the Adaptation: The toon elephant in the green overalls is named Eddie in the Fanfiction while the elderly female elephant is his grandmother named Ellie.

Nice Job, Fixing It, Villain!:

Oh, Crud!:

Offscreen Karma: Given what a terrible place it had been in her flashback episode, the Orphanage of Fear Ms. Chalice had ran away from could be the same orphanage the meteor hurtling towards to as reported in the Inkwell Blotter Henchman had read to the Devil. Which means, if the meteor had destroyed it, that would mean that the harshly strict penguins caretakers would be out of a job after how they had previously ran the place and punish Chalice for trying to have fun and showing off her talents. Thankfully, the orphans had make it out it’s left debatable about what would become of them afterwards.

Oh No, Not Again!:

Papa Wolf:

Scooby-Doo Doors:

Screams Like a Little Girl: King Dice is more prone to doing this in several fanmade episodes.

Stalker With a Crush:

Stalker Without a Crush:

When he’s not busy trying to force Katie to be his queen, the Devil spends most of his time trying to steal Natty’s magic wand as well as Lexie and Cuphead’s souls.

Dice pretty much puts aside his obsession with Lexie at least once or twice to focus on capturing Katie and Cuphead to get back into the Devil’s good graces and continue being Old Scratch’s number one.

Terrible Trio: Anubis with the TCS Devil and King Dice.

Throw the Dog a Bone: Due to the Dreamstones telling Cuphead not to resort to sabotaging him back, the Devil performed his audition without any interference. However, he doesn’t get the lead part as Cup Rogers and winds up o playing as the villain instead, much to his disappointment. On the other hand, the character he plays as has a sympathetic backstory and gets redeemed at the end, meaning that most people adore reformed villains as much as heroes.

Toast of Tardiness: Katie once ran late for her shift at Misterie’s Mystic Grotto and had to run all the way to the shop with a waffle in her mouth while carrying a bottle of soda she grabbed out of the fridge to wash it down (she didn’t had time to pour in a glass of orange juice much less saw any sense in carrying and drinking from a glass cup while running).

Toon Transformation: Happens to the Dreamstones, Matt and Liam once again after they’re accidentally transported into the TCS world.

Trapped in Another World:

Villain Takes an Interest:

Villainous Breakdown:

Villainous Crush:

A Want for a Nail:

In the retelling of Root Pack, the Dreamstones stopped the Root Pack from drinking up the nourishments from Elder Kettle’s garden and swelling up and they scare the con artists away. Elder Kettle’s “babies” are safe and grew up big and healthy enough to be made for his famous vegetable stew which helping serves to the main cast after recovering from his bad back.

Since the Devil earned Sally’s approval in his audition and the Dreamstone persuaded Cuphead not to sabotage, Mugman performed his audition without any mishaps and actually gets the starring role as Cup Rogers with Natty and Katie sharing the lead role as the leading lady as separate characters.

Despite he was given the part as Chatman, the Devil surprisingly gets the Throw the Dog a Bone treatment where his character has a sympathetic backstory and is reformed at the end, earning the admiration of the audience.

In the retelling of Roadkill, the Devil hops backwards and winds up falling down the stairways and is forced to climb them back up again after he stepped on the pine cone. That would make much more sense and is much funnier.

We Could Rule Together: The Devil says this word for trope when he when he declared to Katie he will make her his queen.

What the Heck, Hero?!:

You Have Got to Be Kidding Me!:

[writingsoftarnishedsilver]

What’s Left Unsaid | Sebastian Sallow x OC #7

Summary: Evangeline’s tentative courtship with Lysander Clearwater brings her closer to the world of pure-blood traditions, even as her lingering feelings for Sebastian make her question where her heart truly lies. Meanwhile, Sebastian struggles to mask his jealousy, haunted by unspoken feelings that threaten to unravel with every step she takes closer to Lysander.

Words: 3,049

Tags: Slow Burn, Angst, Friends to Lovers, Unrequited Love (or so they think), Pure-Blood Culture, Jealousy, Unspoken Feelings, Love Triangle, Protective Friends, Emotional Tension, Implied Smut (Underage), Chosen-One Trope

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Evangeline sat curled up on one of the plush, deep-red armchairs in the Gryffindor common room, warmth from the crackling fire seeping into her skin. Beside her, Natty, Cressida, and Nellie huddled close, all eyes wide with curiosity and excitement as they listened to her describe the whirlwind of her new courtship with Lysander Clearwater, Ravenclaw's star Quidditch chaser.

"You've been out together four times now?!" Cressida exclaimed, barely containing her excitement. "That’s practically official, Evie!"

Evangeline laughed, warmth flooding her cheeks as she looked down at her lap. "Yeah it’s… nice. Lysander’s charming, and he’s so different from—" she caught herself, biting back the name that was on the tip of her tongue. Her friends didn’t miss the slip.

"Different from Sebastian," Natty finished, sharing a knowing look with Cressida and Nellie. "But go on—what’s he like?"

Evangeline took a deep breath, trying to find the words to explain the strange mix of emotions Lysander brought out in her. "He’s attentive. He’s… thoughtful. He’s been teaching me about his family’s traditions, introducing me to his world. Pure-blood customs, etiquette—things I never really knew about."

Nellie leaned forward, her brows raised in curiosity. "Like what? Fancy dinners? Family expectations?"

"Both," Evangeline replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Apparently his family’s quite formal. There’s a certain way I’m supposed to speak, certain things I should avoid talking about. It’s… different."

Cressida nudged her playfully. "But he must like you for who you are, right? Surely his family can’t expect you to change entirely."

"That’s what he says." Evangeline shrugged.

Nellie sighed dreamily, "Merlin, Evie. You’re practically living a romance novel—What more could you ask for?"

Evangeline grinned, a spark of excitement lighting her eyes as she leaned in closer, her friends hanging onto her every word. “It does feel a bit like that, actually,” she admitted, unable to keep the thrill from her voice. “He’s so… earnest. He treats me like I’m someone worth getting to know, and there’s this comfort in it, this… certainty.”

Cressida and Nellie exchanged a look, beaming, while Natty’s eyes softened. “That sounds lovely, Evie,” Natty said. “It’s nice to see you wanted—properly. No mind games, no second-guessing.”

Evangeline nodded, her mind flashing to the steady, reassuring way Lysander looked at her, always without hesitation. Ominis had been supportive, guiding her through some of the pure-blood nuances and rituals, coaching her on how to respond to polite but probing questions. The formality of it was a relief in some ways; everything had rules, guidelines.

“It’s all so different from what I’m used to, but Ominis has been helping me adjust,” she continued, glancing gratefully at her friends. “And, I mean, Lysander makes it easy. He’s so patient.”

Nellie sighed. “You’re practically glowing, Evie.”

“It’s just… nice to be seen,” Evangeline murmured, almost as if to herself. “And to feel wanted."

The words hung in the air, the warmth of the fire casting a comforting glow around them, yet there was an unspoken understanding among her friends.

Cressida’s brow furrowed, her gaze softening. “But you’re not... head over heels, are you?”

Evangeline faltered, the question leaving her speechless. She wanted to be. Lysander was everything a girl could ask for in a partner—steady, respectful, easy to be around. Yet her heart wasn’t entirely invested, and she knew why.

The other three girls exchanged a knowing look. “It’s him, isn’t it?” Natty finally asked, tilting her head as she watched Evangeline closely. “Sebastian.”

Evangeline bit her lip, looking away toward the fire. She didn’t need to answer. Her silence said it all.

“He’s been a mess since you started seeing Lysander,” Nellie said softly. “Have you noticed?"

Evangeline sighed. “I’ve noticed. But he hasn’t said anything, not really.”

“Do you think he will?” Cressida asked, her voice full of sympathy. “Say something, I mean?”

Evangeline shook her head. “I don’t know. He’s Sebastian. He’ll probably keep pretending he doesn’t care. And I…” Her voice trailed off. She didn’t want to admit how much she was still holding out hope that he might.

Natty reached over, squeezing Evangeline’s hand. “Regardless, he has no right to meddle in who you spend your time with."

“Exactly,” Cressida agreed, her tone turning slightly indignant. “Besides, he’s got no room to judge. I’ve heard all about his recent flings.”

Nellie scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Right? Just last week he was caught with... who was it, Cressida?”

“Amelia Fawley,” Cressida replied, sighing. “And then just two days later, Eloise something-or-other from Hufflepuff.”

“Honestly, he’s acting like a complete prat,” Natty said. “Running around with half the girls in the castle, and then he has the nerve to brood every time he sees you with Lysander?”

Evangeline tried to focus on her friends’ words, but her mind drifted. It was easier to pretend Sebastian’s antics didn’t affect her, that he wasn’t constantly lingering in the back of her thoughts. She felt a twinge of something painful but familiar—a mix of jealousy and resentment she wished she could shake. Lysander was kind, considerate, and sincere, and she knew he deserved more than half of her heart, tangled up in someone else.

The fire crackled beside them, filling the quiet space left as her friends continued their conversation. Evangeline did her best to at least half-listen, nodding along, while her mind lingered somewhere else entirely—somewhere she knew she wasn’t supposed to go.

What she didn't know was at that very moment, Sebastian was up in the Clock Tower, his hands pressed against the cool stone wall as Valerie, a fifth year Slytherin girl, tugged on his tie, pulling his face towards hers. He forced a smirk, leaning into her touch, but his mind felt detached, distant, drifting.

He knew why he was here, why he let Valerie draw him in with her flirtations and why he’d let himself get caught up with anyone willing to distract him. Because with every stolen glance Evangeline gave Lysander, every laugh they shared that wasn’t with him, Sebastian felt himself slipping further into something he didn’t want to admit—something he tried, over and over, to push away.

Valerie’s voice broke through his thoughts, soft and almost teasing. “Where are you, Sallow?” she asked, pulling back slightly to study his face, her dark eyes searching his with faint curiosity.

Sebastian forced a chuckle, the mask slipping back into place. “Right here,” he murmured, reaching up to tangle a hand in her hair. He offered her a casual grin, masking the turmoil behind his usual charm. But even as he did, his thoughts betrayed him, his mind stubbornly wandering back to Gryffindor Tower, to Evangeline, and to the strange, uncomfortable feeling he couldn’t seem to shake.

At some point he vaguely realized that he was kissing Valerie, his mouth pressed against hers while her hands slid up to his collar, pulling him closer with a quiet urgency. Sebastian's mind was mind hazy as he tried to find some solace in the moment. Yet each time he closed his eyes, he imagined not Valerie but Evangeline—her laugh, her smile, the way her gaze softened whenever she looked at him. It was maddening.

Valerie’s hands travelled lower, and Sebastian went through the motions, leaning into her touch. He tried to let himself get lost in it, in the distraction she offered. For a fleeting moment, it almost worked—the closeness, the warmth all pulled him in, a hollow stand-in for what he really wanted but couldn’t have. But when it was over, he was left feeling more empty than before, the hollow ache settling deeper.

Valerie smiled up at him as he buttoned his trousers back up, “Well, that was fun,” she purred, her eyes holding a flicker of expectation.

Sebastian flashed her a lazy grin, his usual charm slipping easily into place. “Indeed. Always a pleasure, Valerie,” he replied, reaching for his tie and adjusting it with casual ease. “I’ll see you around, yeah?”

She looked pleased, her lips curving into a smirk as she straightened up. “Don’t keep me waiting too long, Sallow.”

He offered her a playful wink but didn’t linger, pulling on his robes and quickly making his way out. As soon as he was alone, his expression fell, his pace quickening as he left the Clock Tower behind. Valerie was pleasant enough, but the brief... distraction she’d provided had done little to ease the restless ache gnawing at him.

Without hesitation, he made his way to the Undercroft. His heart raced at the thought of finding Evangeline there, as if simply seeing her, sharing a quiet moment together, would soothe the hollow emptiness that had settled deep within him.

The torches flickered softly as he entered the familiar space, his gaze scanning the room with a quiet urgency. Evie was curled up on a couch in the back of the room, a book in hand; Pride and Prejudice.

Evangeline looked up as Sebastian entered, and her gaze swept over his slightly disheveled appearance—the ruffled tie, his hair mussed, the faint smudge of lipstick on his collar that he hadn’t noticed. She closed her book, arching an eyebrow.

"Rough day?"

Sebastian’s lips curved into a smirk as he approached, slipping into their familiar rhythm. “You know me,” he replied, brushing a hand through his hair in a half-hearted attempt to smooth it down. “Never a dull moment.”

Evangeline let out a small chuckle, though it lacked its usual warmth. She reached forward, plucking a stray thread from his tie with an exaggerated air of disinterest.

They shared a look, but the silence between them felt charged, heavier than usual. He could sense her curiosity and maybe even something closer to disappointment lingering behind her teasing.

They both settled onto the couch, falling into the usual small talk about classes, Quidditch matches, and the latest updates about Garreth’s potions mishaps. But the lighthearted conversation was quickly losing its edge, and Sebastian could feel her words were more guarded, almost distant. After a pause, Evangeline glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

“Lysander’s invited me to meet his family this weekend,” she said quietly, studying his reaction.

Sebastian’s stomach twisted, the hollow ache from before sharpening into something colder. He forced a smile, masking the resentment that simmered beneath the surface. “A pure-blood dinner party,” he said, letting the words roll off his tongue like something sour. "Fancy that."

She frowned slightly, and he felt a pang of regret for his sharp tone. But the frustration had built up, coiling tightly in his chest, and he couldn’t stop himself. "You know he’s only interested in you because he thinks you're the Chosen One, right Evie?"

Evie rolled her eyes, a subtle smirk pulling at her lips, "I don't know if you've forgotten, Sebastian, but I do happen to be the Chosen One."

For a moment, Sebastian couldn't believe she'd thrown it back at him like that. His throat tightened as he swallowed the retort that sprang to his lips. He felt an anger and frustration twisting together in his chest, feelings he couldn’t fully understand or untangle. He clenched his fists, fighting the urge to snap back, to say something he’d regret.

"But that doesn’t mean people should treat you like some... prize," he replied, his voice strained. "Like you're something to be claimed or shown off."

Her eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms, looking at him with a defiance that only made the ache in his chest deepen. “And you think that’s all Lysander sees in me?”

“Evie, do you honestly think he's interested in you for you?" he shot back, voice rising. "You’re one of the most talked-about people in the entire school!”

Evangeline’s face flushed, her eyes sparking with frustration. “I don't understand you, Sebastian! Why can't you just be happy for me?"

Sebastian was about to respond when the sound of footsteps echoed through the Undercroft. They both turned to see Ominis, eyebrows raised as he took in the tension between them.

“Oh, brilliant,” he muttered dryly, his arms folding as he approached. “I see I’ve walked in on something. Please, go on. This seems like a healthy conversation.”

Evangeline let out a frustrated sigh, turning away slightly, but Sebastian wasn’t finished. Ignoring Ominis’s wary expression, he pressed on, his voice trembling with frustration. “Evie, you're settling for someone who doesn’t see you! Someone who just wants the idea of you, not... not you," Sebastian finished, his voice rough, The words lingered in the silence, reverberating in the space around them.

Evangeline’s mouth opened slightly in shock, and for a fleeting moment, she looked as if she might respond. But she only shook her head, turning her gaze away from him, her jaw set tight as if she was forcing herself to keep control.

Ominis cleared his throat, his usually sharp gaze softening as he looked between them. “Sebastian, maybe now isn’t—”

“No, let him finish,” Evangeline’s voice was barely a whisper, but firm and unyielding. Her gaze locked on Sebastian’s, fierce and steady. “I want to hear exactly why he thinks I can’t make my own choices. Why he thinks I can’t possibly judge Lysander’s character without his ‘expert’ input.” Her words sliced through the room like ice, each syllable sharp and deliberate. “I want to know why Sebastian assumes no one could be interested in me for me—why he thinks it has to be about my status or my… abilities. Why he can’t believe I could ever deserve real affection without some hidden agenda.”

Sebastian’s expression faltered, a flicker of pain crossing his face before he could hide it. “Evie, that’s not… that’s not what I meant,” he stammered, his voice softer, almost pleading.

“Then what did you mean, Sebastian?” she demanded, her tone unyielding. “Why is it so damn hard for you to just be happy for me?”

Sebastian’s face fell, a flicker of regret softening his features, but he couldn’t pull back now. The frustration, the jealousy, and the ache of unspoken feelings all surged forward, but before he could say something he'd regret, Ominis cleared his throat, trying to defuse the tension. “Maybe we all just need some air.”

Evie scoffed, grabbing her bag from where she'd dropped it beside the couch. She turned on her heel, her face set in determination. “Good idea.”

She brushed past Sebastian, her shoulder grazing his. Ominis released a long breath, watching her go before turning to Sebastian, his eyes both sympathetic and weary.

“Sebastian, what in Merlin's name are you doing?” Ominis asked softly, his voice carrying both exasperation and concern.

Sebastian let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know, Ominis,” he muttered, frustration coloring his tone. “I just… I can’t stand seeing her with him. And I don’t know how to make her understand.”

Ominis sighed, crossing his arms as he looked at his friend. “You could start by telling her the truth instead of making her feel like she's unworthy of affection."

Sebastian rolled his eyes, crossing his arms defensively. "We've been over this a hundred times. I'm not telling her how I feel, Ominis."

Ominis shook his head, his patience wearing thin. "Then what exactly is your plan, Sebastian? To keep pushing her away every time she tries to be happy, while you pretend you don’t feel anything besides disappointment in her?"

Sebastian clenched his jaw, glancing away. "We both know she’s… she’s probably better off with someone like Lysander," he said, but his voice lacked conviction. "Someone stable. Someone who doesn’t carry the kind of… history I do. Not to mention the fact that things are finally getting back to normal... I don't want to jeopardize that."

Ominis gave him a long, piercing look. "Maybe you think you’re protecting her, but all you’re doing is hurting her—and yourself. You can’t hide behind that excuse forever."

Sebastian’s shoulders sagged, and for a moment, he looked almost defeated. "What am I supposed to say, Ominis? ‘Hey, Evie, forget the stable, safe guy who likes you because… because I’ve been in love with you this whole time’? That I can’t stand seeing you with anyone else because it feels like my heart’s being ripped out?"

Ominis nodded. "Yes. Exactly that."

Sebastian stared at him, taken aback. His mouth opened, then closed again as he struggled to process the simple logic. "I… I can’t just say that," he whispered, more to himself than to Ominis.

Ominis’s gaze softened. "Why not?"

"What do you mean why not?!" Sebastian’s voice rose in exasperation, his hands clenching at his sides. "Because if I tell her, and she doesn’t feel the same, I lose her. I lose everything. It’s safer this way."

Ominis sighed, glancing at Sebastian with a mixture of exasperation and understanding. "Fine," he said, lifting his hands in a gesture of surrender. "But I have an assignment to work on, so if you’re going to keep agonizing over this, can we at least do it after I finish? We both know this won’t be the last time we talk about it. I’m sure we’ll be having this exact conversation tomorrow. And the day after that. Prbably again a week from now."

Sebastian tried to muster a smile, but it fell short, his worry and frustration lingering. “Maybe by then, I’ll have figured out what to do.”

Ominis rolled his eyes, setting his books neatly on the table. “Or maybe you won’t. In any case, you should be getting back to whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing, as well.” He gave Sebastian a pointed look, though the edge in his voice softened.

Sebastian exhaled, slumping against the wall, the weight of the conversation settling over him like a familiar, heavy cloak. “Yeah,” he muttered, his voice barely more than a murmur. “I suppose you’re right.”

Ominis gave him a final, understanding nod, glancing back at his parchment with a resigned sigh. “I usually am.”

Sebastian managed a faint smile, though the ache in his chest lingered. He straightened, shoving his hands into his pockets, “I’ll… let you get to it then. Thanks, Ominis.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and made his way to the door, his mind swirling with everything he couldn’t say and everything he wished he’d had the courage to admit.

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

[jeongyunhoed]

As seen on my FF.net Also seen on my Ao3

Following the events of fifth year, a new adventure awaits for Norah Lee. Boys, exams, school events, common room parties, and old foes outside of Hogwarts. Even battling pensieve guardians was easier than this.

Main Pair: OC / Ominis Gaunt Genre: Adventure/Angst/Fluff (it's a little of everything, tbh)

KEEP IN MIND: Characters are aged up (even if the story's got them in sixth year) to make it more appropriate. Time period is leaning towards the modern day so in case you might find anachronisms in the dialogue or references, this is why. This may also be quite a lengthy fic too.

BE WARNED: Social anxiety, mentions of blood and injury, grief, drinking, kissing but nothing more than that, death (this is Hogwarts Legacy, after all)

P.P.S: This chapter, or at least the first part is also known as: Ominis Gaunt and the Chamber of Secrets. Also, some poor attempt at writing a kissing scene, AND Amit does the hard thing while also uninentionally hurting two people.

Masterlist

Chapter 22

Sebastian stepped inside the Undercroft one afternoon, removing his scarf and gloves only to realize how cold the space still was. Ominis and Norah followed close behind as he told them after Herbology that there was something he wanted to show them, something he knew Norah also knew about. It had been a few weeks since the Hufflepuff party, and the Yule Ball was closer than ever and it was all everyone could talk about including the teachers. That hadn't stopped them from going with Norah's plan during their weekend visits to Hogsmeade, already finding a few Astronomy tables in the area. They had agreed to visit the coast next for more of the tables during the summer holidays.

With winter break coming the day after the ball, Sebastian came to the conclusion that he needed to bow out. There really wasn't a chance for him with Norah, who seemed sure that she liked Ominis, and that Ominis liked her too. This would be the only time he didn't let his stubbornness get in the way, and yet, Sebastian was quite okay with it. Perhaps, he felt, he had long been okay with it for some time, even before knowing how Ominis felt about her.

And as he had suspected, that day in the Room of Requirement, he had a feeling Amit, Henry, and Natty knew of this as well. It seemed like everyone in their friend circle knew that Norah and Ominis liked each other except for them. Unconsciously, an amused smile formed on his lips at the thought.

His best friends were and are idiots. That was enough for him, he thought.

"Oh, it's so cold," Came Norah's shaky voice as she stepped in, brushing the snow off her shoulders. Behind her was Ominis, who seemed unfazed as he sensed Sebastian already waiting for them.

"Sebastian, what were you going to show us?" the blonde asked as they approached him.

"I found this among Norah's notes and letters a few weeks ago in the Room of Requirement," Sebastian immediately took out the old bit of parchment from his bag to show to them. "Where did you find this?"

Norah immediately knew what he meant. "Oh, when we went into the Scriptorium. I saw it on Slytherin's desk," She kept glancing at Ominis as she said it. "I-I actually had wanted to ask Ominis about this, or anyone who might know, but I feel like having undergone the cruciatus curse was enough excitement for that day."

"What do you mean?" Ominis asked curiously, his wand-bearing hand pointing at the bit of parchment Sebastian held up to him. "...His journal entry. You have Salazar Slytherin's journal entry."

"Yeah, and it mentions him being annoyed that Godric Gryffindor wasn't as obsessed with blood status and also," Norah pointed to the bottom part of the entry. "Putting a creature to sleep for a descendant of his to unleash on those unworthy of being here."

That part sent chills down their spines, and the blonde's expression stiffened. "Slytherin was never done with his pureblood mania...this is cruel," He muttered.

"Yeah," Norah nodded. She suddenly remembered her field guide. "There's also something I saw in the girls' bathroom on my first days here. There's one particular sink that's got the Slytherin logo on the tap. I know that doesn't sound out of the ordinary, but-"

The two boys knew what she meant. "You mean that creature thing Slytherin put to sleep is in Hogwarts?" Sebastian added.

"There is a chance, isn't there?" Norah turned to Ominis as well. "Somewhere in this castle, Slytherin placed a creature that can kill those he thinks are unworthy to study magic. And somewhere in this castle is the entrance to where that creature is."

While Ominis looked disturbed, Sebastian was intrigued. "If we're to believe this entry, then many of us are in danger," Ominis closed his eyes in exasperation. "Then again, it is Salazar Slytherin...we've had to use the Cruciatus curse to avoid dying in his traps, it's not entirely unusual for him to hide a monster here."

Ominis could tell Sebastian and Norah were waiting for him to say more. "...You want us to go down there?!" He gaped. "Have you two gone mad?!"

"How are we going down there? We don't even know how to go there or where in Hogwarts it is," Norah shrugged.

"I can look up what might be down there...And I think I'll have to go to the restricted section for that," Sebastian suggested. "I reckon no on else is going to tell us about that..."

"My family knows," Ominis suddenly said, looking down. "I mean...I've heard things, especially what Marvolo would tell me, about Slytherin's serpent being hidden away in this castle. My parents would often talk about how one day that...chamber would be opened by someone in the family. They were hoping it would be me but...of course I wouldn't."

"Hmm," Sebastian turned to Norah curiously. "Down there, at the caverns where the repository is, do you think there's a way to that chamber from there?"

Norah shrugged. "I have no idea."

"Didn't we swear not to engage in anything that Salazar Slytherin has left behind in this castle? After what we've had to go through in the Scriptorium, that should be enough already," Ominis pointed out, his voice almost pleading. He didn't want to remember Norah getting cursed again. He didn't even want to remember somewhat witnessing that Norah was cursed by Nicholas Carrow that had her bleeding all over.

With the topic of the secret chamber having been brought up between them, Ominis knew this needed to stay within the confines of the Undercroft. If anyone knew the story behind the chamber, all eyes would be on him if the creature would be unleashed. He pointed his wand at the bit of parchment again, feeling a hint of concern at what his ancestor intended. It meant that Norah might be in trouble if ever that creature came out.

As much as Ominis despised having anything to do with Salazar Slytherin, what Norah and Sebastian brought up made him remember what his late aunt Noctua Gaunt believed in. He always saw Hogwarts as another place of refuge aside from the Sallow home, and knowing what his ancestor had kept in the depths of the school, only time could tell when that chamber would be opened.

If he had the same beliefs as his beloved aunt, shouldn't he also take the same step in changing the way his ancestor was perceived? It seemed like a lost cause.

A million thoughts ran in Ominis' mind the more Sebastian and Norah talked about the journal entry. That meant muggle-borns would be in danger. That might include Norah as well.

"Ominis?"

The blonde snapped out of his thoughts, sensing that both Norah and Sebastian were looking at him, waiting for him to say something. He tilted his head toward Norah, catching the faint whiff of her perfume that meant she was standing a lot closer to him, or at the very least, leaning toward him.

"Ominis?" Norah asked again, her hand hovering over his arm. She turned to Sebastian. "I think we broke him..."

Sebastian snorted as Ominis blinked a few times, gaze shifting to Norah. "I-I just remembered something, that's all," He said. "My aunt Noctua."

"Oh," The two of them exchanged looks. "Do you think she knew where the entrance to that chamber is?"

Ominis nodded. "It was..a heavily guarded secret. It's impossible for anyone in my family not to know about it. It was passed down from one of my great-grandfathers, Corvinus, who was a student here when he found it. He knew what it meant, knew where it was and was the one who kept it a secret. He even found a way to disguise the entrance when Hogwarts at the time was installing a new plumbing system. But he never opened it. I guess it's because he didn't want to take the responsibility of killing off all Muggle-borns in this school at the time."

Sebastian shook his head. "He holds that kind of prejudice against Muggle-borns, wanting to rid the school of them but all of a sudden he doesn't want to assume responsibility for killing them off in Hogwarts?"

"As you know very well, Sebastian, many of my relatives don't exactly have rational explanation or logic as a strong trait," Ominis pointed out.

"Well, we don't need to figure that out now. I'll head to the library to see what I can find out about this chamber and what's inside it aside from this journal entry," Sebastian nodded. He hastily put his scarf back on. "If you two will excuse me, I think I'll go to the library now. I'll see you two at dinner."

Ominis and Norah watched him leave, with an unusual skip in his step as the doors of the Undercroft closed behind him. That left the two of them alone. The two of them turned to each other. "You know," Norah went to the couch near the fireplace and sat down. As she saw Ominis follow her, there was something she noticed. It had only occurred to her how the usually-prim and proper Ominis Gaunt, looked a little too casual this time. His tie was loose, and judging from the outlines of his sweater, his waistcoat was undone. She remembered the button she saw on the desk in the Room of Requirement. "If we look for this chamber, it'll just be like the time we went back to the mine."

"Going into the mine again seems like a better adventure than to revisit Salazar Slytherin's old...haunts," Ominis said quietly. "First the Scriptorium and now this...what am I getting into with you?"

"Me?" Norah chuckled.

Ominis wanted to say something more. Yes, you. I find myself in these situations because it's so easy for you to convince me. One word from you and I'm in, all the way. I'm crazy about you, he thought. "You've got a habit of risking your life. Maybe you belong in Gryffindor."

Norah snorted. "I think it was my ambition to see everything through that's what got me into Slytherin. But I suppose you are right," She smiled. "I have been told I look good in red."

"Told by who?" Ominis raised a brow, a sly smile creeping up on his face.

"Told by plenty of people. Outside Hogwarts, that is," Norah continued to joke, wanting to see the blonde laugh. She smiled to herself. "Any plans for Christmas holiday? I'm going home."

"I-" Ominis stopped to think. "I was thinking of going with Sebastian to Feldcroft. But then it would just be the two of us since Anne's going back to St. Mungo's by the time we arrive. I'd hate to think I'd have to go back home. All eyes would be on me since Marvolo's definitely going to spend Christmas with his wife."

That gave Norah an idea. "Do you want to spend Christmas with my family?" She asked. "My parents would love to have you all come and have Christmas with us. Although, we should probably be careful in case our muggle neighbors catch anything."

"Where do you live?" Ominis was curious, tilting his head toward her.

"London," Norah replied. She sat up. "Then that's settled. You, Sebastian, and Anne can spend Christmas with me and my family in London! We'll have a good time. It's going to be my first Christmas at home since fifth year."

Ominis' expression softened. No way was he not going to take that chance. "That...that would be nice."

He could tell Norah was grinning from ear to ear. "I'll write to my parents right away. The guest rooms have to be ready for the three of you. I'd invite Natty to come too, but she'll obviously be spending it with Professor Onai. Henry's also going home."

"In that case," Ominis took a breath as he turned to face Norah. "Will you go with me to the Yule Ball?"

"...What?" Norah stared at him, her expression dropping in surprise.

"Will you...go with me to the Yule Ball?" Ominis repeated. "Sebastian was thinking of asking Adele, so that leaves me alone."

She studied his expression to discern whether he was serious. "...Were you going with Sebastian to the ball?"

Ominis snorted, making her laugh. "That's not what I meant. I meant-" He paused, clearing his throat. "If no one's asked you, I suppose we can go together. If you'd like to, that is."

"Yes, we can go together," Norah smiled.

~

There was a reason why Sebastian hastily left the Undercroft. The very reason was behind the fireplace in the library, where the quidditch uniform-clad Adele was waiting rather anxiously. She lit the fire so as not to attract any attention, and at the moment, she didn't want to be noticed. The fire was immediately put out by a blast of ice, making her stand up from the chair, and in came Sebastian, who dropped his bag and scarf. Sebastian quickly lit the fire again before taking her into his arms, the two of them kissing each other hungrily.

"Spin the Bottle's certainly changed your tune," She smirked against his lips, making him lean in for more. Sebastian held her flush against him, backing her against the wall. "It's certainly changed mine..."

The Slytherin boy hummed, his hands roaming her back, wanting to maybe remove the robe as his hands momentarily brushed against the hems. "I needed some closure, that's all..."

"Closure?" Adele pulled away slightly, her lips barely away from his. Both of their cheeks were flushed, his lips especially swollen. "Finally got over her, huh?"

"Yeah. I'm not mad about it," Sebastian pecked her lips a few times. "I hope you're not."

"The Slytherin heartthrob, Sebastian Sallow," Adele grinned, her hands in his hair. "We really need to stop meeting like this."

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean, we've been meeting like this since the party," Adele's fingers were tangled in his locks. "I mean we should go on a proper date. It won't be long before people find out about you and me..."

Sebastian rested his forehead on hers. "I know, I know. It's just-"

"You think Nellie might find it weird?" Adele was curious. "She's so hung up on Amit, if you must know, I don't think she'll mind one bit."

Her breath hitched when Sebastian leaned in to kiss her neck. "...You knew Nellie and I used to date?" He muttered against her skin.

"Who doesn't know you and Nellie used to date?" Adele closed her eyes, sighing in content. When Sebastian started sucking on her neck, she gently pulled away a little to make him stop. "No hickies, please. No one on the team's going to live it down," She whispered.

"Alright," Sebastian sighed, leaning back up to kiss her. "You know, on the way here, I spotted Henry and Natty snogging near the Restricted Section."

Adele giggled and shook her head. "Those two have been snogging every chance they get. Get used to it," She kissed him, making him smirk.

"Alright, alright. It's not like I told them I saw them," Sebastian said in between kisses. "Then Hogsmeade this weekend?"

Adele nodded, nipping his lower lip. "I'd love to."

"And then the Yule Ball?"

"I'd love to too," Adele smiled. "About time you asked me."

They pulled away, the Slytherin boy looking at her in awe. "Good thing we agreed to this, Adele Kang."

"Likewise, Sallow."

~

Amit was up in the Astronomy tower, taking deep breaths. He was finally going to do it. He was finally going to make clear whether or not he wanted a relationship. It was between Samantha and Nellie, two of the coolest girls in school, and two of the coolest in sixth year. He didn't want to lead them on any longer. Amit took a step forward, then another, and then another, until he found himself in the Transfiguration courtyard.

There Nellie was, laughing and chatting with Adelaide Oakes, who seemed to throw glances in his direction. Amit cleared his throat and approached her, his palms starting to get a little sweaty. "Uh Nellie, can I have a word with you?" He asked, trying to suppress his nerves.

Nellie smiled and got up. "I'll talk to you in a bit, Adelaide," She said. "We should go in that room," She pointed to the closet next to the doors that led to the Bell tower.

Amit nodded, following her confident strides towards the room, closing the door behind him and locking it for the meantime. Once he closed the door, he was met with a pair of lips on his own. His eyes widened in surprise as Nellie pulled away, looking quite hopeful.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist," She giggled. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

There was no time like the present.

"I'm not looking for a relationship right now," Amit blurted out.

The Gryffindor girl's expression fell. "...What?"

"I'm," Amit paused. "Not looking for a relationship right now."

Nellie looked down. "...Is it because you're actually in love with Samantha?"

The Ravenclaw boy shook his head. "No, it's not because of that. I just think a relationship is not something I'm looking for right now, what with NEWTs and preparing for seventh year. I still don't know what I want to do with my life, and I know that getting into a relationship when this is what's happening is wrong."

"So do I. So does everyone," Nellie said quietly, her eyes welling with tears.

Amit took her hands in his own. "I know, but for me, I want to be fully committed, I want to be ready when I do. I want to get my life together before thinking about pursuing anyone."

Nellie nodded. "I...understand. I understand," She burst into tears and unlocked the door to leave, Amit sighing as he could hear her sobs.

He still needed to go to the greenhouses. Amit quietly slipped into the corridor of the History of Magic classroom. He needed to get it over with even if it meant he'd have to hear both girls cry. The Ravenclaw boy soon found himself in Central Hall and down the stairs to the greenhouses. As he walked in, he saw Samantha sitting on the bench by the dirigible plum tree. "Samantha?" He called out, making the brunette look up.

"Over here," She waved him over, making him climb down the stairs. Samantha patted the space next to her.

Amit took another breath as he joined her. "So," He turned to face her. "I need to tell you something."

"You're not ready for a relationship."

He stared at her. "You knew I was going to say that?"

Samantha nodded. "I overheard you talking to Henry about it, so I've known for a while."

Amit cleared his throat. "Then, I want to say it to you. I'm not looking for a relationship right now."

Samantha looked crestfallen, tearing up at his words. "...Wow. It doesn't make it hurt less."

"I'm sorry, I really am," Amit tried to explain. "I just want to explain why."

Samantha shook her head. "Please don't. We both know it's because of Nellie."

"No, no, it isn't," Amit sighed. "I actually came from the Transfiguration courtyard. I told Nellie the same thing. I'm not looking for a relationship at all."

"Oh," Samantha looked down. "And then I was beginning to think it was also because of Norah. Everyone seems to fancy her."

Amit shook his head. "It's not because of Norah, but I see why you'd say that. She's been telling me to tell both of you how I felt because she said it was wrong to keep leading both of you on."

Samantha's expression stiffened. "So it is because she told you to."

"What? No, no it isn't! She's my friend, Samantha," Amit tried to explain.

But Samantha, however, wasn't having it. "Friend? She's been telling you all this time to tell me and Nellie. She-she couldn't handle not being the center of attention so she made you think like this, didn't she?"

Amit's eyes widened. "Samantha, please-"

She got up. "And then I was naive enough to ask for her help in putting that crest back to Marmaduke's tomb...I turn my back and she doesn't hesitate to stab me."

Amit shook his head. "Samantha! She has nothing to do with this!" He said. "You're sounding like you want me to date both you and Nellie at the same time."

Samantha huffed, glaring daggers at him. "Amit Thakkar, I can't believe you'd be so easily tricked into breaking things off under the pretense of not wanting a relationship."

"Because it's true! I'm not looking for one right now!" Amit kept glancing around in case someone was nearby. It was certain that Professor Garlick was in one of them. "Even before Norah said anything, I knew I wasn't looking for one!"

Samantha was still glaring daggers at him, and she hastily wiped the tear that rolled down her cheek. "Amit, I like you. I really do."

"I'm sorry," Amit stood up. "I never meant to hurt you. Please know that."

Samantha wiped her eyes. "I just-I just need to be alone right now, Amit."

He nodded and walked off, his head hung as he heard Samantha's sobs. Amit felt like the grim reaper as he went back to the Defense Against the Dark Arts tower, back to the Astronomy tower to continue filling out his star charts. It wouldn't be long before many of the people in their year knew about it. As he passed by the Room of Requirement, he saw Norah coming out, fixing her supply of newly brewed potions.

"Oh hey," She said. "Something wrong?"

"I told Nellie and Samantha," Amit revealed. "I made clear to them that I wasn't looking for a relationship and-" He swallowed. "I think I need to stop hanging out with you, or be seen with you."

Norah looked confused. "What?"

"Samantha thinks you tricked me into breaking things off with her and Nellie. I tried to explain but it seems like she won't listen to me."

"Oh...I'm sorry," Norah tried to pat his shoulder, only for him to step back.

"No, please Norah, I hope you understand. I'm doing this for you too. If Samantha thinks that way, there's a chance people might have overheard and start thinking of you the same way."

Norah nodded, fully realizing the situation. "Still, I'm sorry you've had to go through that."

Amit looked down. "Yeah, I am now going through that. We'll hang out again when things have died down. Sorry, Norah."

He sighed and walked off, climbing up the stairs to the Astronomy Tower.