#will continue with hobhouse

[stalinqrad]

my thesis reading is actually really interesting i must admit. thank god i picked a topic i actually really like, i love travel literature i find it fascinating

[myokk]

note-taking

pairing: Sebastian Sallow x f!MC

word count: 3,6k

summary: mc loves flustering sebastian with her notes during class😇

cw: NONE this is just fluff, mutual pining, idiots in love, it takes a while for them to admit their feelings, I rated it M for some language/sexual themes

a/n: I laughed a lot as I wrote this on the train, I hope you enjoy reading about these two idiots (endearing) as much as I did writing them

A beetle slowly makes its way across Sebastian Sallow's desk.

The classroom is silent - save for the scratching of quills furiously calculating the Arithmatic probability of who will be the next Minister and the quiet murmur of his professor as she helps Hobhouse (how did he even get into the N.E.W.T. level?) - and Sebastian is going absolutely mad.

He counts how many seconds it takes for the beetle to reach his abandoned quill (fifteen). But, when it takes its seventh step after making it over the quill (an auspicious sign), Sebastian slams his hand down on top of it.

The loud noise echoes through the silent classroom and Sebastian hears her snickering coming from behind him as the whole class turns to see what has happened. His ears turn red, he wishes he could jinx her somehow, and yet he is terribly curious to see what she has sent him this time. Sebastian hopes that everyone has gone back to their equations and stops staring at him, because now that it's in his hands, his fingers are itching to open it. His hands eagerly - shamefully eager, if you ask him - unravel the note he's crumpled up in his hands - almost a shame that he destroyed the beetle, it was one of her better creations - and Sebastian soon curses his haste.

His ears would be an even deeper shade of red were his blood not currently draining to a different part of his body. Sebastian shifts uncomfortably in his seat as he continues reading the note, his eyes flying across the tiny note once, twice, three times before he crumples it up and adds it to the graveyard of the other notes she has been sending him all day. The words fuck my soaking cunt flash up at him and he adjusts his schoolbag so that if anyone were to walk past and look into it, they wouldn't suspect a thing.

You see, this has been going on all week. Sebastian knew that when his seventh year started, it was going to be the culmination of their academic rivalry, but he never expected this. That witch has made taunting him her personal vendetta, and it's working.

Sebastian can't get her out of his mind.

It started in Herbology on Monday, at exactly 7.37 in the morning. Sebastian had been sitting next to Ominis, both complaining under their breaths at how early Professor Garlick had made them wake up (something about the plants blooming - Sebastian can't remember now). He had seen a little snake slither past Ominis's hands, making its way directly to him, and he does remember that he thought it was quite strange that Ominis didn't seem to react to the snake's presence. And then - he took a closer look at it - he saw that it was made of paper. Curious, Sebastian had thought as he grabbed and unfolded it. Reading it started an unfortunate chain of events.

It started out innocently enough, he supposes. Well, if you can call the most indecent thing he's ever read innocent, then it started out innocently.

Sallow - let me just say how absolutely delicious you look in your jacket this morning. I find I want to rip it off of your broad shoulders. Did you hit a growth spurt this summer?

He had flushed, briefly glanced over his shoulder - maybe he could see a face as flushed as his was, watching his reaction, but nothing - before looking back to the note, squinting at the familiar (familiar?) handwriting when Ominis had interrupted him.

"Sebastian? I think we need to start trimming the budding flowers now..."

His voice had blended in with the buzzing in Sebastian's ears as he stared intently down at the note in his hands. He had soon figured out who sent it - how could he not recognize her handwriting? - and the rest of Herbology class had been an absolute disaster. He had spent the whole rest of his time haphazardly massacring his plants and ignoring Ominis's pleas for help as he ruminated on her and what did she mean by her note? Her maddening laughter floated over the sound of tiny, precise snips as Sebastian's classmates did as they were supposed to, boring into his mind as he tried his hardest to figure out what she was up to.

Her plan's working, whatever it is. Sebastian has been frustrated to no end. She's nobody to him, just Anne's annoying best friend. Well, that's not entirely true, and Sebastian doesn't like to lie to himself. She was his closest friend last year, and the year before...ever since she arrived at Hogwarts, really. They did everything together, but something had changed when she visited that summer.

She had spent less time laughing with him, instead choosing to whisper with Anne about Merlin knows what, sometimes looking at him with an expression he couldn't place that had started to drive him crazy.

Sebastian had decided that a certain someone made no sense, that he would ignore the strange way his stomach would flip in her presence, and that he would focus all of his energy into besting her at everything. Maybe if she was embarrassed about being inferior to him, she would stop all of this. Although he would never admit it, he had started having nightmares about her gasping beneath him and needing him, that strange look from the summer flashing in dream-her's eyes, blissful fantasies that have him waking up hard and needing to cast a silencing charm around his bed before he can start his days.

Needless to say, these dreams have become infinitely worse this week.

What started out as a joke has quickly spiraled into an obsession. She soon finds herself watching Sebastian with breathless anticipation every time she sends a note over to him, relishing in the deep flush of his cheeks as he sneaks glances over his shoulder at her.

She doesn't really know what possessed her to start in the first place. A stroke of daring, she supposes as she finishes her latest note with a flourish and charms it to fold itself into a tiny swallow. And, she muses, watching the bird fly towards its victim, it's rather fun to fluster him so.

It's what he deserves, after all, after she has spent a whole year pining after him. A whole bloody year of sighing as he leaned over her shoulder in the library to point at something in her textbook, of his chin resting on top of her head, of warm breath tickling her ears, of watching him defeat every opponent in Crossed Wands, of watching him laugh despite himself at her little quips in Transfiguration. Of making sure -

She stifles a smile as she watches Sebastian eagerly grab the swallow as it flitters towards him. At first, he had tried acting nonchalant, like a cat biding its time before it pounces. Ignoring the notes she's been sending until he can't stand it and then: squashing them, smashing them, trapping them in his large hands, long fingers eager to unfold the note and see what she has to say.

Now, he has abandoned any pretense of aloofness he might have had before.

She can see it in the rigid set of his shoulders. The tension releases somewhat every time he opens a note, but quickly returns as he crumples them up and adds them to his collection. She hopes he's getting as wound up as she is, hopes that he's beginning to know an ounce of the suffering he has been putting her through.

A small voice in the back of her head tells her that she's being unfair, that maybe he's just oblivious - but then, why would he have looked at her like that all summer? And - almost the most maddening thing of all - ever since their seventh year started, he has made it a point to try and best her in every class. She couldn't move on from her silly little crush even if she wanted to, when his deep voice cuts through hers every single class to answer first, when he's always right ahead of her in Potions to get the best ingredients, when he's the one standing across from her in the mock duels in Hecat's class and as he raises his wand and her breath catches in her throat and -... Well, it's only fair, then, that she tries to distract him during class.

She's wondering what the next note should say, is lightly rubbing the edges of the quill's feather against her lips - did she go too far with the latest note? - when the scraping of a chair next to her pulls her out of her thoughts. She jumps at the jarring noise, the quill clatters on the table as it falls, and she feels her own face flush when she sees Sebastian sprawling himself out in the seat right next to hers.

There's a look on his face that she's never seen before and she feels as if all of the air has left her body when he leans in close to her - she could start counting his freckles if her brain hadn't gone completely empty - warm breath tickling her ear as he breathes, "What do you think you're doing?"

She hasn't thought this far ahead.

Why hadn't it occurred to her that Sebastian might confront her about the notes?

"I..." she falters, trying to get her thoughts working again, so that she can find something to say to get her out of this situation. Because she didn't actually want him to notice her, did she? And, what could she possibly say in defense of the filthy things she's been sending him all week? She can't seem to break eye contact with him: she swallows nervously: she tries again: "I -"

Her words fail her once again, when Sebastian's warm hand comes to rest on top of her thigh. Her thick wool skirt might be acting as a barrier between them, but it somehow feels like he's touching her bare skin and her whole body heats up uncontrollably. Even like this, his touch is better - more electric - than what she's been imagining this whole time.

He turns away and pulls parchment out with the hand that isn't actively caressing her thigh, and reaches across her for the quill that has fallen from her fingers. She hears scratching as he starts working on his equations - she vaguely thinks that she should be working on them too, isn't she supposed to be trying to do better than him? But -... her breathing is shallow - all of her nerve endings have seemingly migrated to the spot on her inner thigh that Sebastian's thumb is now massaging in tiny circles - maybe her brain has just packed its bags and left on holiday to Bath for all the use it's giving her now.

He doesn't even spare her a glance during the rest of the class, continues to diligently work on his equations for the first time all week, but his large hand remains on her thigh, completely obliterating any thought from her mind that doesn't have something to do with the warmth that keeps pooling deep in her stomach at his touch.

When the class is blissfully (unfortunately) over, Sebastian finally pulls his hand away and she squeaks in protest against her wishes - her thigh is now cold - that must be it (just discomfort, that's all) - she doesn't feel the relief she thought she would at his absence. He smirks down at the parchment he's rolling up, packs everything into his school bag, and leaves her behind without his eyes darting to hers even once.

Seven notes.

She has sent Sebastian seven bloody notes over the course of the last three days, and as he looks over at the crumpled up papers sitting on the desk in his dorm room, notes he tried his best to smooth out, he feels his heart race increase. He doesn't understand why she's doing this, but he does understand how it's making him feel. He could barely even think during Arithmancy, knowing how much his presence was affecting her, feeling her warm thigh under his hand. And when she protested when he removed his hand, well. He had to get out of there as fast as possible.

Maybe it's a good thing she didn't have the presence of mind to look at his arithmatic equations during class, because they are, unfortunately, incomprehensible. He had to keep up the charade by pretending to scribble for the rest of class, but now he almost regrets it - almost - because his pride won't allow him to ask Amit for his notes.

Sebastian has spent the evening poring over his textbook, trying to make sense of something that should be coming easily to him - Anne doesn't tease him about his strange obsession with numbers for no reason - and yet, his eyes keep wandering over to her notes. (Why did he even take them out of his bag in the first place?) (Why hasn't he burned those blasted things yet?) He has decided to forego studying in the library, the common room, and the Undercroft (places where he might see the object of his inner turmoil), and yet he is still getting nothing done even in the peaceful silence of his dormitory. Because her letters are shouting at him.

Well, not really, as they aren't Howlers. They might as well be, though, with how much he has reread them since he took them out of his bag. A smile spreads across his face despite himself as he puts his plaid jacket - the one he wore on Monday - on his chair to wear tomorrow. That stupid smile doesn't leave his face as he brushes his teeth next to Ominis before bed (thanking Merlin that Ominis is blind and can't pester him about what he cannot see), nor does it leave as he tries to fall asleep that night.

Suffice it to say, Sebastian does not get much sleep that night.

"...caught her snogging Prewett in the boathouse."

"Oh Merlin." A giggle. "I wonder if he's any good. Don't look at me like that, I know you've wondered the same thing..."

She blushes as she tucks her head down, trying to concentrate on the reading before her but it's difficult. First, because Sacharissa is being entirely too loud as she gossips with Grace - they might be some of the first at breakfast, but that doesn't mean they're alone - and second, because she is reading the book she filched from Sacharissa's bag. It's been charmed to look like a History of Magic textbook (nobody would ever be interested enough in one of those to filch it back) and she hopes that it's enough to make sure that no one distracts her in her research.

She has never had experience of the amorous sort before, and she has run out of things to put in the letters she's been sending to Sebastian - they were all just things she had been thinking, or things that she's overheard the boys saying when they thought they were alone. But what she's been reading in Sacharissa's novel - if it can even be called that - are enough to make her so hot and bothered that she's not sure if she should retreat back to her dorm room to read it in peace. As her eyes fly over the words, she pictures Sebastian doing those things to her, with her, and it's enough to make it so she's not even sure she can look him in the eye ever again. The feeling of his hand on her thigh the day before has imprinted itself on her body and in her brain and she barely got any sleep because of it.

"What are you reading?" asks Anne as she plops herself down on the bench, trying to look over her shoulder. She flinches and slams her book shut as fast as possible, feeling her traitorous face heat up. She knows she's making it all more suspicious, but Anne cannot find out. Anne shrugs and starts buttering her toast, stifling a yawn. "I never knew that the Vampire Treatises of the 15th century were so interesting. By the way, have you seen my brother at all? I couldn't find him last night and - Oi, Sebastian!"

Anne stands halfway up and starts waving him over, and she wishes she could vanish. Maybe, instead of researching fresh ways to torture him, she should have been learning how to most effectively vanish oneself from the face of the Earth. She's sure the heat she feels burning her cheeks as she sees him walk over to them is translating to her face being a bright, red, ugly beacon calling to him.

As he walks over to their table, looking entirely too irresistible in that plaid jacket of his, Merlin, his growth spurt really -

"Ladies," he says, nodding at them as he takes a seat across the table, "how did you sleep?"

She knows he's giving her a pointed look as he asks, but she has started to choke on the pumpkin juice she started drinking as he walked over - she is, unfortunately, picturing them doing some of the filthy things she's just read together - and could she really make more of a fool of herself than she already has at this point? But then - he grabs her book. Her heart lurches but she can't do anything due to the fact she's still spluttering over her pumpkin juice, and she watches in horrified fascination as he starts flicking through the pages. His eyebrows raise steadily higher and higher as he reads, his own face turning a shade of red she's certain matches her own. She curses herself again - vampires are so interesting, of course he would want to read about them - she should have made the cover a topic she knows Sebastian hates, like a compendium of spells to boost fingernail growth or a Duncan Hobhouse biography - but it's too late now.

Sebastian clears his throat and glances at her, and she sees uncertainty, vulnerability in his eyes as they make brief contact with hers. Finally her brain starts working - quite possibly for the first time since she started this stupid game in Herbology on Monday - and she hastily stands up, snatching the book from Sebastian's hands - he puts up no resistance - and clutches it to her chest as she blurts out in one breath: "I-slept-terribly-last-night-and-it's-all-thanks-to-you."

And now, she's fleeing the Great Hall, wondering what's gotten into her.

She next sees Sebastian during their Ancient Runes class. Well, she doesn't actually see him: she's made it a point to be the first to enter the class, and keeps her head down as she stares at her parchment the second everything is set up perfectly. Inkwell - parchment - her stupid replacement quill - textbook - everything is in place. After the disastrous event otherwise known as breakfast, she's decided that she's over her silly little crush, and she will never think about Sebastian Sallow again. She will never think about things she might say that will make him laugh again, she will never think of book recommendations again, she will certainly never think of his strong hands caressing her thigh again, and she will never, ever -

A tiny paper fox climbs into her hand.

I didn't get any sleep last night either, because of you. P.S. I still have your quill.

She flushes and looks over her shoulder. Sebastian flashes her a crooked smile that makes her stomach lurch in an unfamiliar way, before he ducks his head down and continues to scribble his translations with her quill. Her quill. A new flash of hatred surges through her - that's what these intense feelings must be - and she decides she needs to get it back.

Instead of translations, she hatefully scribbles down everything that she wants to do to Sebastian Sallow - she wants punch his stupid face, wait: she wants to kiss his stupid freckled face and hold his silly beautiful hands and she wants to feel the deep rumble of his laugh after her jokes as she rests her head on his shoulder and she wants to read next to him and have things be back to how they always were, and yet she wants more than that, more than just being friends, it's what she's wanted all along, isn't it? - and she marches after him when the class has finished.

Sebastian doesn't spare her a glance even though he has to know she's behind him with how much noise her frustrated huffing makes as they weave through the throngs of students in the hallways. It's lunchtime, and yet instead of heading to the Great Hall, he's leading her somewhere else.

He finally stops when they reach the top of the Astronomy Tower, and she opens her mouth to protest. She knows she's terribly flushed, her chest heaving as she glares up at him: "You are despicable! I need my quill -"

She's cut off from speaking as before she knows it, his hands are caressing her face and he is kissing her. Oh, Merlin, it's better than she could have hoped it to be, and her own traitorous body and mind have forgotten the alliance formed against him in the face of Sebastian Sallow's persistence and she's wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down closer, making sure he can't get away from her again.

Maybe later she can show him all of her notes on how much she hates him and they can have a laugh. Maybe later they can revisit some passages from the book she filched.

But right now, she doesn't let go of Sebastian.

[cursedonyx]

Ominis vs Duncan

One of my favourite enduring popular fanons in HL is Ominis & Duncan Hobhouse's rivalry - though they never really interact in game, and Ominis' lines about him are limited (he literally only has two; 'Duncan owes his reputation to you' and 'Once a coward, always a coward, just ask Duncan Hobhouse'), I love speculating on why they might despise each other.

I've seen some brilliant theories, including a phenomenal tiktok video about Duncan landing Ominis detention (that I've sadly not been able to find since) and Duncan's generic lines about not liking muggleborns, which flies directly in the face of Ominis' beliefs, but I think there could be more to it.

Though in my own personal headcanon I reckon Duncan being a pureblood supremacist tracks (he's established to be cowardly and bigots are typically cowards), I think Duncan's cowardice plays a larger part.

I reckon that when these wee lads started Hogwarts as little eleven year olds, Duncan wanted to present himself as bigger and badder than he actually was, and chose an easy target to bully. Who would be easier to pick on than the blind kid? Who would be more impressive to beat down on than the Heir of Slytherin himself? The kid from the family of notorious dark wizards, who better to be cruel to in an attempt to showcase himself as a protector of others? The kid that's already unpopular?

I get the feeling Duncan might have targeted Ominis in their youth in order to make himself feel more powerful and pretend that he was just trying to fight against a supposed dark wizard so others wouldn't hate on him for his bullying and might even join his side, but he made a grave mistake.

Ominis grew up with the Gaunts, and as such would have been used to far worse intimidation, threats and bullying than anything Duncan could have come up with, meaning he would be generally unruffled by insults and snide comments, and with his newfound friendship with the Sallow Twins, one of whom was mischievous to the extreme and the other a talented and intelligent duellist, the revenge turned back on Duncan would have been pretty immediate and severe.

None of the OG emerald trio strike me as particularly vindictive, but Duncan does. He's petty and mean minded, if his voice lines are anything to go by, so he would have likely done his best to bully Ominis as much as he could, and his initial failures would have frustrated him, leading him to amp up his efforts to hurt and upset Ominis. Being a Ravenclaw, he's probably clever, so he may have even been quite sneaky in how he went about it.

This, coupled with his pureblood supremacist beliefs, would naturally have pissed Ominis off to the extreme. Ominis doesn't strike me as the type to let things slide, so he would have eventually reacted to it, encouraging Duncan to continue, leading to a vicious cycle, fostering a long held resentment of each other that lasts throughout their years at Hogwarts.

Thoughts?

Masterlist

[hogwartslegacyreactions2]

HLC REACT GREMLIN MC

MC had way too much caffeine or thunderbrew or both. They were literally climbing the walls, foaming at the mouth and even bit at a fellow student. Their friend group were running after them like the goddamn Scooby-Doo gang to try and catch MC before they do any more damage.

SEBASTIAN SALLOW: He doesn't want to use any of his destructive spells on MC, so he tries the leg lock curse. Problem is, MC is moving around too much and he can't get a clean shot off. He ends up hitting Amit by mistake.

OMINIS GAUNT: "What in Merlin's name was in that potion!?" He shouts at Garreth. He remembered MC telling him about one of Garreth's pet projects being a "double", supposedly being more effective. It seems to be TOO effective. He tries to stupify MC, but only hits air, them being fast enough to barely stay out of his wands 'vision' range.

ANNE SALLOW: "A potion did this!?" She shouts back as she dodges one of Ominis' ill aimed stupify. "Garreth, what did you do!?" She tries casting Glacius to slip up MC but they avoid it by crawling in the ceiling.

IMELDA REYES: "Oh for crying out loud!" Spells clearly weren't working and she mounted her broom. She planned to full on chaser-tackle MC. Just as she lunges, a flash of red pops up in front of her and she tumbles to the ground hard.

NATSAI ONAI: She rolls across the stone floor with Imelda. She had tried to do the same thing as Imelda, but because they didn't coordinate, they ran into each other. The wind was knocked out of her but she was otherwise okay.

GARRETH WEASLEY: "Stop shouting at me! It should wear off! Eventually..." In truth, he didn't know how long this was supposed to last. He's never tried a batch of this high concentration. Maybe he should rethink using MC as his guinea pig.

LEANDER PREWETT: He has an idea. "Amit! Catch!" He tosses an end of a rope to Amit with the intent on them both snagging MC on the next turn. However, when Amit gets hit by Sebastian's leg lock curse, he falls face first to the floor. The rope tangles with his long legs and then he takes a dive on top of Amit.

AMIT THAKKAR: He catches the rope from Leander, only to then get leg locked and Leander landing lankily on top of him. He misses the days when the weirdest things to happen to him were when his bookmarks would go missing.

EVERETT CLOPTON: He dodges his fallen friends and keeps up with Poppy, Sebastian and Ominis. He has a plan. Poppy has a trapper's snare. He can throw it, Sebastian can trigger it with a basic cast, and then they all can hold onto the snare to stop MC's rampage.

Just as he's about to throw the snare, MC does an U-turn and charges the four of them. This catches him by surprise and he tosses the snare sideways. It snags Ominis', who falls on Sebastian, who grabs Everett's cloak in an attempt to stay upright. They all fall down.

POPPY SWEETING: Just her now. Her years of wrangling beasts should make this a piece of cake. Thing is, she's never dealt with a beast like MC on a caffeine high. She picks up the snare and manages to get a snare around MC's foot only to be dragged. She's too stubborn to let go first.

MC: Continues to daffy-duck-it into the distance with Poppy in tow.

Meanwhile...

DUNCAN HOBHOUSE: In the hospital wing with human-like bite marks

[lara-kaminari]

The serpent and his forbidden fruit - Ominis Gaunt x F!Reader

Warning of content for adults only 🔞🔞🔞🔞

—Do you remember the Duncan Hobhouse incident? —Ominis asked, kissing my neck. The tips of his fingers caressed my nipples. —They found him hanging upside down in the giant tree in the greenhouses.

—Yes, I remember...

—Do you know why he ended up in that position?

I didn't respond, I hadn't thought about that incident because it's common for people to bother Duncan. He's an idiot.

Ominis kissed the skin of one of my breasts and then went down kissing the area around my nipple until his treacherous tongue licked it completely.

—I heard that coward talking about you, about your body, he said you had the most beautiful breasts in the school and that it was a delight to see them bounce when you hurry down the stairs... That made me very angry. —Ominis confessed.

Ominis gave a soft bite to my nipple, touching it with his teeth, and then put it in his mouth and sucked on it. His tongue ran over it as he sucked.

—He said they were a little small, but that they would surely swell when you got pregnant... —Ominis continued. —That coward spoke so freely about you that it boiled my blood and I had to do something about it.

—Was it you? Did you hang Duncan from the tree?

-------

Read here.

[cranetreegang]

The Duel - Ominis x FemReader

Summary: Jealousy is an ugly feeling. And Ominis finds himself having to deal with it.

Warnings: Puffskein Dunkein Slander

Word Count: ~3,300 words

Hogwarts Legacy Master List

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

Ominis heads down the stairs of Central Hall with an unmistakable smile on his face. It’s hard not to catch Ominis Gaunt without a warm smile playing on his lips nowadays, and people have taken notice. Most have wondered quietly as to what could be behind Ominis’ high spirits. Some whisper that it’s due to nefarious reasons - an evil ploy he’s plotting, or even a dark spell he’s mastered. Others watch him warily, unwilling to throw the Gaunt from his joy - lest they earn his brutal, cold wrath. 

Ominis ignores the not-so-quiet whispers and the feeling of eyes on him as he passes, and continues towards his destination. He hears the soothing trickle of water landing into the fountain’s basin - signaling his arrival at their meeting spot - but his smile falters. A familiar, grating voice pierces his ears, causing his brows to pinch. 

Duncan Hobhouse. A cowardly, spineless worm of a classmate.

Normally, this wouldn’t warrant Ominis to descend into such a foul mood. But, it’s who Duncan is currently speaking to which ignites the irateness brewing within Ominis. 

Her soft giggles as Duncan speaks makes Ominis clench his wand tighter in his hand. Questions whirl in his mind at what could Hobhouse possibly be saying to warrant her laughs - her smile. Something cold twists his belly in a cruel way and he scowls at the sensation. 

Ominis approaches her with a tense, but faux smile, and says, “Hello, darling.” 

She falls silent mid-sentence, her eyes wide in surprise. Ominis doesn’t normally use such terms of endearments in front of others - wanting to keep their relationship more on the secretive side so as to not draw attention from his family with unbecoming rumors. She sees the subtle pinch in Ominis’ dark brows and the slight frown weighing the corners of his lips. She wonders what’s gotten Ominis so frustrated as she steps closer to him.

“There you are, Ominis. Duncan was just catching me up on the latest in Wizarding gossip,” she says. 

Despite her close proximity to him, Ominis finds no easement from the coldness twisting his insides. Ominis turns his attention towards the other boy.

“Mhm, Hobhouse,” Ominis practically seethes in greeting.

“Gaunt,” Duncan replies warily then follows up with a slight cough as he looks towards her. “I-I was actually hoping to ask you something.” 

“Oh? What is it?” she wonders. 

Ominis bites his inner cheek, but it isn’t enough to restrain him from making his snide remark,

“Yes, what is it you require of her this time? Need her to retrieve another leaf for you? Or do you need something far more imposing to impress our peers? Perhaps a dragon’s scale would finally put all those nasty rumors to bed, Puffskein Dunkein.” 

“Ominis,” she chastises under her breath. 

Duncan squares his shoulders with a huff, “No, actually. I-I wanted to a-ask if you would-, if you would want to go to the library with me. And afterwards we-, we could go to Hogsmeade for a butterbeer.”

She stares at Duncan in a bit of shock. Duncan’s face is all but rosy red and he can’t even look her in the eyes as he awaits her response. Her mind fumbles with a way to gently turn Duncan down.

Meanwhile, Ominis’ lip curls in disgust. He all but nearly shatters his wand with how tightly he grips the handle. The coldness quickly transforms. It’s an ugly, hot feeling thrashing about in his chest and gnawing at his belly now. 

Ominis bitterly chuckles, “Oh, how quaint.”

She nudges Ominis while giving Duncan a more sympathetic smile, “I appreciate the offer Duncan, but I’m afraid I have prior obligations today.” 

Duncan nods with a frown, “Oh… okay. How about another time?”

Ominis’ heart pounds in his ears like an erratic drum. The audacity of Hobhouse, Ominis seethes to himself. Asking her on a date. Right in front of him!

Before she can reply, Ominis does first in a seething tone, “What makes you believe that you have any sort of chance to be with her, Dunkein? You’re obviously delusional to even consider the idea. Just because she’s nice to you - doesn’t mean she has any interests in the ilks of you. You’re nothing more than a passing thought. A thing to be pitied, and nothing more.”

Her mouth drops a bit at Ominis’ heated words and even more searing scowl.

“And what? She does with you, Gaunt?” Duncan hisses. “You aren’t a-a, thing to be pitied too?!”

She bites her lip as her cheeks flush, “Please, both of you, that’s enough.” She directs the last bit at Ominis. 

Ominis steps forwards anyways, “And what if she does? It’s not like you’re capable of doing anything about it.”

“Ominis,” she whispers to him as she places a hand on his forearm, “What are you doing?” 

Ominis turns his head towards her for a moment with a scowl plastered on his face. There’s a noticeable red flush tainting his pale cheeks and neck. She’s never seen him like this before. 

Slipping her arm into Ominis’, she turns to Duncan with an apologetic smile.

“We really must be going. It was nice talking to you, Dunke-,” she coughs, “Duncan.” 

Ominis doesn’t stop his smirk from showing as he begins to escort her away. 

“You think you’re so much better than me, Gaunt?” Duncan shouts. 

Ominis stops mid stride despite her trying to urge him to keep walking, turning his head back towards the outraged boy behind them.

“I don’t think such things. I know I am,” Ominis sneers. 

Duncan’s lip curls and anger flashes in his dark eyes, “You’re not! In fact, I-I challenge you to a duel.” 

Her mouth parts with an audible gasp. Ominis slips from her loose hold and turns towards Duncan.

“A duel?” Ominis cranes his head - his stormy gray eyes aflame with amusement. “And, pray tell, what are you hoping to accomplish in this ‘duel’?”

Duncan takes a heated step towards Ominis, “If I win, you leave her and I alone.” 

Ominis laughs, “And when I win? Will you do the same?”

“Yes,” Duncan spits between clenched teeth. 

“Very well,” Ominis stands taller with a smirk, “This afternoon. Three O'clock. Clocktower Courtyard. We’ll see if you gather enough courage to show.” 

Ominis turns on his heel and walks away, leaving Duncan fuming and her flabbergasted. She gathers herself enough to chase after Ominis. They walk in silence until they arrive at the Undercroft.

“What in Merlin’s name was that about?” she exclaims as soon as they step foot into the secluded damp space. 

Sebastian peeks up from his book and looks at the pair with an amused smile, “Are you two about to have a Lover’s Quarrel? Because I can leave.”

Ominis scoffs, “Please do.”

She rolls her eyes then turns back towards Ominis, “Why did you just accept a duel from Duncan Hobhouse? Of all people.” 

Sebastian stops shoving his papers into his bag and raises his brow, “Wait, Ominis accepted a duel? Better yet, someone challenged Ominis to a duel?”

“Yes to all counts,” she sighs.

Ominis sneers, “Doubtful there will be an actual duel. He’ll probably lose his nerve and not even show his cowardly face.”

“What is going on with you? Has Duncan done something to deserve this horrid treatment from you?” she wonders. 

Sebastian leans against the pillar while Ominis starts to pace between them. 

“I have many qualms with that imbecile,” Ominis hisses. “He’s delusional. Cowardly. The nerve! To think he could ask you out for a butterbeer,” he practically spits out the last word with lethal venom.

Sebastian lets out an obnoxious laugh, “Oh, wow. I have never seen you so jealous before, Ominis. Must say, it’s not a good look on you.”

Ominis whips his head towards Sebastian, “I am most certainly not jealous. Certainly not of something as pathetic as Hobhouse.” 

She crosses her arms, “Then why are you dueling him this afternoon?” 

Ominis remains silent, his brows furrowing while he continues his pacing.

“So, Ominis and Hobhouse are dueling? What for?” Sebastian questions.

She blushes as she says, “For my attention, it seems. Which I’m none too pleased with. Why on earth would you think I would ever want to spend time alone with Duncan?” 

Sebastian chuckles, “So, let me make sure I’m understanding this - Ominis and Puffskein Dunkein are both about to duel for your affection? Even though you and Ominis are already courting.”

Ominis’ ears turn a notable shade of pink and Sebastian laughs heartily at the sight.

“Oh, that’s rich,” Sebastian grins. “So, Hobhouse has no clue he’s in a lose-lose right now.” 

“Enough, Sebastian,” Ominis snaps. 

“No, I think there should be some stakes for you, Ominis. You’re the one who wanted to duel - it’s only fair,” Sebastian states. 

“What’re you suggesting?” she asks.

Sebastian has a wide, devilish smirk as he says, “If Duncan beats you, Ominis, she has to go out on a date with him.”

“What?!” The couple both exclaim.

“You heard me,” Sebastian replies with a cocky smile, “You need some actual consequences to this duel, my friend. Otherwise, you won’t take it seriously.” 

“And do I not get a say in this? Why am I the one that has to be punished with a date with Dunkein?” she frowns. 

“Do you not believe I’ll win?” Ominis questions with pinched brows. 

Her mouth parts in a bit of shock at his question then she sighs, “I’ve never seen you duel anyone before, sweetheart. Not even Sebastian.” 

Ominis frowns, “So you are doubting me then.”

Her brows furrow, “That’s not what I’m saying.” 

Her and Ominis seem to be locked in a staring match and Sebastian lets out a loud cough to break them from it.

“What time is this duel?” Sebastian asks.

“Three,” she looks at her pocket watch. “So, in twenty minutes.” 

Sebastian claps his hands together then heads towards the exit, “Well, we better head that way.”

Her and Ominis spare longing glances at one another - his blueish-gray eyes seemingly searching for hers - before he follows after Sebastian. She watches them leave for a moment, wondering how she ended up upsetting Ominis, then she catches up to the boys. 

The walk to the courtyard is silent, with Sebastian sparing glances at the silent couple behind him. Ominis appears troubled, but focused. His eyes, steely and his expression hardened. On the other hand, she looks far more turbulent. Worry, frustration, and anticipation are clearly written on her face. 

Sebastian halts his stride long enough to wrap his arms around both of their shoulders, squeezing them close to his sides.

“Cheer up, you two,” Sebastian grins. “It’s not everyday Ominis decides to show us what for with his impeccable dueling abilities.” 

Ominis snorts, “Seems my ‘impeccable’ abilities are in question.” 

She frowns, “Ominis-,”

She’s rendered silent as they arrive at the courtyard. It’s alive with a crowd of students all eagerly chatting to one another. 

“Looks like word got around, eh,” Sebastian says while he releases his hold on his two friends. 

There’s hushed whispers and lively chattering between the decent sized gathering of spectators. Duncan is already in position, twirling his wand in his palm. 

Ominis smirks for a moment when he senses Hobhouse’s presence, amused that the little coward actually decided to show. And with the sounds of several of their peers here, Ominis’ chest swells with eager confidence. It’s almost enough to drown out how his love doubts him. Almost. 

Rolling his shoulders, he begins to slip off his school robe when he feels someone approach behind him. Her soft scent reaches his nose, followed by her gentle touch on his shoulders. A harsh temptation of shooing her away crosses his mind, but the thought is fleeting. He lets her help him out of his robe, feeling her warm fingers glide over his arms as she does. She folds his robe over her forearm then steps closer to him.

“I do believe in you, Ominis,” she whispers. “So, I won’t even bother telling you good luck. You don’t need it.”

Guilt coils in his chest for a moment, but he refuses to let it tighten around him. He spares her a warm smile instead, and slightly bows his head towards her. She squeezes his hand, conveying all that she can’t say. And he squeezes her hand back, affirming he feels the same. 

Releasing her hand, Ominis strides towards his place opposite Duncan. She stands next to Sebastian on the sideline with their other eager classmates, her heart pounding in her chest as she awaits the duel to start. Ominis’ gaze is pointed to the ground, but his stance is tall and proud. He rolls up the sleeves of his white dress shirt to the middle of his forearms. A far more casual look than he normally sports, but it’s dashing all the same. She can’t deny how her breath hitches at the sight, earning herself an elbow to the ribs from Sebastian.

“You’re practically drooling,” he teases in a whisper.

“Am not,” she hisses back to him. 

Ominis swishes his wand out in front of him with an arm behind his back. He looks regal, calm, confident - similar to a panther waiting to strike his prey. She grips onto his robe, pressing the garment against her chest to ease her growing nerves.

“Ready when you are, Dunkein,” Ominis says with a sneer. 

Duncan’s lip curls at the nickname, “When I win, you can’t call me that again, Gaunt!” 

“Whatever you say,” Ominis smirks with a low chuckle, waiting for Duncan’s first move. Duncan gathers himself then shouts,

“Levioso!”

Ominis doesn’t even bother blocking, and instead steps to the side with utter ease. His wand movement is like a whip, casting out his first spell with incredible speed, and Duncan barely blocks it. Ominis doesn’t give Duncan any time to respond though. She watches in awe at Ominis’ graceful movements as he duels. It’s like a dance. With his wand striking out with deadly and ruthless precision. 

Ominis won’t deny how his blood sings and his heart races as he senses Hobhouse’s spells come towards him. The slight change in the air, the taste of electric metal, the sounds of magic as it flies towards him - it’s all rather invigorating. He also won’t deny that Duncan is a decent opponent, and he may actually pose a challenge in a few years. For now, Ominis relishes in their duel for what it is - an unmistakable message. 

Having enough fun, blue sparks erupt from Ominis’ wand, blinding Duncan. Then Ominis calmly casts,

“Everte Statum.”

Duncan is flung back with such force, his body flips through the air and he crashes into the wall with a resounding thud. Duncan lays on the ground, dazed. The duel - finished. The crowd cheers and claps while Ominis has a pleased smirk on his face. 

He hears her footsteps over the excited chatter and he turns towards her with his hand extended. Her hand slides into his, and he brings it up to place a soft kiss on the top. She blushes with a soft smile then whispers in his ear,

“You were magnificent, sweetheart.”

She presses a tender kiss on his cheek then steps away from him. Ominis smiles, his cheeks flushing a beautiful shade of red. 

Duncan is helped to his feet by his friends and they make their way over to Ominis. Hearing their approach, Ominis turns his attention towards them.

“I must admit,” Ominis says with a neutral expression, “I’m impressed you even bothered to show up. So, well done.” 

Duncan scoffs, “Save it, Gaunt.”

Duncan’s friends help him out of the courtyard while Ominis turns back to her. The guilt from earlier tightens around his chest and he clears his throat.

“I wouldn’t mind taking you to dinner, love. As a means of apology.”

She hands him back his robe with a sigh, “Well, you did win - seems only fair you get your prize.”

Ominis’ brows furrow, “That’s not why-,” he cuts himself off with a frown, his gaze low. “Please, let me make it up to you.”

She wraps her arm with his, “Very well.”

Sebastian comes up to them before they can depart. 

“Took your sweet time there, Ominis,” Sebastian pats Ominis on the shoulder with a grin.

Ominis smirks, “I’d hate to leave the crowd disappointed without a spectacle.” 

“You were toying with him?” she questions. 

“Taking my time,” Ominis corrects. 

Sebastian nods while backtracking away from them, “Whatever you want to call it, it’s safe to say Dunkein won’t be trying anything with your girl anytime soon.” 

Ominis holds her arm closer to him with a slight scowl, making Sebastian laugh as he turns and leaves. Ominis leads her from the courtyard and towards the rickety old wooden long bridge. Despite the blowing wind through the rafters, it’s rather peaceful out. 

He turns to her, grabbing both of her hands, and says, “I want to apologize for my behavior.” 

“Please do,” she smirks while squeezing his hands. “I’ve never seen you act that way before.”

“I know,” he sighs with a tight frown. “I like to think I’m more in control of my more… unbecoming emotions.” He falls silent, his brows pinching while he rubs his thumbs over the tops of her hands. “Hearing him speak to you - asking you to dinner - it evoked a rather nasty feeling within me. It made me angry that he couldn’t see how much love I have for you, or that he did and he was doing it in spite of it. Either way, I did not like Hobhouse asking to spend time with you right in front of me.” 

She looks down at their joined hands then back up to his distraught face. 

She lets out a soft sigh, “You know I have no interest in spending time with Hobhouse, right? He’s merely a friend. And I use the term ‘friend’ very generously.” 

“It may not be Hobhouse next time,” Ominis replies quickly. “It might be some other boy who fancies you. Someone… better.” 

Ominis’ face falls and a grimace drags down his handsome features. She rubs her thumbs along the tops of his hands with a worried frown.

“Do you believe my love for you is so fickle?” she asks in a quiet voice. 

He shakes his head earnestly, “No. That’s not at all what I think.” He falls silent once more before finally whispering, “But, it doesn’t mean that I don’t wonder if I’m good enough for you.” 

She cups his cheek with a soft smile, “Ominis Gaunt - you are more than good enough for me. Don’t ever think otherwise. A million boys could walk up to me with their interests in courtship, but I would pay them no mind unless it was you. I love you, Ominis.”

A warm smile overtakes him while he presses her hand closer to him - his eyes fluttering shut. 

“To hear you say that,” he chuckles, “makes this whole afternoon feel all the more foolish. I never should’ve let my emotions get the better of me. I deeply apologize, and I won’t let it happen again.”

She smiles, “Good. Although, you were quite amazing to watch. I wouldn’t mind dueling you sometime.” She reaches up and places a soft kiss on his lips, “But, for now, you have a romantic dinner to plan.” 

She giggles as she lets him go and heads back towards the castle. He listens to her walking away with a blushing smile and he wonders to himself - how did he get so lucky?

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

AN: sorry i haven't been posting much. im preganant and have been dealing with that and *looks at my hours on steam for Baldur's Gate 3* uhhh yeah let's not talk about that.

ANYWAYS, thought it would be fun to do a story with Ominis being a god at dueling. and also duncan slander hehe. i really love writing sebastian and mc and ominis banter. like they just goofball besties and i love it.

I may have let some Astarion leak all over Ominis (especially when he starts roasting Duncan) so that's my b.

hope to have more out soon! feedback always appreciated <3

[hollowwrites]

Ominis and his hate for Duncan Hobhouse. Does Eve sit there and let him rant? Maybe joins in a bit because of the Duncan quest?

Maybe this is reaching a bit as a topic to talk about but I just find it funny.

Once a Coward, Always a Coward

Summary - So I actually got a cute idea for this based on how I personally play the game.

Also my last play through I heard his dialogue about getting rid of muggleborns like Garlick for the first time and usually I ignore them because they’re obviously just filled from the voice actors but…I hate Duncan.

I also just want to clarify I don’t think Ominis is a bully but Duncan definitely reminds our boi of the Gaunts.

Warning - Mentions of Pureblood/Mudblood waffle, Protective!Omi, Threats

Word Count - 774

~

“Incendio”

Eves wand sparked and the dry ivy creeping up the walls of the castle went up like kindling.

“Glacius” Ominis uttered almost immediately after the fire became a hair too uncontrollable. “Merlin’s beard, Evelyn, are you trying to burn the castle down?

“Sorry” she mumbled, ducking under some of the remaining vines towards the Hidden Herbology corridor. She held them for Ominis to follow through, which he did faithfully as he always did. Didn’t stop him moaning about it though the entire time.

It was a particularly dangerous hallway for the pair, considering the Devils Snare that continuously crept towards their feet. Thankfully for Ominis, the ferocious foliage made enough of a noise that he knew when it decided to wrap itself around his feet.

“Why are we here?” He said, his voice thick with frustration as he kicked the snake like tendrils away and cast Lumos for the four hundredth time “Is this some idiotic errand you’ve agreed to again?” The light became dimmer and dimmer as they continued through the corridor the faint blinking of Ominis’ wand casting a…well…ominous glow over his face. The frown set in his features was a permanent fixture, she started to suspect.

“Pretty much” Eve laughed unbothered by the Slytherins grumbling “Some Ravenclaw wants a Tentacula leaf to ‘prove his bravery’. Said he’d pay me fifty galleons so here we are”

“Bravery?” Ominis repeated “We’re doing this for Dunkein?!” The knot above Ominis’ brow grew larger.

“Yeah…” she snorted “…that’s the one”

“I am not helping that cretin” Ominis immediately stopped moving, crossing his arms over his chest and tapping his foot impatiently.

“Why?” Evelyn asked, chuckling. She’d never seen Ominis so pouty. And for him to outright refuse to help made his outburst all the more curious. She halted her navigation of the dark overgrown corridor and turned back to him.

“Once a coward, always a coward” he said cryptically

“That doesn’t explain why you’re stopping me getting an easy fifty galleons?”

“I’ll pay you a hundred not to do this”

“But why?” She laughs through her nose

“Because he’s undeserving of your time! There is no point to this it won’t change anything. He will remain a spineless dimwit, with or without that leaf.” He huffed “I’m surprised he even asked you for help”

“Everyone asks me for things” she mutters

“No…I’m surprised he asked you because he despises muggle borns. Doesn’t exactly keep quiet about it either.” Ominis’ face twists in disgust.

He felt Evelyn’s energy plummet and he regretted his words immediately.

“Really?” Her voice came from ahead of him somewhere, but it was small and defeated

“Unfortunately, Black makes it so people like him feel emboldened. They’re not scared to voice their opinion because someone of power agrees” Ominis explained softly “He’s not the only one but…there aren’t that many who entertain that mindset in this school.

“Oh…”

“Come on…let’s get out of here. All of this slithering is making me feel like I’m back home” he offered her a grim smile and his arm.

~

“Dunkein!” Ominis called across the Great Hall and motioned with his finger to come. The Ravenclaw pulled a face and approached the Slytherin table, a sea of sharp eyes followed him as he stood next to Sebastian, not really daring to get any closer to Gaunt.

“Ominis. What is it? You don’t ever want to speak to me?”

“Oh, I still don’t. I’m just passing on a message and a warning…” Ominis smiled wickedly in Duncans general direction.

“O-Okay” he stammered back

“First, Evelyn won’t be getting you that Tentacula leaf. Although you know that wouldn’t really prove your bravery don’t you?”

Duncans heart dropped as he looked further along the Slytherin table and was met with the cold stare of Evelyn and Imelda.

“And secondly, your warning...” Ominis stood now and took a step towards Duncan. Even with his stooped posture he towered over Hobhouse, and he delighted upon hearing the Ravenclaw gulp. “…perhaps it’s best you stay away from Evelyn. She is so beneath you as a muggleborn anyway, isn’t she?”

“Y-you’re putting words in my mouth” Duncan retorted

“I’ve heard you spout your bigoted shit before” Ominis spat

“As have I…” Sebastian said casually, popping a piece of fudge in his mouth and smiling.

“I-“

“So best you don’t associate with her.” Ominis added “And if the threat in that isn’t clear enough for you allow me to clarify…” he poked his long boney finger into Dunkeins chest

“Stay away from her…”

Duncan turned to look down the Slytherin table.

Every. Single. Set of eyes were trained on him.

“Run along now…Dunkein”

Masterlist

[solemn-marauders]

“I suggest this become a conversation between you and Mister Sallow.”

Sebastian x MC (Thea)

Their sixth year Defense Against the Dark Art class gets a front row seat to the juiciest gossip of the year.

My previous piece, x

Disclaimer: More of my Hogwarts Legacy drabble that I’m posting. These are written quickly while the ideas are fresh. They are short and most likely sprinkled with errors. I’m posting these for me, but if other people enjoy them, then all the better. I will be using my MC’s name, Thea, since this is her story. I also keep the time period in mind. I do my best to keep it as period accurate as possible.

Trigger Warning: None

Additional Information: This takes place early in their 6th year. The longest one I’ve written yet, I believe.

“Today’s lesson is one that I hope you will never have to use, but should you find yourselves in unfortunate circumstances, it could save your life.” Professor Hecat always had a way of keeping her students on the edge of their seats. “I will be teaching you the Patronus Charm today.” 

A nervous murmur rippled through the classroom. Thea and Poppy exchanged hesitant glances. Amit’s hand shot into the air.

“Yes, Mr. Thakkar?”

“Forgive me, professor, but the Patronus Charm is incredibly advanced. Most witches and wizards go their whole lives without ever having been able to cast it.”

“What is your point, Mr. Thakkar?” Her words were not unkind, just blunt, as she always was.

“What I’m asking is, do you really think we would have any success?” He looked down at his desk. Ever the academic, and in true Ravenclaw fashion, Amit hated failure.

Professor Hecat gave him a small smile before drawing closer to her seated students. “I believe it’s safe to assume that by now most of you know the lore of Illyius and Raczidian?” Every head in the classroom nodded. Thea thanked the founders for Professor Weasley and the guide she had gifted her last year. Without it, Thea would have no idea about any wizarding lore, other than Merlin of course. All of this due to her muggle upbringing in the orphanage. “Illyius,” their professor continued, “was said to be only ten and seven years of age when he was able to cast a fully corporeal patronus.” 

“Right, but that’s legend! There’s no way to know if that really happened!” It was Duncan who interjected his opinions. Thea glanced over to where Ominis sat, sharing a desk with Sebastian. His hands balled into tight fists at the sound of Hobhouse’s voice. Thea stifled a snort of amusement.

“Oh hush it, Hobhouse! We all know it’s possible. Almost our entire class saw Sebastian’s corporeal patronus back in fourth year. Ow!” Ominis could never quite bite his tongue when it came to Duncan. Judging by the intense look on Sebastian’s face towards his friend, it was safe to assume that he was the cause of Ominis’s exclamation of pain.

Thea’s head whipped around to her deskmate. “Poppy, is that true?” She whispered.

The Hufflepuff nodded. “He spent most of fourth year teaching himself the charm and practising. The minute he was successful, he showed off to everyone. Even casted it in front of Hecat.”

“That sounds about right.” Thea grumbled under her breath.

“I don’t think you fully understand, Thea. The Patronus Charm is an ancient and mysterious spell. No one knows its origin. Not only that, but Amit is right, it’s incredibly hard to cast even an incorporeal patronus, a full-fledged one is near impossible. Sebastian won Slytherin 75 points that day after showing Hecat. Most in his house credit him with Slytherin winning the House Cup that year.”

“I must say that I am disappointed in my class’s lack of self-confidence!” Hecat boomed, gathering all their attention again. “This is not for any marks. I am teaching you this to arm you for the future. Everyone, on your feet!” The class barely had time to stand before the desks and benches vanished with a flick of her wand. “Evenly space yourselves around the room.” 

Thea stood near the back, next to the wall. Poppy had placed herself a distance ahead of her. She immediately caught a whiff of a very familiar scent. The frustratingly intoxicating smell of smoky earl grey surrounded her. She glanced to her left and sure enough, the source had planted himself, not evenly spaced she might add, next to her.

“Wands out!” All wands were raised as she began to demonstrate the motion for the spell. “Counter clockwise circles. Everyone try it with me. Very good, keep the momentum up. Now, the incantation is ‘expecto patronum’. The most important part of this spell is to channel the entirety of your focus into the happiest of memories. Replay that memory in your head over and over and as you rotate your wand, when the image of the memory is clear in your head then try the incantation. Expecto patronum!” A flash of silver erupted from the tip of her wand. There was a collective gasp as the students took in the translucent leopard that paced in front of their professor. It’s spots swirls of blue and white as its shoulders rolled with every step. This seemed to be motivation enough. The room fell silent as everyone worked hard to produce a patronus of their own.

Thea’s eyes swept across her classmates, most had their brows furrowed and even a few had the tips of their tongues protruding past their lips in a look of fierce concentration. She would have laughed, if it were not for the fact that she herself was finding it difficult to conjure a cheerful enough memory. She closed her eyes and continued moving her wand. She thought of her dear animals in their vivariums. The nifflers scaling her body in an attempt to snatch her pearl earrings. The puffskeins bouncing around. The hippogriffs attacking the dark wizard dummy. These thoughts had her giggling. She opened her eyes, “expecto patronum”. The tip of her wand glowed a faint blue, but nothing more. She let out a huff and glanced around to see if anyone had witnessed her failed attempt. Her gaze landed on the brunette far too close to her, and he was staring right back with what looked like great interest. Thea immediately went on the defence. 

“What?” Her tone was entirely hostile. “At least I’m trying. I don’t see you participating.” It was true, Sebastian had stood with his arms crossed while his classmates attempted the complex spell.

His smile was slow, the effortless kind that always made Thea’s breath hitch. Her traitorous body still reacted in the same way and it made her livid. He was only an arms length away. This was the closest contact they’ve had since last year. Being this close, she could fully see how much taller he had grown. Thea by no means was short, on average, she stood at least a few inches taller than her fellow female classmates. Last year, the top of her head came up to his eyeline. Now, it would barely graze his chin. Usually a growth-spurt like that would leave a person gangly, all limbs, but of course, not Sebastian. No, she assumed all the work he did on the cottage and in the garden over the summer made it easy for his muscles to retain a perfect ratio to his newfound height. If anything, he had filled out a little too well. He wore no robe and had his sleeves rolled up to the elbows, his toned forearms on full display. She had found that to be her weakness when it came to the opposite sex. Why forearms exactly, she hadn’t the faintest idea.

He was still smiling when he spoke. “Ominis so graciously pointed out that I’ve already mastered the Patronus Charm. I’m just enjoying the show.”

Not only was this the closest proximity they had been within each other since summer, this was also the most words they had exchanged and he was already grating on her nerves.

“Go on then.” She challenged. “Let’s see.”

He let out a deep chuckle, a maddening tingle ran up her spine. “There’s no fun in that. Besides,” he stepped closer, “you didn’t say ‘please’”. Had his voice deepened over the summer?

With a most undignified huff she turned her attention forward, hoping he hadn’t seen the warmth spread across her face at his poor attempt at flirting. She refused to look at him as she spoke, “If you are resolute to remain insufferably presumptuous, then I must ask you to provide me with the adequate space that Professor Hecat originally demanded.” She continued her wand motions.

Sebastian did not move one inch, if anything he leaned in closer. His deepened voice barely above a whisper, “And what if I behave? Would you allow me to linger?” 

Her eyes widened at his boldness. She had made it abundantly clear that she wanted less than nothing to do with him, and yet he was conversing with her as if the last few months had never happened. She decided that a reply would only be rewarding him, so she remained silent, hoping it would agitate him instead.

Thea turned her thoughts back to finding a pleasant memory. Even turned away from him with her eyes closed, his presence still assaulted her senses. His scent, the feel of him being within reach had him leaching into every memory she tried to summon. She was using all of her focus and energy just to bat those thoughts away.

“Oh my, something is happening and you haven’t even said the incantation.”

Thea’s eyes flew open at his words, she looked at the end of her wand and saw the last of the blue lights disappear. “Oh!”

“Try again, you’re on the right path.” His tone was encouraging and excited. She had to fight the innate desire for his approval.

“Hush! You’ll ruin it.” She closed her eyes again and admitted defeat. This time she allowed thoughts of Sebastian to play across her mind. Their first meeting in this very classroom. Him smiling up at her as he laid on his back after losing their duel. Him sneaking her into the Restricted Section, taking the fall for her when caught. All of the little moments of closeness. “My new charge.” “I’m glad to have met you.” “A kindred spirit.” Every finger brush, cheek graze, longing stare, it filled her with a warmth she hadn’t allowed herself to feel for so long. She opened her eyes, “Expecto Patronum.”

The light that shot out from within her wand was blinding. The shape that stood before her was much larger than the one Professor Hecat produced. As her eyes began to focus, she couldn’t help but smile once she recognized the familiar shape.

“Merlin’s beard, is that a thestral?” Her classmates were beginning to murmur.

“I’ve only ever seen illustrations of them. So we can see them if it’s as a patronus?”

“What does that mean? They’re dark omens, you know.”

She ignored their comments as her spirit guardian flapped its wings and cantered around her. A laugh of pure joy fell from her lips. Upon closer inspection she could tell that hers was a female. 

“How intriguing.” Thea hadn’t even noticed that Hecat now stood in front of her and her spectral protector. “A thestral, the second most rare of patronuses.”

“What’s the first?” Hobhouse yelled out.

“A phoenix, you ninny!” Ominis shouted in reply from somewhere in the room. 

Thea turned her attention to her professor. “Ever since joining the wizarding world, I’ve always held an affinity for them.”

“An understanding of one’s deeper traits is a powerful thing.” Professor Hecat cast a surveying look at Thea. “Well done, Miss. Gravethorne. Once again, you have mastered extraordinary magic in record time. A most interesting outcome indeed.”

Feeling humbled under the professor’s scrutinous gaze, Thea kept her eyes on her feet. “Thank you, Professor.”

“That will be all for today! I commend you all for trying today’s most challenging lesson.” 

“Wait! I want to see Sallow’s patronus!” It was Duncan again. “Gaunt talked a big game about his friend’s abilities. I want to see it.”

Over the mumble of agreement from most of the class, Thea could make out a faint scuffle ahead of her. Garreth was latched on to Ominis who seemed to be fighting his grip in an effort to storm Hobhouse. She then turned her attention to Sebastian. He wasn’t standing so close anymore and even looked a bit sheepish. The shameless charm from earlier, entirely gone. “I’d rather not. Wouldn’t want to overshadow the Girl Wonder.”

Revenge was about to taste oh so sweet. It seemed to Thea that his hesitancy was most likely due to his inability to cast the complex charm any longer. Oh how she would love to see him knocked down a peg or two. She put on her most endearing of smiles. “I don’t mind one bit. I, for one, would love to see your patronus.” Her words dripped with a challenge, not noticing that her own patronus had vanished just moments ago.

His eyes met hers, they silently pleaded with her. Good, make him squirm. She arched an eyebrow at him. She could see his jaw twitch with the clench of his teeth. He attempted a steadying breath and closed his eyes. He raised his wand and made the proper motion. One could hear a pin drop in the classroom. Thea heard a slight shuffle next to her and turned to see Ominis standing by her side, a look of absolute concern etched on his face. What’s got him so worried?

Soon enough, Sebastian said the incantation and his wand flared to life. A large skeletal creature sprang forth, an almost exact mirror to her own. No one spoke, it felt like everyone held on to their breaths. Everyone, except,

“I thought you said thestral patronuses were rare?” Duncan’s voice cut through the stunned silence.

“They are.” It wasn’t like Hecat to be quiet, but Thea barely heard her reply. Their professor looked upon the spectre with an almost sympathetic look. 

Thea looked back at Sebastian, his face the picture of stunned terror. She turned to Ominis and saw that crease of worry between his brow had grown even deeper. What was she missing? Maybe Sebastian really meant it when he said he didn’t want to overshadow her. She was just told that her patronus was extremely rare only for him to have the same one. But why did the entirety of the class seem to be shocked? Ominis himself had said that Sebastian had shown everyone his patronus back in their fourth year. She knew that most, ignorant, people thought the equine to be dark omens, but even Poppy, who loved all animals dearly, looked as shocked as everyone else. His thestral looked perfectly normal. The only difference between his and her own was the gender. Thea had spent enough time caring for them in her vivarium that she could easily spot the subtle differences. Suddenly, the apparition vanished. The caster had snapped back to his senses. He seemed to be avoiding Thea’s gaze entirely. Without a moment of hesitation, he bolted out the door. Thea felt movement beside her as Ominis rushed after him.

Hecat broke the prolonged silence. “Class dismissed!” Soon the room was filled with the sounds of students gathering their things and muffled chatter. Thea made her way to her things and made sure to grab Poppy’s hand in the process.

“Poppy, what am I missing?” She felt like she was going to explode, it seemed that everyone knew something she didn’t. “I understand that casting a corporeal patronus is rare and that a thestral one is rarer still, but you all saw Sebastian’s patronus ages ago. Why was the floor littered with everyone’s jaws as if you all were surprised?”

Her Hufflepuff friend seemed to be avoiding her gaze as well, but she finally turned and looked her friend in the eye. “I’m not sure you want to know.” 

“Of course I do! You know how much I loathe being the last to know anything.”

Poppy nervously glanced from side to side before meeting her eyes again. “We were surprised because when Sebastian showed us his patronus back in year four, it was a Red Fox, not a thestral.”

Thea was taken aback by the simple answer. “Oh, alright. So patronuses can change, why is that such a massive deal?”

“Because it’s not normal for them to change.” And with that, her friend was off, leaving Thea more bewildered than ever.

She was far from done with this topic. She approached Hecat’s desk, her shoes slapping across the wooden floor in determination. “Professor!” She looked up from her writing and heaved a heavy sigh.

“Yes?”

“What makes a patronus change form?”

She looked upon her student with the same sympathetic gaze she gave Sebastian. “It takes an extremely strong shift of inner-self and emotion.”

Thea thought back to his actions in the catacombs. Surely that wasn’t the reason why. Thestrals were not dark creatures, one wouldn’t become your patronus if you had killed someone. Right?

“Can you offer me an example?”

Her professor sighed again, it made Thea want to scream. Would everyone stop dancing around it?

“A monumental life event or an emotion so strong that it overpowers everything within you.” She pinched the bridge of her nose before continuing. “I will be blunt with you, Miss Gravethorne.”

“Please!”

“One’s patronus can change and mirror another’s, if there is an immense amount of love present.”

Thea staggered back clutching her stomach. “You’re saying that Sebastian’s thestral isn’t just a coincidence?” 

“It’s the second most rare patronus, my dear.” She took in her student’s pale face and glassy eyes. “I suggest this become a conversation between you and Mister Sallow.”

[ashisgreedy]

“The Halloween Party”

POV: Garreth Weasley 

SFW

This was written as a collab story with the following amazing people(tagged)! We took turns writing for this story and it took off in many hilarious and dramatic tangents! One person would write a few paragraphs then send it off to the next person to continue. It was so fun to be a part of and I am grateful for everyone's involvement! The end of the segments will indicate who wrote which part. 

@greedyforgarreth - (GFG), @pandanscafanfiction (Pandansca), @daydreamsonacloudyday - (DOACD) @slytherin-paramour , @cuffmeinblack , @blueraineshadows ,  @junie-00 , @eternalremorse, @finalgirllx , @grandeoatmilklatte - (Oat),  @AurorSrag @sevprince-91 (AS)

(Please see the end where @slytherin-paramour drew amazing fanart of Seb-Skein!)

WC: 9,700

Garreth spent quite a lot of time preparing for his Halloween bash. Several cauldrons were bubbling. Some were filled with a mix of alcoholic drinks while others held concoctions Garreth had perfected over the years that would induce different effects on the drinker. He couldn't decide to tell people what the effects were or if they should just find out for themselves.

He definitely wasn't in it alone as he implored his friends to assist him with this massive party. Everyone in the school was making an appearance in the Gryffindor common room. He hoped that if any Professor did get tipped off they would turn a blind eye so the students may have one last party before they graduate from Hogwarts. He adjusts his costume and fixes a big smile on his face as he begins walking through the party while the music blasts through the magical gramophones.

(GFG)

Everyone was dressed incredibly festive. It was so cool to look around the large common area and attempt to figure out who was who under their masks and disguises- with the exception of a few. His older brother Oscar, for one, showed up in his quidditch attire ('how original') and Ominis didn't bother to put much more effort in his costume than a pair of cat ears. In any case, he smiled broadly and wore his own proudly, puffing out his chest as he raised a toast of something even he didn't know high in the air. "Cheers, mates!"

As he took a deep swig, Sebastian appeared next to him wearing… was that Azkaban stripes and broken cuffs? "What are you even supposed to be, Weasley?", he sneered.

Garreth pouted, offended that not one person could tell what he was. Wasn't it obvious?

(Pandansca) 

“Wouldn’t you like to know, Sallow,” Garreth answered, rolling his eyes at the Slytherin. There had to be one person at his party who would figure out what he was. Maybe she would know, she always seemed to know exactly what he was thinking.

Before Sebastian could pester him about his costume some more, Garreth clapped him on the back and disappeared back into the costumed crowd, in search of her. (DOACD)

He stumbled a little when someone accidentally stepped on his costume as it trailed out behind him, turning to rearrange himself with a grin. "Woooah, easy there my friend! We wouldn't want to ruin this masterpiece would we?" 

He laughed as he gestured to the, quite frankly, fantastic costume that he'd been working on for weeks, before continuing to move through the jubilant crowd in the direction of the cauldron station. He couldn't help but give a little jiggle of his hips to the beat of the music as he went.

A giant, pink gaping hole lined with spikes entered his periphery. Several green leaves were stuffed around the edges of this person's collar. Garreth was very confused until his eyes honed in on a small bespectacled face protruding from the center of the monstrosity.

"Hobhouse? Is that you? What in Merlin's name are you supposed to be? You look like the vagina from my nightmare!" 

(Slytherin-Paramour)

Duncan puffed out his chest in a show of indignation, deflating quickly under the stares Garreth's outburst had attracted.

"No! I...do you really not know?" the Ravenclaw shot back in a squeaky voice.

Garreth grinned, a show of friendliness seldom bestowed on the boy. He'd never held any ill will towards Duncan; it just happened to be incredibly fun to wind him up a little. 

"What are you meant to be?" Duncan asked, his bespectacled face scrutinizing Garreth's fantastic costume.

"Never you mind," Garreth sighed, his attention caught by a melodic laugh that he'd know absolutely anywhere. "See you later, Hobhouse!"

Garreth dashed towards the source of the chuckle, barely audible over the cheers of 'nightmare vagina' aimed towards the boy he'd just left. (cuffmeinblack)

There she was. Beautiful, radiant, her eyes sparkling like new stars as she laughed, the sound of it making warmth spread through him as he gazed at her. Her cheeks were beginning to get that first pink flush from whatever she was drinking, enhancing her perfection in a way that made Garreth almost speechless. 

As he paused to admire his biggest distraction, a tap on his shoulder made him turn, his gaze lifting to meet with a face painted in greys and blacks. Surrounding this mask of horror was a tattered black hood, part of a flowing black robe that draped to the floor. It was enough to make one flinch, however, the warmth of those familiar brown eyes took away the chilling Dementor look that Leander had gone for this evening. 

Leander held up a drink, the vivid blue liquid smoking a little. "Is this the one that makes you levitate?" He asked. 

Garreth eyed it, a smirk lifting his lips. "Maybe, why?" 

Leander's smirk was even bigger. "Have you seen what Sallow has come as? If I drink this, I'm going to float over and pick a fight with an escaped prisoner," he chuckled. (blueraineshadows)

“That would be quite the show for our guests,” Garreth chuckled, “Let me grab MC first, I’m sure she’d love to see prisoner Sallow versus a dementor.” He nodded towards his target before beginning to walk towards her, the curiosity in him peeking when he couldn’t get a good look at her costume that was blocked by the bodies of her festively dressed friends surrounding her.

Leander's eyes roamed over her, a sliver between the students giving him a view of her choice of attire for the night. A quick hand stopped Garreth from moving any further, spinning him around so Leander’s eyes could scan him over, “Mate, are you two…” he paused before glancing in her direction once more, “Matching?”

As if it was the universe giving him yet another reason she was downright perfect for the Gryffindor, students cleared from her, giving Garreth a clear view of the girl who never failed to surprise him. “Brilliant!” Garreth trailed off as he excitedly pushed his way through students, his eyes never leaving the magnificent costume she proudly wore. (junie-00)

The various bells hanging from Garreth's belt jingled merrily as he approached MC with a great big grin on his face. His eyes trailed up and down, studying the ensemble that, in fact, did match his own.

"Seems you're a man of culture as well, MC."

Though his words were simply calm and friendly, the one brain cell in his head was bouncing off the walls of his skull.

"Of course! Though it almost got ruined because of one of your silly concoctions, the one that makes you croak and your throat swell like a bullfrog. Probably not the best idea for a costume party, eh? Nellie's costume got a little torn, actually, but that's probably for the better. It's a weird red suit with clown makeup and green hair. Maybe it's some sort of muggle thing."

MC took a sip of her drink, the metal claws on the ends of her fingers making small scratches in the ceramic as Garreth did the same.

(OPHOCC)

Garreth bit his lip as his eyes slowly trailed down MC’s outfit. If there was one person out of the whole charade of people he wanted to see here, it was her. MC noticed his stare and smiled smugly before nudging his shoulder.

“Now, now, Weasley, the night has just begun. Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves with the after-party thoughts already,” she winked.

Garreth chuckled and held up his hands. “Heh, you’re right. But I can’t help it when I see such a gorgeous woman right in front of me.”

MC giggled and a sudden hiccup escaped, her hand immediately covered her mouth in slight embarrassment. She then laughed and looked at her cup. “My word, this drink is getting to me already! It’s good stuff, despite the side effects.”

Garreth looked rather proud of himself in that moment. “Well, I’m glad to see you’re enjoying yourself and my brew. Maybe if you’re a good girl I’ll even give you the recipe for it. Top secret of course!”

MC raised an eyebrow. “Good girl? Garreth, what do you m-“ She noticed a commotion happening over Garreth’s shoulder. “Merlin’s beard! What is happening over there?” (eternalremorse)

Garreth’s head swiftly spun to see the racket happening behind him, and the sight to behold left both himself and MC standing speechless. The surrounding party-goers appeared to have the same reaction, as, seemingly in unison, all attention was suddenly on the spectacle before them. 

Someone had gone all out and dressed up as a Hippogriff. But this wasn't just a simple costume, it was a life-size recreation of the beast. The longer Garreth looked, he could gather that one student formed the front while another, less fortunate, was tucked inside the rear, mostly hidden from view. The sheer scale of the costume and some minor collisions (one which even sent poor ‘nightmare vagina’ Hobhouse tumbling) had drawn everyone's focus.

As gobsmacked as Garreth was, he felt a sense of obligation to find out who made up this horrific ensemble. He took a deep breath, gave MC a gentle pat on the shoulder, and mustered some of that Gryffindor bravery to approach the peculiar, two-person costume. He would need a stronger drink after this. 

"Um, hello there," Garreth began, wondering if the duo inside the costume could even hear him. “Might I ask who you are?” (finalgirllx)

Garreth heard a soft muffled voice come from the top half of the Hippogriff. He recognized it immediately as Poppy. “Don’t you recognize me?” she shouted, trying to make her voice carry considering the thickness of the costume. Garreth laughed. “Merlin’s beard Poppy, how did you pull this off? And who’s the other half of your costume?” 

A symphony of grumbles suddenly came from the second half of the costume. Garreth could not make out what was said, but he could tell whoever was in there was not happy about their predicament. “Imelda!” Came Poppy’s muffled voice once again. “We made bets on the Quidditch game. I bet that if Slytherin lost, she had to be the bottom half of my costume. She was pretty cocky about it, swearing that there was no way Slytherin would lose to Hufflepuff, alas, here she is!” Poppy’s voice was especially cheerful about this as if she was absolutely loving Imelda’s misery. 

Garreth was thoroughly impressed. He turned to the table closest to him, grabbing a drink off the table. He went to hand it to Poppy before realizing there was no way for her to drink it. “Well, Poppy, this costume is incredible. I’d toast to your effort, but I imagine you can’t drink through this.”

“Oh actually, you can pour the drink into my mouth, I added a funnel on the inside for drinks. As for Imelda, you can pass her a drink from the back.”

Garreth obliged, pouring a drink for Poppy down the Hippogriff’s mouth, where there was indeed a funnel. He awkwardly made his way towards the back of the costume, jumping as a hand emerged from the Hippogriff’s butthole, snatching the drink from Garreth’s hand. Garreth simply laughed and shook his head, turning away from the Hippogriff to find MC again, the various objects glued to his hat jingling as he walked. (Oat)

But this was Halloween, the night of chaos and Poppy’s Hippogriff was just the beginning of the show.

True to his words, Leander did take the drink that was supposed to make him fly and was prepared to execute his plan. He stretched out his hands, his sleeves being extra-large, covering his hands and he positioned himself like a dementor would and went for Sebastian, who had his back to him right now, talking to Ominis.

Neither of them had any idea of what was coming.

Duncan felt something hovering above his head and he lifted his head out of his pink flourishing tentacles, right in time to see a dementor floating above his head and he gave a squeal.

Everyone looked up and then someone shouted, “Sallow, behind you.”

Sebastian looked up and gasped. The horror of watching a dementor for real made his blood run cold and he forgot the time and place until Leander spoke up,

“Your soul is mine Sallow!”

But instead of a hoarse ghost-like voice that Leander intended to produce, a high-pitched squeaky voice out of the dementor’s robes made everyone roll on the floor with laughter.

“My voice,” Leander pressed his hands on his mouth and swirled backward but alas he couldn’t get himself down. “Get me dowwwwwwwwwn!” He squeaked. “Garreth! Get me down.” He swirled in the air shouting in his squeaky little voice.

Garreth ran underneath him, his arms extended hoping to catch him in case he falls, his bells madly jingling around his belt. MC ran behind him, her wand out and pointed at Leander, trying to get him down. 

“Sebastian, Ominis, stop laughing and help us out here.” 

MC yelled at the pair, as she ran madly to save her friend, almost tumbling poor Duncan Hobhouse, and his tentacles right into the butt of Poppy’s hippogriff, making Imelda lose her balance as she fell on the ground with Duncan above her and the costume splitting into half, from the middle, turning it into a half-ass Hippogriff now.

“Duncan fucking Hobhouse!” Imelda yelled as she desperately attempted to remove the butt of the Hippogriff costume from above her head and pummel Duncan hard on the face. (AS)

Garreth's eyes desperately sought out the location of his bubbling cauldrons. He really was too sober for this. His eyes landed on a purple brew that he had completely forgotten the effects it had. He decided to take a ladle full of the purple brew into his cup and a ladle full of the pink brew just next to it. He resolved that at least one of them was alcohol and would get him drunk. With his eyes closed, he chugged down the entire cup.

A loud crash of the window made him choke on the last gulp of his drink. Garreth wiped the back of his mouth and turned around to see Everette pummeling through the crashed window on his broom. He was waving something in the air that let off several small fireworks. People below him ducked and weaved out of the way of the sparks. 

Garreth smiled at the display of mischievousness from an obviously very drunk Everette, who most likely had been pre-gaming well before the party even started. MC was already using the repairo spell on the window and Garreth gave her a thumbs up. 

Garreth poured a second cup of his concoction and rushed over to Everette as he landed on wobbly legs. "Cheers, mate!" Garreth handed him the mixed drink. Everette took it enthusiastically and started to take a sip. 

"Thanks! But, uh..." Everette looked Garreth over, the bells and claws decorating Garreth's person making him squint. "What exactly are you dressed up as?"

Garreth frowned "Isn't it obvious?" He swayed, realizing very quickly exactly what potion he'd just downed with his alcohol. (GFG)

Rule number one: never forget your own brews; a mistake he made for not the first time, and especially not the last. He blinked erratically and stumbled over his own feet as suddenly his vision went inverse- the entire room was upside down! Or- well- was it? It certainly seemed so. He didn't remember creating a potion like this but he had mixed two of them together.

Garreth looked around the room with wide eyes as he watched everyone walk along the ceiling as though it were perfectly normal. Even Amit was sitting comfortably in the chandelier as though it were an armchair (wait- wasn't it an armchair?) Good Godric, he was plastered), giggling to himself as he sipped on a drink and tried to nail Leander in the head with magical shooting stars. 

"Stop moving, Prewett!", he slurred.

The Gryffindor rubbed at his eyes and blinked once more as he took in the Ravenclaw's rather… alluring attire. "Um… Amit? Did you lose a bet?", he squeaked.

Amit looked at the ginger as though he had two heads. "Garreth, my clothes are quite normal.", he called back. But since when was a corset, bloomers, and thigh-high stockinged normal?! "You, on the other hand, are rather confusing." The raven-haired boy mumbled as his eyes grew more disgusted and perplexed by the second. "What are you, again?"

Garreth opened his mouth to reply when a curiously green spell suddenly shot right past his head, singing the wall opposite him. "What in the-?!"

(Pandansca)

Garreth looked to the origin of the spell and saw a puffskein.

Wait–a puffskein?

What in Merlin’s name was a puffskein doing at the party? And why was it floating around, completely unbothered with everyone and everything around it? (DOACD)

He swayed a little where he stood, his eye's trying to focus on the small, hairy creature that he now realized was most certainly gripping a wand between it's teeth. Green wisps of magic residue emerged from the tip of the wand and Garreth let out a bellowing laugh at the sight. Somehow, he made his way to the puffskein without falling on his arse and picked the little fuzz ball up, holding it in front of his face with a grin.

"Hello there fluffy fellow, how did you get in here? And whos wand did you steal?" 

He booped it on the nose and tried to pry the wand out of the creatures mouth, only for the Puffskein to clamp down and start writhing furiously in Garreth's arms. 

"Woaaah, calm down! Oi!" He had almost dropped the frantic creature when Ominis appeared beside him, panting and trying to catch his breath. He held his wand up and sighed in relief.

"Oh thank Merlin, you found him! Quick, we need to change him back!" 

Garreth's alcoholic, potion influenced brain became even more confused by Ominis' words.

"What...change who back?" 

The blonde boy gestured to the angry little beast currently trying to roll it's way out of Garreth's arms.

"That's Sebastian!" 

(Slytherin-Paramour)

Garreth's eyes slid out of focus as he tried to process the information, not trusting his drink-addled brain's slow responses amongst the thoroughly irate bundle of fur now trying to roll out of his arms. He looked down at the puffskein, noticing the tufty chestnut fur and big brown eyes, his lips curling into a grin as he realised that oh yes, this was Sebastian alright. Ominis' wand was ready, the incantation to return his friend to his human form on the tip of his tongue.

What a waste that would be.

Garreth bolted, clutching the fluffy menace against his chest as he sped through the crowds once again, trying his best not to go arse over tit with the way his vision swam and the room made absolutely no logical sense. Why was the Hippogriff's arse now tumbling across the ceiling? Did the sofas always have mouths? The only thing he knew was that the cocky, self-satisfied, altogether too handsome Slytherin Sebastian Sallow was now a ferocious little puffskein, and Garreth wasn't about to let Ominis change him back before the entire castle got a peek. He spotted MC once again, her beauty just about the only thing not addled by his questionable concoctions, and Garreth held Sebastian above his head with a triumphant grin spread across his face.

"Guess who this is?!" he shouted across the room, ignoring Duncan's hysterical screams. (cuffmeinblack)

The party goers nearest to him glanced up, the irate puffskein now snarling in ways that definitely didn't sound accurate, the wand clenched in its teeth waving dangerously around the room. Laughter echoed and a few names were called out as Ominis pressed himself through the crowd, cheeks flushed and brow furrowed. 

"Hand him over, Weasley," he demanded. He aimed his wand in Garreth's vague direction, the tip of it blinking brightly.

Garreth chuckled. "But he looks so adorable!"

MC appeared beside Ominis, her eyes narrowing in on the little growling ball of fur. Her eyes then widened, a gasp leaving her lips. 

"I know that wand!" She exclaimed. She put her hand to her mouth, horrified laughter bursting from it. "Who did this?! That's Seb!" 

"What? No!" Leander burst past MC, his Dementor painted face aghast as he stared at Puffskein Seb. He gave a panicked look towards MC. "Please tell me he can be changed back?" He squeaked.

MC narrowed her gaze. "Why do you care?" 

Leander realised everyone was staring at him and his blush was so dark it showed through his face paint. "No… no reason," he stuttered. 

Ominis turned with eerie accuracy, his wand aimed right at Leander's nose. "If this was you, Prewett, you'd better start begging," he said. (blueraineshadows)

Garreth slowly blinked when he tried to follow the commotion unfolding as Ominis pressed his wand against Leander’s nose, but his efforts were in vain when different effects of his mixed potion began to take over his brain. It seemed as if the students were becoming one with their costumes, contorting into ferocious creatures right in front of him. His eyes widened as the students began to close in on them, his palms covered in a thick layer of sweat and his mouth becoming dry from his gaping mouth, paying no mind to the slytherin puffskein wrestling in his loosening hands.

“What the fu-” He whispered to himself before the ball of fur was hastily snatched from his hands.

“Come on!” MC hissed as she tugged Garreth by his arm, nearly dragging him behind her while holding Sebastian snug against her chest. Not so surprisingly, the slytherin turned beast was willingly resting in her arms as she burst through the crowd of students.

Garreth tumbled behind her, his feet failing to meet her fast pace, “Where are we going?” the goggle eyed Gryffindor mumbled as he looked around at every student he passed that looked like they morphed into their costumes. His head shooting to look behind him as he heard Ominis shout their names.

“You’ll see,” she panted as she looked back at Ominis, picking up her pace when she noticed him trailing behind them, “I want to have my fun with Seb-skein before Ominis turns him back!” (junie-00)

MC began sifting through the crowd for a particular Ravenclaw. One that claimed to “feel braver” after she did the dirty work for him finding that Giant Venomous Tentacula, yet he got all the credit for it! But what could she do? She was a naive fifth-year at the time and wanted to be liked by everyone. Maybe it was time for a little vengeance.

She spotted Duncan talking to Amit and Andrew Larson, she smiled and pulled Garreth close, nodding towards the trio. Garreth could barely make them out with the potion effect still in full swing.

MC hushed her voice a little bit. “Seb, I’m going to need your help here.”

She looked down at the brunette Puffskein whose eyes looked up at her with curiosity. She must admit he was super cute as one of the little creatures.

“See Duncan over there? I’d like you to give him the biggest fright of his life for me. For taking all the glory for the Giant Venomous Tentacula leaf he claimed he got himself from the hidden Herbology corridor.”

Garreth heard what she said and his eyes widened. “Waaaaaait, that wasn’t Dun-kein?” he slurred. MC giggled at shook her head.

“It was all me. I felt kind of sorry for him at the time.” She lowered Sebastian to the ground and winked at him. “Go get him, Seb-skein.” (eternalremorse)

Sebastian bounced his way over to the Ravenclaw, whose back was facing him as he chatted with Amit and Andrew. Both of the boys paused when they noticed the angry ball of fur behind Duncan, who was still babbling away, completely unaware.

“Uh…Duncan…” Amit started, trying to get the boy’s attention as Sebastian growled, the wand in his mouth pointed up towards Duncan. But it was too late for the poor boy, as the moment he turned around, he was hit with an array of spells being shot at him from the furry creature. 

Duncan screamed as Sebastian continued to shoot little blasts at him. He attempted to run, but tripped, landing on the floor. The entire party stopped what they were doing to watch as Sebastian dropped his wand from his mouth and jumped on Duncan, bouncing on him a few times before he began to nip at him, Duncan screaming and flailing his arms the entire time. Everyone was laughing, but Garreth could only focus on MC’s laugh. His glassy eyes kept darting back and forth between the madness in front of him, and her. 

Ominis pushed through the crowd and almost went to grab Sebastian, but he too couldn’t help but burst into a fit of laughter when his wand informed him of the scene he had walked into. (Oat)

Leander came floating at the commotion and attempted to grab Seb-skein as he attempted his final favorite trick of shoving his tongue into Duncan’s nose. He will never be able to get over the nightmare of tasting Duncan’s boogies but the fun was worth it. 

Garreth however watched MC with glassy eyes, mesmerized by the tinkle of laughter coming out of her lips that he so wanted to kiss for a long time now. An absurd urge filled him all of a sudden and for a moment he felt like nothing he would do now could go wrong.

So amidst all the commotion of Duncan vs Seb-skein, Garreth almost lunged at MC, grabbed her shoulder, turned her towards him and kissed her! (AS)

A short time later, as everyone forgets the commotion and Duncans's screams, Garreth finds Puffskein Sebastian on the arm of one of the couches in the common room. Someone had put sunglasses on him and replaced his wand with a glow stick. The small creature's head bobbed to the music, eyes closed as he grooved to the beat. 

Garreth knew he needed another drink, the room was finally flipping back to right side up. He pet Seb-skein on the head and smiled. "Puffskein must be lightweights, you're positively sloshed." He chuckled and then made his way to the cauldrons again. 

Before he could make it all the way, Imelda, the ass of the hippogriff forsaken, popped up in front of him. She crossed her arms and eyed him. "I hate parties." She said, loudly so her voice wasn't drowned out by the music. 

"Oh.." Garreth frowned a bit "Well, I could offer you a drink? Or, would you like to play a party game?"

Imelda crossed her arms. "I didn't say I hated YOUR party." She scoffed. "A game then. And be quick with it."

Garreth smiled. "A game it is!" (GFG)

While he ladled a different mix of concoction for the two of them, he mused over what sort of game they could play. His hips swayed to the music while he sipped. The party was getting into the thick of it, now; loud, thumping dance tracks as magic, pulsating orbs of light strobed to the beat in the much darker space. But the flashing lights gave him an odd sense of lost deja vu.

'Wait… Didn't something big happen earlier?' There was an odd lapse in his memory and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't remember anything past Dunkan getting his bogeys licked by Sebastian up until now… How did he get here, with Imelda? Not that he was complaining; she was lovely company. But even still… wasn't what he was forgetting important?

His brows dipped and he handed Imelda her drink but the thought of losing something brought upon a fabulous idea for a game and his eyes lit up. "How about a scavenger hunt?!", he offered.

Imelda's smirk was downright predatory with her characteristic bout of competitiveness. She took a swig of her drink and huddled close, her arm wrapping around Garreth's shoulder and pulling him close. "State your rules."

"No one else can know about the game. First person to get all items and meet back at the home base wins."

"And what does the winner get?"

Garreth thought for a moment. "A wish granted- Something doable and within reason. And the loser can't deny them."

The gears were already visibly turning in Imelda's mind as her dark eyes roamed over his lips. "You'd better hope you have more endurance than me, then.", she quipped and took a long chug of her alcohol before crushing the cup in her hand and tossing it aside. "You're going to need it for my wish." Garreth flushed fiercely. "Now- What are we hunting tonight, Weasley?"

What to hunt for indeed…

(Pandansca)

Garreth found a spare piece of parchment and a quill amongst the chaos of the party, and he and Imelda began coming up with their list of things to hunt for. There was something Garreth couldn’t quite remember, something at the edge of his memory, but it kept flitting away as they came up with item after item.

It couldn’t be that important, could it?

When they finished, he made a copy of the list with his wand and handed it to Imelda, who shot him a smirk before sauntering off in her ass end of a hippogriff costume. He reread the list, the words swimming in his vision for a second before he got them to focus again. He grabbed another concoction and downed it before setting off to look for the items on the list. (DOACD)

He chuckled to himself as he glanced over the first couple of things that he needed to find. This was going to be fun. Or an absolute shit show. It was a fine line to be perfectly honest. The fuzziness inside his head was giving him a ridiculous confidence boost, and he set off in search of a certain haughty, blonde Slytherin. 

Ominis had given up on his quest to turn Sebastian back into a human, for the moment. He had thoroughly enjoyed it when his hairy little best friend had tormented Duncan Hobhouse afterall. 

He was sitting on one of the large leather sofas now, swaying side to side and singing along to whatever song was blaring from the gramophone. A goblet of fire whiskey was held precariously in his left hand and he had tucked his trusty wand behind his ear.

The sofa suddenly tilted him to the left when Garreth cannonballed himself into the leather beside him, the shock making the poor Slytherin jump up and spill half of his whiskey backwards over his shoulder. 

"You have a beautiful singing voice, Ominis!" Garreth's deep tone slurred into his ear from beside him. 

Ominis blushed despite his rage at the dopey Gryffindor. 

"Garreth! You've fucking soaked my silk shirt! …But thank you for the compliment I suppose." 

Garreth leaned in close, wrapping an arm around his friend and brought his lips to the blonde's ear. 

"You're very welcome, pretty kitty." His carded his fingers gently up through Ominis' hair to tug on the little black cat ears. 

Ominis stilled, his breath caught in his throat. He was about to speak when he felt a sharp pain at the back of his head and heard Garreth's voice call out cheekily.

"Yoink! I've got it! Sorry Ominis!" And he jumped up and ran away holding a couple of the Slytherin's beautiful hairs.

(Slytherin-Paramour)

Garreth was on a roll, and feeling increasingly intoxicated. The last concoction he'd thrown down his throat appeared to be mostly alcohol—whisky, he'd guess by the burn in his throat. At least the common room was the right way up now, but it was becoming harder to walk in a straight line as he staggered through the crowds.

The next item on his list should be easy enough, he thought as he plunged his hand into a bowl of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. A Ravenclaw tie. Popping the beans in his mouth, he gazed around the room for his next target, spotting Everett mingling with a now traumatized Duncan. The taller bespectacled boy was rubbing the smaller on the back, suspiciously gently. If he was more sober he could have sworn it was a caress.

"Alright, Everett, Duncan?" Garreth grinned at the pair. "Can I borrow one of your ties?"

"Bugger off, Garreth," Everett replied.

"I...what?"

"This is your party, and look what that fluffy menace did to Duncan!"

Garreth tried to suppress a smirk, but his self control and inhibitions had flown out the window with his last drink. With a snort, he burst into laughter, causing an irate Everett to drag Puffskein Dunkein off through the crowds. By the time he'd stopped chuckling and dried his eyes, they were nowhere to be seen and Garreth was no closer to securing his next scavenger hunt item. He needed another Ravenclaw.

Scanning the room again, he saw MC perched on a sofa petting Seb-skein with a lazy smile, and his stomach gave an odd sort of lurch that had nothing to do with his dubious potions. MC. She'd been something to do with what he'd forgotten, he was sure... The thought didn't have a chance to fully form before he felt a searing pain on the back of his head and his vision faded to black before he hit the floor. (cuffmeinblack)

Snatches of muffled sound teased his ears and blurry images appeared through slow blinks of his eyes as a dull throb clamped around the back of his head. The room swayed dangerously as he was bodily lifted, hands holding his arms and legs, and then he felt a softness against his back.

"He looks a bit pale…"

"So would you if you took a whack to the head…"

"Who levitated that lamp anyway…"

"Merlin knows, it's bloody chaos in here…"

Something brushed up against his forehead, and there was an irritating bouncing pressure on his torso. Garreth flapped his hands at it, his coordination poor, and he thought he heard someone laugh as his hand brushed against something fluffy and warm. He blinked a few times, his vision swimming into focus. 

Heads were bent over him, a mixture of amusement and worry on their faces. MC was the closest, her smile just utter perfection as he met her gaze.

"Hello handsome," she said. "Decided to rejoin the party after all?" 

Handsome? He'd take that! He gave her a smile, his mouth trying to form words, but he had no idea what he was going to say. He was just happy to see her face. "Heh… wuv… y..you.." He mumbled. 

The irritating bouncy pressure returned on his chest and a brown, furry puffskein appeared right in front of his nose, it snarled, brown eyes flashing, before it's tiny mouth clamped down on the end of his nose. 

Garreth shrieked as laughter pealed out around him, MC wrapping her hands around a snarling and chaotic Seb-skein in an attempt to get him off. (Blueraineshadows - Raine)

As MC tried to pull the angry ball of fur away from Garreth, it only caused him more pain. The small, but razor sharp teeth had a death grip on the point of Garreth’s nose, clamping down harder with each tug from MC.

“Sebastian! You’re hurting him!” MC yelled as her grip tightened, Garreth’s face being hauled upwards and whimpers escaping his mouth with each desperate pull, “Merlin, you’re a strong son of a bitch!” she murmured through gritted teeth as she yanked Sebastian with all her might. 

“MC stop, you’re making it worse!” Imelda shouted as she nudged MC out of the way, replacing her spot in front of Garreth and beginning to pinch and poke at Sebastian in hopes of finding his sweet spot to make him release the Gryffindor's nose.

A quick pluck of one of his whiskers did the trick, the small but deadly creature let out a yelp and set free Garreth, Imelda quick to pick up Seb-skein and put the single whisker in her pocket, “I needed this for the scavenger hunt, thanks you little shit.” Before Sebastian could sink his teeth into her scowling face, Imelda tossed him to MC like a toy she had no use for anymore, making her way next to Garreth to begin comforting him, putting a napkin to his bloodied nose. 

MC stood with Sebastian tucked against her chest, her face turning red with anger and jealousy as she watched Imelda cuddle up next to Garreth. As she was about to march over to the two, she heard a familiar slytherin cast a spell towards her.

“Vertohumano!”

The chatter and laughter disappeared and were replaced by gasps and screams. Before she could blink, the once adorable fuzzy ball that rested in her hands transformed into a grown man, a naked grown man, who unfortunately happened to be Sebastian.

Her face glowed a bright red with embarrassment. Her arms were wrapped around his bare torso, the tips of her fingers just barely grazing his manhood. She was quick to yank her arms away with a horrified shriek, the attention that was once on Garreth was turned towards a very naked and humiliated Sebastian. (junie-00)

MC quickly removed the mustard yellow poncho she wore about her shoulders and wrapped it around Sebastian, covering his shame. As Garreth watched this, though, he felt his hands ball up into tight fists, which was rather uncomfortable due to the claws of his costume digging into his skin. But it didn't matter because how could she touch him like that? Especially in that state?

Meanwhile, Sebastian silently thanked MC for her assistance before practically bolting out of the room and back to his bed. It would be safe to assume that he wouldn't be returning to the party out of sheer mortification. However, Garreth only remembered the scavenger hunt when he spotted Imelda plucking a ladle out of one of the drink cauldrons, which was coated in a rather unappetizing thick, green substance. The game was still on, and Garreth needed to catch up quick! (OPHOCC)

As the urgency of beating Imelda in the scavenger hunt weighed on Garreth, he tapped his chin animatedly, plotting his next move. What had he been looking for? A Ravenclaw tie? He'd needed to find another Ravenclaw student and fast, knowing how badly he'd already messed up with Duncan and Everett this evening. Given how scantily clad Amit's costume had been, he'd quickly crossed off Amit as an option. He'd certainly not have a tie to spare. 

Garreth suddenly recalled another Ravenclaw he had yet to approach: Andrew Larson. Yes, he'd spotted him before. And if memory served, Andrew had dressed as a... pirate, was it? 

Garreth was aware of Andrew's long-standing infatuation with him since their fifth year. He harbored no resentment toward Andrew for this, given how earnestly Garreth himself had pined for MC before she had given him a chance. While he wasn't one to take advantage of someone's feelings, Garreth's frazzled mind somehow rationalized that this might be the perfect opportunity to address his jealousy over MC and Sebastian while securing that elusive Ravenclaw tie. Up the charm a bit, perhaps a slight accentuation of his bum, and he'd be good to go, or so he figured.

With this fool-proof plan in mind, Garreth embarked on his mission to locate Andrew Larson, who’d be lingering somewhere in the increasingly chaotic party. (finalgirllx)

Garreth stumbled through the party goers, locating Andrew standing by one of the cauldrons, pouring himself a cup of who knows what. Garreth walked up to him, prepping up his good ole Gryffindor charm. “Hey Andrew! Great party, huh?” He shouted over the booming music. “You’re a pirate, right?” 

Andrew looked up at him, and although Garreth was in no place to talk considering how wasted he was himself, he couldn’t help but notice how drunk Andrew was. “Heeeeeey you…fiery little redhead!” Andrew slurred. “You’re looking real cute tonight! *hiccup* What are…you s’pposed to be anyway? *hiccup* 

Garreth sighed, having given up on anyone else besides MC knowing his costume. He ignored the question entirely this time. “Hey mate, could I borrow your tie? I promise I’ll bring it back!” Garreth gave Andrew a flutter of his eyelashes. 

“Oh, of course!” Andrew slurred again as he removed his tie from his waist incredibly slowly. “You can undress me any time, baby!” 

Garreth took the tie from his hands. “Thanks buddy! I appreciate it!” But as he turned to walk away, Andrew put his hand on Garreth’s shoulder. Garreth turned around, expecting him to say something, but within a second of turning around, Andrew was puking pink sludge onto the floor, with quite a bit of it splashing on Garreth’s big red boots. (Oat)

“Woooooah!” Garreth jumped up. He didn’t know whether he should run or help the poor Larson, who had been puking most likely because of his some eerie concoction. Perhaps comforting a puking Larson would be just the perfect way to show MC. And so he did.

He went around Larson, stood behind his rear, holding his hips instead of his back or shoulder that a normal person would do to help a sick person. He rubbed the side of his hips, mumbling words like, “there, there, better out than in. Let it go Andrew my boy.” 

Imelda paused her hunt and watched the pair, her jaw open wide. She winced and cleaned the vomit off the floor. Andrew was now done throwing up and he was now leaning on Garreth’s shoulder, staring up into the depths of his sea green eyes. “Gaarrethhhhhh,” He mumbled, huddling close to him.

Garreth gave one of his cheeky smiles to him and then looked up to see if MC was watching this. 

“Ohhh Ayyy, finally Garreth and Larson!” Someone cheered and the entire common room noticed them now, clapping and whispering. 

“Get a room, boys.” Someone else jeered.

Garreth looked around and stared at a very fuming MC standing at one corner, fuming. Her face red and her lips curled into a thin line as she watched Andrew leaning over Garreth and their arms wrapped around each other.

It got even worse, when out of nowhere Andrew tried to press a kiss on Garreth’s cheek, but he noticed and shifted his head and his kiss accidentally landed on Garreth’s lips.

A huge roar and whistles filled his ears and he just saw a wild mane of hair whipping out of sight and the portrait of the Fat Lady closing. (AS)

It was less than pleasant, the taste of the kiss. Garreth stumbled back and his hand moved to catch him, but it dipped into the cauldron and he fell back onto the ground. The drunk crowd seemed to understand the situation and pulled Andrew back and helped him sit on the sofa. Garreth stood up, shaking the liquid off his arm. 

“Sssorry!” Andrew slurred and dropped his head down. 

Garreth gave him a tight smile. “All good, man.” he wiped the back of his arm and looked around for MC. His stomach dropped wondering what she was thinking. He took a scoop of cauldron liquid and swished it around his mouth in an attempt to cleanse it. He spit it into a nearby planter thinking that was the best course of action in his drunken stupor. 

“Andrew, huh?” MC’s voice came from behind. 

“N-no!” Garreth stumbled dramatically. He tripped forward and MC caught his fall. However, they both tripped with Garreth’s weight and she landed on her back while Garreth was on top. 

He popped his head up and their mouths were inches away. He eyed her and his heart hammered in his chest. 

“Wow, this guy really gets around.” A Hufflepuff murmured as they watched the two on the floor.

MC heard these words, breaking her trance, and pushed on Garreth’s chest to get him off. Garreth wasn’t helping much since the memory of the scavenger hunt came to mind again. 

He leaned in, lips brushing over the shell of MC’s ear. He could feel her hold her breath from this close. He hummed and finally whispered. “I need one of your socks.” (GFG)

  MC reeled back and despite the now rosy hue of her cheeks her expression shone scandalized. "My sock?! Garreth- Haven't you done enough crazy things tonight?" She steered him toward an (mostly, I mean- Grace and Nellie were having quite the passionate snog on it) empty sofa before settling next to him. "You're incredibly intoxicated and you're acting so strange."

Okay, yes, he'd probably had at least three too many concoctions this evening. But there was so much at stake now! He couldn't stop! Especially when his double vision caught sight of Imelda snatching a hair from a now incredibly drunk Ominis before disappearing back into the throng. A shiver of dread (and… arousal? Huh.) raced down his spine at the thought of the Slytherin winning. He could guess clear enough what her wish would be.

He turned to MC. "You don't understand! If I don't win this scavenger hunt, Imelda is going to do unspeakable things to me!"

More confused than ever, MC stared long and hard into her crush's glittering green eyes. Wasn't it not long ago that he'd kissed her…? She could still feel the warmth and taste of him on her lips. She longed more than anything to return his affections, but ever since the kiss he'd acted as though it hadn't happened at all! Her heart fluttered for him but she was receiving so many confusing, mixed signals from him. And his drunken kiss with Larson also hadn't helped matters… Was she just another party game to the Weasley? And after she'd gone through so much tireless dedication to mimic his costume… "Garreth, I don't know…", she muttered.

(Pandansca)

“Please, MC,” Garreth begged, taking her hands in his, the claws from their costumes clinking together. “You can’t leave me to the mercy of Imelda. I have to win.”

MC narrowed her eyes at Garreth, still debating on whether or not to help him. “What exactly does Imelda intend to do to you if she wins?” MC asked.

Garreth swallowed hard, his eyes wide. “I think she wants to devour me,” he breathed, and MC gasped before she furrowed her brows. 

“Not on my watch,” MC said, a look of determination in her eyes. (DOACD)

She gripped Garreth's hand tightly in hers before pulling him along behind her. He nearly stumbled with the force that she dragged him with. Her eyes scanned the chaotic room in search of the Slytherin girl who was so clearly trying to get her claws into her Gryffindor. She found Imelda in a secluded corner of the common room, busy packing away a blue tie into her satchel. She looked up with a smirk as MC and Garreth pulled to a stop in front of her. 

"Oh, it's the competition." She looked at the red head with sultry eyes and then at MC. "And the other competition." 

MC frowned, eyes narrowing. 

"I hope you're ready to pay up, handsome. I've got this scavenger hunt in the bag. Literally." She patted the satchel beside her. 

MCs grip tightened around Garreth's fingers causing him to let out a small "Ow!" 

She took a step closer to Imelda, her magic flaring as she attempted to control her emotions.

"I don't know what you think you're planning, Reyes, but you see this? She gestured at Garreth. He's mine." 

With those words, she turned to look at the flustered man behind her, his mossy green eyes sparkling with a mixture of excitement and confusion. She reached up to grip the back of his head and pulled his face down to meet hers, lips pressing against his softly. It only lasted a couple of seconds before they parted, foreheads resting against each other. 

Garreth couldn’t take his eyes away from hers as she whispered. 

"You're mine." 

(SLYTHERIN-PARAMOUR)

Those lips, that taste...they were already familiar. Memories came flooding back to Garreth as MC kissed him, hazy but undeniably real. That's what he'd forgotten, that odd sort of niggle at the back of his mind when he'd looked at her afterwards—they'd kissed, right here at this party! No wonder she was nothing short of miffed about Andrew and now Imelda, and the possessive darkness in her eyes intensified by the intoxicated glaze was startling.

"Since when?!" the shrill exclamation came from next to him, and he looked up to see Imelda's furious face only inches away.

MC was already rounding on her, and the way she settled into a duelling stance and wand appeared out of nowhere indicated she was deadly serious about her claim.

"Go and crawl back into the rest of your hippogriff and I'll forget you ever tried it on with my man," MC spat at her.

The confrontation was already drawing interest, Imelda's wand at the ready as Garreth watched in awe. He vaguely wondered if he'd accidentally brewed something to induce this madness, but the thought was interrupted by a loud bellow.

"FIIIIIGHT!"

Andrew Larson had stumbled into the commotion, another drink in his hand as he pointed at the two girls. Onlookers had started chanting along with him—fight! fight! fight!—it looked too late to stop the inevitable. It might have been dangerous, and he should try to stop it, but never had Garreth been so turned on as he watched the two girls fighting for him.

(Cuffmeinblack)

He blinked a few times, swaying slightly as he eyed both girls, awed by the determination on both of their faces. Imelda held her habitual scowl, eyes piercing towards MC. You had to admire the nerve of her. Facing off against the Crossed Wands Champion was nothing to be laughed at, and Imelda was not backing down. Garreth raised his eyebrows in respect, but then remembered the challenge and her prize. He touched his fingers to his lips and thought of MC's kiss. He'd definitely like more of those. 

He swung his gaze to MC. She looked formidable, her face set as she stared down Imelda, her pretty mouth in a determined line. Garreth felt something stir deep inside of him, utterly separate from the cocktail of creations mixing together in there. She was marvellous. And he'd had the balls to kiss her. He puffed his chest out a bit at that. 

"You can do it, darling," he said proudly. 

Imelda's mouth tightened, her gaze barely flicking in his direction, filled with rage.

MC took advantage of the distraction. To be fair to Imelda, she didn't even see it coming. With one flick of her wrist, MC shot a bolt of magic from the end of her wand in a wordless charm, it speared through the space between both girls and hit Imelda's satchel with a blast of blue and white sparks. Imelda yelped and jumped back, staring in horror as the bag full of her challenge winnings dissolved into ash. 

MC smirked. "Not so smug now, huh, Reyes?" She quipped. "I'd like to see you try and win now."

Imelda went pink, then red, then a hideous blend of red and purple as she glared, fists clenched. The growl of rage that left her mouth was impressive, and Garreth immediately jumped behind MC, peering sheepishly over her shoulder. 

(Blueraineshadows) 

A few heartbeats stretched into an eternity as Imelda contemplated her response to MC's destruction of her finds. She began to take heated steps in MC's direction, the crowd audibly gasping as tensions flared.

As attractive as a fight between two women over him may have been, Garreth realized it was time to summon his lion's courage. He needed to stand up for MC and stop this from getting worse. Just as he prepared to step forward and give Imelda a piece of his mind, an unexpected figure intervened.

"Enough! I said stop it now," Amit's voice boomed with surprising authority. His scandalous costume seems to fuel the respect he commands rather than detract from it. Everyone stopped in their tracks to listen. 

"This is meant to be a fun celebration, not some feud!" Amit continued his tone firm. He pointed in Garreth's direction. "Especially not over him," Amit added.

"None taken," Garreth replied with a timid chuckle.

"Enough with the seb-skeins, hair plucking, and potion testing. Let's act like respectable young wizards, for Merlin's sake," Amit pleaded to his fellow partygoers. 

The lingering question remained: as sexy as this newfound authority looked on Amit, would they actually listen? (finalgirllx) 

Garreth looked over at MC, who seemed to be considering Amit’s pleas for peace. Her expression was soft as she sighed, turning to Garreth. Her mouth opened as if she was about to say something, but within a second of her turning, she was on the ground, Imelda having taken advantage of MC’s eyes off of her and tackling her.

Imelda straddled MC as the two girls began to slap at each other, screaming and blocking each other’s hits, while the other students cheered and began their chanting of “Fight! Fight! Fight!” once again. MC’s wand fell out of her hand when she was knocked down, leaving her defenseless. Although MC was wandless, she wasn’t allowing Imelda to overpower her, giving her a few good slaps in the face as the girls fought. Garreth watched in horror, wanting to peel Imelda off his girl, but being a little afraid to get involved. Deciding once again that it was time to summon his lion’s courage, he came up behind Imelda and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her up and off MC.

Once Imelda was up, he watched her turn to face him. He then felt an excruciating pain in his nose as the once loud room fell silent. He wasn’t sure what had just happened, not until he felt a warm liquid begin to coat his lips - blood. Imelda had punched him in the nose, hard enough that he had begun to bleed. 

“Oh no! Garreth I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to!” Imelda began to panic, but her panic was interrupted by MC, who had grabbed a handful of Imelda’s hair, shoving her to the floor, her wand pointed in her face. “HOW DARE YOU!” MC screamed, shooting a silent spell at Imelda that resulted in dozens of spiders appearing out of nowhere, chasing Imelda up the stairs of the common room to a symphony of laughs from the other students. 

Once Imelda was gone, MC turned to Garreth, who had already been handed napkins by other students, trying to stop the blood that was gushing from his nose. “Oh, you poor thing!” MC shouted. “Let’s get you to the hospital wing now!” She grabbed a hold of Garreth’s hand, leading him out of the Fat Lady portrait and into the quiet halls of Gryffindor Tower (Oat)

MC took Garreth by his hand towards the hospital wing. It seems the commotion has already wiped off the effects of his potions on them both. Garreth was holding on to his nose that was now bleeding profusely under the effect of Imelda’s Chaser strength punch, that was directed towards MC actually.

MC stopped on the way watching him bleeding down his nose to his costume now.

“Oh you poor thing, come here,” she cooed, bringing him closer and inspecting his nose. They sat down on a stone bench nearby and MC brought out a handkerchief out of her sleeves and dabbed slightly at his nose.

Garreth blushed.

The whole evening had been something for him. They have kissed...... twice. And then her and Imelda had been fighting over him and lucky for her that he got the punch. And now he was alone with her away from all the commotion. He blushed heavily as MC dabbed at his blood and pressed onto his nose to stop the bleeding. He winced as the pain hit him again.

“I am sorry.” She whispered, tears forming at the brim of her eyes, her eyes now widened with fear at the sight of Garreth’s never stopping blood.

“It’s okay.” He tried to speak through his broken nose. “It wasn’t your fault. I can handle it. Thank Merlin, she didn’t punch you like that.”

MC closed her eyes and let the teardrop down her eyes.

“Hey, MC, don’t.” Garreth said, now holding her face in his hands.

Sod the bloody nose, he will bleed to death; it doesn’t matter. But right now MC’s tears were more precious.

“Come here you silly girl.” Now it was his turn to console her. “I told you, it’s not your fault. It was all for fun. But I loved how you claimed me like that in front of everyone. You are the Hero of Hogwarts; everyone will want you but you chose me!”

“Of course I chose you. I will always choose you. I have always wanted you, ever since I stole those Fwooper feathers for you in fifth year. Who do you think I am wearing this costume for?” She said, looking up at him now.

Garreth’s eyes darted between their strange costumes of the evening, the one he completely forgot about and now he remembered.

Long forgotten was their trip to the hospital wing. Now they both sat under the star dazzling autumn sky, watching each other like they were seeing each other for the first time again. (AS)

He looked over at MC under the glittering night sky. His hand went up to cup her cheek as a smile grew on his face. The night had been so strange but it felt nice to get some fresh air and to finally be alone with MC. 

She smiled at him as they lay in the grass, eyes on one another, completely ignoring the beautiful night sky. MC had yawned first then Garreth realized just how sleepy he was feeling. His eyes became droopy and he couldn't keep them open anymore despite his effort. He felt his body relax next to her then he was swept off into a dreamless sleep. 

It felt like only seconds had passed when someone was shaking him awake. He blinked into the sunny bedroom and looked around in confusion.

"Where's MC?" He asks, rubbing his eyes and noticing he's in his pajamas and not his costume. His surroundings were also different. He had just been outside, so why was he back in his dorm?

"MC?" Leander gave his friend a look. "I don't know. She's probably in her dorm? Come on man, you've got to wake up. It's almost noon and we have so much more planning to do for tonight!"

Garreth set up, his head swimming with the sudden movement. 

"What do you mean, what's tonight?" He yawned, stretching his arms above his head. 

Leander gave him a look. "Mate... it's the Halloween party tonight in the common room. We've still got drinks to make and decorations to put up."

Garreth was suddenly more awake. "The Halloween party?! But that was..." His head swam from trying to recall the night. Had it all been a dream? 

He went back into his fuzzy memory and recalled some of the crazy things he saw that could not have possibly been reality. He thought of Seb-skein and Amit's ridiculously sexy costume and furrowed his brows. The kiss with Andrew and Imelda being the ass of a life-sized hippogryph costume... 

"Was... none of that real?" He whispered. Garreth looked at his hands as if they were foreign to him. 

"Garreth, come on man. We've got a lot to do if we're going to throw an epic party in a few hours!" Leander tossed Garreth's robes onto the bed. 

Garreth frowned. That means none of the kisses were real and that him and MC were in fact, not a couple. The more he awoke, the more he realized that he'd dreamt the entire party. 

An idea grew in his mind and Garreth tossed off his covers and quickly stood up out of bed.

"There we go! Now come on! We've got to-" Leander's words were cut off by Garreth rushing past him. "Gar!?"

Garreth turned to his friend and smiled "I'm going to ask MC to be my date to the party tonight!" He began pulling on a decent shirt and fluffing his hair in the reflection of the window. 

Leander's face lit up. "It's about time you made a move! Maybe you two can wear matching costumes." (GFG)

The amazing fanart @slytherin-paramour drew as promised! Seb-Skein!

Thank you for reading and thanks to those that joined in! This was a blast and really help rein in the Halloween spirit! 🦇🎃

[animasola86]

EVERYONE HAS BROWN EYES!

Except Garreth, Ominis, Cressida and Adelaide!

Long post full of slightly unflattering pictures of eyes and eyebrows incoming:

Or so I found. If you can name any other NPC who doesn't have brown eyes, please do so! Garreth can't be the only one with green eyes! (Among the students at least, haven't checked the adults yet...)

Now, let the brown-eyed-parade commence! (I really am not complaining!)

Starting with: Sebastian, Poppy, unnamed Slytherin boy and Andrew Larson

Continuing with: Grace Pinch-Smedley, Astoria Crickett, Zenobia Noke and Leander

On with: Samantha Dale, Natsai Onai, Amit Thakkar, Lucan Brattleby and Nellie Oggspire

And last and certainly least (sorry): Duncan Hobhouse and Everett Clopton

Concluding: 15 out of these 19 students have brown eyes. The lighting was never 100% perfect for these, but despite my bad eyesight I can at least confirm that Cressida and Adelaide do have blue-ish eyes (or green-ish?! The longer I stare at those, the less sure I am XD), while the rest of the students (except Garreth and Ominis obv) range from all kinds of brown eyes (hazel and darker and whatnot, I'm no expert). Which is, I guess, quite common in Britain/Scotland? (Again, neither expert nor a native - though I just did a very quick google search and apparently brown is rather rare?! At least today, let's just say in 1890 more ppl had brown eyes...)

Also: Adelaide has the longest eyelashes and Ominis and Grace have the best groomed eyebrows! Only Everett's glasses have nose pads and all three of them are round. (Things I noticed while staring at these for hours...)

Oh and I forgot so many! Let's look at them without picture evidence (lemme check the HL wiki real quick ahem):

Nerida Roberts (brown) Imelda Reyes (brown) Violet McDowell (brown)

Lenora Everleigh (brown) Sacharissa Tugwood (green???) Arthur Plummly (brown and glasses) Charlotte Morrison (brown) Evangeline Bardsley (brown)

(so it's now 22 out of 27 for brown eyes!)

Case in point, I'd say, even more ppl with brown eyes! (Have to take pictures of Sacharissa next!)

So, yeah, thanks for coming to my TED talk!

(Brown eyes rules! Though as a green-eyed-person myself I wish there were more of us XD)

[myokk]

WIP Tag Game

Thank you for the tag @okeydokeylackey !!!! I LOVED YOUR SNIPPET & everyone should DEFINITELY check out your art/writing (I know I always love seeing it on my dash🥹🫶)

Rules: Share a snippet from whatever you’re currently working on, and then tag 5 people.

***DISCLAIMER THESE ARE ALL TYPED UP STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND UNEDITED BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH***

Oneshot:

A beetle slowly makes its way across Sebastian Sallow’s desk.

The classroom is silent - save for the scratching of quills furiously calculating the Arithmatic probability of who will be the next Minister and the quiet murmur of his professor as she helps Hobhouse (how did he even get into the N.E.W.T. level?) - and Sebastian is going absolutely mad.

He counts how many seconds it takes for the beetle to reach his abandoned quill (fifteen). But, when it takes its seventh step after making it over the quill (an auspicious sign), Sebastian slams his hand down on top of it.

The loud noise echoes through the silent classroom and Sebastian hears her snickering coming from behind him as the whole class turns to see what has happened. His ears turn red, he wishes he could jinx her somehow, and yet he is terribly curious to see what she has sent him this time. Sebastian hopes that everyone has gone back to their equations and stops staring at him, because now that it’s in his hands, his fingers are itching to open it. His hands eagerly - shamefully eager, if you ask him - unravel the note he’s crumpled up in his hands - almost a shame that he destroyed the beetle, it was one of her better creations - and Sebastian soon curses his haste.

His ears would be an even deeper shade of red were his blood not currently draining to a different part of his body. Sebastian shifts uncomfortably in his seat as he continues reading the note, his eyes flying across the tiny note once, twice, three times before he crumples it up and adds it to the graveyard of the other notes she has been sending him all day. The words fuck my soaking cunt flash up at him and he adjusts his schoolbag so that if anyone walks past and looks into it, they won’t suspect a thing.

You see, this has been going on all day. Sebastian knew that when his seventh year started, it was going to the culmination of their academic rivalry, but he never expected this. That witch has made taunting him her personal vendetta, and it’s working.

Sebastian can’t get her out of his mind.

FIC - CHAPTER 25: (honestly I might delete this scene or save it for later)

She wanted him to hate her.

Hatred wasn’t what she saw in his eyes now, though.

Almost as if she were watching herself from afar, not in control of her body, Eloise came to a stop in front of Sebastian and looked down at him. The green light was highlighting his face and he looked ethereal, otherworldly. She watched her hand reach out and touch his cheek - hesitant, unsure - and when he didn’t jerk his head away as she expected - as she deserved - she moved to sit down next to him in the tiny space. Her knees bumped into his just like their noses bumped against each other as she moved her face towards his. Still, he didn’t move away.

She felt his warm breath fan across her lips. Maybe they stayed like that, lips not-quite-touching, for an eternity; maybe it was only a second. Eloise was only aware of Sebastian’s intoxicating presence, of the way his breath hitched when she finally bridged the gap between them, of the way her heart surrendered itself to him. This kiss was nothing like what they had shared before. It was hesitant, soft, sweet. His hands came up to her face, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss.

Eloise didn’t know what had gotten into her - she was supposed to be avoiding Sebastian, hating him, and yet she couldn’t pull herself out of his embrace. She was melting into his touch, his thumbs brushing themselves down her cheeks, her neck, fingers going through her hair, over and over as if to reassure himself of her presence, his lips moving languidly against hers. Eloise sighed into his mouth, almost-smiling but not-quite: she was nervous, as complicit as he was in this kiss, maybe even more, considering she had been the one to reach out first. But then -

Sebastian pulled away from her, puzzled, his hands moving back to cup Eloise’s face. He was saying something, rough thumbs gently brushing away the thick tears rolling down her cheeks. When had she started crying?

NO PRESSURE TAGS: @holdmymallowsweet @writing-intheundercroft @morelikeravenbore @sav-less @gothic-lottie @kay9leo @celestial--sapphic @libellule-ao3 @anomalyaly AND ANYONE ELSE WHO WANTS TO DO IT IM SERIOUS !!!!!!!!! I CAN NEVER THINK OF WHO TO TAG & I WOULD LOVE TO SEE LITTLE EXCERPTS OF YOUR WRITING🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶

[slinket]

Tangible

@spaceyaceface

I picked prompt 24 'how can I be the boy you dream about.'

This is my first time writing fanfiction ever, I have no idea what I'm doing, and just wanted to go for it. Turned out much longer than I expected. Not easy writing this entirety on my phone while on a cruise vacation either lol.

Tangible. 

Ominis x MC (Amy)

No warnings. 

I stood at the entrance of the great hall, taking a moment to scan the tables and find the smiling faces of my friends. When I spotted my fellow Hufflepuffs, I started over to sit across from Poppy and Adelaide, greeting them while pulling a pancake onto my plate. 

"Amy, we were just talking about you!" Adelaide exclaimed while passing me the syrup.

"It's barely 8am, what could I have possibly done already?" My smile flickered at my own teasing. 

Poppy snickered, "Well, more like Duncan Hobhouse was talking about you.

Now the smile fully sank.  I sighed and shoved a bite of the pancakes into my mouth.

"Bleh," I said as I was chewing. Adding after swallowing, "that was in reference to Duncan, not the pancakes." All three of us girls giggled at that. 

"I just don't understand it, how can Duncan be afraid of plants and puffskiens, but he feels completely comfortable asking me for a date?"

"Well that's simple enough, sweetheart," Sebastian stated as he and Ominis sat down, one on each side of me, "unlike puffskeins, you don't bite."

"I'll bite!" I scoffed.

Ominis took the opportunity to retort, "Ahh, but will you stick your tongue up his nose?". 

"You got me there". We all laughed. 

The conversation continued, easing from one topic to another, avoiding any more talk of Duncan. Not only did I want to stop thinking about his unending interest in me, but I also knew too much Duncan would have Ominis seeing red.  I could understand the dislike, but the utter abhorrence Ominis felt towards Duncan was a little much. 

As breakfast was coming to an end, Ominis held his hand out to me, indicating that it was time to head to class.  

"I would be delighted for you to escort me to my napping area" he teased.

I grabbed his hand, relishing the way our fingers intertwined, always greedy for any contact.

"I believe the rest of the school calls it History of Magic." I laughed as we stood, nodding at my friends in farewell. 

History of Magic was my favorite class. Ominis and I have always shared a desk, and I had learned so much over the past couple of years. Intormation like how long I could continue holding his hand after we sat down.  The current record being 30 minutes. Which hand Ominis would usually lean against as he fell asleep (it was his left).  How I could tell he was dreaming when his lips would raise into a slight smile.  Oh, the absolute best part of class was always when Ominis would catch himself slipping off of his hands and would grab on to me to steady himself.  It didn't happen often, so I made sure to grab back at his arm to support him when it did occur. 

We arrived and I smirked at Ominis who was settling down for his nap. He was still holding my hand as he lifted it up to his mouth, pressing his lips tenderly against my knuckles. I made a noise or surprise, and Ominis turned his head towards me.

"I needed something nice to think about before falling asleep, too much talk of Duncan today and I do not wish to dream about him." I laughed at his explanation. 

Class continued, and Ominis fell into his usual pattern of slipping off into sleep. He has a habit of tapping his fingers against the desk when he would awaken. I would watch his pale and lengthy fingers tap with no apparent pattern. 

"Ominis, why do you always tap after you wake up?  I can't ever remember a time that youve skipped that action"

"Oh, it is because of my blindness. When I wake up, often it can still feel like a dream because I see nothing different. Tapping, touching something tangible will ground me, lets me know that things are real, that I am real.". He paused for a moment. "I…does that make sense?  I've never explained it to anyone before."

" I understand the feeling, though the context may be different. After everything with Ranrok, life didn't seem real to me. I would go through the motions while feeling that I might as well be a character from a story, that everything I was to do had already been written. No choices, no surprises, no real life.  Actually, you are one of the reasons I was able to leave those feelings behind."

Ominis hummed in question as he tried to make eye contact with me, furrowing his brow. 

I giggled, "Your sarcastic demeanor, the way you really pay attention and listen, the way you make me feel…it brought me back to life."

I was leaning closer to him, feeling that if there was ever a moment for Ominis to be convinced with words to kiss me, it would be now. I licked my lips as I watched him move closer, and then heard Ominis groan as we both heard my name called.  My head fell back in annoyance.  

"Duncan, how are you?" I asked him with a polite smile. He may be a bit annoying, but I didn't have any real reason to be rude.  Yes, he continuously asked me out, but he was a gentleman about it, never being pushy or overbearing. A simple no and he would be on his way, placated for a while.

"Amy, I am glad I ran into you, I wanted to see if you would be interested in joining me to Hogsmede, to, uh, talk or uh, spend time together."

Ominis smacked his hand on the desk and growled. "Get a clue Dunkein, she's not interested." 

I watched as Ominis stormed off. I sighed, and turned back to Duncan. 

"I'm sorry Duncan, while I don't appreciate his attitude, Ominis is correct. I'm not interested."

I watched Duncan slouch in defeat, "Amy, please, how can I be the man you dream about?"

He looked so sad. And I felt guilty, but still found an answer slipping from my mouth. "Ominis. You'd have to be Ominis." While I said it in a whisper, I was still surprised I said it at all. Duncan's eyes opened wide as I lowered my head and pushed past him. 

Weeks passed.  I continued the little game with Ominis, where we both seemed to reach out to each other for more, but then pulled back, confused and worried of what would happen, of what the other would think.  I was trying to be more bold, at least, I honestly didn't think I could be more obvious without physically throwing myself at Ominis. I often wondered if his blindness affected other parts of his perception as well.  Duncan continued to inquire with me to spend time together, and I always welcomed him to spend time with me and my friends, but no to any alone time. 

A day came where I found myself in the library with my usual study group, Sebastian, Ominis, and Poppy. When going to sit at our usual table, Sebastian and Poppy raced to sit to ensure Ominis and I sat next to each other.  We were preparing for a history test. 

"Amy, do you have notes on Grimbald Weft?". Poppy asked.

I ruffled through my parchment, "Eh, it seems not." I gave her an apologetic look.

Ominis turned his head quickly towards me and asked "How could you not have the notes?  I know I sleep through class, but you don't.  I don't remember you missing any class!"

"Oh, I didn't miss a class, I just must have um" I bit my lip and glanced back and forth between the three of them. Ominis looked concerned, while Poppy had a growing smile and Sebastian was trying not to laugh. "I.. I must have dozed for a moment. You were sleeping Ominis, there is no way you would know not if I had also fallen asleep." 

Poppy winked at me.  She knew the notes were missing because I was busy counting the freckles on the face of the boy next to me. That I may have been thinking about how good it would feel to run my fingers through his hair as he slept. Or, as I started to blush, thinking about other things that pass through teenage hormonal minds. Whatever the reason, Binns might as well have been speaking in an unknown language. I didn't pick up anything he said. 

"So Amy, when are you going to take your relationship with Duncan to the next level?"

I looked at Sebastian in confusion. "What do you mean?

"She has no relationship with Dunkien, and unless the next level would involve her shoving him off a bridge and forcing him down, there is no where for him to go."  Ominis was always adamant that nothing between Duncan and myself would ever happen.

Sebastian looked at me again, "I mean, when are you taking your relationship with "Dunkien" to the next level?"

Obviously, Ominis couldn't see that Sebastian had put quotes around Duncan's name. Poppy gave him a smack on the arm before laughing, and I am sure I flushed red. 

Ominis stood up suddenly and put his face towards Sebastian.  "I just told you that there is nothing going on between those two, leave it alone Swallow.  

I stood slightly and put my hand on Ominis's shoulder, gently pushing him back into the chair. I left my hand there and rubbed his back a bit before telling him that I could live with Sebastian's teasing. Ominis gave me a concerned look, and feeling daring, I leaned close to whisper in his ear.  "Sometimes it's fun to be teased."  

I hadn't realized how close I had been that my lips had actually been brushing against his ear, but the look on his face after I pulled back was both breathtaking and heartbreaking at the same time. Red color rising over him, showing me his clear embarrassment, eyebrows looking to scowl, but lips twitching into a half smile. 

"I best be off, I've a letter to write and send out before the end of the day.". With that, Ominis abruptly left.

"I will kill you, Sallow!" I said with anger, but my face gave away that I did find the situation comical. 

"I can't help it that you're so clearly in love with a blind boy.  Maybe in an act of jealous rage Ominis will grab you into a kiss!" 

"I think it's more likely that he would grab Duncan into a fight."

Poppy nodded and agreed with me.  "Ominis is probably just too nervous or too much of a gentleman to ask."

"Well he is stupid then. Sometimes you have to just go for it.  Or, you could go for it yourself Amy.  In fact, I'm going to just go for it."  And with that, Sebastian stood up, grabbed Poppy by the face and kissed her hard.  "You're beautiful and I absolutely adore you."  Sebastian took off quickly, while I stared at Poppy in shock, and she seemed stuck with her mouth slightly parted and eyes wide and wild. 

"Did you..has he ever said anything about liking you?" I exclaimed, as I really was at a loss of words.

Poppy coming out of her shock, turned to me, "did that just happen?"

"It happened"

"Wow." We laughed as we packed up our things and headed out. 

I immediately ran off to the undercroft to see if Sebastian or Ominis were there.  I was lucky to find them both, overhearing a bit before they noticed me. 

"...so I kissed her.  Sometimes Ominis you just have to go for it, nerves be damned."

"Well I'm so happy for your relationship advice Sebastian, unfortunately I find it hard to believe that you just kissed Poppy at random."

"He did, I saw it." I said, walking over to them. "Sebastian, I didn't even know you were interested in her… you are interested in her, yes?  If you kissed her just to prove some point I will kill you."

"It can be a little bit of both yah?  I proved a point, to you at least, and I got to kiss a beauty.  All around great time for me… was she happy about it?" He asked, suddenly nervous.

I laughed while answering, "yes, she was happy, I think a bit shocked, but happy."

"Perfect, I'm going to go track her down and see if I can kiss her again.  Or do the whole talking about our feelings thing, if we must.". Sebastian waved goodbye and left for the lift.

"He really did that, just no warning, no fear, no vomiting from nerves?"  Ominis asked.

"Well I can't say what he did after he left the room, so I suppose he could have vomited, but otherwise yeah, he just went for it.  I replied. "Maybe he is right, about just going for what you want…". I trailed off, knowing still that I would not have the confidence to kiss Ominis.  

Ominis hummed, before grabbing my hand and pulling me out of the undercroft.  "Lets go, my dear, taking bets on how quickly he can mess this up."

Of course the kiss was all we talked about for the next few days. Excited because it happened, but more excited to find out what happens next.  Poppy and Sebastian seemed to be moving forward quickly, already having gone on a date or two.  Talking to Poppy, she told me that the whole thing had been crazy, but she couldn't have been happier, and she encouraged me to make my move on Ominis. I had been considering it. This being our final year at Hogwarts, I always worried in the back of my mind that regardless of how close we were now, after graduation we would go our own ways. That fact alone helped pressure me to do something, because it's a lot harder to say goodbye to a lover than it is a friend. 

It was nearing Valentine's day. I was determined that Ominis would be my boyfriend before that date. Or that it would all fail miserably and I would spend eternity in my dorm alone. 

I was looking for Ominis around the castle, but had a hard time finding him. I did however run into Duncan.

"Amy, Amy," he called, chasing after me. 

I paused with a grown, but trying to be forever pleasent, I put on a smile and turned around.  "Hi Duncan, what can I do for you today?"

"How about that date?"

"Sorry, have to pass.  Oh, have you seen Ominis lately?"

"Actually I have, he was saying something about going to the docks."  Duncan gave me a smile. Then he ran off.  

"Oh, well that's great Duncan, thanks for letting me know, see you later." I slowly turned my direction towards the docks. Bit if a long walk in the cold, but I have my scarf and my confession cannot wait. 

I reached the docks in probably about 45 minutes.  Had to be careful about all the ice. No luck with finding Ominis.

"Damnit!" I yelled out to the water. "Merlin, I just want to tell Ominis that I love him, why are you making this so hard!"

That's when I heard him, "Amy, you..you love me?"

Turning around, Ominis was close behind me. I swallowed and walked up to him.

"Well that certainly made the confessing part of this a lot easier."  I took a breath and leaned in close to him. What do you think? You in?"

He didn't answer. Ominis grabbed onto my robes and pulled me to him. Our lips missed, but I laughed and redirected so we could finally sink into each other. Time seemed to stand still as kiss after kiss went by.  

"Amy, let's head back before we get too cold."

I smiled up at him, Ominis, who I would be calling my boyfriend now.  We linked hands and made our way back up to the castle. Life felt serene.

Soon we approached the top of the hill, and I saw Sebastian there, packing together what I would guess was a snowball.  I shouted at him and waved, and when he looked over, I raised my and Ominis's locked hands.  I had the biggest smile on my face until I watched Sebastian face go from carefree to very, very concerned. 

"Ominis, why do you think Sebastian isn't happy for us? He's been pushing me to open up to you for ages."

"Don't worry about what he thinks Amy, in fact, forget about him. Lets get into the castle another way."

Ominis started walking in another direction, but I pulled him back to me and began dragging him over to where Sebastian had been.  We approached together and I looked again at the angry faces of Sebastian, Poppy, and ….Ominis?

I dropped my Ominis's hand and took a step back.  

"Stupify," I heard Sebastian yell.  My Ominis fell to the ground.  Sebastian and the others came running towards me.

"What the hell is going on?" I wailed, tears about to fall from my eyes. My Ominis had gotten back up, but now was bent over and coughing.  I watched in horror as the Ominis I had so recently confessed my feelings to, and spent a good amount of time making out with, shifted into Duncan Hobhouse.  

I swear at that moment that flames could have been shooting out of my ears. I could not hold back the tears anymore.  "Duncan, what..a polyjuice potion?  You absolute asshole.  I told you that I loved you…well him…Ominis.  We kissed several times!" I retched. 

Hearing a growl, I looked over at Ominis and saw pure rage.  "You kissed her?  You put your scummy lips on this precious gift of a woman?  I'll kill you." The last of his words screamed as he ran at Duncan and tackled him. 

 I felt Poppy come up next to me, wrapping her arm around my waist as a form of comfort.  Ominis was on top of Duncan and smashed his fist into the face of the liar.  Sebastian was doing his best to pull Ominis off of Duncan.

Poppy and I walked over to the boys and I yelled at Ominis to stop while Sebastian went flailing backwards. Ominis sat up ready to attack again, but I rushed forward and put my hand on his shoulder.

"Stop, please. I need him to be able to talk and explain himself." 

I heard a grunt, which I took as an agreement, Ominis stayed on top of Duncan, keeping him held down. 

"How the hell did you get a hold of a polyjuice potion?" I asked Duncan. 

"Heh, Weasley." He replied. 

Ominis pulled Duncan up by his robe and slammed him back down.  "Spill, everything," Ominis snarled. 

"Okay." Duncan leaned up on his elbows and began to explain. "Remember when I asked you how I could be the man you dream about?" I nodded but stayed silent. 

"You told me that I would have to be Ominis. So I was just meeting your demands. I got Garreth to make the potion by trading him some of the giant venomous tentacula leaves I had taken from the hidden herbology basement back in 5th year." 

I rolled my eyes and scoffed. "I think you may be misremembering that particular event."

"Anyways," Duncan continued, "Garreth didn't ask questions. Getting some hair from Ominis was easy with how often he falls asleep in public. You wouldn't give me a chance, so I did what I had to do to get that chance."  He smiled up at me, "your lips against mine, simply perfect." 

"Those lips are for me to be kissing, not you, not anyone else." Ominis started as he stood up.  "Get the hell out of here, Dunkein." 

"You guys okay?" Sebastian asked.

Ominis hummed softly, "could Amy and I have some time alone?"

"Of course," Poppy answered.  She grabbed Sebastian's hand and the two of them wandered off together. 

"Ominis, I swear I didn't know.  This was insane - I thought…." I trailed off.

"You dream of me?" Ominis asked.  

I looked down at the ground, feeling the embarrassment of confession creep across my face. "Yes, I do," I said in a whisper. 

"Good." When Ominis said that, I looked back up at him and saw his ears turning red. I felt comforted knowing he was going through the same nervous emotions that I had.

"It was hard enough to convince myself to confess my feelings for you once, now to have to do it all over again, heh, you think it would be easier."  I closed my eyes and took a breath.  "It almost seems harder, considering I just made out with the guy you hate most on this planet."

Ominis put his hand to my cheek, which I leaned into, loving the feel of his cold fingers against my burning skin. 

"Now now my dear, he is only the person I hate most at Hogwarts, the planet contains several people I hold lower than Dunkein."

He felt my cheeks raise in a smile. I placed my hand over his, and slid it over to my lips, kissing his palm lightly.  I could feel the pace of his breathing alter.

"I do love you." I whispered.  

Ominis pressed his forehead against mine.  "Yes, making out with my mortal enemy is an excellent way to say 'I love you.'"  

I lifted my head away with a wide smile on my face ready to teasingly push Ominis away.  When I placed my hands on his shoulders, I heard him breath out the word 'don't,' as though he was afraid I would push him away forever. So instead I moved my arms forward until my hands linked behind his neck.  My eyes closed as I saw him leaning towards me. Our lips met, tentatively, and I remembered that Duncan could not find my lips. Of course Ominis would know exactly where my lips fell on my face, there was no chance he would have missed. 

This kiss was different from the one with Duncan.  It was slow, steady.  Every break was devastating, each nose rub a question asking to go forward.  The slight moans were music to my ears. There was no comparison. Had Ominis and I kissed previously, there is no way Duncan could have fooled me. This kiss with Ominis felt like two souls reconnecting.  

We pulled away after a few moments.  Ominis put one hand on my cheek, the other on my shoulder.  He started tapping his fingers against both.  "Everything ok?" I asked.

"More than okay. It's just that, this is like a dream, so I needed to feel that it was real, that you are real, and that I am fully awake. I need the tangible touches." He kissed me quickly. "I love you."

"You can have all the tangible touches you could ever want."  I kissed him again, and decided to never let go.  

[burningvelvet]

the picture i last reblogged is inspo for how i imagine lord byron in my modern day romantic poets au fanfic series when he and hobhouse were doing their gap year abroad in greece......... you may continue on with your day now

[ravenclawella]

Crossed Wires (Sebastian x f!OC)

Available on AO3 7th year students. Minors DNI Sebastian x f!OC (Mae) >>>>Link to all chapters. Warnings for this chapter: 18+ Potion drugging / hints of SA

Chapter 7: Dance Practice & Distractions 18+

“One two three, one two three, one two three” Professor Weasley chimed as a series of students performed the main dance. “Halt. Mister Hobhouse if you continue to swing your partner like that I daresay they will be propelled from the castle! Mister Thakkar please switch with Mister Hobhouse. Show him how to treat his partner properly.” Amit stood up from the benches quickly, his hands shaking by his sides before he took Natty’s waist. “Yes, Ma’m.” He responded politely. “Are you okay with this?” He whispered to Natty, who nodded with a smile. “Mister Sallow, if you’ll be so kind to relieve my nephew of his dance partner.” Professor Weasley asked as she held the two students by their shoulders. “It appears that my nephew needs to be shown how to lead in a dance.” Garreth’s face bloomed a new shade of red as his aunt grabbed his hand and placed it on her waist.  “It would be my pleasure” Sebastian replied, bowing and holding out his hand for Mae to take. He hoped Mae couldn’t feel his pulse quickening and really hoped that his hands didn’t sweat.  Despite hearing from Natty and Poppy that you did in fact have feelings for him, he was still waiting to see the evidence for himself. He didn’t want to overstep and ruin what they had together. He couldn’t lose Mae. So there he stood, offering his hand to her. He masked his face with a cocky smirk, hiding his true emotions with ease.

Mae noticed his grip was gentle, nothing like she had expected when she took his hand to dance. Compared to the times when he had grabbed her hands to hide her from Peeves, Scribner, Ashwinders or any of the other dangers they had faced together, his hold was now featherlight and careful.   “I didn’t know you could dance” Mae teased with a smirk. She too, held an emotional mask over her face that she wouldn’t let break.   “Heh. Yeah. Anne would make me dance with her when we were younger. Telling me that one day I’d thank her for her impromptu lessons.” He exhaled slightly, the scent of mint caressed Mae’s face “I can already see her face when I tell her that she was right” He shook his head with a smile.  “She truly is a good teacher.” Mae added, only then did she look up from his chest to see him staring into her eyes. The usual mischievous glint to his eye gone. “Do you like to dance? Like this?” He asked, trying his best not to look at her lips from their close proximity. “I’m normally a terrible dancer, it definitely helps that my current dance partner knows how to lead. Althea is a lucky girl.” Mae smiled sadly. Sebastian frowned at the comment “Mae, I’m -”  “Switch partners!” Professor Weasley announced with a clap. Sebastian groaned at the Professors impeccable timing. “This is the part of the song where we must alternate with the couple to your left.” Mae looked to her left where Leander stood, his hand already stretched out. Mae exhaled quietly enough for Sebastian to hear “Oh bloody hell” she grumbled. Sebastian couldn’t help but chuckle at her disdain to be forced to dance with Leander. He reluctantly let her flow to Leander, taking up his new partner to continue the dance. He watched them follow the steps of the dance and had to hold his laughter every time Leander kicked her ankles which caused her to stare at him murderously.

“Now back to your original partner for the final flourish” Professor Weasley commanded with another clap of her hands.  Mae tripped from Leander back into Sebastian who gracefully caught her with both hands and lifted her into a small jump, making it seem like she had planned to do so to the other students in the room. She smiled and shook her head to herself. “What are you smiling at?” He asked quietly, bringing her closer. “Even when dancing, you manage to save me.” She chuckled softly. “Always” he murmured as they spun for the final movement. The music continued for a couple more seconds and finished suddenly. As soon as the music had finished most of the couples who had danced together had broken apart, yet Sebastian’s hands lingered on Mae’s waist.

“Wonderful!” Professor Weasley exclaimed. “I daresay most of you are ready for the ball. Though, some of you may benefit from a few more lessons” She glanced at Garreth who groaned quietly. Sebastian leaned closer to Mae, his chest filling with fireflies as he noticed she hadn’t pulled away from his gentle grasp. “Mae, I really need to talk to you about Althea Cane” Sebastian said softly. The mention of Althea broke her from their calm moment. Her heart sunk and her stomach churned in agony, it felt like she had been punched in her gut at the mention of her name. She ripped herself from his arms with ease.  “No, no. I’ve got to see Professor Ronan now, busy busy busy! Perhaps Natty can give you some advice!” Mae squeaked as she rushed out of the doors before Sebastian could say another word. She couldn’t stand the thought of Sebastian dancing with anyone the way he had just danced with her. She really couldn’t stand the thought of giving him advice to use with Althea. Her heart didn’t just ache, the grief was ineffable and she would to do anything to quell it’s pain. “Sebastian, what did you say to her?” Garreth asked as he approached him, concerned to see Mae run out of the room so quickly.  “Nothing, I swear! She said she had to go and see Professor Ronan. Not sure why it was so urgent though.” Sebastian continued to stare at the door where Mae had escaped, watching as the other students filed out. “She looked a little panicked or flustered? I can’t put my finger on it. Wanna come with? To make sure she’s okay?” Garreth offered with a kind smile. “I was going to go anyway. I suppose you can tag along” Sebastian grinned as Garreth eye rolled his response. “Lets go”.

[...]

Mae needed to get rid of these feelings. Now. This heartbreak was too much. She wasn’t sure how she could continue to be around her friend with these feelings eating away at her. She could handle the dangers of the Forbidden Forest, gladly take on an Ashwinder camp, but this? No. She felt weak. She thought back to her joke about taking a potion and before she knew it she was face to face with Professor Sharps office. The Professor was no where to be seen and she snuck inside. Little did she know, she had a shadow trailing her.  “Sneaking into Professor Sharps office? Naughty” Leander chuckled as he leaned his shoulder against the door, his eyes trailing her up and down. “Ugh. Go away Leander.” Mae groaned “What are you looking for?” He inquired. “None of your business.” “Seriously. Let me help, I wont tell anyone” Leander looked at Mae with sincerity. “I just need…something to distract me. I’m just overwhelmed right now and I need to distract myself. Urgently.” She exhaled with frustration. “Oh, why didn’t you say? I actually have just the thing. Brewed it this morning, perfect for distractions” Leander pulled out a bottle from his pocket. Mae eyed it suspiciously. “What is it?” “It’ll definitely keep your mind off whatever it is that seems to be plaguing you. Just, hold your nose. It doesn’t smell great” That explanation seemed to be enough for Mae, who took the bottle, closed her eyes and pinched her nose before she took a deep gulp. Leander was annoying, but harmless. What’s the worst that could happen?

[…]

Mae set the bottle down and opened her eyes, taking in the figure in front of her. “Leander?” Mae giggled, leaning to sit on the office desk. She looked Leander up and down and let out a satisfied sigh. He stepped towards her and placed a hand down on the desk. “Like what you see?” He grinned, lightly touching her thigh. Mae nodded, her eyes wide. Leander leaned in, pressing his lips to hers hesitantly. When she didn’t recoil he greedily slipped his tongue into her mouth. She moaned which caused him to pull back sharply, looking her up and down once more. “Not here. Professor Sharp could come back any moment.” Leander grabbed her hand and tugged her towards the door. She followed obediently, blissfully gazing at his form.  “Let’s go somewhere a little more private” He grinned as he watched her doe eyes consume him. He placed the large potion bottle back into his pocket. He wasn’t going to squander this opportunity.

[...]

“Does she have any shame?” Astoria snorted.  “She was only on a date with Garreth the other day!” Duncan added as he spotted Garreth and Sebastian walking their way.  “That poor boy. To think he lowered himself to ask out that whore on a date.” Lenora scrunched her nose in disgust. It was no secret that she had her eye on the mischievous potion brewer for the better part of a year now. 

“So if she wasn’t with Professor Ronan, where did she go?” Garreth pondered aloud, as the pair walked through the corridor. Their search for Mae had turned into a dead end as Professor Ronan confessed that he hadn’t seen Mae, nor had he requested her for any kind of task. “Hold on” Sebastian tugged Garreth's shoulder while he scanned the hallway. Garreth turned to the group gossiping by the stairs.  “Hey, have you seen Mae recently?” Garreth asked the group, Sebastian looked to his left and right, hoping to catch a glimpse of her passing by. “We saw more of her than we wanted, that’s for sure!” Lenora chuckled while Astoria gagged behind her.  “I wonder if I might have a chance with her” Duncan hummed.  “In your dreams Puffskein Dunkein” Sebastian snorted “I wouldn’t be so sure” Astoria interrupted. “The way she was hanging off Leander, she’s become quite the harlot”. It took a few seconds for both Garreth and Sebastian to register what Astoria had just said. “Mae? My Mae?” Sebastian asked without thinking. Garreth looked at Sebastian quizzically.  “Your Mae? Pah! She truly is working her way through the school isn’t she?” Lenora responded. “I’m glad they took their business out of the hallway. No one should have to watch that.” Lenora stuck out her tongue in disgust. “If you ever need to talk, Garreth, I’m here for you”. She then placed her hand on his arm, squeezing his bicep. “Which way did they go?” Sebastian growled, his eyes darkening from the Lenora’s accusations of Mae. Mae couldn’t be with Leander. That was absurd. There was no way that was possible. “Which way?” Garreth echoed with concern, ignoring Lenora’s advances. He knew that Leander wasn’t joking when he had interrupted his date. Leander wanted her. Though he was unsure if Mae truly did like Leander that way. He had to see it for himself. Astoria pointed them towards the main doors of the castle. “Turn right, around the corner. That’s where I saw them last. You’d think they would have the decency to be a little more discreet” Duncan scrunched his nose. Sebastian grunted and pulled Garreth to the direction Astoria had pointed to. Lenora frowned as Garreth’s arm was removed from her grip. The boys jogged straight to the front of the castle double doors. They were outside. 

[...]

As soon as Garreth and Sebastian rounded the corner in the cold air they saw two bodies shadowed against the stone wall. Two feminine legs were wrapped around the tall figure who had pressed the female body against the wall. Garreth and Sebastian stood there, unsure if that really was Mae pressed against the wall, with her skirt bunched up to her thighs. Seconds passed and Leander put the figure down to reach into his pocket. Feeling Mae’s rush of enthusiasm start to dwindle, Leander had decided it was time for a top up of the potion. “Hydration break, my dear. Can’t have you worn out already” He grinned, tipping the bottle into Mae’s mouth who seemed to fully consented to the motion. That brief movement allowed both Sebastian and Garreth to identify Mae’s face. “What the hell is this, Prewett?” Sebastian strode up to them, pulling Leander backwards and placing himself firmly between the pair, with his back to Mae. Garreth followed closely and took the bottle from Mae, who whined at the substance being taken from her. “Leander gave that to me, not you! Give that back” She protested with a stomp of her foot. Garreth put out his arm to stop her from retrieving the bottle and sniffed the potion as a precaution.  “Leander, you didn’t?! Amortentia?? You truly are a piece of work” Garreth gasped.  “She asked for a distraction. So I gave her one. Isn’t that right my dear?” He leaned over Sebastian to look at his handiwork, admiring the buttons that had been ripped from her shirt to expose her chest.  “A distraction? What could she possible want a distraction from using this??” Garreth wiggled the bottle in his face, his mouth turned down in a frown. “It’s nothing that she didn’t ask for. Didn’t beg for. Desperately.” He lifted his hands in defence. “Who am I to tell a lady no?” he finished with a slimy smile. Sebastian was done. Without thought he brought his fist up to meet Leander’s face. This was shortly followed by Garreth’s fist which connected to Leander’s stomach.

“Leander?! Oh no, my sweet. What did they do to you?” Mae rushed forwards to cradle Leander’s face, which allowed Sebastian to see her state of undress for the first time. He glimpsed the outline of her bra and the rage he was trying to control unleashed itself. Garreth quickly pulled Mae back as Sebastian swung his foot to obliterate Leander’s groin. With a sharp cry, Leander fell to the ground. Sebastian swung back around and quickly took off his robe to drape it over Mae and cover her chest.  “Let’s get her to the infirmary. There’s no telling how much she drank. She’s not herself right now.” He looked her over, Garreth couldn’t help but notice the concern radiating from Sebastian’s voice and face. He knew Sebastian was a hot head, most of the school knew, but seeing him try to control his anger in front of Mae like this made Garreth question his true feelings for her. “Err, I hate to say this, but the bottle is nearly empty.” Garreth observed as he tipped the bottle, causing a few drops to spill onto the grass. Sebastian’s eyes widened at the empty bottle and then back to Mae, who was still staring at Leander. “Let’s go” Sebastian hissed.  “No. I wont leave him. He’s my true love, my Leander Panda. He’s hurt.” Mae babbled, trying to strain against Sebastian's grip to reach Leander, who lay on the ground in a fetal position. Garreth pulled out his wand and mumbled quietly, moving his arm in a zig zag motion. Seconds later Mae fell against Sebastian, lightly snoring. “Nice work Weasley” He smiled at the boy who was now placing his wand back into his robes.  “Might be easier to get her to the infirmary if she isn’t fighting to get to that.” Garreth looked down at Leander in disgust. “I can’t believe I’m in the same house as him”. He shook his head with a frown. Sebastian knelt down to allow his arms to reach around Mae comfortably. Standing up with his arms now placed under her legs and behind her back, he stepped forward. The pair rushed into the castle and took her straight to the infirmary. 

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>>>>Link to all chapters.

[sunnyrealist]

🙈 I don’t need to write a crossover fic, I don’t need to write a crossover fic, I don’t need to write a crossover fic… 🙈

But my mind is filled with possibilities…

I mean, just imagine it with me…

Sebastian is there because he desperately needs money for Anne’s treatments.

Ominis follows his boyfriend, trying to figure out what he’s up to, and ends up entangled in the games.

Ominis is BLIND. Can you even imagine the terror of being in the squid games completely blind?! He would have to 100% rely on Sebastian to survive!

But Sebastian keeps voting to continue playing the games!!!

Duncan Hobhouse is definitely there. He pees his pants and is one of the first to die.

Imelda would be there, too; she would be insanely competitive and vote to keep going. She would make it to the end.

Professor Fig would be the token kind elderly person who eventually sacrifices himself.

Phineas Nigellus Black would be the token older asshole in an insane amount of debt.

Maybe Rookwood is the frontman… and all the Ashwinders/poachers are in the pink suits…

Thinking of games - Summoner’s Court would be in there for sure. Maybe Quidditch sudden death matches? Broom racing? Dueling? Something relating to the Tales of Beadle the Bard?

I honestly don’t think I have the time to write this but I’m enjoying the brainstorming! Anyone else have ideas?!

@giselsann, this is brilliant!!!

ominis and Sebastian in the squid game💀✨

[ukrfeminism]

Women were killed by men in over a quarter of all murder cases in England and Wales in recent years, a new study has found.

Research by the House of Commons library, shared exclusively with The Independent, discovered women are the victims while men are the primary suspect in 28 per cent of all murder cases since 2016.

The report found 2,350 homicides took place between April 2016 and March 2021 - with 668 of these cases being women murdered by men.

Wera Hobhouse, the Women and Equalities spokesperson for the Lib Dems, who commissioned the study, told The Independent the data shines a light on a nationwide “scandal” of male violence against women and girls.

Ms Hobhouse, who is the MP for Bath, added: “These figures are nothing short of a national scandal showing the epidemic of violence against women, perpetrated by men.

“It is shameful that the Conservatives have turned a blind eye to anti-women hatred and showing a disgraceful lack of understanding of the issue. Make no mistake – these murders are a result of misogyny and sexist attitudes throughout the UK.

“We need a dramatic culture change with bold changes led by the government. We must send a clear message by making misogyny a hate crime. If the Conservatives do not act fast to tackle the root cause of this violence, more women and girls will suffer at the hands of men.”

Her comments come after Conservative MPs last month voted against making misogyny a hate crime in England and Wales.

While last December, an official review by the Law Commission found misogyny should not be made a hate crime. The independent body warned the measure would be “ineffective at protecting women and girls and in some cases, counterproductive” but many MPs and campaigners are still keen for the measure to be introduced.

The fresh data found the percentage of cases where men were killed by men is 64 per cent. Researchers noted the homicide victims they looked at were not the total figure of homicides currently recorded in England and Wales – with some cases not included, such as where the sex of the victim or suspect is not known.

Commenting on the figures, Isabelle Younane, of Women’s Aid, a leading domestic abuse charity, said: “Over the past few years, there has been a horrifying number of women whose lives have been taken by male violence.

“Women continue to feel unsafe on the streets – and in their homes. This must change. We know that violence against women is rooted in sexist attitudes.

“To build a world where violence against women is no longer tolerated, we must challenge gender stereotypes, end everyday misogyny, and unpick the power imbalances which are so ingrained in our society.”

Between two and three women are murdered each week by their partners or ex-partners in England and Wales. One in four women will suffer domestic abuse at some point during their lives – with domestic abuse having a higher rate of repeat victimisation than any other crime.

But violence against women and girls has gained increasing attention since the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens last March.

The murder of the 33-year-old woman fuelled anger at the government and police for not doing enough to address violence against women and girls, with the police facing sustained criticism over the failure to properly tackle these issues within their own ranks.

Couzens was reportedly nicknamed “the rapist” by colleagues because he made female officers feel uncomfortable.

Last week it also emerged Couzens has been charged with four counts of indecent exposure by the police, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) saying the alleged offences took place in Swanley in Kent in the weeks before the officer kidnapped Everard.