The conversation with Imelda left Ominis feeling more unsettled than ever. The echo of her words reverberated in his mind, each syllable laced with implications. His hand throbbed with pain, the jagged shards of the broken vial still embedded in his flesh, and his heart ached with the weight of unresolved emotions.

Needing to clear his head, Ominis made his way to the Prefects' bathroom, hoping the solitude and warm water would soothe his frayed nerves. He pushed open the ornate door and stepped inside, the scent of lavender and steam enveloping him instantly. The room was dimly lit, the flickering candles casting a soft glow over the marbled surfaces.

He paused, sensing he wasn't alone. The faint sound of water lapping against the sides of the large, opulent tub drew his attention. He turned his head slightly, listening more intently. A soft sigh, followed by a hiss of pain, confirmed his suspicions.

"Hello?" he called out tentatively, his voice echoing off the marble walls.
There was a moment of silence before a familiar voice responded, slightly strained.

"Ominis? What are you doing here?"

It was Y/n, Ominis heard her gasp, instinctively reached for a towel, before she remembered that Ominis couldn't see her anyway. She let out a small, self-conscious laugh. "Sorry, force of habit," she murmured, relaxing a little.

"I could ask you the same," he said pointedly, moving closer. He could make out her silhouette sitting on the edge of the tub with her back to him, her shoulders slumped in a way that spoke of exhaustion and discomfort. "You're not a prefect."

"No," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sound of the dripping faucet. "But I am a Quidditch captain."

"You are?" He tried to keep his tone neutral, but the surprise was evident.

"Yeah..." She hesitated, glancing over her shoulder briefly before looking away. "I have been for a few weeks but... we haven't spoken in a while so...."

He shifted awkwardly, the silence between them heavy and palpable. "I guess a lot's happened."

"It has," she replied, her tone flat. "A lot can change in a few... months."

"Congratulations," he said after a moment, his voice softer. "You've worked really hard for it."

"Thanks," she said, her voice tinged with a mixture of gratitude and something else he couldn't quite place.

The silence that followed wasn't as heavy as before, a small but significant step towards mending what was broken. He took a deep breath, deciding to push through the awkwardness. "So, how's the team doing?"

She glanced at him again, this time with a flicker of curiosity. "They're good. A lot of new faces, but they're catching on quickly."

"That's great,... You must be proud."

"I am," she admitted, a hint of pride creeping into her voice. "It's a lot of work, but it's worth it."

He nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "I've heard you out there, during practices. You're a natural leader."

She smiled faintly, the compliment seeming to thaw some of the ice between them. "I'm getting there, there's a lot to learn but I'm getting there."

"I bet," he said, moving to sit on the edge of the tub beside her, though keeping a respectful distance. "Do you have any big matches coming up?"

"Yeah, actually, We're playing Slytherin next week."

"I'll be there," he said without hesitation. "Cheering you on."

She looked at him, surprised. "You will?"

"Of course," he said earnestly. "I wouldn't miss it."

"Thanks. It means a lot."

He smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope. "So, what else have I missed? Any other big news?"

She chuckled softly. "Well, aside from becoming a captain, not much. Just school, games, and... trying to figure things out."

Ominis listened intently to Y/N's voice, trying to gauge her emotions through the subtle shifts in her tone. When she shifted and let out a pained cry, he immediately sensed her distress.

"Y/N, are you okay?" Ominis asked softly, his brow furrowing in concern as he turned his head in her direction, relying on the sound of her voice and any other cues he could pick up.

Y/N clenched her jaw, her breathing hitching slightly. "Yeah," she managed to say, though her voice trembled with pain.

The awkward silence settled back in a heavy reminder of the distance that had grown since the incident in the Scriptorium. They hadn't really spoken since then, each interaction shadowed by unspoken tension. Y/N hesitated before answering, clearly trying to mask the pain in her voice. "I... had a bit of a run-in during dueling. Got a little too close to a spell gone wrong."

Ominis moved closer, instinctively reaching out to her. "Let me feel."

Y/N turned slightly, allowing him to gently touch her arm. He could feel the tender, bruised skin beneath his fingers, the warmth of her blood just beneath the surface. "You've always been too brave for your own good," he murmured, a mixture of admiration and frustration in his voice.

"Or too stubborn," she replied with a weak smile. "Depends on who you ask." Ominis smiled but just as he was about to speak up again Y/n cut him off her voice saddened.

"I miss you," she whispered softly,.

Ominis looked up, his forehead marred with frown lines. He didn't immediately respond, the weight of her words sinking in.

"I miss you too, Y/n," he finally admitted, his voice tinged with regret.

She sighed, her gaze distant as she traced the patterns on the tiles beneath her feet. "Why does it feel like we've drifted so far apart?"

Ominis shifted uneasily, struggling to find the right words. "I don't know," he replied honestly. "Maybe... maybe we let other things get in the way. Life, expectations, misunderstandings..."

"I suppose so but... I feel like there's something else."

"Yeah?"

"You and Sebastian you've been so distant. What's going on?"

"It's complicated," Ominis admitted. "After everything that happened... I don't know where we stand anymore."

Y/n nodded understandingly, her expression thoughtful. "I can imagine," she replied gently. "Sebastian's always been... intense, especially when it comes to his sister and his beliefs."

"That's part of it," He agreed, his gaze distant. "But there's more... things he's involved in, things I'm not sure I can condone."

"What kind of things?"

"You've never cast an unforgivable cure have you?"

"No."

"Well, the first time you do, it's... well it's horrible," Ominis continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "It feels like you've separated from a part of yourself. It's..."

Y/n's eyes widened in realization. "Wait a second... have you cast one?" she asked, her voice filled with concern and disbelief.

Ominis looked down, his expression pained. "My family made me cast Crucio once," he admitted reluctantly. "It was some sick of kind of punishment for our house elf. I was just a kid, and when I refused, they... they cast it on me. I... so I relented and did as they told me."

Y/n gasped softly, her hand flying to cover her mouth in shock. "Ominis, that's... that's awful. I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice filled with horror.

He looked up, his eyes reflecting a mixture of shame and sorrow. "I've tried to bury that memory, but it haunts me," He confessed quietly. "It's part of why I've distanced myself from Sebastian and my family's expectations. I can't go down that path again."

"You won't," she affirmed with conviction. "And Sebastian... he'd never hurt someone purposefully. He only did it because he had to."

"I just... I'm sorry, I can't look at him the same after he did that to you," Ominis murmured. "How he just acted like it never happened, as if..."

"Ominis," Y/n interrupted gently, her voice steady yet compassionate. "Remember, if Sebastian hadn't cast that curse, we'd all be dead."

He flinched slightly at the stark reminder. "I know," he admitted quietly. "But it's not just that... it's the aftermath, how he's continued down this path searching for answers in places I can't follow."

Y/n nodded in understanding, her expression softening with empathy. "It's okay to feel conflicted," she assured him. "What happened was terrible, and it's understandable that it's changed how you see him. But remember, Sebastian's actions were driven by love for his sister, Sometimes, people do desperate things when they're pushed to their limits."

"I want to believe that,"

"It just takes time but avoiding him won't help."

He nodded, but inside, something raged. The urge to break down, to scream and yell, to unload the weight of his concerns about Sebastian and the dark path he seemed to be treading. Yet, he held back. He knew that unloading his fears and frustrations in that way wouldn't solve anything. It would only add to the turmoil already swirling within him.

Instead, Ominis buried those feelings deep, where they'd continue to simmer away until he could drown them in his precious pensive tears. He had been suppressing his emotions for too long and it was starting to make him feel like a shell of himself, hollow and worn.

Digging around in the past was like a drug to him—a temporary relief that ultimately left him more depleted than before. The allure of reliving moments when life seemed simpler, when choices were clearer, had been too strong to resist. But now, staring into Y/n's concerned eyes, he realized that he couldn't keep running from the present. He needed to confront his fears, to find a way forward that didn't involve retreating into memories that could never fully capture the complexities of the present.

He leant forward and ran his fingers across the cut on her arm again, trying to distract himself by recounting some kind of healing spell.

As it took effect, Y/n looked at him, her eyes searching his face "Is that all that's bothering you? You seemed upset at dinner."

"Nothing really just Imelda being silly."

Y/N nodded, not pressing any further it was clear he didn't want to talk about it. "Imelda seems to have a way of getting under your skin."

"She gets under everyone's skin. picks on anyone she can to lift herself up. It's a shame... she was never like that when we were kids."

"You've known her that long?"

"Sort of."

"I knew you had a history, I just... wasn't really sure what."

"Just family ties, we were friends in primary school before she started acting like this."

"I'm sorry."

"So, you got any plans for the evening?" Ominis asked, shifting the topic gently.

"Just going to study, nothing interesting," Y/N replied, grateful for the change of subject.

"Well, I need to grab a book after this. Maybe we can study together?" Ominis suggested tentatively, hoping to lighten the mood.

Y/N felt a surge of relief and happiness. For weeks, she had worried that Ominis had a problem with her, that their once-easy friendship was slipping away. His suggestion to study together was a small but significant sign that things might not be as bad as she feared. She missed their conversations, their shared laughter, and the comfort of his presence. The idea of spending time with him, even if just studying, filled her with a sense of hope she hadn't felt in weeks.

"That sounds great," she said, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice. "I'd like that."

Ominis gave her a small smile, a glimmer of the old warmth she remembered. "Alright then. I'll meet you there when you're done?"

"Of course."

Sebastian

Sebastian wandered through the library, his fingers brushing against the spines of countless books. He was searching for a specific one on potions, one he needed for an advanced assignment but he wasn't having much luck. The familiar scent of old parchment and leather was comforting, but it didn't do much to settle the turmoil in his mind.

His eyes scanned the titles methodically until he eventually found the one he was looking for. "Advanced Potions and Elixirs: Volume II." He pulled it from the shelf with a sigh of relief and turned to find a place to sit.

As he navigated the rows of tables, looking for somewhere quiet to sit when his attention was drawn to a familiar figure sitting a little further away. He ducked behind a shelf and stood there, ostensibly scanning the books, but his eyes were fixed on Ominis the other side, who was sitting with his head burrowed in a book, he seemed entirely absorbed in whatever he was reading and Y/n was seated on the table in front of him, her own book open but her eyes frequently flickering towards Ominis.

Sebastian stayed out of sight, he almost felt as if he were spying on them and thought better of being so gauche but as they began talking his curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't help but eavesdrop on their conversation.

"What are you looking at, Ominis?" Y/n asked, her voice soft but carrying across the quiet space.

Ominis looked up briefly, his expression guarded. "Potions," he replied vaguely, tone slightly dismissive as he returned his gaze to the book.

"What kind of potions?" she pressed, leaning a little closer.

"Just some advanced formulas," Ominis answered, avoiding specifics. "Nothing that interesting."

Sebastian's eyes narrowed as he observed the interaction. He knew Ominis well enough to recognize when he was being evasive. There was something more going on, something he wasn't sharing. It bothered Sebastian, the way he was shutting her out, keeping her at arm's length.

"What about you?" Ominis countered, breaking the silence again.

"Just trying to read up on evasive spells. They've always been my weak point," Y/n admitted.

Ominis looked up. "I know," he said flatly, causing Y/n to look up incredulously. Then Ominis' lips pulled up into a smile, and he laughed. "I still remember dueling you by the lake. Your evasive spells were so effective they knocked me on my ass, but I get the feeling that wasn't what you were going for."

Y/n laughed. "I felt awful."

"Well, it did the job, didn't it?"

"Guess you could say that."

"What a day that was," Ominis mused, a hint of something more in his voice.

"It feels like ages ago."

Ominis looked up from his book, expression thoughtful. "Probably because it was."

"Yeah?" Y/n laughed softly, shaking her head. "That's putting it mildly."

"I guess so... We never talked about what happened." Ominis smirked, leaning back in his chair.

Y/n's cheeks flushed at his words. "Well, we just pretended it didn't happen... until it happened again."

"Do you think it changed things between us?"

Ominis's smile faded slightly as he considered her words. "Do you?"

"Yeah. Almost feels like it put a rift between us."

Ominis sighed, glancing down at his book before meeting her eyes again. "I never wanted that. It was just... god, I'm sorry if I made you feel like that."

"It's fine,"

"It's not, I shouldn't have been so distant afterwards though I can only imagine how it made you feel."

Lost in their conversation, Sebastian  failed to notice Imrelda standing right behind him. She cleared her throat loudly, causing Sebastian to jump and turn around abruptly almost dropping the book in his hand.

Startled, he stammered, "I-I didn't see you there, Imrelda."

Imrelda regarded him with a sly smile, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Sebastian, always the observant one. What's got you so captivated?"

"I uh.." Sebastian glanced back toward Ominis and Y/n, who were engrossed in their conversation. "Oh, um, nothing. Just looking for a book."

"Studying hard, then?" she said, her voice a mocking sing-song. "Unlike some." She looks over at Ominis and Sebastian eyes follow.

"What?"

She raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh, nothing. Just that some people seem to be spending an awful lot of time together lately. Makes you wonder if they're studying at all... Anyway what are you looking for maybe I can help."

Sebastian turned back to his books almost mechanically, his hand raising to brush their stems.

"Advanced potions volume three."

Imrelda looks down at his hands.

"Seems you've already found it."

"Oh." He looked down. "Yeah... It appears I have."

Imrelda leaned in slightly, her presence unexpectedly close. Sebastian could feel her breath on his cheek as she reached for the book beside him. When she leaned back, she spoke softly, her tone almost conspiratorial.

"You seem a bit down. How about you join us for a gathering later?"

Sebastian turned to look at her, surprised by the invitation. "What kind of gathering?"

"It's in the Forbidden Forest. Just a few Slytherins getting together. Could be fun."

"Right..." Sebastian hesitated, his mind racing with caution. The Forbidden Forest was notorious for its dangers, and gatherings there were usually clandestine affairs. But Imrelda's casual demeanor and the hint of adventure in her voice were tempting. "And you're gathering In the Forbidden Forest?" he repeated, trying to gauge her sincerity. "Why would you want to go there?"

Imrelda shrugged nonchalantly. "Why not? It's a chance to unwind, away from the prying eyes of the castle. You might find it quite liberating."

Sebastian considered her words carefully. Despite his reservations, the idea of breaking free from the usual constraints of Hogwarts was appealing. "Who else is going?"

"Just a few of us. Trust me, you won't regret it. I know how much you like dueling. Maybe it'll take your mind off things... Show you a few new spells. You can stay as long as you want if you don't like it you can leave. No big deal."

"Let me get this straight you have a dueling club... in the Forbidden Forest?" Sebastian repeated, half-amused and half-incredulous. "And you just, what? Neglected to tell me this until till now?"

Imrelda chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with mischief. "You're catching on."

Sebastian couldn't help but smile at the audacity of the idea. The Forbidden Forest was off-limits for a reason, yet here was Imrelda suggesting a secret gathering for dueling.

"Is it safe?" he asked, "Seems kinda, risky."

Imrelda shrugged nonchalantly. "As safe as dueling can be. Besides, it's exhilarating. We've been doing it for a while now, and no one's gotten... that hurt."

Sebastian considered her words carefully. His longing for a distraction from the tension among his friends warred with his instincts for caution. Yet, the allure of learning new spells and the thrill of forbidden adventure were hard to resist.

"I'll think about it," he said finally, but umbrella didn't miss the excitement in his voice.

"Well don't think too long, it's tonight, I'll meet you in the dorm room."

"I just I don't know if it's worth the risk so close to exams is all."

Imrelda sighs and takes his arm leading him to a nearby table gesturing for him to sit. She catches Y/n's gaze for a moment before turning her back to her and discreetly revealing an old notebook from her bag, there was a familiar symbol printed on its cover—identical to the one Sebastian had found in Salazar's Scriptorium. His eyes widened in surprise and recognition and he instinctively reached out to touch it.

"I thought you'd be interested," Imrelda said with a mischievous glint in her eyes, holding the notebook just out of Sebastian's reach.

Sebastian hesitated, torn between his reservations and the tantalizing prospect of uncovering more about the mysterious books and their potential connection to Anne's predicament. "I've been looking for those books," he admitted, not revealing the full extent of his motivations.

Imrelda tilted her head, studying him intently. "Oh? And why's that?"

"It's complicated,"

Imrelda seemed to sense his hesitation and leaned in closer, her voice lowering. "Come tonight. Maybe then I'll consider letting you borrow it."

Sebastian weighed his options carefully. The risk of exploring forbidden territory was significant, yet so was the potential reward. It's not like this was a new phenomenon. Sounded like the duelling club had been going on for months, and he hadn't heard of anything bad happening, if it had it'd be going round the school by now.

Finally, Sebastian nodded.

"Alright. I'll come."

Leaving the library, Sebastian walked briskly through the corridors of Hogwarts, his mind racing with thoughts of the dueling club. As he reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room, he paused, taking a moment to glance around before muttering the password to the portrait and slipping inside.

In the dimly lit Slytherin common room, shadows flickered across the stone walls as the fire crackled in the hearth. Sebastian spotted his friends lounging comfortably in their usual spots. He found a seat amidst his friends and listened as talk naturally turned to the upcoming dance, or more specifically a buzz of excitement tinged with speculation over who each of them would be escorting. One of his friends, Marcus, leaned back against his bedpost, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he nudged Sebastian playfully.

"So, mate, who's the lucky lady you're taking to the dance?" Marcus asked, his tone teasing yet genuinely curious.

"Oh uh-"

Sebastian shifted uncomfortably, his gaze momentarily distant as he eyed his friends. The mention from of them about Y/n and him making a cute couple brought a faint smile to his lips, but it quickly faded into a furrowed brow. His mind kept drifting back to Ominis' pensive vial and the unsettling conversation with Imrelda the night before. Despite the lively banter around him, he couldn't shake the nagging doubts that gnawed at him.

"You know," Marcus continued, oblivious to Sebastian's inner turmoil, "Y/n's been looking forward to this dance. You two would make quite the pair, don't you think?"

Sebastian nodded absently, the words registering but not fully sinking in. His thoughts were a tangled web of concern and uncertainty. Imrelda's cryptic warning echoed in his mind, stirring up suspicions that he couldn't easily dismiss. What if there was something more to Ominis' secretive behavior? What if Y/N was involved in something more, as Imrelda had hinted? She hadn't explicitly said it was romantic but it felt like she was implying something along those lines and after the conversation they'd he'd overheard in the library it certainly sounded that way.

"I guess so."

"You guess so?" Marcus chuckled, nudging Sebastian playfully. "Mate, you were practically smitten with her. Remember how you wouldn't let Garreth near her because you were convinced he was trying to seduce her?"

Sebastian managed a weak smile, the memory bringing a bittersweet pang to his heart. "I remember," he murmured, his gaze drifting towards the window where the last rays of sunlight were fading into dusk. The dance seemed like a trivial affair now, overshadowed by the weight of Imrelda's insinuations.

Marcus leaned closer, lowering his voice so the others didn't hear. "You alright, mate? You seem a bit off tonight. Is something bothering you?"

Sebastian hesitated, unsure of how much to divulge to his friends. "Just thinking," he said evasively. "About something Imrelda said."

Marcus frowned, concern furrowing his brow. "Imrelda? What did she say?"

Sebastian shook his head, trying to push away the unsettling thoughts. "It's nothing," he said, though his tone lacked conviction. "Just... something on my mind."

His friends exchanged glances, sensing his unease but respecting his reluctance to discuss it further. They shifted the conversation to lighter topics, attempting to lift Sebastian's spirits with anecdotes and jokes. For a brief moment, Sebastian managed to smile and join in their banter, though his mind kept drifting back to Imrelda's words and the unresolved questions gnawing at him.

As laughter filled the room, the door creaked open, and Ominis stepped inside. He walked straight to his bed not saying a word before feeling around his bedside, his brows furrowed in concentration as he scanned the area, apparently unaware of Sebastian's presence. With a sense of urgency, Ominis then turned and approached the group, who were all huddled around Marcus' bed, his voice low and urgent.

"Has anyone seen a small wooden box?" Ominis asked quickly, his hands exploring the surfaces. "I left it here earlier. It's important."

Sebastian's expression darkened at the sight of Ominis, his unease deepening. His friends noticed the change in atmosphere and exchanged puzzled looks before Marcus spoke up.

"A wooden box?" He echoed, his tone casual but curious. "Can't say we've seen anything like that. What's in it?"

Ominis hesitated, his gaze flickering towards Sebastian before he replied vaguely, "Just some personal items. It's really important that I find it."

Sebastian narrowed his eyes, a mix of suspicion and resentment bubbling within him. He didn't trust Ominis, not after what Imrelda had hinted at especially since she'd also said his pensive vials were stored in a box.

Sebastian's stare hardened as he watched Ominis' resolve crumble.

He stared on as Ominis nervously around the room, his hands running through the air as he searched for the box. His heart pounded with anxiety, each passing moment only amplifying his desperation. He had checked every corner, felt around every shelf and drawer, but the box remained elusive.

Marcus, noticing his frantic behavior, approached him cautiously. "Ominis, mate, are you alright?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "You look like you're-"

"I'm fine!" He shouted, stopping his frantic searching to turn and face Marcus, his usually composed demeanor faltering for a moment. "I... sorry, I just need to find it," he admitted, his voice trembling slightly. "But It's gone."

Ominis looked straight through Marcus, his eyes wide with panic, as if he'd seen a ghost. His arms fell to his sides in defeat, and without saying a word, he turned on his heel and walked out of the room. His departure left an uneasy silence hanging in the air, his friends exchanging concerned glances, unsure of what had just transpired. Marcus, in particular, felt a pang of worry gnawing at him, sensing that whatever Ominis was dealing with went far deeper than they had realized. They watched Ominis disappear down the corridor, his hurried footsteps echoing faintly before fading into the distance, leaving behind an atmosphere heavy with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of foreboding.

"I've never seen him like that," Marcus finally spoke up, breaking the silence that hung heavy in the air. His voice was subdued, reflecting the gravity of the situation before turning to look at Sebastian who was glaring at the foot of Ominis' bed.

"Seb, mate," Marcus began tentatively, "What was that all about? You looked like you wanted to hex him."

Sebastian's jaw clenched slightly, his gaze still fixed on the now-empty doorway through which Ominis had hurriedly departed. He rubbed the back of his neck in frustration.

"I don't know," Sebastian muttered under his breath, a note of irritation coloring his voice. He glanced around the room briefly, seeking some sense of reassurance or guidance from his surroundings.

Just then, the door swung open once again, Sebastian was half expecting to see Ominis run back in but to his surprise it was Imrelda. She entered with purpose, scanning the faces in the room before relaxing slightly, and raising the bag of floo powder clutched tightly in her hand. Behind her, several other Slytherin students shuffled in, their expressions a mix of anticipation and veiled amusement. They exchanged knowing glances, clearly in on some shared secret.

"Ready to go?" Imrelda announced, her voice sharp with excitement. She walked straight to the fireplace, tossing a handful of floo powder into the flames, which roared to life in green and silver sparks.

"Wait Seb's coming this time?" One of the boys smiled. "Welcome to the club mate!"

Then it registered.

This was the dueling club and they'd been sneaking out at night using the floo network.

"So this is how you stay under the radar?" Sebastian let out a laugh. "And you've all been in on it? Well- I'll admit I'm impressed."

"Well, It's fast, efficient and we don't have to sneak past Mr Moon."

Sebastian's smile deepened as he watched his friends step into the emerald flames without hesitation, before disappearing with a whoosh. They disappear one by one, disappearing into the fire until it was only him and Imrelda left.

"So, everyone knew about this except me huh?"

"Not everyone."Imrelda began, her voice low yet brimming with excitement, "Crossed wands is a well-kept secret among a few of us. We've managed to hide it from the professors for years, thanks to these concealment spells and the flop network." She tossed more powder into the fireplace, causing green flames to erupt and flicker, signaling its readiness once again.

Sebastian followed her lead, still absorbing the clandestine nature of the club. "And what exactly does Crossed Wands involve?" he inquired, his curiosity growing with each step.

Imrelda smiled knowingly as they stepped into the fireplace together, the green flames engulfing them before whisking them away to their destination. "It's a dueling club, Sebastian," she explained as they emerged on the other side, now in a secluded part of the forest clearing. "It's not just Slytherin. We've got members from various houses, and tonight we're just having a friendly match to blow off some steam."

They arrived at the entrance to the forbidden forest with a jolt, following the others further into the clearing where a makeshift dueling arena had been set up. A small crowd of Slytherins and students from other houses had gathered around, their faces alight with excitement and anticipation. Imrelda gestured proudly to the setup.

"This," she continued, holding up a worn notebook, "is where we keep track of everything—wins, losses, strategies. It's all here. Sometimes, we even place bets, but tonight's just for fun."

Sebastian nodded, taking in the atmosphere. "Sounds intriguing," he admitted, a hint of excitement in his voice. "So, who am I dueling against tonight?"

Imrelda's eyes twinkled mischievously as she glanced around at the assembled group. "Ah, that's a surprise," she teased. "You'll find out soon enough. Just remember, it's all friendly competition. So no hard feelings, okay?"

Sebastian nodded again, mentally preparing himself for the duel ahead. As he scanned the faces in the crowd, he couldn't help but feel a surge of adrenaline. Tonight wasn't just about proving his dueling skills; it was about stepping into a world where alliances were tested, secrets were kept, and friendships could be strengthened or strained.

Imrelda clapped him on the shoulder, her smile widening. "You'll do great," she assured him. "Just enjoy the experience."

With that, Sebastian squared his shoulders and joined the others in the clearing, ready to face whatever challenges Crossed Wands had in store for him.

Imrelda stood at the edge of the clearing, her presence commanding the attention of the gathered students.

"Welcome, everyone, thank you all for coming," She announced, her voice carrying through the clearing. "Tonight will be a friendly, so no excessive force. As always keep it respectful and safe."

The students murmured in agreement, some nodding eagerly while others exchanged glances, anticipation written on their faces.

Imrelda consulted her notebook, flipping through the pages with practiced ease. "Our first match," she began, "will be between Elara Neman and Samuel Reys."

Sebastian stood at the edge of the arena, his curiosity piqued as he watched the two students step forward. Elara, a confident Slytherin with a knack for Charms, squared off against Sam, a Hufflepuff known for his precision in defensive spells. They shook hands and wished each other luck before heading to their starting positions.

Imrelda raised her wand, her voice clear and authoritative. "Let the first match begin!"

Elara and Sam wasted no time, their wands moving in fluid motions as spells flew between them—Protego shields countered by Expelliarmus and various force spells. Sebastian observed closely, studying their techniques and strategies.

Midway through the duel, Sam unleashed a powerful Deflection Charm that sent Elara hurtling toward a nearby rock. But Before she could collide with it, Imrelda, reacted swiftly. With a precise flick of her wand, she cast Arresto Momentum, slowing Elara's trajectory and gently guiding her to the ground.

Sebastian's eyebrows lifted in surprise as he watched her quick response.

"Nice save," He remarked, impressed by her timing.

She nodded, her expression calm yet focused. "Thanks," she replied. "It's all about timing and anticipating the unexpected in dueling. Safety first."

Elara stood up, brushing herself off with a sheepish smile. "Thanks, Immy," she said, grateful for her intervention. "That was close."

She nodded reassuringly. "You did great out there," she said, turning to Sebastian. "Are you ready to give it a try, or do you want to watch a bit more?"

Sebastian glanced back at the dueling arena, his thoughts racing. He had witnessed the skill and camaraderie among the dueling club members, but he still felt a twinge of uncertainty.

"I think I'll watch a bit more," He smiled. "I want to see a few more matches before I jump in."

Imrelda nodded understandingly. "No rush," she said, her tone reassuring. "Take your time. We're here to learn and have fun."

She walked over to a boy who stood by leaning in to whisper something before turning back to Sebastian and handed him the book he had been eyeing earlier in the library, the one with Salazar Scriptorium's distinctive mark on its cover. He accepted it with a mix of curiosity and gratitude, his fingers tracing over the embossed emblem.

"Thanks?" Sebastian replied, his voice a blend of appreciation and intrigue. "I didn't expect to see this again so soon."

Imrelda shrugged casually, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Consider it a token of goodwill," she said cryptically. "You might find it useful, especially if you decide to join us more often."

Sebastian glanced down at the book, feeling a surge of curiosity about its contents. "I appreciate it," he said sincerely, meeting Imrelda's gaze. "And thanks for inviting me tonight. It's been... eye-opening."

Imrelda nodded, her expression unreadable for a moment before she flashed him a smile. "I'm glad you're enjoying it but... I want to show you something,"

"What is it?"

"Just trust me." Her gaze softened as she stood up beckoning him to come with her. Imrelda led Sebastian away from the bustling dueling arena, guiding him to a quieter, more secluded spot under the canopy of ancient trees. She set the worn notebook down carefully on a small stone table, its emblem catching the soft moonlight before filtering through the leaves.

Imrelda's eyes focused intently on the worn notebook as she whispered a few words in Parseltongue, the ancient language flowing effortlessly from her lips. Sebastian watched in fascination as the book responded, its cover seeming to shimmer faintly in the moonlight before flipping open.

As Imrelda spoke, the text on the pages shifted, revealing hidden diagrams and intricate spells that had been concealed from plain view. Symbols glowed softly, illuminating forgotten incantations and protective wards etched into the margins.

"You speak Parseltongue?" Sebastian remarked, still processing the surprise of hearing the ancient language spoken so effortlessly. He'd only ever heard Ominis speak it and it was something he typically tried to avoid doing. He didn't know anyone else that could speak it apart from him.

Imrelda nodded, her expression serious yet somehow softened by the shadows around them. "It's something I inherited," she admitted quietly. "One that often brings judgment rather than understanding."

Sebastian hesitated, sensing the weight of her words. "I... I didn't know," he said gently, his curiosity now tinged with empathy.

"It's not something I flaunt," Imrelda replied, her eyes fixed on the book before her. "But it has its uses."

As she continued, the book responded, revealing even more hidden text that Sebastian hadn't noticed before. Imrelda turned the pages purposefully until they landed on a section detailing the Unforgivable Curses.

"You should read up on the Imperius Curse," Imrelda suggested, her voice low but insistent. "It's not just about offense; knowing how to defend against it could save lives, including your own."

"Why are you doing all of this. I appreciate it I just... don't understand? ...We aren't particularly close, we don't really talk so-"

"Anne."

"What?" Sebastian looked up, assuming he'd heard her wrong.

"I know about your sister," she said quietly, her tone betraying a depth of understanding. "Her case went to the ministry. It reminded me of-" she cut herself off.

Imrelda hesitated, then began to speak, her voice steady yet tinged with the weight of memory. "When I was younger, a half-blood cursed me," she explained. "It wasn't aimed directly at me, but it sure felt like it. Whispers, visions... things that got into my head. I don't know exactly what it was."

Sebastian listened intently, realizing the depth of Imrelda's experience. "That sounds..." he started, searching for the right words.

"Insidious," Imrelda finished quietly. "It wasn't physically painful, but it was... consuming. I heard terrible things about what the ashwinders wanted to do me and my family. My family has always worked for the Ministry, protecting wizardkind from threats, including those who seek to erase Salazar Slytherin's history. There's of group of them out there- half bloods who want to destroy his legacy... Ashwinders."

Sebastian absorbed her words, a new layer of understanding unfolding before him. "I didn't know," he confessed softly.

Imrelda shrugged lightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "Few do," she said cryptically. "But it's why I value loyalty, and why I'm cautious about who I trust, but you... you've been through this too I thought perhaps we'd be able to help one another. I thought Ominis might too but turns out these days he wants nothing to do with my family. He hates the laws they're trying to pass. Laws that would protect our kind. He hates Dark magic... fears it, but sometimes understanding it is necessary to combat it."

Imrelda's gaze darkened slightly as she spoke, her words carrying a weight of concern and resolve.

"These half-bloods- they're more than just a threat to Salazar Slytherin's legacy," she began, her voice firm. "They undermine everything the Ministry stands for—harmony, protection, the very fabric of wizardkind. The Ministry is aware of their activities, and they're trying to root them out, but it's a shadow war, hidden from public eyes."

Sebastian listened intently, his understanding deepening with each word. He knew the Ministry dealt with many threats, but the idea of a clandestine group aiming to erase history struck a chord of urgency within him.

"They've infiltrated places of power," Imrelda continued, her tone betraying a hint of frustration. "Their influence reaches far, and their ambitions are dangerous. That's why my family and others like us work tirelessly to counter their efforts, to protect what should never be erased."

Sebastian listened attentively to Imrelda's impassioned words, his brow furrowing slightly as he processed the implications of her statement. He respected her dedication to preserving Salazar Slytherin's legacy and understood the threat posed by the extremist group, but he couldn't fully align with her hatred for half-bloods.

"Imrelda," he began gently, choosing his words carefully, "I understand the danger this group poses, but not all half-bloods share their beliefs or goals. To label an entire group based on the actions of a few...."

Imrelda regarded him thoughtfully, her expression softening as she recognized his point of view.

"I apologize if my words came across as painting all half-bloods with the same brush. That's not my intention. I've just seen firsthand the dangers posed by this group, and it's made me cautious, perhaps overly so."

Sebastian nodded understandingly, appreciating her honesty and willingness to clarify. "I understand," he replied gently. "It's natural to be wary after what you've been through but I know a few half bloods they're not all bad."

Imrelda sighed softly, a hint of weariness underlying her words as if she didn't quite believe him. "Yes... anyway, we should head back to the match, I bet you're raring to go."

As Sebastian picked the book back up to shove in his bag The pages started to flip wildly again until they suddenly stopped, landing on a page detailing the Cruciatus Curse. The text glowed an eerie green, casting a sickly light that made the shadows of the trees dance ominously. Sebastian's mind was instantly flooded with vivid images of that day in the Scriptorium—the pain, the desperation, Y/n's haunting screams and Ominis' pleading. His heart pounded in his chest as he relived the moment, every detail seared into his memory.

With a gasp, he dropped the book, stumbling back as if it had burned him. His face was pale, eyes wide with horror. "No... not again," he whispered, his voice trembling.

Imelda watched in alarm, her concern growing. "Sebastian?" she asked, stepping closer but hesitant to touch him.

He shook his head, trying to shake off the dark memories.

"Oh god I'm so sorry." He shouted into the ether.

"Sebastian..."

He turned to look at her, his eyes haunted and filled with guilt. "I can't... I can't escape it. Every time I think I'm past it, something fucking brings it all back." He winced, eyes filling with tears. "I never should have gone down there."

"What are you talking about?"

"The scriptorium. I- I just wanted to help Anne I thought the answers could be down there but..." He took a deep breath, his shoulders trembling as he recalled the events. "We went into the Scriptorium, hoping to find a cure for her.  Ut it was full of traps We found the old texts, but... We had to use the Cruciatus Curse to open the last door. I didn't want to do it, but Anne... she was suffering so much, and I was desperate."

Imelda listened intently, her expression a mix of shock and sympathy.

"I cast the curse," Sebastian continued, his voice breaking. "...and I didn't cast it on myself. I cast it on Y/N." He choked on the words, the memory clearly tormenting him. "She volunteered, thinking it would be quick but the agony she went through... it's all my fault."

"Oh." Imelda's eyes widened, but her expression went somewhat devoid of the warmth it held before. She took a small step back, her concern now tinged with indifference.

He nodded, tears streaming down his face. "But it did. And now I have to live with it. Every time I see Y/N, I see the pain I caused her. I don't know how to move on from this."

Imelda stood silently for a moment, digesting his words. Finally, she spoke, her voice cooler and more detached. "That's... that's a lot to carry, Sebastian. I'm sorry."

"I just don't know how she could ever forgive me. She acts like everything's fine but I know deep down it's far from it."

Imrelda just stared back. After a moment she bent down to pick up the book and placed it back in his hands with a shy smile.

"I ought to get back." She uttered before turning to leave, Sebastian remained where he was, the heavy silence of the forest pressing in on him. He watched her go, feeling the weight of his guilt and the uncertainty of his next steps settle heavily on his shoulders.