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Chapter Twenty Eight
THE RESTRICTED SECTION
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The next morning dawned with a sense of renewed determination. After our encounter with Marvolo, we were all eager to refocus on our studies and leave his petty provocations behind. I dressed quickly and met Sebastian and Ominis in the common room, where they were already discussing the day's schedule.

"Ready for Potions?" Ominis asked, his expression serious but with a hint of excitement.

Sebastian nodded, grabbing his bag. "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's go before we're late."

We made our way through the bustling corridors, the echoes of students' chatter filling the air. As we descended another flight of stairs, the temperature dropped, and the familiar smell of various ingredients wafted towards us. Professor Sharp was already in the classroom, his stern gaze sweeping over us as we took our seats.

"Today," he began, "we will be brewing the Draught of Living Death. This potion requires precision and attention to detail. A single mistake could be catastrophic."

We exchanged nervous glances but quickly set to work. The ingredients list was long and complicated, and the instructions demanded our full concentration. I carefully measured out the asphodel root, adding it to my cauldron and watching as the potion began to bubble.

Beside me, Sebastian was muttering to himself, meticulously following each step. Ominis, though he couldn't see, moved with practiced ease, his other senses compensating for his lack of sight.

"Stir counterclockwise," I reminded myself, carefully following the instructions. The potion turned a deep, iridescent purple, a sign that I was on the right track.

As the class progressed, the room filled with the sounds of bubbling cauldrons and the occasional hiss of steam. Professor Sharp moved between the tables, offering guidance and correcting mistakes. When he reached our table, he inspected our work with a critical eye.

"Good, Miss Snape," he said, nodding approvingly at my potion. "Your consistency is excellent. Keep it up."

I felt a surge of pride and relief, exchanging a quick smile with Sebastian. By the end of the lesson, we had successfully brewed our potions, and Professor Sharp dismissed us with a rare word of praise.

We made our way to Transfiguration next, feeling more confident after our success in Potions. Professor Weasley greeted us with her usual warmth, her eyes twinkling with anticipation.

"Today, we'll be learning to transfigure animals into objects and vice versa," she announced. "This is a complex spell, requiring both concentration and imagination."

She demonstrated the spell, turning a small rabbit into a teacup and back again. The class watched in awe, and then it was our turn to try. I paired up with Sebastian, while Ominis joined a nearby student.

I took a deep breath, raising my wand.

The rabbit in front of me shimmered, its form blurring slightly, but instead of a teacup, it became a very odd-looking lump of clay. My heart sank, and I tried again, but the result was no better.

Beside me, Sebastian successfully turned his rabbit into a book and back. I felt a pang of frustration but forced myself to stay focused.

"Here, let me help," Sebastian offered, his tone gentle.

I nodded, biting my lip. "Thanks. I don't know what I'm doing wrong."

Sebastian moved closer, his wand at the ready. "Watch me again. It's all about visualizing the end result clearly in your mind. Try to see the object fully formed before you cast the spell."

I watched as he demonstrated, turning his rabbit into a perfectly formed teacup. Taking a deep breath, I raised my wand and tried again, focusing on the image of the teacup. I quickly say the incantation.

This time, the rabbit transformed into a teacup, albeit a slightly lopsided one. I felt a surge of relief and triumph.

"Good job, Lila!" Sebastian said, beaming at me. "Just keep practicing."

Nearby, Ominis had already transfigured his rabbit flawlessly on the first try. Garreth Weasley, who had been watching, let out a laugh.

"Lila, maybe you should stick to Potions," he said, smirking.

Sebastian shot him a sharp look. "Shut up, Garreth. She's doing fine."

Garreth raised his hands in mock surrender, still chuckling. "Alright, alright. Just having a bit of fun."

I tried to ignore Garreth's comment, focusing on the task at hand. With Sebastian's help, I managed to improve my transfiguration, though it was clear I had a lot of work ahead of me.

By the time the lesson ended, I felt exhausted but determined. Professor Weasley praised our efforts, and we made our way to the next class with a renewed sense of purpose.

Our final class of the day was Herbology, held in the greenhouses. The air was warm and humid, filled with the scent of earth and growing plants. Professor Garlick greeted us with her usual enthusiasm, her hands stained with soil.

"Today, we'll be working with Venomous Tentacula," she announced, gesturing to the large, menacing plants in front of us. "These plants are dangerous but fascinating. Be sure to handle them with care."

We donned our protective gloves and aprons, approaching the plants with a mix of caution and curiosity. The Venomous Tentacula's vines writhed and snapped, their tips glistening with a poisonous sheen.

"Remember to use the Incendio spell to keep them at bay," Professor Garlick advised. "And be sure to collect the venom safely. It's a valuable ingredient for many potions."

I focused on my plant, carefully directing my wand. "Incendio!"

A jet of flame shot from my wand, causing the plant to recoil. I quickly collected the venom, placing it in a secure vial. Beside me, Sebastian and Ominis were doing the same, their expressions focused and determined.

The class was challenging, but by the end of it, we had successfully harvested the venom and subdued the plants. Professor Garlick praised our efforts, and we left the greenhouse feeling both exhausted and accomplished.

As we walked back to the castle, the cool evening air was a welcome relief. The day's lessons had been demanding but rewarding, and I felt a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.

"Today was tough," Sebastian said, stretching his arms. "But we did well. I'm proud of us."

Ominis nodded in agreement. "We make a good team. Together, we can handle anything."

I smiled, feeling the weight of the day's challenges lift from my shoulders. "Agreed. And who knows what tomorrow will bring?"

We made our way to the Great Hall for dinner, ready to share our experiences and relax with our friends. As we took our seats in the slytherin table, I glanced up at my friends. "We were supposed to have quidditch practice today."

"I was hoping you would forget," Ominis sighed.

"Well, let's hurry up and eat so we can." Sebastian says, pulling food onto his plate.

With that the three of us ate in silence. It didn't take long, as we were more excited about our quidditch game than the food in front of us.

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The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the Hogwarts grounds as we left the Great Hall. My blonde hair shimmered in the light, and I could feel the excitement bubbling inside me as I walked briskly alongside my two best friends. We were heading to the quidditch pitch, even though quidditch was canceled this year. The thought of flying with Sebastian made my heart race a little faster.

As we reached the pitch, Ominis sighed and shook his head. "You two know this is a bad idea, right? What if we get caught?"

"Professor Black never said we couldn't practice," Sebastian retorted with a grin, his dark eyes sparkling mischievously.

I laughed, unable to resist the infectious excitement. "Yeah, Ominis, we're just keeping our skills sharp. Besides, it's not like we're breaking any rules."

Ominis shook his head but sat down on the grass, a resigned smile on his face. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Sebastian and I headed to the changing rooms, where a few spare brooms were kept for practice. We grabbed the best ones we could find, exchanging grins that made my heart flutter. He looked at me, his gaze intense, and I felt a rush of warmth.

"Ready to show me what you've got, Snape?" he teased, mounting his broom with practiced ease.

"Only if you can keep up, Sallow," I shot back, my competitive spirit kicking in as I kicked off from the ground.

In an instant, we were airborne, the familiar rush of wind whipping past us. My hair streamed behind me, and I laughed freely, the sound echoing across the empty pitch. Sebastian followed closely, his focus split between executing tight maneuvers and, I hoped, watching me.

We darted through the air, weaving between invisible goalposts, our brooms responding to our slightest touch. My natural agility made me a formidable opponent, but Sebastian's determination and skill ensured he was never far behind. We took turns chasing and defending, the non-existent quaffle passing between us in an intricate dance of speed and strategy.

From his spot on the grass, Ominis listened to our whoops and shouts, a small smile playing on his lips. He might not be able to see the game, but the joy in our voices was enough to paint a vivid picture in his mind.

After a particularly daring dive, I pulled up sharply, coming to a hover mid-air. Sebastian joined me, both of us breathing hard but grinning widely.

"You're getting better," he acknowledged, wiping a bead of sweat from his brow.

"Thanks. You're not too bad yourself," I replied, my eyes twinkling with unspoken challenges for future matches.

As we floated down to land, Ominis sat up, turning his head in our direction. "Sounded like quite the game. Who won?"

"Let's call it a draw," I said, ruffling Sebastian's hair playfully, my heart skipping a beat at the contact.

Sebastian laughed, swatting my hand away. "For now, maybe. But I'll get you next time."

We sat together on the grass, the day's practice leaving us exhilarated and content. We chatted about classes, shared jokes, and simply enjoyed each other's company as the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the pitch. For now, the worries of our world were forgotten, replaced by the simple joy of friendship and the thrill of flying. And though I never said anything about my feelings for Sebastian, being close to him like this was enough for me.

With a quick wave to Sebastian and Ominis, who were engrossed in a discussion about their latest flying techniques, I excused myself from the quidditch pitch. The warm glow of the setting sun illuminated their figures, casting long shadows across the grassy expanse as they continued their conversation.

Leaving them behind, I made my way across the grounds towards the castle, the familiar path guiding my steps. The air was still, and the only sound was the soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. As I approached the heavy wooden door to the girls' bathroom, I paused for a moment, taking in the quiet beauty of the evening.

I was fixing to open the door when I heard voices insides. I cautiously pushed open the heavy wooden door to the girls' bathroom, grateful for the solitude it offered. The dim light flickered overhead, casting eerie shadows across the tiled floor. I walked slowly to the sink, lost in thought, when the muffled sound of voices caught my attention.

Moving closer to the stall, I strained my ears to listen. The voices grew clearer, and I recognized them as belonging to Professor Weasley and Professor Hecat, two of Hogwarts' most respected teachers.

"...found a book in the restricted section," Professor Weasley was saying, her voice low but urgent.

My heart skipped a beat as I leaned in closer, eager to catch every word.

"...potential to heal anything," Professor Hecat replied, her tone equally grave.

My mind raced with possibilities. A book that could heal anything? It sounded too good to be true. But if it existed, it could be the answer to all our problems.

I listened intently, desperate to hear more, but their voices faded into murmurs as they moved away from the door. With a sinking feeling, I realized they were leaving.

I took a deep breath, my mind racing with the implications of what I had just heard. A book that could heal anything... It was worth investigating, no matter the risk.

I hurried out of the girls' bathroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I had just overheard a conversation between Professor Weasley and Professor Hecat, and what they were discussing sent a thrill of excitement coursing through me. They had mentioned a book in the restricted section of the library, a book that supposedly had the power to heal anything.

As I emerged into the hallway, I spotted Sebastian and Ominis walking together a little way down the corridor. Without hesitation, I broke into a run, my footsteps echoing off the stone walls.

"Sebastian! Ominis!" I called out as I reached them, my breath coming in ragged gasps. They turned to me, concern flickering in their eyes.

"What's wrong, Lila?" Sebastian asked, stepping closer.

"I overheard something," I said quickly, trying to catch my breath. "Professor Weasley and Professor Hecat were talking about a book in the restricted section. They said it could heal anything."

Sebastian's eyes widened with interest, and Ominis frowned. "The restricted section? Lila, we can't just go in there. It's against the rules."

"I know, but think about it," I said, my voice rising with excitement. "If this book really has the power to heal anything, just imagine what we could do with it. We could save Anne."

Sebastian hesitated for a moment, weighing the risks against the potential rewards. Then, with a determined glint in his eyes, he nodded. "You're right, Lila. If there's a chance we can save Anne, it's worth it. We'll find a way to get into the restricted section."

Relief flooded through me, knowing that I had Sebastian's support. I turned to Ominis, who still looked uncertain.

"Come on, Ominis," I urged. "We can't do this without you."

Ominis sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Fine, but only because I don't trust you two to go in there alone."

With a sense of purpose, we set off towards the library, our minds racing with possibilities. If this book truly existed, it could change everything. And despite the risks, I couldn't shake the feeling that it was worth it.

As we approached the library, anticipation thrummed through me. The prospect of finding a book with such incredible healing power filled me with a sense of urgency. We slipped through the towering doors and into the dimly lit space, the shelves stretching high above us, laden with countless volumes.

Sebastian led the way, his steps purposeful as he navigated through the maze of bookcases. Ominis followed close behind, his expression wary but determined. I trailed after them, my heart racing with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Finally, we reached the section marked "Restricted Section" in bold letters. Sebastian paused, his hand hovering over the shelf, before he pulled out a thick tome bound in worn leather. The title, embossed in faded gold letters, read "Ancient Remedies and Healing Magic."

My breath caught in my throat as Sebastian carefully opened the book, its pages crackling with age. Ominis peered over his shoulder, his brow furrowed in concentration.

We scanned through the pages, searching for any mention of the miraculous healing power we had heard about. As we flipped through the ancient text, my excitement waned, replaced by a growing sense of disappointment.

"It's just a bunch of old remedies and potions," Ominis muttered, frustration lacing his voice.

Sebastian's shoulders sagged, mirroring my own deflated spirits. "I guess it was too good to be true," he said, disappointment evident in his tone.

I felt a pang of regret, realizing that we had risked breaking school rules for nothing. But then, as I glanced down at the pages before us, a glimmer of hope stirred within me.

"Wait," I said, pointing to a passage near the end of the book. "What about this?"

Sebastian leaned in closer, squinting at the faded text. "It's a spell," he said slowly, comprehension dawning in his eyes. "A healing spell."

Hope surged within me as Sebastian began to read aloud, his voice steady and sure. The spell described a powerful incantation that could mend even the most severe injuries and illnesses.

Excitement bubbled up inside me as I listened, my heart pounding with renewed anticipation. Maybe this was the answer we had been searching for all along. Maybe we could still make a difference, even without the mythical book we had hoped to find.

With newfound determination, we memorized the spell, committing its intricate words to memory. Though our quest had not yielded the miraculous book we had sought, we had discovered something far more valuable: the knowledge that we held the power to heal within ourselves.

As we exited the restricted section, our heads were filled with excitement and anticipation, buoyed by the discovery of the healing spell. However, our optimism was short-lived as we soon realized that our newfound knowledge might not be as effective as we had hoped.

Sebastian, Ominis, and I gathered in a secluded corner of the library, determined to put the spell to the test. With solemn concentration, we recited the incantation, channeling our collective hopes and desires into the words.

But as the last syllable faded into the air, a heavy silence descended upon us. The spell had no visible effect, leaving us deflated and disheartened. Sebastian exchanged a grim look with Ominis, and I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"It didn't work," I said softly, the disappointment evident in my voice.

Sebastian sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "We must have missed something," he muttered, his brow furrowed in thought.

Peeves appeared before us, his spectral form hovering in the air with a mischievous glint in his eyes. My heart sank as I exchanged worried glances with Sebastian and Ominis. We had been hoping to explore the restricted section unnoticed, but Peeves had other plans.

"Who have we here?" Peeves shrill voice rang out through the quiet place as he floated through the wall. "Sebastian Sallow and his two little friends, out exploring where they shouldn't be! Naughty naughty, you'll get caughty!"

"Damn it Peeves, don't 𑁋" Sebastian began, but the poltergeist had already zoomed away, cackling madly. "Blasted Peeves!" he says, gritting his teeth. "I've got to go stop him, or at least get to Scribner with a good excuse for all of this."

"Sebastian, you'll get in trouble." I say, reaching out to him to stop him from leaving.

"We knew this was a possibility," Ominis says, "Let me go, she'll go easy on me because of my family. You've already been in enough trouble Sebastian."

Sebastian simply shakes his head, "Trust me," he reassures us, "I have a way with Scribner when it comes to disciplinary matters." I let out a shaky sigh, I didn't like this. The entire trip down here wasn't even worth it. "Besides," he continues, "I like having friends in my debt."

I didn't get to say anything else to him before he turned around and headed towards the front of the library where the librarian would be. I watch as he casts the disillusionment charm as he went.

Ominis and myself still had to get out of the library unnoticed or all of this would have been for nothing. We walk quickly to make it out without be caught. We weave our way through the shadows, and I peer down each aisle, looking for any subtle shift of light that would indicate his disillusionment. But then I hear Madam Scribner's shrill voice echo through the library. "Sneaking in the Restricted Section... again!"

Ominis quickly grabbed my arm and pulled me back behind a bookcase as Scribner and Peeves cornered Sebastain, who now stood exposed in the middle fof the library.

"I had thought we were through with the mischief! Clearly detentions are insufficient!" Scribner pauses, her tone turning severe. "I'm afraid I must take this to the headmaster..."

"But 𑁋" Sebastian attempts to interjects, but Scribner continues.

"That being said, Peeves infroms me that you didn't come alone tonight." A part of her hoped that he would tell her about Ominis and myself only because he wouldn't be in as much trouble. "If someone has coerced you, I would have you tell me." Scribner presses. "You're a bright boy. Don't waste this."

I hadn't even realized that I had started to get up to help Sebastain when Ominis had to pull me back behind the bookshelf.

"There was nobody else," Sebastian's voice rang out with conviction. "I came alone."

Sebastian was a good friend. Willing to get in so much trouble just so they wouldn't.

"Oh, Sebastian," Scribner sighs, disappointingly. "What will your uncle say? Come along." And with that, she led him away, leaving Ominis and myself alone and hidden among the towering bookshelves.

I found myself growing furious that they would tell his uncle. It would just give him another reason to hate Sebastian, and tell him that he's not good enough. All of this is my fault. It had been my idea in the first place to come down here.

I let Ominis lead the way as we snuck through the corridors towards the dungeons, and it was hard to ignore the sinking feeling in my chest. I will have to find a way to make it up to him. We made it back to the common room and Ominis didn't even try to tell me that he told us so. He must know how upset I am that Sebastain got caught when it should have been me. I quickly bid him a goodnight as I head up the stairs and into my dorm room.

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Hey guys I hope you enjoyed this chapter. It's starting to get to the part where it started in the game. But I don't want it to be exactly like the game and it will only follow Sebastian's storyline. I have different plans for the main storyline.

On a different note, I just went to a twenty one pilots concert two nights in a row. And it was the best thing ever. It was just my friend and me that went and we had so much fun. And post concert depression really is a thing.