ℒℯ𝓈𝓈ℴ𝓃 ℴ𝒻 ℒ𝒾𝒻ℯ 𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ

❀ 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓻𝓽𝔂 𝓮𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 ❀

❤︎𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓭𝓸𝓮𝓼 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓹𝓮𝓷. 𝓲𝓽 𝓲𝓼 𝓪 𝔀𝓪𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼❤︎

As the hands of time march forward, hours coalesce into days, days gracefully unfold into weeks, and those weeks, like petals unfurling in the early bloom of spring, stretch into months. Nature herself adorns the world in resplendent hues; the leaves of trees, once bare and stark, now shimmer in rich, verdant tapestries. An orchestra of flora erupts, each blossom a vibrant note in a symphony of colors. Birds, resplendent in their plumage, serenade the world from every hidden nook and lofty bough. The season of summer has unfurled its warm embrace.

Yet, amid this ever-changing tapestry, time seems a swift river, flowing ceaselessly, threatening to elude even the swiftest grasp. It sweeps toward a critical juncture, a threshold where destinies are poised to be etched into parchment, where the heart races with anticipation. One more week, a mere fragment of the eternal, until the all-important words are transcribed onto paper. One more week until the future is cradled within trembling hands, an alchemical mixture of hope and apprehension. One more week until the N.E.W.T exams, a crucible of knowledge and skill, demand their reckoning.

Within the tranquil confines of my scholarly retreat, I release a sigh of deep contemplation. Delicately, my fingertips dance upon the tome dedicated to the elusive art of Alchemy, their reverent touch tracing the time-weathered leather bindings. A gentle yet resolute closure, marked by a muted thud, reverberates through the room, symbolizing the culmination of my profound voyage into the intricate realms of alchemical wisdom. The ancient tomes of knowledge beckon, but before I can delve into the arcane world of Ancient Runes, a warm grip envelops my wrist, a gentle but resolute interruption.

"The hour nears midnight, Seraphina. You should seek the solace of slumber."

With a protesting shake of my head, I endeavor to reclaim the black leather-bound tome. However, the grasp upon my wrist persists, a tether preventing me from pursuing my scholarly pursuits.

"Please, Severus."

"Seraphina, your dedication to your studies is truly remarkable, but perhaps it's time to allow the hours of learning to yield to moments of repose," he admonishes softly.

"Coming from you, Severus, that's quite the statement. You were a voracious reader in your youth as well, still are."

Amusement dances in Severus' eyes as he perches upon his desk's edge. Leaning back, I close my eyes briefly, fatigue washing over me like a gentle tide, my lids heavy with the weight of knowledge.

"Yes, but not until the midnight."

I scoff, my arms folding in a gesture of stubbornness.

"These are my NEWTs, Severus. I cannot afford to—"

"You will not falter, Seraphina," he interrupts, his voice resonating with unwavering confidence. "You are among the most brilliant witches I have ever known. Your grasp of magic is profound, a natural understanding that transcends rote memorization."

My eyes flutter open, meeting his, and there, in the depths of those ebony orbs, I find sincerity and trust. With a smile, I reach out, clasping Severus' hand, a silent vow passing between us.

"I shall conclude my studies for tonight, I promise."

In acknowledgement, he rises from his perch and extinguishes the chandelier-like lamp, bathing the room in a soft, golden glow, save for the gentle flicker of a solitary candle. I, too, gather my belongings, meticulously sealing the ink jar and stowing it within my bag alongside the book and favored quill.