Hogwarts Legacy: The Price of Power

Gathering Trouble

The start of term proved to be an unpleasant shock to the senses for Dracaena. The usually cheerful Professor Ronen informed them all gravely on Monday morning that their upcoming exams would be upon them before they knew it, before handing them all a nasty quiz and a twenty-four-inch essay for their homework. The same was true of Professor Hecat, who gave them all a stern lecture for the first half an hour of their DADA double that afternoon, impressing on them all the seriousness of their NEWTs, and doing a better job of instilling the fear of God into her than either Ranrok or Rookwood ever had.

Thankfully, she gave them no homework, and the trio retired to the room after dinner to try and tackle Ronen's work. They managed all of five minutes.

"So, about our plan," Sebastian said. He was sitting beside Dracaena on the sofa, his hand brushing her thigh, passing her the occasional shy grin, as Ominis sat on the floor, his back against her legs. "We need to get it straight before we even think of starting."

"There was me thinking you would just dive in head first," Ominis said, dryly. "You do with almost everything else."

Sebastian blushed, and glanced at Dracaena. Her own cheeks coloured.

"Funny, that," Sebastian managed. "I have no intention of going back to Azkaban, thank you very much. I don't really want to end up as half a frog forever, either."

Ominis chuckled. "I rather like this new, sensible Sebastian. Careful, though, you don't want to become too cautious, you'll never do anything exciting otherwise."

Dracaena reached forward and ruffled his hair, making him hiss, the back of his neck flushing.

"He's right, we do need a plan," she said.

"I'm agreeing with him!" Ominis protested, smoothing his hair.

"So, what do we do? Considering we've got a little time before the full moon, I think we should at least practice holding a mandrake leaf in our mouths," Dracaena said.

"That's not a bad idea. We also need to get our hands on some crystal phials, and some Death's-Head Moth chrysalises too," Ominis said.

Sebastian made a face. "Those are rare enough to come by. I can bet Sharp has some, though."

"Yeah, in his office, most likely," Dracaena said. "He chewed me out when I swiped a Fwooper feather for Garreth back at the start of fifth year, and those are fairly common. He'd notice if three chrysalises go missing."

"And with his hate-boner for me, I can bet he'll suspect us," Sebastian groused. "Can we order some?"

"Possibly," Ominis said. "But I'd rather involve as few people as possible, such things can be traced."

"So, stealing from Sharp is our best bet," Dracaena said. "He's got a soft spot for me, I reckon if I do the thieving I'd get away with a detention if I'm caught, as opposed to Ministry intervention."

Sebastian's laugh was strained. "Let's hope he doesn't find out, all the same. What else?"

"Dew that hasn't seen sunlight or human contact for at least seven days," Ominis said. "I suggest finding a dark spot somewhere and casting some repelling charms around it so no one goes near it."

"That could work," Dracaena said. "And we need one of our hairs as well, right?"

"Right. We do need to make sure this potion is brewed correctly," Ominis said. "If it's not... I shudder to think."

Silence fell between them a moment.

"We are sure about this, aren't we?" Ominis said. "I know I suggested it, but I'll admit to feeling some measure of trepidation about the whole thing."