Chapter 22 - Second Year End Term

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The sun was dipping low in the sky, casting long shadows across the grounds of Hogwarts as Serena and Lucius sat by the edge of the Black Lake. After a grueling week of exams, the tranquility of the lake was a welcome reprieve.

"Are you ready for the engagement party this summer?" Serena asked, her gaze settling on Lucius.

He sighed, a soft, thoughtful sound. "A bit nervous, but I'll be fine. Just another socialite party. I'm sure you've heard that I haven't accepted anything else from Sirius besides the bracelet he gave me months ago."

Serena raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why yes, yes I have. And why is that?" She'd seen the dog sulk in so many of their shared classes. It was a bit annoying, really.

"He might have accepted the engagement but I'm still waiting for his apology," Lucius said. "He accused me of being something I'm not. He hasn't apologized for that."

Serena snorted, a decidedly un-ladylike sound. "Making Black apologize? That's like trying to make a Hippogriff tap dance. Good luck with that."

Lucius chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I've noticed that he's been acting rather... confused lately. Especially how I've been giving him the cold shoulder right after I accepted his courting gift."

"Confused is a good look on him," Serena muttered, smirking slightly. He looked like a dimwit. Scratch that. He is one. "It's about time he realized that he's not the center of the universe."

Lucius laughed again, his gaze drifting back to the lake. "Yes, well. Remus seemed to have told him bluntly about the necessity for an apology. Sirius has been strangely quiet since then. It's pretty funny."

"That just means they're planning something," Serena warned, her voice dropping lower. "Those guys are never quiet for long."

Lucius nodded, considering this. "I suppose we'll see what happens next."

"And you better tell me everything about that engagement party when we get back," Serena said, her tone serious. "I want to know every detail."

Lucius grinned, a devilish smile that made his icy blue eyes shine. "Of course, Serena. I wouldn't dream of leaving you in the dark."

As the setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Lucius Malfoy and Serena Snape sat by the Black Lake, their conversation echoing softly across the still waters.

"Have you made any progress with the scent manipulation Omegan magic?" Serena asked, curious.

Lucius let out a tired sigh as he made his way over to her. He took a seat next to Serena, rubbing his temples. "It's... it's harder than I expected, Serena," he admitted, his voice laced with exhaustion. "Scent manipulation is a whole new level of magic. It's not just about controlling the scent or pheromones. It's about gaining control of the mana strings that make up scent and then infusing it with one's own magical signature."

Serena frowned, her curiosity deepening. "So, it's not just a matter of manipulating the scent itself, but also imbuing it with your own magic?"

Lucius nodded wearily. "Exactly. It's a delicate process that requires immense concentration and precision. One wrong move, and the scent can become unstable or lose its potency. And to even begin harnessing this magic, I must first gain control of the mana strings specific to scent manipulation."

Serena's eyes sparkled with fascination. "It sounds incredibly complex and challenging." The more challenging, the more powerful the results would be.

"It is," Lucius admitted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "But I'm determined to master it. I know the potential and the power it holds. It could be a formidable advantage, especially for someone like the both of us."

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