Ancient: The Legacy of Slytherin

Undercroft Arrival

The Undercroft.

Arabella POV

I could have stayed there in Sebastian's arms forever. We reluctantly separated as the lift reached its destination. When we stepped out, we passed through another gate into a large, dusty room. Old suits of armor and what seemed like empty crates were scattered everywhere. It smelled musty, almost like mold. And it was cold, very cold.

"Welcome to the Undercroft!" He made a showy movement of his arms.

"Seb, what is this place?"

"Courtesy of the Gaunt family, it's a space under Hogwarts that not even the teachers know about, apparently. Ominis showed it to me during our second year and ever since, we come here to practice spells or just escape other students."

"Does he know you're showing it to me?"

"Not...exactly. But I don't think he would mind, I'm sure he would have shown you himself if he were with you today in my place. You need a safe space to escape the castle that no one knows about. Especially if anything were to ever happen on school grounds. You also need a space to practice spells to better defend yourself. Spells that aren't taught at Hogwarts. Maybe you can even practice your ancient magic here- as long as you're sure you won't kill me in the process."

"And how would I learn spells that Hogwarts doesn't teach?"

"Through the best teacher imaginable, that's how!"

"...Is that person in the room with us now?"

"Ha ha, very funny. It just so happens he is. And class is in session. I'm going to teach you Confringo."

"Seb, I'm tired and we're both still covered in blood and dirt-"

"And you think your enemies care when you're tired?"

"Fair point. Fine, let's get it over with."

"Great attitude! Ok, make sure you really put intention behind this cast. Otherwise, you may set yourself on fire. Point your want forward and put all the effort into your wrist movement. Then speak the incantation 'Confringo.' Aim your cast at one of those sconces on the ceiling to light it."

I did exactly as he said and a fireball shot from my wand and lit one of the scones on fire, illuminating the Undercroft.

"Excellent! Now light the others!"

I did as I was told until the Undercroft was fully illuminated. I turned to him and bowed jokingly like he had in Defense Against the Dark Arts when he thought he beat me. Sebastian smiled at me with crossed arms.

"All because you had an excellent teacher, don't forget that!"

"I'll never forget, 'Professor Sallow.'" The grin that pulled at his lips formed into a line at what I imagined may be a memory of his parents, who were both professors. I didn't mean to upset him. If anything, it was a genuine compliment.

"They would be so proud of you, Seb." I reached out to grab his hand and squeezed it, hoping my affection wasn't misplaced. "I know they would." He just smiled half-heartedly and shook his head up and down.

"We should both get cleaned up and get some rest. Maybe don't tell Ominis I showed this place to you just yet. I'll find a good way to approach it."

"Understood. Goodnight, Seb. And thank you again for everything today."

"Goodnight, Ara." I reluctantly placed his hand down and turned to exit the Undercroft.

As I emerged from the lift, I nearly bumped directly into Ominis. Fucking hells.