Ancient: The Legacy of Slytherin

Potions I 🌶️

Content warning: Spice incoming ;) (all characters aged 18+)

I ate breakfast by myself in the Great Hall or in the Room of Requirement all week. I wasn't ready yet to speak with Ominis or Seb after what happened that night in the common room. It was optimistic of me to expect an apology, but I suppose I was still holding out hope.

Occasionally I glanced up and caught Sebastian's gaze in my direction. His eyes were sad, but I truly did not feel bad for ignoring him. I knew I'd eventually get over it, but for now I wanted to be alone. As I finished my croissant, large hands fell over my eyes and I could no longer see.

"Guess who!" I laughed as I realized who the deep voice belonged to.

"Garreth! Unhand me!"

He moved his hands from my eyes to wrap around my neck in a tight hug. He placed a kiss on my hair and sat down next to me at the Slytherin table, which was a very bold move for a Gryffindor.

"Feeling bold today, are we my lion?"

"Your lion? I quite like that title, actually. And yes, I needed to see you again. I missed you and your lips terribly."

"And I missed your cheesy words."

"Why are you eating alone? I usually have to fight to pry you away from Sallow and Gaunt."

I debated whether or not to tell him the whole truth. "We...we got into it a few days ago after Hogsmeade and I just don't feel like talking to either of them."

"I'm sorry. Anything I can help with? Not that I fancy a duel with either of them but I'll do whatever you need me to."

"Oh Garreth, still so sweet." I raised my hand to his cheek and brushed my thumb back and forth on his skin. "I want to kiss every single one of your freckles."

"Well, there's no time like the present, love."

I suddenly became very nervous and shy at the thought of kissing Garreth in public, despite our rendezvous that just happened literally right under the Grand Staircase. My thoughts were interrupted when an owl dropped a letter and it nearly fell into my coffee. When I glanced up, I recognized it as Professor Fig's owl.

Arabella,

Please pay me a quick visit after breakfast and before your first class today. I have news on the locket.

Sincerely,
Professor Fig

Damn. I'd have to leave right now and be quick about it so I wasn't late to potions.

"Garreth, I have to go see Professor Fig quickly before potions, I'm sorry!" Before I gave him a chance to respond, I gave him a quick peck on the lips and ran off. I could tell his cheeks were flushed as I left him alone at the Slytherin table.
+++

"Professor Fig, you wanted to see me?"

"Yes, please come in. So I did some more digging on Miriam's locket, and it seems I've hit an obstacle. The map leads to the Restricted section of our own library here at Hogwarts. However, Headmaster Black is dragging me to the Ministry this week to testify about our accident with George and Ranrock, so I won't be able to do the proper research. As a Professor, I would never encourage a student to break into the Restricted section of the library, but as Miriam's husband and your mentor-"

"I won't make you say it, Professor. I may have a way to gain the knowledge we seek. I'll report back to you as soon as you're back from the Ministry."

"Once again, you're doing more than any student should ever have to. Thank you, Arabella. Please be safe."

"I will, Professor. Have fun with the Headmaster this week!" I chuckled a bit and gave him a playful wink.