The Death Wish: Book One (Hogwarts Legacy)

The House of Adder

The cool water from the basin felt almost as good as the extra strength healing potion Miriam had practically sprinted for the moment Sebastian pulled you into the parlour.

The elder witch was currently beside you, silently wiping blood from your neck as you washed your face. Sebastian was on a stool being inspected and healed by your professor.

After Miriam scanned you both—with her eyes and then a clever wand charm that seemed to confirm her inspection, she finally deemed you both sufficiently patched up, leading you back to the settee.

The four of you took your exact seats from several hours ago—though the mood was markedly different.

Eleazar brought you both goblets of water and set a tray of small sandwiches out on the low table in front of you. Glancing at the clock on the wall, you realised you had both missed dinner—and were now past curfew.

You sat in silence as the fireplace crackled in the warm parlor. You glanced to your side.

Sebastian's eyes were focused on the carpet as he continued whatever train of thought had kept him so occupied on your hobbled trip back from the Library. He had only spoken to check how you were fairing and to cast disillusionment charms to hide your battle-damaged appearance while you made your way back through the dark halls and staircases.

You finally sighed.

No point putting off the inevitable.

"So—we-uh found what was hidden down there." you offered lightly as you flicked between your mentors and their stoney expressions. Eleazar looked at Miriam as they had some unspoken conversation.

The witch finally nodded.

"Yes. That much is quite evident." she said evenly. You watched her for another moment before she let out a breath and shook her head, her soft, warm hand finding yours. "Honestly—what am I to do with you?" she lamented with a concerned yet loving look.

You squeezed her hand affectionately.

"Once we tell you—and show you what we found, I hope you might see it was worth it."

She shook her head again.

"Nothing is worth more than your lives, my spark." and you felt Sebastian move to take your hand in his, his fingers gripping yours in agreement with the witch. "But I do not wish to diminish your achievements—we will discuss the definition of 'dangerous' another time, my love—please if you are able to tonight, tell us what you found."

You looked to your friend and he gave you an encouraging smile, squeezing your hand before letting go.

"Okay—but before I do." and you pulled out your wand and Accio'd the map from the far desk. You set it on the occasional table and knelt down on the rug, pulling Miriam with you.

"Remember how I said I knew I had to go to the Restricted Section—I want to show you how."

Miriam looked at you with confusion as she followed your finger to the map.

"What am I—oh! Heavens—is that? I can see it! Eleazar, I can actually see it!"

Miriam's face seemed to morph to a woman twenty years younger, beaming with delighted fascination as she tilted her head closer to the gentle bubble of ancient magic fluxing on the map.

Professor Fig knelt across from you as you held out your other hand to him. He slipped his rougher, larger hand in yours and ducked his head. You smiled as his grey brows shot up his forehead in surprise.

"Godrick's Heart. You are—is this—a tactical legilimens?" your Professor questioned with wonder as he peered closer at the map, rubbing his chin with his free hand.