The Death Wish: Book One (Hogwarts Legacy)

The Undercroft Professors

"—and that scorch mark is where Ominis had a Bombarda miss-fire." whispered Sebastian loudly as he pointed to a blackened stone with a few charred bits of wood scattered around.

"There wouldn't have been a miss-fire if you hadn't bumped me during my cast." retorted the blonde with a rueful toss of his head.

Ominis was busy pulling together a small seating area out of transfigured crates and old furniture with his wand as you walked the length of the chamber with Sebastian.

The boys had been giving you a tour and history of the Undercroft—with Ominis telling you about how the space was a Gaunt family secret and a favorite haunt of himself and the twins in years past.

"—and none of the teachers know?" you marvelled as you peered under a sheet at an old chest of drawers.

"None that I know of—it's a good place for privacy in a castle full of people, which I understand is why we are here." Ominis added with an arch look as he gestured to a small sofa.

You joined him on the settee while Sebastian chose to sit on a squishy ottoman across from you, resting his elbows on his knees.

The brunette caught your eye, his head tilting in a silent invitation to take the lead.

You took a controlled breath, turning your body towards your friend. You gently laid a hand on top of his with a comforting pulse.

"We have so much we have wanted to tell you, Ominis. Thank you, as well, for allowing me entrance to this place. When I tell you my—our story, I hope you will understand the need for discretion."

Ominis nodded with an earnest look, showing he was ready and willing to listen, turning his hand to squeeze your fingers.

Sebastian gave you an encouraging smile.

"Alight—so, to begin with, I had a less than smooth journey to Hogwarts..."

***

As you anticipated, Ominis was an excellent listener.

His face remained impassive as he absorbed your story without interruption. You started with your journey through Gringotts and the involvement of the mad goblin from the papers. You told him of The Ravenclaw and her warning—about your ancient magic. You told him about The Figs theories and your hopes to avoid your alter's fate.

When the story started to involve your freckled-Slytherin friend, he piped in with additional details and explanations—including praising your ancient magic combat abilities.

After you finished, ending with Ominis finding you and Sebastian late last night in the common room, you went silent, watching his marble face as his mind worked through the details of your complicated beginning of term.

You bit your lip.

All morning you had felt an uneasy buzz in your stomach at the prospect of explaining everything to Ominis. While you never doubted his confidence—you feared he may turn from you and possibly try and save his friend from your clearly dangerous influence.

Finally he spoke.

"That is—a lot of information." Ominis breathed with an awed expression, bringing his free hand up to card through his hair. He then turned towards you with an earnest expression. "Thank you for trusting me with such an important secret—the scope of which I'll admit, is quite alarming." he gave a grateful pulse on your hand. "I'm sorry if you felt you had to tell me. I can see why Sebastian has been involved—especially if this is related to Anne in some way—but you didn't have to tell me...I-uh can see that now." and he gave you a guilty look.