🥀 Roses and Novels | Hogwarts Legacy Fanfic | Sebastian, Ominis and Evander

🥀 - Chapter 17 -🌹

(Helena's Perspective)

I yawned and stared at my half-unpacked suitcase lying on the bed. Around me, in our dormitory, everyone had already finished unpacking after the summer holidays—everyone but me. I sighed heavily.

It was the first day of school, and I couldn't have felt less ready for class.

The hangover from last night's drinks had hit me full force the moment I opened my eyes that morning.

*Ugh, Garreth Weasley and his ridiculous concoctions.*

He'd duped me again—like always.

"This one's light, nothing too strong," he had said casually.

*Light? LIGHT? Then explain the raging migraine, Weasley.* I groaned at the memory.

I threw on my skirt, tucked in my blouse, and made my way to the common room. To my horror, it was empty.

I glanced at the clock.

"SHIT, I'M LATE."

I bolted out, rushing through the dungeons toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. I had promised Professor Weasley over the summer that I'd help with the first-years, especially after everything that happened last year. They wanted us to teach some basic defensive spells.

Using Floo Powder felt like the only way I might not be completely late.

"You can't imagine how inconvenient trave—"

"No one likes you, Ignatia. Shut up."

🙟•◦ 🎕 ◦•🙝

I darted up the stairs and reached the classroom just as Professor Hecat had launched into her famous opening speech. She stood confidently before the new students, telling tales of her time at the Ministry and proudly referencing her Hebridean Black trophy from a poacher raid.

I cleared my throat softly at the doorway.

She turned, beaming.

"Ah, Helena, my favorite student—come in, come in!"

Dozens of wide-eyed first-years turned toward me, whispering behind their hands.

"Why does she have a scar on her face?"

"She's the one who saved Hogwarts last year!"

"Where's her tie?"

"How old is she?"

"Will she teach us a powerful spell?"

"What's her Patronus?"

I couldn't help but laugh at their curiosity.

"I'm here to teach you the basics of Defense Against the Dark Arts. And how about this—every time you get a spell right, you can ask me one question. Sound good?"

"YES!" they chorused in unison.

Class began, and I moved around with Professor Hecat, correcting stances and wand grips. I demonstrated some footwork and how to duck when you're too slow to block a spell.

"Well then," Hecat grinned, "who here is brave enough to duel Miss Helena?"

A boy stepped forward confidently, his chocolate-brown hair tousled, freckles dusting his cheeks, glasses slightly askew.

"ME!"

He took off his glasses and put them in his pocket.

*Wait... he looks just like...*

"Sebastian?" I whispered under my breath.

I smiled at the boy. "Well then—time for a proper Hogwarts welcome."