Ancient: The Legacy of Slytherin

Poisonous Pursuits 🌶️

Content warning: Mild spice and a 4k+ chapter. Pace yourself!

Arabella POV

It had been a few months since Professor Weasley introduced me to the Room of Requirement, and Merlin was I thankful for it. Not a soul knew about it, not even Sebastian and Ominis. All for the better, seeing as Ominis was not speaking to me again and I was doing everything in my power to avoid Sebastian.

Avoiding Sebastian was a mission in itself.

I was so upset with how dismissive he was after Feldcroft. He told me he loved me the night before we left and then he didn't think twice about using me for the entire following day. Teaching me an Unforgivable curse. And then he had the nerve to ask me to manipulate Ominis for a second time to show us the Scriptorium. I was starting to wonder if any of his feelings were genuine, or if he was just manipulating me to help save Anne.

Could I really even blame him if he was?

My attention snapped back to the Room when I heard Deek's meager voice. Deek, the house elf Professor Weasley assigned to help me, had been an absolute delight and comfort. So when he came to me for help, I didn't hesitate.

"It's Deek's friend, Tobbs. Deek hasn't heard from Tobbs in quite some time, and Deek is worried. Last Deek heard, Tobbs was working for his master in a mine. But...the mine is known to be filled with spiders. With Acromantulas, to be precise. Deek knows that Miss Gene does not like spiders..."

A shiver worked its way down my spine. The memory of Feldcroft was still fresh in my mind, my body still healing from the Arcromantula poison that nearly killed me. And now I was meant to face a cave full of actual Acromantulas? I took a deep breath. This wasn't a favor for just anyone, this was for Deek. He deserved my help.

"I'll find Tobbs, Deek. I promise. I'll report back as soon as I know more."

"Oh, wonderful! Thank you, thank you Miss Gene! Deek will forever be in your debt!"

"No you won't, Deek. I'm happy to do this favor for you. You've been so good to me."

"You're too kind. Please be careful, Miss Gene."

"I will Deek. Promise."
+++

The door to the Room of Requirement disappeared into the wall behind me as I walked with haste from the Astronomy tower. I wanted this mission to be completed as fast and as painless as magically possible. In typical Arabella fashion, I walked so fast that I collided with a tall, pale-skinned, raven-haired student. A Slytherin. With piercing, green eyes.

"Do you need a lesson on how to walk?" The words that poured from her pale pink lips were laced with venom.

Like I needed any more venom.

"I apologize, it was an accident." I smirked. "You could get a lesson on standing, though." Everyone who was listening started to disperse hushed "ooos" at my retort.

She looked me up and down and smiled an evil grin. Her canines were sharp. "I'd love to give you a lesson. How about a lesson in Unforgivable curses? There's one in particular I think you'd die for."

Was she- was really threatening to kill me in front of a hallway full of students? Who the hell was she?!

Before I could respond, a tall male with icy blonde hair and the same piercing green eyes pushed through the crowd that had been gathering. Then I knew.

"Now Mortitia, we can't threaten to kill other students in the halls of Hogwarts, can we? Come now, we don't need you getting expelled. Mother and father would be furious."