Green is the Color || Ominis x OC || Hogwarts Legacy

Of an Explosive Duel

"Is he really back?"

"Did you hear what happened?"

"No, what?"

"There are rumors that he used an Unforgivable that day, and that's how..."

"No! And is that why..."

"Yes, that's why the two of them aren't—"

"Shh! You're being too loud!"

Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut and let out a slow, calming breath. The hallways of Hogwarts were abuzz with gossip surrounding his sudden disappearance and return. Many of the Slytherins were also commenting on the fact that Ominis Gaunt, who always used to be by his side, was now tagging along with Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs alike.

As he walked into class with Imelda Reyes and Grace Pinch-Smedley, the first thing he saw were Allegra's wide brown eyes. She was sitting in between Ominis and Natsai, chattering away while they waited for class to begin. In the middle of the room, Garreth Weasley and Amit Thakkar were throwing and catching red sparks around. Most of the other fifth years had their noses buried in their books.

Allegra turned. Their eyes met.

She didn't scowl or glare like Sebastian expected her to. Instead, her eyes softened, dropping to her feet and looking at anywhere except him. Sebastian felt himself wince. Even a look of pity would have felt better than whatever that had been.

"Places, everyone," Professor Dinah Hecat called, clapping her hands. A wave of her wand sent the desks and chairs in the room flying into position. Excited gasps rose from the crowd of students as they recognized the dueling table that was coming into view.

"Now, how was everyone's holiday?" scattered murmurs broke out over the room. Hecat gave her students indulging smiles, shaking her head with a laugh. "I'll take that as a good sign. I'd like everyone to stand with their respective Houses, please. I have something fun planned for us."

Sebastian shuffled into place with the other Slytherins. As Grace chattered next to him, he watched Ominis reluctantly peel away from Allegra and their new friends. Professor Hecat had enchanted a piece of chalk to draw on the board. Sebastian traced the lines and circles with his eyes and felt himself smile. His dormant sense of competitiveness was stirring. Could he allow himself this one little thrill? Was it something he deserved?

There would be three duels this morning, each having a maximum time limit of ten minutes. Professor gave them three rules, but Sebastian really only heard one of them:

Any of the school-approved spells could be used. That sent the class into a real frenzy.

After she set up nullifying barriers around the room, the class waited with bated breaths as Professor Hecat drew their names from a large, glass bowl.

"Our first fights are as follows," Professor Hecat announced.

"First: Oakes versus Weasley!" A gasp rippled through the room. Adelaide's eyes bulged wide, even as the Hufflepuffs cheered. Each name called appeared on the board.

"Second: Thakkar versus Reyes!" A wicked grin grew on Imelda's face. Amit, to his credit, didn't cower. He gave Imelda a sweet little bow.

"And, finally—ah," Professor Hecat smiled. "Sallow versus Chant!"

A shocked gasp boomed across the room. Sebastian saw Ominis' jaw drop as their classmates exploded in a frenzy. On the other side of the room, Allegra's Gryffindor Housemates were excitedly chattering amongst themselves.

"Alright, silence!" Professor Hecat Summoned a plush chair and settled herself in front of the room, leaning back and steepling her fingers. "Well, what are you waiting for? First pair!"