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

🥀 - Chapter 71 -🌹

(Helena perspective)

After nearly an hour of walking, within the so-called "close distance" Sebastian had begrudgingly allowed, I made my way back up the hill to the cabin. The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden streaks over the path.

Sebastian was already standing there, arms crossed tightly, his expression a portrait of displeasure. He looked at me like I'd just committed treason.

I stopped in front of him, placing my hands behind my back with a wicked smile tugging at my lips. I'd been caught, no doubt, but I wasn't going to make this easy for him.

He shook his head, jaw clenched, brows drawn low.
"Did you leave your attitude in the woods?"

I grinned. "Maybe..."

"Why didn't you listen to me?" he asked, stepping closer. His voice was calm, but it carried the weight of real concern.

"I'm a grown woman, Sebastian. I can take care of myself. You don't have to be so, overbearing." My voice wavered, just a little.

He took my hand gently but firmly.
"It's not that I don't trust you. I just didn't want to worry you... but Alaric's men have been seen near Hogwarts. They're looking for you, Helena. If they find you, they will take you."

His tone grew sharper, more urgent.
"This cabin is protected. I cast the spells myself, it's hidden from anyone who might come sniffing around. Do you understand what I'm saying? Some professors were ready to throw you out without protection. I made a deal with Professor Weasley to keep you safe here. That means stay near the cabin. No wandering. Not unless I'm with you. This isn't a game."

"I can defend myself just fine, Sallow!" I snapped, stepping up to him. "I'm not some fragile doll. I know my magic, I can take them down if I have to."

His eyes darkened.
"Yeah? And how exactly do you plan to do that?"

I stomped on his foot, making him wince. "Fuck you."

"Get in," he ordered, pointing toward the cabin door.

I crossed my arms defiantly. "No."

He grabbed my wrist, trying to guide me inside.
"I said, get in."

I jerked my arm away. "Never."

His voice rose, raw and desperate.
"First, I never taught you the Killing Curse. Second, your wand isn't even on you. And third, you're fighting with one arm, Helena! Stop pretending you're invincible and just listen to me."

I lifted my chin, defiant.
"Make me."

I turned to walk away, but he grabbed the hem of my shirt, yanking me back so fast our lips nearly touched.

"Do I need to chain you to the bed?" he said with a teasing smirk.

"Try me," I snapped, eyes locked with his.

His fingers traced my lower lip before slipping slightly inside my mouth. "I like it when you're a little sassy," he murmured, and then his mouth crushed against mine.

I wrapped my legs around him as he lifted me into his arms, deepening the kiss. Our tongues moved in sync, hungry and sure. He held me close as he carried me inside, kicking the door shut behind us.

Goosebumps spread across my skin as his hands roamed my body, deliberate and slow. He knew what he was doing, testing, teasing, discovering.

His fingers slid up to my neck, brushing tenderly along the base of my hairline. Then down, tracing the curve of my collarbones before slipping beneath the neckline of my shirt to touch bare skin. His hand cradled the back of my neck with gentle pressure as his other hand tangled in my hair.