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

🥀 - Chapter 73 -🌹

-3 years later-

(Helena perspective)

I stood before the mirror, admiring my reflection in a flowing gown of soft sand-white silk, kissed with swirls of sky blue. The fabric cascaded gracefully to my feet, where delicate white heels peeked out beneath the hem.

My hair was neatly braided and pinned atop my head, adorned with tiny flowers. Diamond studs with butterfly-shaped chains glimmered in my ears, and I left my neck bare, elegant in its simplicity.

Behind me, I caught the eyes of the person adjusting the final pieces of my hair: Poppy. Her touch was gentle, her presence calming.

From outside, the murmur of voices grew as guests gathered in the garden, accompanied by soft piano music drifting through the air.

In the adjoining room, I suddenly heard Anne shout in panic. Her voice rose as she argued with someone, Ominis, I suspected. She scolded him, insisting he couldn't enter the girls' room, citing tradition and bad luck. I couldn't help but laugh softly. I adored that girl with all my heart.

My hand instinctively moved to rest on my belly, calming the nervous flutter inside. Two tiny heartbeats echoed within me, steady and strong. I was ten weeks along, and no one knew yet. It was my secret, one I intended to share with Sebastian first.

"You look breathtaking, Helena," Poppy said gently. "That natural blush is making you glow."

I turned to her with a warm smile. "Thank you, sweet Poppy. But I didn't put on any blush. I think it's just warm in here," I said, fanning my face.

She gave me a knowing look and took my hand. "You're glowing, alright. And I know that glow. I've seen it twice now," she whispered, patting her own belly.

I gasped, delighted. "Wait, are you?!"

She nodded with a wide grin. "Baby number two is on the way. I just hope Nat doesn't faint when I tell her, Keano's teething has her run ragged lately."

I embraced her tightly, whispering, "Congratulations to us both, and cheers to our little ones." I clinked my glass of water to hers.

With a quick smile, she pinned the final flower in my hair. "Come on, we're out of time! The guests are waiting!"

I picked up my bouquet of white blooms and followed her toward the hallway.

As we stepped forward, music began.

I took a deep breath and walked slowly outside. Each step crushed petals and leaves beneath my heels as I made my way down the garden path. Smiling at familiar faces, I waved to Aunt Matilda. Poppy took her place to the left of the aisle, with Natty on the right.

Then I stood beside my love, Sebastian Sallow.

He looked radiant in a gray suit and white tie, holding a small ring box in his hands. He smiled at me, blowing a playful kiss. I smiled back, mouthing, I love you. He mouthed it right back.

The music paused.

All eyes turned to the house as Garreth appeared in a striking red suit and white trousers, his hair neatly styled. He walked proudly to the altar, soft applause following each step. Once there, he hugged Sebastian like a brother.

Then the music shifted, an ethereal blend of piano, violins, flutes, and harp.

Anne stepped into view.

She was stunning in a vibrant red gown, her curly hair flowing over her shoulders. Her bouquet matched her dress. She waved at Ominis and Agatha, offering a graceful bow to the guests before making her way to Garreth, who looked utterly spellbound.

"You are divine, my goddess," he whispered.

"And you're not so bad yourself, my handsome god," she teased, kissing his cheek.

Sebastian blinked back tears, overflowing with joy. As best man and first bridesmaid, we stood together with hearts full. They had been at our wedding a year ago, and now we witnessed theirs.

After the ceremony, the couple sealed their vows with a kiss that lasted nearly four minutes. Laughing, we gave them their moment and headed to the reception.

I went straight to the drink table for some pineapple juice. These little ones inside me were keeping me constantly thirsty.

I felt warm hands settle on my hips and a familiar voice breathe into my ear, "Hi, sweetheart."

I turned into Sebastian's arms, and he smiled as he looked me over. "Thank Merlin you picked this dress instead of one of those hideous ones. You look perfect in this."

He pulled me close, and we began to dance.

We hadn't seen each other in six weeks, he'd been away with study and paperwork for his book. Now, reunited, we danced the night away, our feet aching by the end.

I leaned in and whispered something in his ear. His eyes widened, and he quickly led me through the crowd to a quiet hallway corner.

His hands traced over me as he pinned me softly to the wall, kissing down my neck and collarbone. Just as he began lifting my dress, I gently stopped him.

"Didn't you miss me, sunflower?" he asked, grinning.

"Of course I missed you, Dandelion." I kissed him softly, then pulled a small enchanted photograph from my corset and placed it in his hands.

He studied the image, and the concern in his face melted into wonder. Tears welled up in his eyes.

"We're having twins," he whispered.

I nodded. "Congratulations, Daddy."

He lifted me into the air, spinning me with joy, laughter and tears mixing as he held me close. Then, grounding me gently, he leaned in and whispered:

"Helena Fig Ambrose Sallow, you make me the happiest man alive."

And then, he kissed me.

—THE END—