DELGADO || Sebastian Sallow (Hogwarts Legacy)

Part 9 - Moonlight and Mischief

ꕀꕥ〡~𐀔~〡ꕥꕀ

❝We lay facing each other in the dark, the air thick with tension❞

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As Marvolo guided me through the woods, we walked in silence. Neither of us spoke nor glanced at each other. The only sounds were the rustling leaves carried by the cool night breeze, the distant hoots of owls, and the gentle trickling of water. Bats flitted overhead as we approached a small lake, its surface aglow with thousands of fireflies.

Their tiny bodies shimmered in hues of yellow, gold, and luminous green as they danced above the dark water. Massive willow trees draped their long branches toward the lake, their reflections rippling across the surface. Smooth rocks and towering conifers framed the scene, creating a sanctuary of quiet beauty. For a moment, my fears and nightmares felt distant—insignificant.

I sat beside Marvolo at the edge of the wooden dock, exhaling softly.

"I've never been anywhere like this before..." he murmured, his voice low. His breath left a small puff in the cool air. "Look at those fireflies. Magical."

I smiled, my gaze fixed on the lake. "I visit places like this once or twice a year—when I release creatures back into the wild. It's breathtaking. Not many people appreciate the beauty of nature, but once they do... they fall in love."

Marvolo grinned suddenly. "Want to go for a swim?"

I blinked at him. "In our clothes?"

"Sure. Or naked—I don't mind." His teasing smirk widened as he nudged me toward the water.

Rolling my eyes, I shrugged off my jacket, blouse, and pants, leaving only my underwear before diving into the lake. A moment later, Marvolo followed suit, stripping down to his boxers before plunging in after me.

The water was surprisingly warm, and we swam lazily, trailing our fingers through the glowing fireflies that skimmed the surface. Their lights flickered like tiny stars, surrounding us in an otherworldly glow.

A feather-light touch traced down my neck, sending a shiver through me.

"I didn't know you had a tattoo," Marvolo observed, his voice a low rumble.

I turned to meet his wicked smile. "I didn't know you had one either," I replied, smirking back.

"What does yours mean?" he asked, his curiosity evident.

I glanced down at the ink on my skin. "It's a phoenix—fénix in my native tongue. It represents rebirth. After my parents died in an accident, I struggled... I lost myself for a while, wandered down a dark path. Did things I regret." I inhaled deeply before continuing. "But I made it out. I became stronger, healthier." My fingers brushed over his arm, tracing the coiled serpent inked into his skin. "And yours?"

"The snake represents my bloodline—Salazar Slytherin's descendant," he said, his voice quieter now. He tapped the skull nestled within the design. "This part... it's for the deaths I carry on my hands. My family isn't exactly what you'd call noble. I was raised in their shadows, made my own mistakes. But I'm different now. I make my own choices." His fingers absently traced the lines of his tattoo.

For a brief second, our hands brushed against each other. We pulled away instinctively, choosing instead to swim deeper into the lake.

I dove beneath the surface, searching the lakebed for any hidden treasures. The water was darker below, the world hushed and still. Then, out of the murky depths, a shadow appeared—fast and deliberate.