KEEP IT, LOSE IT (HOGWARTS LEGACY FANFICTION)

Chapter Four: Date Out.

As Mary slowly opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was the ceiling of the infirmary, bathed in the soft, natural light pouring in through the large windows. The second thing she noticed was the warm grip of her two best friends, each holding one of her hands. Sebastian rested his head and arms on her bed, his hair slightly disheveled, while Ominis was slumped in a chair beside her, his hand gently clasping hers, his face nestled against her shoulder as he slept.

At first, she was confused, her mind hazy, but then it hit her—everything came rushing back. The battle, the mine, the adrenaline-fueled moments, and finally...that spell. She could almost hear her own voice repeating the incantation. But before she could dwell on it, the stirring of her awakening seemed to rouse both boys from their slumber.

Sebastian was the first to react, his hand instinctively tightening around hers as he woke. He looked at her as he had done every time he woke up during the night, but this time, seeing her awake, he snapped out of his drowsy state immediately.

Ominis followed closely behind. The slight change in Mary's grip on his hand was all it took for him to know she was awake. His body moved towards her instinctively, and now both of his hands held hers firmly, as if grounding himself in her presence.

"Mary, how are you feeling?" Sebastian asked, his voice filled with concern, though a wave of relief washed over him as he saw her awake.

"Are you alright? You had us worried sick," Ominis added, his tone soft but tinged with the fatigue of a long, restless night. Both boys leaned in closer, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and profound relief.

Mary's silence lingered just a moment longer as she processed their concern. She managed a small smile, trying to ease the tension.

"I'm fine... really, I'm sorry, I—" she began, but Ominis cut her off gently.

"No need to explain anything right now," Ominis said, his tone carrying a warmth that brought comfort. "You need to rest first. But don't think you'll get away without a proper scolding once you're better." His words were laced with a light sarcasm, making the atmosphere a bit less heavy.

Sebastian chimed in, "Yeah, I already got my fair share of scolding. I'm sorry, Mary. I shouldn't have dragged you into all this, going up against Ranrok's camps." His voice held genuine remorse, and he squeezed her hand gently.

What they didn't know, however, was that Mary had a deeper motive. Her battles against Ranrok's forces weren't just about helping those under their control; she was carving a path to complete the Keepers' trials. It was a secret she was determined to keep, even from the two people she trusted most.

Mary nodded, a soft smile hiding the weight of the secret she couldn't share with her friends. It's for the best, she thought, keeping the truth about the Keepers' trials locked away. Despite the severity of her injury, the nurse had assured her that she could walk and resume some of her daily activities, though her classes were suspended for another day to allow for more rest.

As she prepared to leave the infirmary, Mary dressed in a gown that reflected the fashion of early 19th-century Europe. The dress was an elegant combination of white and pale blue, made from high-quality fabric. The bodice was fitted, with delicate lace trim along the neckline and sleeves, accentuating her waist with a narrow blue sash. The skirt flowed gracefully to the floor, with subtle pleats that added to the dress's refined silhouette. The overall effect was one of understated beauty, perfectly suited to her gentle demeanor.

Before the trio could depart, they were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps, followed by a shout that grew louder as it approached. Garret burst into the room, his eyes wide with concern. Without warning, he rushed over to Mary and swept her up into his arms, spinning her around before Sebastian and Ominis could react.