KEEP IT, LOSE IT (HOGWARTS LEGACY FANFICTION)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Ominis gave Mary a sharp look, the kind that conveyed a silent, exasperated Really, Mary? His usual, mildly irritated expression deepened, knowing full well that she was aware of his gaze. However, Mary only responded with a slight, knowing smile, choosing to ignore him on purpose.

Richard Jackdaw, being a ghost who had seen more than his share of human nature, easily picked up on Ominis's concern. 

"I assure you," he began with a calm yet earnest tone, "I mean no harm. I've no intention of leading you to danger—or worse. In fact, I'd rather enjoy seeing more of this fine lady in the future."

That last comment sparked reactions from both Ominis and Sebastian. Ominis narrowed his eyes slightly, his suspicion deepening. Sebastian, on the other hand, crossed his arms, his jaw tightening in irritation. He didn't like the idea of anyone, living or dead, showing any kind of interest in Mary.

Mary, on the other hand, hesitated for a moment, nervously adjusting her hair, her fingers smoothing out a few stray strands as she processed Richard's words. Was she... flattered? She quickly pushed the thought aside and managed a polite, though slightly awkward.

"Thank you for your help, Richard."

Ominis, standing beside her, couldn't shake his suspicions. His unease had grown, not just from the ghost's intentions but from his apparent interest in Mary. Still, he kept his tone civil as he added, 

"We'll see you at the edge of the Forbidden Forest then."

Sebastian, arms still crossed, gave a curt nod, clearly not thrilled with the situation.

But as Richard prepared to vanish, Ominis couldn't resist asking, "If you don't mind me asking, why did you steal Ollivander's family wand in the first place?"

Richard paused, floating just above the ground, and shrugged with a carefree expression. "The family was always going on about how special it was, so I took it. Who could resist? Sadly, it wasn't special enough to save my neck."

He chuckled lightly at his own dark humor before continuing, "I fully intended to return it once I learned it was only special for sentimental reasons. But, as you can see, I never got the chance."

Sebastian muttered under his breath, "Charming," while Ominis' expression remained guarded.

Mary seized the moment, curiosity gnawing at her. "Richard," she began, her voice hesitant but steady, "this might be an uncomfortable question, but... I can see how you died, but who did that to you?"

Richard paused, his expression turning thoughtful before answering with surprising honesty. 

"I was having a look about when I suddenly sensed a refreshing breeze. After which, I felt, well, light-headed. That's all I remember." He gave a small, wry smile before adding, "Hence, if you do visit the cave, be prepared. I can't tell you for what specifically, but you seem a perceptive sort. Beware of a light breeze."

Mary's brows knitted in concern, but she managed a grateful smile. "Thank you for the warning, Richard. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

Ominis, however, was less composed. His worry was palpable, and he couldn't help but let his sarcasm slip through. 

"Oh, wonderful. So we're off to a cave where a refreshing breeze could very well be the end of us. Sounds like a brilliant plan."

Richard chuckled softly, clearly amused by their reactions. "You'll do fine, I'm sure. Just remember what I said."

Sebastian, unable to resist, shot back with a sarcastic edge, "Would you have told us that if we hadn't asked?"

Richard's ghostly form flickered slightly as he considered the question, a playful glint in his eyes. 

"Perhaps I would have," he mused, "or perhaps not. It all depends on who was entering the cave." His gaze lingered on Mary as he spoke, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

Mary caught the look and felt her cheeks warm slightly, though she maintained her composure. There was something about Richard's gaze that made her feel both flattered and uneasy at the same time.

Sebastian, noticing the exchange, he felt the vein in his forehead pulse, his earlier irritation still simmering beneath the surface. Ominis, on the other hand, couldn't shake the uneasy feeling growing in the pit of his stomach, knowing full well that they were walking into something far more dangerous than they initially thought.

" I'll see you there."

With that, Richard finally vanished, leaving the trio with the weight of his words and the task ahead of them. Mary remained thoughtful, Ominis clearly troubled, and Sebastian, though still guarded, couldn't help but feel a thrill at the adventure that awaited them.