The dark forest air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine as the trio battled their way through yet another wave of giant spiders. The crackle of spells and the screech of the arachnids echoed in the clearing as they fended off the last of the attackers.
Sebastian, wiping some spider ichor off his sleeve with a grimace, couldn't help but comment, "Really, more spiders? You'd think they'd run out of them eventually, but no, it's like they're breeding just to annoy us."
Ominis, his wand still glowing faintly as he surveyed the area, added with a dry tone. "If this is the welcoming party for this part of the forest, I can't wait to see what the main event is. Perhaps a reunion of all the decapitated students Richard's led to their doom?"
Mary, already scanning the area for any other threats, suddenly spotted something in the shadows. Her eyes narrowed as she focused on a faint, eerie glow ahead. "There he is," she said, pointing ahead. "Richard Jackdaw, just waiting for us like this was some sort of casual meeting."
Sebastian turned to look where Mary was pointing, his expression a mix of irritation and sarcasm. "Of course he's just standing there, untouched and carefree while we're out here fighting for our lives. Typical."
Ominis nodded in agreement, his voice dripping with mock enthusiasm. "I'd say he picked the perfect spot. Surrounded by spiders, wolves, and Merlin knows what else. Nothing like a warm, hostile reception to make you feel welcome."
As they finished off the last spider with a coordinated strike, Sebastian shook his head, still incredulous. "This whole trek has been one challenge after another. If I didn't know better, I'd say he was testing us. Or just watching us suffer for his own amusement."
Mary, however, was more focused on their goal. "Well, whatever his intentions, we're here now. Let's see what he has to say and get this over with."
With the final spider vanquished and the forest eerily quiet once more, they began to approach the ghostly figure of Richard Jackdaw, each of them on edge after the perilous journey.
As they drew closer, Mary greeted the ghost with a light but slightly cautious tone. "We meet again, Richard Jackdaw."
Richard's ghostly form shimmered faintly as he smiled at her, his gaze lingering on Mary with clear admiration. "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you again. Only a Slytherin like yourself would be resourceful enough to make it this far."
His words seemed to dismiss Sebastian and Ominis entirely, which didn't go unnoticed by the two boys. Sebastian, crossing his arms, muttered under his breath,
"Of course, it's always Mary who gets the attention."
Ominis, equally unimpressed, added with a dry tone, "I suppose the rest of us are just here for decoration, then?"
Mary, sensing the rising tension between her friends and the ghost, quickly cut in before things could escalate. "Where do we go from here, Richard?" she asked, hoping to redirect the focus.
Richard's expression remained lighthearted as he gestured toward the dense forest beyond. "Follow me. I shall lead you as far as I can, but I must admit, I may remain a tad reluctant to revisit the scene of my demise." He chuckled softly, as if his own death were a minor inconvenience.
Sebastian rolled his eyes, his voice laced with sarcasm while leaning towards ominis "Oh, great. The ghost with a flair for the dramatic is leading the way. What could possibly go wrong?" he whispered
Ominis, his brows furrowed, added, "At least he's upfront about his cowardice. That's comforting." he whispered with sarcasm in his voice.
"Let's just stay focused," she said to the boys, glancing at them reassuringly. "We've come this far; we can handle whatever's next."
Mary couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and determination as they followed Richard deeper into the forest. Despite the tension, she was grateful for the ghost's guidance, even if it came with a heavy dose of mystery.
Richard floated ahead of them, glancing back occasionally, his smile never fading. "Worry not, I've no intention of leading you astray. I'll take you as far as I can, and then... well, you'll have to manage the rest."
Sebastian and Ominis exchanged a look, still skeptical but slightly more at ease now that they had a guide for this adventure.
YOU ARE READING
KEEP IT, LOSE IT (HOGWARTS LEGACY FANFICTION)
Fiksi PenggemarOne evening, Ominis was on his way to the undercraft. He and Sebastian had planned to spend the night there to study, including Mary, but unfortunately she had to miss it because of her tasks with Professor Fig. What surprise was Ominis going to get...
