KEEP IT, LOSE IT (HOGWARTS LEGACY FANFICTION)

Chapter thirty-one

Just as the trio prepared to step through the newly opened door, a deep rumbling echoed through the cavern, followed by the distinct sound of rocks grinding against one another. Water splashed and dirt shifted, drawing their attention to the source of the noise.

Turning around, they saw a series of large stones rising slowly from the depths of the cavern, levitating in a rough, unfinished path across the expansive void. The rocks attempted to align themselves, forming what looked like the beginning of a bridge. However, it was far from complete—an unstable and treacherous route that was impossible to traverse, at least for now.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes at the formation. "Well, that looks promising," he remarked with a hint of sarcasm. "I'd say that's where we need to go."

Ominis let out a dry chuckle. "Naturally. Of course, it can't just be a simple walk through the door."

Mary nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on the bridge before turning back to the path ahead. "Looks like we'll have to explore further before we can cross. Let's see what's inside."

With that, the three ventured through the door, descending deeper into the cavern's heart. The deeper they went, the more they marveled at how the area remained bathed in natural light. It was as if they had entered a place untouched by time, where daylight perpetually reigned, despite knowing that night had already fallen outside.

However, their exploration came to an abrupt halt when they encountered an enormous web stretching across the path. The thick, sticky strands glistened ominously, blocking their way.

Sebastian groaned, glaring at the web. "Great. More spiders. Just what we needed. I'm starting to think these things have a personal vendetta against us."

Ominis rolled his eyes, his voice dripping with dry humor. "Of course they do. We've only burned through about a dozen of their cousins already. I'm sure they're thrilled to see us."

Mary chuckled, though there was a hint of exasperation in her voice. "I don't mind spiders, but I hate it when they jump out at me. Gives me the creeps."

Sebastian smirked. "That's the worst part. No matter how many of these webs we burn, there's always more."

With a flick of her wand, Mary set the web ablaze, the flames quickly consuming the sticky strands. However, before they could move forward, the telltale skittering of spider legs filled the air. Out from the shadows emerged a swarm of spiders, their eyes gleaming with predatory intent.

Mary, undeterred, raised an eyebrow and quipped, "Oh, I'm sorry. Did we ruin your hard work?"

Sebastian and Ominis couldn't help but grin at her boldness. There was something captivating about the way Mary faced danger with such sharp wit and confidence. It was hard not to be drawn to her.

Sebastian shook his head, stepping forward with his wand ready. "Always with the quips, Mary. Let's just get this over with."

Ominis followed suit, his wand pointed at the nearest spider. "I agree. Let's send these arachnids packing."

The three launched into combat, spells flying in a flurry of light and fire. As they fought, the banter continued, each of them throwing in sarcastic remarks and lighthearted jabs at the spiders and each other. Mary's quick reflexes and sharp comments kept the energy high, while Sebastian and Ominis matched her enthusiasm with their own quick wit.

Despite the danger, they fought with an almost synchronized rhythm, a testament to how well they had come to work together. The spiders didn't stand a chance against their combined efforts, and soon enough, the last of the creatures was vanquished.

As the dust settled, Sebastian glanced at Mary, a smirk playing on his lips. "You really have a way with words, don't you?"

Mary shrugged, a satisfied smile on her face. "It helps to lighten the mood. Besides, they deserved it."

Ominis nodded in agreement, a rare grin on his face. "I'd say they did. Now, let's see what else this cave has in store for us."