KEEP IT, LOSE IT (HOGWARTS LEGACY FANFICTION)

Chapter Thirty-Two

Mary, Sebastian, and Ominis continued deeper into the cave, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. The natural light that had illuminated the previous areas was beginning to fade, and the tunnel grew darker with every step. Eventually, they arrived in a vast, cavernous area, and what they saw there left them momentarily speechless.

Before them stretched an enormous chamber, its high ceiling lost in shadow. But what truly caught their attention was the overwhelming number of webs covering every corner. Thick, sticky webs hung from the ceiling and clung to the walls, creating an intricate labyrinth of silk. Even more disturbing were the bodies wrapped in webs, hanging like macabre decorations—forgotten victims of the spiders that called this place home.

Sebastian was the first to break the silence, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and disgust. "Merlin's beard... No wonder we've been running into so many spiders. We're in their home."

Ominis nodded, his expression serious as he took in the horror before them. "It's unsettling, to say the least. I'd rather not think about what those poor souls went through."

Mary swallowed hard, feeling a blend of tension and determination. "It's gruesome, but we've handled ourselves well so far. We can handle this."

With those words, the trio pressed on, cutting their way through the thick webs and dispatching any spiders that dared to challenge them. The battles were fierce, but each one made them feel more confident, more in tune with their growing strength. As they cleared the final nest of spiders, they found themselves standing in the center of the massive chamber, catching their breath.

Sebastian was the first to speak up, his voice brimming with a newfound confidence. "You know, I'm starting to feel like we can take on anything. We're not just students anymore; we're becoming real fighters."

Ominis nodded, still breathing heavily from the last skirmish. "It's a different experience out here, isn't it? Practicing spells in the safety of Hogwarts is one thing, but this... this is the real thing. I can feel the difference in every spell I cast."

Mary looked at them both with a proud smile. "You two were incredible back there. We've come a long way from dueling in the Undercroft. Your spells are sharper, your movements more precise. I'm lucky to have you both on my side."

Sebastian's usual bravado faltered for a moment, replaced by a hint of embarrassment at Mary's praise. He scratched the back of his neck, trying to play it off. "Well, I couldn't let you have all the glory, could I?"

Ominis, too, felt a bit flustered, though he tried to hide it behind his usual dry tone. "I suppose it's nice to know all those hours of practice weren't wasted."

Mary's smile widened as she saw their reactions. Despite their attempts to downplay it, she could tell that her words meant a lot to them. "With how much stronger we've become, I'm sure we'll make it through whatever's ahead."

Sebastian and Ominis exchanged a quick glance, both of them feeling that familiar mix of competitiveness and camaraderie. Though they had their differences, in moments like this, they knew they made a formidable team.