KEEP IT, LOSE IT (HOGWARTS LEGACY FANFICTION)

chapter fifty-one

After they resurfaced, the three friends took a few more moments to catch their breath, laughing and joking with one another, the tension from earlier melting away in the warmth of the pool.

"Well, I think it's time we get out," Mary suggested, her voice light as she brushed her wet hair back with a smile.

"Agreed," Ominis said, though a hint of sarcasm laced his voice as he added, "Especially after nearly drowning thanks to someone." He rose slowly, adjusting the towel around his waist while throwing a glance—though he couldn't see—toward Sebastian.

Sebastian just shrugged, chuckling to himself. "Ah, Ominis, you can't deny it was thrilling. Though, I might've gone a little too far..."

"A little," Ominis repeated, his tone dripping with irony as he grabbed his wand, which he had left on one of the pool's steps. Then, with a gallant gesture, he turned to Mary and extended his hand. "Come on, Mary. Now that I can 'see,' let me help you out."

***

The trio, freshly showered and feeling much better after the chaotic events of the night, made their way back to the Slytherin common room. The warmth of the bath had washed away the weariness from their bones, healing the small cuts and bruises they'd accumulated. Yet, the lingering desire for sleep was undeniable, even if they knew the night was nearly over.

When they arrived at the common room, it was completely deserted. The late hour had driven everyone else to bed long ago. Though their eyelids were heavy, they realized there wasn't much point in going to their dorms for such a brief rest. Instead, they gravitated toward the sofas near the fireplace, settling down in the familiar space. The crackling fire was the only sound, its glow casting flickering shadows across the dark room.

Mary leaned back, her eyes half-closed as she observed the cold, stone walls of the common room. "You know," she began, "there's something about this place that's always been a bit... chilly. I mean, not just because it's cold, but there's a sort of coldness that seems to seep into you."

Sebastian chuckled softly. "Of course it's cold. We're practically at the bottom of the castle, right next to the lake. I'd be more surprised if it wasn't."

Ominis nodded in agreement, his fingers tracing the arm of the sofa. "That was Salazar Slytherin's intention, after all. He had a fondness for dark, private places, where his students could reflect and plot without interruption. He wanted this room to mirror that taste."

Mary smiled faintly, thinking about how different it was from the other common rooms. "I suppose he succeeded. There's no other place quite like this in the castle."

Sebastian leaned forward, looking at the fire. "It's true. There's something... comforting about it, though. Even if it's cold, it feels like home. We can always find warmth here, if not from the room itself, then from each other."

As the minutes ticked by, one by one, they fell into sleep under the soothing warmth of the fire. 

Ominis was the first to succumb. He sat on a sofa near the window, a book in one hand and his wand in the other, his head slowly drooping until it rested on his chest. His breathing became steady and soft, the weight of the day finally overpowering his will to stay awake.

Sebastian was next. He had sprawled across the longer sofa, lying on his back with a book propped on his face. Eventually, his light reading turned into light snoring, muffled by the pages. His arms hung lazily over the sides of the sofa, completely relaxed.

Mary held out the longest but eventually found herself curling up on another sofa, Sebastian's gabardine draped over her shoulders like a makeshift blanket. She had also pulled a warm throw over herself, the combined layers creating a cozy cocoon that finally lulled her into sleep. Her breathing slowed, and she tucked herself into a tight ball, seeking warmth and comfort.