DELGADO || Sebastian Sallow (Hogwarts Legacy)

Part 17 - Expectations and Luxury

ꕀꕥ〡~𐀔~〡ꕥꕀ

❝I had heard stories about the Gaunt family—the pureblood supremacy, the expectations, the control.❞

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As I waited for Marvolo to gather his belongings, I found myself pacing near the grand iron gates of Gaunt Manor. The estate was overwhelming—everything about it. The sheer size, the endless halls, the looming presence of wealth and power. It was the kind of place where getting lost felt inevitable.

I still couldn't believe he was actually coming with me.

When he first insisted, I had argued—hard. Told him it wasn't necessary, that he didn't have to. But it was pointless. Marvolo was as stubborn as they came, and he was determined to accompany me, meet my family, see my home.

It wasn't that I minded him coming—it was just...

I was nervous.

Nervous about how different my life was from his.

He had grown up in a mansion, surrounded by staff, luxuries beyond imagination. His world was filled with power and prestige. Mine was simpler, built on community, traditions, and hard work.

How would he react to Lleida?

Would he think less of me once he saw the difference between our lives?

A heavy sigh left my lips as I ran a hand through my hair.

Just as I was about to lose myself in overthinking, the front doors of the manor creaked open.

Marvolo emerged, his usual effortless confidence radiating from every step. Behind him, a staff member followed, carrying his suitcase.

Even from a distance, I felt my face warm at the sight of him.

How did I end up with someone this handsome?

Marvolo waved, flashing that damn smile—the one that sent a small flutter through my stomach every time.

When he reached me, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.

Then, without hesitation, he handed me a white envelope.

My name was scrawled in golden lettering, sealed with an intricate black crest—a shield entwined with a snake and a bold G.

"My parents would only let me go if I invited you to the gala they're hosting this weekend," he explained casually. "They're desperate to meet you in person. My mother almost came outside the moment she saw you through the window."

I swallowed, my grip tightening on the envelope.

"But I figured after our trip would be better," he continued, smirking. "Didn't want to risk them changing their minds before we even left."

I stared at the invitation, a small knot forming in my stomach.

I had heard stories about the Gaunt family—the pureblood supremacy, the expectations, the control. And Marvolo himself had once told me about a girl he brought home... and how that had ended.

As if sensing my hesitation, he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. His touch was warm, grounding.

"You sure you want me to come with you?" he asked, softer this time. "I don't want to rush you into anything."

I looked up at him, at the genuine concern in his eyes, and nodded. "I'm sure."

A slow smile spread across his face.