In Legacy Darling, follow Winifred, an ordinary girl whose life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers she is a witch and she is thrusted into the enchanting yet daunting world of Hogwarts. As Winifred grapples with the reality of being a witch, s...
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The entrance hall was as vast and empty as it was quiet, her footsteps the only sound as Winnie descended the staircase. She hadn't been sure of the time, eight o'clock, nine o'clock? Ominis hadn't exactly given her a clear answer. So she'd split the difference and arrived at eight-thirty. Still, she half-expected the hall to be empty, figuring Ominis might not even bother to show.
But there he was, standing near the grand doors, arms crossed and posture stiff. His expression was unreadable, yet Winnie could sense a slight tension as she approached.
Winnie came to a stop in front of him, forcing a calm smile.
Ominis tilted his head slightly, the smallest sigh escaping him. "I've been here since eight," he said, in his usual even tone. Just as he spoke, another figure stepped out from the shadows beside him, one she hadn't noticed right away.
"Oh! Sebastian, you're here too!" Winnie said, surprised and relieved to see his familiar grin flash across his face.
Sebastian leaned against the wall, hands in his pockets, looking at her with a smile that somehow managed to seem both mischievous and innocent. "Wouldn't miss it," he said, nudging Ominis's arm lightly. "Figured I'd lend a hand."
Ominis cleared his throat, nodding toward Sebastian. "Yes, I thought an extra set of eyes might be useful on our excursion." His tone was measured, almost rehearsed, and he gave Sebastian a subtle nudge back.
Sebastian's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly recovered. "Right. Yes. I'm here to help Ominis with... guiding. He sometimes needs help what with being b-blind and whatnot." He flashed Winnie a wide smile, though she couldn't help noticing a faint flicker of something behind it.
Winnie squinted her eyes, her gaze shifting between them. What the hell was going on here?
Ominis, clearly ready to move on, straightened and cleared his throat. "We're already behind schedule as it is. If we could finally begin our journey to Hogsmeade..." His voice trailed off pointedly in her direction.
Winnie couldn't resist a smirk. "Of course, wouldn't want to keep Hogsmeade waiting on our account."
And with that, they all turned and stepped out into the crisp morning air, the castle grounds stretching out ahead as they set off toward the village.
The path to Hogsmeade stretched out before them, winding and cobblestone-lined, a route that seemed timeless in its beauty. The early morning sun cast a gentle glow over the landscape, illuminating rolling hills. Winnie took a deep breath, savouring the fresh, earthy smell in the air, her eyes sweeping over the lush greenery and feeling a lightness she rarely felt indoors.
Meanwhile, Ominis and Sebastian walked just ahead, deep in conversation, their voices blending with the soft rustling of leaves around them. She watched them with a small smile, letting herself fall back just slightly so she could absorb the scene at her own pace.
