DELGADO || Sebastian Sallow (Hogwarts Legacy)

Part 91 - Familiarity and Dresses

ꕀꕥ〡~𐀔~〡ꕥꕀ

❝ You don't have to be rude now.❞

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"Miss Delgado, wake up," a high, squeaky voice pulled me out of my dreams. Blinking against the haze of sleep, I rolled over—only to find two glowing, purple eyes peering at me from the side of the bed.

"It's time, my lady!" the house-elf announced, smiling politely.

Rubbing the exhaustion from my eyes, I sat up. "Time for what?"

Outside, the night was still heavy, the sky a deep ink-blue. The clock ticked softly toward three in the morning. The room glowed gently with the light Marvolo had left burning after tucking me in, a promise against the darkness.

"The wedding, of course," the elf said brightly, her smile stretching even wider. "Come now, up with you, into the bath. A warm soak will do you good."

A wedding in the middle of the night. I knew it had to be kept secret, but three in the morning? Only a fool would marry at such an hour.

And I supposed I was that fool, because within minutes I was sinking into a porcelain tub. Warm water lapped against my skin, bubbles curling like lace over the surface. Lavender clung to the air, mingled with the faint breeze that drifted through the cracked window, carrying the scent of the summer gardens outside. The house-elf gently brushed through my hair, her touch unexpectedly tender.

"Louna," I murmured, letting bubbles slide through my fingers, "may I ask you something?"

"Anything, miss. What can Louna do for you?" she chirped, still running the brush through my damp strands.

"How long have you been working here?"

"Oh, many years, miss. Master Gaunt has always been kind to Louna—food, shelter, safety. Louna could ask for no more."

"How many years?" I pressed softly.

"Sixty-eight, miss," she said matter-of-factly, setting the brush aside and reaching for a towel.

Sixty-eight years. My chest tightened at the thought. Nearly a lifetime in service to the Gaunts, without escape, without pause.

"Don't you have a family?" I asked gently, taking the towel from her.

The elf shook her head. "No, miss. Louna has no time for family. Only work. Work is what Louna does best." She gave a small bow and padded toward the door. "I'll see you in the hall, miss."

When she left, the silence felt heavier than the steam curling in the room.

I dried myself and slipped into the soft white robe and slippers laid out on the bed. When I stepped into the hall, Louna was waiting. But she wasn't alone.

Beside her stood a small figure wrapped in a long purple coat, short brown hair brushing her shoulders. The moment she turned, recognition slammed into me.

"Poppy!" I cried, rushing forward.

"Ella!" she squealed, and we collided in a crushing embrace. My throat tightened, eyes stinging with tears of relief.

"Are you here for...?" My voice faltered.

"The wedding, of course." She beamed. "Did you think I'd miss my best friend's wedding?"

I clutched her hand. "Did Ominis invite you?"

She shook her head. "No. Marvolo did. He said you'd need a friend beside you today."