Chapter Text
"Alora, wake up, for God's sake! We're going to be late for breakfast!"
Imelda Reyes' sharp voice cut through my sleep as she shouted from the doorway. I cracked one eye open and groaned in response. Apparently, that was enough of a cue for her to leave without me. I never imagined I'd have an angry Scottish girl as my personal alarm clock, yet here we were.
The morning light filtered through the depths of the Black Lake, casting a rippling blue hue across the dormitory walls. Hopefully, today would be a nice day. The sounds of my dormmates rushing to get ready for the first day of our seventh year only further pulled me from sleep.
"Does this skirt go better with this tie?"
"Has anyone seen my hairbrush?"
I shared a dorm with Violet McDowell, Priscilla Wakefield, and, of course, Imelda. We got along well, all things considered. As much of a menace as Imelda could be, we'd actually grown close after fifth year. Violet and Priscilla, on the other hand, were practically attached at the hip—popular, especially with the boys. You could find them together almost anywhere. Despite their antics, I had enjoyed sharing a room with them over the years.
I forced myself up and took a quick shower, putting in a little effort for the first day back after the summer break. I pulled on my grey pleated skirt, just above the knee, paired with black tights, a white shirt, my green plaid blazer, and a matching tie. My black shoes completed the look, but my hair—wild as ever—was another battle entirely. I brushed it out, doing my best to tame it, and added a touch of makeup. I had to look somewhat presentable, at least.
Luckily, Violet and Priscilla had waited for me, and together we headed to the Great Hall.
As we stepped inside, the familiar, comforting aroma of fresh pastries, full English breakfasts, and sweet fruit filled the air. No matter how many years passed, it never failed to amaze me how good the food was here.
"Guys, over here!"
Over the commotion, we spotted Imelda waving from the Slytherin table. We took our seats beside her and a few of her Quidditch teammates.
"I saved you some pancakes before they ran out. Don't say I never do anything nice for you," Imelda said, winking as she slid a plate toward me.
"Thanks, Imelda. I'm absolutely starving," I replied, smiling as I dug in.
I was minding my own business, enjoying my pancakes, until Violet and Priscilla's hushed gossip caught my ear.
"Did you hear about Adelaide Oaks? Apparently, she was spotted kissing Sallow in the courtyard."
"That's nothing new—I heard he went to Hogsmeade with Samantha Dale."
My appetite vanished.
I kept my expression neutral, pretending I hadn't heard. His name alone made something inside me twist.
Sebastian Sallow.
He hadn't spoken to me since fifth year. After everything I had done for him—after everything we had been through—he had become a ghost. Our last conversation had been at the end of the year. Then, he left Hogwarts for months. When he returned, he was different. No explanation. No goodbye. Just silence.
I wasn't about to make myself look like a fool chasing after someone who so clearly didn't want to acknowledge me.
By sixth year, he'd earned quite the reputation. A player. He'd grown taller—towering over most of the school now. His shoulders broader, his build more defined. His uniform fit him perfectly, accentuating his athletic frame. His freckles, once so familiar to me, were like scattered constellations against the warmth of his olive skin, framed by chocolate curls that somehow always fell just right.
And every girl at Hogwarts had noticed.
Including him.
I tried to ignore how it made me feel, hearing about him with other girls. We had nothing to do with each other anymore. That was that. But it never made it any easier.
Not wanting to hear another word, I pushed my plate away and stood up.
"I'm going to DADA. I'll see you later."
Imelda shot me a confused look. "But you've barely touched your breakfast. This is your favorite!"
"I'm full. I'll see you next period."
I grabbed my bag and left, not looking back.
————————————-
The Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom was quieter than usual when I arrived. I slid into my usual seat beside Poppy Sweeting, who was, unsurprisingly, already there.
"Good morning, Alora! You look beautiful today!"
That girl truly lived up to her surname.
"Aww, Poppy, you always know how to put a smile on my face. Good morning, love."
Poppy was a lovely soul. Kind-hearted and warm, always the gentlest person in the room. Her dark brown hair, like aged mahogany, framed her face beautifully, and her eyes—deep as coffee—held flecks of gold that sparkled when caught in the light.
Normally, Natsai Onai would have been in the seat across from me, but since I was early, it remained empty.
Until a hand landed on my shoulder.
"Is this seat taken?"
I looked up to find Ominis Gaunt smiling down at me. He had grown considerably since fifth year—one of the tallest boys in school now. His slicked-back platinum hair had gotten longer, still as icy as ever. His skin, pale as a winter storm, contrasted beautifully against his milky, unseeing eyes. He had truly grown into his features—handsome in a way that was both striking and refined.
"Ominis! Of course, please sit down. How have you been?"
"Quite well, thank you, Alora. And you?"
"I'm okay, thanks for asking."
We had drifted apart after fifth year. Occasionally exchanged letters, but it wasn't the same. I was surprised he wanted to sit with me at all. He usually kept to himself.
As he settled in, I noticed Poppy turning a shade of pink beside me.
"Hi, Ominis," she said shyly.
His eyes widened slightly at the interaction. He cleared his throat. "Oh—hello, Poppy. Good morning. I hope you're well."
Poppy beamed. "I'm very good, thank you. Hope you are too."
I glanced between them, suspicion creeping in. Was this why Ominis sat here today?
The room quickly filled as more students arrived, and soon, Professor Hecat stepped forward.
"Good morning, everyone. I trust you all enjoyed your summer. As you know, this year is crucial with your N.E.W.T.s ahead. We'll start today with a duel."
Before she could continue, the door swung open.
"Sorry I'm late, Professor."
"Ah, Mr. Sallow. Nice of you to finally join us."
Sebastian strolled in, half-eaten apple in hand. His tie was loose around his neck, his hair a disheveled mess, and—something I didn't want to notice—his lips looked swollen and red.
Laughter and whispers rippled through the room, but Professor Hecat ignored them.
"As I was saying, we'll begin with a duel. Mr. Sallow, since you were late, you can go first."
The floor shifted as the dueling platform rose into place.
"Miss Winters, you'll be his opponent."
My heart dropped.
Out of all the people in this room—why him?
Sebastian turned toward me, smirking.
"Time for a proper Hogwarts welcome "
A flash of memory hit me. Fifth year. Our first duel. It felt so familiar. And yet, it couldn't have been more different.
For the first time in two years, Sebastian and I locked eyes.
The room fell silent.
And the boy who once looked at me with love and devotion now stared through me like I was nothing.
"I'd like you both to use basic cast, Levioso, Protego, and Depulso only," Hecat instructed.
Half-heartedly, I climbed onto the platform. Two years had passed since I last looked him in the eyes, and now I had no choice but to face him. Sebastian met my gaze, and for the first time, I was forced to see what had become of him. The eyes that once held warmth, mischief, and something deeper—something that used to be mine—were now empty. A blank page. I was a stranger to him.
"You may begin!"
The moment shattered. I steeled myself. I'd beaten him before—I could do it again.
"Levioso!"
"Protego!"
I deflected his spell with ease, countering with a rapid succession of basic casts. He staggered backward, boots skidding slightly against the platform. A flicker of satisfaction curled in my chest, but I forced it down.
"Depulso!"
The blast hit me square in the chest, and I was thrown backward. Pain bloomed across my spine as I hit the floor, gasping.
Sebastian chuckled
"Have to go better than that to beat me!"
"Levioso! Depulso!"
My frustration laced the spell, and in an instant, Sebastian was sent hurtling across the platform. He landed with a heavy thud, a stunned silence washing over the room. I stood, brushing dust off my skirt, satisfaction buzzing in my veins
"I give as good as I get."
The class erupted into cheers, and Professor Hecat nodded in approval
"Well done, Miss Winters. Ten points to Slytherin. Mr. Sallow, let this be a reminder never to underestimate your opponent. Now, who's next?"
As the excitement died down, I glanced at Sebastian. He pushed himself up from the floor, rolling his shoulders before tossing his curls from his face
"Lucky shot," he muttered, voice laced with something unreadable. Then, louder, "I'd like to see you in a real duel."
The air in the room shifted. Conversations stilled, heads turned. A challenge. A provocation.
Leander Prewett scoffed. "Don't be bitter just because she beat you again, Sallow!"
Sebastian didn't react—not to the laughter, not to the looks. His gaze flicked back to me, and for a split second, something flickered there. Confusion.
As if he didn't remember.
And in that moment, I realised the truth.
Sebastian was gone.