Summary: During the final dinner of the school year, an unexpected interaction between her and Leander sparks a new, promising friendship. However, the exchange is a source of bitter jealousy and profound insecurity for both Garreth and Sebastian, whose subtle and not-so-subtle reactions hint at a complex and emotionally charged path ahead for the trio.
Word Count: 620 words
The final dinner of the school year had just concluded, and the Great Hall, once filled with the joyous clamor of students, was now slowly emptying. She lingered, watching the last few stragglers filter out, a bittersweet feeling in her chest. A deep sense of loneliness settled over her, a yearning for a true home, a place she had never known. As she finally began to make her way toward the massive oak doors, a voice broke through the quiet.
"Hi there!" She turned to see Leander Prewett closing the distance between them in a few quick strides. "I just wanted to say well done," he said, a gentle smile gracing his features. "On winning crosswands two years in a row, and the Summoner's Court as well." His voice carried a sincerity that surprised her.
"Oh, thanks," she replied, a blush warming her cheeks. "It was just luck."
"Don't be so humble, it was well earned" he insisted. "Your quick thinking and your... unique abilities... made you unbeatable."
She smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes. "I appreciate that, Prewett."
"I've been meaning to tell you," he continued, his gaze meeting hers with an intensity that made her heart skip a beat, "I admire you. Your courage, your determination, your willingness to stand up for what you believe in... it's inspiring."
She blushed deeper, her gaze dropping to the floor. "It's nothing, really," she mumbled.
"It's not nothing," he countered, his voice gentle. "You're extraordinary. And I..." he paused, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face, "I wish I had gotten to know you better."
She looked up, surprised by his confession. "We can still get to know each other, Prewett," she said, a hopeful note in her voice. "There's always next year. Besides," she added with a playful smile, "you can always owl me during the summer."
"I'll do that," he said, a genuine smile returning to his face.
Garreth, who had been watching from a distance, felt a familiar knot of jealousy tighten in his stomach. Leander's intentions had been an open secret, but Garreth's Gryffindor courage faltered under the weight of his insecurities. He was no match for Leander. In a moment of crushing certainty, he knew she would definitely choose someone like Leander.
Across the hall, Sebastian watched the interaction, a bitter feeling coiling in his gut. Contrary to Garreth, he was completely unaware of Leander's intentions; Merlin knows what would happen if only he knew. But the mere sight of them together, talking and smiling, sparked an unfamiliar kind of jealousy he tried to bury every time another boy spoke to her. From a distance, his casual stroll became a purposeful walk in their direction, Ominis following blindly by his side. Sebastian’s eyes were fixed on Leander, a look of pure menace burning in his gaze. It was a silent, but clear, warning. Leander's smile faltered, and with a quick farewell and a promise to owl her over the summer, he made a hasty retreat.
Sebastian finally reached her side. "Ready to leave tomorrow?" he asked, his voice low.
She shook her head, a nostalgic smile on her face. "No," she sighed, wrapping an arm around his waist. Sebastian's heart gave a jolt, a familiar warmth spreading through him. "But I suppose missing this place will only make me want to come back more."
To Sebastian, this place wasn't just a castle; it was home. And home, he realized, was wherever his friends were—wherever she was.
"Have you two already retrieved your belongings from the Undercroft?" Ominis asked from her other side, his voice a little sharp. "You better not have left any food there to attract rodents over the summer. That place is sacred."
"I'll miss you too, Ominis," she said with a laugh, playfully looping her other arm around his waist as well. Ominis flinched at the unexpected contact, but quickly relaxed, a faint smile touching his lips. It was a rare kind of comfort, one he only allowed himself with a select few.
And just like that, year six is done! I honestly didn't plan on writing this much for it—what began as a way to flesh out the characters turned into its own massive story arc. I've got a ton of stuff for year seven mapped out, but it's still just a bunch of ideas floating around in my head. I'm going to hit pause on new chapters for a little while to get it all down on paper. I appreciate you all sticking with me. Talk soon!
