Chapter Text
Grace and Imelda truly had nothing better to do. Hogwarts was an ideal school for any aspiring witch or wizard, but it had its downsides at times. Students were bound to get bored after reading textbook after textbook, assignment after assignment. It was only natural for them to grow curious about the great beyond. And to grow even more curious about the tall-tale gossip that festered among them.
The two Slytherins weren’t immune, and what better did they have to do on this fine winter evening?
Besides freezing to death.
Quickly deciding to follow the two obvious love birds on their journey sounded like the most interesting option at hand. The whole school had been gossiping for weeks now. You could take one look at them and tell they were infatuated with each other. Rumors are just rumors, but Imelda had seen Sebastian in recent weeks. He’s been livelier than usual and actually looks like he’s been enjoying life. This had been rare since his sister practically gave him the finger and his uncle's passing. She didn’t know much about the whole ordeal, but whatever happened it upset Sebastian to new highs and lows.
Seems Kathryn was good at everything, mounting a broom, herbology, potion making, and now being a therapist.
The thought made Imelda’s eyes roll into the back of her skull. She’d rather be eaten by chomping cabbages alive than help a man with his internal issues.
Nonetheless, she was subjected to some enlightening gossip earlier at the Great Hall. Sebastian and Kathryn were missing dinner and Ominis and Poppy had sworn an oath of silence. Rare for Poppy to indulge in, but for Ominis this was totally normal.
They had to have heard all kinds of whispers floating about but made no comment on it whatsoever. Even though Imelda could clearly see Poppy holding it in, bless her soul. And for some odd reason, Gareth was sulking at the Gryffindor table surrounded by a small heap of students trying to desperately cheer him up. Imelda could almost feel a shred of pity for the ginger, almost. ( That tidbit of Amortentia gossip hadn’t reached them yet.)
Shaking her head slightly, Imelda walked forward after the two with Grace at her side. The blonde girl grabbed onto Imelda’s robe to hold her up a second before walking clear out of the courtyard.
“What if we’re in for more than we bargained for?” She asked the frowning Slytherin. “Merlin only knows what we’ll see,” Grace chuckled, souring her face on purpose to get a rise out of her partner.
Imelda’s face lightened at the generous words, “I think I’d have to claw my eyes out if that happened.” The girl said, dragging her nails fakely across her face.
Sure, they wanted something to bide their time and to add even more fire to the countless rumors floating about after the potions exam. But they didn’t want to see some live-action PDA in The Forbidden Forest, or even worse.
Grace's hand disappeared behind her robe before pulling out her wand. With a simple blue glow, she was practically invisible. The only way for someone to spot her with this illusion charm would be to get super close.
Imelda flicked her hand at Grace, stating that it would be much easier just to follow them normally. It’s not like they would notice anyway, they were in a completely different world. So they continued their daring trek to a completely unknown destination, the two praying to Merlin it wasn’t some super secret lovers hideaway grotto.
They kept a generous distance behind the pair of gushing students, following them down the dirt path. The earthy ground was covered in a light layer of snowfall. Patches of dark dirt were scattered about, visible in between melted layers. The sloshing beneath their feet continued until the path appeared to lighten up. Its appearance was clearly shoveled away, most likely with the handy use of magic. This was a well-known path that they were headed down, Grace and Imelda figured it out instantly.
All roads lead to Hogsmeade, as they say. And this was exactly where the two were headed.
Their actions would’ve looked silly from any onlooker's point of view, but luckily there weren’t too many people out and about.
The few townsmen they did run into only have a curious glance. You see pairs of students ducking behind obscure objects all the time around these parts. It's common compared to some of the mystical creatures lying dormant in the scattered caverns.
After a semi-brief and very chilly walk, they watched as Sebastian and Kathryn giggled their way through the entrance into the small wizarding town, bustling with all kinds of wizards.
Deciding to opt for a more incognito look, they raised both of their hoods up to cover their hair. It’s not like they had a transfiguration potion just lying around, they had to use their resources and right now this was the best they had.
The daunting pair watched as the Slytherin and Hufflepuff made their way into Gladrags Wizardwear. Imelda and Grace remained outside leaning very inconspicuously against a lamp post, adjacent to the shop. They whispered back and forth to each other to pass the time. It felt like an eternity later, but only a few painstaking minutes had passed.
That’s when they noticed the pair exiting the shop, the door clanking shut as they walked out onto the street. Upon inspection, everything appeared normal. That was until Grace picked up on something, Kathryn was now sporting a new pair of gloves .
Aha, this was it! Grace turned to Imelda before whispering with a hurried hushed tone, “Sebastian must have gifted those to her.”
The blonde was so sure of herself, the new latest piece of gossip and the most eventful thing that has happened all night.
Imelda sighed, “you can’t be sure.” Before turning back to look at the elated girl, joyfully huffing out hot air that was transforming into smoke in the presence of such frigid night air.
It was possible, sure, she’d give Grace that. But it was also highly unlikely. Kathryn had all kinds of different outfits she’d sport in the hallways, besides her regular school attire. It wasn’t uncommon for her to treat herself to something new. And yet, there was something about that blissful happiness on her face that just said it was a gift.
Chalking it up to being nothing, ignoring the girl's happiness, Imelda and Grace watched as the pair briefly peaked inside Pippin's Potions and now waltzed over to Honeydukes.
The cobblestone clacked as they shuffled around to the nearest window they could find. Sadly, it was a bit foggy. Honeydukes and many shops alike had countless heating charms applied on the interior. The exterior wasn’t as lucky, however, subjected to the freezing temperatures around them.
They’d have to take matters into their own hands. Grace looked at Imelda, giving her a nod of affirmation before entering the store. The entrance door jingled, a golden bell ringing a top, signaling a new customer had just walked through the door. Luckily for them, it was pretty crowded tonight.
They opted for ducking behind a rack of candied golden snitches, peering out the side like a comedic cartoon duo. Staring down at the couple, they watched in horror as Sebastian placed his arm along the girl's back. This touchy sentiment then grew into something more, his hand now gripping her waist. The act caused Kathryn to lean further into the boy, the two looking at the shelves in front of them for what Imelda guessed was some sort of chocolate product.
Continuing to watch them, they noticed Sebastian’s hand easing up from the girl's waist and settling down in the middle of her back. They continued to look around on the shelf, picking up products and showing them to each other. Imelda and Grace were out of earshot and couldn’t hear a word they were saying with all the bustling chatter. So instead, they had to opt for visuals.
Kathryn picked up what appeared to be a chocolate frog in her hand and showed it to the Slytherin wrapped around her. Sebastian nodded with a smile before readjusting his arm on her back.
That’s when Imelda and Grace recognized something truly shocking, no, horrifying.
Sebastian cozied his hand up tightly against the girl's fabric and started placing gentle circles with his thumb along the small of the blonde's back. This display of affection was nothing short of nauseating to Imelda.
“They’re totally shagging,” Grace whispered to her crouched-down partner in crime.
“Are not,” Imelda replied flatly, keeping her eyes locked on the pair.
“Um hello?— Do you see them right now?” Grace threw her hand forward, desperately trying to point out the very noticeable PDA they were gazing upon.
“Oh, I see them alright.” Her face stayed locked into the same scowl as always.
Sebastian’s arm stayed snaked around the girl's waist, pulling her around the shop to show her all the spectacular treats. His arm stayed steady, never letting go, only tightening the grip he had every now and then.
Almost in unison, Grace and Imelda’s faces scrunched up in a tight grimace, jaws slightly agape. They could not believe the sight unfolding in front of them.
It was quite the spectacle, and would soon become another household name of gossip if the two had any say in the matter.
After an eternity of soured faces and fake gagging, they watched as the pair made their way to check out, chocolate frog in hand.
Like the gentlemen he was, Sebastian was the one paying for the dessert. A sight that made Grace give Imelda a signifying thumbs up, approving of the lads character.
Imelda couldn’t care less who paid for the sweet treat, but she was a little bit annoyed that no one had ever bought her one, deep down.
They peered around the enormous shelf decked with sweets, watching the two navigate successfully around customers before exiting the shop.
It was go time, Imelda and Grace made their way to the door in a half crouch half standing position. They couldn’t lose them now.
Staying hot on their trail, they continued to follow them all the way to Hogsmeade Valley. Stopping by an old rustic structure of rocks and a bench older than time itself. It was lit by a single lamp, beaming faintly against the dark evening sky. The metal appeared to be freezing cold, along with the solid ground beneath their feet.
The hiding spots weren’t ample around these parts. It was either a bush or a big rock. Deciding to choose the crumbled rocky structure, they made their way over carefully, so as to not be spotted.
Sebastian and Kathryn were sitting down on the bench directly off of the dirt path, not far from Hogsmeade at all.
Imelda peered over the structure that sat directly behind the two, perfect angle. Grace nudged her friend, whispering, “it’s getting colder Imelda.” Shivering slightly at the cold breeze now afflicting them.
It was indeed getting colder as night approached, basically upon the two already. Hopefully, the duo would wrap things up soon, they didn’t want to freeze to death just for some petty gossip. Okay, maybe they were a little more invested than they’d like to say, but they’d never admit to it.
They watched as Kathryn unwrapped her chocolate frog, it jumped in the palm of her hand almost startling her. Sebastian let out a chuckle from afar, desperately trying to wrestle the rambunctious sweet treat.
However, he was not so successful. The frog jumped from the palm of her hand into his lap and onto the girl's shoulder before she grabbed it hastily. Her unwavering grip allowed her to take a bite of the chocolate, humming with delight. Imelda could see her offer a piece to Sebastian, which he happily accepted.
The pair finished eating their dessert, now leaning back into the bench staring up at the sky. Imelda could see the Slytherin make a yawning motion, smoothly putting his arm behind the girl.
Sebastian, that absolute dog .
Kathryn leaned into the touch, laying up against the boy's side. She was probably delighted at the warmth radiating from Sebastian.
Imelda was either going to have to cuddle with Grace or cast a warming charm at this point.
However, Grace beat her to it. Her wand showed a bright yellow hue, and their robes both started to slowly warm up, radiating a delicate heat.
The raven-haired Slytherin was thankful for her friend's quick thinking. The warmth was pleasant, very pleasant.
It allowed them to focus on the show in front of them with ease, instead of biting their chattering teeth together.
Grace was on her tip-toes peering over the dirt-stained rocks. Her eyes creased as she saw the pair look into each other's eyes, talking about some kind of potion.
She couldn’t be sure of what she heard, but she believed it was about the final exam in Professor Sharp’s class. Which would mean the potion in question was Amorentia.
The blonde Slytherin whispered to her partner, “they’re talking about a love potion.”
“You mean the final exam?” Imelda asked. Trying to desperately listen in on the two at the same time.
“That’s what I assumed,” Grace trailed off, “unless—” Her eyes darted to the side before her finger shot up in deceleration. Pausing to wait for her friend to finish her sentence.
“Unless what?” Imelda asked, waiting on her friend to finish her eager thought.
“They could’ve illegally brewed it and drank it!” Grace stated, proud of herself for the bold accusation.
Imelda's mouth uptick in disagreement, “no it has to be the final exam, you idiot.” She studied the pair for a second more, “plus, why would two people clearly in love drink the potion?”
Grace nodded, “fair point.” Before going back to her bird-like position of stalking.
She almost gasped when she looked upon the couple, about to lock lips at that. Imelda scowled, and Grace giddily bounced up and down, quietly.
The motion was quick and purposeful, the two breaking away after a soft kiss. However, to Grace and Imelda’s shock, they went for another, and another.
Sebastian was now cupping Kathryn’s face, dragging his hand through her hair. Her blonde locks rustled up in each motion. The girl's body leaned deeper into the act of love and on the boy's chest.
Imelda was ready to vomit at the site, and yet she couldn’t stop watching. It was like a porn flick evolving in front of them. Disgusting .
Then there was Grace, she was absolutely beside herself at the act of affection. Her jaw was on the floor, equal to Imelda’s. She started eagerly tapping on the dark-haired girl's shoulder, making sure she was watching the same sight as her.
It went on for what felt like forever, but in reality, it was only a few minutes at best.
The couple seemed to separate, Sebastian, standing up first, motioning for Kathryn to grab his hand. The offered help off the breach was greatly appreciated with a daunting Hufflepuff grabbing the boy's hand and contouring to hold it as they were just about to walk off.
Grace peered over her looking spot one final time, her foot accidentally crunching on a dried branch directly below her.
“ Bloody hell,” she spat out without warning. Imelda immediately threw a shushing finger over her mouth before whipping around to see if they had been caught.
Kathryn and Sebastian’s heads quickly flicked back, assessing where the noise had come from. Maybe they thought it was a pair of animals?
Grace and Imelda studied the situation for a brief second, before deciding on the best option at hand. Which for them in this brief moment was to book it.
The dashing duo took off into the night, Slytherin hoods ablaze in the cold night air passing them as they ran into the distance.
Sebastian and Kathryn stood there, watching the inconspicuous duo run off into the “sunset.” It was completely dark out now, but it seemed fitting.
“Oh, bloody hell was that—?” Sebastian asked Kathryn, both of them continuing to study the pair's faint silhouettes in the distance.
Knowingly she replied, “yep.” Before dragging Sebastian by his hand down the dirt path in front of them. “Can't wait for all the gossip tomorrow sweetheart ,” she mocked at the Slytherin, before giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
“My own house members, what a betrayal,” Sebastian said feigning an injury to the chest.
“Unlike your little snakes, by dear Hufflepuffs would never,” the blonde said.
“What about Poppy?” Sebastian asked, causing the girl to stop and reassess her previous thought. “We’re screwed aren’t we?” She asked the taller boy.
“Not a doubt in my mind love,” Sebastian grinned, gripping her hand with an affirmation of what was to come.