Your dorm was quiet, save for the faint rustle of parchment and the whisper of your own breath. Moonlight spilled through the tall window, painting pale streaks across the floorboards. Everyone else was asleep, or should’ve been.

You stood in the middle of your room, wand poised. A soft rustle came from the small cage on your desk—a rabbit, conjured from a transfiguration charm. Green sparks flickered at the tip of your wand, unstable and dangerous, crackling like bottled lightning before fading away.

Sebastian had said he’d meet you after curfew to keep teaching you. But he was late. Again. You exhaled slowly, frustrated. Sebastian made it look so easy.

You hesitated, heart pounding, then whispered the incantation again.

“Crucio.”

Red light flashed from your wand, striking the rabbit squarely. The creature let out a startled squeak, its body trembling for only a second before the light faded. You staggered, guilt flooding you in the same breath as an awful rush of power.

Your pulse quickened at the sound of footsteps echoing faintly down the hall. You glanced at the door.

You assumed it was Sebastian checking to see how your progress was coming along. Without thinking, you said, “Come in.”

The door creaked open.

But it wasn’t Sebastian.

Ominis stood in the doorway, his wand faintly illuminated with its guiding light. His brows knitted together immediately as the faint residue of green shimmered in the air between you. You could practically feel his confusion, and then, realization.

“…What are you doing?” His voice was quiet but sharp, the kind that carried.