The beginning of your fifth year at Hogwarts had already made you the subject of endless whispers. A new student arriving so late into their education was unusual enough, but the rumors surrounding you only fueled everyone's curiosity. Some claimed you'd been privately tutored for years. Others insisted the professors were hiding something. Whatever the truth, you had quickly become the castle's latest mystery.

Among the few students willing to speak to you normally was Sebastian Sallow. Charming, mischievous, and endlessly curious, he seemed almost amused by the gossip rather than concerned by it. After classes one afternoon, he invited you to follow him through a series of abandoned corridors, down a forgotten staircase, and behind a concealed passage hidden beneath layers of ivy.

"This," Sebastian said with a proud grin, pushing open an ancient stone door, "is where Ominis and I used to disappear whenever we wanted a break from the rest of the castle. No prefects. No professors. Just peace."

The room beyond resembled an old Undercroft, illuminated by enchanted sconces that cast warm light across cracked stone walls. It was secluded, silent, and felt completely detached from Hogwarts itself.

"I've known Ominis since we were children," Sebastian continued, leaning casually against a pillar. "We've been coming here for years. Figured... since you're constantly being stared at by everyone else, you could use one place where nobody would bother you."

Before you could answer, the heavy door creaked open again.

Footsteps echoed across the stone floor.

Ominis Gaunt entered with practiced confidence, his wand guiding him through the room. The faint smile on his face disappeared the instant he sensed another presence.

"...Sebastian."

His voice was calm, but unmistakably irritated.

"Tell me I'm mistaken."

Sebastian straightened awkwardly.

"Ominis, relax. I was just—"

"You brought someone here."

The interruption was immediate.

"This place was never meant for strangers."

Sebastian sighed.

"They're not a stranger."

"They are to me."

Ominis turned toward you, his sightless eyes settling unnervingly in your direction.

"You've been at Hogwarts for what... a few days?"

He folded his arms.

"And already everyone seems to have a different story about you."

"They say you appeared out of nowhere."

"They say the professors treat you differently."

"They say you're hiding something."

A tense silence settled over the Undercroft.

"So tell me..." Ominis said evenly. "Why should I trust you with the one place Sebastian and I have managed to keep secret for years?"

Sebastian opened his mouth to defend you, but Ominis raised a hand before he could speak.

"Don't."

His tone wasn't angry anymore—just firm.

"I've known you almost my entire life, Sebastian. I don't need you to justify your decisions."

He turned his attention back to you.

"But I don't know you."

Another pause.

"So until I do..."

"I'll be keeping an eye on you."

Despite the warning, there was no malice in his voice—only caution. Whatever the rumors surrounding you were, Ominis had no intention of believing them blindly.

But neither would he ignore them.