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Chapter 44: Mistakes Were Made.
🕑 Added 2025-04-14 12:46:24 +0000 UTCAuthor’s Note:
This was the longest chapter I’ve written so far… and I’m exhausted. It took around 10 hours of continuous work. Next chapter is for TASB, then were back to CA. I don't know when I'll post it since I don't think I'll want to write today lol.
Let me know what you thought of this one! And if you want to skip the lemon, feel free to jump ahead to the “Next Day” section.
Thanks as always for reading and let me know what you think.
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction intended for mature audiences. All characters depicted in sexual situations are aged 18 or older and are portrayed as consenting adults. This story contains adult themes, but does not depict real people or real events.
Celestial Ascendancy
Chapter 44: Mistakes Were Made.
Hogwarts.
Elias Black.
“I missed having you like this, babe,” I groaned, eyes locked on Hermione as she bobbed her head fast. The sound of her sopping wet mouth enveloped me as I did my best to hold on.
Iris was beside me, pressing soft kisses to my cheek and neck; she moaned softly as she did, her mouth leaving wet tracks across my body.
“She does look beautiful like that, I must admit,” Iris laughed, gently running her fingers through Hermione’s bushy hair.
I nodded slowly. She really did. Those big brown eyes stared up at me, filled with devotion, as she tried to take me as deep as she could.
With a final wet pop, Hermione pulled back, licking her lips with a smirk. “I think I want to watch Iris go down on you, Eli.”
Iris’s grin widened as she dropped to her knees, wrapping her tiny hands around my cock and stroking it fast, smirking as she watched my face curiously. She always enjoyed watching my reactions.
I groaned and leaned back onto the bed, reaching for Hermione and pulling her with me.
“I think I have a better idea, Mione,” I murmured with a grin, guiding her to drape across my chest.
Gripping her thick thighs, I pulled her forward, burying my face between her legs and feasting on her dripping slit like a man starved.
Hermione moaned and squealed as she ran her fingers through my hair, her back hunched as she did her best to drown me in her love juices. She ground her sopping wet snatch across my lips with continuous moans as I did my dammed best to eat her out as well as I could.
Even as Iris did her damnedest to suck the soul out of me, I focused on Mione, licking her soft, flushed lips with the flat of my tongue, determined to make her cum across my face.
Iris didn’t let up, her mouth working me over relentlessly, spit and the warm pressure of her mouth all combining into something delicious. I groaned again, muffled between Mione’s thighs as I did my best to match the rhythm. My tongue circled, flicking, plunging, and drinking in every soft moan as I grinned beneath her.
Oh, I had missed this.
Then I shuddered, Iris' talented tongue making me curl my toes and pump my hips up, earning a small groan deep from her throat.
I grunted, my hips twitching as I spilled into Iris’s mouth. She moaned low, her throat vibrating around me as she drank every drop.
At the same moment, I doubled down on Mione. My fingers spread her beautiful pink pussy open while I dragged the flat of my tongue across them; my other hand rubbed the small nub above her.
She cried out, thighs trembling around my head, and came hard against my mouth, her body shuddering as I held her tight.
Iris stood quickly, silent, and breathless. There was something electric in her eyes as she leaned over and grabbed Hermione’s cheeks, pulling her in for a deep, hungry kiss.
Hermione gasped into her mouth but didn’t pull away. She kissed Iris’s back with the same fire, and I watched, grinning and turned on beyond belief, as my taste passed between their lips in a messy make-out session.
“Why does he taste so good!?” Hermione whined as she dragged her lips across Iris’s.
“I know, right?” Iris smirks, “I swear, he tastes divine.”
Unconsciously, I puffed my chest out as I grinned at them.
“You two taste the same,” I nodded sagely, “I’ll end up addicted to you two.”
Iris locked eyes with Hermione, and the room was silent for a moment. I didn't know what was going on, but the only sound was the thump of my heart inside my chest.
They didn’t say a word; they just looked at each other. A soft, slow nod passed between them. It was a small thing, but one thing I was sure of was that it was filled with intensity.
Iris turned to me, her fingers curling around my wrist as she tugged gently. “Come here,” she whispered, her voice a low purr.
I let her pull me off the bed, still catching my breath, and watched as Hermione lay herself down in the center of it, her chest rising and falling fast. Her cheeks flushed a deep red that only made her look more beautiful. She had a thin shine of her sweat as her thighs shifted slightly as she spread her legs shyly. Her eyes never left mine.
Iris moved behind me, wrapping her arms around my chest, her voice brushing against my ear like molten lava.
“We want you, Eli, and we are ready,” she murmured, setting my every nerve on fire. “We want you inside us, love.”
My throat tightened as I felt my breath coming out erratically. I knew this was coming, but I was never sure when. We had fooled around for a while, and to be honest, I didn’t see my life in the future without these two. They were the love of my life, and they mattered more to me than anything I owned.
I climbed onto the bed, hands trailing over Hermione’s hips as she reached up to pull me into a kiss . It was a soft thing, trembling, and full of anticipation that I did my best to match.
Her fingers tangled in my hair, and I could feel the tension in her muscles as I settled between her thighs.
“I love you, Hermione,” I smiled softly, my forehead pressed against hers as I locked my gaze with hers.
She nodded, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I know, Eli. And I love you too. More than you can imagine.”
I kissed her gently, not rushed or hungry, just a slow press of lips that said everything I couldn’t put into words.
With shaking hands, I reached down to guide myself, feeling her warmth as I brushed against her entrance. She flinched slightly but didn’t pull away. Her fingers gripped the sheets beside her head, her chest rising and falling as I pressed forward.
I tried to go slow.
I really did.
But between the nerves and the overwhelming heat of the moment, my hips jerked a little too far, too fast.
I felt the way she stiffened beneath me, her walls clamping down hard like a vice.
“Ah—!” she whimpered, her body going tense. Those beautiful chocolate eyes widened in alarm.
“Shit,” I whispered, freezing immediately. “Mione, I’m sorry… are you okay?”
She didn’t answer right away. She was breathing sharply, and I could see a flicker of nervousness behind her eyes. Her body shook ever so slightly, caught between pain and desire.
Iris moved closer instantly, her presence helping as she brushed Hermione’s hair from her face and leaned in close.
“You’re okay, Mione,” Iris whispered softly, kissing a tear that had slid down Hermione’s cheek. “You’re doing so good, sweetheart. Just breathe deeply, alright?”
Hermione’s lips quivered, and she gave a tight nod.
Iris kissed another tear away, then lowered her lips to Hermione’s neck, tracing slow kisses down to her chest. Her mouth found one of Hermione’s tits, her tongue flicking gently over the sensitive nub before suckling it.
Her free hand moved up, tweaking the other hardened nub between her fingers, while her other hand slid between Hermione’s legs.
Gently, Iris began leaving featherlight circles across her clit, matching the rhythm of her tongue.
Hermione gasped, not in pain this time, but in surprise.
“Iris…” she breathed, her voice cracking. “Oh, Merlin, babe, keep doing that.”
“Let yourself feel it,” Iris murmured between kisses. “Let your body take over. You’re safe. We’ve got you.”
I stayed still, watching Iris work her magic, and slowly, I felt Hermione’s body begin to relax beneath me. The iron grip on my cock eased, her thighs falling just a little farther apart, her hips rising slightly to meet me.
I rocked into her with a slow, careful rhythm. More than half of my cock was outside, but I loved the feeling. Her warm, inviting lips began to part and allowed me deeper inside.
Her body trembled, and she wrapped one hand around my thigh, and the other one caressed Iris’s head, her fingers dragged across my skin.
“Mmm- Merlin, that’s good,” she whimpered. Then her voice dropped to a whisper, a needy one, for that matter. “I want to eat you, Iris. While having Eli inside me.”
Iris blinked owlishly and then laughed; she laughed loudly and gave a last nip on Hermione’s reddened nipple.
“Well then,” she purred, already crawling over, “who am I to deny my girlfriend when she asks so sweetly?”
She moved carefully, positioning herself so her knees straddled Hermione’s head. With a breathless little laugh, she looked over her shoulder at me, then down at Hermione.
“I think I should be looking the other way,” she grinned playfully, then turned around, locking eyes with me as I continued to enjoy Hermione’s warm depths.
Hermione groaned in answer, her hands gripping Iris’s thighs and pulling her down. Iris released a soft gasp, settling onto her face with a shiver.
“Ah- Merlin, Mione,” Iris breathed, her voice hitching as Hermione’s tongue got to work.
The sound of my bushy-haired girlfriend lapping at the soaked Iris’s slit was heavenly.
I couldn’t look away even if I wanted to.
Hermione writhed beneath me, flushed and needy, taking me in while Iris sat on her face, moaning and grinding softly above her. I thrusted again, deeper now, and Hermione melted into it, her body as soft as putty in my hands.
Iris looked back at me, eyes gleaming with mischief and excitement.
“Look at her, Eli,” she murmured, reaching down to cup Hermione’s breasts, squeezing and fondling them rougher than before. “I can hear you going inside, Mione; how does she feel, love?”
Before I could reply, she shook her head with a laugh and looked down.
Her fingers traced a path down Hermione’s skin, following the curve of her ribs to her stomach. Her hand paused there, resting just above where I was buried inside her.
“Merlin, Eli…” she whispered sultrily. “I think I can feel it… Eli, you are messing up her insides.”
Hermione moaned into her, and Iris squealed as the squelching sound of the cunnilingus increased.
Iris grinned.
Without another word, she leaned forward, bending herself into a basic sixty-nine. Her face now hovering just above Hermione’s glistening folds, already slick and swollen from everything we’d done. She looked up at me once, her tongue sliding out to tease Hermione’s clit in slow, deliberate strokes as she moaned into her.
“Take it out, Eli,” Iris groaned, “I want to taste your cock slick with her juices.”
I groaned low in my throat, smirking at the request. Slowly, I slid out of Hermione, dragging every inch out with a great deal of reluctance. Mione whimpered beneath me, clinging just a bit tighter before I pulled free completely.
“Fuck…” Hermione moaned, hips rolling upward. She was trembling on the bed as she continued lapping at Iris.
Iris wasted no time. She leaned in, wrapping her hand around me before kissing the tip, then licking her way down my shaft, her lips and tongue dancing eagerly as she cleaned every trace of Hermione from my cock.
Her eyes flicked up at me, darkened with lust. With a soft pop, she let me go and gave a smirk.
“Back in you go. I think I have a favorite new taste.”
Guided by her hand, I sank back into Hermione. Faster this time, taking my time to enjoy her walls hugging me tightly.
“I can feel the burn,” she babbled, her voice muffled under Iris’s ass. “You’re… stretching me so good, Eli. Gods, it hurts, and it feels so good.”
I kissed Iris's forehead, never stopping the grind of my hips, and Iris went back to play with her tits.
“You’re taking him so well, Mione,” Iris murmured, her lips brushing inching closer to mine, and then she kissed me. “You look so perfect, babe.”
Hermione whimpered, caught between our touches, her hands flying to Iris’s ass as her whole body began to tremble again. Then I felt it, the way her inner walls pulsed and clenched faster and faster as time passed.
Iris leaned down and returned to eating Hermione out, which finally broke her.
Hermione cried out into Iris’s ass, her legs trembling violently as her orgasm crashed over her. Her walls fluttered around me, spasming, milking me for everything I had, even as I held back with sheer will. Until I couldn't.
I grunted as I began to cum, breathing hard, and pulled out before I rolled to the side.
Hermione’s skin was flushed and shining with sweat, her chest rising and falling in shaky breaths.
Iris leaned in to watch her fluttering pussy before gasping, “Oh Merlin, Mione. I can see Eli’s seed inside you.”
That brought me back to earth, and I panicked.
“Merlin, I'm sorry, love.” I sputtered, “It just felt so good inside you; we need to visit Madam Pomfrey tomorrow morning.”
Hermione laughed breathlessly, “Don't worry about that, Eli. Iris asked for the potion a few days ago. I love feeling it inside me. Never apologize for that, love.”
I brushed Hermione’s hair from her damp forehead, and she gave me a slow, blissful smile. “It was perfect, Eli. Thank you.”
Before I could reply, her expression shifted.
Still catching her breath, she turned toward Iris with a sparkle in her eyes and a wicked grin on her lips.
“Your turn,” she whispered huskily.
Before Iris could react, Hermione pushed her back onto the bed, crawling over her with slow, predatory movements.
Iris laughed breathlessly, her head falling back on the pillows, legs parting instinctively.
“Oh, Merlin,” Iris whispered, laughing again. “I’m in danger.”
Hermione just grinned sharply. “You should clean me up,” she murmured, crawling forward until she straddled Iris’s chest, her thighs still trembling slightly. “Let’s not waste Eli’s seed, love.”
Iris’s eyes darkened with arousal. She reached up, gripping Hermione’s hips as her tongue flicked out to taste the mess between her thighs, moaning softly as she savored the blend of both of us.
“Mmm… filthy,” Iris breathed against her skin. “And so fucking good.”
I watched, breath caught in my throat, as Hermione rocked gently over her mouth. Iris’s moans grew louder, her body squirming beneath her, hands gripping Hermione like she never wanted to let go.
When Hermione finally pulled away, leaving Iris flushed and with wet tracks all over her face, she slid down, nestling next to Iris's thighs and pressing a kiss just above her mound.
“Now,” she whispered, “l think Eli waited enough.”
I didn’t need to be told twice.
Sliding between Iris’s legs, I settled into the space they’d made for me. Iris looked up at me, cheeks red, her emerald eyes wide as she panted with a grin on her messed up face.
Her lips still glistening from her time with Hermione. She looked tiny beneath me, but her eyes burned with something far more intense.
“Don’t go easy,” she whispered, wrapping her legs around my waist and began pulling me in. “I don’t want gentle.”
I kissed her once, then guided myself to her entrance and pushed in.
She was tight. Tighter than Hermione. Her body clung to me with a resistance that made me shudder; every inch was a fight, but one she clearly relished. Her back arched, nails digging into my shoulders as I bottomed out, groaning and growling at the way she squeezed around me.
“Fuck,” she gasped, her voice trembling with pain and pleasure. “Yes… yes, just like that.”
I moved faster. She met every thrust with a desperation that I matched, moaning louder than either of us had yet. She wanted the stretch. Still catching her breath beside us, Hermione reached over and laced her fingers through Iris’s, holding her thigh.
“You’re perfect,” I whispered into her neck, even as I snapped my hips harder. She didn’t want me to be gentle, and I would do absolutely anything she told me right now.
Iris took it all. She wanted it all. And when she came, it wasn’t quiet, or soft for that matter. It was a full-body shudder, a scream into the crook of my neck, her legs clamping around me as I finally let myself go, spilling inside her with a groan that echoed in the hollow.
We collapsed in a tangled mess of limbs, sweat, juices, and blood. All three of us were panting but with a shit-eating grin on our faces.
“Let me catch my breath, love,” Iris groaned in satisfaction, “But I want another go before we sleep.”
Next day.
I couldn’t help the wide grin spreading across my face as I walked hand-in-hand with the girls out of the common room.
We didn’t have much planned for the day. None of our devil friends could visit, which was a shame... I’d been getting pretty close to all of them, and time was running out.
I’d grown a lot stronger over the past few weeks… but I still didn’t know if I was ready for the cemetery.
Seekvaira had slowed down our training, primarily because I’d surpassed her by the end of the second week. Sparring with Sai and his peerage had made that possible. Honestly, I couldn’t believe the guy’s luck. When he introduced the orange-haired kid in the cloak, I never would’ve guessed he was hiding a Longinus-tier Sacred Gear.
Regulus was… weird.
Not at all what I expected from the spirit of the Nemean Lion, or whatever he really was. Still, he got along well with everyone, though his bond with Dobby outshone all of us. I nearly had to beat him up just to stop him from trying to poach Dobby for Sai’s peerage, all because of his special magic and apparently divine-tier cooking skills.
He was a good sport about it, though. Hard to dislike someone like that.
He beat the crap out of me during our first match, but each time since, I’ve gotten stronger. He was… hard to beat. He might’ve been more durable than Sairaorg and me, which was insane. But I liked that. It meant I could let loose without worrying about breaking him.
Sairaorg couldn’t tank Aetherium-infused attacks, at least in his normal form. Regulus could.
It was the only way I could even hurt him. Unlike Sai himself, who I had to challenge through different methods, Regulus was straightforward.
I still wasn’t ready to face his “Regulus Nemea Leather Rex” form… but I was getting closer. Closer every session.
“What are you thinking about, Eli?” Iris asked, her voice dreamy, a dopey smile on her face as she watched the students rushing around the castle.
“Ah,” I smiled softly, gently squeezing her hand. “Our friends. And wondering what we’ll do today.”
“Yeah,” Hermione nodded, “it’s a shame they couldn’t come. Did you have anything in mind we don’t know about?”
“Nope,” I chuckled. “Do either of you have something you want to do?”
Iris bit her lip, then shook her head. “I don’t think it would be prudent to do what I want to do,” she said with a grin, before wincing with every other step. The limp in her walk made me way prouder than I should’ve been but screw it. I’d earned that. And I was damn proud of it.
Hermione rolled her eyes, limping just the same, and I couldn’t help smirking. They both huffed at me, but I saw the grins on their faces.
“I don’t have anything in mind,” Mione sighed. “I mean… sleeping sounds nice. But people might wonder where we disappeared to.”
“It’s Hogsmeade day,” Iris pointed out. “Why don’t we grab something at Rosmerta’s? I could go for a bite.”
“Oh, nice idea, luv,” Hermione grinned, “We could invite some friends.”
“Who do you have in mind?” I asked as we continued walking.
“Fleur, maybe?” Iris grinned unrepentantly. “Also, Ginny and Luna. It’s been a while since we talked, and I want to make sure the Nargles didn’t come back to bother her,” she added with a scowl.
My expression softened. I hadn’t threatened the Ravenclaws, exactly, but I’d done something to help Luna blend in more with the other girls. We’d all just been so busy this year… It would be nice to see the scatter-brained girl again.
“I think that’s a great idea, love,” I said, smiling at Iris before glancing at Hermione. “That alright with you, Mione?”
“Of course it is,” Hermione said, glaring at me with narrowed eyes. “They’re my friends too, you know.”
“Perfect,” I chuckled, pulling the Marauder’s Map from my pocket. “I solemnly swear that I’m up to no good.”
With just a fleeting glance, I scanned the map. One of the perks of my enhanced mind. I could absorb almost everything in an instant. It never stopped being awesome.
“Ginny and Luna are by the lake,” I told them. “Fleur’s in her carriage.”
“Let’s go, then!” Iris whooped, taking off. She immediately winced mid-step.
“I swear to Merlin, Iris,” Hermione sighed, exasperated.
“I hate you and your dumb body, Eli,” Iris grumbled, glaring sharply in my direction. “You’re so bullshit.”
Grinning, I leaned in and kissed her brow, tugging them along as we made our way out. Moments like this, when it was just us, were the ones I treasured the most. Things had changed a bit after yesterday, but everything was for the better. We were closer now, and I loved it.
Ten minutes later, we spotted the two girls sitting by the lake.
Luna had her shoes off, dipping her feet into the water, humming something tuneless as she giggled with Ginny.
“Hey, girls!” Iris called out cheerfully. “How are you? Got any plans for today?”
Ginny stood up, a bright smile on her round face.
Yeah, I noticed the double-take she gave me. Her little crush was honestly kind of cute.
Luna turned toward us with a dreamy smile. “Hello, Iris. I see an abundance of Blush-winged Pillowflutter fluttering around the three of you.”
Hermione stared at her blankly before sighing and pulling her into a hug. “I will never understand you,” she muttered fondly. “How are you, Luna?”
“I’m fine,” Luna said, beaming. “But clearly not as good as you three.”
I looked at her weirdly but didn't comment. That sounded almost teasing.
“No plans, then?” Iris asked, still grinning.
“Nope,” Luna replied simply.
“Perfect. Want to come to Hogsmeade? We thought we’d grab a bite, maybe pick up a few things.”
Ginny’s smile faded a little. “I… don’t really have any galleons right now, Iris.”
“Bah,” I said, rolling my eyes. “We’re inviting you. Don’t worry about it. We just want to hang out.”
She still looked unsure. Ginny was always stubborn about anything resembling pity, so I pressed on.
“I know we’ve all been busy this year,” I said gently. “We haven’t spent as much time together as we used to, so we’d really like to enjoy the day with you two. Please, Ginny, don’t overthink it.”
She hesitated, and I smiled. “If it makes you feel better, just consider it a long-term loan. You can pay me back when you’re playing for the Harpies.”
That got her. She laughed with a blush on her face. “Fine,” she said, mock-defeated. “But I am paying you back.”
“Sure, sure,” Iris grinned. “Same goes for you, Luna. We’ve got you covered today.”
“Okay,” Luna replied simply, her eyes sparkling. “Should we go now?”
I shook my head. “Not yet. We’re missing someone. I hope you two can get along with her.”
Ginny tilted her head in curiosity, but Luna just giggled. “Her? Ooh… I wonder what the Prophet will say tomorrow.”
Iris cackled and started gently nudging the girls toward the Beauxbatons carriage. We chatted on the way, though nothing of note came up, just the easy conversation of friends falling into step together again.
Once we arrived, I knocked on the carriage door. A French girl I didn’t recognize opened it, eyeing our group with narrowed suspicion.
The girl standing in the doorway raised an eyebrow at our group, her sharp gaze sweeping over each of us before landing squarely on me. Then she spoke.
Something in French. Fast, sharp, and definitely not welcoming.
I blinked.
“Uh…”
She tilted her head slightly, arms crossed, and repeated it. Slower this time, but it still sounded like gibberish to my ears.
I turned to Hermione and gave her a helpless look. “I caught like… two syllables. Maybe three. And I'm pretty sure one of them was ‘baguette.’”
Hermione rolled her eyes. “She asked why a Hogwarts champion was looking for Fleur and if you were here to spy on her.”
I couldn’t help it; I burst out laughing. “Spy on a fellow champion? Girl, I don’t need that.”
The girl didn’t seem impressed. She narrowed her eyes at me again as if she didn’t quite believe what Hermione translated. But after another few exchanged words with Hermione, she finally nodded, turned on her heel, and shut the door behind her.
“Okay, what was that about?” Iris asked, leaning in.
Hermione sighed. “Like I said, she thought Eli might be here to snoop around or challenge Fleur or… something. She wasn’t sure why a Hogwarts Triwizard champion would knock on their door on a day off.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “I could be an awesome spy.”
Before anyone could add to that, the door creaked open again.
This time, it wasn’t suspicion that greeted us; it was the sun.
Fleur stepped out of the carriage, the breeze catching the hem of her pale sundress as it swayed around her knees. Her silvery-blonde hair was loose, flowing down her shoulders as it fluttered under the wind. Her eyes brightened when she saw our group before she smirked with wide eyes.
“How lovely to see you all,” she said in her usual melodic voice. “And what surprises you brought, Elias.”
“What are you talking about, Fleur?” I asked confusedly.
She laughed, the tittering sound was music to our ears. She had a teasing grin on her face as she waved her hand through the air.
“Nothing, my dear,” she smirked, “Did you need something?”
Iris grinned, “Are you good to go out? We want to grab a bite and spend the day, so we wanted to invite you.”
“That's sweet of you, Iris.” Fleur smiled softly, but the way her eyes were filled with mirth confused me. “And it would be my pleasure if you let me grab my purse.”
“No need for that, Fleur,” Hermione frowned, “We’re inviting you.”
Hogsmeade.
Iris Potter.
The girls got along surprisingly well, thankfully. Ginny had looked a bit thrown when she first saw Fleur, but to her credit, she managed to get past her imagination and actually talk to her. They’d been chatting about Quidditch and all sorts of things since, acting like they’d been friends for years.
“Eli, can you grab some butterbeers for us?” I asked, flashing him a sweet smile.
“Sure thing, love,” Elias replied, already heading off.
Fleur grinned as she watched him go, and immediately, I felt a sliver of concern tighten in my chest.
“You go, girls,” she laughed, her eyes dancing with mischief. “So… how was he? Did he do anything special?”
Hermione choked on her drink, sputtering into the foam as her cheeks turned the color of a shrimp. Ginny blinked, confused. Luna just kept that dreamy smile on her face, like nothing surprised her.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I said smoothly, slowly sipping my butterbeer like I wasn’t already feeling on fire inside.
Fleur leaned in, her smirk widening. “Oh, please. I know. I can see it in your auras.”
Hermione went nuclear. I didn’t even need to look at her to know she was practically vibrating with embarrassment. My own cheeks were definitely warmer than they had any right to be.
“Hah!” Fleur cackled. “I knew it. Spill, girl. How was it?”
“It was…” I trailed off, sighing dreamily. “It was incredible.”
“What are they talking about?” Ginny whispered to Luna.
I opened my mouth to deflect, but Luna beat me to it. Her voice calm, serene, and entirely unfazed.
“They’re talking about how they had sex last night, dummy,” she said plainly as if she were commenting on the weather.
Hermione groaned into her hands, trying to hide her face from the rest of us. I didn’t blame her. Luna’s delivery had been so casual it somehow made it worse.
Ginny blinked. Then blinked again.
“You what?”
Her voice pitched up at the end, just a bit too loud, and a few people at the neighboring table glanced over. I glared at them until they turned back around, muttering among themselves.
Fleur, meanwhile, looked thrilled. She leaned forward, practically bouncing in her seat.
“Oh, don’t be shy now,” she said, grinning wickedly at me. “A Veela always knows when something delicious has happened. The glow and energy are all over the two of you.”
Hermione peeked through her fingers, eyes pleading with me to save her.
I shrugged helplessly. “I mean… she’s not wrong.”
Ginny was still frozen, her brain clearly buffering.
“You three… did it?” she asked slowly like she wasn’t sure what part to focus on. “And at the same time?”
“Mhmm,” I hummed, taking another sip like it was no big deal. “We’re a package deal.”
“That’s… hot.” Ginny rubbed her face with a blush. “You’ve been walking around like normal after that?”
Fleur laughed so hard she almost tipped over her glass. “I wondered about the limps but didn’t want to assume.”
I coughed, choking a little. Hermione actually whimpered.
Luna, meanwhile, looked delighted. “I think it’s lovely,” she said, completely serene. “Three auras in harmony. Daddy said I had to wait until my thirties, but I don’t know how serious he was.”
Ginny finally sat back, shaking her head with a laugh and a bit of a sad smile. “I’m happy for you three, really.”
Hermione glanced, and I nodded. Both of us hugged the redhead. “Thanks, Ginny. That means a lot to us.”
“Was he good? did he rock your world?” Fleur asked crassly.
I shook my head disbelievingly, “He is perfect, as you know.” I added teasingly, hoping to make her blush.
But nothing, she just nodded thoughtfully. “I can see that, Iris. And congratulations on graduating,” she whispered.
Hermione choked once more, but I was able to ignore her. I was getting used to Fleur.
Before we could continue, Eli returned with six butterbeers floating behind him, “Here you go, girls.”
“Thanks, Eli,” I flashed him a smile.
Eli frowned, seeing the look on Ginny, but I shook my head in his direction. He nodded, “Did I miss anything?”
“Nothing important,” Fleur grinned, “Oh, and by the way, Elias.”
“Oh?” He lifted his eyebrow.
“Do you remember the offer about Professor Flitwick?”
“Oh yeah,” He smiled, “Did you come to a decision already?”
“Uhm,” Fleur nodded. "I spoke with Mama. She thinks it's a marvelous chance, and I would be daft to ignore it. I would really appreciate it if you could speak with him.”
Hermione squealed, “I'm so glad to hear that, Fleur. I’m sure he’ll love you.”
“I hope so too,” Fleur smiled softly, looking at Eli deeply.
I sighed quietly, then let myself smile.
Some people would probably ask who he loved more. Who would he choose? But honestly… I didn’t care. Not really. Elias was special… he was the kind of person who made space in your heart without even trying, and I liked Fleur. She was sharp, funny, stunning, and kind in her own fierce way.
And me? I was never precisely normal.
I knew that.
I was loud. I was wild sometimes. A bit too blunt, a bit too impulsive. But I also knew how I felt. I liked boys and girls. I loved Hermione. I loved Elias. I could love someone like Fleur, too.
What mattered more to me than anything… was feeling loved. Wanted. Safe. Not in a tame, boring way… but in that fiery, honest way that made life feel worth living.
And with Elias? With Hermione? I had that. We had that.
So why limit it?
The world was already full of things trying to kill us. Voldemort was still out there, planning whatever madness he had brewing. None of us knew how much time we really had.
So no, I wasn’t going to spend mine worrying about labels or who got what piece of someone.
I wanted to live, to laugh, to be with my loved ones, and to build something messy and real with the people who made my heart beat faster.
If that meant sharing Elias with someone else who fit into the chaos of our lives, then so be it.
Because I wouldn’t trade this love, any part of it, for something easier. And I sure as hell wouldn’t let fear decide what I could have.
Not anymore.
Hogwarts
Elias Black.
It had finally come.
The Third Task was upon us.
I stood alongside the other three champions as the headmasters and Ministry officials explained the rules, the procedures, the usual pomp. I was listening, sort of, but something felt off.
Something was wrong.
I was strong. Absurdly strong compared to the people here.
I glanced at the headmaster and didn’t doubt it for a second, he wasn’t my match anymore, not in raw power.
We’d sparred a few times in the last few weeks. At first, he beat me with sheer experience. But lately? I’d been winning. More and more. The only thing he had left on me was age and tricks, not might. That gap had flipped and turned to the other direction.
So then, why? Despite all that, why was this weight pressing on my chest?
A gnawing feeling. The unease that clawed at the back of my mind like a whisper I couldn’t quite catch.
Iris was sitting with Hermione and a few others, the rest of the girls, some Gryffindor boys, classmates. The stands were packed more than I’d ever seen. Not once had Hogwarts been this crowded.
The Ministry was out in full force. Aurors everywhere, Tonks with her pink bubblegum hair, Shacklebolt near the front, and even Rufus Scrimgeour. They brought half the damned Ministry with them, plus a sea of civilians. It was something else.
“Did everyone understand the rules?” Dumbledore’s voice cut through my thoughts, serious and clear.
Fleur glanced at me with a slight frown, her brows furrowed. She could feel it, too... my tension. She was surprisingly good at that, maybe because of her heritage.
She’d grown close to all of us. Already arranged to return next year for an apprenticeship with Flitwick.
At first, the professor had been hesitant. Until I handed him two vials of Ash’s tears, a gift he didn’t expect but one he definitely appreciated.
I didn’t need to bribe him. Not really. But I wanted to.
Things were about to get dangerous. I didn’t know how soon, but it would happen. Flitwick had taught me more than most, and I owed him. He also saw through the gesture and understood that I used it as an excuse to ensure he would survive in the future, or at least have a better chance.
He just smiled, accepted it… and started doting on her.
She earned it, too. She crushed his expectations.
“Is something wrong, Eli?” Fleur asked quietly, her voice soft and careful.
I smiled, but even I could feel how brittle it was. “Worried,” I admitted. “Don’t think too much about it.”
She sighed gently. “I hope that one day you’ll trust me enough to tell me what’s really going on.”
“I do trust you, Fleur,” I said with a quiet breath. “And you probably will know later. I just… didn’t want to worry you before the Task. That’s all.”
“It’s not like I can win,” she shrugged, “I think everyone here knows who will be the winner.”
I chuckled and patted her head, “There, there. You can be in second place. Honestly… that means first place; you know I am not exactly normal, I don't count.”
She blew me a raspberry.
“Good,” Dumbledore nodded after the last of the champions had finished asking their questions. “We’ll begin shortly.”
He turned to leave, but I moved quickly to his side as inconspicuously as I could manage.
“Elias, my boy,” he greeted with a small smile. “Did you need something?”
He always called me that... my boy. But we both knew it was just for show. In private, he treated me like a peer. Not always, not when he was teaching me, but most of the time. He never spoke down to me. And that mutual understanding was what made it work between us.
I didn’t follow his every word like gospel. And he didn’t expect me to.
“I’m having a bad feeling,” I said quietly, my tone serious. “Something’s going to happen today. I’m sure of it.”
His smile faded immediately. “I’ve felt… something as well,” he admitted. “Be careful in the maze, Elias. I checked everything I could, but we still don’t know what methods Tom may use. Never underestimate him.”
“I won’t,” I said, nodding firmly. “Just be ready for anything.”
Later.
The Third Task had begun, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I could finish it in moments if I genuinely wanted to.
But I held back.
There were no viewing charms inside the maze this time, but still… my magic carried weight now. It crackled beneath my skin like a barely restrained storm, and if I let it loose, everyone would notice, even from outside. The last thing I needed was to show to the Ministry or the world just how far I’d come... how far I’d changed.
So, I walked with purpose. Not rushing at all. Just fast enough to be the first one.
I had the lead anyway.
Thanks to my performance in the earlier tasks, I’d earned a five-minute head start. Fleur would be next, then Krum, and finally Cedric. Everything was timed. Everything planned.
If there were no hiccups, I’d be out of here with the Cup before they even got close.
My magic buzzed beneath my skin, calm but eager. Like a predator pacing behind a thin crate, waiting for the perfect chance. The unease I’d felt all morning hadn’t left. If anything, it had only gotten worse.
The first obstacle came quickly, a Blast-Ended Skrewt.
I handled it swiftly. I didn’t just beat it, I spared its life. I encased it in a cage of layered ice, giving the poor thing a chance to rest. Nothing of its size or breed could break out of that. I even chuckled to myself as I walked away, my pace calm.
The next obstacle wasn’t so amusing.
A Boggart.
It took the form of Iris and Hermione... both dead. Bodies still. On top of a poll of their blood.
I saw red.
I summoned a sword of Aetherium-forged light and cleaved through the illusion without hesitation. The Boggart shrieked as it disintegrated, but I didn’t flinch. I watched the scene vanish, my expression cold.
Good riddance.
I turned a corner, it looked like a dead end.
No, not quite.
My senses whispered the truth, even if the maze lied. With a simple hand wave, I shattered the illusion wall, and the path opened.
That’s when I heard it.
Screaming.
Shouts of chaos, coming from outside the maze.
My head snapped up, instinctively trying to place the sound. Even with my enhanced senses, I couldn’t determine what was happening. There was too much panic, too many overlapping voices.
The pit in my stomach twisted into something worse.
Something was happening.
I moved faster.
The Cup was close. I could feel its magic humming now, familiar, but… off. Twisted. It had been turned into a Portkey, just like I’d hoped. At least that part hadn’t changed.
A mist of warped magic tried to settle around me, a sensation-warping spell woven into it meant to disorient.
It was nothing to me.
I tore through it and pressed forward.
The Cup appeared just ahead, glowing faintly in a clearing.
I broke into a run, heart pounding now, not from the Task, but from the pressure building inside me.
I was almost there—
Then the ground lit up.
A blinding light flared just before the Cup. An ancient, jagged, and disgusting magic circle ignited beneath my feet.
Not devil magic.
Not something I recognized.
But I didn’t need to understand it to know it wasn’t meant to be here. This wasn’t part of the Task.
Our fears were right.
The bastard was being helped by someone from the supernatural world.
The glyph pulsed from violet to deep crimson. My instincts screamed.
I jumped back just in time as the center cracked open like shattered glass.
And someone stepped through.
Not someone. Something.
Humanoid in shape but too tall. Too stretched. Its aura was a roiling storm of malice. It wasn’t just strong, it was terrifying. I could feel it immediately: this thing could go toe-to-toe with Dumbledore if it wanted to.
My wand was already raised. My magic roared to life.
Then I heard it.
Hermione’s voice was amplified by magic, echoing through the air. And much to my horror... She was panicking.
“ELIAS! IRIS HAS BEEN TAKEN! NEVILLE IS INJURED—IT WAS PURPLE!”
The world stopped.
My heart didn’t just drop... it shattered.
No.
No.
I didn’t wait for the monster to move. I raised my hand and unleashed my magic.
A wave of MAGIC force exploded outward, slamming into the creature and ripping through the glyph. The monster shrieked, staggering, barely resisting the blast, but it didn’t fall.
I didn’t care.
I didn’t even look at it.
My mind was spinning. My body was vibrating. Iris was gone.
And the Cup was behind this thing.
I couldn’t get to her unless I got through it.
“Ash!” I roared, pouring power into my voice. “Take the other champions away!”
A flash of flame burst above me as Ash’s thrill echoed overhead. With a chirp and a beat of wings, she vanished to fulfill my command.
I turned my gaze to the creature.
“I hope she’s watching,” I whispered, eyes locked on the creature. “Because I’m coming for her. And when I’m done… there won’t be a single soul left to mourn her.”
