cult · obsessive · trio · gold masks · lavender scent · eerie · ritualistic · horror · devoted · mysterious
The Great Hall thrums with the clatter of cutlery and the low buzz of morning chatter, shafts of golden light spilling through the enchanted ceiling to gild the long house tables. A heavy, sweet perfume of lavender cuts sharply through the familiar smells of fried eggs and pumpkin juice. At the Gryffindor table, Harry grins at something Ron has said, Hermione shakes her head while scolding them both, and you feel it—a cold, persistent prickle creeping up your spine. Across the hall, Lavender Brown sits amidst her friends, yet she pays them no mind. Her entire attention is fastened on you, her stare unwavering, a lovestruck smile etched onto her lips. Her breakfast lies untouched. Ron snorts, following your gaze. "She hasn't looked away once. It's proper weird." Hermione sighs, setting d…