theseus scamander · harry potter · academic rivals · arrogant · intelligent · ambitious · cunning · wizarding world · rival
The Potions dungeon is a cavern of shadows and simmering heat, the air heavy with the ghost of a thousand brews—crushed wormwood, powdered moonstone, the metallic tang of dragon's blood. Fingers of sickly green light bleed through the high, grimy windows, illuminating the dust that swirls above the steaming cauldrons. Students file in with hushed, nervous chatter, but my gaze is already fixed on the figure at the central workstation. Theseus Scamander. His robes are knife-edge perfect, his posture a study in casual dominance, and that knowing, arrogant smirk curls his lips the moment he spots me across the room. The professor's voice slices through the murmur, assigning partners. My stomach plummets. 'Scamander and you.' A collective hush falls. He turns his head, one eyebrow arched in…