Part 4: Chapter 1 "Leave Me" // Sebastian Sallow x Reader
Summary: Things are finally going down with the final repository and Rookwood. I decided to make this stray very far from canon to make it more interesting. The next few updates should be full of lots of angst... so I apologize. This section is also quite sporadic jumping around to different locations/people since everything happening is within the same time but different spaces!
Notes: I would like to thank @strawberrypinky again for the continued support, seriously this wouldn't have been possible without you! This is a continuation of my longer story so feel free to read the rest!
Warnings: angst, violence, hints of assault, etc.
Word Count: 12,000 words +
Part 4 - Chapter 1: “Leave me”
I have been conversing with Dorran as several members of his herd have gone missing over the last few days. He planned to look further south along the coast, asking if we would be willing to scout the Feldcroft region in search of clues since you’ve become familiar with the area. If we leave after potions we should hopefully be back in time for dinner.
With urgency,
Poppy Sweeting
Also, bring your broom, I would like to practice my flying.
She couldn’t help but sigh reading the message passed to her during class as she left the greenhouse with Sebastian. He sensed her frustration, pulling her gently into his side as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder. Pulling her slightly off to the left side of the stairs when they entered the library annex, he set their books down on the ground as she ran a frustrated hand through her tangled hair.
She had gotten in late the previous night from helping Amit with an astronomy table. The day before it was Imelda with a broom trial. And Natty the day before while trying to rescue a boy taken by rookwood’s men. This had led to a series of days where she had improperly taken care of herself simply out of exhaustion. The night before specifically had left her unable to take the time to run a brush through her hair, resorting to throwing it in some messy style along with her wrinkled clothes. Looking down for the first time all day she realized she had forgotten her robes in her dorm that morning, suddenly feeling the chill without them. How could she forget something so simple? Why was it always her responsibility to drop everything for the sake of others to forgo rest? In fact, she couldn’t recall the last night in which she got a full night's rest.
A silent tear slipped down her cheek as she did not have the strength any longer to fight her exhaustion. Knowing this brief pause was useless, as professor Sharp would most certainly give her and Sebastian detention if they didn’t show up in the next few minutes for potions class. However… a small part of her liked the thoughts of having a night off from her responsibilities, even if it was served in detention. She could be there with Sebastian, and not feel the weight of the world on her shoulders… No. She couldn’t think like that. Now was not the time to give up. Taking down Rookwood was a priority.
“Hey, hey, what’s wrong? What did that note say?” Sebastian asked in a soft tone, drawing her into his arms as she started to shake. The last thing she saw before being pulled into his worn Slytherin robe was the concerned look he sported. His bushy eyebrows raised, chocolate brown eyes full of worry and the corners of his plush lips slightly downturned. She both loved and hated that he could always sense how close she was to breaking. Rubbing circles onto the small of her back he tried to calm her, and do so before they got in trouble for being late to potions.
It finally dawned on him as he felt the warmth of her skin through just her vest and dress shirt that she wasn’t wearing a robe. He figured she had taken it off for herbology, but looking around he realized she had forgotten it entirely. When he pulled back some, looking down to see her face he also noticed she was wearing two very different shoes : one brown and one black. The eye bags she sported along with the obvious exhaustion clueing in him that she was simply just stretched too thin.
“Who was it this time?” He asked her, knowing whoever passed the note must’ve once again been asking for her assistance with a task.
“Poppy.” She mumbled into his light green blazer.
“Ah. How urgent is her request?” He inquired, knowing that while he already had plans for the afternoon he could arrange for Ominis to entertain her while he was down at the Craigmire coast once their class let up.
“Quite. The centaurs who helped us save the snigits need help. They’ve had several members of their herd captured by poachers. Finding them may help me locate or get more information on Rookwood since it’s his men.” She knew Poppy’s request was well intended, and that ultimately she would go help, didn’t mean she was thrilled with it cutting into her ability to rest. Mentally she had hoped to steal Sebastian away, simply just to nap in his dorm bed while he poured over research for Anne.
“That sounds like it could be dangerous. Wouldn’t it be wise to wait until tomorrow? It will be the weekend, and you can hit the road after a full night of rest.” He suggested, knowing there was no point in trying to discourage her from going at all.
“We are simply trying to locate them, we will let the centaurs handle it once we locate where they are being held. Just some stealth digging then returning. Should be back before supper.” She said reassuringly and Sebastian got the vibe it was more for herself than him. She was well aware he trusted her and her ability.
“If you believe you are up to it…” he said.
“I am. Besides we are searching the Feldcroft region… would you like to come with us? We could eat with Anne and Solomon perhaps.” She suggested.
While normally he would be jumping at the chance to see his sister, he was unsure how long it would take for him to complete his errand, one she specifically couldn’t know about.
“I uh, actually promised Sirona I would go collect something for her from the far southern coast… I may not be back in time for dinner…” he said sheepishly. He felt horrible rejecting her attempt to spend time with him, as they had seen each other much less since being back at school between his working on the weekends and her constantly running errands outside the castle.
“Oh.” She spoke very deflated.
“You go see them, and I will join you all when I am finished. How does that sound?” He offered a secondary plan and she seemed to accept his proposal.
“Let’s go to class before we are late. I can see you and Poppy off as well.” He stood in front of her, sliding his school robe off, delicately wrapping it around her shoulders and clasping it in the front, before stretching out his hand.
She accepted both, allowing him to slide his warm robes over her shoulders, as his woody masculine smell surrounded her as their fingers intertwined.
One class then a small errand with Poppy before she could rest. How bad could it truly be?
“Be careful, please.” He spoke against the skin between her eyebrows as they stood near the front gate to the castle.
“I always am.” She said, clear exhaustion in her tone, but still undeterred by her heroic nature.
“Usually, you are, I will agree. But I mean it… please. No unnecessary risks…” he said, unsure why he felt that sinking feeling in his stomach once more. Last time he’d felt it, she came home, hole through her chest, bleeding out in his childhood bed. Taking in a shaky breath he moved her to look at him by lifting her cheek in his hand. “I need you to come back to me in one piece.” He explained with a shaken breath.
When she noticed the look of concern in his eyes she softened, pulling him in by the back of his head, slotting their lips together. Feeling him sigh into her mouth, she opened her lips, letting him slide his tongue inside. He gave little regard to Poppy standing only a few feet away as he pulled her closer by the waist.
Eventually Sebastian pulled away, eyes stinging slightly before he cleared his throat, trying to keep himself from allowing tears to properly form in his eyes. “Promise me you’ll come back.” He all but demanded, tone pleading with her as their fingers remained locked together.
“I promise.” She told him, seeming more confident than she had before.
While Sebastian still had a lingering bad feeling he decided to press one last kiss to her lips, stepping back as she mounted her broom, giving him one last wink before her and Poppy prepared to set off.
“Keep her safe Poppy, you know how she always needs to play hero.” He said, trying to break the tension in the air.
“Of course. Not even a scratch. I promise”. Poppy told him, looking off to the horizon as they both set off in search of captured Centaurs.
Sebastian took a few steps to the left, feeling the weight of the coins in his pocket as he also left the castle grounds using the floo flame.
“I thought you hated broom travel” she shouted over the wind to Poppy.
“It’s been growing on me…” the quiet hufflepuff responded, face blazing red, and her short brown hair a mess.
“It doesn’t have anything to do with a certain quidditch playing roommate of mine does it?” She teased, knowing that Poppy had been going off grounds with Imelda for weeks now as the girls desperately wanted alone time away from the prying eyes of their classmates.
“Perhaps… does she ever… talk about me?” Poppy asked, not quite sure what she was expecting in response but curious nonetheless.
“Poppy Sweeting! How could I betray my dear roommate by divulging such information!” She pretended to be horrified at the thought and her companion must have not realized she was being sarcastic.
“right, of course… I am sorry” Poppy told her, attempting to speed ahead but y/n easily caught up to Poppy on her own broom. Bringing them both to a halt over the town of Irondale.
“Poppy, I’m only messing with you. Truly you should see the way she’s always a mess before you all go fly together. Always pacing, asking me to help with her hair knowing the wind will send it flying anyways. I don’t know the full extent of what you get up to, but I know she enjoys spending time with you. The smile on her face when she comes back is always so bright.” She explained, looking at the racing course atop the hill before signaling Poppy to follow her.
The pair made their way over to the flying course she still held the record for, the one that brought her friendship with her dorm mate through mutual respect of flying. Hoping off her broom she made her way over to a discovery she recently had made while out on a flight with Sebastian, making a point of not mentioning it to him.
Bringing the Hufflepuff girl around one of the wood planks at the back of the landing pad she crouched down slightly, pointing to a new carving. Now in the grain of the wood “I + P” inside of a crudely carved heart. Whoever did it must have struggled and she couldn’t help but know it was Imelda given she helped dig a splinter out of the girl's hand not long ago.
Poppy didn’t speak as she ran her fingers over the plank, smiling to herself as her face flushed.
“How did you-?” She asked
“Revealio. Plus Sebastian isn’t exactly the fastest flyer. I got bored waiting for him to finish the course” she explained with a laugh and a shrug
“I didn’t want to say anything earlier…” She started by trailing off while looking down.
“But?” Y/n pressed the girl, unsure what she was alluding to.
“You both just seem very good for each other… I think if anyone could find even half the love you both share, they should consider themselves lucky.” She explained.
“What makes you say that?” She asked, curiously kicking a pebble under her shoe, realizing they should attempt to make some sort of progress before the sun goes down.
“You and Sebastian are just so in sync. I don't really know how to explain it. The way he looks at you, or you look to him. The way he is always there with a hand offering without you even needing to ask. You two both are just so attentive towards one another, honestly I find myself jealous of it most days. Not because I want him..” Poppy started to defend herself but the girl just laughed.
“I am well aware of what you meant Poppy… thank you for saying that. I feel as if some days our peers would believe us to be moving too fast. That most of our feelings are sudden, and may not be genuine. I appreciate knowing your insight.” She felt sort of relieved knowing her best friend since starting Hogwarts was more understanding than their peers, and saw them without judgment.
“Of course… thank you for showing me this carving… we should continue our search” she said, once again mounting her broom and nodding off towards the coast. Y/n mounted her broom and followed her off into the sunset as they made their way over the Feldcroft region together.
Sebastian stepped into the small hamlet along the southern coast, tracing the steps he’d taken a few times now in the past few weeks. Having followed Solomon’s advice, once he’d gotten the money from Sirona, he reached out to a metal worker in Cragcroft. The older man had been the same metal worker that his father had used when selecting a ring for his mother. The man, strangely enough, remembered the exact design he had done for the deceased Sallow’s. While his mother had always adored the ornate emerald ring given to her by his father, he wanted to put much more thought and care into this.
It took much convincing to talk the metal worker down from the lavish and over the top designs he had been doing for about a decade now, as muggle ring designs were slowly becoming more and more popular. Sebastian couldn’t imagine his witch with a large and gaudy piece of jewelry like the ones he was initially recommended. Instead he thought about their relationship, and elements of it that truly mattered to him.
He thought of the moment he first saw her, busting inside the great hall and how beautiful she looked when her robes turned green. He thought about the moment they met, and how bright her eyes were in the firelight. He thought of the moments they’d shared in Feldcroft and how alive she was in the hamlet. He almost decided on something to represent her dance in the snow but it wasn’t quite enough.
Eventually it all came back to that moment, very recently, where she’d compared him to stardust. Since that night, Sebastian couldn’t help but feel an invigorated sense of confidence whenever looking into the mirror, seeing the freckles she compared to constellations in his reflection. The morning after she had done so he stood in his dorm room, staring into the small vanity as he went to shave, seeing all the blemishes and he couldn’t stop smiling at the lovely compliment she had given him. He remembered touching them so reverently, appreciative to the fact she adored them enough to compare him to the night sky.
He thought of how she often came alive in the night, when they would sneak off the school grounds together tracking leads for the keepers trials and the goblin uprising. She always looked downright ethereal in the moonlight and starlight. Beyond that she felt like a beautiful and bright source of light in his life, much like the sun. How her very essence was that of the cosmos, of a goddess in the heavens. He knew he had to do something for her with that imagery, since that is immediately what his mind went to when he thought of her.
The old man took his ideas to heart, trying to find a way to incorporate the idea of celestial art into gold for him. At first he tried to convince Sebastian that she would like a large, ornate ring with a large center stone and several small cut stones surrounding it that resembled a star. The bloody thing looked ridiculous to him even in a sketch as he couldn’t imagine such a large piece of jewelry on her small, dainty hands.
Slowly he was able to convince the man that the smaller, and simpler the better. In fact, his ability to convey that he would prefer more detailed wedding bands as a consolation prize, with a less ornate engagement ring seemed to pique the man's interest. The jeweler confided in Sebastian that the only variety usually in the wedding bands he did were the metal themselves, as people usually cared less about the design for those rings. Having more of a challenge with the creativity in that arena finally led the two of them to a place they agreed… after weeks of pondering, trial and error.
Sebastian realized he may have been deemed foolish to get all of them at the same time, but deep down he knew there was little reason to think she would reject his proposal. They had discussed life after Hogwarts and it always included some version of the two of them as husband and wife. Having them ready to go at a moment's notice in case Anne took a bad turn with her health also seemed like a good idea to him.
So when the older man finally showed him the concept sketch for the entire set he was actually excited by the hard work they’d both put in. Walking over to the booth in Cragcroft now, he couldn’t help but be excited to finally be seeing the end result. In fact, he was so excited he could almost feel his hands shaking with the anticipation to have them in his possession finally. He had already paid for the majority of the work upfront, only owing a little more for the end result.
“Ah Mr. Sallow” the older man spoke, seeing him walking up with a proud smile on his face. He couldn’t help but notice the way the young man walked confidently, with his chin held high in the golden sunlight. When the young Sallow had first approached him, he first questioned the age and maturity of him, as Sebastian did have a young appearance due to his boyish grin and freckles. Even after he explained that he was in fact 17, legal in their world’s laws, it still took some convincing. Over the course of their time working together, he came to realize the young man was wise beyond his years, and already of age within the wizarding world. Despite this he couldn’t help but recall his very faint memory of the boy’s father, who also purchased rings at such a young age.
“I got your owl, and I came as soon as I could, '' Sebastian explained. The man reached back into a small chest, using an unlocking charm to open it, before removing a box about the size of a small tome.
“I have to say, this has been some of my best work to date. It is quite unique. You have a great eye and attention to detail Mr. Sallow.” The Jeweler spoke as he opened the box, which contained two smaller ring boxes inside. One, very ornate, and dark green while the other was simple. Beneath the boxes laid the few pieces of parchment that detailed a sketch of his work as well as notes from their time planning together. The jeweler lifted his wiry hands to select the green box, handing it off to Sebastian as he held onto the rest.
Sebastian stood there for a moment simply staring at the outside of the box, his nerves getting the better of him. He noticed the way even the box looked so small in his large hands. Eventually he found the anticipation too great and opened it.
Inside he saw the beautiful center stone, clear and radiant. It was set in a simple design that replicated a star. Along the thin band, off to the side of the center stone were small radiant white gems on each side to highlight the design of center. It looked so small and simple, but he couldn’t help but smile, finally seeing it in person. It combined both her unique sort of style while also maintaining a level of elegance. It was dainty and avoided the gaudiness of most rings he had seen. It lacked much of the height he had seen other rings have, which would suit her well as it was less likely to get caught on things. It was perfect.
“I am speechless… this is better than I could have imagined.” He said, still admiring the way it caught the light of the setting sun, sparkling inside the box. He couldn’t help but try and think of what it would look like on her finger and how he would feel sliding it on for the first time. Eventually he closed the box, handing it back to the man, who passed him the second one.
“I am glad. I must admit, I found it to be such a charming piece and I admire your commitment to making something so perfect for your soon to be finance. I am certain she shall love it. I hope the bands themselves are also to your liking” he gestured to the box as Sebastian also took his time looking at them.
Inside he found two golden bands. One significantly larger than the other, as well as much thicker. Unlike every other wedding ring he’d ever seen, the one intended for him had a simple star, the same shape as the one on her ring, engraved in the center. His parents' rings had engravings on the inside, but this was proudly on the outside, as it was integral to the design. The other was much more ornate, having many small stars and constellations depicted on the thin band, as well as some small stones sporadically placed inside some of the larger stars. They were exactly what he had hoped they would be. Hers showcasing the night sky, while his showed just a small, simple aspect that he was in fact hers.
“I don’t know what to say… these are incredible” Sebastian spoke still looking at them.
“You should make sure yours fits” the man recommended, offering a hand to take the box from him as Sebastian removed the larger gold band. He stared at it a moment, before sliding it onto his left ring finger. He’d never worn a ring, finding the way the cool metal sat along his hand to be an odd sight as well as an odd feeling. He turned his hand over, examining it. When he looked at it, he couldn’t help but feel like an adult, as it marked such an important milestone he was actually excited to take part in. The thought of himself, as a married man, was slightly odd. Not that he didn’t want to be, just to admit it to be something he wanted sooner rather than later, brought forth an excitement, nervousness and other emotions he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
Sebastian also thought of how his mother would lift his father’s hand when he would become stressed, as she gently kissed the simple silver band he hardly removed. Sebastian could almost hear in his mind how his mother would gently whisper “I’m here Sampson” against the skin of his knuckles and the wedding band as his father would sigh. In the limited years he got with his parents he rarely saw his father take his wedding ring off, keeping it on while he worked, slept, and only removing it on occasion to wash. His mother did the same, only taking it off when she would clean dishes, hanging it on a nail his father drove into a beam by the kitchen sink.
When they died, and he and Anne were given their parents wedding rings, he realized that the entire time he’d seen his parents rings, he’d never once noticed the engraving on the inside of their plain matching silver bands. Ad Astra was on the inside of each silver ring, a phrase he knew in Latin meant, “to the stars”, but the significance of why it meant so much to them remained to this day a mystery. Just another reason he felt himself inclined to ask the man for something celestial for him and his beloved. For a moment he almost forgot where he was standing, as well as the fact that he wasn’t alone until the man spoke.
“I take it the smile means you are satisfied with it” he said, commenting on Sebastian’s expression.
“Yes, I just… it is going to take some getting used to seeing that soon, I suppose,” Sebastian admitted, racking a hand through his brown hair, staring down at the ring on his left hand. One day that ring would go on and rarely come off. He imagined that there would be times he would twist it around his finger when he was distracted, or perhaps his witch would toy with it when holding his hand in hers. He would see it when he was getting ready for the day. He would see it during moments they weren’t together, a reminder that he had a home in the heart of someone else. He would also get to see that ring on his hand that would be holding onto her bare body, as she writhed beneath him. He shut down that train of thought quickly, before slipping it off and handing it back to the man who placed it back in the box, handing him everything.
The man had been gracious enough to disguise the box as a book, so that it would look inconspicuous to anyone who might stumble upon it from the outside. He could probably place it on his desk along with the rest of his literature until he would need it. Sebastian reached inside his pocket, grabbing the leather pouch with the remaining money and handing it off to the man.
“I must admit, I haven’t spent much time this far into the highlands in a while. This region is quite pretty this time of day. I can understand why you live here” Sebastian admitted, watching the way the sun was starting to set over the wheat field.
“It is lovely. Have you by chance found a home yet? Or a place to build one?” He inquired.
“I have not. I suppose that is next on my list of things to do.” He explained.
“Well, a friend of mine lives in Marunween. He said recently a couple fled their home on the outskirts of their hamlet due to the recent goblin activity, deciding to relocate to America. He bought their home in order to help them get the money they needed to leave, but he is trying to find someone to purchase it. I looked it myself, considered the change in scenery, but I don’t think I can leave Cragcroft… I do believe it may be a wonderful it if you are interested.”
Sebastian thought about the man’s words for a moment before he asked him “I don’t have much money for anything fancy. Most of my inheritance went towards my sick twin sister”
“I also know of an old house atop the hill, in the same hamlet that used to belong to my sister, but a storm knocked a tree through the roof. It would require much work with transfiguration, but it still has a good structure. Visiting it breaks my heart seeing a place a beloved sister loved so dearly in such disrepair. I would love to see it restored and being put to good use.” the man retorted.
“Maruween you say?”
“Yes at the top of the mountain that the hamlet is built under. It has such a lovely view, and a jobberknoll nest out front”
“But a tree through the roof?” Sebastian asked with a wariness at the prospect of fixing such damage.
“It’s not that far from here I could show you if you’d like. It will take some work, but it may not be a bad option for someone as young and resourceful as yourself“ the man gestured to Sebastian‘s Slytherin robes as he said resourceful.
“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to just check it out, that is if it’s not so much trouble for you?” Sebastian knew it would put his return time further back but having a lead on a home would be nice to have.
“I was already heading that way to meet with a friend so it’s no bother at all. I think it admirable how maturely you carry yourself young man. Besides I think knowing that beautiful location is being utilized once more would be a comforting thought. With ranroks activity in the area people are fleeing. Building a future for the region is an importance people aren’t considering right now.” He replied, collecting a satchel.
“Well I still think the Feldcroft region is more of where I’d like to end up but if this place is as affordable as you say, it may be worth considering just so we could start a decent life together.“ Sebastian said realizing it may be a smart decision.
The man offered his arm for Sebastian, and the two apparated away.
Poppy and her were making their second lap over the region when Poppy finally spotted something.
“Look down there I see movement near those tents. We should land and track up on foot to get a closer look“
The pair set down in the trees about 100 yards away before casting disillusionment and slowly traversing the rocky landscape to the edge of the poachers camp. There were about 20 people milling about in the camp, along with the normal traps, cages, firs, and other items associated with poaching. They crept closer and waited behind the small Stonewall at the edge of the camp while listening for anything that might indicate the centaurs location.
Time passed, and no word on the missing centaur’s location was mentioned, so they went to leave when she overheard something troubling from two of the poachers at the edge of the camp. Her and Poppy moved closer to hear what the two poachers were saying…
“Why’s the boss got us out all this way?”
“He’s got us keeping an eye on some former auror he’s been extorting. Trying to make sure he doesn’t go to the ministry. And keeping an eye on a curse he’s been developing… he usually checks in every now and again himself but he’s been preoccupied by that student”
Immediately she had a sinking feeling in her chest over what she hoped wasn’t true about the words the poachers spoke. Surely they couldn’t be talking about the sallows…
She abandoned Poppy, attempting to follow them as they walked towards a tent at the edge of the camp. She stalked behind them quietly trying not to lose track of what they were saying but when they slipped inside the tent she no longer could hear them.
“Blast.” She whispered under her breath as Poppy, still under disillusionment like herself, caught up.
“What were they talking about? An ex auror? A curse? That doesn’t sound like centaurs…” poppy asked looking confused
She couldn’t help but grimace. Reaching over she clutched Poppy’s hand, pulling her backwards a tad before casting silencio over the two of them.
“No it doesn’t… but I wonder…” she trailed off once again. She didn’t want to believe that Solomon might’ve known the whole time what truly happened to Anne. Or that her love’s dear twin was suffering as the result of Victor rookwood trying to develop nasty incurable curses.
“Poppy, I need you to listen to me right now. I am worried that the curse they are discussing is related to Anne Sallow… and the former auror is their uncle and guardian Solomon… I don’t have much time to explain but I need to get in there and figure out what they know. I don’t expect you to come with me given the risk. But I can’t let this opportunity slip through my fingers if there’s a chance it could help save her.” She explained to Poppy, feeling the girl’s fingers shake around her own.
“You think they may have more information on what curse is killing Sebastian’s sister?” Poppy asked for clarification and she nodded.
“They may or may not but I am surely not going to neglect to find out. I can hope to slip in undetected, maybe find some more information. You should wait here” she didn’t want her friend putting herself in harm's way over something that was growing to be a more personal matter.
“Are you sure? You don’t know how many of them there are inside that tent.” Poppy asked uncertainty laced in her voice.
“If something goes wrong I am going to need to rely on you to get help.” She explained knowing Poppy could get back to the castle and get the professors.
“Alright. I will wait here but please… be careful. You know the poachers are incredibly upset with you specifically.” Poppy sounded more concerned than she’d heard the hufflepuff in the past.
“I’m always careful. Wait here.” And with that she slipped after the two poachers she’d spotted and headed closer to the tent.
Hoping over the small stone fence she slipped around the back of the tent, mindful to be quiet. Eventually the voices she had been chasing returned to earshot.
“I still don’t know why Victor has us doing his dirty work. Why should we have to stalk some farm girl to see how poorly she’s doing.”
“But feldcroft of all places. It’s so utterly boring. Not to mention rookwood castle is no longer available to us with those blasted goblins haven taken over victor's home”
That was all she needed for confirmation that it was in fact Anne they were stalking. Some quick thinking made her realize that perhaps drawing them out of the tent to see what she could find inside may be a decent idea.
Slipping around near the flap of the tent, she quietly whispered “confringo” setting some crates at the far edge of the tent on fire. She continued with “bombarda” causing a tree limb to fall on their cart. The ruckus served as enough of a distraction because both the poachers ran out of the tent to investigate as she slipped in behind them.
Inside the tent remained empty of other poachers thankfully. Only a few desks with various pieces of parchment sat on one side with the rest of the space seemed to be more for living as it had bunk beds and tables filled with belongings and food.
She stalked over to the desk, carefully sifting through the parchment. Reading the tops to see if their contents proved useful.
Most of them seemed to be detailed notes for moving magical creatures through the highlands instead of Anne. Until she came across a small, leather bound journal without a label. Opening the ties around it she turned to the first page seeing December 31 1889 across the top. The date alone made her want to lurch knowing that Sebastian and Anne’s birthday was the same time in which Anne was cursed. Pocketing the journal she continued looking for more relevant information when she heard a chuckle behind her before her disillusionment charm was forcibly dropped.
Expeliarmous! Her wand flew from his hands as she truly began to dread what was to come. Was poppy okay? Had they discovered her as well?
“Well well… What do we have here? Looks like someone has wandered too far from the castle…” she turned to see the man, grinning at her like a deranged lunatic. The other man standing next to him came closer, ready to grab her as she clutched her wand and the journal.
“Wait till the boss hears about this. You sweetheart… are going to make me rich. Rookwood put out quite the bounty on your head you know… go get the others!” he said to the other man who quickly apperated away as he came closer.
“Come here, I don’t bite” he said, snatching her into his arms as he grabbed the journal out of her possession.
“Stealing things you shouldn’t… naughty girl. I ought to teach you a lesson before the boss gets here.” He said, voice sliding into a concerning tone.
“Get your hands off me!” She struggled but he pulled her closer, wrapping an arm around her waist as his other hand grabbed her by the hair.
“Not a chance. I’m not letting you get away this time. Besides, you’re such a pretty thing…” he said, his arm around her waist dipping lower to grab her buttocks as she continued to struggle.
“I said get off!” She screamed at him as he laughed.
“Not a chance. The boss has had eyes on you for a while now. How was Christmas down in Feldcroft with the Sallows? Tell me again, what’s that boy's name? The one you let hold your hand? The one you let kiss you? I must say… getting to watch him put his hands on you has been one of the only enjoyable things about being stuck all the way out here…” he said as she panicked knowing he had been watching them closely if he’d seen her and Sebastian. It made her stomach turn now realizing they weren’t truly alone in those moments.
“Cat got your tongue lass? I do wonder truly how much you’ve allowed that Sallow boy to do to you… has he gone so far as to deflower you?” He hissed against her neck as she continued to try and break free from his arms.
“Perhaps I ought to drag him in here. I can ask him myself… and if he hasn’t… well I’ll let him watch as a real man-“ his words were cut off as she heard a loud bombarda sound in the air. The man’s grip was ripped away from her as he went flying across the tent, his head smacking one of the beams as he fell to the ground, limp.
Poppy must’ve been alright. Suddenly the hufflepuff in question ran inside and up to her.
“Are you alright? I saw them follow you and when I got closer I heard him talking. What happened?” Poppy’s questions ran together as she looked around.
“We don’t have time, we need to get out of here. I need to find my wand” she explained searching for her wand eventually finding it.
The sounds of many people apparating filled the air and the two looked panicked at one another.
“Shit. Poppy you need to leave. You need to get out of here. Please. Take this” she said, thrusting the journal and the parchment into the girl's hands as she brushed herself off ready for the fight.
“Not without you. I promised sebas-"Poppy started but she was stopped by the girl.
“No. I don’t care what you promised him, this is more important. That journal may contain the key to saving Anne. Go to Feldcroft immediately and warn Solomon they are coming and to get Anne to Hogwarts. Then leave, take the journal back to nurse Blainey. After you make sure she has it, go get professor Sharp. Tell him where we are. Tell him what’s happened. If you have time, find Ominis and tell him that Solomon knew this whole time what happened to Anne and that I sent you.” She rushed out an explanation as she ran out of the tent seeing the field absolutely filled with rookwood’s men. Poppy ran out behind her seeing over 2 dozen men waiting for them.
“You there, stop!” They shouted at the girls as y/n began firing spells and to protect them both. Poppy joined in for a moment, but with holding onto the journal and parchment, trying to avoid dropping them, she became distracted, missing a poacher lurking behind her.
“Poppy look out!” She shouted blasting him, as a curse from the opposite direction struck her in the back. She struggled but kept herself upright. Looking into the scared brown eyes of her friend she felt herself being blasted with a curse that sent electricity through her body.
Turning around she tried to cast protego around the two of them, to no avail.
“Poppy go, you must!” She shouted over the fighting. The girl shook her head refusing to listen.
“Poppy please, you must… I can’t let her suffer. I can’t let him suffer any longer” she explained, out of breath.
More poachers appeared as she struck them down. The fight seemed like it would be never ending. Lifting her wand she drew down a cloud of her ancient magic, attempting to level the field some and reassure poppy she could leave.
“Poppy go, I’m right behind you. If you don’t warn them now I fear they’ll be in trouble” she explained and poppy nodded sadly accepting the situation.
“I’m coming back for you, I promise. Just hold them off "Poppy said just as she heard the words crucio muttered behind her. The last thing poppy saw before she apparated away was y/n falling to the ground writhing in pain as several poachers crept closer.
Well… the house certainly wasn’t what Sebastian expected. When he and the old man appeared in front of it, he was amazed at the view. It overlooked a massive lake and a small hamlet. There was a tree filled with jobberknoll flying and landing all around them. The view was something out of a dream… the home however.
Had a tree through the roof.
“I know it’s not ideal and will take a lot of work to get the tree out and the roof fixed but it’s got a solid foundation, and you can’t beat the view. Plus I honestly couldn’t think to make you pay much for it. The only thing worth a sickle is the land itself” the man explained. He did have a point but Sebastian worried this sort of transfiguration was above his pay grade.
“It’s not going to be an easy one, but I think it could be…” Sebastian wasn’t sure what possessed him to say “fun” but he did.
The old man chuckled, finding it amusing that a young man would consider this to be the home for his bride to be, and that the insane amount of hard work it would take to restore it would be enjoyable.
“That’s one way to put it for sure.”
“I enjoy a challenge, and I’m quite resourceful. Besides my witch, she’s actually quite the novice at transforming spaces using magic” he explained thinking this might actually be a worthwhile idea. Taking a step inside he could see where the second level used to be and that for the most part only a destroyed potions station remained.
Anne would cringe seeing a potions station destroyed.
Anne. He was supposed to go meet everyone in feldcroft. They were probably waiting for him right about now.
“The fireplace is hooked to the floo network, so once restored it will make traveling easier,” the man explained as he walked around trying to imagine the space being a place that was actually livable. While difficult I'm in its current state, he could almost imagine coming in and seeing her baking bread at what could be the kitchen. Or him playfully chasing her up stairs that they could conjure, as he laughed trying to catch her. Sebastian could build library shelves into the wall so that his books had a home. He could see a small section they could add on; when they needed room for a nursery someday…
“How much would you want for it?” He asked the man.
“Before the tree and the goblin activity in the area I might’ve been able to get a decent penny for the place but now… 50 galleons?” He responded.
Sebastian almost fell over knowing that the man practically intended to let him have the place for a few shifts at the three broomsticks. Money he actually had on him currently.
“That’s all?” He asked, trying to clarify.
“It has become more of a burden to track all the way out here to make sure there’s no squatters if I’m honest. I would be happy knowing a very resourceful young man who seems intent on handling things respectfully is taking care of the place my sister used to love.” He explained and Sebastian pondered.
Should he wait for her? Should he buy it and worse comes to worse they could sell the land and find somewhere else? What if she wanted to live closer to school? It wasn’t Feldcroft but it wasn’t that far knowing they had their own private floo.
“If you’re sure… I think it may be a fun idea for us to fix it up together. I can see that with some love it could be a very beautiful home” Sebastian said after a moment.
“I can send the deed via owl, since I have it back in my home, but if you want to just scribble out a written agreement on those parchments there “ the man pointed to the table and Sebastian nodded, handing him the parchment and quill.
Sebastian reached into his pocket, finding the money Solomon had given him, counting out the gold as the man wrote a loose contract before he signed, handing him the gold and taking the paper.
“I should be going now to meet my friend” the older man explained and Sebastian thanked him, knowing the man had single handedly helped him in many ways with securing a happy future.
As the man left, Sebastian took a look at the home and plot of land, jotting down some crude notes on what he knew he would need to fix and sketching out the current layout, with plans to illustrate things he intended to do. After a long time examining the home he took a walk to the tree out front.
Climbing up its branches he sat upon a decent sized limb lookin out as the sun started to descend, turning the sky brilliant shades of purple and pink. It was quite peaceful from up this high.
He thought of his future, their future. How he could come home every day and see her, happily tending a small garden. He knew she would be thrilled to see the jobberknoll so close to their home, maybe even introduce more beasts to the area. Would she bring her vivariums and protect others? They could build a small wooden table and place it out front and eat dinners on days like this and watch the sunset together or enjoy morning tea or coffee outside.
He could wake up each morning in a double bed instead of his current single and hold her close before they descend the stairs together, perhaps bathe together to get ready for the day. Maybe he could build a swing in the tree and they could relax next to one another overlooking the hamlet.
When she would get sick he could carry her from a spot on the lounge upstairs to their bed, tucking her in and making sure she kept fluids and potions in her. Whenever she was having a bad day he could collect a book from the library he could build, because Merlin knows he loved to read, and he could cheer her up by reading aloud and acting out the voices.
On weekends they could walk down to the coast together, and enjoy a quiet picnic on the beach. When they ran low on things like eggs they could travel down to the hamlet below together and say hi to their neighbors. Then they could walk back, cooking breakfast together as he undoubtedly would make a mess and she’d laugh while attempting to clean it up.
She could help him shave with the razor she got him, the one he was always so happy to use in the mornings even now. He could jokingly make her think she’d nicked his skin just to see her reaction before he’d laugh and allow her to continue. Perhaps he’d even allow her to cut his thick brown hair when it got too unruly as the thoughts of allowing her gentle hands to do so didn’t seem frightening.
They could stay together and share secrets and stories and never grow tired of one another. He’d never known what he wanted in life until he met her and now it all made such sense. Every mundane thing seemed wonderful if it meant it would be with her.
Realizing the time, Sebastian knew he should be heading back, that he should go to Feldcroft and see his family, not to mention: her. But he couldn’t find it in himself to leave this daydream that was slowly becoming a reality. Perhaps he could stay just a little longer and happily continue thinking of the future…
“Mr Sallow! Mr Sallow!” Poppy banged on the door of the home y/n had described as Sebastian’s frantically as she looked over her shoulder. Taking her advice she tucked the journal away, no longer fully trusting Mr. Solomon as she continued trying to get someone to open up. Eventually the door swung open.
“What is Merlin's name?!” The very angry face of a man poppy could only assume was Sebastian’s uncle opening the door. Poppy noticed the way he shared the same brown eyes as Sebastian and Anne but his hair was much darker, with streaks of gray and he had a beard.
“Poppy? Poppy Sweeting?” A timid voice called out behind the man as Poppy pushed her way inside with no regard.
“Anne! Mr. Sallow! We need to leave. I need to get you both out of here.” She said frantically.
“Not until you tell me what the hell is going on here Miss. Just because you go to school with my niece and nephew doesn’t mean you can just barge in here on a Friday nig-“ he started but Poppy interrupted.
“Y/n is in trouble and there are about a dozen of Rookwood’s men most likely headed here this instant. She sacrificed herself so I could escape and warn you both. Please don’t let that be in vain. I need to get her help and you need to leave before it gets too dangerous. We haven’t got long!” She explained hoping to appeal to Solomon’s better nature. Realization crossed the older man’s features and then his eyes hardened.
“Have you no proof for what you speak? I refuse to leave my home on the words of a student.” He explained.
“Uncle Solomon, if she is in trouble we need to help her. You can’t possibly leave y/n to Rookwood’s men all alone. I trust poppy… if she says we need to leave-“ Anne tried to reason but it seemed in vain as Solomon interrupted her.
“I don’t care what you think, we aren’t leaving” he said stubbornly.
“I am. I am no longer a child and you cannot keep me here. If you want to stay here and fight poachers, be my guest” Anne said, grabbing her coat and following Poppy to the floo flame near the home.
“Anne, get back here!” Solomon called behind her but the girl broke out into a faster walk.
“Anne, we have to hurry… y/n also found more information about your curse. Let’s get to Hogwarts and we can go from there "Poppy explained as they approached the floo network, disappearing in time to miss the poachers that ascended on the hamlet, charging towards the Sallow residence.
Solomon, deciding not to fight, went into the home, grabbing what possessions he knew were irreplaceable before apparating away from the home.
He heard something about Hogwarts, knowing he would have to appear off school grounds before heading towards the school due to its charms. So he started after the girls, hoping that his fear of y/n and miss Sweeting discovering his knowledge of Anne’s curse was just in his head…
As Poppy and Anne made their way into Hogwarts, ascending to the hospital Poppy filled her in on what had happened. About the poachers in the area, that Rookwood had been the one to curse Anne, and that she had made out with the journal detailing what exactly he had done to her. How Sebastian’s love had bravely faced a small army of men on her own to ensure Poppy could escape. The only thing she neglected to tell Anne was that Solomon might’ve known the whole time…
Handing the girl the journal they discovered,Anne shook almost violently realizing that it hadn’t been goblins to curse her this whole time and that there was more to the story. The two quickly rounded the top of the stairs, rushing into the hospital ward.
“Nurse Blainey, I believe we may have discovered more information about the curse that affects Anne, if you could look over this journal and notes we discovered for a possible cure, I need to go find professor Sharp,” Poppy explained and Anne grabbed her arm before she left.
“Wait, don't leave me!” Anne said fearfully that once Solomon caught up he’d drag her from school.
“I need to find Professor Sharp to help y/n since he will know how to handle it being an ex auror, since your uncle refused to help. I will see if I can find Sebastian or Ominis, and I will tell them what’s happened I promise "Poppy told her before running off to find help. Just as she left the hospital she was intercepted by Garreth Weasley, climbing the stairs to get to his Aunt’s room.
“Woah, slow down Poppy, you keep running like that you’ll fall down the stairs' ' the ginger joked playfully but when he saw the almost tears forming in her eyes he moved to catch up with her.
“What’s wrong Poppy? What happened?” he asked her, searching for an answer.
“They took her. Rookwood’s men, they have her. I barely escaped. She told me to leave her… Sebastian is going to be so angry with me” she said before dissolving into tears as she continued rushing down the stairs.
Garreth didn’t know who the Hufflepuff was referring to until she said ‘Sebastian’ and then it dawned on him that Sweeting was referring to the new 5th year. Merlin.
“Where are you going? You can’t possibly be going after her on your own?” Garreth exclaimed as Poppy shook her head. Stopping only to catch her breath and explain to him what happened.
“We figured out that Anne Sallow was cursed by Rookwood, and that he had men keeping an eye on her for months now. I am not sure fully why or how, but somehow the twin’s uncle knew more than he’s been letting on. Then we got surrounded and she covered my exit so I could warn the Sallow’ and get Anne out of their home. When I told Solomon what happened… he refused to go back for her, almost didn’t let Anne and I leave. We came straight here. She’s with the nurse going over what we found to maybe see if there’s a cure. But I need to go get Professor Sharp, he will know what to do. He’s a former Auror.” She explained running past a door with a large tortoise shell outside when Garreth stopped her again.
“He won’t be down in his classroom this time of night. Professor Sharp goes to his home away from Hogwarts on the weekends to see his wife.” Garreth explained, and if it hadn’t been for the moment of high stress she’d have inquired how Weasley knew so much of the potions master’s private life.
“Where can I find him?” she asked, worried Sharp would’ve already left the school grounds and she would have to go to Hogsmeade to track down officer Singer, as she was already devising a plan to track down Natty to help locate the officer when Garreth pulled her arm to stop her once more.
“Slow down for a moment. This door right here is Sharp’s quarters. If he is still on school grounds he will be in here. Come on” the tall Gryffindor boy said, dragging her up the few steps, knocking on the door as they waited to see if the potions master was still around. Eventually they heard shuffling behind the closed door and Poppy sighed in relief as the stern and angry face of Aesop Sharp opened the door.
“Mr. Weasley I thought I told you to stop bothering me in my place of residence. I am already late, and my wife Rebecca is already expecting me home…” he trailed off, noting Poppy standing beside the boy with tears on her face and twigs in her hair. His instincts as an Auror kicking in, as he realized something was deeply wrong “Miss Sweeting why are you crying what has happened?”
“I am going to get my Aunt!” Garreth said turning to run when Poppy yelled after him.
“Please try and track down Ominis or Sebastian, they need to know what’s happened” she explained as Garreth nodded, rushing up 3 stairs at a time as his long limbs quickly carried him out of sight.
“Miss Sweeting, I demand to know what happened this instant,” Sharp said, extremely concerned.
“Sir, Rookwood’s men have her. When I escaped they were using the torture curse on her. It was awful.” Poppy said while beginning to cry once more, filled with guilt once more that her friend took an unforgivable curse to make sure that she survived. Unable to explain the situation further she continued to cry as Aesop panicked seeing the young girl filled with anguish. Bending down to her height, despite his injured leg protesting, he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Softening his tone he forced the girl to look up at him “Poppy who did they take? Where were you? I need you to help me here. I know this is upsetting but we don't have much time” he explained. Professor Sharp knew the young girl’s past. He had several run-ins with her parents over the years, as they were well known poachers, and had a bounty on their heads. As a professor, he rarely used student’s first names, only really in anger at students like Garreth blowing up cauldrons, however sensing the girl’s distress and needing to find out information quickly, he resorted to breaking formality in order to comfort her.
“The new fifth year. We were near Feldcroft…” Poppy explained, omitting details about what they were doing there.
“How many of them were there?” he asked, still attempting to pry information away from the student as Professor Ronen, having heard the noise up the stairs, came to join them.
“Aesop, what is going on here? Miss Sweeting, are you alright?” Abraham asked, looking down at the girl worried.
“A student has been taken by Rookwood. Go get Professor Fig, as it is Miss y/l/n and I am sure he would like to be made aware she is missing. Miss Sweeting, I need you to show me where you both last were.” Professor Sharp sighed as he looked back in his quarters, knowing his weekend away from the school would be put on hold. Summoning a quill he quickly jotted down a message for his wife, informing her he was going to be late coming home, as an urgent matter involving a student’s safety had taken priority, profusely apologizing before he turned back to Poppy.
“Sir… there’s something else you should know” Poppy said, having finally calmed down.
“Yes?” he asked, trying not to sound annoyed as he filled a satchel with potions and started off towards the bottom of the faculty tower to the floo network.
“Mr. Sallow… Anne and Sebastian’s Uncle… he knew that she had been taken, possibly even why she was taken and he refused to help her… he also was mad that I brought Anne to the school” she explained quickly as confusion crossed his face.
“Solomon Sallow knew the girl had been taken and didn’t try to help her? Correct me if I am wrong Miss Sweeting,” he said, rounding the last flight of stairs with her as adrenaline slowly filled his body with the strength to ignore the pain in his leg “as much as I try to ignore my student’s personal lives, it's been a tad hard to neglect noticing… but isn’t Miss y/l/n involved with Sebastian Sallow? I admit it appears the girl has been a fine influence on the boy either way” The thought that Solomon would allow his nephew’s friend or sweetheart to be hurt by criminals confounded the man, however having worked with him at the Ministry for some time, it wouldn’t fully surprise him. Solomon Sallow often walked too closely to the line of dark wizard’s for his taste.
“Yes sir. They are courting Sir. Quite seriously I may add… she spent the holidays with them in Feldcroft” Poppy explained as they came to stand near the flame, poppy holding out her pouch filled with power.
“Remind me to have a word with Solomon regarding the matter.” he said sternly as they both used the Floo network to disappear off school grounds.
Sebastian’s stomach rumbled as he decided that it was well past the time he had intended to meet the others at his home. Stepping back one last time to look over the peaceful view of Marunweem he finally decided to apparate to Feldcroft to join his family.
He was expecting the normal quiet sounds of the hamlet when he arrived: the birds chirping, the wind blowing, the distant sound of waves breaking on the shore, the occasional cow mooing. What he was not expecting was to be thrown in the midst of his neighbors trying to fend off Rookwood’s men.
Small fires filled the hamlet and lots of shouting sounded in the air. Curses and spells being called out all around him.
“We must fend them off and drive them back out of the village!” Bernard the merchant shouted as Sebastian frantically looked around for Solomon and Anne. Not seeing his uncle, who should’ve been leading the charge as a former Auror with the most combat experience, his stomach dropped.
Sebastian rushed over to his childhood home, seeing it swarming with poachers. When he made it through the front door, which remained ajar, he blasted the first man he saw into the wall, not caring for how hard the man’s head smacked into the brick there. His mind went unconscious as he only briefly scanned the faces of those who had invaded his home, only making sure it wasn’t his uncle or sister, before blasting them into oblivion.
He tore through every single one of them, with little thought as they all fell to the floor, incapacitated and some possibly even dead judging by the looks of it. He hardly cared, as defending his home was a priority over the criminal's lives.
It wasn’t long before he felt a hand on his shoulder, aggressively shoving the tip of his aspen wand in the face of Mr. Ndiaye, who’s wide eyes at the sight of the light wood looked startled. Sebastian lowered his wand, recognizing the man as his neighbor, not another poacher.
“What happened?” Sebastian asked frantically, looking around to see if anything had been taken from his home, attempting to douse a small fire in the corner.
“We are not sure. I heard a small argument between your sister and Uncle, along with another student. Anne left with the girl and as Solomon left to follow after them, Feldcroft was suddenly under attack by Rookwood’s men. They were looking for something in your home. Solomon did not stay to help.” Mr. Ndiaye said, sounding shocked that their long time friend had left them to defend themselves against dark wizards.
“Solomon left you all?! What student? Was it y/n?! Was she here?” he said frantically, looking around before cupping his mouth and shouting her name to no reply.
“No it was not. It was some girl who must’ve been in Hufflepuff… she wore yellow and looked frightened.” Bernard explained and Sebastian almost felt his legs give out under him. Poppy. Poppy was in Feldcroft. Without her. Poppy wouldn't have been alone unless...
“Are you sure she was alone? That she didn’t have my… that y/n wasn’t here with her” Sebastian asked hoping the man had mistaken what he’d seen.
Mr. Ndiaye looked down reverently and shook his head. “She was not here Sebastian…”
Sebastian took a step back from him, running out of the house, and down the hill some. He started shouting her name, praying to Merlin that by some miracle she was out there, where she could hear him, and that she would come running to him. After a while of shouting, his voice went raw and he fell to his knees, feeling the ring box in his pocket as he sobbed into the cool air of the night…
To be continued...
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