#garreth and mc's sister????

[whizzing-fizzbee]

Guilty As Sin

Sebastian Sallow x Female Reader (MC)

Rating: Mature 18+ (explicit sex, smut, language), all characters are 18+

Summary: You’re a sinner and tonight, Sebastian Sallow is a saint.

In other words, it’s your (MC) last night at Hogwarts and you can’t help but fantasize over your best friend. Luckily, he’s happy to turn your daydreams into reality.

Notes: Takes place at the end of MC’s seventh year. (You’re MC.) Characters are 18. Obviously this was inspired by Taylor Swift’s “Guilty As Sin.”

I wrote this smutty drabble while I was ovulating. Oops. Consider yourself warned.

Read on AO3 here, or below the cut.

Sebastian Sallow was a fucking menace.

He wasn’t even in the same room as you and he was driving you mental. Hadn’t the absolute hell he put you through during your fifth year been enough?

Oh, but this was a different type of hell. This was the kind of hell that made your palms sweat and your knees want to buckle beneath you. This hell was a frustration that simmered up through your body, rising into your head until you could practically feel it pulsing in your hair.

Sebastian Sallow was also your best friend.

You hadn’t meant for that to happen. But the events of your fifth year kind of made it difficult to shake him. You watched the moron murder his own uncle and then you covered for him like an even bigger moron. As a result, the two of you formed some sort of trauma bond that nudged you even closer together, compelling you to lean on one another. He had no one else, given that he’d pushed his sister and his former best friend away. You had no one else because you didn’t want anyone else.

In time, Anne and Ominis came around and forgave him. They settled back into his life with cautious compassion but you — you had proven yourself as the one person who would never turn your back.

And because of that, Sebastian Sallow dug and twisted his way into the center of your soul, planting himself as more than a kindred spirit or a partner in crime. No, the two of you were closer than that, and it made you want to hurl yourself into the Black Lake, sinking until the bottom claimed you.

Sebastian Sallow was the reason you were so dramatic.

You kept that drama to yourself, though you had the feeling Ominis knew. In your mission to bridge the divide between him and Sebastian, you and Ominis had also grown quite close. Ominis seemed to have a quiet understanding of your internal anguish over the boy — no, the man — the two of you had in common, but he kept quiet on the subject, except to say he was glad that if anyone had to replace him as a “best friend,” he was pleased it was you.

Instead of acting on your dramatic fantasies over that 18-year-old freckled friend, you kept them bottled in the back of your mind, the lid corked tight, except on nights like this.

These were the nights you cursed Sebastian Sallow.

No one else was around, your roommates all out celebrating the completion of term. They were saying goodbye to one another, to all the other seventh years who would be departing Hogwarts for good in the morning. You’d said your farewells too, mingling and laughing with your friends at the party, reminiscing on the memories you’d crafted in the three years you spent together.

Then Sebastian Sallow ruined everything.

He found you at that party and snaked his strong, stupid arms around your waist as he stood behind you. He did that all the time but something about it sent shivers straight past your stomach, coursing through your thighs toward your ankles.

He laughed at something Garreth Weasley had said and rested his head on your shoulder, as if your body was some sort of prop meant to bear his weight. And oh, how you wanted that to be the case.

Even as Sebastian removed himself from contact with your body to bounce around the room, commanding the attention that only someone with his level of charisma could manage, your mind fixated on his fingers. They had touched your waist, your shoulders, even your hair as he twirled it around absent-mindedly while he yapped with Amit Thakkar about some book he read.

You seized that opportunity to slip away from the party, retreating down to the dungeons and into the Slytherin Common Room. You ignored the gazes of the underclassmen and slunk into the quiet sanctuary of your deserted dorm room, dark and cool.

But Sebastian Sallow made you hot.

This wasn’t the first time you’d slid into bed, your hands inching up the hem of your skirt as you thought about him. But it would be the last time you’d do it here.

You were leaving Hogwarts tomorrow, set for Hogsmeade so you could spend the summer in your shop with Penny before starting the Ministry of Magic’s Auror Training Academy in the fall. Sebastian had also been accepted to the academy, meaning you’d be enduring another year as a student alongside him.

Another year with Sebastian Sallow. At least. For all you knew, you could end up spending your entire career with him, and while there was no one else you’d rather work with, you were certain it would drive you fucking mad.

That’s why you were hesitant when Sebastian asked you to apply with him.

”C’mon, it’ll be great,” he’d said as he pleaded with you for the fifth time. “We already know we make a great team. We’ll set a high standard for the other trainees. We’ll be unstoppable.”

You knew you wanted to be an Auror. How could you not, given all of the dark wizards and magic you’d witnessed? And you were so damn proud of Sebastian for making the same choice, for wanting to right all of his past wrongdoings. So you agreed, not that you ever intended not to apply for the Auror academy, and Sebastian excitedly vowed the two of you were going to be the best Aurors to ever carry a wand.

You were stuck with Sebastian Sallow.

You groaned at the thought of another agonizing year, sitting next to him, watching him study the prose inside his stacks of books when he should be studying the curves of your body.

After all, Sebastian Sallow could read you better than any old book.

A year of crawling through caves and catacombs, of scanning spellbooks and scrolls, of dueling enemies that wouldn’t have thought twice about your deaths. Then two years of trying to keep low profiles after Sebastian’s stupid decision in the Feldcroft catacomb, trying to live like the teenagers you deserved to be. Three total years in each other’s presence, highlighted by countless nights in the Undercroft as you became each other’s confidants. Of course Sebastian could read you like teenage poetry, tracing every line as he absorbed its meaning.

That’s what you envisioned as you lay in the quiet comfort of your bed. Except he wasn’t tracing words on a page. He was tracing you.

Sebastian Sallow had turned you into a sinner.

You let out a long exhale as your fingers made contact with your core. A few simple touches from Sebastian at that party had you wound so tight, you sprinted into your dormitory so fast, you forgot to lock the door.

And as you moaned his name, visions of his fingers sinking into you, helping you relieve the ache between your legs, you didn’t even notice the visitor in your room.

Sebastian Sallow was a sinner, too.

”Let me help you.”

Your eyes shot open and you let out the most pathetic hybrid of a scream and a gasp, your hand quickly breaking contact from what lay beneath your skirt.

”Sebastian?” you managed, shame creeping across your face in the form of rosy cheeks.

”I came to check on you. You left the party so abruptly. I thought maybe something was wrong,” he said, still lurking just inside the doorway, his hands stuffed inside his pockets.

You were determinedly not looking at him, mortified by the sight you had created for him. The candlelight of the room betrayed you as it flickered across your face, revealing your shame. But it also revealed something about Sebastian.

As the light danced, you caught a glimpse of Sebastian’s form and you swallowed hard as you realized he was hard.

Your gaze fixated on the unmistakable bulge in his pants and you felt weak.

“By all means, don’t stop on my behalf,” Sebastian said, still standing much too far away for your liking. “But if you’d like some help, I’d like to be first for consideration.”

You realized you were still flat on your back, your skirt hem still hiked up above your hips, exposing your soaked panties.

You had a choice. You could spend the rest of your nights like this, victim of your own fatal fantasies, or you could indulge them with one bold move.

”Come here,” you managed, your voice husky amid your labored breaths.

Sebastian Sallow was your savior.

Sebastian moved swiftly toward you, crawling on top of you, his arms supporting his weight as he leaned down to kiss you.

”You have no idea how many times I’ve daydreamed about this,” he said in your ear.

”Oh, but I do,” you whispered back.

Sebastian pulled away slightly to smirk at you. That stupid smirk you loved to hate.

“Then why didn’t you ever say anything?” he asked.

”Why didn’t you?” you retorted. He grinned. He loved it when you bantered back and forth with him.

”Just didn’t think I ever stood a chance with someone so fucking perfect,” he said, his eyes darting downward to where your blouse was begging to be unbuttoned. “But hearing the way you moaned my name just a few moments ago… I‘d never forgive myself for not taking the chance.”

”Take it,” you said, your tone much more forceful than you’d intended. Sebastian smirked again.

”Anything you say, love. Like I said, I’m here to help.”

”Then help me already,” you said through gritted teeth. You knew he’d find a way to bring this up later, to hold it over your head, but your brain was well beyond the stages of any reasoning.

Sebastian licked his lower lip as he studied your gaze one last time, seeking final confirmation despite your desperate pleas. When he seemed content by the fire in your eyes, he kissed your neck.

”Oh fuck,” you moaned, feeling fearful for your own wellbeing — if a kiss on the neck had you on the edge of insanity, what would happen when Sebastian really touched you?

You couldn’t wait to find out.

”How can I help you?” Sebastian murmured in your ear, his hands roaming from your chest down your sides to your hips.

”Anything. Everything,” you whined pitifully. “I just want you.”

You soon realized that it was not Sebastian’s wand that you felt digging into your upper thigh as his fingers worked to unbutton your blouse. His impatience, that blasted impatience you’d seen so many times, bubbled over as his fingers fumbled against the tiny buttons and he ripped them apart.

”Not like you’ll need a school uniform after today,” he noted. You couldn’t help but laugh, but his eyes roamed your body and you fell quiet. “Can I take this off?” he continued, his fingers lifting the hem of your skirt.

You nodded silently and shifted, lifting your hips slightly as he slid your skirt down past your ankles until it toppled from the edge of the bed to the floor.

Sebastian sat back to admire you. ”You are so fucking beautiful,” he hissed.

That’s when you realized Sebastian was wearing too much clothing.

You reached for his tie, tugging shamelessly on it to pull him into another kiss. He tasted like sugar quills.

You fumbled with the knot on that stupid tie and had half the mind to rip his shirt open as well, but he pulled back to chuckle at your desperation, loosening his tie and unbuttoning his own shirt, sending you into an annoyed frenzy.

”Oh, so you’ll rip my shirt but not your own,” you pointed out. Even now, at your most vulnerable, you liked to challenge him. You knew he liked it more.

”I’m the one doing you a favor here,” he murmured.

Sebastian Sallow was a fucking tease.

Once his shirt had joined your clothing on the floor, he took a moment to plant a trail of kisses from your stomach to your inner thigh. You clenched your jaw in anticipation, unsure what he planned to do next. You knew what you wanted him to do, but you were trying not to beg.

”These are pretty,” Sebastian said as he hooked his thumbs through the sides of your panties. He slid them down with such slow and deliberate intention, you considered kneeing him in the jaw. “That’s even prettier,” he said, his gaze between your legs once you were fully naked.

You stilled yourself as he eyed you, taking in your wetness. You’ve never felt more vulnerable, but he smirked as he returned his gaze to your eyes.

”Is that all because of me?” he asked.

”You know it is,” you huffed, annoyed that you had no choice but to admit it. The man had literally heard you moaning his name earlier.

You were almost certain he could hear the silent screams of desperation inside your skull. And when his tongue made contact with you, you gasped so sharply, you wondered if there was any air remaining in the room.

”Oh my-“ you cut your own statement off with a moan and you could just feel Sebastian smirking against you.

Sebastian Sallow had a tongue like a snake.

”You taste so fucking good,” he hissed and you willed him to shut the fuck up so that you could continue to feel his mouth.

Your moans grew louder until you were grinding your hips against his tongue, desperate to finish what your own fingers had started.

His tongue flattened itself and then rolled against you in patterns, causing you to cry out in ecstasy. How could you have been so fucking stupid to have starved yourself from this for so long?

And when your orgasm started, you tried to will yourself not to moan so loud, but every ounce of logic drained from your head down between your thighs, which were shaking. Sebastian’s tongue didn’t stop until you did, and even then, you could feel him tasting you until he straightened up to admire his work.

Normally, you’d have some smart remark for him. At the very least you’d call him a smug bastard. But now your head was a juxtaposition of hazy and horny you’d never experienced.

”Better?” he asked, looking quite pleased with himself.

Your eyes flickered down to his bulging pants and he immediately got the message. You caught your breath as you watched him undo his belt and kick his remaining garments off. The smooth skin and toned muscles were more than enough to pull you out of your post-orgasm haze, especially as your eyes landed on his erection. Soon, you were licking your lips in anticipation again.

”Fuck, you’re big,” you whispered. Those were probably your famous last words. No way in hell Sebastian was ever going to forget them.

”I’ll be gentle,” he said, but you frowned. You didn’t need him to be gentle. That was the last thing you wanted right now.

Sebastian couldn’t help but smirk as he understood your expression. “You’re even more alluring when you’re mad,” he said, one hand wrapped around himself. You’d never been so envious of a fucking hand.

A whimper escaped your lips and Sebastian leaned forward to kiss you. You could feel him pressing against your entrance, so close to solving all your problems.

And then, when he finally satiated you and guided himself inside you, you were certain your eyes would roll back into your head.

”You feel so fucking good,” he groaned and you could practically feel him harden even more inside of you.

“Oh god, fuck me,” you hissed.

And Sebastian Sallow obliged.

The delicious friction, the steady pace, the way Sebastian told you how fucking good you were, it all crafted a fitting build-up to the climax you knew you were in for.

Sebastian Sallow was going to make you come.

You arched your back and moaned his name as you inched closer, torn between your desperation for that blissful release and not wanting it to end. And all the while, Sebastian’s eyes bore into you with the hunger and passion you’d dreamt of.

Your cunt swallowed his cock each time it slammed into you, and the way Sebastian was clenching his jaw had you wondering how much longer he had in him. You knew you were a lost cause, your undoing due at any moment.

You bucked your hips one last time as Sebastian’s cock pounded upward, catching just that right spot, eliciting a moan so loud you were sure the Common Room below could hear you.

You came so hard you saw stars as your cunt contracted around Sebastian, who continued to pound into you so hard the bed legs scraped against the hickory wood floorboards.

The ending of your high signaled the start of his and he groaned as he spilled himself inside you, savoring one final thrust before he held himself flush against you.

The quiet inside your room crashed around you as clarity slowly creeped into your head. As Sebastian pulled away from you, you immediately found yourself missing the heat of his body.

He gazed down at you swiftly before nudging you slightly, indicating that you were taking up too much space on the bed. You rolled over onto your stomach while he laid down beside you, reaching for you to rest your head on his chest.

”Can I tell you something?” he asked.

”Mmhmm, of course.”

”I really do love you, you know.”

The warmth you thought had left you instantly returned and you propped yourself up on your elbows to smile at him.

”I really do love you, too.”

You felt sleepy against his chest as you reflected on how the events of the past three years all culminated to this, and you could not have felt more satisfied for your future.

Sebastian Sallow was a fucking saint.

[dolcid]

Hugging Them ▪︎ Hogwarts Legacy

A/N: wanted to write for the HL boys as well cause I love them too ❤ (tried to keep it gn but 'my lady' is said in Garreth's)

Sebastian Sallow

Seb would definitely freeze on the spot, cause he's only ever been hugged by his sister before, no one else (not even Omi, due to personal space). But he'd gratefully hug back after the initial shock, loving the feeling of your hands on him, and how safe and warm you make him feel.

Sebastian would be patiently waiting for mc, ready to head into hogsmeade together. It was a usual thing for the two, going into hogsmeade to either shop together or just relax, merlin knows they need it. Suddenly he'd hear an excited call of his name followed by fast paced footsteps, and before he has time to react, you're hugging him.

"Sebastian!" You shout excitedly, unable to contain your affection for him. He had that trick on you. Sebastian would just start turning around when you jumped into his arms, engulfing him in an embrace. Almost tumbling over, Sebastian manages to catch you and stay on his feet.

"MC?" He'd question, recognizing your scent and immediately smiling.

"Hey! Sorry about the random hug, I just...get so excited when I see you." Sebastian would smirk at the confession, chuckling lightly before pulling you in for another hug.

"It's alright darling, I don't mind."

Ominis Gaunt

Ominis would be tense, not having hugged anyone before due to his familial issues. But once he realizes it's you, he'd slowly reciprocate the embrace, happy to finally feel what love is like, in a physical sense.

While waiting in the undercroft, Ominis would be standing waiting for you. You had asked him about how he read books, and he had wanted to meet up so he could show you. Once you enter the undercroft, he can sense it's you, but before he can get a word out, he's engulfed in a hug. Ominis would blush immensely, keeping his hands in the air as you hugged him, not knowing what to do. You'd mistake his unknowing for uncomfortableness and Immediately back off.

"Gosh, I'm so sorry Ominis, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable." You'd say sheepishly, not daring to look up at him. Despite his blindness, he had a stern gaze. Ominis would gather himself before speaking.

"It's alright MC, I just....I've never been hugged before....can we try it again?"

You'd smile brightly and immediately pull him into an embrace, this time feeling his arms wrap around you too.

Garreth Weasley

Garreth wouldn't be shocked at all. He was born into a HUGE family, so he expects random things like hugs. Well, either hugs or getting pranked, he was always prepared for one of the two.

Garreth would be walking to you in the courtyard. You had asked him to brew you some wiggenweld potions (despite knowing how to do it yourself, his were just better) and meet you in the courtyard. He'd smile once he meets your eye, watching as you smiled brightly, jogging over to him and pulling him into your arms. He'd hug back happily, even if a little blushy.

"Here's your wiggenweld, my lady." You'd laugh at the term and take them happily, stuffing them into your bag before pulling him into another hug.

"Thank you Garreth! You're a life saver."

Reblogs appreciated! These are so short I'm sorry 😓

[thenerdykneazle]

Marry You

Summary: Garreth proclaims to anyone and everyone, including you, that he is going to marry you one day – despite the fact that you haven’t even agreed to court him (not that he's asked). Set during 5th year. It was supposed to be a bunch of short drabbles. One of them got out of hand (oops).

Garreth Weasley x Gryffindor F!MC

A/N: I added Garreth to DADA b/c in the game he only has like 2 classes with MC. It’s a crime that they didn’t give him the same schedule as Leander, honestly. You know those idiots would be besties and take all the same classes.

Warnings: none, pure fluff for a change, pining, *slight* Seb bashing if you squint but really he's just his moody self

Word Count: 6330

To Imelda

Garreth was elated when you handed him the fwooper feather. “Brilliant! This is going to take a moment to brew. You should get back to brewing your Edurus Potion, and I’ll tell you when this concoction’s finished.”

“Don’t keep me waiting too long,” you replied before leaving to work on your own potion. Garreth watched you walk away with stars in his eyes.

Imelda came up beside him. “Causing trouble again, Weasley?” she asked.

Garreth jumped at the girl suddenly so close to him. “Just getting started. I think I’ve got a partner in crime now,” he said.

“Oh?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “Dragging that new fifth-year into your schemes, are you?”

He gave her a cheeky smile. “I may be dragging her into my schemes, but I’d let her drag me anywhere,” he said.

Imelda scrunched up her face in disgust at the mushy proclamation. “Ugh! Down boy,” she said. “You’ve only just met the poor girl.”

He sighed dreamily as he watched you work across the room. You seemed to have a knack for potions like he did. “Maybe, but I’m gonna marry her one day,” he said, imaging a future running a shop in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley with you.

Imelda rolled her eyes at the dramatic boy. “Whatever you say, Gryffindor,” she said before walking off.

When his potion sparked out wild fireworks, he caught your eye in the chaos. You looked thoroughly amused, and he couldn’t help but feel that the potion had been a resounding success if it got you to smile that way. He did feel a bit guilty that he had gotten you in hot water with Sharp, but the ex-auror didn’t seem too fussed about things.

To Sebastian

Garreth was enamoured when you knocked Sebastian on his ass. Again. You were all duelling in Defense Against the Dark Arts class, and Professor Hecat seemed to enjoy seeing the Slytherin knocked down a peg as much as Leander did since she paired you and Sebastian together a second time. Garreth cheered even louder than Leander for you, and you gave the dorky pair a little salute.

Personally, though, Garreth had never had an issue with his fellow freckled classmate. He was friendly, had a good sense of humour, and enjoyed helping other students with their studies – or, at least, he used to before his sister was cursed. They had even teamed up on a prank here and there over the years. So, when Garreth saw the way the brunet looked at you, he had one thought as he smirked to himself: Game on.

You helped Sebastian back to his feet. “Nice job,” he said. “All your extra practice is paying off.”

You shrugged. “I suppose so,” you agreed. “You’ve been improving, as well, though.”

“I’d like a fair fight sometime. Get to use all my tricks,” he said. “Though, I could show you one or two beforehand if you’d like.”

You smiled slightly. “I might be interested,” you replied.

“I’ll be in touch, then,” Sebastian said with a smirk. He brushed himself off as he walked back to Ominis.

You walked back to your fellow Gryffindors. “Godric himself would be proud,” Leander said as Garreth gave you a congratulatory hug.

From across the room, Sebastian eyed the redhead as he embraced you. Garreth caught him watching and sent him a wink and a cheeky grin.

“That was bloody brilliant!” Garreth said as he let go of you.

“Thanks,” you said, beaming at him.

Leander resisted the urge to roll his eyes as his curly-haired friend seemed to dominate your attention and vice versa. He busied himself talking to Andrew. You and Garreth started talking about your recent encounter with a kneazle den out in the forest, barely noticing your friend’s absence. Soon, though, Professor Hecat stole you away to talk about an extra assignment.

Garreth took the opportunity to saunter over to the Slytherins. “You put up a good fight,” he said to Sebastian.

“Thanks,” he replied before cutting to the chase. “So, you and MC seem pretty cozy.” Sebastian had always been the jealous type.

“I should hope so,” Garreth replied. “I am going to marry her, after all.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow at that. Weasleys were a known pure-blood family, but most of them weren’t those kinds of pure-bloods that had their children pledged to suitors from a young age.

Ominis gave the Gryffindor a pitying expression, though Garreth didn’t notice as Sebastian spoke up at the same time. “Didn’t realize your family was into that sort of thing. Arranged betrothals and whatnot,” he said.

“Oh, no, we’ll marry for love,” Garreth said confidently.

“Wait, so are you even engaged?” Ominis asked.

Garreth laughed. “No, of course not! We’re fifteen,” he replied. “Well, I’ll be sixteen next month.”

“So, are you courting?” Sebastian asked.

“Not yet,” Garreth said simply.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes at the ginger. “So, what you’re saying is, you have no actual claim to her,” he said.

Garreth shrugged, looking unbothered. “I may not have any official title yet, but I wanted to give you fair warning not to fall too hard for her.”

Sebastian laughed. “Yeah, thanks, mate,” he said sarcastically. “What makes you so certain she’d choose you, anyway?”

Garreth smirked at him. “I just am.”

He let that be his final word, as he saw you walking away from Professor Hecat. Sebastian just gaped at the overconfident boy as he left. “Gryffindors,” he grumbled.

“You do realize that includes MC,” Ominis pointed out.

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “Oh, shut it.”

To Leander

Garreth overheard you telling Professor Shah that you didn’t have a telescope. He was disappointed when she paired you with Amit before he could offer. He felt a pang of jealousy when Amit offered his old telescope to you. He tried to refocus on the stargazing he was supposed to be doing. Leander was struggling to find Sirius. He helped his best friend before they hurried downstairs, seeking the warmth of the castle.

On the way down, he overheard Amit asking you to go out to an astronomy table with him. The small pang of jealousy he felt earlier bloomed into anguish. Was Amit really trying to earn your affections? He expected to have to compete with Sallow, but he felt bad at the idea of stealing you away from the good-natured Ravenclaw. Not bad enough to back off, of course, but still.

He and Leander walked all the way back to the Gryffindor common room. Garreth flopped into an armchair with a huff.

Leander raised an eyebrow at him. “What’s got you so worked up?” he asked.

“Amit’s trying to flirt with my future wife,” Garreth grumbled.

“Oh, not this again,” Leander muttered to himself.

“Yes, this again,” Garreth replied firmly. “I’m serious, Lee. She’s the one.”

Leander just shook his head in amusement. “Yes, you’ve made that very clear,” he said. “And why is it you think Amit is trying to steal her affections?”

“You didn’t hear him?” Garreth practically yelled. He jumped to his feet and started pacing. “First, he was all, ‘Oh, let me adjust the telescope for you.’ Then he just gave her his old telescope. And then, he invited her out exploring the grounds to go find an astronomy table.”

“He might as well have proposed right then,” Leander replied nonchalantly, still reclining lazily on the couch and biting back a smirk.

“I know! I–” Garreth started, but he paused, spinning around to face Leander. He glared at the taller boy. “You’re mocking me.”

Leander let the smile break onto his face. “A bit,” he admitted. “Gar, Amit is just friendly. He’d give an Ashwinder the shirt off his back if they said they were cold. You’re reading too much into it.”

“Am I?” Garreth asked seriously, putting a hand on his hip as he eyed his friend.

“Yes,” Leander replied equally seriously. “And, with all due respect to your undying love, you barely know MC. What if you’re not compatible? What if she wants to move to Peru or something when she graduates? What if she doesn’t want kids?”

Garreth shrugged. “I don’t need kids,” he said.

Leander rolled his eyes. “Have you met your family?” he asked. “And you practically knocked me into the Black Lake jumping into my arms when you got the owl saying your brother and his wife are having a baby.”

Garreth blushed at the memory. “Okay, but they’re out snuggling up in the cold to go look at the stars,” he whined.

“Your brother and his pregnant wife?” Leander asked.

Garreth let out a frustrated groan. “No, MC and Amit! Keep up, Lee! There’s no chance he’s not trying to woo her in such a romantic setting. They’ll probably be out all night, knowing MC. They’ll cozy up as they watch the sunrise and kiss just as the sun peaks out over the horizon.”

“Ah, you’re back to the whole Amit thing,” Leander observed.

“He’s probably got his arms around her right now to ‘help’ her focus the telescope,” Garreth said. “Maybe I should go out there and–”

Garreth fell silent at the sound of the portrait creaking open. He was glad he did when he saw you stepping into the common room. “You’re home early!” he said. He had meant to say it in a cool, casual tone but ended up shouting it in excitement, instead.

“Am I?” you asked, giving him a confused look. “I didn’t know I had an appointment.”

“Well, I just heard Amit invite you out stargazing and figured you’d be gone a while,” Garreth blurted out. Leander smacked a hand over his face as he shook his head at his moronic friend.

“Oh,” you said. You shrugged. “The table was just on the castle wall. It didn’t take long to find.”

“Do you want kids?” Garreth asked, stunning both you and Leander.

You looked at him with wide eyes. “Right now?” you asked. “Because I’ll have to pass, thanks.”

Garreth’s face flamed with embarrassment. “Merlin, no, that’s not what I…Not now, just…in the future. Possibly. I mean, do you like kids?” he corrected.

“Oh. Yeah, one day. I love kids,” you replied.

“Great!” he said before he could stop himself. “Because, um, my brother is having a baby soon, and I’ll have to do a lot of babysitting. I might need a hand, and Lee here is useless with kids, so…”

Leander glared at him, and Garreth just gave him an apologetic smile.

“That sounds fun!” you replied.

Garreth’s eyes lit up. “Brilliant! I’ll reach out if I need assistance, then,” he said with a dopey grin.

“Sounds good,” you said as you made your way toward the stairs up to the girls’ dormitories. “Good night, you two.”

They both wished you a good night. Once your back was turned, Garreth smiled wildly at Leander and mouthed ‘I told you’ rather aggressively at him. Leander just rolled his eyes.

To Poppy

Garreth sprinted down the corridors to reach the faculty tower. He took the stairs up it three at a time, grabbing the handrail to whip sharply around the landings. His legs were on fire by the time he reached the infirmary. He was too out of breath to form a proper sentence when he’d met Nurse Blainey at the entrance.

“Where…How…MC?” he managed between pants as his lungs heaved to get the oxygen his body so desperately needed.

“She’s okay, so just take a moment–” she said, holding up her hands to try to get the boy to pause and catch his breath.

“I need to see her. Please,” he urged.

He looked as if he might burst into tears at any moment, and the mediwitch took pity on the boy. She led him to your bedside. “She’s stable but hasn’t woken up yet. I gave her a sedative so I could change the dressing over a rather painful wound on her leg. It should heal completely in time, though,” she explained as she walked him over.

She held the curtain around your bed back, so Garreth could step inside of it. He gasped when he saw the cuts and bruises on your face and arms. The rest of you was hidden under the blanket, and he could only imagine how much worse it got. Poppy was sitting in a chair on the far side of the bed. Garreth sat down opposite her, pulling the chair closer to the bed while turning it around so he could face the head of the it. He held your hand gently in both of his.

You were a force to be reckoned with, but right now you looked so…fragile.

“What happened?” he rasped, looking over to Poppy.

“We…It happened so fast,” she said, head bowed in shame. “We were fighting a camp of poachers, and a manticore sprang out of their tent. It had a collar of goblin metal they used to control it. It attached her, scratching her, and biting her leg.” She dropped her face into her hands. “Merlin, her scream.” Poppy winced at the memory.

“A manticore?” Garreth repeated in disbelief. “Godric’s heart, I’m glad it didn’t sting her!”

“It almost did, but I cast depulso and knocked it off of her,” she said. “I just wish I’d reacted sooner.”

“Hey,” Garreth said gently as he held a hand out to her across the bed. She sheepishly took it as she finally raised her eyes to look at him. “You saved her life. I can’t thank you enough for that.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled gently at her.

“O-oh. Are you two…? I mean, I didn’t realize you were more than friends,” she said, pulling her hand out of his grasp and linking it with the other one in her lap. She trained her gaze on her hands rather than the boy sat across from her.

“We’re not. Not yet, anyway,” Garreth said as he looked at you with a fond smile on his face. He turned back to Poppy with a devilish grin. “Make no mistake, though, I’m gonna make her my wife one day.”

“Wow. That’s, um, wonderful,” she said, giving him a pained smile.

Garreth chuckled. “I know everyone thinks I’m crazy for saying it, but I really do believe it. She’s captured my heart and soul, this one,” he said.

“She’s a lucky girl,” Poppy said sincerely.

“I hope so,” Garreth replied with a grateful smile. He looked back at you. “I know she hasn’t been here very long, but I don’t know what I’d do if I ever really lost her. I’d have to find a new supplier for all my potion ingredients and everything!” He spoke sincerely until the last sentence.

You let out a groan as you rubbed your head with the hand Garreth wasn’t holding. “I think I’m gonna have to close shop for a week or two,” you croaked out.

Garreth chuckled. “All the cute things I said, and you wake up for that part?” he teased.

You gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Gar,” you said. “I’ll try to time it better next time.”

The sincerity in your voice nearly broke his heart. He reached a hand up to stroke your cheek. “Hey, no, I was just joking,” he said sweetly. “But there better not be a ‘next time,’ and I’m very serious about that. No more close calls like this.”

You nodded your head slowly. Your eyes were half closed. “That sounds good to me,” you said.

He managed a small smile. He’d been a nervous wreck when he heard you were in the infirmary with serious injuries. It was a relief just to talk to you. “Get some rest now, okay? We’ll be here,” he said.

“M’kay,” you agreed with a soft sigh. Your eyes were already closing again, heavy with exhaustion.

Garreth stroked the back of your hand as he carefully watched the bruises on your face fade. It was slow – barely noticeable as it happened – but after a few hours the dark, angry purple marks had shrunk with the remaining areas turned faded hues of yellow and green. He delicately brushed the hair back from your face. Your cuts were now thin lines of new flesh, pink and tender-looking. Garreth traced some of the lines on your arm carefully with his left index finger. His right hand continued to hold yours.

Curfew came before you roused again. Nurse Blainey came to dismiss the students still by your bedside. Poppy stood to leave, but Garreth requested to stay.

“I assure your she’s in capable hands, Mr. Weasley,” the mediwitch said. “I’m afraid visiting hours are over for today. You may come back when they begin tomorrow. After breakfast.”

He had skipped dinner, though he didn’t know how Nurse Blainey had known. The meal had just begun when he got the news of your injury.

Garreth trudged out alongside Poppy. “I’m glad she has someone who cares so deeply for her,” the mousy girl said as they left the hospital wing. “She’s my best friend – and only friend, really – and I want her to be happy.”

Garreth nodded with a pensive look on his face. “Thank you, Poppy,” he said. “I’m glad she’s got you to watch her back out there.”

She gave him a tight smile and a nod. She still felt responsible.

They parted once they left the faculty tower, heading to their separate common rooms. Garreth had a fitful night sleep before getting out of bed before the sun was up. He ate a rushed breakfast before returning to the hospital wing. You were sat up in the bed, eating your own breakfast from a tray set over your lap. You smiled when you saw him approaching.

“If it isn’t my favourite customer,” you said with a smirk.

Garreth rolled his eyes playfully. “How is it that was the only thing you got from my visit yesterday?” he asked.

You chuckled. “I was heavily medicated,” you replied with a shrug. You shifted to sit toward the left side of the bed, grimacing as you pulled your right leg over.

Garreth lunged forward to help when he saw your pained expression, but it was gone in an instant. You patted the newly open spot on the bed next to you. He carefully sat down, keeping an eye on your leg so he didn’t bump it.

“So, what else did you say when you came to visit?” you asked. “I have it on good authority it was quite cute.”

Garreth’s cheeks flushed. “Just, um, that I was very relieved you were okay and wouldn’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Yes, well, it would put a damper on our marriage if I was dead before it began,” you joked.

Garreth just gave you a shy smile.

You had known for a while how Garreth liked to tell people he was going to marry you one day. You thought it was funny and would join in on the joke from time to time. You took it as a compliment. He usually tied it to some praise of your skill, whether in combat, on a broom, or brewing potions. He had a flare for the dramatic, so you didn’t read too much into it. You’d heard him tell Leander he could kiss him when the taller boy had bought him a set of rare potion ingredients for his birthday.

Garreth was warm and affectionate, but he didn’t show signs that there was real weight to his jests. There were no intense stares or lingering touches like there were with a certain Slytherin. He was affectionate with you but not in an intimate way. He would give big bear hugs and would sometimes grab your wrist to drag you somewhere exciting. However, he never rested his hand on your lower back as he led you somewhere nor held your hand. Well, last night was an exception. You were fairly certain that when you had awoken last night, he had been holding your right hand, while Poppy had held your left.

Poppy. You two had become fast friends. She was the reason you wouldn’t entertain his affections even if you had thought them genuine. She had quite the crush on the kind-hearted ginger. She’d fallen for him shortly after you introduced them. She gushed about him constantly. You could never hurt her like it would if you started courting Garreth. She would be devastated.

“How are you feeling?” Garreth asked. His brow was furrowed with worry.

“As well as can be expected. The bastard took a nice chunk out of my calf,” you explained. “Human face but wicked sharp teeth, apparently.”

He looked at you with sad eyes. “Nurse Blainey said you’d recover fully. It that still true?”

You nodded. “Far as I know.”

“Good.” He bit his cheek as his hands fidgeted with the edge of the blanket. He put on a brave face before looking back at you. “And until you’re 100%, I’ll be by your side. Whatever you need.”

You couldn’t help but smile. He really was the sweetest boy you’d ever met. “I think I’ll be more than taken care of between you and Poppy,” you said fondly. “Speaking of, it’s cute that you two stayed with me together last night.”

Garreth gave you a puzzled look. “Cute?” he asked.

You gave a noncommittal shrug and forced your smile to broaden into a playful grin. “Yeah, I mean, I think it’s sweet. You two are just cute together.”

Garreth was really baffled now. Together? he thought. He and Poppy had hardly been ‘together.’ They sat on opposite sides of your bed, tending to you. Did you think he fancied Poppy? He was confused how you could. He thought he’d been rather obvious in his affections for you, while always trying to be respectful.

“Oh,” was all he managed to say.

You couldn’t tell if he didn’t like Poppy back or was just being shy about his feelings. So, you decided to probe a bit. “Have you ever thought about asking her out?” you said, attempting nonchalance.

“Erm, no. I can’t say I have,” he replied honestly. He swallowed a lump in his throat. He didn’t claim to know much about girls, but he was fairly certain they didn’t try to set up boys they fancied with their friends. “Do you…think I should?”

You blinked rapidly. You didn’t know what you thought. He and Poppy seemed a good fit. They were both so bubbly. You couldn’t imagine they’d be anything but happy together. But the imagine made you curiously sombre. “Well…” you started, unsure how you would finish the sentence.

Nurse Blainey pulled back the curtain. She scowled at Garreth sitting in your bed.

“Mr. Weasley,” she said sternly. “If you could step out, I need to examine my patient.”

He quickly did as told. Blainey changed your bandages on your leg, and he could tell two things from the stifled noises you made. The first was that you were in more pain than you let on. The second was that you were trying to hide it for his sake. That was only further confirmed when Blainey let him back in. You were smiling wide, but your knuckles blanched with how hard you were gripping the sheets.

“Has she had anything for pain today?” Garreth asked the mediwitch timidly.

“No, she’s refused the pain potion since she woke up,” Nurse Blainey replied.

He shot you a stern look. “She’s obviously in pain.”

She arched a brow at him. “She’s perfectly capable of requesting the potion herself.”

“I don’t like the potion. It makes me feel foggy,” you told him.

“So?” Garreth asked, a bit irritated by your stubbornness. “You’re recovering. And it’s Sunday. You should be resting, anyway.”

He looked to Blainey for support. “Are you in pain, dear?” she asked you kindly.

“Nothing I can’t handle,” you replied genially, though you gave Garreth a hard glare.

He crossed his arms over his chest. “If you grit your teeth any harder, you’ll shatter them,” he argued. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“I don’t want to sleep all day. I’d rather be able to hang out with you,” you said.

“Well, I don’t want to see you suffer!” he shot back, his voice cracking. He winced at his own volume.

“Mr. Weasley!” Nurse Blainey hissed. “I will not tolerate you yelling at my patient.”

“I’m sorry,” he said earnestly. He sank into the chair beside you, not wanting to draw further ire from Blainey by getting back in your bed. “Please, MC. I don’t like seeing you in pain. I’ll read to you or something while you rest.”

“You wouldn’t be bored?” you asked.

He rolled his eyes as a slight smirk came to his lips. “With you around? Never,” he replied.

“Could I maybe just do a half dose?” you said to Nurse Blainey. “My leg is starting to ache pretty badly.”

Garreth resisted the urge to insist you take a full dose. It was a start, at least.

The mediwitch nodded and fetched the potion.

“Thank you,” he murmured after you downed the liquid.

“Thank you,” you replied. “I should’ve taken it sooner. I was…being stubborn.”

He scoffed. “Yeah, you have a habit of that,” he teased.

You gave him a playful glare.

The sounds of hurried footsteps announced the arrival of a certain two Slytherins. “MC!” Sebastian said. “I just heard what happened. Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” you assured him. “Blainey said I should make a full recovery.”

Garreth saw you wince as Sebastian wrapped you in a big hug. “Be careful!” the Gryffindor hissed.

Sebastian ignored him. He held your face in both of his hands when he pulled back. For a brief, terrifying moment, Garreth thought the Slytherin was about to kiss you. “No more taking on poachers alone,” the brunette ordered.

“I wasn’t alone,” you argued.

Sebastian side-eyed Garreth before looking back at you. “You still didn’t have proper help. You need to tell me when you’re going to do something dangerous,” he said, still holding your face. “Promise me.”

“Poppy is proper help,” you said defensively. “We’ve been fine every other time. Fought dozens of poachers. The manticore just caught us by surprise. I don’t need you to babysit me, Sebastian.”

Sebastian’s hands dropped to his sides. “You were with Poppy?” he asked.

You nodded.

“Well, I can still help keep you safe. Obviously these poachers are getting more dangerous animals,” he said. “Let me help you.”

“You can’t come running off with us every time. You’ve got Anne to think about. You should stay focused on helping her,” you argued.

Sebastian tensed. “Then stay and help me,” he asked.

You chewed your lip “I…I can’t just stop. Anne’s got you, but no one is stopping these poachers. Poppy and I are the only ones saving those creatures.”

Sebastian’s jaw clenched. “So, you care more about those beasts than Anne?” he growled.

“That’s not what I’m saying!” you insisted.

Sebastian scowled. “That seems like it’s exactly what you’re saying.” Without another word, he stormed out of the hospital wing.

“Sebastian!” Ominis called after him. He sighed when his friend didn’t stop. He rested a hand on your shoulder. “Feel better, MC.”

Ominis pressed a kiss to the top of your head before leaving, as well.

Garreth was seething until he saw the tears slipping down your cheeks and grief gripped him. “Hey,” he said gently, sliding into the bed next to you. He wrapped his arms around you in a gentle embrace. “He’s being an idiot. He’s probably just scared. I’m sure he didn’t mean it.”

You shook your head. “No, he did. He’s always getting upset with us about not doing more for Anne.” You sighed. “I mean, we’ve tried. I just…I don’t know what else to do.”

Garreth was shocked at the treatment from your supposed friend. He had half a mind to track the Slytherin down and try to shake some sense into him. But he knew it was better to stay with you, so he did. You leaned into him as the potion’s effects took hold and the drowsiness set in.

Garreth stayed with you the whole day. Poppy came by later that morning. Leander brought him lunch and a book to read to you. Natty and the other Gryffindors came to visit you in the afternoon. Even Imelda stopped by before dinner. Sebastian came back and apologized late in the evening. He seemed less than pleased to see Garreth cuddled up to you, but he didn’t comment on it.

Garreth helped rush visits along when you would start to get tired and drift off. Blainey was in and out of the curtained-off space throughout the day. She kicked Garreth out when she needed to do dressing changes. She didn’t say anything about Garreth sitting with you in your bed, though. Nor did she kick him out when you both fell asleep to him reading the book Leander had brought.

Blainey released you the next day. Garreth thought it was too soon, but you were eager to get out. He convinced the teachers to let him follow your schedule so he could carry your things for you.

“I could’ve levitated them,” you said.

“You shouldn’t exert your magic, either,” he argued. “Besides, I told you I’d be by your side until you’re all better.”

You blushed at the thought. You had always hoped to find a way to spend more time with him. This wasn’t exactly how you would have chosen to go about it, but you would take it.

To You

The manticore incident had brought you and Garreth closer than ever. Shortly after, Poppy told you she no longer had a crush on the outgoing Gryffindor. No longer holding yourself back, your own feelings for him bloomed. Frustratingly, you felt that you constantly got mixed signals from him. He still had a running joke where he would assert to others that he would marry you one day. However, he never asked you out. Though, on rare occasions, he did hold your hand – grabbing it to drag you off to see his newest brew or to comfort you when you were upset.

Unbeknownst to you, Garreth’s own feelings had grown similarly. He was head over heels for you. But he was scared. The stronger his feelings became, the more terrified he felt that you wouldn’t return them. Leander had to practically shake sense into him that he had better ask you out before someone else did. The taller boy even threatened to ask you out himself if Garreth didn’t soon. The threat almost started a brawl between the best friends until Leander explained that he wasn’t actually interested in you – just trying to motivate Garreth to get his head out of his arse.

So, Garreth came up with a plan. He went to Honeydukes on the next Hogsmeade trip, buying all your favourite sweets. He even added a bottle of his newly-perfected Fizzing Whizzbeer that you’d raved about after trying. He arranged it all in a decorative box and tied a nice ribbon around it.

He brought it to you at dinner. He hadn’t even sat down when he handed it over.

“Thank you,” you said, surprised and a bit confused as you took the present. You were elated, if a bit puzzled, when you saw the contents. “What’s all this for?”

Garreth cleared his throat. “Well, everyone knows we’re going to be married one day. And, mark my words, we will be,” he started. You rolled your eyes at his theatrics but couldn’t help smiling. Everyone else just nodded along, having heard his proclamation many times. Natty was the only one who looked shocked by the news.

“They are betrothed?” she whispered to Leander.

He rolled his eyes. “No, but it’s a long story,” he replied.

She just shrugged.

“So, I figured it was about time I started the formal process. I’d like to court you, MC, if you’ll have me,” Garreth said. He looked exceptionally nervous.

You set the box down on the bench before springing to your feet. You threw your arms around Garreth’s neck. “Of course!” you said.

“Really?” Garreth asked, dumbstruck.

“Definitely!” you assured him.

He wrapped his arms around your waist, lifting you up as he spun around. “Brilliant! Will you go to dinner with me this Saturday?”

You beamed at him as your feet returned to solid ground. “That sounds lovely.”

Natty gave Leander a confused look. “I thought they started courting months ago,” she said.

“Yeah, you would think, wouldn’t you?” he replied with a chuckle.

To Your Dad

Garreth shifted his weight from foot to foot nervously. He checked his hair in the glass of the tavern window for the eight time. It wasn’t the first time he was meeting your father. They first met three years ago when Garreth visited you over the summer between fifth and sixth years. When the door to the establishment opened and he spotted the familiar broad shoulders and greying hair, Garreth immediately stood up.

“Garreth, my boy, good to see you,” your father greeted genially.

Garreth shook his hand. “You, as well, sir,” he said. “I’m glad you were able to meet today.”

“So, what brings you out to my neck of the woods?” your father asked as he took his seat.

Garreth could feel the heat rising in his collar, and your dad had to hold back a smile. He had strong suspicions on why the young man had reached out.

“Well, sir, I wanted to discuss some things with you about the future,” he said. “Of course, I asked you to join me for dinner. I don’t want to get too bogged down in the details on empty stomachs.”

“Oh, nonsense,” your father replied, waving him off. “Let’s hear these plans.”

“Right,” Garreth said, a bit shellshocked. “Well, sir, I’ve just finished my apprenticeship with J. Pippin. I took a job with a potioneering company in London, where I intend to stay until I’ve saved enough to start my own shop. I’ve just purchased a home in Marylebone, where I hope to settle down, you see.”

“London’s a far way from Plymouth,” your father interjected gravely, unable to help himself.

Garreth swallowed thickly. “It is,” he agreed. “Though, it’s within floo range.”

“Quite right,” your dad agreed with a slight smile. “Sorry to interrupt, lad. You were saying about settling down.”

“Your daughter and I have been discussing our plans. We’d quite like to settle down together. That is to say, we intend to marry–”

“Do you, now?” you father interjected again. His brow was arched.

Garreth nodded, steeling his nerves. “I haven’t proposed yet, of course,” he continued, and your father visibly relaxed. “But, like I said, we’ve discussed it, and I feel quite certain she would say yes. I wanted to meet today to ask for your blessing.”

Your father smiled. “Yes, I thought that might be the case,” he said. “My daughter, my only child, is quite an exceptional young woman, as you’re aware.”

“I am,” Garreth agreed as worry began to set in.

“Not just for her rare magic. She has many talents. And she’s quite driven.” He levelled Garreth with a rather frighteningly intense gaze. “I have very high standards for the man with whom she endeavours to spend her life.”

“Of course, sir,” Garreth said, trying not to feel crestfallen.

“I dare say she’ll need a man of equal ambition to keep up with her,” he said. “Though, he must still put his family first. I would never condemn her to a marriage with someone less than madly in love with her. And, indeed, I would do everything I could to prevent such an unfit union. I assure you, I am not an adversary to be taken lightly.”

Garreth had prepared himself for the possibility that your father would not give his blessing, but he had not foreseen him actively trying to prevent your marriage.

“I don’t think any man fully capable of deserving my daughter, though I am aware that I am biased on the matter,” your dad continued without giving Garreth a chance to speak. “However, I don’t think I could have hand-picked a better partner for her than she has chosen for herself.”

“I’m sure I can’t fault you for feeling that way, sir. I–” Garreth broke off as the meaning of the sternly spoken words sunk in. He gaped at your father briefly before collecting himself.

A grin broke out on the older man’s face. “I’d be honoured to have you in the family, son.”

Garreth stood, shaking your father’s hand again. He pulled his future son-in-law into a hug. “Thank you, sir. I know it’ll mean a lot to MC to have your blessing,” Garreth said.

Your dad clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Well, it means a lot to me that you care for her so deeply,” he replied. “You’re a good man, Garreth. Even if you were a bit of a scamp at school.” He winked.

Garreth’s cheeks flushed. “Yes, well, I’ve come to have a certain respect for the rules these days.”

Your dad chuckled. “That’s good to hear,” he said. “I got into my fair share of trouble at Hogwarts back in my day. And I know my daughter took after me.”

Garreth laughed. “She certainly has an adventurous spirit.”

Your dad shared some stories about the hijinks he’d gotten up to in school as they shared a meal. Garreth was glad he’d gotten the asking done before eating, as his stomach settled considerably. He couldn’t wait to tell you that your dad gave his blessing. More than that, he couldn’t wait to propose. But, most of all, he couldn’t wait to finally make you his wife like he swore he would years ago.

[hogwartslegacyreactions2]

Hey can I ask you a request?

Basically, I love Anne Sallow x Ominis a lot and I wanted to ask you about the reactions of the various characters who discover the feelings that each other has and maybe get together 💚💗💚💗💚💗

Ps. English is not my language

A/N: I think I understand what you're asking for, but for simplicity's sake, I'm going to give them feelings for MC

HLC REACT TO REALIZING THEY HAVE A CRUSH ON MC

SEBASTIAN SALLOW: The realization hits him like a train. After everything he had dealt with during fifth year, who was still standing with him? Who put up with his shit? Who risked everything for his sister despite barely knowing her? MC. They had become his closest friend, even closer than Ominis, but only now is he seeing them in a different light. The next time their eyes meet, they know.

OMINIS GAUNT: MC had been his peace in the chaos. The rock he could cling to in the storm. He had found comfort in them, but on realizing how deep his feelings were going, he was scared. Surely these feelings would scare them away. He had to be careful going forward.

ANNE SALLOW: She never thought she was the type of girl to fall for a knight in shining armor, but MC literally saved her life. The way they treated her, the way they bent over backwards for her, there had to be more to their feelings than they said. She didn't fall first, but she fell harder.

IMELDA REYES: Panic. No. Nonononono! They are not part of her plan! She is going to graduate school and play professional quidditch with the Holyhead Harpies. She doesn't have time or patience to deal with a relationship. She bottles up her feelings as quickly as she catches them.

NATSAI ONAI: MC has made her feel soft and warm inside since the first day in charms class. Their smile alone could make her feel like kicking her feet like an excited school girl. She doesn't jump to any conclusions, but she does try to ease the idea of a relationship beyond friendship between her and MC as they get to know each other. An innocent butterbeer date wouldn't hurt, would it?

GARRETH WEASLEY: He's kind of oblivious. He knows he likes being around them and he likes getting them involved with his schemes, but he doesn't seem to realize how close he likes to stand next to them in potions class. Or how he takes a little too much joy into making them laugh. MC will probably have to make the first move to make him realize it, then he's just dumbfounded.

LEANDER PREWETT: If MC found him charmingly awkward before, it increases when he realizes he has a crush. He tries a bit too hard to get their attention by opening doors for them and constantly asks where they're going after class. A lot of the times he ends up tripping over something or dropping whatever he's holding. He doesn't mind so much that they're laughing, but he's afraid they'll never take him seriously.

AMIT THAKKAR: He fusses more about how well they're doing in class and if there's anything he can do to help. He figures that maybe he could spend more time with them if they agree to let him tutor them. Especially in astrology. Having MC all to himself in the evening under the stars and a telescope? He can't think of anything better. He has to be careful with his daydreaming, he'll mess up his notes.

EVERETT CLOPTON: He's...not okay. He hates himself for catching feelings. There's no way in any realm of reality that MC would want him. He doesn't even have to go out of his way to avoid MC, they just aren't around him much after flying class. He doesn't think they've ever even gone out of their way to talk to him (Unless they're Ravenclaw). He'll admire from a distance and wait it out.

POPPY SWEETING: She really wishes her face wouldn't be so red around MC. We're going to start asking if she's not feeling well. She tries to play coy, but she's so obvious that it hurts. MC would have to be as thick as a rock to miss the signs. She constantly wants to be around them, always grabs their hand when she wants to show them something, practically stares while they're interacting with beasts, etc. Just don't point it out, she'll get embarrassed.

✨BONUS CHARACTERS✨

ANDREW LARSON: He feels lighter than air when MC enters a room. He knows he's done for. He knows he doesn't stand a chance. He knows they don't even know they exist, but he indulges in their presence while he can. He's not even concerned with wiping the silly grin off his face, it's not like they'll look his way.

LENORA EVERLEIGH: Shy. So very shy. After MC helped her with the mirror puzzle, she got firsthand experience of how nice they could be. From that point onward, when they were around, she'd be too flustered to talk to them again first. She can barely handle being next to them in herbology. She really wishes Professor Garlick would stop asking if she has a fever.

NELLIE OGGSPIRE: She pursues MC like they're a mountain she's dying to climb. She makes her feelings known up front and plain. She'll shrug it off if she's rejected. She already doesn't have them, so what's the difference? If they accept, excellent! They can go on adventures together!

CRESSIDA BLUME: MC was so willing to help her before, perhaps they'll do it again? She intentionally botches up some of her charm work to give her an excuse to have MC's attention. She's put her diary on lockdown, however, the things she writes in there nowadays she doesn't want MC to ever read.

[writing-intheundercroft]

Bite The Hand

AO3 Link

Pairing: Auror!Sebastian x F!MC

Word Count: 7,717

Rating: E (Smut, MDNI - M!Masturbation, M!Receiving Oral Sex)

Summary: Sebastian Sallow bites the hand that feeds him. Or, the years spent between your break up and the events of The Night Shift.

A/N: Auror!Seb took a vacation in my mind, and I never meant to let him relax this long. So, here's an excruciating prologue I've been writing over the past few months for him. If you have not yet, I highly recommend reading The Night Shift before this, which was one of my first one shots!

Sebastian sits on the old stone fence lining the exterior of Feldcroft; he swirls the beer bottle in his hand before lifting it to his lips, taking a thick swig.  His eyes are red, and he’s far too drunk, but it doesn’t matter–the pictures have been taken, and no one at the party is missing him too much.  Perhaps Anne, but she’s far too busy entertaining everyone in her white dress to separate herself from her new husband’s arm.  Ominis looks positively dashing, proudly swaying with Anne in his arms.  Sebastian has known since they were twelve they’d probably end up married someday, and he’s happy to see them together.  

After delivering a proud speech to honor his sister and twirling her on the dance floor, he indulges a bit too much in the bar Garreth Weasley has put together for the event, downing bottle after bottle of the ginger’s experimental enhanced ale. Choosing to peruse the gift table over dancing in the hamlet square, Sebastian begins appraising the parcels.  He’s shaking each box, trying to guess what gifts might be inside, when his eyes land on a neatly wrapped box.  There’s a lovely velvet bow affixed to the top, and the note seems to call his name.  He tears the tag away, eyes roving over the familiar handwriting. Gripping the beer bottle in his free hand, he stumbles through the field to find some privacy. 

Sebastian holds the gift tag, the rough pad of his finger swiping over the swirly cursive. It’s stupid, he thinks, to have thought you would have come.  Anne had warned him that she was sending you an invitation despite the distance you’d put between yourself and the friend group.  Sebastian had felt sick over it for weeks–either you’d arrive at Anne and Ominis’s wedding alone and he’d have to own up to his mistakes, or worse, you’d arrive, happy with a man on your arm.  

Happy and content, the two things Sebastian is pretending to be.

Sebastian loosens his white cravat, letting it fall into the mud below him.  He is happy, he thinks.  Sebastian Sallow knows he’s an absolute fucking catch. The department of magical law enforcement’s most eligible bachelor, people have said. He has several badges, praising his heroics as an auror.  He hasn’t unintentionally left the bar alone in months, something he’s bragged about with the lads.  Girlfriends are nothing but trouble, and he’s quite vocal about how glad he is that he wasn’t trapped into marriage at a young age.  That comment usually garnered him some laughs at the bar–it was less successful at a wedding, let alone the wedding of his best friend and twin sister, who were getting married at the youthful age of twenty one. 

Sebastian pulls the tag up to his eyes, squinting at it once more.  He’s searching it for any underlying clues, a note he’s missed. 

So sorry I couldn’t be there. Sending my love.

He scowls.  Sorry my arse, he repeats in his head. That's surely a lie–you’d never been sorry a day in your relationship, let alone at the end of it.  He probably shouldn’t be as bitter about your breakup after three years, but happy events like this only reinforce the overwhelming emptiness he feels when it comes to relationships.

Perhaps one should never date their best friend, he thinks.  The love lost from your break up has tainted most of his happy memories, and his stomach only ever churns when he thinks of you.

He has no idea if you’re even still in London, or if you decided to try out a stint in America or Spain, like you always dreamt of doing when you were teenagers. Sometimes he thinks he sees you on the streets of Diagon Alley.  A wisp of your hair, someone with the same nose.  He hears your laugh sometimes in the pub, but it’s not you. It’s never really you, but the thought, the hope, it stokes a fire. A fire that tells him he would fall to his knees if he ever saw you again, kiss your feet, apologize for having yelled, for thinking that a man would ever walk away from the person he loved because he felt threatened. It was the only time he’d ever lost faith in your relationship, wavering when a pretty girl batted her eyelashes at him in the bar.  After your fight, he’d gone to Ominis’s apartment for the evening to get some space, but found your shared flat empty in the morning.

He never lets the fire grow too big.  He’s spent the last three years dampening it with cheap booze, recklessness at work, and girls that never last more than a few weeks at a time.

With glassy eyes, Sebastian looks out to the empty fields. It wasn’t like he was actually planning on proposing–the two of you were just eighteen, after all.  But sitting in the front row, watching his best friend swear unyielding love to his twin sister, Sebastian found himself overcome with emotion.  Sure, you’d been too young then, but he’d always pictured you standing next to the vicar, wearing a pretty white dress.

He tries to think of that memory, but your face is coming up blank.  Perhaps he’s too drunk, or perhaps it’s been too long.

“Fuck!” Sebastian roars, throwing the beer bottle.  

He can hear it crash in the distance as his head falls into his hands. 

Sebastian hops off the fence, wobbling on his feet.  The music gets softer and softer as he puts distance between himself and the party; he’s in no mood, and he’s bound to ruin the wedding if he stays any longer.  Without another thought, he pulls his wand out of his pocket, apparating back home.

Sebastian doesn’t hear from Ominis or Anne for a few weeks; he assumes the happy couple are enjoying their honeymoon in Lisbon.  Ominis’s pretty little owl arrives at his window one day, a scrap of parchment requesting his presence at their home.

Sebastian excitedly replies, promising to be over on his next day off.  He wonders if they’ve gotten their wedding portraits back yet, or if they got any duplicate wedding gifts that might suit his bachelor pad.  He’s been needing a new frying pan, might as well steal their old one.

Sebastian cheerfully takes a handful of floo powder, clearly enunciating Anne and Ominis’s address as he drops the dust in the fireplace.  Green flames burst around him, and he opens his eyes to see Ominis’s mahogany paneled study.  The blonde is sitting at his desk, arms crossed over his chest.

“Sebastian,” Ominis has a cold look on his face.

“Morning, Om.” Sebastian grins. “Hell of a party. Wedding of the year, I’d wager.” He walks out of the fireplace, brushing soot off of his waistcoat. “How was the honeymoon?”

“It was lovely,” Ominis says nonchalantly. “Anne quite enjoyed the sun.”  he walks over to his best friend, carefully rolling up his sleeves.  Sebastian furrows his eyebrows as Ominis stows his wand in his pocket, moving his wedding ring from his left to his right.

Without another thought, Ominis pulls back, sucker punching him.

“What the fuck,” Sebastian spits, eyes watering as he rubs his jaw.

Ominis smoothly puts his wedding ring back on, crossing his arms. “That’s for ruining our wedding, you selfish dimwit.  Anne was beside herself for days because of you.”

Sebastian hears the door open; Anne, looking quite sunkissed and freckled, slips into the room. 

“Your husband just punched me!” Sebastian complains.

His twin sister shrugs, sitting on top of Ominis’s desk. “You deserved it.” she scoffs. “You invited not one, but two women to be your guest at our wedding, and then fucked off into a field to get drunk and left without saying goodbye.  Nearly thought the two would rip each other’s hair out on the dance floor when they realized your mistake.”

“I did not,” Sebastian retorts, crossing his arms.

“Anastasia and Alexandra,” Ominis sighs. “I think you owe both of them an apology, if they ever speak to you again.”

Sebastian’s face heats up as he puts the pieces together.  Well, now it made sense why Alexandra, the waitress at the Leaky Cauldron, had spilled his beer onto him and stalked off.  Even more so that Anastasia, one of the timekeepers for the auror office, had burst into tears when she saw him at work. She’d put in her two weeks notice, spitting on his shoes as she passed by with a box of her personal effects in hand.

“I think we’re going to laugh about this eventually,” Sebastian suggests. 

Ominis’s face twists with displeasure. “They tore Anne’s veil.”

“Okay, it’ll take a few years.” Sebastian sputters in response, nervously eyeing his twin sister.

Anne stands up, her hands balled up into fists at her side. “It wasn’t just my veil, Sebastian.” she seethes. “It was Mum’s veil–”

Sebastian’s eyes widen. “No,” he squeaks, utterly horrified.

Anne’s eyes were watering. “Mum’s veil,” she croaks. “Dug it out of storage, had it restored just for the wedding, and those women you invited destroyed it, fighting over you.  Meanwhile, you were out getting sloshed Merlin knows where, abandoning my wedding.”

Sebastian stares shamefully at his shoes while Anne paces back and forth, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor.  His shoulders bowled over, the brunette looks up at the couple.  He hates the way they pity him, but he hates it even more when they’re mad at him.  Not roll-their-eyes mad, but truly, deeply upset.

“You need to get yourself together, Sebastian.” Ominis barks. “I’ve absolutely had it with you and this obscene behavior.  The drinking, the whoring –”

“Alright, I wouldn’t call it whoring.” Sebastian furrows his eyebrows. “That’s a bit of a stretch–”

“New women, every week.” Ominis sounds even angrier than before. “All because you’re a bloody coward, running away from your feelings.  Gods, I used to wonder why she left, and now it all makes sense–"

Sebastian doesn’t even realize that he’s holding Ominis by the tie, pushing him against the dark wooden walls.  Anne is screeching at him, hitting him at the shoulders, while Ominis raises a perfectly arched eyebrow.

“Struck a nerve, have I?” he asks coolly.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Sebastian growls. “Don’t even go there.  Don’t say her name.”

“Everyone can see it, Sebastian.” Ominis shrugs. “It’s pathetic, that’s what it is.  Either make your peace with how you left things off with her and move on, or speak to her like a real man.”

Sebastian lets go, hands fumbling for his wand.  As soon as his fingers wrap around the cool, checkered marble handle, it flies out of his hand, clattering across the room.

“That’s enough from the two of you,” Anne snaps, shoving her wand back into her pocket. “You’re acting like children.”

“He started it,” Sebastian snarls.  He looks over at his best friend–Merlin, Ominis is his best friend, and he doesn’t even recognize him.  The blonde man has never been this angry at him before, not even when he killed–

Right, Sebastian swallows thickly. Best not to think about the past like that.

“Grow up, Sebastian.” Ominis digs his finger into Sebastian’s chest; he’s so angry, his jaw is quaking. “I don’t want to see you, speak to you, hear from you until you’ve grown the fuck up.” he threatens.  Ominis backs off, tugging his waistcoat down. “Anne, I’m going to take a walk around the block to cool down.”

Ominis grips his wand tightly, stalking out of the study.  The door slams heavily behind him, leaving the Sallow twins alone together. 

“Now look at what you’ve done,” Anne sighs, crossing her arms as she sits against the window.

“I’m sorry, Annie.” Sebastian chews on his lower lip. “I didn’t mean to–”

“No,” Anne scowls. “You never mean to.  You’ve somehow skated through twenty one years of life with nothing ever being your fault.”

“That’s not true,” Sebastian interjects.

“There are consequences to your actions, Sebastian.” Anne huffs. “You need to know that.”

“I do,” Sebastian pleads with her. “And I’m sorry–I’m sorry I left your wedding, I’m sorry I invited the two of them, I really didn’t even remember–”

“You’re not you , Sebastian.” Anne strains. “You haven’t been you in what feels like a very long time.”

“Not you too,” Sebastian groans. “Anne, you can’t possibly think this has to do with her.”

Anne’s eyes are teary now. “Ominis is right. You’re a shell, Sebastian. You’re going through the motions you think you should, but it’s not you. The real you wouldn’t forget about two women and just callously throw them aside. You wouldn’t leave my wedding without saying goodbye.”

Sebastian avoids eye contact with his sister, eyes glued to the floor boards. “I’m sorry,” he says sheepishly. “I was just too drunk.”

“You never used to drink this much,” Anne scolds. “Spending nearly every night down at the pub, all the whispers about you flirting with all sorts of women.  You’re a different person.”

“I’ve grown up, Anne.” Sebastian suggests. “A man can’t sow his oats without getting criticized now?”

“You were about to get married–”

Sebastian shuts his eyes, waving her off. “That’s silly , Anne.  I wasn’t serious about it.  We were eighteen, we’d just graduated Hogwarts.  It would’ve been stupid to get married.”

“But you wanted to,” Anne retorts. “You talked about it all the time.”

“Can we stop talking about stupid ideas I had when I was eighteen?” Sebastian growls. His cheeks are aflame, freckles burning at the continued mention of you.  Days ago, you were merely a memory, a chapter Sebastian had turned past in life.  After seeing your handwriting scrawled on a little card, thinking of you for just a fleeting moment, your memory was now infecting every waking minute of his life.  He tugs at his tie, throat growing thick at Ominis and Anne’s pokes into his personal life.

Anne gives him a pitying look. “She’s still around, you know.”

“Why would that matter to me?” Sebastian chokes out.

“Just talk to her—“

“She left!” Sebastian roars, smacking a stack of files off Ominis’s desk.  Anne looks unphased as the papers float to the ground. “I leave her for one night, and I come home the next morning to my flat, empty, couch gone. No note, no warning. We had one fight and she left me!”

“You said you wanted to cheat on her, Seb.” Anne reminds him.

“But I didn’t!” Sebastian huffs, red in the face.  The floodgates are open, words spilling from his mouth. “I wanted her to be mad, to be jealous!  I wanted her to miss me!” 

Involuntary tears prick at the corners of his eyes, threatening to fall down his cheeks. He can’t bring himself to admit the truth–that selfishly, he’d wanted to hurt you, to push you to your limits to see how you’d react. How he never could’ve imagined you’d actually leave. That his heart had cracked into pieces after finding the flat cleared out, and the shards had turned to dust when he realized weeks later that you weren’t coming home.

“Do you still want her to miss you?” Anne asks.

Yes, Sebastian thinks. His heart would probably explode out of his body if he were to ever find out you missed him.

“No,” he spits out. “I’m over her.”

Anne gives him a distrustful look, and Sebastian has to turn away in shame.

“I think you’ll find life to be a lot easier to digest when you stop lying to yourself,” Anne shrugs, folding her hands in her lap. “I don’t want to watch you waste your life away like this, Seb.  You miss her, and that’s okay.  You loved her.  Don’t sit here and pretend that you’re happy.”

“I’m happy,” Sebastian grunts. “I have a great life, Anne.  I’m the best junior auror on the force, I have plenty of friends.  I can go wherever I want, do whatever I want, and I don’t need to answer to anyone.  What makes you think I’m not happy?”

Anne’s face twists again, this time with a sad, pitiful look. “We’re twins, Sebastian.  I know you. I’ve known you forever.  I know things can never be as it was, but Ominis is right.  You have to make peace with the past, or talk to her.”

“It’s not about her,” Sebastian snarls again, crossing his arms.

“You got shitfaced and left my wedding after you stole the tag off her present.” Anne declares. “Tell me now how it’s not about her.”

“Whatever. I can’t talk to you when you’re acting like this.” Sebastian huffs, turning on his heels back towards the fireplace. “Send an owl when you’re feeling like yourself again.”

Anne leans against Ominis’s desk, her hands fidgeting with her skirt. “Likewise.  We can talk once you’ve figured out everything, and when you’re acting like yourself again.” she says coolly. “Otherwise, I don’t want to speak to you.”

“Ultimatums and threats, how very Gaunt of you.” Sebastian blurts out, regretting the words as soon as they leave his mouth.  Why would he even dare to say such a thing? 

Anne is unphased, shaking her head as she brushes dust off her skirt. “There you go again–trying to hurt someone you love, just to get a rise out of them. Seb, grow up. Don’t talk to me again until you’ve figured it out.”

Sebastian can’t bear to look at Anne, so he grabs a fistful of floo powder and disappears into the green flame.

“Another.” Sebastian demands, pushing his glass towards the new barmaid.

The woman raises her brow.  Elsie, Elise, whatever the fuck her name is.  She’s relatively new, and less obliging than the other bartenders Sebastian has come to know at the Three Broomsticks.  Although he might not have much pull anymore–the other bartenders seem to have gone cold towards their favorite regular, especially after he’d ditched their colleague Alexandra at the wedding with a duplicate guest.

“I’m afraid I’d be over-serving you, sir.” she says, polishing a tankard. “I think that’s enough for tonight.”

Sebastian rolls his eyes, turning the barstool around to appraise tonight’s crowd.  It’s a Saturday, but there appears to be slim pickings amongst the crowd. Nary a pretty woman in the room.  He leans his elbows back against the bar top, scanning for any viable conquests. 

And then, the bell on the door rings.

Sebastian freezes, pint in hand.  He’d always imagined how this day might go–how it would feel to see you again.  He always pictured himself being brave, too cool to care.  Merlin, he might’ve even gotten some satisfaction out of seeing you be a bit miserable. 

But you’re not.  You’re laughing.  Oh god, how could you be laughing?

He’s frozen in place, standing rather sheepishly at the bar as he watches you, giggling on the arm of some stranger.  Sebastian could care less what he looks like, rather fixating on you instead. His heart swells at the sound of your voice for the first time in years, the playful lilt to your question.

Should we sit down here, or upstairs?

Your date tells you to go upstairs, while he meanders over to the bar to get drinks. “One whiskey, on the rocks, and…some drink with gin.  Er, with lemons?”

A white lady.  Gin, orange liquor, egg whites, lemon juice , Sebastian screams in his head.  It’s embarrassing how quickly that knowledge came back to him.  The entire history of you floods into his brain, a dam he’d built over the years of your estrangement destroyed with the mere sound of your giggle. You always favored gin in your drinks, but despised when things were too sweet, too fruity.  The key to your heart was understanding your sense of taste.  Sebastian recalls the nights he’d make dinner for you, before your shifts at St. Mungo’s.  He was no chef, but you always praised his cooking.  Pretty noises coming from your mouth as you savored braised mushrooms over pasta, the way your tongue ran over your lips when he made chicken–

Why did you break up again?

Images play over and over in his mind.  You scoffing at him, your career being more important than his.  Screaming, fighting, going days without seeing each other.  His teeth sunken into the neck of someone he didn’t know. A book thrown at his head, a coffee mug missing a handle. 

Right. That again.

Sebastian snaps out of his thoughts as your date takes two drinks up the stairs.  He follows on careful feet; if he’s learned anything in his years of being an auror, it’s how to follow with stealth.  He hides beneath the creaky wooden staircase, concealed by the darkness.  Yet through the wooden steps, he can see you sitting at the table, and the way your smile falters when your date drops a fruity concoction in front of you.  He wonders if this is your first date–no, you’re far too comfortable leaning into his touch for this to be a first date.  Perhaps a third, maybe a fourth. 

“You did promise me if we made it to our fourth date that you’d tell me,” the man across from you says. Sebastian feels a bit proud for knowing you well enough, but sick at the thought of you being close to anyone.

“Tell you what?” you ask, feigning innocence as you fake a sip of your sugary drink.

“If you’ve ever been in love,” he croons. Sebastian winces, remembering just how excruciating it is to be in the early days of a relationship. At least then he’d been sixteen; he can’t imagine asking such cringey questions as a grown adult. 

You roll your eyes, leaning back into your chair. “That’s such a cheesy question,” you scoff.

Even when you’re not together, you two are on the same page.

“It says a lot about a person,” your date shrugs. “You have been in love, haven’t you?”

You roll your eyes once more, wincing as you take a sip from your beverage. “I have,” you announce, holding up a finger. “Just once.”

“And?” the man pries. “What happened?”

“What always happens.” you shrug. “You get older, and you fall out of love.”

“Indulge me,” your date asks, leaning his chin into his palm. “What was it about him?”

Sighing, you lean forward.  Sebastian wishes he could cast a disillusionment charm, get closer to see the look on your face as you condense your love story into a palatable tale for this stranger.  He wants to know if you’ll do it justice.  

“We were sixteen,” you muse. “It felt like we’d grown up together, that we could do anything.  And for a while, we could.  But then we had jobs, friends, and lives we had to explore outside of each other. Suddenly, we needed different things. We just couldn’t love each other the way we wanted to.” 

Sebastian wrinkles his nose. That’s it?  That’s all you’ll say about the great love you shared, a measly five sentences?  That you drifted apart, you grew up?  He has half a mind to march up the stairs and confront you right this moment. In fact, one foot is already ahead of the other, emerging from the darkness. 

“In the spirit of honesty, can I tell you something?” you ask. “I absolutely hate fruity drinks.”

Sebastian stops in his tracks.  You hate complaining, let alone correcting someone.  You never complained once during your tenure at Hogwarts, nor did you complain at the simplest offenses.  He and Ominis would have to practically beg you to send back food if your order came out wrong.  Imelda would roll her eyes every time you apologized for sending a beater your opponent’s way.  Hell, half the reason the two of you broke up was because you could hardly confront him, moving your belongings out of your shared apartment to avoid conflict.

Yet here you are, finally open and honest about something.  You’ve grown, he realizes. Has he?

“Excuse me,” your date clears his throat.  Sebastian is drawn out of his thoughts as the dark-haired man bumps into him at the foot of the stairs. 

“Sorry mate,” Sebastian says hurriedly, turning his back.  Hopeful that you haven’t seen him lurking quite yet, he pushes through the throngs of people in the pub, all blocking his way to the front door.

“Oi, Sallow!” the barmaid yells, and he curses under his breath, stopping in his tracks. “You forgot your tab.”

Sebastian digs through the pockets of his cloak, pulling out a few sickles to cover his drinks.  He turns toward you on the second floor, wondering if you’d heard his name. You hadn’t; you were back to chatting animatedly with the stranger, his hand resting on your forearm.

Sebastian slams the sickles down on the bar top, pulling the hood on his cloak over his head before turning on his heel. Rain pours outside, the water sliding his back as he rushes down the cobblestone street to his doorstep.  Your laugh haunts every step, mocking him all the way home.

Sebastian turns in his sleep, bedsheets tangled in his legs.  He’s not one to brag (Ominis would say otherwise if they were on speaking terms) but he’s not used to being alone in bed.  Not if he doesn’t want to be. 

He is alone tonight, his damp cloak discarded in the corner of his room where he kicked his clothes.  He lives alone, so he wasn’t quite sure why he was going through the motions of banging the cupboards, slamming his door.  The tea he’d made to sober up had gone cold, perched on the side table next to a myriad of dirty cups.  He nearly bangs his head against the wrought iron headboard, staring up at the dark ceiling.  There’s a tightness in his belly, an urge sparking his senses below.  

Fuck, he’s hard.

Sebastian grumbles to himself as his hand trails down his stomach, gripping his length. He’s sleeping in the nude—has been, ever since he got his own bachelor pad—and can’t help thinking about how much you would despise him for it.  You’d always been a stickler for pajamas, grumbling about him sitting in bed with dirty clothes.

Why is he thinking about you now, after all these years?  Sebastian grunts in displeasure as his cock twitches in his hand. He tries to focus on anything else—the blonde he’d kissed a few nights prior, or the woman with auburn hair who’d gripped his locks at the root when he’d sucked a mark into her neck.  Neither works in his quest for relief.  Begrudgingly, his thoughts fall towards you, distant memories he’s not even sure are real anymore.

They had been real, and so were you.  Sebastian paces his strokes, biting hard into his lower lip as his memories flood back. He furrows his brow as he pictures you, sidling up next to him in bed.  You’d always crawl back underneath the sheets after a long night in the ward, getting home with just an hour or two left before Sebastian would have to wake and get ready for work. He tightens his grip at the memory of you, nosing his cheek as your hand replaces his. 

“You know I hate when you go to bed without pants,” you whisper against his neck, teeth grazing his pulse.

”I do,” he murmurs, letting you take over. His hand falls back against the pillow, arms above his head as he sighs into your touch.  He swears he can feel your hands ghosting over his body, firm grip pumping his cock up and down.  He groans audibly when your thumb glides over the glistening head, a gasp caught in the back of his throat as he feels your lips pressing a tentative kiss against it.  

“Please,” Sebastian pleads. “Please.”

He’s not sure what he’s begging for, but his right hand crashes against his mouth, a pathetic whimper spilling past as he feels your mouth envelop him. Your hands brace his thighs, a curtain of hair brushing his hips as your head bobs up and down. He’s loud, louder than he’s been in years—you always brought that out of him, loving how vocal he could be. 

You hum against him; he knows you’re looking up at him, a devilish grin on your lips. Sebastian doesn’t dare to look down at you, worried you’ll disappear the moment he tries.

“Good morning,” you gasp, popping off of his cock.  Your hand replaces your mouth, the filthy sound of your spit and his come pounding alongside his heartbeat in his ears.

Sebastian can’t stop himself, his hips rolling upwards.  A garbled noise falls out of his mouth as he opens his eyes.  You’re gone—you were never here to begin with.  He fucks up into his fist with urgency, his eyes stinging as he chases his climax.  Sebastian lets out a guttural groan as he spills into his palm, a tear rolling down his cheek as he heaves, coming back down to earth.

You were never here, Sebastian reminds himself. A fucking memory, that’s all.  An end to a means, a way to get off.  That doesn’t make him feel any better as he rolls over to his night stand, picking up his wand.  He mutters a quick cleaning spell, rustling the sheets to the end of his bed as he lays, staring at the ceiling. Not real, not real, not real.   The two words comfort him, eyes fluttering back to sleep.

Your laugh replays in his mind anyways.

Sebastian rolls the vial in his hands, fingers hesitating at the stopper.  It’s standard issue for aurors to have their own personal pensieve, especially once they’re at the senior level. Sebastian has been trusted with his own pensieve, the only junior auror on the force to have one.  It’s an important tool, one he uses to peruse old memories.  They’re useful if you need to observe an old crime scene, hone in on a suspect’s face.

Fuck it, Sebastian thinks, pulling the stopper out.  The silvery memory floats down from the glass to the swirling waters, and he’s reminded of the first time he’d used a pensieve—he’d been with you.  He shudders as he lowers his face to the milky surface, falling into a memory he’s tried to forget.

It was raining that night.  He follows his past self up the stairs to the old flat he’d shared with you, stopping to take a sobering breath before pushing the door in.  He can see you sitting at the dinner table, arms crossed over a white muslin dress.  You look so angry with him—you always looked so angry in those final days of your relationship.  

“Where the hell have you been?” You snap, and both versions of himself flinch.

“Out,” his past self growls. “Why does that matter to you?”

You stare at him with furrowed brows. “This was my only day off of the week, Sebastian. I wanted to spend it together.  You’re always going on and on about how we don’t spend enough time together, yet every time I even make an effort you don’t even show—“

”Merlin forbid I want to celebrate a good day at work with my colleagues,” the younger Sebastian snarls, a hiccup lining the edge of his sentence as he slams his bag down on the table.

”You reek,” the past version of you declares, nose wrinkling. “Of booze.  How long have you been drinking?” You lean in, sniffing his neck.  Sebastian instinctively moves his arm, trying to pull you away.  It’s no use; it’s an illusion, his hand passes right through your skin. 

“Is that perfume?” Your voice falters.

”You’re imagining things,” Sebastian accuses.

”Don’t lie to me, Sallow.” You roar. “I smell perfume on your neck.”

Sebastian flinches when his younger self whirls around on his heel. “And so what if I smell like perfume?” He screeches.

Your face crumbles, and Sebastian has to force himself to look.  You look so much younger, with full cheeks and wide eyes.  He’d forgotten you’d plaited your hair at the top, just the way he’d liked it.  He remembered tugging on your braids when the two of you were still in school, before you’d even started dating.  That was ages ago, yet his heart still yearns for those days.

”Sebastian, have you been with someone else?”

The words still prick his heart, yet he forces himself to keep watching. His younger self stands there, a blank expression on his face.

”What if there was someone else?”

“Is there someone else?”

The younger Sebastian stands firm, arms folded over his chest.  This is it, the moment his heart closed to you.  This is when your relationship slipped down the drain. He doesn’t flinch with his next words, all aimed at you.  He’s playing the offense now, drawing blood with his words.

She’s nice, and she actually cares to listen to me.  I didn’t kiss her—but damn, I wanted to.

Sebastian perches on the table, knowing what comes next.  You don’t bother with tears—you’d cried enough in the last few months of the relationship, trying to salvage damaged goods.  There’s nothing left to give.  You pick up the closest book, hurling it at Sebastian’s face.  The book passes through the real Sebastian, his past self ducking just in time for it to slam against the wall.  The book falls to the ground with a thud, spine dented from the wooden beam.

His past self curses, knocking into the closest table.  Your favorite mug, the one with the funky handle, goes flying off the surface, the handle breaking off.

”I’m going to Ominis’s, until you can be a reasonable adult,” his past self roars, tugging the hood of his cloak over his head.

No, Sebastian screams. Don’t go.  She won’t be home when you come back.

”Sebastian!” You wail.  His head snaps to you, hands balled into fists at your side. He’d never noticed the look of despair on your face, the longing in your eyes. “I—“

The memory ends with a slammed door, your voice far away. He didn’t even give you the chance to finish your sentence.  Sebastian is forced out of the memory, head jolting out of the stone basin with nowhere else to go.

It’s the first time he’s forced himself to relive the memory.  It’s different than he remembered; he doesn’t look nearly as confident as he thought he did.  He doesn’t need to watch the rest to remember how it felt.  After a night spent on Ominis’s settee, sleeping off the alcohol, he’d walk back into the flat prepared with an apology.  He’d slip the key into the lock, calling out your name.  You’d probably be asleep in anticipation of your night shift, but he wouldn’t be able to wait.  He would burst through the bedroom, but you wouldn’t be in bed.  In fact, all of your belongings would be gone, leaving half of the flat bare.  No note, no goodbye.  He’d spend the better half of a day banging on Poppy’s door, only for her to snap at him in response. 

She doesn’t want to speak to you ever again. Every friend had said it, and Sebastian took it to heart.  Perhaps it would take you a couple of days, a few weeks at most to forgive him.  Weeks turned into months, and before long it was a year.  He moved into his own apartment in Diagon Alley.  Poppy and Imelda stopped talking to him entirely, and Natty would only speak to him at work.  It wasn’t much longer that he started chatting up women at the pub, going on dates.  You became a distant memory, his teenage love, a chapter he’d left behind.

Sebastian thought it would give him some closure. That he’d accept being the asshole, finally put you away for good.  Seeing your handwritten note to Ominis and Anne had only eroded his stone heart, dripping away at his resolve.  Hearing you laugh was like taking a pickaxe to the chest, and your summary of the relationship had been the killing blow. It’s like you didn’t even care; simply shrugging off what had been the longest and most defining relationship of his life.  

Isn’t that what he wanted?

Sebastian slumps against the basin, fingertips drumming against the edge.  It’s classic, really, textbook Sebastian Sallow to ruin everything.  He still remembers the way he pushed away Ominis, had forsaken Anne’s wants and needs when it came to her curse.  The unforgivable curse falling past his lips, regretting the words while he says them.  He’d crumpled in your arms, sobbing against your robes that night.  You’d given him a second chance at life, to be a better brother, a better friend.  He promised he wouldn’t squander the opportunity, choosing love over anger.

But falling in love with you hadn’t been a choice.  It had been natural, the easiest thing Sebastian had ever done.  He’d loved you so hard, too much—he’d wanted to marry you, for Merlin’s sake.  That all changed when you started working the night shift.  You spent less time together, and even moments at home were spent studying.  You balked at his touch, preferring the company of a book and a cup of tea instead.  He felt his walls go up, guarding himself from pain.  It couldn’t hurt if he hurt you first, he recalled. He’d bite the hand that fed him, and that would give him an advantage.  

Sebastian splashes the water in the pensieve, the silvery threads of his memory tangling in his fingers.  How easy it would be to store it away, destroy it forever. Fuck, he’d obliviate himself if he could.  He could move on with his life, finally be rid of you. 

Your name, scrawled on parchment.  The lilt of your laugh, the way your cheeks still turn pink when you smile.  The memory of your hair brushing against him in the morning, how just the memory of you is enough to make him hard.  Fuck, he loves you—he’s always loved you.  He’s always going to love you.  Who do you think you are, to stay this long?  Perhaps he’s afraid of you, how powerful you are to have this hold on him. 

Sebastian carefully collects the memory with the tip of his wand, letting it seep back through his ears and into his mind.  It hurts, still a heavy weight on his heart. But better to have it, to have a piece of you.  He knows he’s done irreparable harm, and he can’t change who he was then.  Sebastian has been given a plethora of second chances in his life, and he’s likely run up on any good karma he has left.

You deserve better, Sebastian thinks. He hopes you’re happy.  He wonders if you’re still enjoying the night shift, still at the top of your field.  His mind trails off to the man you were sharing drinks with—perhaps you’ve found love again. He shudders at the thought of you walking down the aisle to a faceless man, but there’s nothing he can do.  He made his bed, and he’ll lie in it.

Sebastian can only resolve to be better.  Maybe in time he’ll get back into Ominis and Anne’s good graces. Be a better brother, a better friend.  He shuts the cover on the pensieve, pushing it back into the corner of his bedroom.  His eye catches the book on his shelf with a dented spine before he straightens his tie, collecting his cloak to leave for work.

He can be better. Maybe. For now, he’ll settle on drinks after work, praying you don’t walk into the same pub as him ever again.

Sebastian’s breath is knocked out of his chest.  You’re sitting at the table with Poppy, Andrew’s chair pulled up next to them.  You look breathtaking, dressed in a pretty lace gown with matching gloves on your hands.  Your hair is piled atop your head in a fashionable way, and you’re blinking up at him expectantly.  He can barely look you in the eyes, lest he crumple at the knees.

”Emergency meeting,” he utters gloomily. “Ruined a good lunch.”

That’s all you have to say?  He berates himself in his mind as Andrew and Everett bid you farewell.  Your eyes turn back disappointedly to the cutlery on the table, and Sebastian screams internally as his colleagues drag him away from the table on unsteady feet.

”Pull yourself together, man.” Everett rolls his eyes. “You’re acting like you’ve seen a ghost.  And considering how many ghosts we knew at school, it’s a little embarrassing.”

“I can’t,” Sebastian mutters. “That’s the first time I’ve seen her in years.”

”Years?” Andrew’s eyes widen. “You’ve really gone that long?”

Years, Sebastian thinks.  Years since you left.  Years since he fought with Anne and Ominis after their wedding, years since he froze under the stairs at the Three Broomsticks, hearing you recount your love story to a new flame.  He’s thought of you every day since.

”That’s depressing,” Everett whistles low. “I never want to fall in love.”

“It’s sweet, really.” Andrew points out. “You never forget your first love, even after you’ve moved on.”

”Moved on?” Sebastian asks.

Everett gives him a sympathetic look, scratching his head. “Er, I thought you noticed—the giant diamond on her hand?  I heard she was engaged.” He confesses. “Sorry mate.  Natsai told me.”

Of course Natty wouldn’t tell him , Sebastian thinks.  She’s hardly spoken to him in years, despite working in the same department.  She’s dutifully ignored him, only daring to speak about work related matters.  The moment your conversations turn towards your personal lives, she would disappear.

”I’m happy for her,” he chokes out, trying to sound convincing.  He knows it isn’t.

”Well, you’re happy now too, aren’t you?” Andrew tries to cheer up the conversation. “The bachelor life suits you.”

Sebastian isn’t sure that’s true.

They apparate back to the ministry, all of the aurors crowded into the office to help with a massive case. Sebastian is hardly listening during the mission debrief.  His mind is elsewhere, on you.  He wonders if you’re marrying the man from the bar, the one with the cheesy questions.  He swallows thickly at the thought of you in love, real love this time.  Something that would last.

He wants to call on Anne.  They haven’t spoken since he’d fought with Ominis after their wedding, his twin holding strong to her words.  She wanted to see him grow, to confront his feelings before coming back to her.  Maybe now was a good time—Anne was always a good shoulder to cry on.

Sebastian had expected a decent fight, but this one takes the cake.  It’s the most intense of his auror career so far, battling what feels like an army of ashwinders who’ve rallied to terrorize the highlands once more. The fight isn’t fair; it’s brutal, several of his fellow aurors falling on the scene.  Andrew has a nasty gash, arms slung around both him and Everett as they try to get to a safe floo point. They might splinch if they try to apparate, and Andrew is looking pale enough as it is.

“Wild day, isn’t it?” Everett chuffs, straining as they lift Andrew and his bleeding leg. The floo point is about twenty feet away, but it’s an uphill climb. “We need to get him to St. Mungo’s, stat.” He says your name, wondering if you’re on duty to help with Andrew’s injury.

”She works the night shift,” Sebastian blurts. He doesn’t even know if you still work nights—it’s just the only thought that comes to mind.

”Well, maybe she’ll be there and you can stop acting like you’ve got doxies for brains.” Andrew snorts, wincing in pain.

”She looks happy,” Sebastian admits. “Beautiful. Merlin, I forgot how beautiful she is.”

Sebastian feels Andrew tugging on his shoulder, panic laced through his voice.  He turns to see an ashwinder, appearing out of nowhere.  The masked man has his wand raised, pulling his arm back to inflict a curse.  Sebastian can see he’s aiming at Everett, the incantation on his lips.

Sebastian doesn’t hesitate.  He lets go of Andrew, letting him topple over onto the grass.  He dives in front of his partner, the bolt of green magic electrifying him as he lands with a thud on the ground.  He can’t tell if he’s yelling, or if it’s Clopton.  He feels cold and wet, streaks of red blossoming on his crisp white shirt.  

“We have to get him to St. Mungo’s!” Everett roars. “I don’t care, apparate! Get us out of here!” 

Andrew crawls over to his side.  He asks Sebastian to forgive him, curling his arms around him as they apparate away from the scene.  Sebastian feels like he’s being pushed through a piece of straw, landing on the cold marble floor of the St. Mungo’s intensive care ward. Healers are already running amok, trying to help the others coming in from the scene. A healer is sending a patronus message, rabbit bouncing off the walls before disappearing to relay a message.  He wants to lift his head, check the room to see if you’re there.  When he tries, Clopton chastises him, holding him down to the floor.

We have to stop the bleeding, someone says. What bleeding?  He’s just cold.  

“Can someone get me a blanket?” Sebastian slurs, words garbled in his throat.

He hears someone saying your name. “We’ve called in the head of the ward,” they say. “She’s on her way in as we speak.”

“We know her,” Andrew insists, still holding his hand down tight against Sebastian’s chest.  He’s not sure why Andrew is clutching him so tightly, clamping down on his sternum.

”She’ll know how to stop the bleeding,” the healer assures him. “She’ll figure it out—her magic always does the trick.”

That’s all he needs to know. Sebastian shuts his eyes, the sounds of the ward disappearing against the ringing in his ears.  He’ll be okay, especially if you’re on the way. Deep down, Sebastian knows he’s in good hands.

[galaxiasgreen]

📚🐦‍🔥Stay With Me

Slow burn Garreth x F!Reader romcom-mystery [T-Rated, 5.6k words]

You don't meet his eye. "I've prepared you some questions, for this... tutorship." You unbuckle your satchel and take out not one, not two, but four rolls of parchment, one for each subject, and slide them across the table. "It's simple multiple-choice so I can figure out how much you know. It won't take you long to do." He stares at them, open-mouthed. "You've set me homework?"

Garreth Weasley is good at Potions… and not much else. You, a bookish, lonesome Ravenclaw with a weighted family secret, are good at everything… except Potions. Assigned together for a mutual tutorship, Garreth is sure he won’t meet anyone more boring.

But the potions lab isn’t the only place where sparks will fly.

Tropes: romance/ humour/ drama, slow burn, fluff, tutoring together, grumpy x sunshine, strangers-to-friends-to-lovers, pining, love triangle, dark secret, sworn off love, Everyone Can See It.

[NEXT][read on AO3, read on Wattpad]

A/N: Just to note, in this story Garreth and others fought Ranrok with MC. Enjoy!

1. A Mutual Tutorship

He calls you Prim, mostly because you hate it.

It's not a nickname Garreth gives you for fun (though make no mistake, he loves to tease you with it). No, it's a nickname that's descriptive, deriving from your most cardinal trait. Prim, because you are. Prim and proper and academically minded. Meanwhile he's never had an aptitude for learning, preferring the freedom of exploration over the rigid structure of curriculum.

On paper, you seem like a match made in hell – but in practice? Well, he's always up for a challenge.

He doesn't get to meet you, though, until the dawn of his sixth year, when easy classes and free periods for the exam-weary older students are over. He doesn't even meet you on the day he first hears of you.

Back then, you were merely an illicit suggestion.

"I'm worried about you, Garreth."

He sinks into the chair in Professor Weasley's office. He's been here so many times now it practically feels like a second home, mostly for, ahem, disciplinary reasons, but there are the rare moments when his aunt calls him in for a quick catch-up, tea and biscuits, sometimes to discuss family news – a great grand-uncle dying or one of his cousins announcing a betrothal.

When the professor called him in this time, two days into the term, he thought maybe his parents were expanding their gnome collection and she wanted him to advise against it (there is such a thing as too many gnomes, and it's any number more than zero). Or maybe his sister Clara needed help adjusting to the school – she's a first year now, after all.

So it's like the rug is yanked from under him when she asks about his grades.

"It's two days into the autumn term, Auntie," he says, not prepared to have this conversation so soon. "What's there to worry about? I haven't even had all my N.E.W.T. classes yet."

"That's exactly what I wanted to discuss with you. You have so much potential, Garreth. You are incredibly bright and passionate, and I know you are capable of so much, but your O.W.L. scores left a lot to be desired, and I worry that you won't be able to handle the workload this year."

"Don't know if you remember," he says airily, "but I practically saved Hogwarts—"

"Yes, yes, last year in the caverns below with your friends, I know, Garreth. I was there." Her lips bunch. "But no school-saving antics will boost your grades. Your heroics are the only reason you don't have to repeat your O.W.L.s, and you won't have such an opportunity this time around."

He drops his head on the back of the chair, groaning. Imagine stopping a whole goblin rebellion... and still having to write history essays. He literally made history.

"Your father suggested something I actually like," she says, drawing Garreth's eyes back down. "It seems you need some motivation, and I know you work well when you're with your friends. Therefore he suggested you pair with someone. A mutual tutorship, if you will."

"You want to give me a study buddy?"

"Yes! Oh, I do like that phrasing much better."

"You can phrase it any way you want. Still wipes."

"Garreth..."

"Come off it, Auntie. What are they gonna' do? Sit with me doing every piece of homework I have? And I didn't flop at everything. I got an Outstanding in Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts."

"Which were your only top grades, half of which because Hecat saw fit to reward your capabilities against Ranrok last summer," she remarks shortly, taking a piece of parchment. "You don't need a study buddy for those subjects. You do, however, need one for History of Magic, Astronomy, Divination and," she stares meaningfully over the rim of her spectacles, "Transfiguration."

He grins sheepishly. "As it happens, I know someone who's great at it?"

She sighs, putting the parchment aside and dropping into her chair. "I know you want to become a potioneer, Garreth, but even the most famous potioneers are well-rounded individuals and excelled in subjects outside of their specialty. Look at Professor Sharp! He was an Auror!"

"Okay, I get it, I get it." All this talk depresses him – all this knowing that he's a problem depresses him. "I promise I did try. I just— find revising very hard and demotivating. And you know, the whole saving-the-world thing..."

Professor Weasley gives him the look.

"I made it to N.E.W.T. classes, didn't I? I'll try this year, I will. You don't have to get me a... study buddy."

"Oh, but I think I do, and as it were, I happen to know the perfect student to match with you. A very bright young lady one year your junior, a Ravenclaw. She excels in all her subjects" – she pauses – "except Potions."

"So you want me to teach her Potions," he clarifies, "and her to teach me everything else?"

"That's right."

"Doesn't seem fair."

"I think you'll find it will be." She makes a knowing face that he doesn't like. "So, what do you say? Want to give it a try?"

"... Can I say no?"

"No."

He sighs. "Brilliant."

His schedule's already packed with classes and homework, now that his education's ramped up for sixth year, and he mulls on the extra work a mutual tutorship will bring for the next few days. Explaining it is even more difficult, when he has to tell Leander he's missing Quidditch for this.

"A study buddy?" he scoffs, as they lounge in the Gryffindor common room after classes that day. "Sounds right horrid."

"Tell me about it."

"Who're you pairing with? Do you know?"

"No idea. A Ravenclaw in the year below, apparently."

"A younger swot? Merlin's pelvis, couldn't she have put you with, I don't know, Amit? Or Everett? If she wanted a Ravenclaw?"

Garreth slouches. The sofas are so comfortable he doesn't want to move. "Bet she knew if she put me with either of them we'd get no work done, Everett because he'd be too busy trying to prank me, Amit because he'd be wasting time describing irrelevant extra stuff."

"Oh, no," Leander panics suddenly, "if this works then she might start doing it to all of us. I don't want a study buddy!"

"Relax. It's only because I'm her nephew that she's testing it with me."

He's sure his aunt wouldn't care quite so much if the same blood didn't run through their veins. After all, she has no children of her own – so Garreth and his sister are the closest she'll get. All her motherly affection, and motherly reprimand too, goes to them.

So when he gets the owl on Sunday afternoon to meet promptly in the library during lunch the next day, he sucks in his gut and resolves to at least try and have fun with it. He likes meeting new people, even if he doesn't like the circumstances – maybe he'll get along with the new Ravenclaw. Maybe they won't be as boring as he suspects.

He heads to the library the next day – late, mind, because he didn't particularly feel like rushing from Charms – and spots Professor Weasley waiting by the front desk.

That's the first time he sets his eyes on you.

Waiting placidly at his aunt's side, you're perfectly put together, not a hair out of place. Your waistcoat is straight, your long skirt starched, your shirt tucked in and top button done. You hold your books in your hand – because of course you do – and the satchel draped over your shoulder bulges with more of them.

You're the picture of a prim Ravenclaw student.

And it fills him with misery.

"Hello, hello," he says to you both, "sorry I'm late." Not.

You purse your lips, like you can detect his lie, but say nothing as his aunt gives him an admonishing glare. "That you are, Garreth. Did I not say you were to be prompt?"

"I grabbed some extra parchment, Professor," he makes sure to use her epithet in the presence of other students, "because I didn't know if I would need it."

By the way her brow loosens, it was a good lie. "All right. Come along, I've reserved a table for you both."

He decides to introduce himself to you on the way upstairs. "Nice to meet you."

You introduce yourself as well, but it's clear by your aloof eyes that you were also roped into this arrangement. "Nice to meet you as well," you repeat awkwardly, voice high with tension.

Turns out, Professor Weasley reserved an entire table, right at the back of the top floor. It seems unnecessary, the isolation, how you've obviously been coerced.

"Now, your proper sessions will take place after classes finish for the day, so for now I believe getting to know one another's style of learning would be most prudent." Professor Weasley ushers you to two seats next to each other. "I'll be sitting over there to keep an eye on you. Madam Scribner has given you both permission to have a quiet chat, so why not break the ice?"

It feels so forced Garreth would prefer to get a Howler right now, but under his aunt's stringent gaze, he plops onto the chair and tosses his bag under the seat. You draw out the seat gracefully, fold yourself upon it, and gently place your satchel, then books, on the table. There is method, he realises, to your movements.

"So..." he claps his hand awkwardly. "Where are you from?"

You clam up immediately, and he doesn't know why that's the wrong thing to ask, but he backtracks.

"Sorry, I mean – you know, where do you live?"

Your frown is still pronounced, but some relief breaths free. "London. You?"

"Devon."

"Right. I've never been there."

"It's nice. Except in the winter. Then the sea air is like murder."

Silence. He has a feeling he'll have to nudge all conversations, which is simply brilliant.

"Have any family?"

"Just my parents. They— they used to live in Asia, before coming here." You shift. "You? I mean, besides the professor."

"How much time do you have?" When you don't answer, he tugs his collar. Tough crowd. "Er, I have a younger sister. Clara, she's called. She's just started her first year. Little menace. Was hoping she wouldn't be Sorted into Gryffindor, but I guess it runs in the Weasley blood. Then there's my cousins, but there's so many that if I named them all you'd miss all your afternoon classes. Hey, maybe that wouldn't be a bad thing?"

You don't even crack a smile. This will be a long, painful conversation.

"Why don't we get started then?" he suggests instead, because the faster he does this, the faster he can leave. "I mean, discussing what we're meant to be, er, learning together? Shouldn't take very long for you if you're only failing Potions."

Your cheeks bloat. "I'm not failing. I just... need a little boost."

Touchy. Okay.

"Well, I'm not afraid to admit I'm failing."

"Yes," you say, and you list on your fingers as you go. "Transfiguration, History of Magic, Divination, and Astronomy. That's four subjects."

"Hey, last year it was five, but luckily I managed to wrangle a Kneazle before it bit Professor Howin, so she bumped up my grade." He's still quite proud of that moment. You make an unimpressed face. "What? You should be grateful we don't have collect Flobberworm mucus together."

"Okay, well, I've prepared you some tasks to complete."

His amusement drains like pus from a Bubotuber.

"What."

It's a statement of disbelief so sheer he doesn't even accompany it with the tonal flick of a question.

You don't meet his eye. "I've prepared you some questions, for this... tutorship." You unbuckle your satchel and take out not one, not two, but four rolls of parchment, one for each subject, and slide them across the table. "It's simple multiple-choice so I can figure out how much you know. It won't take you long to do."

He stares at them, open-mouthed.

"You've set me homework?"

"It's not homework."

"It's work that I have to do in my own time. It's homework."

Your lip curls in displeasure. "Like I said, if I'm going to tutor you, I need to know how much you already know. Then I can incorporate it into my lesson plan."

"Your lesson plan?"

"How else are we going to know what to cover per session?" you ask, bewildered. "You must have something planned for me, right?"

Of course he doesn't. He was just going to give you potions to brew and point out where you'd gone wrong. He rakes a hand through his hair, thinking about whether he could get away pretending to have a stomach/ head/ knee/ butt ache.

"If you don't want to do it later," you say, "you can do it now. Then I can be prepared for our first official session."

How about I run and never look back? With his aunt's watchful gaze on his back, he reluctantly unfurls the first scroll. Transfiguration. You hand him a quill and inkwell and he surfs through, ticking the answers he thinks are right.

"You're not even reading the questions."

"Am too."

"Glancing your eyes over words isn't the same as reading."

Oh, Merlin, you will be the death of him. Sniffing indignantly, he slows down, actually taking time to read the questions. How many exceptions are there to Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration? He tries the rest, though not very hard, because just reading this stupid parchment has left him perplexed, and hands the scroll to you when he finishes.

He's halfway through puzzling when Geminis are born for the Divination quiz – he guesses February – before you roll his parchment up again.

"So? What's the verdict?"

You can't control the grimace on your face, and it's all he needs to know.

He's a total shambles. A failure.

"It's not— unsalvageable," you say hastily, your expression flattening. "But we have a lot of work to do."

He drops his head onto the table so loudly Madam Scribner yells "SSSHHH!" from the floor below.

When he's completed all your scrolls and falsely promises to make a list of things for your Potions O.W.L.s, you collect your belongings, slotting each book and scroll into its rightful place in your bag, give a quick word to his aunt in thanks and leave without goodbye. The whole exchange was about twenty minutes but to Garreth felt like twenty years. He tromps up to Professor Weasley in utter disbelief – and despairs in the way her grin unfurls.

"I told you it would be a fair exchange."

"She's made me homework, Auntie!"

"SSSHHH!" Scribner yells.

"Sorry!" he squeaks over the bannister. "Homework, Auntie. And— lesson plans. She told me I was practically unsalvageable!"

"I definitely heard not unsalvageable, Garreth."

"You can't be serious with this girl."

But Professor Weasley simply pets his shoulder.

"Your future is at stake here, Garreth. It's about time you start taking it seriously. She will help you. You will help each other."

But he really doubts it.

He waits for you outside of the Ravenclaw common room entrance for your first session later that week.

Dread roils through him as he leans against the bannister. Two hours of this, thrice a week, when he could be doing literally anything else. Quidditch has started again – which his aunt has barred him from playing due to his grades – but he could at least watch the Gryffindors practice, watch Leander and Eric Northcott toss Quaffles between them.

He's never had a mind for anything that doesn't interest him. History, divining the stars – both approaches. Even turning butterflies into bells doesn't capture his attention the same way potions do. There's just something about the way you can play loose and fast with the rules, with the ingredients, with the measurements, with the method, that delights his curiosity.

He wiggles his arm so it doesn't go to sleep. He's been to the Ravenclaw common room a few times, usually with Amit – for when they need to get back at Everett for catching them with a dungbomb. Unfortunately it means he's well acquainted with the eagle knocker.

"Honestly, Mr Weasley," it enunciates with that high and mighty tone, "if you sulk any harder and your expression will stick permanently to your face."

"Know from experience, do you?"

It doesn't bother to grace that with a response.

"What quandary plagues you so?"

"I'm doing a study buddy programme."

The knocker toots – literally, like a trumpet. "Hundreds of years I have guarded this tower, and never have I heard something so funny!"

"You could be more sympathetic."

"For the boy who thought it would be funny to tickle my nose with a feather when I was asleep? I think not!"

"I didn't think you had a nose!"

The door swings open then, and you step out. Prim, proper, picturesque. You startle at the sight of him.

"I thought we were to meet in the library."

"I was passing by, thought I'd come up and walk with you."

Suspicion flutters through your eyes. "Why?"

"What do you mean, why?"

"Why would you want to walk with me?"

He blinks. Is he being stupid, or has he missed something? "Er, because it's a nice thing to do, and if I have to waste six hours of my life on this mutual tutorship every week then I should at least get to know you better."

"I see."

Something not quite as strong as displeasure edges your voice, but you fall into step with him – not missing the way he makes a rude face at the knocker on the way downstairs.

"Look, I'll be honest," he begins, "I don't like this arrangement any more than you do, but I'm naturally pre-disposed to not taking anything too seriously, so even if we have to endure revision together, we can at least try to have a good time with it. Sound fair?"

You don't answer immediately. "What's the catch?"

"What? No catch. I just don't want to be totally glum each time I see you."

Something flashes across your expression, but it's too fleeting to identify it. "All right, that's... understandable."

"Great."

Conversation is stilted, however, even when you get to the library. You don't immediately warm to him, which is odd, because he's very used to people immediately falling for his magnanimous charms. You pull out your notebook – a timetable neatly journaled into the opening page – as he dumps out his parchment and quills.

"Since our sessions cover six hours per week," you say, "I thought we could work on your subjects for four of them, and then two hours on Potions for me."

"Right, fine." Sounds positively wretched. "My aunt's got Sharp's permission to use the potions laboratory this Friday, so I guess we can do it then."

"The potions laboratory?"

"Yeah. What? Did you think we could do Potions work without... potions?"

"Shouldn't we focus on the written portion?"

He frowns. "The written portion of the Potions O.W.L. is tiny. Like, miniscule. And boring."

You draw yourself up. "I don't find it boring. The essays are the best part."

Oh dear Merlin. "Well, sorry to disappoint you, but the majority of your Potions O.W.L. depends on actual potion-making." He grins. "Why? Scared, are you?"

"Why would I be scared?"

"You seem keen not to do it. Don't tell me you have some tragic backstory involving an exploding cauldron."

"No," you grind out. "I just... don't have a natural affinity for it like I do all my other subjects."

"That must've been really hard for you to accept."

He's teasing, but your face sours. Wow, you really are a tough crowd.

"Let's start. History of Magic."

This is one of those subjects he needs to know for his career choice – potioneers are expected to understand the history behind advancements in potion-making, after all – but Professor Binns makes it near-impossible to derive any sort of interest in the subject. The first topic of the year, the disbandment of the Wizards' Council in 1707, is already so dull Garreth can feel himself melting into the floor the moment the ghost opens his mouth.

"Now, I've already started the essay about the tumult of the Ministry of Magic's early years." You pull out a roll of parchment. "If we compare the key argument points—"

"Wait," he says, holding up his hand, "what do you mean, you've started the essay?"

"The essay that Binns set."

"You're doing N.E.W.T. level classes?"

"I'm doing N.E.W.T. level homework," you correct. "The professors assign it to me and I work on it with my regular homework."

"How do you have time to eat? Or sleep?"

You shrug. It's all so easy to you. You probably dream of your textbooks. It's so boggling.

"As I was saying," you continue, "we ought to start by comparing the points we've both made for the essay."

He just can't fathom it. Is there any point getting to know you when your spare time is dedicated to nothing but grades and studying? How can anyone be so academically good at (almost) everything, take on extra work, agree to tutor a frankly hopeless student... and still find time to enjoy other things?

"Right, yes, comparing essay points," he mumbles. "Sounds good."

Then again, he thinks, when neither of you move, and your eyes begin to narrow, you don't seem like the type of person to enjoy anything.

"You haven't started the essay yet, have you?"

"... Does a sphinx speak in riddles?"

You groan.

The first Potions session that Friday is a fun one – because now he gets to test you, watch you squirm and sweat. After the painful four hours together, scribbling theory for Divination and star charts for Astronomy, it's finally time to show what he can do. You're always so put together, so  he wants to see how bad you are, see what it is that justifies asking for his help in the first place.

Professor Sharp is waiting in the potions laboratory when you both arrive, seated at his desk marking homework.

Garreth grins. "All right, Professor?"

His expression curdles exponentially. "I trust I don't have to keep one eye on you for the entire two hours, Mr Weasley?"

"'Course not, sir. I'm only here to supervise my charge. In fact, you could say I'm the professor here."

"That doesn't fill me with much more confidence," Sharp mutters, then flicks his quill. "I've prepared the one on the left. Work quietly, please."

You seem nonplussed when Garreth steers you to the potions station. "Do you have a... reputation?"

"Don't know what you mean."

"You must do, by the professor's tone. You're a— miscreant."

"I'm a creative," he corrects. "Professor Sharp just doesn't appreciate my artistry."

"I can hear you, Mr Weasley."

"See? No appreciation whatsoever."

He gave you a list of ingredients to bring, and as he lights the fire beneath the cauldron, you sort them on the table – a bezoar in a mortar, mistletoe berries tied together with twine, Mooncalf tears in a phial. He notices you spend an inordinate amount of time placing them in neat, agreeable piles, rather than, you know, starting the actual potion-making, and he tucks this information away.

"Right, so, today I thought you could brew the antidote to common poisons."

"Antidote," you say stiffly. "Common poisons."

"That's what I said."

"Isn't that a third year subject?"

"It is." He smiles devilishly. "But we're going to do it with a twist."

Your brow furrows. "You're supposed to teach me relevant things, Garreth."

"You'll be lucky I'm not adding my own spin on it. No, just a simple improvement to up the ante. We're going make sure our potion can also act as an antidote to spider venom."

"Spider venom?" Your hand reaches for the textbook, but Garreth palms it away. "But— I need the recipe."

"You won't get the full recipe in your O.W.L. exams. You only get a list of ingredients and vague instructions. But it's better to learn by doing, and you will be expected to understand how the property of each ingredient affects the potion." He gestures. "Shall we begin?"

Your lips are flat as you fill the cauldron with standard potioning water – two pints of it, until it bubbles nicely over the flames. You know the first step by heart, which is to crush the bezoar into a fine powder and add four measures. Good start. With each of his thorough explanations, you fidget, uncomfortable.

"Why not just feed someone a bezoar? It works, doesn't it?"

"Why do we extract essence of dittany instead of just nibbling on the stem? Because combined with other ingredients the potion is more powerful. A bezoar wouldn't work against more virulent spider venom on its own, but it will in the potion we're brewing, because its healing properties are enhanced. Also, have you tried shoving that whole thing in your gob? Tastes rank."

"Wait," you say suddenly. "I need to write this down."

"The tastes rank part, or shoving in your gob part?"

You ignore him, grabbing your quill and scribbling furiously.

"Watch your cauldron. It's bubbling over."

You squeak, dropping the quill and stirring. A sheen of sweat coats your forehead, which is pretty hilarious. You've only just started.

"What's the next step?" he asks.

Your eyes skim the ingredients, frantic. "Erm... Mooncalf tears?"

"Try again." When you grimace, he says, "Begins with Stuh. Ends with andard ingredient."

You glare at him. "This doesn't make sense. Why add that now?"

"It's a stabilising agent. It emulsifies the ingredients together."

"Like eggs in a cake," you murmur, which surprises him. "But we've only added the bezoar to the water. What's there to stabilise?"

"Bezoars don't dissolve in water, and this will help the ingredients we add next."

He can see your frustration. Suddenly it makes sense why you hate Potions so much. You don't understand the science behind it – ironic, for someone who seems so methodical, and so proficient at other more technical subjects like Transfiguration. You pour the herbs into the brew, watching cautiously as the liquid thickens and changes colour from grimy brown to forest green, and notes of saltiness waft into the air.

"Good." The potion isn't looking too bad – maybe a little too green, but not unworkable. "Now, what next?"

"... Mooncalf tears?"

"Nope. You need to desaturate the brew."

"So turn up the heat?" He gives a firm nod. "For how long?"

"Well, you've added standard ingredient, which acts as a thickening agent already, and bezoar powder burns easily, even in water. Do you think much heat should be applied?"

"... Maybe?"

"Bet your examiner would love that answer."

You scowl. "Just tell me."

"Bring it to simmer," he instructs. "But only for a few minutes. For the aforementioned reasons."

After you write this down, you nudge another piece of wood into the fire pit below, then adjust the knob for heat. After a few moments, the bubbles pop ferociously on the surface. He watches you watching it, transfixed, eyebrows sloping in intense concentration. It's clear you desperately want this to work – but something holds you back, whether it's just disinterest in the subject or not. You lower the heat after three minutes, leaning back.

"Now do we add the Mooncalf tears?"

He laughs. "Merlin's beard, you're desperate to get those tears in. No, now you wave your wand and let it stew. Do you know for how long?"

"I remember this," you say. "It was about thirty minutes."

"Are you sure?"

"Well now I'm not."

His grin only grows. "What type of cauldron are you using?"

"Pewter."

"How will that affect the time?"

"Isn't pewter less conducive of magical properties than the others, and therefore makes brewing time slower?"

"I don't know. Is it?"

"Garreth."

"Yes, you're right," he says. "You're a right laugh, you know."

"You're not," you remark tersely. "So it stews for more time then?"

"Probably about forty-five minutes, though I reckon with how you bunged all the standard ingredient in, it'll probably need a few minutes more. We'll eyeball it."

You squeak. "We can't— eyeball it!"

"'Course we can. When it's reduced enough, we'll take it off the heat."

Still, it's about a fifty-minute wait, and unfortunately you decide to get him back for all the fun he's having by asking how his History of Magic essay is going (... it's not). Even Professor Sharp laughs when he stumps at the first bullet point.

When the fifty minutes slog by (and they do slog – probably because Garreth dies a little with each legislative policy he has to know by name), you check the potion again. The water has boiled down to a gooey liquid, half the size it was before, and the colour has deepened.

"Now you have ground unicorn horn to add. This is where it gets interesting." His voice dances with glee, but you look like you'd rather get punched in the face. "The recipe for the regular antidote calls for a pinch of unicorn horn, then two clockwise stirs. But to work against a more potent poison like spider venom, you need at least two pinches, and double the number of stirs, to let everything combine."

You hunch over your unicorn horn powder. "Are you sure this isn't one of your creative exploits?"

"Hand on heart, this is all by-the-book," he says, then calls out, "In fact, I should really get some house points for it!"

"Don't hold your breath," Sharp calls back.

Garreth winks at you. "Worth a try, right?"

Your brow drops in exasperation.

Still, you follow his next instructions carefully. Two pinches of unicorn horn powder, then four stirs of the cauldron, and it hisses and pops as the powder melts into the solution. Finally you add two mistletoe berries, careful to keep the toxic leaves away, and wave your wand to finish. It's as expected – not bad for someone who claims to struggle at the subject, though he had to coach you through most of it.

"So... how do we know if the potion works?"

"Funny you should ask." Garreth reaches for his bag. "I have a spider I keep in a jar—"

You scrabble away at once. "What?" you shriek – it's the first explosive emotion he's seen from you. "No, no, no—"

"Merlin, that was a joke! 'Course I don't have a spider in my bag!"

Your shoulders drop. Your expression storms.

"Not. Funny."

But he giggles. "Come on. That was kind of funny."

"You really are a miscreant."

"Not a fan of spiders, are you?"

"They're detestable." You shudder, crossing your arms. "I don't know how anyone can stand the creatures."

"I think they're kind of cute. You know, in an ugly sort of way."

You step back to the station, gesturing with your chin to the potion again. "So? How do you know if we succeeded?"

"Colour, consistency, smell. Is it teal? Yes. Is it thick, and the bottom of the cauldron is only visible when you scrape it with a spoon? Yes. Does it smell like Graphorn dung?" He sniffs. Winces. "Oh yeah."

"How do you know what Graphorn dung smells like?"

"You don't want to know." (It involved Everett, naturally.) "So, with all those factors, we can safely say the potion was a resounding success. Huzzah!"

Yet you don't seem particularly pleased. He's not sure why, given that his aunt implied you were so poor at the subject even a mediocre brew was unthinkable. But maybe your bar to success is much higher than his. He helped you a lot, after all – maybe you'll only consider these tutoring sessions a win if you manage to brew an entire potion by yourself, without his ogling over your shoulder. Without someone literally telling you what to do.

And if that's what you want, okay. He's happy to help. The quicker you pick up these potions lessons, the quicker he is freed of your prickly company.

"Wait," you say suddenly, "what were the Mooncalf tears for?"

"Oh, those?" He chuckles. "They're not for anything. They're just to bamboozle you."

Your glare is potent enough to set him on fire.

"I am trying to learn here, and you fooling around is not helping."

"Who says this isn't helping? You'll never forget Mooncalf tears aren't in the antidote now, will you?"

"But— that's—!" You let out a groan. "You're being insufferable."

He just laughs harder. "You're so prim, it's hilarious."

"If wanting to learn things the proper way makes me prim, so be it."

"The proper way? Oh ho ho, no. There's no proper way."

"Written study is the proper way."

He leans on the potions station, grinning villainously. "Then I'll prove to you that it's not all about textbooks and words on a page. You're going to learn so hard you won't know what hit you. You'll see."

Your raise your chin, derision clear.

"Very well then, Garreth."

"All righty then, Prim."

He sees how it digs. "What? Don't— don't call me that!"

"Only calling you what you are, Prim."

When the session ends, he agrees to start that essay – or at least think about starting it – and you agree to review your notes for the antidote, but no matter how many times you remind him of your real name, he teases you with the moniker until you part ways. Unfortunately for you, insufferable doesn't quite have the same ring to it, and you wouldn't dare deign to his level of immaturity.

So at the end of the first week, you still call him Garreth.

And he calls you Prim.

[NEXT] [Divider credit, gorgeous art by Lyworth]

[col-e7]

*Shadow trio visiting Anne, doing a Kiss, Marry or Kill*

MC : Alright, alright Anne. Kiss, Marry or Kill : Garreth, Sebastian and Imelda

Anne : Easy one, kiss Garreth, marry Imelda and kill Sebastian !

Sebastian : Hey ! Don't be rude to yourself like that !

Ominis : I think you're wayyy too much drunk for that Sebastian...

Sebastian : We're literally a gender swap version of ourselves so please don't call us ugly by kill ourselves, Anne. And for the record, i'm perfectly sober Ominis

Anne : YOU'RE LITERALLY MY TWIN BROTHER I WON'T MARRY OR KISS YOU !

Sebastian : I WON'T ACCEPT BEING KILLED INSTEAD OF IMELDA BY MY OWN SISTER

Ominis : Okay, *I'm* way too sober for that right now

*MC looking at the disaster, pop corn in hands*

[redheadspark]

Trust Me?

Summary - The Female MC takes Ominis flying, stirring his feelings for her all the more

Warnings - Just cute fluff :)

A/N - I wanted to write a cute one-shot of Ominis! I loved him in the game and how great he was as a character, he doesn't get enough love! I might even add him to the character I write for in my Prompt Sessions! Let me know what you think!

"You can't be serious,"

"What makes you think I'm joking?"

"Given our history with Sebastian, let alone your friendship with Garreth Weasley…"

You had to roll your eyes as you stood in front of Ominis, who had his face filled with judgment. Your broom was waiting for you on the ground by your foot, the crisp and damn grass under your feet while the cooler Autumn air was cascading down into the Quidditch Pitch where you two were.  With the weather being more than tolerable, plenty of students were out of the castle and enjoying the cool air before it would get too chilly.  It was a great day for you to get some flying in, given the upcoming games that were on schedule the following weekend and your team was climbing up the ranks.  It was going to be your best year, you felt it in your fingers as the Hufflepuff Captain and one of the Beaters.  

Your seventh year at Hogwarts was not as adventurous or as deadly as it was when you arrived as a fifth year, yet you liked it that way.  Compared to your first year, your sixth year was more mundane and boring so to speak.  The Ancient Magic you had as toned down a bit and the mystery that you solved deep underneath the castle was now contained thanks to the Ministry of Magic, along with the professors at Hogwarts, leaving you to simply focus on your schooling and friendships.  

Yet, things were not the same.  You seemed lost without Professor Fig, his guidance and mentorship were something you missed from time to time when roaming the halls or attending classes.  Not to mention the strained friendship with Sebastian, who was still eating away in grief after what happened to his Uncle, and the now diminished relationship with his sister.  He became more of a shell within himself, not the bright and smart Slytherin you met.  

However, your other friendships tried, especially with Ominis.  You both leaned on each other after Sebastian's downfall, the pair of you realizing that the solid friendship you had with him no longer existed.  Ominis lost his best friend, giving him a broken heart so to speak and it gave him a hardened shell.  But you both remained friends, walking to and from class together, studying with one another in the library to pass the tedious potions exams, and even taking strolls together along the grounds.  It was a friendship you never thought would truly blossom.

Ominis still had his sarcasm and snarky jokes, which would make you laugh from time to time when you were sad or uneasy. He knew you had a lot to carry yourself, plenty of bad memories and nightmares from your fifth year, and the invisible scars that would haunt you sporadically.  He was a good shoulder to lean on, not minding in the slightest when you wished to vent to him or express your pain.  Ominis knew all that happened your first year, you leaving no detail out with him.

You trusted Ominis, more than you ever trusted anyone at that school.

Now, on a clear Autumn afternoon, you were attempting to take him flying.  And of course, being the true Slytherin that he was, he was not budging.

"You make it seem as if I will let you get hurt while we fly," you challenged him, his misted grey eyes snarking as he chuckled.

"I don't trust our school brooms and the recent history of quidditch injuries, pity your broom is under maintenance in Hogsmeade," he explained, you chuckling as he was still not swayed in going on the broom with you.

"I have a clean flying record if you must know!  I wouldn't let you get hurt, Ominis.  Don't you trust me?" You asked playfully.  You didn't realize that a single sentence struck a chord in Ominis.  Not in a bad way, but in a way of remembrance.  He heard that time and time again in your younger years, from his former best friend.  His trust was always placed in Sebastian's hands, and it would either be altered or shattered.  The last time he trusted his old friend, he almost lost him.  

Yet you were different. Though you were trying to help Sebastian in finding his way again, you never broke Ominis's trust in you.  He never felt It waver or severe even, to which he knew he could trust you more than others in his life.  It was hard for him to lean on another person outside of his family, his cruel and dark family. You seemed to be a light to him, a warm light, something he was used to for the longest time.

That warmth and light morphed into a crush, something Ominis swore he would take to the grave. 

"You know I trust you," Ominis reasoned, yet he could tell you were rolling your eyes with him as you then flicked out your hand and gave a tug of your wrist.  The broom shot up into your palm within a flash.

"Then get on the bloody broom," You replied, Ominis could hear the small snark in your tone as you swung your leg over the broom, legs slightly bent and one hand gripping the broom.  Your other hand hung at your side, waiting for some kind of signal from your friend if he was going to come with you.  You knew Ominis would be set in his ways, a little harder to budge.  But he was also no wallflower, not entirely.  

You were surprised to see him reach out his hand in your direction, a smile breaking out on your lips.

You took his hand in yours, tugging him gently to walk over to where the broom was.  It came to his thigh, to which you lowered the broom to have him tentatively step over.  He did it with some reluctance, now sitting behind you as you recentered yourself on the broomstick.  Feeling his body heat behind you, through the sweater you were wearing and his blazer, you felt your stomach do a little tumble.  

"Ready?" You asked, looking your shoulder at his face.  His eyes looked petrified, though they shined in the sun as he nodded his head rapidly.  You reached to take his hand to place along your waist, feeling him freeze up for a moment as his fingers danced along your sweater, "Hang on, Ominis,"

You kicked off, the broom making you two hover over the ground only by a foot or two as Ominis clung onto you for dear life with his arms around your waist in a death grip.  It made you smile, sensing his worries and fears but still willing to get on a broom because it was you.  The friendship you two built together, the long talks and moments together simply make your bond together just as strong if not stronger.  

You moved a bit higher now, both pairs of feet dangling as you were getting your sense of gravity back together.  The wind licking your face and the cool rush heard in your ears as Ominis was leaning against your back.  Once again you felt his body heat, thou it was a bit stronger now as his face was against your shoulder blade, facing out into the pitch as you placed your feet up and under the broom.

"Ready?" You asked, feeling him nod his head against your shoulder, "I'll go around the pitch for now, just for you to get used to it,"

"I'm already regretting this," He mumbled against your sweater as you started moving forward a bit, very slow, and bit barely any force.  As much as you wanted to pull his leg and start flying at top speed, you also were being considerate of Ominis and his comfort.  Not that he was against Quidditch, but he loved hearing all about your matches and even attended a few to show support for his house.  But he would rather be stable and on the ground, such a contrast to you.  You were used to flying at top speed, speeding along the quidditch pitch and even outside the ground when you could get away with it.  

"Alright, here we go," You voiced, dipping the broom slightly to make your way forward.  Although you were flying nice and slow, you were still hesitant since you felt Ominis clinging to you.  But you weren't hearing him tell you to land, nor were you hearing the fear in his voice or his breath.  He was rather calm and collected, his grip on your waist still consistent.  The last thing you wanted to do was spook him, though you were trying to clear your cluttered mind in how close he was against your back and his arm still around your waist. 

"We just did a loop around the pitch," You informed him as you moved around the curve that was behind the goalposts, "How are you doing back there?"

A pause hung in the air, and then a voice was heard, "It's…it's not as bad.  Are we very high up?"

You had to smile, hearing the small amount of hope in his tone.  It was such a contrast to how he sounded before he got on the broom.  Now, he sounded a bit calmer…almost a peace in a way.

"Shall I describe it all to you?" You asked him, feeling him nod his head against your shoulder as you took in a long breath, "We're about 30 feet now, facing the school.  You should see the school with the sun in the windows…it's breathtaking,"

You saw all the stained glass windows shining in the sunlight as the sun was getting lower in the sky.  The red and gold in the Gryffindor tower windows to the left, some of the glimmer of the Great Hall windows that brought sparkle and color.  It took your breath away, inwardly wishing that Ominis could at least see what you were experiencing.

"Breathtaking?" Ominis questioned, his voice sounding unsure as he could hear it in your voice: the softness, the gentleness that almost seemed like bells to his ears.  He always loved the way your voice sounded, nothing harsh or gritty, nor was it too light like air.  It was the right balance, and he was someone who would prefer balance over chaos.  

Of course, you would be the one to shake up his balance of life.

"The Gryffindor tower windows….the red stain glass windows look like rubies!  And the Great Hall windows, it's like the reflection of the water in the lake.  So many colors….it's swirled together like a painting,"

"You mean….like those muggle toys that muggle children look through with one eye?  Like a telescope?" Omimis asked in curiosity.  You giggled.

"I think you're talking about a Kaleidoscope," You commented, "But yes, just like a Kaleidoscope.  It's beautiful,"

Ominis could picture it in his mind, the swirls of colors along the windows and the light touching out from the school onto the grounds with ease.  Just the way you described it to him alone made it memorable to him.  He was used to others describing things to him, actions and whatnot so that he wasn't feeling left out.  He never minded it, it was something he was used to all his life since he was born blind.  

Yet, this was different, very different.  He could see it clearly in his mind as you described more of the castle and still flew around the pitch, still keeping at a steady pace.  He could see it all: the Ravenclaw Tower and how it stretched out to the sky with ease, the boathouse on the top of the lake that seemed so secluded with the ripping waters around it, even the grassy plains near the Magical Beasts area where the Beast corals were.  You left no detail out with him, which warmed his heart all the more as his fears and insecurities melted away.  

He's listened to so many voices in his lifetime and he knew them all my heart: the sternest of his father, the bitterness and cold demeanor of his mother, the light and yet broken tone of Sebastian, the once calm and gentle tone of Anne.  Ominis knew to listen beyond the voice, to sense the person behind it and what they were about.  If they were good, if they had intentions that lead in the right direction.

With you, he felt something else.  

He sensed a lot of things: stubbornness in wanting to do what was right, tenderness in helping those who truly needed the help, sarcasm when facing a foe. But most importantly, he sensed love.  

Love, from what he knew, was a fleeting feeling.  Apart from his Aunt, he rarely felt it himself.  Not that he never loved his parents or the life he had because of the privilege handed to him.  But it was different with his family, even different from his best friend.  The love he felt in you, heard in you, seemed organic. Like roots to a new plant that was taking to the soil and not letting go.  Or the river banks in the early morning, already roaring with life with no signs of stopping.  

He felt love with you, and it both scared him and entranced him at the same time.  

After a few more minutes of you telling him all you were seeing, you landed back on the ground with ease now since Ominis was smiling from ear to ear.  You both dismounted, Ominis shifting a bit on his feet a bit uncomfortably as you smiled at him, "We should head to dinner before we get caught out here," 

"You're right, I don't want you to get in trouble," Ominis reasoned, and as you were about to walk and head over to the opening that led out of the pitch, he stopped you and took your hand in his.  You felt the gentle touch of his fingers along yours as if he was afraid to grip you too hard and inflict you pain.  It made you freeze, watching him now as he cleared his throat.  Even the grey mist in his eyes seemed lighter now than they were before you mounted the broom together.

"Thank you, for doing that for me," He thanked, his voice light and tender.  You squeezed your fingers together gently, like a pulse.

"Of course, Ominis.  I enjoyed it very much," You explained, and you were telling the truth.

"As did I," he added in agreement. And for some reason, neither one of you wanted to let go of the other.  It felt like a seal, a new seal that was already made new and strong enough to not be bent or broken.  

So you both held on, walking back to the castle hand in hand.  It would be a story you would think back years later on your wedding day, and when your first son was born 3 years after that too. 

The End.

Tagged - @a-lumos-in-the-nox

[subastian-swallows]

Hello! Would you happen to have any HC on when it’s the time of the month for MC?

Hello lovely Anon! I’m happy to give it a go! My first ask, I feel a little giddy! (∩˃o˂∩)♡

Sebastian: Sebastian would be a mess, perhaps, even more than you. He hadn't had the 'privilege' yet to support his sister with this yet, or even acknowledge how much it can actually affect you, your energy. He would find you leaning against the wall in the transfiguration courtyard, desperately trying to get fresh air, perhaps alone time and will complain you're being boring today. When you stare him down, he eventually clicks on that somethings wrong and he questions you. You're pretty embarrassed, rather that you just don't want to talk about something personal like that, but he gets it out of you, he always got things out of you. Sebastian isn't grossed out, no, he just feels a little powerless to help and that stresses him out and so he has an idea. Dragging you to the ROR, he asks you to think of something cosy, a warm fire, blankets etc and when you do, Sebastian sets you up a little cave, tucking you away next to the fire. He then nestles in beside you, his warm hand resting against your belly when you request it or simply just caressing your hair. He would constantly ask you if you are comfortable, what else he could do, if there is something more he can be doing etc. You're just happy to have him there and although it doesn't help the pain, it feels nice being near him.

Ominis: Ominis would wonder why you've been avoiding him. You had missed your daily study date in the library and now he was a little worried, because you never missed your study dates. When he eventually finds you, in the kitchens, he questions you a little confused, wondering why you couldn't wait for dinner. You don't mean to snap, perhaps, mainly due to feeling embarrassed, but when he simply moves towards you, all you can do is attempt to play it off. That's until one of the house-elves brings you chocolate, perhaps as a gift for being kind to them, that Ominis grew extremely curious and so you told him. Ominis had no clue. He had no idea what he could do to support you, though he wanted to try, Ominis always liked to try but you simply wave him away, saying nothing can be done and its fine. But he never did listen to you, or perhaps, he was just smarter than you gave him credit for and he just knew when to stay, even when you said leave. Eventually, Ominis just lets you eat as he tries to distract you. He can't take the pain away, that much is clear but he can hope to make you forget about it and so he asked if you would like to move somewhere more comfortable. Ominis takes you back to the common room, thankful for the emptiness and gently holds you close as you both rest on the sofa. He places a warmed cloth over your stomach, this much he learnt, quickly asking a few girls in secret and feigning ignorance, they told him that much. You end up falling asleep to Ominis continually warming the cloth, while he softly pats your hair and talks about nothing.

Garreth: Garreth is a lot more inventive in this situation. You find him in the Potions classroom and despite feeling a little upset that he disappeared after you told him you felt unwell, you can't help but feel curious to see what he was doing. Nothing could have prepared you for what it was though and as you slowly made your way to his side, you see books spread across the table, labelled: PERIOD DRAUGHTS You look at him a little embarrassed and when you see him concentrating, his tongue sticking out slightly from his focus, you can't help but sit down and watch him work. You see, Garreth was never good at using his words to help him out of situations, if he thought he had upset you, no, he preferred to use actions and so he worked tirelessly, until the potion was ready. To say you were a little nervous was an understatement, but so much love went into it and well, if it sent you to the infirmary, it would have been worth it. It tasted sweet and went down smoothly and soon the pain in your stomach eased. You kissed him a lot after that and he asked if he had made it up to you for leaving, but you just kept kissing him, making it a point that he was to make more of these in the future as he laughed against your lips.

Amit: Amit is more logical about this. He would politely excuse himself for a moment and desperately disappear to find something or anything to read about how to help you. He would want to do it right, no funny business and when he returns with everything the books told him to bring, you can't help but just look at him as you laughed. Amit then asks you to choose a spot, telling you its best to not move too much when you're in pain and that resting will help and so you end up choosing the vivarium. He then sets down everything, secretly checking his book, to make sure it's perfect, before he helps you to sit down. You can't help but feel like he's treating you as if you incredibly sick, but it is sweet and so you allow him to do his best. Amit then nestles you in blankets, heats warm clothes for your comfort, brings you treats (after shooing away your beasts) and sits down beside you. He doesn't know if him being there will help as the book states it is best to rest while you can, but you pull him closer and lean into his shoulder, telling him you want him to and so he does. You end up falling asleep against his shoulder as he reads to you, reads anything really, he just wants to keep talking, a distraction.

There you go! I hope it's alright! ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡)

[gyattoru]

Yes I wanted to try and fancy it up, I had to.

Also, I have a thing for characters with white hair, so from the start I KNEW my MC had to have white hair, or else I was going to lose it.

I imagined them as twins (not THAT original but who cares, what matters is having fun), and if I were to picture them in the main story/side quests I dont think they'd be doing them together (only the trials for the Keepers), for example:

Ellise is a Sebastian girlie (OBVIOUSLY) so to me, she'd be the one doing the Seb questline, Natty's too cause I absolutely ADORE her and I think they'd 100% be besties. She'd be the one completing the Shadow Trio along with Omi and Seb idc let me be free.

Aiden is more of a quirky guy, definitely more introverted than his sister, he's the type of person that is super sweet but would kill for friends and family, so he'd be the one doing the Poppy questline (in my mind he has a little harmless crush on her I DONT CARE), I definitely think he would be friends with Imelda aswell, hence the whole quidditch thing, I'd even say he got into flying by being influenced by her (lol). I also pictured him being good friends with Garreth and Amit because to me it just makes sense.

For their Patronuses and wands I just went and took the WW quizes answering as they would, 'cause, in all honesty, I didnt think I'd be legit enough to mix the wand components on my own.

ALSO, to me they were 100% muggle raised, especially since they're late bloomers in magic, so they got that deceased wizard father trope going on to spice things up 💀 and they were raised by their muggle mom in London (cutie patooties).

I picked their future careers based on what questlines they took part in on their 5th year, and the jobs just made sense to me.

ANYWAYS, that's all, if you read my whole monologue wow I'm kind of in love with you lets kiss and I hope you liked my silly little Hogwarts Legacy OCs. And I just wanted to say that in both gameplays I was just being mogged by them 'cause them face cards LETHAL.

xxxx lola <3

[hollowwrites]

✨Drabble Masterlist✨

✨ Link to Regular Masterlist ✨

My masterlist got too big so here’s where all the waffley, cutesy stuff goes.

~

🤍 The Bois 🤍

Oh… and keep an eye on the staircases, they like to change. - How the bois would tackle the girl dorms being inaccessible

I’m Bothered by these Boggarts - Headcanon of what our bois Boggarts would be

All aboard the Hug-Warts Express - How our lads comfort MC

Where has my Cardi-gone - How our bois react to pilfered clothing

Proper Proposals - The lads discussing how they proposed to their significant others

And a Happy New Year - The bois celebrating at a New Year’s party

The Serpent Sisters - Anne, Imelda and Evelyn defending the bois

Medusa’s Vipers - Ominis and Sebastian being protective of Evelyn

🔞 Character AI Screenshots 🔞

Ominis, Garreth and Sebastian, Sebastian again

~

🎁 Gift Giving 🎁

In game ideas for a relationship system. Like Dragon Age!! Plus I want give my favs gifts Okay?!

Sebastian, Garreth and Ominis

~

🕯️ Trio Chatter 🕯️

- Based on game files showing we could have had TWO companions. Little conversations between possible combos

Sebastian and Ominis

Ominis and Misc

Garreth and Sebastian

Garreth and Sebastian…again

Sebastian and Imelda

Garreth and Ominis

Poppy and Amit

Trio Chatter for when MC is in a relationship, how each person would behave:

Sebastian and Garreth | Sebastian and Ominis | Garreth and Ominis

Three’s a Crowd - Trio Chatter for a party with all the same house

Trio Chatter for my Ships: Part 1, Part 2

~

🔮 Random Headcanons 🔮

Garreths’ Nicknames for people

Spell Practise - Ominis and Garreth dialogue for in-game

Class of ‘91 - Ideas for classes for all our favs

Leaving Hogwarts Grounds - Dialogue for dragging our babes out of hogwarts. and some more!!

Hallway Antics - Leander trying to bully Ominis and failing feat. Garreth

Hallway Antics - Garreth and Ominis discuss the origins of Hobhouse hatred

Hallway Antics - Sebastian and Ominis contemplate Garreths’ house

House Pride (and Shame) - MC talking about their different Houses

Parseltongue-tied - Ominis teaching MC Parseltongue (suggestive 🔞)

Mother in Laws Tongue - Ominis can talk to plants too apparently…

A Very Ominous Christmas - 🎄Garreth has a surprise for Ominis

A Magical Christmas - 🎄 Gift Giving amongst the gang

A Weasley Good Christmas - 🎄Garreth giving gifts cause he’s baby boi

Crossed Wands Headcanon - Different duelling styles for our favs

A Summary of The Houses - The difference between my MCs

The Adventures of the Sallow Twins - Garreth and Sebastian discovering they look VAGUELY similar

Tis the Season - 🎃 Pumpkin spice Drabble for Ominis, Sebastian and Eve

[evaslytherpuff]

"I Will Always Be Here"

Biker!Sebastian x f!MC MDNI!!! Characters are 18+!!!

Friends to lovers Modern AU!

TW/CW: Attempted SA (Will be highlighted in red if you would like to skip this scene), Physical Violence, Sex in a hot spring

Tagging: @ashisgreedy @hotcinnam0nspicy @portalsprincess

MC tried her best to not be annoyed but it was almost midnight and her older brother's band was still practicing in the garage. She sighed heavily as she shut her book, unable to focus over the noise. Her leg was bouncing in agitation and she could feel a headache on the rise. Then came the drum solo and she lost it, slamming her book on her desk and leaving her room, making her way to the garage.

The music intensified as she walked up to the garage door and swung it open. Her brother was the lead vocalist and guitarist, Garreth Weasley played the bass, Ominis Gaunt was backup vocals and their synthesizer, then Sebastian Sallow was their drummer. Her eyes shot to him immediately as he sat on his stool, playing without a care in the world, his sweat slicked white V-neck clung to his muscles. The man was an absolute heartthrob and she harbored a crush on him for years. She never told anyone and kept her desire for him a secret. He was her brother's best friend and she couldn't ruin that or make it awkward. She couldn't help how she was feeling though, especially when he looked so sexy getting lost in his music, he made her heart race every time she saw him.

Garreth was the first to notice her presence and abruptly stopped strumming his bass. The rest of the guys ceased playing and turned to stare at her, except Ominis, his blue eyes peered past her. He was blind but could play the synth better than anyone she has ever met and he had the voice of an angel, better than her brother in her opinion, but he preferred to sing backup than be directly in the spotlight.

"What do you want, MC? I thought you were studying." Her brother snapped and placed a hand on his hip.

"I was trying to but the music is pretty distracting, it's almost midnight. I thought you guys would call it quits by now." She crossed her arms over her chest and scowled.

"That isn't so bad. Plus mom is out tonight on a date. Who cares if we continue to practice." He scoffed and shrugged his shoulders.

"I care. It's kind of rude! How would you like it if I had a bunch of girls running around the house screaming at the top of their lungs while you're trying to work?" She huffed.

"I'd thank you for having a bunch of girls running around." Her brother and the guys laughed as he fist bumped Garreth. She groaned loudly and was about to leave the garage until Sebastian's voice stopped her.

"Come on guys. Let's give MC a break. We have been practicing for hours. Personally, I'm getting tired." He ran his fingers through his wild hair and placed his drumsticks in his back pocket.

"Alright, fine!" Her brother whined. "We'll pick up where we left off tomorrow." He turned to his sister and gave her a dirty look.

"Garreth, are you still driving me home?" Ominis asked as he started to pack up his things.

"Yea, let me just get my stuff together. Your house is on my way anyway." Garreth said with a shrug but she noticed a slight blush appear on his face. She wondered what that was about but decided to not address it.

"Hey, Dude, could I sleep here tonight? I don't really feel like riding my bike right now." Sebastian asked her brother while rubbing the back of his neck.

"Sure. You can spend the night. Our mom won't mind." Her brother said as he put his guitar away in its case.

Her heart dropped to her stomach. Sebastian was going to spend the night? Each time he did this it turned her into a nervous mess. There were a handful of times where she thought that maybe, just maybe, he may like her back. Then he would do something that made her feel like that thought was completely ridiculous, like hooking up with random girls. One night they reached for the same drink and their hands brushed together, he didn't pull away, instead he caressed her hand and handed her the beer. Then he came over to hang out while her brother wasn't home and sat down on the couch with her. His arm was stretched around the back of the sofa, sitting extremely close to her, curious as to what she was reading. When she revealed that it was an erotica novel he raised a brow at her and smirked.

"Is that what you're into, MC?" He asked seductively but before she could answer, her brother burst through the front door, ruining the possible moment. Another time he helped her braid her hair and placed his hands on her shoulders while they were at the local pool. He claimed it was no big deal because he was used to braiding his sister's hair but she felt that he kept his hands on her shoulders a little too long. She definitely wasn't complaining though and wished that he would touch her more often.

It was little things like this that had her wondering how he truly felt about her. She could possibly be looking into things too deeply. It could be that she wanted him so badly that she imagined that he wanted her too. She tried to get over him, going on dates and trying to meet someone, but her mind and heart always returned to Sebastian.

The guys said their goodbyes and MC moved out of the way for her brother and Sebastian to enter the house as she shut and locked the garage door. When she turned around her face almost collided with Sebastian's chest. She was startled and placed her hand over her heart. She wasn't expecting him to just be standing there behind her.

"Sorry if we disturbed your studying. You know how your brother gets when we have a gig coming up. He'll practice for days if you let him." He said as he scratched the back of his head.

"It's alright. I know how important this show is for you guys." She shrugged with a slight blush.

"Yeah, it is. Will you be there?" He asked as he walked through the kitchen and headed into the living room.

"Most likely. You know I support you guys. I think you're all very talented. You practice all throughout the night but hey, that's Rock n’ Roll." She chuckled as she made her way to the stairs.

"Yes it is." He grinned as he flopped down on the couch.

"Good night, Sebastian." She giggled and shook her head at him as she walked up the steps.

"Good night, MC. Sweet dreams." He waved as he disappeared out of view when she landed on the second floor.

It was after two in the morning and MC couldn't sleep. She kept tossing and turning because it was too hot in her room and she also desperately had to use the bathroom. She was beating herself up for drinking that glass of tea so close to going to bed. She flung the blanket off of her legs and crossed to her bedroom door. When she opened it, she could hear the shower running from down the hall. Who would be taking a shower this late at night? She thought. Maybe it was her mom getting home after her date.

As MC snuck down the hallway, the water suddenly stopped and she could hear movement behind the bathroom door, she hesitated but knocked anyway.

"I'll be out in a minute." Sebastian called from beyond the door. Sebastian? Why was he taking a shower after two in the morning? She shook her head and patiently waited for him to leave the bathroom so she could use it.

Thank God she was leaning against the wall when he finally walked out because if not, she would be on the floor. He emerged shirtless and was just wearing a pair of pajama pants. Water was trickling down his body due to his hair still being slightly wet. It ran over his rippling muscles and her eyes were riveted to the lucky drops of moisture. His pants hung low on his hips revealing the delicious deep vee that led to his pelvis. Her mind was spinning as she took in his magnificent body. Sebastian wasn't just a "wet dream walking" he was a "completely throw your panties out" kind of guy and she resisted the urge to grab onto those thick and wild strands and plant one on him.

"Sorry about that, I thought you'd be asleep by now." He chuckled softly.

"I was," She whispered. "I had to use the bathroom. I didn't think someone would be taking a shower so late." She blushed trying to look anywhere but directly at him.

"Your brother and I were playing video games. We lost track of time. I tried to be quick, guess I failed didn't I?" He asked as he used a towel to dry his hair.

"No, you're...fine," She said breathlessly then cleared her throat. "I thought you may have been my mom. Is she home yet?" MC asked as she clenched her fists anxiously behind her back.

"No. Must be some date huh?" He tried to laugh quietly.

"Must be. She deserves this. It's been a while for her since the divorce. I've never been on a date like this though." MC giggled.

"You haven't?" Sebastian asked, sounding completely sincere.

"No, a date would end at a regular time or just not happen at all." She shrugged.

"Hmm..." Was his only reply as he stared at her. She suddenly realized she was only dressed in a small cami and little shorts while her bladder screamed at her, reminding her why she was out in the hallway in the first place.

"Excuse me, Sebastian." She said as she moved past him to get to the bathroom.

"Yeah, sorry, MC. Hopefully you can sleep soundly after this. See ya in the morning." He gently smiled before walking down the hall and entering her brother's room.

She shut the bathroom door and placed her back against it to catch her breath. Her heart was pounding so hard she thought it would burst from her chest. How could she possibly sleep soundly after seeing that? It was settled, she wouldn't get over this crush, Sebastian had her heart and mind in a chokehold. What hurt the most was knowing that he would never feel the same. MC slid down the door as tears spilled from her eyes. This was something she would have to live with and hopefully one day, the pain won't hurt as much.

MC woke the next morning to the sounds of birds out her window and the sun's rays shining down on her. She wanted to throw rocks at the annoying Disney Princess pals and for a cloud to swallow the sun's overly happy brightness. She was glad it was the weekend so she curled up in a little ball and pulled her blanket over her head.

She wanted to sink into her bed and not be found again. She was tired of feeling like a fool and fed up with her infatuation with Sebastian Sallow. Maybe she just needed to sleep around like he did, that could possibly help her get over him, although that was not her at all. She usually took things slow and really got to know a guy before she did anything with them. So far, only one guy was on that list, she dated but didn't partake in casual sex. She sort of envied how easy it was for Sebastian to find a new fling but then again, he's gorgeous, girls just flocked to him.

There was an abrupt knock on her door and she groaned, not wanting to be bothered while she sulked.

"It's open!" She called from under her bedsheets. She heard the door open and someone clear their throat.

"MC? Are you alright?" It was Sebastian. What did he want? She pulled the blanket off of her head and squinted at him as he peeked his head through the doorway.

"I'm fine. I was just sleeping." She said a little too aggressively.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you. Your mom sent me up to get you, she said that breakfast is ready." He announced as his eyes scanned her room and he walked in a little further.

"Wow. You've got a lot of books. I've never really been in your room before. I only ever saw glimpses as I walked by." He ran his hand over her books on one shelf and she watched as his fingers caressed the spines. He seemed completely in awe of her collection and pulled out a book he recognized. She hopped up quickly and strode over to him, reaching for the book but he pulled it away, then he read the title out loud.

"The Master by Kresley Cole. Sounds kinky." He laughed as she lunged for the book again but he held it above her. She was cursing how tall he was compared to her on the inside and wanted to jab him.

"Give me my book, Sebastian!" She snapped but he didn't budge.

"Tell me what it's about and I will. You know I love to read." He laughed at her attempts to snatch it from him.

"I doubt you read romance novels, Seb!" She hissed.

"You'd be surprised at the amount of literature I devour. Tell me. This was the erotica right?" He held the book even higher as she jumped for it.

"Ugh! Fine! It's about a mafia boss named Maksimillian Sevastyan who falls in love with an escort named Catarina Marín. There! Happy?" She huffed as he scanned over the title again and read the back of the book with a sly grin.

"I like his name. May I borrow this?" He asked with a smirk.

"You like it because it almost sounds like yours," She paused and shook her head. "You need the first in the series, this one is the second. Here." She scanned her bookshelf until she found volume one and handed it to him. He put the second book back on the shelf and happily accepted the first.

"Thank you, MC. I look forward to reading these. They may come in handy." He smiled with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

"Oh god! Get out of my room, Sebastian! I'll be down in a moment." He laughed as she shoved him out of her bedroom and closed the door on him.

She sighed and couldn't help but smile. He was going to read one of her books. Would he blush the way she did at the intimate moments? Or smile at the cute and endearing situations? She hoped he would like it. Then it hit her as she started to get dressed for the day. It would come in handy...with other women. Her palm slammed into her forehead and she really wondered if she was stupid. All this studying and reading and for what? She was so naive that it sickened her but she quickly had to push those feelings away as someone else knocked on her door.

"Oh my God! Who is it now!" She shouted as the door cracked open and Poppy Sweeting stuck her head inside.

"It's just me, MC. Please don't bite my head off. Who put you in a bad mood?" She said as she slowly entered the room.

"Sallow." MC groaned.

"Ah, I see. That makes sense," She chuckled lightly. "Are we still hanging out today? If you're not up for it, I can come back later or tomorrow." Poppy said as she sat down on the bed.

"No, today is fine. I'm so sorry I snapped at you." MC took a deep breath then smiled warmly at her best friend.

"It seems like he'll be here all day. Wanna get out for a little? We could get tea at Madam Puddifoot's." Poppy grinned.

"That would be amazing. Just let me eat a little something real quick." MC said as she slipped on her shoes. She quickly fixed her hair while gazing into her vanity and applied a little makeup to her face, just enough to make her features stand out, but not enough to be gaudy. She wore a cute teal sundress with a slit up the side and showed a bit of cleavage. If she couldn't be confident about her feelings then she can be bold with her look to make up for it. She may feel terrible but she didn't have to look bad.

Poppy clapped as a huge grin spread across her face. "You look so cute! I love that dress! The flowers on it are adorable."

"Really? You don't think it shows too much?" MC asked as she spritzed on some perfume.

Poppy scoffed. "Pfft! No! Girls wear bikinis now like it's everyday wear. This is tame compared to that." Her best friend giggled.

"Alright then. I think l'm ready. I'll grab bacon or something, then we can head out." MC smiled as she grabbed her purse.

Poppy led the way as they walked down the stairs and into the brightly lit kitchen. MC noticed that her mom was grinning from ear to ear and joking with Sebastian and her brother. When Sebastian looked up and saw the girls, he practically choked on his cereal. Her brother smacked the back of his head and Sebastian punched his arm in return.

"Seriously, Dude! What if I was actually choking? I didn't expect to laugh that hard at your moms joke!" Sebastian rubbed the back of his head and glanced over at MC as she grabbed a few pieces of bacon and hugged her mom.

"How was your date, Mom?" She asked with a smile.

"Surprisingly better than I expected. He was funny, sweet, and an actual gentleman. I enjoyed myself very much," She beamed as she placed a kiss on MC's temple. "Wow, look at you! Where are you going all dressed up like that?" Her mother giggled.

"Just to the tea shop. I felt like dressing up today. I did it for myself." MC took a quick glance at Sebastian and noticed he wouldn't even look at her. Go figure, she thought as she bit into her bacon.

"As soon as l'm done eating, Poppy and l are gonna go, it's nice out and I want to enjoy my day."

"It's about time, you need to have fun." Her brother teased with a scoff.

"Excuse me? I know how to have fun!" She fired back.

"Barely! You're in your room reading all the time. I'm surprised Poppy was even able to drag you out of your hole. Your idea of fun is having your nose buried in a book." Her brother laughed and she wanted to slug him.

"I have fun in my own way and I am not boring! Am I boring, Poppy?" She turned and asked her best friend.

"I think you're fun. I enjoy hanging out with you. How about this? Ravenclaw house is having a party tonight, why don't we go and have a night out?" Poppy grinned and placed her hand on MC's shoulder.

"Alright, I'm in! See, I can do more than just read!" She stuck her tongue out at her brother and he just laughed.

"Those parties can get out of hand. I'd rather stay home and read." Sebastian said with a shrug.

"Well I'm going to prove that I am not a stick in the mud like my brother thinks I am."

"As long as you're careful, MC. I trust you and enjoy yourself." Her mother hugged her and walked into the living room as MC made her way to the back door.

"Are you really going to go to that party?" Sebastian grabbed her wrist to stop her as she opened the door.

"Yea, I am. I'm sick of you guys thinking that I'm boring. Especially you, you asshole!" She pointed to her brother and flipped him the bird, pulled her hand away, then stormed out the door letting it slam behind her.

Poppy sighed happily as she enjoyed her second cup of tea as they sat outside the little shop. MC was sipping on her iced latte and giggled at her best friend.

"How do you drink hot tea in this heat, Pops?" MC laughed.

"Just like how you drink cold beverages in the winter. You slept over at my place in December and waltzed through the door with a Frappuccino." Poppy held her stomach as she cackled.

"It became a habit! I can't help it," MC chuckled. "So, when does this party start tonight?" She asked as she set her cup down on the iron table.

"Natty said ten o'clock. Are we hanging out til then or am I picking you back up later?" Poppy asked.

"Pick me back up later. I want to take a shower and probably change. I'm stepping out of my comfort zone so go big or go home, I'll dress up tonight." MC grinned with a shrug.

"Damn, you really want to prove your brother wrong. I always knew you had it in you." Poppy poked her arm.

"I know I'm a bookworm but I didn't think people saw me as boring." MC pouted.

"You're you, that's all that matters." Poppy reassured her.

"Thanks, Poppy. You're the best." MC smiled at the petite brunette.

"What the hell was Sallow's problem as we were leaving?" Poppy asked with a raised brow.

"I have no fucking clue." MC said with a sad shake of her head.

"Hey, at least he wasn't a jerk like your brother. I just wonder why it seemed like he didn't want you to go to the party." Poppy pursed her lips in curiosity.

"Beats me." MC rolled her eyes. He probably didn't want to be seen with yet another girl. Sebastian had a reputation of being a player and MC was used to it by now. Seeing him with a girl at the party would hurt but she would have to get over it and try to enjoy herself. Tonight was about her and no one else.

The girls spent most of the day browsing around shops and visiting the local bookstore, staying there longer than they needed to, then hung out at the park talking about the party they planned to go to and reminiscing about their days in high school. Once again MC arrived back at home with a bag full of new books she purchased. When she walked through the front door, the house was surprisingly quiet, no one was around and she was glad to not run into her annoying brother.

She went upstairs to head to her room when her mom stepped out of the bathroom.

"Hey, you're home. I see you got more books." Her mother smiled warmly.

"I did. I just came home to take a shower and get ready for the party tonight." She smiled back.

She started to walk past her mom but she stopped MC by gently grasping her wrist.

"MC...look. You don't have to go to this party all because your brother teased you. I know you chose to live off campus while attending University but...Sebastian was right. College parties can get out of hand. I just want you to be careful and do this because you want to not because you feel that you have to. Alright?" Her mom pleaded with uneasiness in her voice.

"Mom, I promise I'm doing this for me. I don't like knowing that people think I'm boring. It actually kind of hurt. I know he was just teasing me but it still stung. I enjoy my books and being in my room but I can go out and have a good time as well. It will be a fun night. Also Poppy and Natty will be there. I'll be careful. You don't need to worry." MC reassured her.

"Alright. Have a good night, sweetheart. I'm going to watch a movie and then probably head to bed, ok?" Her mom patted her hair.

"Ok. Good night, Mom." MC smiled as she walked to her bedroom.

MC was finally done in the shower and was unsure on what she wanted to wear. Green always looked good on her but she was leaning more towards a red party dress that she never wore before. It was a gift from her aunt and MC secretly thought it was too revealing but maybe that's what she needed tonight. She wasn't ashamed of her body whatsoever but she did prefer more cozy clothes. Fall was her favorite time of year and it was easy to dress accordingly, she simply wore leggings, a cute sweater dress, and boots. A quick ensemble that looked great. She slipped into her red lace underwear and decided to wear a red strapless bra to match. The dress was thin strapped and low cut so she didn't want her bra hanging out and ruining the look. Once she donned the dress, she added a thin black leather belt with studs, just to add a little edge to it. MC made sure that her hair was perfectly styled and looked great. She decided to apply bold makeup that made her eyes pop and her lips look fuller. She sported a pair of black strappy heels to match her belt. She examined herself in her mirror and had to admit, she looked hot.

"Maybe I should dress up more often." She whispered to herself as she heard Poppy pull up outside and honk her horn. MC sprayed on her signature perfume and did one last double take before leaving the house.

When the girls pulled up to the party and found a parking spot, they all hopped out of the car, MC was able to fully see their outfits. Poppy wore a sweetheart neckline, black bodycon, mini dress with sheer flounce sleeves that were dotted with black butterflies and a cute pair of black flats. Her hair was fluffier than usual and she wore natural makeup. Natty looked radiant in a bright yellow off the shoulder romper that resembled a leather jacket. Her eyeshadow was sparkly and elegant while her lips were glossy and she wore gold heels to match the accents in her outfit.

"Now that I can fully see you both, you look fantastic!" MC reached for a group hug from her friends. They all embraced each other on the front lawn before walking up the pathway to the house with blaring music.

"So do you! That dress is amazing!" Poppy pulled out her phone so they could take a few pictures on the porch before stepping inside. The place was packed as college students danced to the music, drank beer from kegs, and made out in dark corners of the house.

MC looked around to see if there was anyone she recognized at the party. She noticed a familiar coif of blond hair in the far corner of the house next to a wild mess of red curls that was bobbing to the music. She made her way through the crowd over to Ominis and Garreth and the red head popped his noggin up with a smile.

"Wow! Look at you, MC! You look awesome!" Garreth beamed then chugged his beer.

"Thank you, Garreth!" She shouted over the music. "Ominis! I love that leather jacket! It looks great on you!"

"I'll take your word for it! Garreth picked it out for me!" Ominis shouted in return.

She looked around to scan the crowd once more for dark auburn brown waves but didn't see any. She shook her head. She was here to have fun, not worry about Sebastian and his whereabouts. Garreth grabbed her wrist and pulled her into the kitchen then he used the tap of the keg to get her a drink.

"Here, have a blast! Unwind and enjoy yourself, MC!" He slurred as she took the cup from him before he could spill it.

"Go easy on the beer, Gar!" She smiled and took a sip of her drink, thankfully it was cold, she hated warm beer.

She walked back out into the living room and Ominis grabbed her by the hand. "Dance with me, MC?" He asked kindly.

"Of course!" She grinned as he led her to the middle of the dance floor. Their bodies began to sway and twist to the hypnotic music. MC was getting lost in the haze as she downed drink after drink then shot after shot. The room started to spin but she loved it, it felt like a merry go round that she was excited to ride, laughing and partying with her friends. She had another beer when she noticed Ominis and Garreth had suddenly disappeared from the group of gyrating bodies. She had no idea why, but she had the humongous urge to find them, they should have been dancing with her.

She stumbled her way up the flight of stairs that led to the bedrooms, crashing into students and people that loitered on the steps. She laughed and felt proud as she reached the top of the stairs and didn't fall backwards. Then she made her way down the hall, hoping to find a bathroom, opening doors that were not the restroom. One room had shouting, another had a threesome, a few just had couples going at it, then the last room...Ominis and Garreth.

Garreth was pounding Ominis from behind as the beautiful blond boy screamed his name. She shook her head in disbelief and tried to look away but was transfixed on the guys screwing each other. That was until Garreth noticed her and stopped immediately to Ominis’ dismay.

"Why…..did you...stop?" The blond slurred and reached back for the redhead.

"MC just caught us fuckin!" He blushed as he pulled a blanket over their sweaty bodies.

"Oh shit!" Ominis rolled over to sit beside Garreth and bury his face in his chest.

"Please don't say anything to anyone, MC. We, well, we aren't ready to come out yet. We're begging. Please keep this a secret." Garreth pleaded.

She nodded eagerly. "Of course guys. I won't tell a soul. Your secret is safe with me. I'm honestly happy for the two of you. You're so cute together." She smiled as tears welled In her eyes.

"Thank you so much, MC. We'll come out when we are ready. We—we appreciate your support." Ominis blushed as he held onto Garreth.

"No problem guys. By the way, absolutely beautiful, your bodies are works of art." She giggled as she began to close the door to give them their privacy back.

"Really, MC?!" Garreth yelled as the door shut.

She finally found the bathroom and used it quickly, hoping that no one would knock on the door while she was in there. When MC entered the hall again she was suddenly stopped by a frantic Duncan Hobhouse.

"MC! You have to come quickly! Poppy is hurt! Someone broke a glass bottle and she got cut!There's blood everywhere and I need your help!"

"What? Alright! Take me to her!" She shouted over the music as Duncan led her down the hall and into a spare room. She pushed past him, in a panic, to get to her friend as quickly as possible. MC's heart dropped to her stomach when there was no sign of Poppy and she heard the clicking of a lock behind her. She slowly turned around to face Duncan who had his back against the door.

"Duncan...what are you doing? Where is Poppy?" She glared at him while he took another swig from his bottle of beer.

"Poppy is fine. I just—I lied. I lied so I could get you alone. I saw you dancing with the guys and you looked so pretty. You're always so pretty. Just give me one chance, MC. One shot to have you. I promise it—will be fun." He slurred as he stepped closer to her. She tried her best to back away from him but there wasn't anywhere she could truly go except through him. She had to get out of that room.

"Duncan, I told you before, I'm not interested. Unlock the door and let's go back to the party." She tried to reason with him.

"Not interested? Why? Is it because I'm not hot like Sebastian or romantic like Ominis? Why don't you like me?" He moved closer, backing her towards the bed. "You would probably easily sleep with them but you ignore me. Do you think you're too good for me or something?" He lunged at her and she tried to dodge him but unfortunately he caught her with a shocking backhand to her face. Black spots clouded her vision and the room spun as he shoved her down onto the bed. She didn't expect him to hit her like that and was utterly stunned but then Duncan seemed completely unhinged, drunk with fury.

"I'm tired of all the girls I like turning me down!" He shouted as his fingers wrapped around her throat. He was heavy against her but she still tried to fight, clawing and punching at him, but he seemed unmovable. The room blurred as she felt his lips press against her jaw followed by his tongue. He used his other hand to pin her wrists above her head, his nails digging into her skin. She could feel the tears stinging her eyes as she begged him to stop and let her go.

"No! All I asked is one night! One night to be alone with you! Now, I'll fucking take it!" He growled and his glasses slipped out of place. He released her throat to tear at her dress then...her underwear. The skirt of her dress was completely ruined and he gripped her hip to hold her still.

"Stop fighting me, you stuck up bitch!" He roared and smacked her again as she struggled against him. He pressed his weight against her, pushing her into the bed, as the hand that hit her reached down for his belt.

MC saw an opening and took it, bringing her knee up, she slammed it into his groin and he swore as he collapsed to the floor. She quickly got up and ran to the door, ripping it open and running down the stairs, not caring if she stepped on anyone along the way.

The room was spinning and she felt ill, her stomach tossing and turning as she made her way through the crowd. Some people stared at her but no one asked if she was ok. She looked for her friends but couldn't find any of them. Ominis and Garreth seemed to have left while her best friends were lost in the crowd.

She pushed through people as she made her way outside. She didn't realize that it was storming but she didn't care. She had to get away. She needed to run and not look back. MC fell to her knees in the middle of the rain and cried. She felt so violated, so weak, and she hated it. She pulled out her cellphone to call for help. Poppy, no answer. Natty, no answer. She called her mom and she didn't pick up. She called her brother and it went straight to voicemail. She unfortunately had no choice. She called Sebastian.

He picked up on the second ring.

"MC? Why are you calling me?" He asked in confusion. She was hysterical, yelling over the downpour.

"Duncan! He tried to...he tried to! I'm scared, Sebastian! I couldn't find anyone and he tried to!He tried to...rape me!" She cried even harder as the words fell from her mouth.

The phone hung up and Sebastian ended the call. He hung up on her and she curled in on herself as the rain blended with her tears. Her phone vibrated in her hand as she got a text message. It was from Sebastian and it was three simple words. On my way. He hung up so he could come and get her.

Sebastian arrived at the party in record time and barely parked his motorcycle as he tore off his helmet. He opened the front gate and ran over to MC as she sat on the cold ground.

"Where is he, MC?" He asked as he gently grasped her shoulders. "He did this to you? Tell me where he is." He helped her to her feet then sped off towards the house. She quickly followed him as he made his way through the crowd. People darted out of his way and yelped as he pushed through them.

Duncan was standing on the other side of the living room with a smug look on his drunken face. When his eyes landed on Sebastian they grew wide with fear. Sebastian didn't even hesitate and yanked Duncan by the collar, throwing him to the ground. His fist connected with Duncan's face with powerful force. Blow after blow he beat the guy into a bloody pulp as the partygoers watched in horror. Sebastian then stood at his full height and kicked Duncan in the ribs. She had never seen him like this, his eyes full of tears, he was seething with so much anger that it radiated off of him. He was about to kick Duncan again but she pulled him away to stop him.

"Sebastian, please! Just get me out of here. I'm begging you." She cried as she clung onto his arm and he stared at her, his face softening a little. He stepped closer to her and nodded but turned his attention back to her attacker.

"If you ever, ever, put your hands on her again I swear I will fucking kill you, Hobhouse!" Sebastian roared.

"What the hell happened?" A girl yelled as the music stopped.

"He attacked MC! Look at her! Look at what he did to her!" Seb responded as people gasped and truly took in her appearance.

Poppy finally came into view from the kitchen and her jaw dropped as she rushed over to MC.

"Duncan did this to you?" She asked and smoothed her best friend's hair from her bruised face. "I'm sorry I wasn't there. Natty took Ominis and Garreth home with my car and I was outback. I'm so sorry." Poppy's eyes welled with tears.

MC just nodded, hating the fact that all eyes were on her as Sebastian wrapped his arm around her. "I'm getting her out of here, Poppy. Call the cops and report this fucker. Send them to my place if they need a statement from her." Sebastian growled as he led her through the party and back outside.

She felt like she was in a daze as faces passed by in a blur. She barely heard Sebastian when he told her to hop on his bike.

"MC. It will be alright. Just trust me. Please. Get on my bike and let's get out of here." He said soothingly as he handed her his extra helmet. He swung his leg over the seat and reached for her so he could help her get on the motorcycle. She took his hand as she sat on the seat behind him and adjusted what was left of her dress so she wasn't exposed. She then put the helmet on her head as Sebastian pulled his on as well.

"Hold on tight!" He yelled over the rain and started the bike. He revved the engine a couple times and pulled off, riding at a steady speed. MC instinctively wrapped her arms around his waist and felt how he was trembling in her arms. At each red light he reached back to caress her thigh or ankle. It wasn't sexual in any way and felt more reassuring, as if he was checking in to see if she was ok. She rested her head on his back and gently rubbed circles on his chest with her thumb.

They finally pulled up to what seemed to be an old abandoned warehouse. It finally hits her but MC had never seen Sebastian's place. He helped her off the bike and walked her down a cobblestone path that led to a heavy metal door. The outside of the building seemed plain and tattered but it was the inside that blew her mind. It was a modern industrial loft in dark green tones and black metal details and railings. The walls were painted in a greenish black hue and some of the furniture had dark wood accents. Even though the colors were rich and deep, the floor to ceiling windows allowed light to flood into the building. It was stunning architecture that she thought fit Sebastian perfectly. He tossed his keys on the kitchen counter nearby and tore off his leather jacket, hanging it on a coat rack.

"Here, take off your heels." Sebastian bent down to help slip her shoes off her feet. "I'll be back down in a couple minutes." He left her shoes by the door then he ran up a flight of metal spiral stairs, water dripping off of him as he made his way to what was probably his bedroom. MC took this time to look around his loft. One wall was completely covered by bookshelves, each shelf filled to the brim with literature. MC's jaw dropped as she took in title after title. Sebastian's collection was absolutely staggering and a small smile spread across her face. She knew that he liked to read but judging by his multitude of books, it appeared that he loved it.

She turned to face him again as he came down the stairs. He had changed his clothes and was now wearing a black muscle shirt and dark green pajama pants. He grabbed her hand and led her to a door next to his dining room.

"Here's the bathroom. Please change, you're shivering, MC. I got a shirt for you and, only if you're comfortable, a pair of my boxers. Don't take a shower in case, well...the cops show up. Take your time, collect yourself, I'll be right here waiting for you when you come out." He pulled her in for a hug and shockingly, placed a kiss on the top of her head. He was still trembling and she felt that rage lingering around him. MC was stunned as she dragged her feet into the bathroom and shut the door behind her. Why did he do that? Was he just being nice and comforting? She didn't know, but her heart fluttered as she replayed the situation in her mind.

She took off her belt and set it on the bathroom counter, then she slipped out of her torn dress and folded it, placing it with her belt. She unfastened her bra and let it fall to the floor. She then pulled down what was left of her underwear and tears began to roll down her cheeks again. The horrors of the night flooded her mind as she took in the marks on her body in the bathroom mirror. She cried even harder when she saw her bruised face and the black and blue finger prints on her neck. She sat on the floor and bawled her eyes out. She wasn't sure how long she was curled up on the cold tiles but her stupor was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"MC, the police are here to talk to you. Are you ready to come out?" Sebastian's voice sounded from the other side of the door. She sat up from the floor and wiped her face.

"I'll be out in a minute." She called back as she forced her muscles to move and stand up. She reached for a towel hanging off a nearby rack and dried her hair. Then she slipped into Sebastian's underwear that surprisingly fit her well. She pulled his shirt on and a tiny smile graced her face. His signature white V-neck, it even smelled like him too, it was comforting. She sighed heavily with one last look in the mirror before opening the bathroom door and walking into the living room to give her statement.

After retelling the entire situation in horrific detail, handing her torn clothes over as evidence, and allowing the officer to scrape under her nails and swab her face, they finally left. Sebastian thanked them for their help and shut the door then locked it. MC watched him closely as he crossed to the kitchen counter to lean on it, his head hanging so she couldn't see his face.

"Will you get in trouble for beating up Duncan?" She asked softly.

"It was a possibility but no. He's not pressing charges because he knows he deserved it and is guilty. The cops were on our side tonight, thank God." He sighed and ran his fingers through his damp hair. "You look so cold, MC. Go sit on the couch, cover up, and warm yourself by the fire. I'll make us some tea." He looked at her with those pleading brown eyes. She didn't argue as she crossed to the couch and sat down. Behind her, folded up on the back of the chair, was a plush blanket. She grabbed it and unfolded it gently before wrapping it around her body.

Once she was comfortable she noticed how freezing cold she truly was. Her body was shivering and her teeth chattered loudly. The shock of the night must have made her completely numb to how her body reacted to the stress and the cold rain they got caught in. The heat from the fireplace and the warmth of the blanket took its time to seep into her body. Sebastian returned with a tray of freshly brewed tea and cookies. He set it down on the coffee table in front of them and sat on the couch beside her.

"Come here." He asked gently with a crook of his finger. She hesitated but slowly shifted to move closer to him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and rested his head on hers. He then pulled the blanket over them both as she curled up into his side. MC draped her arm over his torso and he rested his cheek on her hair.

Was she actually cuddling with Sebastian? Sebastian Sallow's arms were wrapped around her. It was strange but felt so right, like they were meant to do this. He began to stroke her hair, doing his best to comfort her while they sat together quietly.

"MC?" He said softly.

"Yes, Sebastian?" She responded and tilted her head to look up at him.

"I just want you to know. I will always be here. I'll be here whenever you need me. I'm one call or text away. I will always be here for you." He said in complete sincerity, she could see it in his deep brown eyes. He reached to cup her face without hurting her any further and lightly caressed her cheek with his thumb.

Her heart was pounding so loud and with how close he was to her, she was sure he had to hear it. She shut her eyes and leaned a little closer to his face. She could feel his breath against her lips and then suddenly...it was gone. He moved away from her and placed his elbows on his knees, his head in his hands, while his whole body shook. She moved closer to place her hand on his back but he shied away from her.

"No, MC. Don't do that. Please." He was breathing heavily and starting to worry her.

"Sebastian, what's wrong? Please talk to me." He wouldn't even look at her, he just kept shaking his head.

"I can't. I can't do this. You've been through so much already tonight. I can't dump this on you as well." He said as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Can't dump what on me? I'm so confused. Talk to me, Sebastian." She moved closer and he finally looked her in the eyes.

"We can talk in the morning. Please, MC. Right now you need rest." He said softly but she wasn't about to let this go.

"No, Sebastian. We can talk about this now. You look like you're about to snap. Tell me what is going on. I'm begging you." Her voice cracked as tears welled in her eyes. He licked his lips and chewed on his bottom lip, contemplating on what he would say next.

"Fine, but I have a lot to say." He said gravely while gazing at her face. "If anything worse would have happened to you. If Duncan had succeeded in...in what he set out to do. I would have killed him, MC. I would be in jail because I would have torn him apart. Tonight opened my eyes and made me realize that I can not let anything bad happen to you. I was so scared when you called. My heart dropped to my stomach and when I saw you on the ground when I arrived. I just—I just lost it. He is lucky that all I did was beat the shit out of him." He said as his jaw clenched.

"I know. You were just protecting me. I appreciate all of it, I really do." She said as she tried to rub his back but he stood up from the couch and shook his head.

"No, MC! You don't understand!" He was trying so hard to control his breathing as he began to pace back and forth.

"Then help me understand. You said you're here for me. Well I'm here for you too. Talk to me, Seb." It bothered her so much to see him this way. He looked like he could explode any minute.

"It's because I love you!" He shouted through ragged breaths. "I love you, MC." He stopped pacing to gaze at her, his chest heaving, the blaze from the fireplace dancing in his eyes.

"You—what?" Was all she could say as he ran his hands through his messy waves.

"I love you. I'll be honest with you, I have for a while now, over two years to be exact. It broke my heart to even think about it but when you told me what had happened, the first thing that crossed my mind was "what if I never get to tell her how I feel?" I could have lost you tonight, MC. It turns my stomach to even think about it, it makes me feel severely ill, but what if Duncan's intentions were worse than we thought? My mind was racing a mile a minute when I rode my motorcycle to come get you. I was so overcome with emotions and right now—right now—| needed to confess. I am tired of keeping this a secret. I love you so much. I can't lose you." He chewed his bottom lip again as tears ran down his face.

"You never—you never said anything before. I always thought that you—that you weren't interested." She said as her own emotions came surging forth.

"I never said anything because I'm best friends with your brother. Everything just felt so complicated. I couldn't come between the two of you, it might piss him off, you could turn me down, if we broke up I could lose both of you, he may think that I was using him to get to you, it could make our friendship awkward if I confessed. So many things just bombarded me and I tried. I tried so hard to fight my feelings for you because I didn't want to screw anything up but...I'm tired of fighting. I am ok with losing this battle. I'm fed up with this war I have with myself and I am willing to give in to what my heart wants. I want you, MC. I adore you and love you and it feels so fucking good to finally say that." He smiled in relief as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Sebastian, I had no idea. I can't believe I didn't see this before. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize. I just—| saw you with all those other girls and I kept thinking that you just didn't like me, you only ever saw me as a friend, and it hurt." She shrugged and he scoffed at her.

"MC, I may have dated quite a few girls, I understand that. Despite what everyone says about me behind my back, I know the truth. I didn't sleep with every girl I went out with. A lot of times it was just dates and nothing else and do you know why? Because they aren't you. I dated those girls hoping that I could get over you, thinking that maybe it was just a phase, that I could find someone as amazing as you and every time I failed. My heart always came back to you." He sighed.

"Oh... wow. Sebastian I—I'm sorry I misjudged you. Please forgive me. All this time I thought you weren't interested in me." She was utterly shocked by everything he was confessing.

"Not interested in you? MC, I know | may have teased you about certain things but I was always trying to get to know you better. When I would ask what book you were reading or movie you were watching, it was to learn about your interests, the things that you're into. I think you're so fascinating and I love learning new things about you. You're the most enchanting woman I have ever met and I'm sorry it took me this long to say that." He walked back over to the couch and sat down beside her.

"I know this is a lot to take in. I should have waited for a better time to tell you all of this or I should have confessed sooner. I hope it's not too late." He said softly as he took her hand in his.

"No, I'm glad you confessed. You just made me extremely happy. Sebastian, I love you too. I have for years now. I never said anything for the same reasons as to why you never confessed. I was afraid of ruining things. I'm tired of pretending that I don't love you because I do. I love you so much." She cupped his face with both of her hands and pulled him in for a kiss. It was passionate, intense, and felt like the weight of the world was lifted from her shoulders.

When he finally pulled away from her lips a chuckle escaped from his mouth and he smiled at her. "So, this whole time, we could have actually been together?" He asked and shook his head.

"Yeah, we could have." She smiled.

"Huh, we may slightly be idiots." He was trying to hold in his laughter as he peered into her eyes.

"Just a tad." They laughed loudly together then he pulled her in for another kiss, sitting her on his lap.

"We didn't even touch our tea but that's ok. How about we head to bed. Are you ok with that?I'd really like to hold you in my arms, snuggle up with you, and know that you're safe here with me. I want to protect you and love you from here on out. If you'll have me. MC? Will you be my girlfriend?" He asked with those adorable puppy dog eyes.

"Yes, Sebastian. I will happily be your girlfriend. We can go to bed and you can hold me all through the night. I know I would like that very much." She smiled and gently pecked his lips as he lifted her up off the couch and carried her upstairs to his bedroom.

The next couple of months were a complete whirlwind for MC and she was looking forward to the coming weekend. She ultimately testified against Duncan to which he easily pled guilty and was sentenced to twenty years in prison. Another girl came forward and confessed that Duncan had tried to assault her as well but didn't testify in court. She didn't want to face Duncan and MC couldn't blame her, it was difficult to do, MC was just glad that Duncan would pay for his crimes.

Sebastian was by her side the entire time and truly was her rock. Her family and friends were still apologizing to her for not realizing what was going on and missing her calls. Her mom was a wreck and her brother kept saying how sorry he was for being a terrible sibling. MC did her best to reassure all of them, letting them know that she was ok and wasn't upset with them. There was no way they could have known what was going to happen that night. She was just thankful that it was all behind her and she could focus on healing mentally and spiritually.

Her brother warmed up to the idea of her and Sebastian being in a relationship. It took some time but now they all hung out with ease and her brother genuinely seemed happy for them.

Everyday Sebastian surprised her with how much love and care he had for her. He took her on romantic dates, got her books he knew she would enjoy, they even spent time together just reading in her room.

He had a big date planned for them this weekend and she was thrilled to see what he would have arranged this time. When Friday finally came she couldn't stop smiling. Classes seemed to fly by and Sebastian kept her updated throughout the day. Apparently she had to dress warm but also wear a bathing suit underneath her clothes. It was an odd request but she didn't question him.

MC quickly got ready for their date night, she didn't want to waste any time, she was just too excited to dress extravagantly. She wore a pair of thick leggings, her knee high leather boots, a cute purple sweater dress that hugged her figure, and her leather jacket. Underneath was a black python print cheeky bikini. The pattern had an oil slick shimmer when the light shone on it. She swiftly fixed up her hair and applied makeup that gave her a natural look with a little nude sparkle on her eyelids.

She heard the rumble of his motorcycle before he even honked the horn for her. Whenever she left to go out, her mother would hug her even tighter and her brother always told her to be careful. It would make her tear up a bit each time and she would hold onto them a little longer before walking out the door.

Sebastian sat on his bike and took off his helmet, shaking out his messy waves, when she walked down the driveway towards him. He smiled brightly at her and crooked a finger for her to come closer. She shook her head at him and giggled as he pulled her in for a kiss.

"You look beautiful, as always." He said against her lips as he pulled out his extra helmet and handed it to her.

"You look handsome. Leather definitely suits you." She grinned and caressed his shoulder and he blushed.

"Are you ready for my surprise?" He helped her climb onto his motorcycle.

"Of course, I love your surprises." She laughed as she pulled on her helmet and wrapped her arms around his torso. He placed his back on as well and started up his bike. He hit the kickstand with his boot and pulled away from the curb and then they were off, speeding down the road.

It was still one of the most romantic and sweetest things Sebastian chose to do whenever she was on his bike with him. At every red light he would reach back to rub her ankle and brush her thighs with his fingers. They were beautiful and reassuring moments that made her feel warm and tingly inside. She would rest her head against his back and hug him even tighter, beyond thankful that he was her boyfriend.

They made their way out of the city and headed towards the winding roads through the woods. Autumn was now in full swing and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Orange,red, and golden leaves fluttered down around them from the canopy of trees. The cool fall breeze chilled her but not enough to be uncomfortable, it was refreshing and invigorating. She giggled in her helmet as she caressed Sebastian's chest through his hunter green sweater. The roads continued to become more narrow as they rode towards their destination. The forest seemed to close in on them and grow snug.

Finally Sebastian slowed to a stop and pulled the bike over in a nearby small clearing. He pulled off his helmet and carefully helped MC climb off his motorcycle. He swung his muscled leg over the vehicle and moved to stand in front of her and remove her helmet. Once the bike and helmets were secure, he held his hand out for MC to take it, she slipped her hand into his and they started walking side by side.

"It's not far from here but it is a little hidden." Sebastian said as he helped her trudge through some foliage.

"How did you even find this spot?" MC asked as she tried to stick by him.

"I came across it by accident when I was hiking one day." Her boyfriend smiled back at her.

After walking through the woods for a few minutes they came face to face with the entrance of a cave.

"You expect me to go in there?" MC looked down the dark cavern.

"Are you adventurous?" Sebastian raised a brow at her.

"Yes but this is—this is kinda spooky." MC felt a chill creep up her spine.

"MC, do you trust me?" Seb looked at her with those pleading big brown eyes.

"I—I do. I trust you, Babe." She held his hand a little tighter as he pulled out a lighter and lit the way for them as they entered the cave. MC moved closer to clutch Sebastian's forearm as they made their way through the shadowed tunnels. She had to squint but up ahead she could make out a little bit of light at the end of the cavern.

"Sebastian, what is that?" She asked as the glow became brighter.

"You'll see, hun." Sebastian grinned down at her.

They had reached the spot of their date night and MC had to pick her jaw up from the floor. It was a hidden hot spring with a hole in the roof that allowed a small waterfall to pour into the pool below. They were surrounded by patches of moss and grass that grew over the cracked earth. The walls seemed to shimmer due to the cave being damp and steamy. The moonlight flooded through the gap in the ceiling and reflected off the glittering water. Tucked away in a corner was a blanket and pillows spread out on a bed of grass. The area was lit by lanterns that emitted a warm and inviting glow. MC was so speechless, it was like something out of one of her books.

"Oh, Sebastian! It's perfect!" She spun around to face him and jumped in his arms, giving him a loving kiss on his smiling lips.

"You like it? I thought you would. This could be our little hideaway. I brought the blanket up earlier and got everything set up for tonight. I just want to make you happy, MC." He blushed and pulled her in even tighter.

"You do. You make me so freaking happy, Seb. This is such an amazing and wonderful surprise. One of our best dates yet." She giggled as he kissed her forehead.

"I'm so glad you love it. Come on, let's go sit. Oh! Wait. You go get comfortable, l'm going to go get the picnic basket. I left it on the back of my bike." He slapped his forehead with a laugh as he made his way back to the tunnel.

"I was wondering what that was. Be careful, ok!" She called after him as she shook her head.

"I will!" His voice echoed throughout the cave.

The heat of the spring started to become too much for MC while Sebastian was getting the rest of the things they needed for their date. Now she understood why he told her to wear a bikini, the warmth from the water seemed to radiate all around her. Slowly she started to peel away her clothes. She took her jacket and boots off, then pulled her socks from her feet, and was now just wearing her dress and leggings. Soon, even that became too much, she decided to slip out of her dress and tug down her leggings. Cool air that poured in with the waterfall seemed to mingle with the heat and was a very welcomed feeling against her exposed skin. MC folded her clothes and set them off to the side then sprawled out on the soft blanket.

"Oh wow, you look—you look fantastic." Sebastian's voice sounded from within the cave and MC snapped her head up to catch him staring at her, slack-jawed. She blushed as she rose to prop herself up on her elbows.

"It got a little too hot. I had to take my clothes off. I feel much better now." She chuckled nervously as Sebastian just gawked at her. "What? You've seen me in a bathing suit before." She bit her lip as his eyes roamed over her body.

"No, not like this, not a tiny bikini and as my girlfriend." He said as he crossed over to her and set the basket down beside her. He tore off his jacket and sweater to reveal his sculpted torso. Freckles seemed to be sprinkled all over his body and a light patch of brunet hair adorned his broad chest. His abs rippled with every breath he took and MC's eyes followed the dip of his hips that descended into his jeans. He propped himself up next to her on his toned arms and smiled gently at her.

"You didn't have this reaction when you saw me at the pool." MC said.

"Are you kidding me? I had to pretend to be suntanning and lay on my stomach to cover up how aroused you made me." He laughed loudly.

She laughed right along with him as she opened the basket and started to pull out their goodies. Sandwiches cut into cute triangles, different types of salads, chocolate covered strawberries, and an expensive bottle of wine.

"Sebastian! This looks so expensive. You didn't have to do all of this for me." She gasped.

"Nothing is too much for you." He sat up to move closer to her.

"No, Seb—this is..." she tried to protest but he cut her off.

"Listen, nothing is too much when it comes to you, MC. I wanted this night to be really special. Don't worry about the price. Please." He reached over to cup her face and she nodded against his palm.

They sat together side by side as they enjoyed their cozy little picnic. Sebastian eventually gave in as well and stripped down to his swim trunks. MC couldn't take her eyes off of him as he talked excitedly about the new parts he got for his motorcycle, how his sister Anne was doing well over in the US, then how he was looking forward to reading a new book he bought the other day. MC could listen to him talk for hours. She loved how he would talk with his hands and when his eyes lit up when it was a subject he truly adored. She wasn't sure if it was the wine influencing her or if it was just her affection for him but right now, she really wanted to kiss him. Not just any kiss either, one that would ignite a flame within them both that even the waters couldn't put out.

She waited until he finished his sentence before she stood up and crossed to the edge of the spring. She could feel Sebastian's eyes on her back as she sat down on the edge and stuck her feet and legs in.

"Why don't you join me?" She said as she sank in even further, the pool up to her waist now. She turned to face him and waited for his response.

He quickly downed the rest of his wine and crossed over to the hot spring to join her in the warm water.

"You don't have to tell me twice." He chuckled as he pulled her closer and wrapped his arms tightly around her body. MC reached up to run her fingers through his luscious hair. She gently tilted his head down towards hers and pressed her mouth to his. His lips were so soft and tasted like the alcohol they both indulged in. He was gentle and held her like she was a delicate doll made of porcelain but she needed more. Her tongue was desperately searching for his and he parted his lips to allow her to deepen their kiss. She gripped his hair in her hands and pulled him in even closer so their bodies were fully pressed together. His hands began to move as he caressed her back but he suddenly stopped and pulled his head away as he tried to catch his breath and she had to stifle a groan.

"MC. Maybe we should slow down." He said breathlessly.

"No, Sebastian, please. Don't push me away." She said as she cupped his face in her palms.

"I just—I don't want you to feel that—that you have to do this. I can wait, MC. I don't want you to feel pressured into being intimate with me." He said as he pressed his forehead against hers.

"Sebastian, look at me," His beautiful brown eyes met hers and she smiled. "I want this. I need you. I need us. Please. You don't understand what you do to me. I crave you more than anything else in this world. If anything would make me feel uncomfortable, I'll tell you. I promise you that." MC said as she brushed his lips with hers.

"MC, are you absolutely sure?" He asked softly.

"Yes, Sweetheart. I'm sure. I need you so badly, Sebastian." She didn't break his gaze as he lifted his hand to caress her cheekbone. He nodded at her and it suddenly felt like a dam had broken and his passion was flooding over her.

He pulled her in tightly, one hand clutching her ass, the other cupped the back of her head as his mouth savagely took hers. His tongue entwined with hers as he moaned against her lips.

"I've been trying to be gentle with you." He said between kisses. "Holding back because I didn't want to hurt you or scare you." He started to kiss along her jaw and she whimpered.

"Please don't hold back. Please, Seb." She whined as she rocked her hips against him, her aching core rubbing against his thigh.

His mouth trailed even lower and he started to kiss and suck on her neck, his teeth brushing against her pulse point. The hand that was on her ass slowly snaked up her back and stopped at the ties of her bikini. He made quick work of the strings, tugging them loose with nimble fingers, as he tore her bathing suit top from her body. He removed his mouth from her neck to lean back and stare at her heated body.

"Fuck, MC. You're so damn beautiful. I've dreamt of your body a million times, this is infinitely better." He smiled at her as one of his hands reached for her shakily.

"Touch me, Sebastian. I need to feel your hands on me." She arched her back, pushing her chest towards him and his palm met her skin. She moaned as he began to caress and massage her breast while his mouth returned to leaving marks and wet kisses on her neck. His other hand still held her tightly against him and his body towered over hers. She felt so small against his powerful frame but yet completely safe in his arms.

"I have an idea. Come here." He wrapped his hands around her waist and eagerly lifted her up out of the warm water and sat her on the edge of the spring. "Do you trust me, Love?" He said with those pleading brown eyes.

"Yes, completely." She said breathing heavily.

He reached up with both hands and placed them on her shoulders then lowered her down so she was lying flat against the mossy floor, her bottom half was right in front of his gorgeous face and he grinned at her as his hands slid down the sides of her torso and reached the ties of her bikini bottom. He pulled the knots loose and slipped the material off her wet body. His hands held her hips as she opened her legs for him and his eyes locked on her aching cunt. Those same strong hands shifted to clasp onto her thighs, his fingers digging into her flesh. A look of pure hunger flashed in his dark eyes and his lips met the inside of her knee. She trembled under his touch as he started to leave kisses on her dripping legs, his tongue darting out to lick droplets of water from her body. His mouth descended lower and lower, his kisses now on the insides of her thighs.

"MC...I want to taste you. May I?" He asked as he bit his bottom lip.

"Yes, oh god, yes!" She wiggled her hips in anticipation as he spread her legs even wider. His lips met her hip and she purred as she rose up on her elbows to watch him work her into a frenzy. His mouth trailed even lower and his lip's gently kissed her clit. She moaned loudly and Sebastian chuckled at her reaction. He was slow and sensual as he kissed and licked her aching bud, teasing her to the point of seeing stars.

"Sebastian, please, harder! I need more!" MC begged as she arched her hips up to meet his mouth. A wicked smirk graced his face and his skillful tongue lapped at her very core. She cried out as he wrapped his arms around her legs and pulled her even closer as he ate her out. His mouth was buried in her dripping folds while her head was absolutely spinning. Her cries of ecstasy echoed in the cave and blended with the wet and sloppy sounds of Sebastian fucking her with his tongue.

"MC, you taste so fucking good! Better than I imagined." He growled against her sex.

She gasped loudly as he inserted one of his thick fingers into her throbbing heat. There was no hesitation in his actions as he began to pump his finger in and out of her soaked pussy. His tongue returned to her clit as her hands flew to his hair to push his head into her even further. She moved her hips to meet each thrust of his finger, his groans and grunts muffled against her.

Her orgasm was building, her eyes shut tightly as her pelvis writhed against Sebastian's mouth frantically.

"Sebastian! I'm so close! Don't stop!" She cried as he inserted a second finger.

The cave seemed to spin around her as he curled his fingers inside her and hit her sweet spot while he sucked even harder on her sensitive clit. She screamed his name as her climax clawed through her quivering body. Wave after wave of pleasure flooded through her as her core clenched down on Sebastian's fingers and her thighs closed around his head. She fell back and released his hair as he removed his mouth from between her legs and slowly withdrew his fingers. She gazed down at him and avidly watched as he stuck them into his mouth, sucking her juices off of them with a blissful expression.

"Everyday. I need to taste you every fucking day from now on." He chuckled and kissed her thigh. She took a moment to catch her breath as she grinned at him. Sebastian helped her sit up and gently wrapped his arms around her waist. He then lifted her up with ease and pulled her back into the hot spring with him. She let her hands roam all over his torso, rubbing and caressing his glorious muscles, loving how his eyes closed and he moaned softly. She reached down to grab the waistband of his swim trunks and pulled them down. He stepped out of them and they floated to the surface of the water and she giggled. Sebastian snatched them up and tossed them over by their blanket. Now the two of them were completely naked and submerged in the warm water together.

MC needed more of Sebastian and was loving this passionate moment they were sharing but her body felt like it was on fire and could burst if she didn't have him at that exact moment.

"Sebastian, make love to me, please." She said as she placed her hands on his shoulders and pulled him in for a kiss. She could taste herself on his lips and it was excitingly erotic.

"Patience, Baby. We have all night. Let me take my time enjoying you." He said as he started to kiss along her collarbone. His hands gripped and kneaded her ass as he moaned against her wet skin. MC leaned in and pulled his head back by his hair and bit and sucked on his neck. Sebastian leaned on the edge of the hot spring and his head fell back, exposing more of his neck to her. She felt his hands glide up her sides to move to her breasts. He teased them with his big hands before using his fingers to pinch her hard nipples. He moved his head close to her chest to suck one of the stiff peaks into his hot mouth. MC gasped as he tugged on her nipples with his firm lips. He would alternate from one breast to the other, taking his time to suck and massage the heated flesh, and it made her dizzy with pleasure.

"Oh,Seb! Stop teasing me! I'm begging you!" She groaned when he pulled away to lick at water running down her flushed skin. His hands flew to her head and his fingers tangled in her hair as he peered into her eyes. His forehead was pressed to hers and he was panting, his rapid breaths fanning against her face.

"Tell me what you want. What do you want, Baby?" He pressed his lips to hers in a quick kiss so she could answer him.

"You. I want you. I need your cock. I need you inside me. Please. I’ll beg. I just desperately need you." She gazed into his eyes and he grinned at her.

"Fuck yes!" He chuckled as he swooped her up into his arms and carried her out of the hot spring. She couldn't help but laugh as he crossed over to the blanket and laid her down on the plush fabric. He was kneeling between her legs and MC sucked in a breath. Sebastian was magnificent and she couldn't take her eyes off of his body. He was built to please and they both knew it. Rippling muscles, devastating good looks, and a charming personality that could win anyone over. He was her's. He chose her when he could have anyone he wanted and it made her tear up while her heart swelled with joy.

"Baby? What's wrong?" He leaned over her to brush her hair from her forehead. "I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked in a tone of panic.

"No, you didn't hurt me. I just—I can't believe you're mine. That you're my boyfriend. It still shocks me sometimes. I love you so much, Sebastian." She smiled up at him as he wiped away a stray tear.

"I'm the lucky one. You're so extraordinary and stunning, MC. This is the happiest I've been in a very long time. I love you too." His lips met hers and she sighed joyfully into his mouth. His tongue danced with hers as his body hovered over her. She wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer as he rested his pelvis against hers, his cock sliding against her slick folds. She whimpered into his mouth as he rolled his hips against her, rubbing her aching clit with his shaft. Sebastian was definitely blessed below the waist. His length was perfect in her eyes and he was girthy. For a moment she wondered if she could actually take him, he was the thickest that she had ever been with. She trusted him though and knew that he would be gentle with her, making sure she was properly prepared to take on his size.

"Put your arms above your head." He whispered against her mouth then smirked. God his smirk. She would do anything, be anything, for him in order to see that small smile on his beautiful face. She did as she was told and put her arms above her head. Sebastian slowly ran his palms along her limbs and stopped at her wrists.

In one swift motion he held the both of them in one of his big hands. The other he used to rub the tip of his cock against her dripping cunt. She threw her head back as her hips writhed beneath him. His pre-cum mixed with her slick as he watched where their bodies met.

"Are you ready for me, Baby?" His voice was deep, laced with seduction, and it turned her on even more. She tried her best to hold still but she couldn't help but rub herself against him, causing more friction between their bodies.

"Yes! I'm ready! Please, Seb! Give it to me! Please!" She was begging and she didn't care. No one could take this moment from them and she wanted to cherish it forever.

Sebastian pressed the head of his cock against her entrance and inch by aching inch, slid inside her. The grunts and growls that escaped his lips had her panting and moaning in return. She felt so full, so loved, completely consumed by the passion Sebastian was determined to deliver. He bottomed out inside her and her cry echoed inside the hot spring. He didn't move to thrust or pump his hips against her, instead he stayed still, allowing her to adjust to his size.

His eyes locked with hers and she could see all the love and devotion he held inside for her. "Are you ok, MC? I didn't hurt you did I?" He asked as he kissed her forehead.

"No, you're just—thick. Give me a minute." She grunted as she slowly started to rock her pelvis against him, getting used to how his cock was stretching her little hole. Soon the slight sting bloomed into pleasure and she was biting her lip as she slid along his length. Even while she was pinned under his weight and he held her wrists, she loved how he made her feel in control and safe.

"Oh God, MC. You're so fucking tight! Your pussy was made for my cock." He moaned loudly when she slid all the way to the tip then back to his base again.

"Move with me, thrust into me, Baby." She whimpered as his lips met her throat. He nodded against her neck and plunged his dick deep inside her. His thrusts were slow and steady, meeting hers in unison. His tongue lapped against her pulse before he bit her flesh and left love bites. His hand caressed up the back of her thigh to grip her leg tightly and bring her knee up towards her chest. She wrapped her other leg around his waist to allow him to fuck her even deeper.

"Oh, MC! You feel so good!" He growled into her throat as his breaths became more frantic.

"Sebastian! Yes! Yes, more!" She cried as her nails dug into her palms and he moved to the other side of her neck to show it the same attention. The sounds of skin slapping against skin resounded within the cave and added to the euphoria they shared. MC was on cloud nine as Sebastian pounded into her clenching heat. He released her wrists to place both arms behind her legs, folding her in on herself. With her legs behind her head, this gave him even more access to her soaked core. He leaned his head down to take her lips in a searing kiss, she moaned loudly into his mouth as he picked up his pace. His thrusts became harder and more wild making her scream his name.

"So long—so long I've wanted this!" He said through clenched teeth. "You're a fucking dream come true, MC!" He placed another kiss to her lips before resting his forehead against hers. She was so close, the way he was pounding her pussy was pushing her over the edge. Her cries grew louder as Sebastian began to grind his hips into her. He used one hand to cup her cheek and make her stare into his eyes.

"You're almost there, MC. I can fucking feel it. Cum for me. Cum for me, My love!" His voice echoed as he slammed his cock into her. MC came in a rush, hollering his name as her nails dug into his back.

"Sebastian! Oh fuck!" He robbed her of her breath as her legs quaked in the air and she clenched down hard around his length. He continued to rock against her, fucking her through her climax. She was panting wantonly as he picked up his pace, his eyes shut tightly as he growled through clenched teeth.

"I'm going to—I'm going to cum! MC!" He ground against her, burying himself deep within her, his orgasm was so strong that it felt like another thrust of his cock. MC clung onto his body as he emptied himself inside her. He slowed to a stop and lowered himself on top of her, trying to catch his breath. He slowly moved so she could stretch out her legs around him. His head slumped against the crook of her neck and she hugged him even tighter as feeling started to return from her thighs down to her feet.

Sebastian carefully pulled out and rolled off of her to lay down beside her. She was still trying to steady her breathing as she gazed at the full moon through the opening on the ceiling. Sebastian pulled her in and wrapped his arms around her.

"I love you so much, MC. Are you ok? I didn't hurt you, did I?" He asked as he ran his fingers up and down her back.

"I love you so much too. You were perfect. Everything felt so right with you, Sebastian." MC smiled up at him as she laid her head on his chest and intertwined her legs with his.

"That makes me so happy to hear that. Tonight was phenomenal with you, MC." He kissed the top of her head as she listened to his heartbeat.

"You made tonight really special. You're such a wonderful boyfriend." She snuggled even closer to him and he sighed in contentment.

"Let's rest here for a bit before we head back into town. I do have an important question to ask you though." He used one finger to lift her chin and peer into her eyes.

"Is everything alright?" She asked as she swallowed hard.

"Yeah, everything is fine. I was just—well. We've known each other for years now. Your mom and brother have accepted our relationship which I'm thrilled about. We could have been together—like this—a long time ago. I'm blessed to have you in my life, I've always felt that way, even more now since you're my girlfriend but." He paused and took a deep breath. "I was wondering, I've been thinking about it, would you—would you like to move in with me?" He said the last sentence quickly and closed his eyes tightly, awaiting her answer.

"Really? Are you sure that's what you really want?" She asked as her heart started to race.

"Yes, MC. I would love it if you moved in with me. It's completely up to you but the offer is there. I would be so ecstatic if we lived together. My place is closer to the college and I'd drive you to the campus. It's just—it's something that's been on my mind for a few days now." He looked so nervous but she felt elated.

"Yes, I'd love to move in with you, Sebastian!" She couldn't contain her excitement as she showered him with kisses. His smile was from ear to ear as he embraced her in his arms.

"This has been one of the greatest nights of my life. I love you with all my heart, MC. You truly are a mind blowing woman and I'm thankful that you're mine." His eyes shimmered with tears as she smiled down at him.

"I love you so much, Sebastian Sallow. I look forward to spending my days with you." MC gently kissed him as they held each other under the glow of the full moon. They laid like that for a while before they helped each other get dressed and pack up their picnic. MC couldn't stop grinning and held Sebastian even tighter on the drive home. She was thanking the universe for allowing this wonderful man to be hers. She wouldn't let him go for anyone or anything.

Sebastian was hers and she was his. Always.

THANK YOU FOR READING! I know it was a bit long but it’s Seb.🥰❤️

Reference photos! MC’s dresses

Poppy and Natty’s outfits

Sebastian’s bike and apartment

The hot spring

[hazyange1s]

MC: Ronan Sharp

Basics

Full name: Ronan Finley Sharp

Nickname(s): Ron (pronounced with a hard o), Sharpie, Prince Charming (by Sebastian)

Gender: male

Species: wizard/Selkie

Date of birth: September 21, 1874

Nationality: English and Irish

Blood status: pureblood

Wand: laurel, unicorn hair, 13 in, reasonably pliant

Appearance

Hair color: dark auburn

Hair style: loose, short waves with some curtain fringe

Eye color: hazel

Skin tone: fair; often with a light tan

Height: 6’1”

Body type: lean and toned

Clothing style: wears all colors (but especially loves light neutrals, warm tones, and black), prefers comfortable and unique fabrics (flannel, cashmere, fur)

Accessories:

Wears the Sharp family signet ring

Enjoys the occasional hat

Keeps his mother’s picture in his pocket watch

Other distinguishing features:

Freckles (of course)

Scar over his right eye (tried to Apparate at thirteen and splinched himself — still has poor vision in that eye)

Personality

Traits: friendly, enthusiastic, fun-loving, clever, sarcastic, perfectionistic, bossy

Likes: shakespeare, comfort food, medicine/biology, fall, making people laugh, generosity, genuineness

Dislikes: superiority complexes, dishonesty (from himself and others), large birds, flakes

Hobbies: chess, healing, charm creation, archery

Fears: the BIRDS man, abandonment, not being good enough

MBTI: ENFJ-A

Enneagram: 2w3 (268) so/sp

Zodiac: virgo sun, cancer moon, sagittarius rising

Temperament: sanguine

Archetype: the Caregiver

Similar characters: Apollo, Cedric Diggory, Richard Gansey, Lily Potter, Padme Amidala, Derek Shepherd

Family/Friends

Father: Aesop Sharp

Potions master and Slytherin alumnus

Stern with high expectations but well-meaning

Married his step mother when Ronan was five

Mother: Kassady DesRosiers (Fallon)

Pureblood

Dragonologist, Gryffindor alumnus

Killed when Ronan was 15 — he never got to meet her

Sibling: Raegan DesRosiers

Half-blood (same mother, different father)

Technically twins — Ronan was conceived and born first, but they shared a womb for 7 months

Gryffindor

Don’t meet properly until their sixth year

Pet: Apollo (tawny owl)

Received after his Hogwarts letter

Sort of the “communal owl” that all of his friends “borrow”

Gets into fights with the other owls oops

Friends: Poppy Sweeting, Diana Blackwine, Arthur Plumley, Adelaide Oaks, Ominis Gaunt, Garreth Weasley, Leander Prewett, Natsai Onai

Magic

Boggart: ostrich (lame)

Patronus: seal

Polyjuice: turns light green and tastes like fennel

Amortentia: lemon, butter, sage, frankincense

Special abilities:

Selkie blood — passed down from his father’s side and dilute enough to present rarely in a bloodline. Allows him to hold his breath underwater for extended periods of time; great swimmer, affinity for sea-dwelling creatures

Does not possess ancient magic

Exceptional and instinctual Healer

Backstory

Ronan was born in Cambridge, England in secret. His mother Kassady had hidden him from her abusive husband — as well as the fact that he was the product of a love affair with her former suitor; Aesop. Ronan grew up not knowing his birth mother (or the fact that he had a half/twin sister); raised by his father until Sharp married when his son was five.

He had a relatively happy childhood, though Ronan always felt slightly out of place. He was not the overly studious, serious type, which caused misunderstandings between him and his strict father… especially when Ronan is sorted into Hufflepuff instead of Slytherin (the Sharp family’s ancestral House).

But as he grows and learns more about his past and his family, he begins to come into his own as he becomes a Charms prodigy and a guiding light for the next generation of Keepers 😉.

Academics 

Best Subject: Charms, Magical Theory

Worst subject: Ancient Runes

Favorite teacher: Ronen and Kogawa

Least favorite teacher: Sharp (he’s harder on him than the rest oop)

As a student:

Very popular and personable; gets along with pretty much everyone (but isn’t a pushover)

His dyslexia causes him some trouble. Overall his intelligence and hard work helps him find ways around it

Mischievous — sort of a “thief in the night” that nobody suspects

Future

Career: Mediwizard

Ronan desires to make something of himself; to make a difference and be somebody useful in society. After seeing the impact that the goblin rebellion had on people and watching his sister/friends struggle with all manner of ailments (both mental and physical), he changes his career path from an Auror to Mediwizard.

He’d always had an interest in biology and medicine. The job allows him to dive deeper into those fascinations while giving him the adventure and variety Ronan secretly craves — he winds up traveling around Europe after Hogwarts under the employment of St. Mungo’s. Specializes in curses and mental illness.

Future spouse: undecided for now (side note: I’m always open to MCxMC ships! Ronan is pansexual so we’re not picky 😂)

[hogwartslegacyreactions2]

biased as always, the number one Anne Stan, ofc i gotta christen this returned account with my girl <3

hlc react to mc developing a crush on anne? from the consistent visits to feldcroft to the occasional outing that mc can take her on, it’s obvious they’re growing to be a little more than friends…

A/N: Anne Sallow simping content coming right up lol

HLC REACT TO MC CRUSHING ON ANNE SALLOW

It all started the day Sebastian introduced MC to her. Even with her tired eyes, they were enraptured by her sweet voice and good nature despite being in such pain. Even if Anne was convinced there was no real help for her, MC was determined to make life just a bit more enjoyable.

At first, It was letters with little gifts. Those turned into visits without Sebastian tailing them. Eventually, sneaking Anne out of the house for some "fresh air." Even without Sebastian around, her uncle was rather unpleasant. Always hovering, to the point of being overbearing.

Their most memorable date outing by far has to have been when MC offered to fly her up the hill on their broom to overlook Feldcroft. She sat sidesaddle on the handle in front of MC and she held on to them as they gently glided up into the air. MC struggled to focus on where they were going having her so close.

So close in fact, that if MC hadn't been so distracted, maybe they would have heard the faint but distinctive whisper of ancient magic coming from the scar on her side.

SEBASTIAN SALLOW: He gets suspicious when MC starts asking too many Anne centric questions. Then he gets REAL suspicious when he walked in on MC and Anne playing wizard's chess. He hadn't announced that he was going, so he was shocked to see MC with his sister alone.

Protective Brother™ mode activated. What were they playing at? His sister had enough to deal with right now, she didn't need MC drooling all over her. He doesn't fall for any of MC's excuses, no one visits Anne more than he does, not even her old school friends. There was no way MC's intentions were "just being friendly".

He keeps an eagle eye out for MC. If he can't find them anywhere, he goes straight to Feldcroft to break up the fraternizing. Anne will have to tell him off multiple times.

OMINIS GAUNT: He doesn't know this is going on until Anne casually mentions it in her letters. This....he struggles with this. Anne is very special to him. They'd been close since first year, she was one of his first and few friends and now she...she seems so...taken by MC.

He wrestles with his own pride and self loathing. He should have said something sooner. He should have told her how much he....it didn't matter now. MC was braver. She doesn't deserve a coward like him anyway. He's happy she's happy. That's all that matters...right?

IMELDA REYES: She knew Anne. They were on the Slytherin quidditch team together before Anne fell ill. She reads about Anne and MC in letters and snorts. She advises Anne to not be so quick to admire MC, they aren't that amazing.

NATSAI ONAI: She finds it absolutely adorable. MC always thinks of Anne, constantly asking her if Anne will like what they've found or bought. Even asks for advice, not that she knows much about relationships, but she tries her best.

GARRETH WEASLEY: He gets nosey, seeing MC almost always nose deep in a letter that smells floral with a touch of birch. He'll poke fun that they're infatuated with their special pen pal and not so subtly imply that he has the perfect potion in mind if they want to speed things along. *Wink*

LEANDER PREWETT: Anne who? Sebastian's sister? Pfffft, good luck with that. Sebastian is a bulldog when it comes to family. Very protective, almost possessive.

AMIT THAKKAR: He first realizes that MC is acting strange when they started daydreaming heavily in class. Even in the more interesting classes. What's got them all starry-eyed and distracted from learning? ....he should have known. A girl.

EVERETT CLOPTON: He hears about it second hand from someone else who heard MC and Sebastian going at it over MC seeing Anne without supervision. Rumors spread like wildfire, especially when the arguably most interesting person at Hogwarts apparently developed a crush on Sallow's sister and was sneaking around with her. Made for very juicy gossip.

POPPY SWEETING: She hears about it through the rumor mill as well and tells MC to fly in on a hippogriff next time. That always impresses the ladies, trust her on this.

ANNE SALLOW: MC brought some color back into her life. They wanted to know all about her, they showered her with gifts, and would come to see her even without reason. She caught on fast that MC fancied her and she had fun playing coy.

Oh, MC wants to know what she likes for her birthday? What an odd, totally random question. MC has been staring at her for the last five minutes, not realizing she's stopped talking, how interesting. She loved pointing out MC's blatantly odd behavior and watching them fluster within an inch of their life. It's the Slytherin in her, she thinks it's funny.

When MC starts asking for more private outings, that's when she really starts to feel special. MC was willing to accommodate her in any way she needed. If she grew exhausted from a walk, they would carry her back. If she was having a particularly rough day with the curse, they'd tend to her hand and a foot, almost fussing as much as Sebastian. Almost.

The time MC flew her up the hill to the lookout, she felt herself falling, in the figurative sense. MC may have fallen for her first, but she fell harder. Holding on to them as they flew, she couldn't take her eyes off their face. She almost kissed them. She didn't, however, miss the fact that her scar hurt a lot less that day.

[theladyofshalott1989]

Back to Hogwarts // A Sebastian Sallow x Male MC (Damien Evans) One-Shot

Happy Back to Hogwarts Day! Here's a short, fluffy one-shot that I wrote this morning since I couldn't get the idea out of my head!

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x Damien Evans

Word Count: 763

“Hello, you,” Sebastian said as Damien hopped off the final step leading down from the Hogwarts Express. 

Skipping to Sebastian’s side, Damien tossed him a winning grin and then planted a kiss on his eager lips. Sebastian’s whole body lit up at the contact, which wasn’t unexpected—Damien tended to do that to him. It was a welcome feeling, one that Sebastian hoped continued for as long as they were together, which, if he had anything to say about it, would be forever. 

Damien grabbed Sebastian’s hand and squeezed, pulling him away from the train and into the crowd of their fellow classmates. “I missed you so much,” he whispered into Sebastian’s ear, weaving past Garreth who was practically shouting about his summer spent apprenticing under Mr. Pippin at J. Pippin’s Potions shop. How he managed to nab such a prestigious apprenticeship was beyond Sebastian. Garreth always seemed to explode more potions than successfully brew them.

But no matter. Damien was here. He was far more interesting to think about.

“Accio Bash’s attention,” Damien teased, yanking Sebastian out of his distracted thoughts. Sebastian chuckled under his breath. “I said I missed you," Damien continued. "Did you miss me?”

“It’s only been three days.” 

Sebastian spent the summer with Damien at the Evans estate in London. Initially, he was hesitant—not wanting to abandon Anne during the summer holiday—but his concerns eased when Ominis mentioned he planned to stay with her in Upper Hogsfield, where she had lived the summer before with Mrs. Sprottle. Naturally, Sebastian was still adjusting to the idea of his twin sister and his best friend being in love, but knowing Anne wouldn’t be alone was a comfort. Ominis hadn’t exactly sought Sebastian’s approval, but Sebastian offered it all the same. 

Sebastian had returned to Hogwarts a few days early to prepare for the new school year, since most of his clothing and supplies were still tucked away in Feldcroft. He and Damien were of similar build so he had mostly just worn Damien’s hand-me-downs in London. In truth, he quite enjoyed wearing Damien’s clothing. They carried his scent—fresh air and adventure, with a hint of old books and arcane knowledge. Intoxicating, but also somehow comforting.

“Three days, alone, in London,” Damien sighed. “A truly devastating amount of time to not be by your side.”

Sebastian’s cheeks warmed. He coughed into his shoulder in an attempt to hide the sheer delight Damien’s words brought him. 

Damien wasn’t fooled though. He released Sebastian’s hand and wrapped his arms around him instead, resting his face against Sebastian’s mop of thick, unruly hair, lifting him off his feet and spinning around, laughing with carefree abandon.

“I love you,” Damien said, rather loudly. Sebastian didn’t mind though. Everyone at school knew it by now, it being the start of their seventh year and all. 

Last year had been a whirlwind of affection, beginning with quiet gestures in hidden alcoves, flirtatious whispers in and between classes, and finally working up to Sebastian kissing Damien very publicly at the Slytherin table in the Great Hall on Sebastian’s seventeenth birthday. 

Everything escalated rather quickly from there. Sebastian and Damien’s relationship was the talk of the school, particularly among the members of Sebastian’s own house. Damien was an “honorary” Slytherin, Sebastian was Damien’s “shadow,” Sebastian had even overheard that Professors Hecat and Ronen had a running bet that the two of them would be married by the end of the school year. Sebastian wasn’t so sure about that, but he didn’t mind the rumor—in fact, he knew Ominis, Hogwarts’ king of gossip, subtly encouraged it, and Sebastian had no intention of stopping him.

Damien set Sebastian back down on solid ground. Sebastian grumbled something or other about not being a potion ingredient to toss around, but the playful tone in his voice gave him away. He quickly reclaimed Damien’s hand, reestablishing their connection.

“Are you excited for our final year?” Damien asked.

“Excited is, perhaps, an understatement,” Sebastian said, smirking.

“Oh? And why’s that?”

“I fully intend to make this year our most memorable yet.”

Damien raised an eyebrow, a playful smile curling on his lips. “And how do you plan to top last year?”

Sebastian leaned in, his voice a low whisper. “Oh, you know me. I’ll come up with something.”

“I look forward to it.”

Damien smiled, his golden-brown eyes twinkling in the soft afternoon light.

To their final year, Sebastian thought, and to the adventures yet to come. He took a deep breath, then stepped forward, his heart racing with anticipation. It was bound to be a great one.

[ Read Sebastian and Damien's series on AO3 ]

[shadowtriovibes]

maybe i'm too busy bein' yours

Pairing: Garreth Weasley x f!MC

Rating: E

Word Count: 3.3K

Warnings: 18+, aged-up characters, explicit sexual content, light embarrassment, situational impotence, make-up sex, semi-public sex, riding

Summary: happy weasley wednesday :) inspired by a HL groupchat convo about garreth trying (and failing) to get with anyone else because he's THAT obsessed w/ you xoxo

Constance starts to kiss him and stroke him and it’s great, except… nothing’s happening. Never in his life has Garreth failed to, er… rise to the occasion, so to speak. Sure, sometimes when he’s had some Firewhiskey he’s a bit slow to start, but you’ve always managed to coax him to attention with your filthy whispers and nimble hands. This is unprecedented.

Garreth remembers being fourteen years old, having finally earned the freedom to stay up as late as he’d like during his summer holidays. Sure, he slept with just as many siblings in his room as he had roommates during the school year in his dormitory at Hogwarts, but here he was the youngest boy still living at home, so he could enjoy some well-earned peace and quiet once the smaller ones were marched off to bed.

He’d been reading through one of his sister’s old sixth-year potions books by the fire one night when one of his older brothers, seemingly too inebriated to have forgotten that he’d recently moved into his own flat, stumbled in from the pub down in the village.

He looked miserable, and not just from having consumed too many pints.

Garreth closed his book and skeptically asked him, “Are you alright?”

“Ahhh, little brother,” he’d slurred back at him. “Have I got somethin’ important to tell you.”

Garreth rolled his eyes and nodded for his drunken brother to continue as he wandered his way into the Weasleys’ cozy sitting room.

“Whenever a witch breaks your heart, which will happen,” he’d continued. “The bes’ way to get over one of them birds to get under a new one. Don’t be like me, s’pathetic.”

With a scoff, Garreth stood up and hooked an arm around his brother’s waist to steady him before pouring him onto the couch.

“Florence ‘n me, we’re done,” he stubbornly insists. “For good this time.”

Garreth watched fondly as his brother grabbed a throw pillow and hugged it against his chest before drifting off to sleep right there on the couch, where their mother would inevitably find him in the morning and exasperatedly offer him some breakfast.

As the years had gone by, he’d forgotten his brother’s lapse in judgment – he suspects his brother had as well, given that he and Florence are now happily betrothed.

But Garreth hadn’t forgotten what his brother had told him.

Years later, that advice comes rushing back to him when he finds himself sighing just as pathetically as his brother had. He leans over his cauldron with a  pitiful frown while across the room, you’re chatting with Poppy about your upcoming Potions practical.

He knows he must look visibly miserable, but you? You seem entirely unaffected by the supposed “break” the two of you are meant to be taking. You’re laughing at something Poppy’s just said, smiling that very same smile that’s been plaguing his daydreams for the past week.

(It’s the one that made him fall for you in the first place.)

Nothing has helped to take his mind off of you since you’d sat him down and explained that you needed some time to yourself. He’d tried throwing himself into his studies, which quickly turned boring. Then he started to workshop some new recipes of his own design, but even that failed to capture his attention for very long.

That’s when his brother’s advice had called out to him: the best way to get over a girl is to get under another one.

But there aren’t any other girls Garreth has ever thought about getting underneath, per se.

…Well, Garreth supposes there is one girl.

That Ravenclaw girl who’s in his Arithmancy class – Constance Dagworth. He can’t say he knows all that much about her, but she’s really quite pretty if he’s being honest, and she’s always been nice to him whenever he asked to borrow her notes.

Best of all? She looks nothing like you.

He’s fairly sure she’s blushed at some of his more colorful jokes before – not that he’d been interested back then, of course. But now…

Now he ought to ask Constance down to the Three Broomsticks, he thinks. Try getting to know her a little bit better.

A few days later, he finds himself sitting across from her over a few mugs of foamy Butterbeer, and things are going well. She’s a bit quiet, Garreth thinks, but maybe she’s just a good listener. She’s friendly enough, and she’s got a nice smile.

(Her eyes aren’t quite as bright as yours, perhaps. Her lips aren’t as full, and her nose doesn’t turn up at the end –

No, he thinks. Stop it. She’s a sweet girl.)

As the evening winds down, Constance knocks her foot against Garreth’s underneath the table and rests one of her hands on top of his. She’s got that look on her face that he recognizes from his fifth year, when he and his fellow students had first started to really date each other.

Without saying a word, she asks, Want to go back to the castle? Want to find somewhere private? Want to try getting a bit closer?

Garreth raises an eyebrow and quickly tosses a few Galleons onto the table before offering Constance his arm.

On the way back to the castle, Garreth finds himself lost in thought. By now, there are so few places he hasn’t been with you that even thinking of a place to sneak off to is challenging, but he suddenly remembers that Professor Sharp had finally relented and let him borrow the key to the potions storeroom only a few days earlier.

Obviously, he’d quickly Transfigured a spare bit of metal from his Alchemy class into a copy of the key, which he just so happened to be carrying in his pocket.

“I know a place,” he murmurs, taking Constance’s hand. “Follow me.”

Mercifully the storage room is just off the Bell Tower Courtyard. They encounter few students on their way, though Garreth idly wonders how long it’ll be until someone tells you that he was spotted with his arm around another girl.

He figures he’d better enjoy this while he can.

Garreth uses his key to unlock the heavy wooden door and holds it open for Constance like a gentleman. Once inside, however, things become decidedly ungentlemanly.

She’s the first to kiss him, but he’s the first to put his hands on her body – lightly, on her waist at first, and then down to her hips. She’s a fair kisser, he observes, if not a bit shy. She tastes like Butterbeer and cherry lip salve. (He finds himself missing how you often taste like pumpkin juice, Dittany and whatever he’s been brewing up that week.)

Before long, Garreth’s got his hands inside her shirt and she’s arching her chest against his hands. She’s quite gifted here, he thinks; desperately he tries not to think about how her breasts compare to yours, but he can’t help it.

She’s bigger, perhaps, but… but you’d always felt so lovely in his hands. A perfect handful he’d say to you teasingly, much to your delight.

“Gods, Garreth,” Constance sighs. “Can… can I touch you?”

“Yes,” he growls, quickly reaching for his belt.

Constance giggles and tugs her shirt out of her skirt to let it drop to the floor while Garreth takes a seat on that rickety ladder Sharp keeps inside the storage closet.

She steps between his legs while he tugs open his trousers, offering him a sultry look as she reaches inside and wraps a hand around his cock.

Constance starts to kiss him and stroke him and it’s great, except… nothing’s happening.

Never in his life has Garreth failed to, er… rise to the occasion, so to speak. Sure, sometimes when he’s had some Firewhiskey he’s a bit slow to start, but you’ve always managed to coax him to attention with your filthy whispers and nimble hands.

This is unprecedented.

“Is… is what I’m doing okay?” Constance asks hesitantly.

“Y-yeah, yes,” he insists. “Just – sorry, you can keep going.”

Merlin’s beard, he thinks. This cannot be happening.

So she keeps her hand inside his trousers and he keeps kissing her but nothing is happening.

“I – I swear, this has never happened to me,” he stammers with a nervous laugh. “Um, I… give me a minute, I can–”

“It’s alright,” Constance says, quickly backing off. “M-maybe this was a bad idea.”

“No, no, it’s… I just need a minute,” Garreth says, wincing when he realizes how utterly pathetic he sounds.

“Garreth, it’s okay,” Constance says softly. “I think… maybe tonight just isn’t the right time.”

He watches in miserable silence as Constance redresses and straightens her skirt before gathering her cloak and ducking back out into the hallway. She offers him a sad, pitying sort of smile as she goes.

Garreth remains in that closet for a long while after, wondering if there’s anything on Sharp’s storage shelves that could put him out of his misery right then and there. Eventually, he realizes that word has probably spread by now, and there’s no use avoiding the devastating interrogation he’s going to get back in his common room.

However, when he slips inside behind the Fat Lady’s portrait, there’s just one Gryffindor waiting up for him.

“So,” you drawl as soon as the portrait door slams closed. “Constance Dagworth? Really, Garreth?”

Bollocks.

“I – I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stutters.

You shoot him a withering look. “We both know you’re lying, Weasley. I heard it straight from Astoria, she sent me a note as soon as Constance got back to her dormitory.”

He’s well and truly fucked.

“Look, I… it was just – it didn’t mean anything,” he mutters, avoiding your gaze. “We were at the Three Broomsticks–”

“On a date,” you interject.

“–and we came back to the castle and she had a question about Gillyweed, so I just wanted to show her where Sharp keeps it,” he says, clinging once more to a lie. “I swear, that’s all I was trying to do.”

“And the part where she ended up with her hand down your trousers was what, an accident?” you demand.

Garreth goes pale, but just as quickly his face burns red.

“Why are you even asking me about this?” he counters. “We’re on a break. In fact, we’re on a break because you wanted a break, do you remember that part?”

Your jaw goes tense. “You’re right, this is all my fault. I suppose I should have realized that you’d barely wait a week before going out and finding some new girlfriend.”

“She is not my girlfriend,” he scoffs. “But neither are you, so why do you even care?”

Much to Garreth’s surprise, instead of returning his verbal spar with a cutting jab of your own, you fall silent. Then, to his horror, you start sniffling like you’re about to cry. As he takes a step toward you, you turn your back.

“D-don’t,” you stutter. “...You’re right. It’s not my place.”

“Love,” he says softly. “Do you… should we talk about this?”

“N-no,” you whimper, shoulders hunched. “B-because it was my stupid idea to take a break, and – and I’m not supposed to be mad that you’re moving on, and–”

He cuts you off with a gentle hand on your shoulder. Wordlessly you turn around and let him tug you against his chest, resting his chin against the top of your head while you softly cry into his rumpled collar.

“I want you to listen to me very clearly,” he murmurs into your hair. “I haven’t ‘moved on.’ I was heartbroken, and I missed you so much that I went a little mad, and I made a mistake. But believe you me, I sincerely regret it.”

Underneath his breath, he adds, “My own body didn’t even want me to go through with it.”

You make a funny noise against his chest – he’s not quite sure whether it’s a sob or a laugh, but he suspects the latter.

A few moments later, you admit, “I heard that part, actually. It… perhaps I’m just as mad as you are, but it made me feel a bit better.”

Garreth grimaces. “I suppose if you’ve heard, half the school will have heard by breakfast.”

“I’ll apologize for that,” you whisper. “I was quite angry when Astoria told me, so… I may have told a few people.”

“Right,” he grumbles. “I don’t suppose you’d mind telling them that I never had any ‘problems’ when the two of us went to bed?”

You laugh softly and murmur, “Hmm… no, you never had that problem with me, whether it was a bed, or an armchair, an empty desk or even the odd potions stand.”

Just like that, Garreth’s mind flashes back to the last time the two of you snuck down to the Potions classroom after hours. It can’t have been more than a few weeks ago, but he can still hear your moans echoing off the empty cauldrons while he kneeled between your thighs. You’d had your fingers in his hair, tugging desperately as he’d licked you open with two fingers twisted inside you, pressed up against that spot that sends you into a frenzy.

…Just like that, his ‘problem’ from earlier seems to have resolved itself.

“I think,” you say softly, “that you’d be able to take me right here in the common room, if you ever wanted to.”

He swallows audibly while you press your hand against the front of his trousers.

“Are you – you’re serious?” he asks, his eyes wide.

“Why not?” you ask softly. “No one else is here, they’ve all gone to bed, and… and I miss you. I miss being close to you.”

He skims his hand down the length of your back, letting it rest just above the curve of your ass. “You do, hmm?”

“I miss touching you,” you continue as you grind the heel of your palm against the front of his trousers. “I miss when you’d touch me.”

“Then let me touch you,” he replies, bunching up the back of your skirt so he can get at your bare skin. “Right now, right here.”

You take his arm and walk him over to one of the plush common room couches before shoving him down onto it. Then you straddle one of his thighs and pull him in by the collar for a rough, needy kiss.

This, being here with you, is so much more satisfying than the encounter Garreth had just come from. You kiss him like you know him, because you do. You know just how to wind him up, how to tempt him closer — and how much he loves it when you pull away a bit, just to tease him.

You nip at his bottom lip before you drag your hand down his chest and tug pointedly at his belt.

“Feeling up for it, are we?” you ask him.

He scoffs at your deliberate lewdness and wordlessly undoes his belt.

You hum when he finally pulls his cock out, evidently hard and even a bit wet at the tip already.

“You seem quite satisfied with yourself,” he quips.

With a smirk, you reply, “I’m just happy you seem satisfied this time.”

You move to straddle his lap and reach beneath your skirt to tug your thin undergarments to the side. Then Garreth holds his cock steady as you sink down onto him.

As soon as you’re seated, you let your skirt fall back down and cover where the two of you are joined – any potential onlookers would surely assume you’re merely sitting astride your lover’s lap, sweetly tracing your fingertips across his shoulders.

That is, until you start to ride him in earnest.

The filthy, wet sound of skin on skin is unmistakable as you both start to move — you bouncing on your knees and Garreth thrusting up to meet your eager pace.

“Yes,” you whine. “Garreth, gods, I’ve missed this so much.”

He briefly wonders if he’s merely dreaming this. He’s already spent so many hours in the past week reminiscing about you, your body, your mouth, but this… this is much too good to simply be a daydream.

Garreth groans and reaches for your shirt, wrestling with its buttons until he can tug it open enough to press his lips to your chest.

“Missed you,” he confesses into your skin. “Desperately.”

You plant your hands on your shoulders as you grind down on his lap, which pulls broken moans out of the both of you. You feel like sin around him, just like you always do, but even more than the warm heat of your core around his (occasionally traitorous) cock, he’d missed the heavenly weight of you in his lap and the sweet sounds you make when you’re filled with him.

“Touch me,” you beg him. “Anywhere, I just – I need more of you.”

Garreth would give you all of him if he could, he thinks.

He presses his lips to your neck as he cups his hands against your breasts. Dragging his thumbs across your nipples through your thin chemise elicits a whine and a shiver from you.

“You’re perfect,” he says against your neck. “Perfect, love, s’only you, no one else.”

By now the well-worn common room couch is audibly creaking, and should anyone wander downstairs the two of you would fool absolutely no one. But Garreth thinks he rather likes the idea of getting caught, even if he’d surely earn detention until the end of term.

The truth is he’d like someone to see for themselves that he absolutely can rise to the occasion, thank you very much. And when he does, he thinks he does a proper good job.

To that point, he thinks he’s got you right on the edge already, and he’s determined to bring you to your release before he even entertains the idea of his own.

Garreth slides a hand beneath your skirt and up along your leg until he reaches the apex of your thighs. The heat the two of you have generated here makes him smirk to himself.

“Are you close?” he asks you softly. “Want me to make you come?”

“Please,” you whimper. “Garreth, please.”

He cheekily nips at your jaw while he presses his fingertips against your clit, offering nothing more than exactly what you need – a firm spot to grind on while you chase your climax on his cock.

“Come on love, that’s it,” he murmurs in your ear. “Been too long, hasn’t it?”

“Oh, shut up,” you pant, and he dutifully remains silent while you bury your face against his shoulder and practically hump his hand until you gasp and groan.

He feels your release as it soaks into his trousers and finds it hard to believe he couldn’t even get hard an hour ago. He’s never been harder in his life, he thinks.

“Stay right there,” he grunts. “Just – gods, you’re going to bring me off just like this, aren’t you? You’re so fucking good, love.”

“Yes,” you whine. “Keep going, Garreth.”

Keep going he does, with one hand possessively gripping your thigh and the other shoved up to your hip beneath your skirt to hold you still so he can thrust up inside you. He’s so bloody close, he’s right there, and then you lean in and whisper something to him that nearly knocks the breath out of him.

You sigh into his ear, “I want to be the only one who gets to make you feel like this.”

As if by your command, Garreth comes with a stuttered moan and spills deep inside you. You hum happily and nose at his slightly-sweaty hairline while he catches his breath. As he slowly recovers, he coaxes you into settling your full weight on him with a wordless tug at your hip. He then wraps his arms around your waist to hold you tightly against his chest.

“This ‘break’ of yours is over, by the way,” he tells you cheekily.

“Obviously,” you scoff. “What a rubbish idea.”

“Why did you ask for one, then?” he asks, only half teasing you.

“I think I was just… scared,” you admit to him. “I felt like I was going mad over you. It was too much, all at once. But being without you was so much worse.”

For your honesty, Garreth offers you a soothing kiss. While he holds you like this in his lap, your floral scent in his nose and his fingers tangled in your messy hair, he can’t help but think he might not be the only one of his brothers engaged by the time spring rolls around.