#ominis and anne would plan great parties

[writing-intheundercroft]

Wreck My Plans - S. Sallow

AO3 Link

Word Count: 8,734

Rating: E (Smut, Oral Sex, Fingering, Pregnancy, NSFW, MDNI)

Summary: You try to share some life-changing news with Sebastian, but it seems he has other plans. Specifically, recruiting you to join one of his missions.

A/N: Auror Seb is back! I've been writing this one in the background for a while. Who was going to warn me that writing action sequences was hard??? Next one for auror Seb is a prologue to the series :)

“You’re sure?” You ask, swallowing thickly as you process the information your fellow healer has just told you.

“Very.” She smiles broadly. “By the looks of it, ten weeks or so.  You never noticed any of the symptoms until now?”

Your hand flies down to pet your stomach, and the tiny bump that now seems obvious.  How could you have not known?  

“I figured I was just hungrier,” you admit. “Tired from the transition to the day shift, adjusting back to the time zone after traveling.”

��Yes, well no more international travel for you.” the healer advises. “Not until the baby is born.  I daresay, you might not be traveling for quite some time, especially with a young babe in hand. How’s that house in Marunweem coming along?”

You’ve been bragging about your fixer upper for months now; Sebastian has really made a dent in the work, adding another bedroom and fixing up a porch on the backside of the house.  During the week, Sebastian is poised and collected, proving time and time again to his superiors just why he deserved the promotion to senior auror.  On the weekends, he has his sleeves rolled up, shirt unbuttoned as he hammers away at the wooden planks.

More often than not, you’re ripping his shirt off for him, or situated below him on your knees.  He works so incredibly hard for the two of you and the life he wants to give you; it's hard to keep your hands to yourself.

You start piecing together the timeline, what you’d been doing all this time; when you remember where you were at, you blush at the thought.  Ten weeks ago, you and Sebastian were in Sicily, enjoying your first real holiday as a couple.  He spared no expense, renting a palazzo from an Italian wizard he’d met through a contact in the department of international magic affairs.  You’d spent three glorious weeks by the sea, eating fresh seafood and exploring every inch of Sebastian’s body at night.  

“Sebastian!” You swatted at him.  

He grinned at you, his fingers plunged inside of you.  It was positively deranged the way he began fucking you with his hand, the seed he’d just spilt inside of you pushed further in.

“What?” he asked nonchalantly. “You did agree to have my baby a few months ago, if I recall correctly…”

Sebastian’s swollen lips descended upon yours, hungrily kissing you.  To your surprise, his thick length started to swell again, clearly aroused by your whimpering and the wet sound of his spend being manipulated, pushed even closer to its goal.

“You’re incorrigible,” You laugh against his lips as he situated himself between your legs again. The room was dimly lit, only deeply burnt candles illuminating the room you’d called home for the past few days.

“What can I say?” Sebastian whispered, teeth grazing your chin. “I’m insatiable for my fiancee.”

You took in a sharp breath when you felt the blunt head of his cock pressed against your heat again. “That’s the third time tonight,” you gasped as he slid into you with ease.  Your body knew who it belonged to–Sebastian was no intrusion. Your head tilted back against the pillows, moaning as Sebastian laved his tongue up and down your sweaty throat. 

“I don’t care,” Sebastian grunted, slowly rolling his hips against you. “Three–fucking–weeks–ungh, all I want to do is have you in bed, naked, for three whole weeks uninterrupted.”

You clutch onto him, teeth sinking into his shoulder as you flutter around him again. 

“Ma’am, are you listening?”

You blink out of your daydream, looking back up at your healer. 

“What did you ask?”

“I asked if you’ve been doing any strenuous activity lately.” The healer asks.

You turn bright red, brushing the back of your neck with your hand. You’ve been bedding Sebastian nearly every night, at least when the two of you aren’t exhausted from work or feeling ill.  Neither of you ever minded to track your courses, considering they’d been tricky after years of an off-kilter schedule at St. Mungo's. 

“I’ll take it easy,” you assure the healer, who doesn’t seem all that convinced. She lets you off with a blood renewing potion and some vitamins, and you leave St. Mungo's in a daze.

Your first instinct is to run straight to the ministry, barreling into Sebastian’s office with the news.  But on second thought, it’s probably news best saved for home–you’d rather not have the most important news of your life shared in front of his colleagues. Instead, you make your way to Diagon Alley to pick up supplies for dinner, stopping by the owl post office to send a note to Poppy.  You haven’t heard from her in a little while, but you know she’ll be over the moon when she reads the news.

All is well in your life, you think.  You’ll have to move the wedding up–Ominis and Anne have been insistent you wait until the next spring, once the frost has thawed and you can have a May wedding.  You’d really rather not host your newborn at your wedding, so late autumn will have to do.  Perhaps you can sneak away to Feldcroft for the weekend with a few friends in tow, take an unbreakable vow in the center of the hamlet–

“I’m home,” You hear a voice call out.

Dropping the ladle, you wipe your hands on your skirts as you rush to greet Sebastian at the fireplace.  Skidding into the living room, your smile falters when you see the gruff expression on his face.

“What’s wrong?”

Sebastian shakes his head, hanging his coat on the rack next to the fireplace. “Long day,” he mumbles, sliding past you to go straight into the bedroom.  You feel a bit deflated–Sebastian is rarely one to avoid your touch, but tonight is different.  You hear the bathroom door slam, the faucets turning as he fills the bath.  From what you can remember, Sebastian is only ever this grizzly after a bad day at work.  Either bad news on a case, a perpetrator that’s gotten away, or the most dire, losing a colleague. 

You tiptoe up to the bathroom, rapping your knuckles against the wooden door. 

“Come in,” Sebastian sighs.

You slip past the door, kneeling next to the clawfoot tub.  Sebastian is submerged in steaming water, bubbles dissipating in the water.  Work has been particularly stressful–he’s gone a few days without shaving, dark stubble coating his chin.

“What’s wrong?” you ask gently.

Sebastian lolls his head back against the edge of the tub, staring at the ceiling. “We’ve got a real pain of a case on our hands.” he mutters, tilting his head to look at you.  It’s an unspoken question, one that doesn’t need asking–he should know by now that nothing he ever shares about his cases ever leaves the four walls of your home.

“International dragon breeding ring.” He states, the water splashing as he pulls up his knees under the water. “Seems like they were trying to raise some Hebridean Blacks in the highlands.  Clearly didn’t know how to handle their dragons, so the crew was burnt to a crisp by the time we got there.”

“That’s horrible,” you shake your head.

Sebastian wrinkles his nose. “I never, ever want to see bodies like that ever again.” he gags. “The worst part is now that they’re all toast, we’ve lost our only lead to the larger gang.”

“I’m sorry.” you pout, stroking his hair.

Sebastian sighs. “It’s okay.  I’m just quite tired for the day; I had a sausage roll on my way home from the office, I think I’ll just tuck in to bed early tonight.”

He notices you visibly shrink, knitting his thick eyebrows together. “What’s wrong, pet?”

“I made dinner.” you say sheepishly. “Your favorite.”

Sebastian gives you a wry look. “I’m sorry, love.  Rain check?  I really do just want to get in bed.”

Sebastian can’t see the way your hand hovers over your abdomen under the lip of the tub.  And while you’re desperate to share the news, you’d rather do so when he’s in a better mood. The last thing you want is the happy memory of your pregnancy announcement being marred by troubles at work.

“It’s fine, really.” you assure him. “I’ll pack it all up so you can take it to lunch tomorrow, bring a bit for the boys.”

Sebastian snorts, beads of water dripping from his arms as he lifts them out of the water. “I’m sure Everett and Andrew will love that.  Those two rarely ever see a home cooked meal.”  

“I’m not sure what those boys would do without me.” you say sarcastically. “Ominis was right–I have to stop feeding them so often; they’re coming back week by week like stray cats.”

“Oh please, you love babying the two of them.” Sebastian rolls his eyes. 

The word has your smile faltering, and Sebastian tilts his head, giving you a sympathetic look.

“It will happen, you know.” he puts a hand under your chin, tilting it up towards you. “I know it’s upsetting that it’s taken this long, but it’ll all work out in time.”

“Oh, that’s not–”

“Perhaps we should wait until after the wedding,” Sebastian suggests. “I mean, that’s surely the more proper thing to do. Plan it out, do it the right order.”

You turn bright red, swallowing thickly; Sebastian really has no clue. “We’ve never been proper, the two of us.”

Sebastian lets out a low chuckle, eyes darting down to your lips. “No, I don’t think we have.” The pad of his thumb traces over your lips, slipping between them.

“Tell you what,” Sebastian breathes. “I finish washing up, and I meet you in the bedroom for a cuddle.”

“Something tells me we’re not going to be cuddling.” You raise an eyebrow, eyes darting down to Sebastian’s free hand, which has slipped underneath the water and between his legs. 

“No, we’re not.” Sebastian says, voice low and needy.  Your eyes flit down to the surface of the water, rippling with every stroke of his hand. “Get in the bed, now.”

You smile, biting down on your lip as you do what he says. After all, it won’t be long before two becomes three, so you want to relish these nights for as long as you can.

You wake up when Sebastian presses his lips against yours.  He’s never been very good at kissing softly–almost always, your fiance kisses you with enough fervor to wake you. 

“I’m sorry,” he whispers, nosing your cheek. “I wanted to kiss you before I left.  Got a message that I need to be in the office earlier than usual–all hands on deck.”

You open your eyes, blinking up at him.  He’s fully dressed in his suit, auror badge pinned to his coat pocket.  His work bag is at his feet, last night’s carefully wrapped leftovers next to it.  From the window behind him, you can see the sky is still black, a smattering of stars filling the sky.  It has to be four, maybe five o’clock in the morning.

“Send Everett and Andrew my love,” you yawn. “Tell them to enjoy the short rib.”

Sebastian snorts, mouth descending upon yours once more. “I’m starting to think you like them more than me,” he teases, nipping your lower lip with his teeth. “Have a good shift today.  I’ll see you at home tonight.”

You don’t follow Sebastian to the fireplace, instead electing to fall back into your bed for a few more hours of sleep before your shift at St. Mungo's. You’ll tell him tonight, you think, putting together the plan while you dress for the day.  Perhaps roast chicken and potatoes for dinner, and a cake with the good news on it.  You’re buzzing, eager to execute your plan once you’ve gotten home. So much so, you completely miss the owl sitting in the window, clucking at you while you hum over your cooking.

It’s only when the owl threatens to bite you that you pick up the note, deflating the minute you see the DMLE logo.  

Urgent case.  All hands on deck–we’ve been ordered to stay in the office until further notice; might be traveling internationally too.  I’ll send an owl when I know more. 

xx Sebastian

You shrug off your worries; this isn’t exactly unexpected. Given the high risk of Sebastian’s job, he’s often sequestered to the office or traveling for a case, sometimes days at a time. Perhaps the waiting will make your reveal all the more special.  You can picture Sebastian falling to the ground in front of the fireplace once you tell him after much time away from home.

After two days, you’re worried.  Come five, you’re irritated.  Ten days later, you’re thoroughly mad that this case has wrecked your plans.

It takes nearly all your willpower not to break down the doors of the auror office.  On the bright side, Sebastian knows well enough to reassure you of his good health via owl post. Per usual, he can’t say much, except that there had been a considerable development in their dragon breeding ring case.  He’s been bunking up with Everett and Andrew in the office (the two bachelors also sending thank you cards for the feast you’d cooked) and he’s quite miserable without your company.

Sebastian’s owl post gives you some peace over the miserable days, especially considering the onset of your morning sickness.  It seems that since your brain has accepted the concept of being pregnant, your body has decided to follow suit.  You’re lucky that there are plenty of other mothers working at St. Mungo’s beside you, each of them offering a sympathetic smile or a packet of crackers once you've emerged from the bathroom.

You’re just returning from a trip to the porcelain throne, wiping the corner of your mouth, only to hear your name once you pass the ward matron desk.

“Oi, ministry man is looking for you,” one of your fellow healers says, jerking their thumb back towards the ward matron’s desk. 

You whip your head around to see a sharply dressed man standing at the desk, seemingly annoying your ward matron.  He’s older and gray; there’s something familiar about his face.

It clicks–he’s Sebastian’s superior officer.

The blood drains from your face as you walk towards him, hands clenched in fists. “Can I help you?”

He says your name, bowing his head slightly. “Augustus Green, we’ve met before. You’re Sallow’s fiancee, aren’t you?”

“Is he alright?” you ask, panicking.  You instinctively press a hand to your stomach.

“Oh goodness, I should’ve started with that,” he admits sheepishly. “Sallow is fine, no cause for alarm.  I’m here to summon you for an appearance at the office.”

“Summon? Me?” you gape up at him. 

“All the information is here,” Green says impatiently, handing you a manilla folder. “And a letter for your matron to excuse you from your duties.”

It’s all a blur from there, the ward matron clicking her tongue disapprovingly when you hand over the letter.  With that task out of the way, Officer Green starts herding you to the closest floo flame.  It feels as if he’s got you by the back of your robe, pulling you into the green fire. You grip the manilla folder tighter, swallowing down the vomit in your throat.  Floo travel is safe while pregnant, but certainly not comfortable. 

When your eyes open, you’re standing in an unfamiliar office.  You know where you are though–the ministry, the DMLE office specifically.  The furnishings match Sebastian’s office, except this one is clearly larger.  There’s a woman organizing files in the corner, quickly standing to greet Officer Green on his return.

“Marlene, put a kettle on, why don’t you?” Green huffs, walking over to his chair. “And summon the task force team.  Meeting in my office.”

You cross your arms over your chest–it’s Marlene of all people, one of Sebastian’s former flings.  She gives you a phony smile, eyes flitting down to the diamond ring on your left hand.

Well, you suppose the crestfallen look on her face makes the trip to the ministry worthwhile. 

As Marlene passes through the doorway, a group of aurors makes their way inside.  A few unfamiliar faces, but then three of your favorites–Andrew Larson, Everett Clopton, and Sebastian.  Sebastian is giving you a proud grin, chest puffed out.  You haven’t seen him in nearly two weeks, and his once sparse beard is now growing thick.  It takes all of your self control to not throw yourself into his arms, relieved to see that your fiance is still well after being away for so long.

The aurors line up against the wall, awaiting instructions.

“I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve asked you here,” Green states, folding his hands on his desk. “We’re assembling a task force team to work on a sensitive case. We normally wouldn’t operate on foreign soil, but considering the abductee is a British citizen–”

“Pardon, abductee?” You interrupt. 

“Yes, details will be in your briefing.” Officer Green states, pointing down to the folder in your hands. “Our officers have spent the last few months tracking the smaller units of an international dragon breeding ring.  They’ve gotten sloppy since we’ve started apprehending their top breeders, and have since retreated to their home base in Norway. A British citizen has been abducted by the ring leaders of the operation, likely due to her expansive knowledge on Norwegian Ridgebacks.  Miss Sweeting is a well known magizoologist–”

Your throat goes dry, and for the first time in days, your stomach is churning from anxiety, not from morning sickness.

“Miss Sweeting was abducted from her home–sign of forced entry, her wand and personal effects were found littered throughout the property.  Our auror department has uncovered evidence that leads us to believe the criminals are keeping her on hand with the dragons to provide guidance in their breeding efforts.”

Officer Green carries on. “The task force comprises several of our best aurors, some of which were classmates of Miss Sweeting and have a personal interest in her safety. You were recommended to join the task force by Officer Sallow,” Green continues. “Considering your relationship to Miss Sweeting, and experience with dragons in the past.”

You blink at the senior officer, mouth agape. “But I’m only a healer, sir.”

“A healer will be extraordinarily important for a mission like this,” Green points out. “With the imminent danger–”

“You saved half the department once,” Andrew Larson blurts. “Rather have you on our team if we’re facing dragons and dark wizards in one go.”

The room dissolves into nervous giggles as Green swats at Andrew.  Sebastian, however, is completely unphased, smiling at you as if he’s signed you up for a field trip, not a mission across international lines to save one of your best friends.  If Poppy wasn’t the one in danger, you probably would’ve wrung his neck by now.

“As I was saying before Mr. Larson so rudely interrupted,” Green rolled his eyes. “We need a healer on the task force. We will pay you for any days missed at your regular shift, and a bonus upon return.  That, and all accommodations in Norway–”

“I’m sorry, Norway?” you ask, dumbfounded.

“Yes, where we believe the perpetrators are keeping Miss Sweeting to assist in the breeding of their dragons.” Green interjects, tapping the briefing folder again. “We have a portkey scheduled to depart in an hour. Please review your folder beforehand.”

You hardly listen to the rest of the briefing.  The rational side of your brain is screaming at you to tell the truth–you’re pregnant, the healers just said to limit international travel, and you hardly think you should be jumping into battle with a dragon breeding ring in your condition.  Is portkey travel even safe during pregnancy?  

Your thoughts scream at you as Green dismisses the room; before your brain even registers movement, your feet are scuffling towards Sebastian’s office. He’s standing at his desk, two large duffle bags side by side. You shut the door with trembling hands.

“I took the liberty of purchasing some things you’ll need,” he says cheerfully, digging through the bag. You hold out your arms as he pushes a pair of trousers and a shirt into them. “Some wool stockings and your base layers, it’ll be cold, that’s for sure…” he trails off.

“Sebastian,” you swallow thickly. “Sebastian, I–”

“I’m sorry if this is coming across as a surprise.” Sebastian shucks off his jacket, unbuttoning his shirt. “That, and for being gone for so long.  It was all hands on deck with the case; I’ve been bunking up in here with Larson and Clopton.  You have no idea how badly I want to be home.” he groans, slipping a new undershirt on.

Your brain is frazzled. You want to be angry at him, to be worried, but your heart is thumping in your chest.  It’s been too long since you’ve seen him, and you’ve been worried sick.  Your body’s first instinct is to wrap your arms around him and inhale his familiar scent.

Sebastian laughs when you do so, pressing a kiss to the top of your head. “I know, Pet. As soon as this is done and dusted and we’ve got Poppy home, things can go back to normal.” he murmurs against your hair.

You nuzzle your face deeper into his chest, inhaling his cedar cologne. “Are you sure this is safe?  I'm not in dueling shape.” you admit sheepishly.  In your youth, you would’ve charged into combat headfirst without warning–years of working in St. Mungo's has you untrained.

Sebastian laughs, his beard tickling your face. “Safe? You’re the best duelist I know–besides myself, of course. You’ll be fine.  Besides, we mostly need you for healing purposes.  That magic of yours works a trick on burns.  Remember–”

“In the Undercroft, when you accidentally blew up a barrel of mead.” you snort at the memory.  It hadn’t been funny then, watching Sebastian writhe on the floor from the burns.  You’d fallen at his side, instinctively using your ancient magic to siphon the pain. He was healed in a matter of seconds, and it set you on the trajectory to become a healer.

“Precisely.” Sebastian licks his lips. “That, and to be with Poppy. I’m sorry, I wish I could have told you sooner, but we weren’t allowed to say.” He pulls a wand from his desk–Poppy’s wand, white ash wood with a swirling handle–and presses it into your hands. “You should hold on to it, for safekeeping.  You can give it to her once we rescue her.”

You look up at his chocolate brown eyes, lids dotted with freckles.  You want to tell him–you need to tell him–

“What’s wrong?” Sebastian pouts. “You’ve always said you wanted to come to work with me.”

You open your mouth, trying to find the words, but you can’t.  You’ll be fine, you think.  What’s one more trip?  Besides, you’ll do anything to ensure Poppy is safe.

“I don’t like your beard.” you blurt.

Sebastian roars with laughter, rubbing his jawline. “I knew you’d hate it; Clopton and Larson were egging me on to grow it out.  I don't have a razor here; I promise I’ll shave it when I get home.  Now, come on, let’s get you dressed all warm and snug. We've got a portkey to catch.”

“I’m sorry–I thought I had your size memorized.” Sebastian mutters, helping you unlace your corset.

You wince, a low hiss coming out from your lips as you let the offending garment fall to the ground.  Assessing your torso in the blurred mirror, you can see lines from the whalebone pins left in your skin.  Your hand instinctively rubs over your stomach silently apologizing to the babe inside of you for being squished all afternoon.  

“The portkey couldn’t just drop us off here, at the inn?” You complain, slipping one of Sebastian’s clean shirts over your head.  

“We couldn’t draw attention to ourselves, you know that,” Sebastian tuts. “Besides, I thought you enjoyed hiking?”

“I enjoy hiking when it's planned.” you groan, falling back against the bed. “Almost thought I’d ask Andrew to cart me up the mountain.”

Sebastian starts unlacing your boots, letting the heavy shoes fall to the floor.  Your woolen stockings are peeled off next, laid out next to the fireplace to stay warm.  He carefully unlaces and works your trousers off your legs, draping them over a stool.  

“I am sorry.” Sebastian says, climbing into bed next to you.  Your muscles are sore, legs like jelly after the long trek.  Knowing this, he pulls your legs into his lap, working his thumbs into your calves to massage them. “I thought it might be fun.”

You snort. “Fun? Sebastian, we’re on a mission to find Poppy, who's been taken hostage by dragon dealers. That hardly sounds like fun.” Your head falls back against the pillows, which have definitely seen better days.

“I know, but they were looking for a healer to join the force, and I knew you were the right person.” Sebastian reminds you, nimble fingers moving down to massage your sore feet. “Besides, it’s kind of fun to work together, isn’t it?  Reminds me of the good old days.”

“Ah, yes, the good old days.” you parrot back to him. “Us, running like vigilantes around the highlands. Stealing bounty from old chests, blasting away at acromantulas.”

“What can I say?  We were spirited teenagers.” Sebastian chuckles.  His fingers slow, making deliberate circles in the arch of your foot. “I wanted us to have one more good adventure before we settled down, got married.”

You prop yourself up on your elbows, raising an eyebrow at him. “We won’t have adventures after we’re married?  Thanks for the vote of confidence.” you jest.

“You know what I mean,” Sebastian shrugs. “After we’re married and we’ve got kids in the house, we’ll be boring old parents.” he wrinkles his nose. “Might as well bank up a few good stories for the children while we still can.”

Your smile falters. “Do you really think we’ll be that boring?”

“We’ll have to be, won’t we?” Sebastian sighs. “I’ll probably take some time off after the baby is born, of course.  And when I’m back to work, I’ll ask to be reassigned to low risk cases.  So, in the meantime, I’ll enjoy all the tough stuff while I still can.”

You should tell him.  You really do need to tell him.

You don’t.

He sounds so glum, trading in a life of adventure and danger for nappies and lullabies.  Perhaps his interest in fatherhood was just spurred by the renewal of your relationship. It makes sense that he’d start thinking more clearly now that it’s been nearly a year together.  Merlin, maybe he’s already bored of the little life you’ve created together–the house on a hill, far from the bustling city.  The logical side of your brain reminds you that Sebastian loves you, dotes on you, hand and foot (quite literally, the man is still massaging your feet).  Yet the irrational side of your brain, likely flooded with pent-up hormonal energy, reminds you that he hasn’t been home in days . 

“You still love me, right?”  Gods, the words sound pathetic coming out of your mouth.

“Of course I do.” Sebastian’s eyes widen. “How could you think otherwise?”

“It’s nothing.” you say quickly, waving him off. “Just a stupid intrusive thought.”

Sebastian clicks his tongue, pushing your legs from his lap.  You stay, perched on your elbows, watching him move in between your legs. With a mischievous smile, Sebastian picks up your foot, pressing a kiss to your ankle.

“Then it seems I’ll have to work extra hard to put those thoughts to bed,” Sebastian whispers lowly.  His tongue laves circles up your calf, eyes trained on you while his mouth moves up, up, up your thigh.

“You colleagues are in the other room.” You croak.

“We have magic, don’t we?” Sebastian teases. “ Silencio should do the trick, unless I’ve made you forget basic spellcasting.”

“Shut up,” you mumble, trying to hide the laugh bubbling in your throat.

It’s against your better judgment, but you reach over to the side table to grab your wand.  Flicking it at the door, you mutter the silencing charm under your breath.  The room suddenly feels like a bubble, no noise from the outside world permitted in, and vice versa.

“We can’t go crazy,” you whimper as Sebastian takes a deliberate lick, pressing a kiss to your center. A moan slips from your mouth, head crashing against the flat pillows. “We have to wake up– oh, yes, right there –ugh, Sebastian, we have to wake up early.”

Sebastian grins, teeth grazing your skin lightly as he presses a languid kiss to the crease of your thigh. “I won’t keep you awake too long.” he promises, before diving back between your legs.

Sebastian knows you–almost a little too well, you think.  Somehow he knows the sex you need is tender and soft, his hips rocking into yours while he whispers how much he missed you, how he longs to come home to your bed.  His hand ghosts over your abdomen, but you quickly pull it up to your lips, pressing soft kisses to his worn knuckles. When he comes, face buried in your neck, he can't stop telling you how much he loves you. It isn't long before Sebastian drifts to sleep, lightly snoring against your skin with his arms wrapped around you. His beard tickles your shoulders, but you’ve missed him too much to push him away.

You flick your wrist at the candles, quickly extinguishing the fire.  With only pale moonlight streaming in through threadbare curtains, you pull the blankets up to your neck, focusing on Sebastian’s steady breathing.

Steady. Unwavering (except the time that you broke up…well, he’s more than made up for that by now). Dependable, devoted. Sebastian is going to make the most amazing father. You shut your drooping eyelids, reassuring yourself that Sebastian will be excited when you finally get to share your news.

“I'm freezing.” you spit out, shivering from the cold air.

“We’ve been waiting for hours,” Everett complains, recasting an anti-fogging spell on his glasses. “Larson should’ve made contact by now.”

“We have to stick to the plan,” Sebastian bites back. “Larson was to make contact with the dealers, send a signal leading to his location.  If he didn’t by sundown, we’d abandon the post and go back to the inn.”

While Sebastian had kept you busy the night prior, Andrew had gone undercover.  Your sweet Ravenclaw friend is unassuming, and quite the actor it seems–he reported at breakfast to say the breeders had given him coordinates to a meeting point, where he’d be given the opportunity to purchase a Norwegian Ridgeback dragon egg. Poking at his poached egg, Andrew assured the group that he’d send a patronus signal for back up once he’d identified the location of the operation.

Waiting for Andrew’s signal is excruciating, the better half of the day spent sitting around a now nearly burnt out campfire. You were pacing back and forth in the snow, drumming your fingers against your throat.  While you’re sure Andrew can hold his own (he has for years now, Sebastian tells you–a surprisingly astute duellist, much improved from his days in Crossed Wands) you hate the idea of your cheerful blond friend being alone.

Sebastian stands up, brushing snow from his pants. “It’ll be dark soon,” he muses. “We should start heading down to the inn soon.”

Your eyes widen. “And leave Andrew?”

“Andrew is an auror, Pet.” Sebastian reminds you. “One of our best.  He’ll be just fine getting down the mountain on his own.”

“If he needed back up, he would’ve called by now.” Everett tries to assure you, wiping his fogged up glasses again. “Gosh, I hope we’re only here another day or so–I fear my chomping cabbages are dead by now, I’ve been away from home for too long.”

“We can’t possibly leave him,” you gasp, stomping your foot in the snow. “I won’t allow it.”

Sebastian opens his mouth to argue with you, but clamps it shut when the sky darkens.  

“Take cover!” he roars, grabbing you and tackling you to the snow.  You gasp, curling into him as he rolls you behind a collection of boulders. In seconds, Everett has joined you.  His mouth is hanging open, staring up at the massive dark spot soaring above you.

“Sweet mother of Merlin,” Everett gasps. “Is that–”

“A Norwegian Ridgeback,” Sebastian grunts, tucking you in tighter to his chest. “A young one, based on the size, but still dangerous.”

Peeking over Sebastian’s shoulder, you can see a young dragon soaring overhead.  You can see the cracked collar, chains hanging from its neck. The poor beast is clawing at the collar, a high pitched squeal coming from its mouth as it flaps its wings. When its jaw opens, you can see the flames curling up from the back of its throat.  Sebastian backs into you, an arm curling around your waist to keep you shielded from the heat. 

“Protego!” you hear a familiar voice scream. 

“You’re fucking kidding me,” Sebastian spits out.  He peeks around the boulder, eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets as his jaw falls open.  You stand to sneak a peek, equally shocked at the sight before you.

Andrew is running, bloodied with gashes in his clothes.  His blond hair is matted down and you’re not sure if it’s from blood or melted snow.  Wand extended, Andrew casts a shield charm to protect himself from the fire and waves of green curses.  His arm is looped through a short brunette’s, her wrists bound in goblin-forged silver cuffs. It’s Poppy, who is yelling at Andrew to avoid hurting the young dragon. Several breeders are chasing after them, firing curse after curse on Andrew’s heels. 

“A little help here!” Andrew roars, waving his arm the second he spots his colleagues.

The aurors break into action with little hesitation. Sebastian and Everett waste no time sprinting towards their partner. It feels like you’ve barely had a second to blink before the flashes of red and green start clashing around you.  Sebastian jumps to avoid a well-aimed shot, rolling to the ground before firing a countercurse at his attacker. His hair is covered in powdery snow, cheeks red from the cold as he fires off a defensive spell set.  You watch him, mouth agape, barely registering his voice calling out your name. 

“Get Poppy out of here!” Sebastian hollers. “Both of you, before the dragon circles back!”

Right, you think, shaking out of your stupor.  You run, feet slowed by the snow, towards your friend.  She grabs your hands as soon as you reach her, staring at you in a panic.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Poppy shrieks.

Over her shoulder, you can see one of the breeders teeing up a spell.  With ease, you raise a boulder from behind him to knock him down the hill.  In doing so, you’ve drawn attention to yourself, the other breeders realizing that you’re a bigger threat than anticipated.

“Here for you,” you assure her. “Come on, let’s go.”

“You shouldn’t be here,” Poppy panics. “I got your letter, the morning they broke into my flat–”

“That’s the least important thing right now,” you screech, firing off a countercurse; the rebound is so strong, both of you are nearly knocked off your feet.

“But the baby!” Poppy shouts. “This isn’t safe!”

“Now is hardly the time to be scolding me,” you argue, panting as you channel your ancient magic to disintegrate one of your attackers. “The baby will be fine, I’m more worried about you!”

“What the bloody hell are you two talking about?”

Now you’ve really let the cat out of the bag, you think between spell combinations. You pause in place, braid whipping through the wind, to see Sebastian staring at you across the way.  His eyes are as wide as saucers, blinking rapidly as his mouth opens and shuts.

“Congratulations, guys!” Everett yells sarcastically, glasses now fully fogged from the fighting. “Think we can discuss this another time?”

“You’re pregnant?” Sebastian shrieks.

“I’ve been trying to tell you,” you pant, dodging a curse, “but you’ve been gone, I only just found out the day before you left–”

“We have to get you out of here!” Sebastian panics, running towards you from across the field. “You’re pregnant!  This is unsafe!”

“We don’t have time for this conversation!” You roar, casting confringo on the poachers drawing near.

“Careful with the heat, it’ll be bad for the baby!” Sebastian chides, but you roll your eyes.

“You got me into this mess, Sallow!  Both messes, I might add.” You say through gritted teeth.  It’s true–he’s the one who got you pregnant in the first place, and then volunteered you to join a covert mission. Honestly, you might find his rapid shift in attitude hilarious if you weren’t being rained down upon by flames and curses.

“We had sex, is that bad for the baby?” Sebastian asks. “For him? Or her?  Oh Merlin, what if it’s a girl–”

“I’m sorry,” Everett raises a brow, sidestepping a diffindo that had been thrown his way. “The two of you were shagging last night when we were supposed to be preparing for a mission?”

“You two are disgusting!” Andrew spits, casting stupefy on his assailant. 

“Can someone please figure out a way to get me out of these cuffs?” Poppy roars, shaking her still shackled wrists. “And does anyone have my wand by any chance?”

You curse under your breath, wiggling Poppy’s wand out of your too-tight breeches. She grasps her wand with both hands, wincing as you channel your ancient magic into snapping the metal.  Her wrists are rubbed raw from spending weeks in chains, but she shakes them out as she reacquaints herself with her wand.

The sky goes dark again; the dragon circles in the air, flapping wings causing the entire battle to cease while everyone braces in the snow.  

“You need to get out of here,” Sebastian hisses. “I’m begging you–”

“And leave you here, with this lot and the dragon? Absolutely not.” you snap. “The father of my child needs to see another day.”

“Hello!” Everett screams. “There’s still a fight going on here, if the two of you haven’t– ouch !”

Both of you turn your heads to see Everett laying in the snow, groaning.  One of the breeders is stomping towards him, twirling his wand in hand.  Nostrils flared, you push Sebastian aside and aim your wand.  With barely even a flick, the man is thrown back against the snow, a disconcerting crack ringing through the air.

Not your boys , you think.  You plan to see all of these aurors back to London, alive and without injury.

“Poppy,” you yell, firing basic casts at the approaching breeders. “Can you secure the dragon?”

“Working on it!” Poppy’s voice is muffled, her wand between her teeth.  You can see her, your little firecracker of a friend, trying to scale the rocks to get closer to the dragon.  As the country’s leading expert on dragons, you hope she’ll have the dragon under control before long. She’s babbling towards the beast, cooing reassuring words as it snorts steam.

“Bertie, calm down.” You hear Poppy cluck at the dragon, her hands held high. “It’ll be alright–”

Andrew, who has foregone his wand, punches one of the breeders squarely in the nose. Shaking his hand out, he turns back to Poppy. “Bertie? Bertie, who you were droning on about while I was trying to rescue you, is the damn dragon?” he yells. “The one who was trying to kill us just a bit earlier?”

“I was alone!” Poppy shrieks back. “You try being alone with just dragons for two weeks, you would start naming them too!  And he was not trying to kill us, he’s just afraid–”

“Shut up!” Sebastian hollers. “Can you two behave?”

Sebastian is shouting at both Andrew and Poppy, and doesn’t see the breeder approaching from his left.  His arm is raised, a knowing smirk on his phase as he brandishes his wand at your fiance. Sebastian is too preoccupied with scolding his subordinate to notice the flickering red tip of the breeder’s wand, teeing up what you can only imagine is the cruciatus curse.

You don’t have time to shriek.  Instead, you feel your anger bubbling up through your fingertips, the telltale signs of your ancient magic starting to spill from your hands.  You’re running, wand arm raised, about to attack when you feel the wind knocked out of your lungs.  Your body betrays you, losing balance as you crumple to the snow with no control.  There’s a sharp ache in your head, ears ringing as you try to make sense of what’s going on. As if life is stuck in slow motion, you see a sizable boulder plop into the snow next to you.

A fucking rock.  You’ll be damned if you let a rock take you out.

Trying to stand, your knees buckle beneath you.  The sharp ache in your head starts pounding, and you can’t stop blinking your bleary eyes. Fingers grazing your temple, you’re shocked at the slippery sensation on your fingertips.  Droplets of bright red dot the pristine white snow, and despite your fuzzy vision, you can tell that it's your own blood on your hands.  

“Oh, shit.” you slur.

It feels like you’re underwater (a sensation you know well from the Keeper’s trials during your fifth year).  Things are slower, soupier almost.  You can see Sebastian’s head turn when another auror shouts at him, and he narrowly misses a flurry of red bolts aimed at him from one of the attackers.  Skidding in the snow, Sebastian fires a counter curse that knocks the breeder off the edge of the cliff.

Someone is shouting your name, and Sebastian turns his head.  You think you’ll remember the look of horror on his face forever, a twisted grimace as he dashes towards you.  You want to sit up, but your body says otherwise–your head is pounding, and perhaps it’ll feel better if you sleep.  Sebastian is patting your cheeks with cold hands, repeating your name like a prayer as you hear the commotion ensue behind the two of you.

“Stay with me,” Sebastian pleads. “I’m sorry–”

You don’t hear anything after that. 

When you open your eyes, you’re in St. Mungo’s.  Specifically, the intensive care unit, your own ward.

“What the hell?” you mumble, leaning up on your elbows.

“Oh thank Merlin, you’re awake.” Sebastian sighs with relief.  You turn to look at the brunette next to you–his head is in his hands, dark waves unkempt and tangled from sleep. His beard is the longest you’ve ever seen it, shaggy and uncombed. After taking in a deep breath, he launches himself to your bed, fingers pressed against your pulse.  Once he’s determined that you are in fact well, he presses a firm kiss to your forehead.

“Is the–”

“The baby is alright,” Sebastian smiles. “Healers have been checking on you two probably twice an hour for the last two days.”

“Two days?” you gape. “I’ve been out for two days?”

“It was a nasty hit.” Sebastian shudders. “I was so worried about you, I haven’t been able to sleep,” he admits.  The chair next to you has become his little nest; bundles of blankets are tossed on the floor, a hospital grade pillow squished into the back of the chair.

“What happened?” you wince as you sit up. Sebastian immediately places more pillows behind your back, handing you a cup of water from the night stand. “Is everyone alright?”

“Everyone is alright,” Sebastian assures you. “Everett broke his arm, but that was quick to mend.  Andrew looked like a champion prizefighter, that’s for sure.  I think he likes the black eye, he thinks it makes him a bit more popular amongst the ladies at the pub.”

“And Poppy?” You ask between gulps. Merlin, you really must have been out for two days–you’re positively parched.  Before you can set the cup down, Sebastian casts aguamenti and you’re happily sipping once more.

“Safe and healthy.” Sebastian promises. “Let’s just say Bertie the dragon really bonded with Poppy while they were imprisoned together.  He made quick work of the breeders.”

You blink at your fiance, brows furrowed as you try to make sense of his comment.  When he bares his teeth and clicks his jaw open and shut, you cover your mouth with your hands.

“He ate them?” you gape. 

“Well, it was us or the breeders.” Sebastian scoffs. “Better them than me.”

“I suppose that’s why the dragon was chasing after Andrew,” you muse. “He thought Andrew was trying to kidnap Poppy, not save her.”

“Spot on.” Sebastian laughs. “Speaking of, there are some people who’d like to see you.”

The door opens, and your friends spill through the door as if they’ve been waiting right outside the entire time.  The normally stoic Anne runs to you, clutching your forearm. Ominis stands over her, pressing a long kiss to the top of your head.  

“I can’t believe the two of you.” Ominis shakes his head. “Battling a dragon in the first trimester.”

Sebastian furrows his brow. “Hey–I wouldn’t have asked if I’d known.”

“And I would’ve gone regardless.” You declare, pulling Sebastian’s hand into your own.

Andrew, Everett, and Poppy file into the room after your sister and brother-in-law. Everett has his arm in a sling, while Andrew still looks like hell.  Poppy has a few bandages on her hands, but she easily slides down at your side next to Anne.  The brunette girl gives you a teary eyed smile, mouthing her thanks.

“First mission and you get taken out by a damn boulder.” Andrew laughs.  His knuckles are bruised and cut, black eye starting to go green around the edges. “I thought you’d be an asset to the team, but you ended up a liability.”

“Oh shush,” you wave him off, pressing your hand to the soft edge of your belly. “You needed me.”

“That we did,” Everett says softly, squeezing your hand. “Thank you.  I would’ve been clobbered off the cliff if it weren’t for you.”

“I can’t believe you volunteered to come along pregnant.” Andrew blurts. “Are you insane?”

“It was for Poppy.” You admit, winking at your favorite magizoologist. “I’d do anything for her.”

“Well, I must demand that you start relaxing.” Poppy declares. “You shouldn’t lift a finger for the rest of your pregnancy.  If Sallow volunteers you for any missions, Bertie will take his head–you have my word.”

“Rest assured she won’t be doing anything but relaxing from now on.” Sebastian says firmly, crossing his arms. “I’ve already had a discussion with the ward matron about your leave of absence–”

You hold your hand up. “Sebastian, I’m not going to stop working. You know that.”

“You’re going to take a few weeks off to rest,” Sebastian continues. “Trust me, the matron told me they’ve had enough of your puking.”

You lick your lips, eyes roving the room as you take in the scene.  It’s all of your favorite people in one room, the people your child will know best.  You imagine your child growing up with them–visits from Aunt Poppy and her wild beasts, dinners with Andrew and Everett. You swallow thickly imagining Anne and Ominis doting over your newborn, and tears begin to prick at the corners of your eyes.

“Are you tired?” Sebastian’s voice brings you back down to ear, his gentle murmur in your ear.

You nod, squeezing his hand.

“We’ll all be off, then.” Ominis announces. “Anne and I will get started on planning your elopement.”

You wipe at your eyes, which are now properly tearing up. “You don’t need to plan our wedding.” You let out a watery laugh.

“You’ll have the best wedding.” Anne assures you. “Certainly better than ours; I still remember Sebastian’s dates fighting on the dance floor–”

“I think that’s a story for another time,” Sebastian interjects hastily. “My wife is tired, she should get some rest.”

The motley crew files out of your hospital room, each promising to follow up with you in the days to come.  Ominis has to practically tear Anne away from you, your sister-in-law spouting questions about wedding cakes while her husband pushes her out the door.  He winks an unseeing eye at the two of you, his best friends, before the door clicks shut.

Immediately, Sebastian is climbing into your bed, wrapping his arms around your waist. 

“We’re having a baby.” Sebastian says softly, his large palm flattening over your belly. “You’re having our baby.”

“We’re having a baby.” You echo, turning to him in the bed.  The hospital beds at St. Mungo’s aren’t big by any means, and Sebastian will have a backache if he sleeps with you–but it doesn’t look like he’s planning on going anywhere.

Sebastian’s eyes are trained on you, hungrily taking in every detail of your face. “I can’t wait,” he garbles out, eyes watery. “You’re giving me a family.  Gods, I’ll never be able to make it up to you.”

“Make what up to me?” You ask gently, pressing a palm to his cheek.  Tears start streaming down his face, sniffling his freckled nose.

“For everything . Dragging you into a mission with a fucking dragon,” Sebastian laughs. “For tackling you on the mountain. Being gone for nearly two weeks, not giving you the opportunity to tell me.  For wasting so much time–for not making you my wife earlier. Merlin, if I hadn’t been such a bonehead five, six years ago, things could’ve been so different–”

You press a fingertip to his lips. “I won’t have them any other way,” you whisper. “I’m so happy. You’re happy, aren’t you? You’re not upset?”

Sebastian laughs harder, shaking his head. “I couldn’t be happier. I’m going to be a father.” he says gleefully. “How could I possibly be upset?”

You chew on your lower lip. “The night I meant to tell you, you said something about us waiting until after the wedding. And at the inn, you seemed so worried that we’d be boring once we had a baby. Rather thought I was ruining your plans for us.”

Sebastian shakes his head. “I can't believe I ruined the surprise.  Darling, I was being an absolute cad that night; I can't believe I didn't see it coming.  You'd made my favorite dinner, and I turned it down for a sausage roll.” he says dramatically, shaking his head. “And I’m sorry about what I said at the inn. Pet, you and I could never be boring. Not while we’re together.”

“And you’ll be okay getting married earlier?” you ask nonchalantly, drawing circles on his chest. “Even if it wrecks our plans for a spring wedding?”

“I’ll marry you tomorrow if you let me.” Sebastian murmurs. “Fuck the plans. The only thing that matters to me is our family.”

You pull Sebastian into a hug, face nuzzling into his beard. He’s whispering into your ear–promising to shave his beard, to finish the flooring in the second bedroom as soon as he’s back home. He’ll take a few weeks off now that this case is over, and perhaps he’ll apply for low-risk cases now that he’s a father. He talks about your wedding, about how you can still get married in the center of Feldcroft if he can conjure enough tents.

Your eyelids are drooping, head resting against his chest when you think back to the topic of weddings. 

“Earlier when Anne was talking about her and Ominis’s wedding–you had two dates?” you ask sleepily. “What was that about?”

Sebastian lets out a roar of a laugh, pressing his lips against your hair. “A story for another time.  It’ll make you laugh, I promise.” he assures you. “I’ll tell you when you wake up.”

You nod, shutting your eyes.  Tucked into Sebastian’s arms, you fall asleep against his chest.

[chickenlizard13]

Catching Up To Do

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 8122

Warnings: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff

Description: Happens during their 7th year.

Too Far Away (Part 2) No One Else (Part 3)

It’d been a hard year. Well, almost two really, but who was actually counting?

You were. And Ominis. It felt like the two of you kept track of each second Sebastian was gone. Not just gone, disappeared. After Solomon had been killed in the catacomb, triggering Anne’s departure, Sebastian just…vanished. Not a word to either of you.

You’d spent those first few months searching. Every night, every holiday, every weekend. You and Ominis would hole up in the cold, empty Sallow home, praying he’d wander in. He’d made some awful, terrible, wicked decisions, but every night you spent flying over the hamlets, all you could see were his wide eyes as he watched Anne cradle Solomon’s lifeless body. He’d just been a boy, helpless, trying to save something he loved more than life when it seemed everyone else had given up. It’s like he’d been stuck in quicksand, the harder he fought, the faster he sank.

At first, you were angry. Angry at him for leaving you and Ominis to pick up the pieces, angry at him for pushing things so far, angry at yourself for letting him. You’d fooled yourself, believing he’d stop if you were serious enough, believing your words would be able to change his trajectory. You were wrong.

After the anger, came the sorrow, great heaving waves that would crash down on you, beating your battered body against the ocean floor. Some nights you’d find yourself sobbing into Ominis’s shoulder, hating yourself for your weakness, surprised Ominis didn’t hate you too.

Eventually, your sorrow became a deep loneliness. A hollow feeling in your chest, driving you to keep searching, everywhere, anywhere. You imagined that this loneliness may have been something akin to the driving force Sebastian felt. Underneath all that rage, had been a terrible, all consuming loneliness. He’d simply missed his sister, just as you now missed him.

After a year, you stopped. You couldn’t do it anymore, breaking your own heart night after night, cursing the heavens for their cruelty. It was too much, and you hated yourself even more for it.

Ominis continued to search. Not as often, but you knew there were nights he’d walk the dark streets of Feldcroft, hoping to catch a glimpse of messy brunette hair, atop a mischievous freckled smile.

He knew you stopped, and he never faulted you for it. Never blamed you for anything, simply acknowledged your actions with a quiet understanding. Even though you didn’t go looking anymore, you’d still catch yourself gazing at the gates or searching the crowded halls, disappointed every time.

—-------

The start of your 7th year was uneventful. You greeted your friends with enthusiasm, some already lamenting that this was your final year together before life led you elsewhere. You’d laugh, telling them to slow down and focus on classes before planning any goodbye parties.

You’d spent the first week welcoming the first years, catching up with your housemates, and studiously ignoring the haunting visage of broad shoulders and brown locks, disappearing into crowded corridors. These brief hallucinations were nothing new, and you vowed to enjoy your final year, despite their frequent occurrences.

You’d spent far too long chasing ghosts, perhaps it was time to move on.

—-------

You were charging down the steps of Central Hall, incredibly late for Herbology, having fallen asleep in The History of Magic, again. Several books and loose notes were clutched in your arms, many just barely hanging on by the edges.

You weren’t paying attention to your surroundings in the slightest, nearly falling headfirst over the handrail in order to avoid barreling into anyone.

Successfully shoving your way through a group of Quidditch players, you emerge, only to ram your face right into a hard chest. Dropping your supplies, you yelp in pain and cover your nose, afraid you’d broken it and would need to head to the Hospital Wing. You doubled over, shooting off some incredibly creative expletives you were sure would make even the Hogshead regulars blush.

Squinting through your tears, you could see that the stranger had stopped, having used Levioso to catch all your books. You start spewing apologies, while repeatedly thanking them for gathering your belongings. You still hadn’t looked to see who you’d bumped into, the figure being much too tall to be anyone you knew. Determining that your nose wasn’t broken, you blink away the remaining tears and go to grab your books from the kind man. He’d had yet to say anything, and patiently stood, unmoving in front of you.

Looking up, you attempt to apologize once more, when the words die in your throat. The boy…man, standing in front of you was significantly taller than the last time you’d seen him, your eyes level with his chest. Some of the youthfulness had disappeared from his face, leaving a chiseled jaw and prominent cheekbones, his freckles accentuating their contour. You struggled to take in oxygen as your eyes scanned his face, subconsciously noting a new scar decorating his brow, and another faint one across the bridge of his nose.

You stood there frozen, having completely forgotten your earlier rush, trying to figure out if your grief had taken your hallucinations to a whole new level. Perhaps you really did need to go to the Hospital Wing after all.

He looked back at you just as silently, face stoic and unreadable, but never taking his gaze away from you. His eyes darted around your face, as if he was memorizing you, noting the changes he saw, lingering on your lips for a fraction of a second before darting away.

A book still hung suspended in the air in front of you, forgotten as you studied each other, the room and bustling students fading away until it was just the two of you. You stood there with wide eyes, watering with the need to blink, but refusing to do so lest he disappear again.

A small whimper escapes your lips, and you see his eyebrow twitch at the noise, hands and jaw clenching as you take in a shaky breath.

“Se…bastian?” You whispered his name quietly. So quietly, you weren’t entirely sure if you’d spoken at all. He blinked, and suddenly the spell was broken. His face became stony, and he used his wand to place your remaining book into your arms before brushing past you. You thought you heard him grumble ‘You’re late’ as he passed, but couldn’t quite hear him over the blood rushing in your ears.

He left you standing dumbstruck, staring at the space he’d just occupied, startling when you felt something wet hit the back of your hand. You brought that hand up to your face, feeling the wet tracks sliding silently down your cheeks, unsure of when you’d started crying.

—-------

You’d walked in a daze to Herbology, miraculously managing to still make it on time. Professor Garlick set to reviewing a few key points from the previous year before starting the lesson, which you barely paid attention to, instead operating completely on autopilot until the class had ended. You continued on like that for the rest of the day, many of your friends asking what had happened, but only receiving a distracted ‘nothing’ in return.

Wandering down to the Undercroft, you hoped Ominis would be there, if only to tell you that you’d finally gone mad and it was all in your head. You failed to hear two voices rising in volume as you descended into the room, unable to take your wide eyes off the floor, where they’d lingered all day.

The gate opened and you shuffled forward, the tense voices immediately halting as you spoke.

“Ominis, I-I think I saw S-...oh.” Your eyes dragged themselves from the floor, landing on the scene before you. Sebastian and Ominis stand, staring at you from the center of the room. You’d clearly just interrupted a very heated conversation, judging from the furrowed brows and angry flush the boys were sporting.

Sebastian’s gaze hardened as he stood up straight, jaw clenching once more as he looked at you. Breaking eye contact, he swiftly strode past Ominis to the exit.

“We’ll continue this later.”

You wanted to call out to him, beg him not to leave again, but he felt too far away. It was like you were standing alone on an island, watching your ship purposefully sail away from you. Your mouth opened to speak as you watched him pass you, but no sound came out, a helpless look in your eyes.

A snarl sounded from behind you, coming from deep in Ominis’s chest. “Sallow! Don’t you dare walk away, you coward. Get your ass back here and give them an ex-”

“I have nothing to say to them.” His words hit you square in the chest, a pained noise forcing itself out of your throat.

Back to you, he hesitated only a moment, hands clenching and unclenching at his sides before exiting the Undercroft without another word.

Your body shook violently, hyperventilating as your breath came in quick succession. You were crying again, staring at the door he’d left through, trying to keep it together. Ominis called to you urgently, rushing to your side as you heaved air painfully into your lungs. He threw his arms around you, trapping your arms against your sides as he squeezed you.

He kept reassuring you, asking you to breathe with him. You shook your head, hysterically repeating that everything was fine, you were fine.

You both sunk to the floor, earth shattering sobs wracked your body as you held onto Ominis’s arm for dear life. You could feel a wet spot from where Ominis pressed his cheek up against your shoulder, allowing himself to cry with you as you got your breathing semi under control. You held each other for a long time, parting only when you felt calm enough to head to your separate beds, resolving to speak at a later date.

You lay in bed that night with dry eyes, unable to shed another tear. Staring blankly at the curtains surrounding you, the night dragged on, sleep avoiding you at every turn.

—-------

It’d been a couple days since the incident in the Undercroft, your mind felt a bit numb, no doubt caused by the raging storm of emotions that’d been plaguing your thoughts. Ominis had been unable to meet you since that night, 7th year classes bogging you both down, leaving little room for anything else. You sat alone in the library, tucked away in a back corner hidden from prying eyes, quietly trying to focus on your pile of assignments.

Realizing you needed a specific book to complete your paper, you stand from your chair and walk to the appropriate section. You squint at the spines, trying to make out the tiny lettering, noticing that the book you were after was filed incorrectly and was sitting on a much higher shelf. Sighing, you reach into your robes for your wand, confused when your pockets come up empty. You look at the floor, wondering if it’d fallen, until you recall placing it on your study table next to your stack of homework.

Heaving another heavy sigh, you stare up at the book, wondering if it was even worth it to walk all the way back for your wand. Standing on your toes, you try to stretch as far as you can, fingers just brushing the lip of the shelf you needed. Grunting in frustration, you put one foot on the lowest shelf and pull yourself a little higher, fingers now grazing the spine, but unable to get a good grasp.

As you were about to put your other foot on the next shelf, opting to just climb the bookcase, an arm appears above you and removes the book from the shelf. Scrambling down, you spin around to object.

“Oh! Um, I was actually trying to-” Your eyes travel upward and find themselves captive to Sebastian’s intense gaze. His hand had paused above you, the corner of the book still resting on the edge of the wood, effectively trapping you between him and the bookshelf. Your mouth felt dry at the close proximity, but you refused to break eye contact.

“Um…I need that.”

You swore you could see the slightest quirk of his lips, as if he wanted to smirk at you, but held it in. “I know. That’s why I grabbed it.”

He slowly lowers his arm, handing you the book gently. You take it hesitantly, accidentally brushing his fingers with yours. He’d been very careful to keep his distance even with the close proximity, so you felt his fingers jerk away when they’d touched yours, as if he’d been shocked. His brow twitched, lips turning down into a frown. You didn’t want to see that look on his face, so you broke eye contact, looking at the floor.

“Thank you.” Careful not to touch him again, you stepped around him and started walking back to your table. You wondered why he’d helped you, seeing as how he clearly didn’t want anything to do with you. Pausing your movement, you turn toward him once more, face still directed at the ground.

“I’m sorry.” You weren’t sure when the next opportunity to speak to him would present itself, if it would present itself, so you wanted to say your piece while you had the chance.

He quirked an eyebrow at you, putting his hands into his pockets before leaning a shoulder against the bookshelf. “For what?”

Apparently he was in a more talkative mood today, seeing as how these were the most words he’d spoken to you since his return. You looked up at him, feeling a little braver, and did your best to not stare at his exposed forearms. He really had grown up quite a bit over the last two years.

“For…being weak. I couldn’t- I couldn’t help Anne, and…and if I were stronger, maybe I could’ve. Then you wouldn’t have had to…go away.” Chancing a glance, you could see a pinched look on his face, his brow scrunched together in a look of distress.

The almost pleasant atmosphere was gone, replaced with a tense weight that threatened to crush you if you pushed too hard. Looking back at the floor, you clutch the book to your chest, trying to use it as a kind of shield against his ire. “I understand why you…hate…me, but I just-”

“I don’t hate you.”

The words were murmured quickly, his voice so low you had to strain to hear him. You glanced up, a look of heartbreak rested itself on his handsome face, the most emotion you’d seen from him thus far.

Letting a sad smile slip onto your face, you held his gaze. “You don’t have to lie.”

Deciding that your heart couldn’t handle more, you turn on your heel and quickly walk back to the rest of your belongings, gathering everything into your bag and checking out the book. You could do your assignments elsewhere, for now you just needed to put some distance between yourself, and the man watching your back longingly.

—-------

After that, you did your best to avoid Sebastian entirely. Making sure to always look busy, or seem engrossed in a conversation if you passed him in the halls. You noticed he and Ominis had started hanging around each other again. Often surrounded by tense silence, but you were glad to see them putting forth the effort to fix their relationship. You didn’t see much of Ominis, the blonde mainly focusing on repairing things with Sebastian, which was fine. You had plenty of other friends to spend your free time with, but you did miss his company.

One person you found yourself gravitating towards was Garreth Weasley. He was social, and could talk to anyone about anything, making him incredibly easy to be around. Which is what you felt like you needed, an easy friendship that didn’t demand that much from you. You’d often walk together between classes, laughing as you teased him about his crush on Poppy, his freckled face growing redder every second.

Sometimes, you could sense a pair of eyes boring into your back, the feeling fading as soon as you’d turn to look.

Days turned into weeks, and before you knew it, a whole month had passed. Mid term exams were fast approaching and you were on your way to the library with Garreth, arguing playfully about the number of lacewing flies needed for a Felix Felicis potion. Garreth was adamant that the more flies you added, the more potent the potion, but you were pretty sure it would cause an explosion.

You weren’t paying attention to where you were going, and bumped directly into Sebastian, for the second time. You bounced off him lightly with a small ‘oof’, noting that he didn’t move an inch, clearly having planted himself in your path. You look up at his face, noticing his gaze trained directly on Garreth, who looked back slightly unnerved.

“I need to talk to you.”

Sebastian didn’t break eye contact with Garreth, so you assumed he was speaking to the redhead, but after a beat he turned his eyes expectantly in your direction. He hadn’t phrased it as a question, his tone leaving little room for you to object, but it would be rude to ditch Garreth when the two of you already had plans, so you tried anyway.

“I can’t really talk right now. Garreth and I are-” Sebastian’s eyes shot to Garreth again, a dark glare daring the other boy to challenge him.

“You know what, that’s totally ok with me. You, uh, go have that conversation, and I’ll get a head start on the assignment.” Garreth hurried off to the library without looking back. Sebastian tracked his movement with narrowed eyes, turning back to you once you were alone.

“You’ve been avoiding me.” Sebastian crossed his arms as he spoke, a grumpy set to his brow. He stood close, forcing you to look up at him as he towered over you. You squeezed your books a bit tighter against your chest, trying to stop its incessant pounding.

“Have I?”

Sebastian huffed, brows furrowing further.

“Don’t play coy with me.”

You bit the inside of your lip, studying his face, trying to pinpoint his angle in this conversation. “Is it really ‘avoiding’ if you don’t want to see me anyway?”

He got that pinched look again, and no matter how hard you looked, you still couldn’t discern its meaning. “I never said I didn’t want to see you.”

Some of that old snippiness you’d get when arguing with him started to resurface, and you shot back at him without thinking. “Your attitude seems to indicate otherwise.”

He narrowed his eyes at you, his scowl deepening. “How would you know anything about my attitude, when you’ve clearly been avoiding me?”

You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose, suddenly remembering the stress headaches he’d give you when he was being particularly stubborn. “Sebastian. What- What is it you want? First you’re storming out of the Undercroft, refusing to speak to me, and now you’re upset that I’ve been giving you a wide berth? I’m getting whiplash from the constant back and forth. So what is it?”

You don’t hear anything for a moment, the air charged and hanging dense between you two. Just as you’re about to tell him to forget it, he speaks.

“I’m sorry.” You open your eyes to see him staring at his shoes, the same pinched look back on his face. “Ominis and I had a pretty bad argument before you came down that night. I…was feeling emotional, and took it out on you. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.”

You weren’t sure if it was due to shame or not, but Sebastian was struggling to look you in the eyes, like he was afraid of what he might see there. You let out a small sigh, arms coming to cross over your heart protectively.

“I can understand that. You probably didn’t want to see me anyway so-”

“Stop saying that.” His voice is fierce, beckoning your eyes to look up at him. He traps you in his stare as soon as your eyes meet, a pleading look behind his irises. “I did want to see you. I do want to see you.”

You look at him helplessly, trying desperately to decipher what his eyes were trying to tell you. Your voice comes out in a pained whisper, unable to mask the deep hurt his absence created. “Then why didn’t you?”

His face crumples and he has to break eye contact, looking back at the floor. He bites his lips and blinks a few times before taking a deep breath, voice matching yours in volume. “I-I can’t tell you…right now. Not because- because I don’t want to. I just, need a little bit more time.”

Looking at Sebastian in this moment, it seemed like the weight of the world rested on his broad shoulders. You could see that whatever happened in his absence had aged him well beyond his years. As much as you wanted to demand answers from him, you could clearly see how close he was to the edge, and didn’t want to be the thing that pushed him off.

“Ok.”

His shoulders slumped immediately, all the tension leaving them. He didn’t remove his eyes from the floor, but released a sigh while nodding his head. “Thank you.”

The two of you stood there in silence for a moment longer, unsure where to go from here. Sebastian glanced up at you through his lashes, scuffing his foot on the floor. “I guess you should, uh, get to Garreth.”

Truthfully, you’d completely forgotten about Garreth, suddenly feeling guilty for keeping him waiting for so long. “Yeah, I guess I should. Um, see you…later?”

The question came out shaky and unsure, but Sebastian nodded his head instantly, letting out a quiet ‘yeah’ before bidding you goodbye. You walked past him towards the library, and could hear him turn to watch you disappear down the stairs.

————-

You started slow. Giving each other small smiles and waves in the corridor, or across The Great Hall during meal times. From there, you escalated to walking each other to class, keeping conversations light. Safe.

It was clear that you’d both changed while apart, and you wanted to take your time getting to know this new person, dressed in such familiar skin.

Your heart would leap in your chest every time you got a chuckle out of him, feeling like you’d put another crack in his shell with each one. You tried not to let the giddiness show on your face, often looking down, lips trembling with effort as you fought a wide smile.

Ominis would often accompany you to your shared classes, giving you a small sense of normalcy after being without for so long. It wasn’t what it used to be, not by a long shot, but you hoped the three of you could get back to something similar.

Sebastian picked up Quidditch again. Well, it was more like Imelda grabbed the back of his collar and physically dragged him all the way to the pitch for practice, telling him that he’d do well to put his new muscle to good use. He’d tried to protest, giving up quickly, as he had enough sense to know he shouldn’t piss her off too much. You hadn’t been aware that Sebastian was even on the Quidditch team, but Ominis informed you that he’d been one of the top Chasers in Hogwarts before the season was canceled in your fifth year.

You were walking to Potions with Garreth, being interrogated about what he should get Poppy as a courting gift, when you felt a dark aura heading down the hall toward you. Turning your head from Garreth, you see Sebastian stalking towards you, a slight scowl on his face as his eyes dart between the two of you. Sebastian wasn’t overly fond of Garreth. Why? You couldn’t say, but Sebastian was always extra cranky when the red head was around, refusing to explain himself. You’d tried asking Ominis once, but all he did was sigh and say ‘Because he’s an idiot.’

Whatever the reason, the scowl on his face remained firmly in place as the three of you converged, stopping briefly.

Garreth hadn’t the faintest idea as to why Sebastian disliked him, but still made an effort to be welcoming and friendly whenever together. “Sebastian!”

“Weasley.” Garreth didn’t let the brunette’s curt greeting phase him, even as Sebastian crossed his arms, scowl deepening.

“Excited to see you back on the pitch tomorrow! Hope you kept up your flying during your time abroad.”

Anytime someone would inquire about Sebastian’s long period of absence, he’d simply state that he’d been a part of an exchange program, studying at one of the other magic academies. It was enough to placate most people, many too intimidated by his stoic mask to pry further.

Sebastian’s eyebrow twitched, taking Garreth’s friendly competition as a slight against his abilities with a broom. “I’m not the one you should be worrying about.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose, pondering a way to break this weird tension. There had been several attempts to correct Sebastian on Garreth’s intentions, but every time he’d narrow his eyes at you, muttering ‘That’s just what he wants you to think’ under his breath before staring daggers over at the Gryffindor table.

Just as you were about to excuse yourself and continue walking to class, hoping Garreth would follow, a smug voice called your name, the figure strolling up to your group with unwarranted swagger. Turning, you pray it’s Ominis, even though you know it’s definitely not.

Leander Prewett came to a stop beside you, much too close for comfort, an over confident smirk plastered on his mouth. “Hello, dearest. How are you on this fine day?”

Sebastian ground his teeth together, a deep irritation rolling off him in waves. “Fucking perfect.”

You’d been forced to inform Sebastain of Leander’s unfortunate fixation on you, when he’d sent you a poorly written love letter, via howler. Crouching in the hall, you covered your mortified face with your hands as Leander’s howler screamed his misguided feelings for all to hear.

His obsession started all the way back in the beginning of sixth year, when you’d made the mistake of complimenting his physique. He’d been upset that a girl he fancied turned him down, convincing himself he was too ugly to love.

In a well meaning attempt to cheer him up, you’d disagreed and said he was very handsome, promising someone would be very lucky to have him one day. To your dismay, he took that as a confession, immediately swearing his love and loyalty to you for the rest of his days. You’d tried ever so gently to correct him, but he’d refused to hear it, choosing to believe that you were just shy, embarrassed by your feelings for him.

Now, in the midst of your seventh year, it seemed he was still in hot pursuit, all of your rejections falling on deaf ears.

Sebastian heard all this and went on the offense, looking Leander dead in the eye as he shredded the letters with his fingers and set every bouquet on fire. This did little to deter Leander, vowing to rescue his love from the clutches of the beast guarding them.

“Get lost, Prewett. They’re not interested.”

Leander scoffed, turning his nose up at Sebastian, ignoring him completely. “Anyway, my sweet, would you care to join m-”

“No thank you, Leander. As I’ve said before, I’m not on the market.” Your words are monotone, practiced, saying the same line you had a hundred times before.

Sebastian visibly stiffened, eyes boring into you as his face dropped a bit. Furrowing your brow, you tilt your head at him in silent question, confused by his reaction. Leander laughed loudly, as if your comment was meant as a jest.

“My pet, of course you’re not on the market! Obviously you’re with m-”

“No. I’m not, as I’ve said several times before.”

Deciding you’d had just about enough, you grab Garreth by the wrist, walking quickly towards the potions classroom. “We’re going to be late for class. Sebastian, I’ll see you later?”

All you got in return was a distracted nod, Sebastian’s mind clearly elsewhere. You wanted to ask what was wrong, but you really were going to be late for class if you didn’t hurry. Throwing him one more concerned look over your shoulder, you and Garreth hurry to Professor Sharp’s class.

—-------

You didn’t end up seeing Sebastian for the rest of the day, or the morning after. The next time you spotted him was on the pitch, during warm ups for the quidditch game between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Garreth gave you an enthusiastic wave, which you returned, while also gesturing with your head to Poppy sitting beside you. He blushed slightly, also waving at her shyly, a nervous smile painting his lips. Poppy reciprocated in much the same manner, looking down at her hands in embarrassment.

You searched the field and locked eyes with Sebastian, who’d just witnessed your interaction with Garreth, giving him an encouraging smile as you mouthed the words ‘You’ll do great’. His face was impassive as he nodded his head slightly, turning back to focus on his teammates.

Hoping to get the chance to speak with him later, you turned your attention to the field as the players got in position. You could see the tension in everyone’s bodies, the air charged as they waited for the signal, and as the horn blew, they were off.

Your eyes were glued to the field, watching in awe as the players maneuvered their brooms with skill and ease. During your fifth year, you’d bested Imelda in the training courses she loved, which was mostly thanks to the upgrades Albie had installed.

Watching her now though, you were convinced it had been a fluke. She turned her broom in a tight corkscrew zipping straight towards the ground, pulling up at the last second in pursuit of the Golden Snitch.

Scanning the field, you spot Sebastian tossing the quaffle through yet another hoop, diving after it quickly as soon as it’d gone through. He deftly dodged the bludgers hurtling towards him, focus unbroken as he scored again. It seemed to you that a good portion of the Gryffindor team was focused solely on slowing him down, failing at every turn. You were unable to take your eyes off him, the way his uniform hugged his body at the forefront of your mind.

Looking down quickly, you mentally chastise yourself. You’d just barely become friends again, sort of, and you weren’t about to jeopardize that in any way. He still hadn’t revealed to you why he’d left, a part of you still convinced it was because of you. Furrowing your brows, you shook your head a bit, trying to dispel the depressing thoughts that had begun to form. Instead, you focus back on the game, eyes still periodically straying to Sebastian’s form.

Leaning on the edge of your seat, you watch with bated breath as both teams continued to score on the other, the tension reaching its peak when both were tied at 140. It was anyone’s game, each side needing to score one last goal to claim their victory. Imelda remained focused on the snitch, having little regard for the other players as she ducked and wove through them.

You heard shouts of excitement from the stands, straining your eyes to see what the commotion was about.

Finally, you see Sebastian swiftly swipe a quaffle out of Garreth’s hands, speeding towards the Gryffindor goals, laser focused. Almost every Gryffindor player abandoned their formations, instead attempting to converge on Sebastian before he scored. Unfortunately, they were too late. Not that it would have mattered anyway, for at the same time Sebastian scored the final goal, Imelda shot to the sky triumphant, Golden Snitch clutched in her hand.

You’d never seen anything like it. No wonder Imelda had been so forceful about Sebastian joining the team, together they made quite a formidable pair. Everyone in the stands lost their minds at Slytherin’s double victory, and you shouted with the rest of your friends, heart swelling with pride over Sebastian’s achievement.

Everyone rushed down to the field to congratulate the players, even commending the Gryffindor team for their exceptional skill and near win. You pushed through the throngs of people, looking in every direction for the brunette.

Feeling a tap on your shoulder, you whirl around, only to be faced with Leander’s smug grin, his uniform damp from playing.

“Come to cheer me up, my sweet? Your kindness knows no bounds.” He moves forward to embrace you, and you swiftly put up your arm, keeping him at a distance.

“Leander, seriously I’m not-”

Leander continues to advance on you, forcing you to take a step back for every one he takes forward. There isn’t anywhere to run in such a thick crowd, but your eyes dart around for any possible escape routes. “Oh come now, stop being so coy, we’re finally alone aren’t we? Where’s your scary guard dog, hm? I don’t see him.”

“He’s right here.”

A cold, angry voice growled lowly in your ear, sending a chill up your spine. Sebastian stares hard at Leander’s hands stretched out towards you, clearly attempting to stop your obvious retreat.

You, however, completely forget Leander’s existence as you crane your neck up to look at Sebastian. There are beads of sweat decorating his brow from all the energy he’d exerted, his slight flush emboldening the scars he’d yet to explain to you. You stare at his rugged beauty for a moment longer, lost in counting the freckles littering his cheeks, before remembering the major victory he’d just accomplished.

Without thinking, your body twists itself around, and you practically throw yourself at him so hard he has to catch you. He makes a grunt of surprise and stumbles back a step before steadying you both.

Your arms wind themselves around his shoulders, squeezing him as tightly as they can, a mad grin on your face as you speak into his ear. “I’m so fucking proud of you. That was amazing. I’m so glad I got to watch you play.”

He doesn’t return the hug, body tense as he stands there in shock. Noticing his lack of reciprocation, you suddenly remember how hard he’d been working to avoid any physical contact with you. It hurt at first, his aversion to your touch, but you’d respected it as a silent boundary he’d put up as a condition of his friendship.

Suddenly you feel awful, having crossed that boundary thoughtlessly in your excitement. You thought you were truly no better than Leander, and immediately went to retract your arms, an apology already on your lips.

Sebastian feels you loosen your grip on him, and his brain finally catches up. He wraps his arms around your torso, crushing you to him, almost squeezing all the air from your lungs. His face finds the crook of your neck, burying itself as deep as it can go.

“Please don’t stop.” His words are quiet, desperate, lips brushing your skin as they move. You freeze at his plea, confused, but remain where you are.

“I’m sorry, I- I was just so excited. I didn’t mean to push you into-”

“No. You didn’t. I…it’s- it’s ok.” His arms tighten impossibly around you, asking you to squeeze him just as hard.

“But…you’re always so careful not to-”

“I didn’t want to become greedy.”

You almost miss his quiet confession, his murmuring and the noise from the crowd making it difficult to hear his words. You think that maybe you weren’t supposed to hear them as Sebastian nuzzles further into your neck. “I’m sorry. This is…the first hug I’ve gotten in…a long time. Could you just- could you just stay…here, with me?”

Nodding your head as best you can, you card your fingers through his hair, holding his head to you, uncaring of the sweat dampening it. His breath shudders out of him, body melting further into you.

You stay locked like that until people start filtering off the field, and he’s called away for a debrief with his team. He releases you reluctantly, hands lingering as long as they’re able, bidding you a goodnight before trudging after the rest of the players.

—-------

It seemed like the floodgates opened after that night, Sebastian finding any and all reasons to be touching you in some way or another. Whether it was linking your arms as you walked together, or capturing your ankle with both of his while you ate across from each other. It was overwhelming at first, going from no contact to pressing his leg flush with yours in class, but it certainly wasn’t a change you were complaining about.

Sebastian became more at ease. His smiles coming easier, his laughs getting louder, talking more than he had the whole year. He really started spending time with you and Ominis, rarely being seen without one of you, if not both.

You were thrilled, you really were, feeling like you were finally seeing the real Sebastian, but there was a constant nagging in the back of your mind. He still hasn't explained his disappearance, and you wondered if, maybe now, he was comfortable enough with you to talk about it.

Sebastian asked you to come with him to the Undercroft after class, not wanting to fight through the crowds in the library that appeared right before exams. Packing your things, you automatically take his arm, touching him becoming second nature. He guides you down the hall, a small pleased smile gracing his lips. Opening the clock face, he ushers you inside with a gentle hand on your lower back.

Once in the room, you lean your backs against the wall, shoulders pressed together as you complete your assignments in comfortable silence.

He interrupted the silence with a question about Diricawl breeding, needing the answer for his Beasts class paper, which led to you sharing a wild story about the vanishing bird.

You told him how someone has snuck an irate Diricawl into the Slytherin Common Room, unleashing it on poor Ominis, who was unable to avoid its beak as it teleported around the room after him. You had tears in your eyes as you recounted the disheveled, panting state he’d been in when he’d run into you, begging you to catch the damn thing and stop his torment.

Sebastian laughed with you, clutching at a stitch in his side. “When- Merlin’s beard, When did this happen?”

You wiped your eyes, laughter trailing off slowly, a soft melancholy coming over your features. Avoiding eye contact, you keep your gaze on the piles of homework in front of you. “When, um…when you were gone. In our sixth year.”

The atmosphere became stifling as an awkward silence befell the room. Clearing your throat, you picked up your quill again, continuing to work on your assignment.

A moment passes, the scratching of your quill the only sound in the room. You see movement from the corner of your eye. A hand stretching across you, fingers gently brushing yours as they take the quill from your hand, setting it down. You don’t look at Sebastian until he calls your name softly, slowly turning your eyes towards him.

His face is pained, gaze searching your face as he starts to speak. “Please don’t- I…I thought I was going to hurt you.”

Eyes widening, you turn further towards him. He breaks eye contact, looking down at his lap as he fiddles with his fingers, murmuring quietly. “I couldn’t stand the thought of hurting you. Either of you. You were…are so important to me, and I thought that if I…stayed, you’d-”

Sebastian’s breathing shuddered, hands trembling slightly as his words became watery. “-you’d end up like my uncle. And- And then Anne left, and I was so scared something would happen to her, I tried to…find her, but I couldn’t, and-”

Blinking, you feel wet drops hit your hands, but you refuse to look away from Sebastian as he tries to speak. “I was too afraid to face you, or Ominis. Knowing I’d failed everyone I loved was- was too much, so I…I ran.”

“...Where did you go?” He looked at you then, finally seeing the tear tracks down your face. Bringing a hand up, he wiped your cheeks with his thumb, fingertips lingering before tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

“I…I went far. As far as I could. I…became a mercenary of sorts, getting paid to clear out poacher camps, or deliver high value items across hamlets. I thought that…maybe if I did as much good as possible…I could be forgiven. That you’d forgive me.” His hand continued to pet your hair as he leaned his head against the wall, suddenly too heavy for his neck to support. He gazes at you sadly, memorizing your face in case you never speak to him again.

You gaze back just as intently, once again mapping the changes in his face, quietly mulling over his words. “Why- Why did you come back?”

His hand stilled, resting on your cheek. Unconsciously, you tilt your head further into his palm, craving more contact.

“I missed you.” He says it so sincerely, like it’s the only true thing he’d ever said in his life. “So much.”

You feel like the wind is knocked out of you, but still manage a whisper. “Then…When I saw you…why-”

“I was afraid. I didn’t know what to say. You looked like I’d carved your heart out of your chest and ripped it to shreds. I thought that I’d made a mistake…coming back, so I decided you’d be better off without me.”

Shaking your head, you grabbed onto his arm, holding his wrist securely, suddenly afraid he’d disappear again. He blinked, a few tears falling from his lashes as he bit his lip. “...but I couldn’t stay away. I tried to, but every time you looked at me…I couldn’t get enough, and I hated myself for it. I still do.”

You hiccupped, and his thumb collected your tears once more, knuckles lightly brushing your cheek bone when he was done.

“If I was a stronger man, I’d let you go, but…I’m not.”

You sobbed openly. Sebastian pulled you into his lap, rocking you back and forth as you cried into his chest. You told him how much you missed him, how worried you were, how you’d go out looking for him every chance you got. You begged him not to leave again, wailing all your hurt into his sweater.

His arms tightened with every word you spoke, face buried in your neck, tears soaking your collar. He apologized over and over, the two of you holding each other for dear life until you’d stopped crying, and then for a long while afterward. Only parting when the Bell Tower signaled the start of curfew.

—-------

Time passed slowly after that, weeks going by as the season gradually changed. There was something unnamed between you and Sebastian, several of your friends commenting on how sweet he was towards you. If Ominis happened to be around, he’d look at them quizzically and ask what they were talking about, stating that Sebastian had always treated you that way. You weren’t sure if you completely believed it, but Ominis was adamant that this was Sebastain’s normal behavior around you.

Walking the halls, you attempted to give Garreth the pep talk of the century, trying to boost his confidence for his rendezvous with Poppy. “You got this Garr, no sweat, just tell her how you feel.”

He took a deep breath and looked at you nervously. “You sure it’ll be ok?”

“Yes! I’m positive. I couldn’t be more positive. Just trust me on this.”

He took another deep breath, bouncing in place a few times, trying to shake out his jitters. “Ok. I’m ready. I just- before I go…”

Garreth takes both of your hands in his, squeezing a little, his smile nervous but warm. “I just…want to thank you, you know, for being my friend. You’ve always been there for me, probably more so than I’ve been there for you, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate y-”

Your hands are suddenly ripped from Garreths and your world turns upside down. You’re thrown onto a broad shoulder, an arm securing you in place as they walk away with you. You look up at Garreths shocked expression, mouth hanging open, hands still outstretched from where he’d held yours. Turning as much as you can, you look at the back of the perpetrator’s head.

“Sebastian!” Looking back at Garreth, you see him take a few steps to follow.

“It’s ok Garreth! Go on ahead! Good Luck!” You had to shout at him to be heard, Sebastian putting as much distance as possible between you and the redhead.

“Sebastian! Wha- Put me down! This is so embarrassing!” He ignores your cries and continues walking, other students stopping their activities to watch you flail on his shoulder. You recognize the path he’s taking, crossing your arms and giving up your struggle until you get to your destination.

Sebastian only puts you down once you’ve crossed the threshold into the Undercroft. Your arms stay crossed as you glare up at him, Sebastian mirroring your pose, refusing to break eye contact. You squint at each other in silence for a beat before you speak.

“What the hell was that.”

Sebastian doesn’t speak for a moment, jaw clenching as he regards you.

“Go on a date with me.”

He’s so grumpy when he asks, or rather demands, that you’re not entirely sure you heard him correctly.

“...What.”

Sebastian sighs, annoyed that he has to repeat himself.

“You’d probably prefer someone like Garreth, but I’m throwing my hat in the ring. Go on a date with me.”

Your brain short circuits for a moment, but then is irritated with the tone he’s chosen, and any shyness you might have felt flies out the door.

“And this is how you’re asking?”

His brow furrows deeper, offended. “How else am I supposed to ask?”

You scoff and turn your nose up at him, turning your head to glare off into the Undercroft. “Whatever. It’s not like there’s even a ring to throw your hat in. It’s you, idiot.”

Sebastian makes a confused noise, and you turn to look at him again. His arms had partially come uncrossed, a surprised look on his stupidly handsome face. “But…you told Leander you’re off the market.”

You roll your eyes. Unbelievable. “Yeah, for him and everyone else. You made sure of that a long time ago, whether you knew it or not.”

He stands there staring. ”So…you and Garreth…?”

“Oh my- Are just friends. He’s actually confessing to Poppy as we speak, which you so rudely interrupted when you decided to act like a barbarian.”

Sebastian strode up to you, ignoring your irate words, stopping half a step away. Towering over you, his eyes were wide with wonder, hope glimmering behind them. “So…I can have you? Am I- Am I allowed to?”

“For the love of-” You grab his tie and crash his lips into yours. You linger for only a moment before pulling back just enough to glare at him, still annoyed. “Get it together Sallow, you’re embarrassing me.”

You hear a sound coming from his chest, starting as a low hum, slowly building itself up to giddy giggles, before exploding into loud laughter.

“I fucking love you.” He grabbed your cheeks between his palms and yanked you into another kiss, struggling to wipe the grin off his face enough to do it properly.

He gathered you as close to his body as he could, frantically kissing everywhere he could reach. All you could really do was hang onto him as he lovingly attacked you. Eventually he returned to your lips, his kisses turning more passionate the longer you stayed together.

“You’re telling me *kiss* I could have *kiss* been kissing you-” He groaned as he kissed you again, pressing further and lingering longer. “-this whole time?”

He couldn’t stop long enough to let you answer his question properly, so you did the best you could. “Yeah, you’re mmff-*kiss* -fucking late.”

He chuckled, pulling away just enough to speak clearly.

“Guess I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

[jazlynriddle]

Welcome to your life - Pt 2:

Acting On Your Best Behaviour Ch 28:

Summary:

They'd seen it in their fellow orphans often enough to recognise the pattern and were now forced to admit, despite their hopes to the contrary, that Isidora had likely suffered similar side effects.

No… they'd always known she had. The Keeper had just wanted the power that Ranrok had, enough to convince themselves that they would be able to handle it better than that naive woman.

With the start of the Keeper’s sixth-year in Hogwarts, comes a whole slew of headache-inducing challenges from the most unexpected of places. Between insignificant pests throwing wrenches into their plans and tedious teenage drama, that the Keeper is entirely unprepared for, they wonder if they'll make it to their NEWTs without losing their sanity.

Or worse, Ominis or Sebastian.

Warnings: Sebastian x MC x Ominis! Drug Addiction! Spoilers! Slow-burn corruption! Dark content! Fucked up 1800s orphanages! MC has no love for Anne or Solomon! Dubious happy ending (it's happy for MC, Seb and Ominis at least).

You can also read on AO3! (chapter specific warnings below)

Notes:

Warnings: None! Just a nice dinner amongst friends, absolutely nothing of note and no foreshadowing occurs at all! Trust me. I'm not being suspicious at all.

So, um, I said that this last chapter wouldn't be very long, and it looks like I lied. Not intentionally, they just ended up talking a lot longer than I expected, these kids were having a lot of fun I suppose xP

With this instalment ended, do keep an eye out for the first chapter of the next part of this series! That first chapter of part 3 is actually pretty damn short, so I'll just apologise for that in advance again x'D

And a rather minor sidenote, but here's a cool thing I discovered while researching for this chapter! Natty is actually from Matabeleland specifically, because that region of Zimbabwe was actually conquered in the 1890s, by the British! It wasn't randomly chosen just for diversity =D

And people say the developers of Hogwarts Legacy were being lazy with the reasoning for the diversity of their cast. Some peeps need to do some research before judging, the devs were anything but lazy. They were rushed as hell but they sure weren't lazy.

I also encountered someone online who thinks the voice acting in HL is the worst in any AAA game ever, and I am so confused, I thought the voice acting in HL was filled with some of the most natural English voicing I've heard in ages. It's not just me right? x')

“I can't believe I agreed to this.” Ominis sighed, smoothing his hair down anxiously as the three lovers strolled along the relatively empty path towards Hogsmeade. “And you're certain that we don't have to wear anything special? I've never been to a party without a dress code.”

The Keeper smiled fondly. “I'm sure, relax Ominis, it's just a casual gathering for the seven of us. The only difference between this and a regular dinner at the Three Broomsticks, is that Sirona reserved the highest floor for us.”

“I didn't know the Three Broomsticks took reservations.” Sebastian mused thoughtfully, looking a lot more relaxed than their blind lover.

“It doesn't.” The Keeper shrugged. “But Sirona owes me a favour or two, and the second floor mezzanine isn't big enough to house more people than our party's size anyway, so it's no great loss to her.”

“Probably a respite if anything, not having to worry about cleaning the farthest floor while she's swamped downstairs anyway.” Ominis commented, worrying his lower lip for a moment. “Are you sure we don't have to bring somethin-”

“Ominis.” The Keeper placed a hand on his shoulder with a soft chuckle. “This is just a relaxed dinner with some of my friends, you don't need to win their approval. They’re just being inclusive since I'm dating you and Sebastian.”

“I- well, I do understand that..." Ominis sighed again. “I suppose I'm simply worried, after all, we were so cold towards them before. I let our quarrel with Natty, and jealousy over Poppy, affect the way I treated all of them and I feel that such behaviour now reflects poorly on you, what with them knowing about us. Especially since it was your friends who considerately extended an invitation to us, I don't wish to embarrass you any further.”

The Keeper shook their head. “Ominis, my own actions reflect on me, just as your actions reflect upon yourself. That doesn't change even if others know that we're in a relationship, and if it does, well, then I couldn't give a rat’s arse about those people. Besides, if my friends thought poorly of you or Sebastian, they wouldn't have suggested or agreed to the two of you joining us.”

Ominis gave a weak smile. “Even if you say that... if you care about them enough to be friends with them, then... then I should like their approval, but I don't- I don't have many friends. Amicable acquaintances and classmates yes, but true friends? I don't really know how to... It's just the two of you and Anne.”

“Honestly, I've found that there isn't much to that process. If there's some goal or morals that you have in common, or if there's something you need from each other, you either gain respect for each other and hit it off, or you stay acquaintances.” The Keeper shrugged. “Even I would say that I only considered Poppy and Natty as friends before. Though, after the whole Macnair and Selwyn thing, I have come to consider all four of them as friends.”

The Keeper continued with a soft tone. “I will always invite you to share with me how you feel about my friends, but you don't need to become friends with them right away, or ever, at least not for me. For my part, it'd just be nice to spend a fun evening with everyone, see how things go. It'd be great if all the people I'm fond of are on good terms but I'm not going to be upset with you if it doesn't pan out that way. If, however you just want more friends for yourself, then you have an advantage here, everyone here is trying to be friendly, and that's not something most people start with.”

Sebastian snorted, folding his hands behind his head as they made their way over the bridge into Hogsmeade. “That's true, usually there's stuff to worry about, like what they want from you, but this isn't like some nobleman's ball, you know everyone's just here to have fun. So, you don't have to worry about appearances, just relax and do or say whatever feels comfortable.”

“Speaking from experience?” Ominis smiled fondly.

Sebastian grinned and gave a one-sided shrug. “I don't really care what others think about me, since I don't see the need for more friends unless I need them for something. And mind you, I don't mean that in an exploitive way. But that's just me, if you want to have more friends, there's no reason you can't. You're much more pleasant to hang out with than the two of us combined.”

“I'll agree there.” The Keeper huffed lightly. “Honestly, I'm not sure why they sought to be my friends in the first place. It's not like I'm especially nice towards them.”

Ominis chuckled, his heart warmed by both their reassurances. “I can tell you why, it's because you're not especially nice to anyone, you treat everyone equally. Without prejudice and bias against their appearance, status, or family. With respect, at least until you rescind it for their actions or attitude.”

“Is that so? I don't think I respect very many people.” The Keeper raised an eyebrow sceptically.

“Can't possibly be worse than Sebastian.” Ominis shrugged.

“I'd protest, but he's not wrong.” Sebastian grinned, tipping his head noncommittally.

“That's just because you're more interested in books than people.” The Keeper teased, bumping shoulders with Sebastian.

“Not my fault that most people aren't as interesting as a good book.” Sebastian shrugged as the three of them arrived at the small door leading to the Three Broomsticks’ second floor, just off to the side of the building.

“Ready, Ominis?” The Keeper asked as they placed a hand on the door, watching him take a breath before nodding.

With that, they pushed the door open, allowing their eyes to adjust to the lighting difference for a moment. Inside were Poppy and Natty, already sitting side by side at the two round tables that had been placed together in the center of the mezzanine.

“Hey! There you are!” Poppy exclaimed as soon as they stepped through the door, while Natty waved with a smile.

“Hey.” The Keeper smiled in return, taking a few steps further into the room before pausing to look back towards the door.

“Oh, Ominis and Sebastian, you came!” Poppy beamed brightly when Ominis stepped in next, tugging nervously at his collar.

He cleared his throat, smiling shyly and following them with a simple. “Hello.”

The Keeper found his demeanour so adorably sweet and charming, that they were struck with a sudden wave of concern. After all, it would be problematic if he approached anyone that he wanted to befriend like this, they might fall in love with him instead.

The calm and confident way he'd first approached and introduced himself to them had been so different. Then again, the Keeper had been a fresh student, and he'd been in a senior position, giving him more power during that conversation. They supposed he was likely putting on more of a demure aura now to contrast his previous haughty behaviour, that or he was genuinely just feeling shy.

Whichever it was, it was unbearably cute, and the Keeper fought the itch to pounce on him.

“There wasn't any reason to reject the invitation, so we figured, why not.” Sebastian on the other hand, walked in like this was something he did every other day, scratching idly at the back of his head and glancing about. “Garreth and Amit not here yet?”

“Garreth's downstairs, he volunteered to get the dishes we ordered from Sirona.” Poppy explained, gesturing towards the open seats in invitation.

“And Amit is making sure that he doesn't put anything weird in them.” Natty added as the three took their seats, the Keeper sitting between their boyfriends, with Ominis seated beside Poppy.

“Well, I never, how could you even think I would do something so dastardly?” The ever so dramatic voice of Garreth announced his arrival, balancing two trays of plates and butterbeer, hovering in the air over his wand just ahead of him.

“Easily.” Amit replied instead, appearing from behind him with another two trays.

“Ugh, why do I like you guys again?” Garreth sighed with a flamboyant swish of his wand, lowering the trays to the table, as Natty stood to help unload them.

“Because we appreciate your skill and tolerate your insanity.” The Keeper drawled, accepting a mug with a grateful nod, and taking a cautious sip of their butterbeer. One could never be too careful with Garreth around.

“And you owe your grades to Amit too.” Natty added, settling back into her seat while Poppy happily tucked into her meal beside her.

“Ugh, such disrespect, I shan't stand for it!” Garreth declared, brushing his fingers through his hair with exaggerated offence, before folding his arms and pointedly dropping into the open seat beside Sebastian.

Amit shrugged as he himself settled into the last chair, between Garreth and Natty. “Well, to your credit, you were surprisingly easy to teach, you're a fast learner.”

“Ugh, don't say that. I've heard that line a million times from my aunt.” Garreth recoiled with an exhausted expression, raising a finger and imitating Professor Weasley's authoritative tone. “You're a bright boy, it'd be a waste if you don't put it to good use after school.”

“After school... feels like the last six years have gone by in a flash.” Poppy sighed wistfully. “Hard to believe that we'll be starting our last year in Hogwarts in less than three months, I guess we should really be thinking about our future now.”

“And I've heard that one another million more, my aunt’s been badgering me about my career plans and what steps I'm taking to work towards them next year.” Garreth grumbled, picking up a fork from the tray and taking an aggravated bite of chicken from his plate.

“Not a bad suggestion honestly.” Natty flashed him a dry smile as she carefully cut the meat on her plate into neat bitesize pieces. “It’s good to plan for your future before it arrives.”

“The way I see it, if you spend too much time planning and worrying about your future, you'll never get to enjoy your present.” Garreth shot back, speaking between bites of his potatoes. “I'd much rather enjoy what I have, than worry about what might happen to it.”

Natty blinked in surprise. “That's surprisingly deep Garreth.”

The Keeper, who had been silently eating like everyone else, gazed at their boyfriends for a moment and swallowed their mouthful before speaking. “I feel like both of you have a point, but I find it easier to enjoy what I have, and not worry, when I know I've taken steps to protect my happiness.”

Across from them, Poppy giggled when she noticed both Ominis and Sebastian smile slightly at the Keeper’s words. Exactly as she'd expected, the three were so cute together! And somehow, it hurt less that she wasn't the one to make the Keeper happy, when she could see how happy they already were.

“That's true, Miss Peck invited me to speak with her yesterday and offered me a part time job at her store.” Poppy nodded with a serene smile. “She's expanding her catalogue in November and offered to pay me and teach me more about how to care for beasts, in exchange for helping her on the weekends. It does feel reassuring, knowing that I have a path I can take to pursue my interest in care of magical creatures.”

“Nice to see that someone else noticed your deft hand with beasts.” The Keeper nodded approvingly.

“Indeed, congratulations Poppy! That sounds perfect for you.” Natty smiled softly, before adding with some concern. “Though I hope you don't overwork yourself, studying for your NEWTs while having a part time job.”

“I promise I won't, I'll take breaks if I need to.” Poppy reassured with a grateful smile.

Garreth hummed thoughtfully. “Interests huh... I actually got a job offer from the owner of Honeydukes yesterday. His nephew is in Gryffindor too and I let him tes- I mean, try my Whizzbrew last month, apparently, he gave Mr. Honeydukes a glowing recommendation.”

The Keeper flashed a wry smile. “Well, that's reassuring.”

“Hey! Don't say that like you were expecting to be trying poison tonight!” Garreth glared at them.

“After what you did to my hair in third year, I wouldn't put it past you.” Sebastian shrugged.

“I only agreed to come after they assured me that we wouldn't be trying it first.” Ominis also shrugged a moment later.

“Ugh, Slytherins.” Garreth grumbled. “Well, jokes on you suckers, Mr. Honeydukes thinks it was good enough that he's offered me a position as a confectionery researcher.”

“Wow, never thought I'd ever hear of a job that actually suits you.” Amit murmured in disbelief.

“Are you going to accept?” Poppy asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

The Keeper smirked. “Did you tell him that you made it from his stolen Billywi-”

“Honestly, I'm not sure!” Garreth exclaimed, cutting the Keeper off with a glare. “I mean, seventh year is supposed to be busy as all hell, and I’d rather like to enjoy my last year of freed- ahem, school.”

“Really?” Natty raised an eyebrow. “You're going to pass up the chance to appease your aunt and actually be paid to blow cauldrons up?”

“...” Garreth was silent for a moment, before smiling brightly. “So, Natty, with me getting a job at Honeydukes, what steps are you taking for your future?”

The girl snorted, taking a sip of her butterbeer first. “I was thinking of becoming an Auror, so I spoke with Professor Sharp on Friday, after dinner and he agreed to give me some guidance next year so I can be more prepared for Auror training. Oddly enough, he told me not to get my hopes up, but I'm not giving up that easily.”

The Keeper took a measured bite of their mashed potatoes, that might be inconvenient for them, considering their own plans, but they were no stranger to keeping secrets. If they were careful enough, she'd never know of their activities and depending on how they played, Natty acquiring a position amongst the Aurors might even prove useful.

“Oh, that is a fine idea, perhaps I should speak with Professor Shah about a similar mentorship.” Amit's eyes were bright at the prospect.

“It does help to have a mentor, Nurse Blainey has been instructing me in Healing and it's really reassuring having more personalised guidance than a class lesson.” Ominis contributed tentatively.

“Does it? Then I must speak with Professor Shah as soon as possible!” Amit nodded firmly and Ominis smiled, relieved that his comment had been well received.

“Don't worry, Amit, you won't have any competition. At all.” The Keeper flashed a wry grin.

As they spoke to Amit, Poppy turned to Ominis with a wry smile. “I can only imagine how reassuring it must be to be learning healing, considering who you're dating.”

“Indeed, and trust me, the other one is another stress and a half too.” Ominis replied dryly, rubbing his temples in exasperation. “I'm going to have grey hair before I reach my forties.”

Poppy patted him on the shoulder with a knowing smile. “I'd offer sympathy, but I have a feeling you're quite content with that.”

Ominis snorted, letting out a sigh with a helpless smile. “I suppose I must be, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I seem to be beholden to these two.”

Garreth raised an eyebrow as he overhead the statement. “But, Ominis, you're blind- ack!”

A fist came down, landing squarely on the top of Garreth's head.

“Oops.” Sebastian blinked, withdrawing his hand as Garreth held his head. “Sorry, reflex.”

Amit shook his head and waved a hand. “No no, he absolutely deserved it. Please, feel free to hit him again whenever he acts up.”

“I would have hit harder.” Natty added casually, popping a piece of carrot into her mouth.

“Ugh, and what are you planning to be, Sebastian? A commissionaire or a doorman?” Garreth glared at him accusatorily.

Sebastian rolled his eyes, pausing for a moment, before shrugging. “Not sure actually, I just picked the NEWTs I was interested in.”

“That's surprising, I thought you'd be planning to become a professional duellist.” Poppy commented.

“Well, I did lose to a muggleborn with no magical education on their first day of school.” Sebastian grinned sardonically.

“Oh, come on, Sebastian, you can't compare yourself to them, that one's barely human.” Amit exclaimed. “You even had seventh years beat when you were still in fourth year.”

The Keeper snorted at Amit’s descriptor for them. “He's got a point, you're probably the best duellist in school besides myself and the teachers.”

“I'll take that as a compliment. Honestly, I did consider it when I was younger. Though, I don't feel like I'd be interested in duelling as a sport at this point.” Sebastian shook his head, and the Keeper easily understood.

After a taste of true life and death combat, the civilised rules and regulations for magical duels were just restrictive, dull, and boring.

“Really? I thought for a while that you were considering becoming a dark wizard, what with all your time spent sneaking into the Restricted Section.” Natty shook her head with a dry smile.

From her tone, Natty's words were clearly in jest, but Sebastian stiffened regardless, at the suggestion that he'd sought to become like Rookwood, like the man who’d cursed his twin.

“Excuse me. I was doing research to find a cure for my sister. I'll thank you not to make untoward assumptions.” Sebastian glared, his tone harsh and cold.

Natty blinked in surprise, taken aback by his reaction and at a loss for how to respond.

The Keeper placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him, their voice soft. “Peace, love, Natty was only joking, correct?”

“Yes, I apologise, Sebastian. I meant no offence.” Natty quickly followed up, looking rather guilty for accidentally upsetting him.

“It's quite alright, you couldn't have known that we would find such a jest in poor taste.” Ominis reassured her, though his expression made it clear that he wasn't too pleased with her choice of humour either.

“Your sister, Anne, she dropped out of school in fourth year, didn't she?” Poppy asked tentatively, trying to give Natty a moment to recover. “I'd always wondered, there were many rumours about possible reasons, but..."

Poppy trailed off, knowing that saying them would likely make things worse, after all, those rumours had ranged from Anne getting pregnant to an untimely death.

“She's..." Sebastian sighed, placing a hand over the Keeper’s, and gripping it tightly. “Anne was cursed with debilitating pain by Rookwood and it's killing her slowly. The doctors don't have a cure for it, so I've been searching for a way to break the curse ever since.”

Natty flinched, understanding that she'd done the equivalent of saying he aspired to become the man who'd hurt his sister. That'd be about as rude as someone saying they thought she'd make a good Ashwinder or Poacher.

“I- I am so sorry-” Natty began.

“No, it's... It's fine, you didn't know.” Sebastian shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “I never told anyone or corrected the rumours. So, it's only natural.”

“Thank you, that is kind of you to say. Even so, it was a joke I made without much forethought, and I’m deeply sorry for that.” Natty lowered her head. “I’ll try not to make that mistake again.”

Sebastian sighed, great, his outburst had just ruined the atmosphere.

“Perhaps..." Poppy began hesitantly, pushing some beans around on her plate. “Perhaps you might consider becoming a Curse Breaker? I mean, you are trying to break a curse after all.”

“Oh, for Gringotts, yes? That sounds most suitable.” Amit nodded excitedly.

“Curse Breaker?” Sebastian asked, unfamiliar with the job title, aside from that which the name made obvious.

"Oh, my aunt used to be one." Garreth quipped absently and, seeing Amit's incredulous stare, he shrugged in response. "She doesn't like to talk about it though. Bit too obscure a job, I wager, gets people's tongues wagging."

“I see, I suppose I can understand the sentiment. It's a small but elite division of wizards and witches under the employ of the goblins of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. They specialise in exploring ruins, excavating, and reclaiming lost artifacts for the bank. As such, their job entails breaking curses to both access these hidden sites and restore the items’ usability.” Amit gave Sebastian a smile. “If you were to join their ranks, you would likely gain access to their wealth of knowledge.”

Sebastian's eyes widened, he'd spent so long hating goblins, thinking that they had been the ones who'd taken his sister from him. He'd never even considered seeking the answers that he needed from them.

“That sounds like an incredibly dangerous job.” Ominis frowned.

Amit scratched the back of his head. “Ah, well, there is a fair amount of risk involved, it's one of the reasons that Curse Breaker isn't a very desirable or reputed line of work, since they need to be capable duellists and be skilled in arcane magic, but if I recall correctly, the goblins do offer a rather high salary as compensation..."

Natty gave a huff of amazement. "Hard to imagine our head of house doing such an outlandish job."

"And she survived to become the strictest Professor in Hogwarts history." The Keeper snorted, patting Ominis on the shoulder reassuringly. “They likely receive training in handling dangerous artifacts as well, procedures, regulations, safety measures and such. I doubt they enjoy replacing their staff.”

Ominis frowned and protested no further, but from his expression, both the Keeper and Sebastian knew that they'd be discussing this further in private, and it was probably going to be a tough conversation.

“Well, I'll certainly consider it, thank you both for letting me know about this.” Sebastian smiled, nodding towards Amit and Poppy, relieved that the heavy atmosphere had lifted somewhat.

“Of course, I am always happy to share my knowledge of goblins, they really are an incredible race.” Amit paused. “Well, the nicer ones, that is.”

“That goes without saying.” The Keeper flashed a wry smile, thinking of Rookwood and Ranrok. “Mad men have neither kings nor gods. They exist in every corner of society and, driven by pain, they harm indiscriminately. Both others and their own.”

The statement hung in the air for a moment as the group digested its meaning, before Poppy gave a quiet laugh, drawing attention to her.

“Same goes the other way too.” Poppy smiled, and Ominis was surprised by the weight in her tone, one that he quickly recognised as the way he too would speak about his parents. “There can also be kind people that appear in any place, driven by love to protect.”

“Indeed..." Ominis nodded, he was getting an inkling of the Keeper's reasons for giving Poppy such high regard. His thoughts returned to the Keeper's actions, that could be read as cruel like his parents’, yet were taken to defend their home. “There are as many different reasons for actions as there are people. Some motivations may be similar, but no two are identical.”

“Wish they'd teach that in school.” Sebastian grumbled, now rather ashamed of his vehement hatred against the entire race of goblins on the account of one movement alone, and he popped his spoon into his mouth with a sigh.

“Would be a little difficult, I'd imagine, to teach such a concept in a classroom.” Amit hummed thoughtfully.

“You think so? I feel like it's doable.” The Keeper swirled their spoon in some gravy, thinking of Lodgok and Fig. “There are examples of flawed stereotypes, even in a classroom. Point the small ones out and kids will learn, then they will carry those lessons into adulthood.”

Garreth pulled his fork out of his mouth and jabbed it in the Keeper's direction. “Speaking of lessons learnt, you're learning pretty well too, trying to change the subject so we’ll forget that you haven't shared your plans yet.”

The Keeper's spoon stilled.

“I have no idea what you speak of.” They scooped a spoonful of mashed potatoes into their mouth indifferently, looking away pointedly, while Ominis chuckled behind his hand and Sebastian almost choked on his butterbeer.

“Sure, you don't, now out with it.” Garreth grinned.

Poppy giggled. “I must admit, I am fairly curious myself.”

“Surely you must have some idea of what you would like to do. You're taking seven NEWTs, are you not?” Natty asked, looking surprised at their reticence.

The Keeper sighed, they'd hoped to avoid speaking of their plans, considering how much of it was unsafe for casual conversation. It likely wouldn't go over well if they mentioned how much human organs sold for on the Wizarding black market, according to Tynx. Though they supposed they could make vague mention of some of their more scrupulous means of acquiring coin.

“Not particularly, I have been considering simply working freelance as an independent contractor.” The Keeper shrugged, before smirking. “I'm not fond of following orders.”

Ominis and Sebastian promptly snorted at the same time, while Garreth spluttered indignantly. “Excuse me!? Whatever happened to ‘taking steps’!?”

The Keeper shrugged nonchalantly. “I never said I was referring to steps taken for employment.”

Ominis looked slightly concerned, likely over the possibility of a negative response to their indifferent tone, but to his surprise, Garreth simply guffawed, grinning wryly, and shaking his head. “Fair enough, I doubt the Hogwarts Salamander would have much issue finding work anyway, what with your broad skill set.”

“Salamander?” Amit blinked in confusion.

“I suppose you wouldn't know.” Natty hummed, noting Poppy's curious expression as well. “Our friend here is rather reputed for filling requests.”

Natty turned to the Keeper, shaking her head. “Honestly, I don't understand where you get the time and energy, the sheer amount of things I've heard can't be possible with your workload.”

They waved a hand dismissively. “Grades dropped a fair bit this year, though I guess we can blame those bullies for most of that.”

“Oh, right!” Garreth's eyes lit up and he glanced over the table, finding that most of the plates were empty as well as the mugs. “Let's not forget, the star of our night!”

“I'm not sure that's how the saying goes..." Amit raised an eyebrow as Garreth pulled out his bottle of Fizzing Whizzbrew. “I think it's supposed to be the star of the show-”

“Now, let's properly celebrate trouncing those two tossers!” Garreth raised his bottle eagerly and popped the cork off the top, a sizzling sound emerging from the bottle.

“Oh, that smells rather sweet.” Ominis commented as Garreth swished his wand and vanished the remaining contents of the party's mugs.

“Are you kiddi- really, Garreth?” Sebastian complained as the remaining half of his butterbeer vanished.

“Trust me, my sceptically-challenged friend, you'll never desire any other beverage ever again! It'll even make up for your lost hair.” Garreth winked as he poured the contents of his bottle into the seven mugs on the table.

“Really, Garreth?” Sebastian asked again, his expression as deadpan as his voice.

“Don't drink yet.” Ominis reached across the Keeper to cover Sebastian's mug.

“Really, Ominis!? You too!?” Sebastian exclaimed, slumping onto the table with a pout. “I already told you I'd wait.”

“Oh, come on, Ominis, I even said that Mr. Honeydukes gave me a job for this drink, clearly I didn't poison his nephew!” Garreth rolled his eyes.

“And I'm to simply believe that story in the first place.” Ominis smiled wryly.

“Ugh, Slytherins. How did he even get sorted into your house?” Garreth grumbled to himself.

“Sebastian's cunning, when he wants to be.” The Keeper chuckled, patting their lover on his head consolingly.

“Can somebody please just drink it so we can move away from this topic?” Sebastian groaned against the table.

“Hehe, I trust you, Garreth.” Poppy picked up her mug with a smile and Natty's eyes went wide with alarm.

“Wait, Pop-” Natty tried, but she'd already taken a sip.

“Oh, it's actually quite pleasant, tingly and sweet.” Poppy commented with a surprised expression, before shivering a moment later and giggling as she began levitating several centimetres off her chair.

“See? Told you, it works perfectly fine and tastes great!” Garreth beamed proudly. “Thank you, Poppy! Why, you truly are the bravest individual at this table, you would have made a fine Gryffindor!”

Natty sighed, shooting a light glare at him. “If anything, it's her considerate nature that you just took advantage of.”

“Oh, no need to fuss, Natty.” Poppy blushed as a burp escaped her, right as her sip's effects wore off and dropped her back in her chair. “Garreth wouldn't hurt us.”

“...yes, I'm sure he wouldn't.” Natty's glare was a bit harder now and Garreth swallowed.

“O- of course I wouldn't!” Garreth cleared his throat and made a grand sweeping motion. “Now, as you can all see, the drink is not poisonous!”

The Keeper snorted and took a sip, cautiously followed by the rest of the group. It was certainly sweet, but not overly so, with a flavour strongly reminiscent of Fizzing Whizzbees, as to be expected. As well as a fascinating sizzle that popped in the back of the throat rather than on the tongue as the candy did.

“...this is... actually pretty good.” Sebastian finally muttered, after floating over his chair for a few moments.

“I have to admit, I wouldn't mind buying some to lift my spirits from time to time.” Amit commented as he cheerfully bobbed from side to side in the air.

“Heh, good one.” Sebastian grinned.

“It's... not bad, nice work, Garreth.” Ominis smiled in amusement, trying not to grip the table too obviously as he hovered in the air.

As their sip had already worn off, the Keeper casually placed a hand on his hip, pulling Ominis over their lap through the air and wrapping their arms around his waist, feigning a small display of affection to offer him stability. They most certainly weren't taking advantage of the opportunity to mark their territory in front of the others, on the off chance that his demure aura was giving anyone ideas.

As he watched Ominis’ cheeks flush, Garreth hummed absently. “Huh, I've been wondering for a while actually, don't pureblood houses usually have marriage contracts for their kids like those bullies? How come you guys are together?”

Immediately after his words came out, Garreth saw Ominis stiffen, before both Sebastian and the Keeper's eyes pinned him with a sharpness that made him flinch.

Garreth waved his hands hurriedly. “Ah! I- it's alright if you don't answer that, I know that kind of thing is pretty private, I was just wondering is all-”

The air was tense for a moment, before Ominis sighed and squeezed the Keeper's stiff shoulder lightly. “It's fine, I was looking for a good opportunity to request that our relationship be kept between the seven of us anyway.”

The levitation from his drink began to wear off, and Ominis jostled slightly as he dropped into the Keeper's lap, placing an arm around their shoulder for stability. Somehow, still managing to look poised, perched on the Keeper's lap as he was, Ominis cleared his throat before continuing.

“Unlike my older siblings, my... defect gave our parents the impression that I wasn't worth bartering off to another family for politics.” Ominis waved a hand airily, though he couldn’t quite keep the bitterness from his tone. “Didn't even protest when I left the family home in second year.”

“It's fine, innit?” Sebastian smiled, covertly placing a hand on Ominis’ knee, squeezing lightly under the table. “My house isn't all posh, but it's pretty comfortable I'd wager.”

Ominis huffed lightly. “Indeed, certainly warmer than that stuffy old place. Thanks to their disregard, I suppose I am somewhat free, though I'd still rather not draw undue attention.”

“I'm sure everyone doesn't mind keeping us a secret, since his parents might disapprove of a muggleborn like myself.” The Keeper gave their friends seated around the table a sharp glance. “Right guys?”

“Of course!” Poppy immediately exclaimed, her eyes both sad and resolute, simmering with empathy. “It doesn't matter what your parents think, Ominis, you're wonderful enough to have two people who love you and I'd never do anything to jeopardise your relationship.”

Ominis blinked in surprise, at first startled by how vehement she was, but soon found his heart warming as the rest of the group chimed in one after the other.

“You needn't ask.” Natty nodded sagely. “I think the pureblood politics of you Brits are hogwash anyway.”

“Seconded, my family's blood is so-called ‘pure’, but we couldn't give a damn about all that rubbish.” Garreth grinned, giving a thumbs up.

“I see no reason to avail myself to such people in the first place. I've never been particularly fond of the way most of the pureblood nobility regard goblins as beneath them.” Amit shrugged.

Ominis swallowed, he hadn't expected such acceptance from a group that weren't even his fri-

“After all, we're friends!” Garreth chortled, wrapping an arm around Sebastian's and Amit's shoulders each, making them yelp in surprise.

“When did I make that arrangement-” Sebastian grumbled as he tried to escape.

Amit laughed dryly. “Ah, just give his enthusiasm a minute to wear off and he'll release us.”

Ominis chuckled quietly, as the sound of Sebastian tussling with Garreth reached his ears, along with the occasional yelp as Amit was dragged along and he felt the Keeper shift under his thighs, their breath warming his collar.

“There, love, wasn't that easy?” The Keeper whispered into Ominis’ ear, making him shiver. “Told you.”

He gave a wry huff of amusement, lacing their fingers under the table. “I suppose you were right again.”

“Better get used to it.” The Keeper purred, pleased to have yet another claw anchored in him.

“...I think I'd like that..." Ominis murmured in return, smiling softly.

All the while, Poppy fought the urge to squeal from across the table, at the hungry gleam in the Keeper's eyes, like a beast in a mating dance. An expression she'd never seen on their face before. Just as she’d thought, they were so cute together!

Notes:

Apparently, according to blabbermouth Professor Kogawa, Professor Weasley was a Curse Breaker, and she doesn't like it being brought up because she's focused on her teaching job. Thanks for yapping about it Kogawa.

In the random NPC dialogues, you can find some talking about Anne and those only ever say “Anne left”, no one in school besides Ominis seems to know what exactly happened to her and Sebastian also never spoke about Anne until inside the Restricted Section with MC, and even then, he spoke of it vaguely and in passing, playing down the amount of effort he'd gone through to save her.

As such, I believe that Sebastian finds it difficult to talk about Anne's situation to others, understandably so, since he was so firmly believing that “Anne can be cured”. I imagine that, for him, saying out loud, that he was struggling to find a cure for her and that no one else thought it was possible would hurt himself, would make it feel real and unchangeable, speaking it would crush him under the weight of his task.

The task that no one believed he could accomplish, the task that he was undertaking completely alone. Well, he's not alone anymore, so I think he'd be more able to talk about it without losing his ability to communicate with actual proper clear words.

Feel free to look at my first reply to a comment (on the AO3 comments) for a deeper dive into Sebastian's, Ominis' and Anne's psyche, it's the super super long comment, can't miss it! (I'd move it to these notes, but then the notes would be longer than the chapter x'D)

Also, here's a funny, now that Poppy's totally shipping, remember that moment in Seb's jelly outburst smut, where Sebastian was “imagining how Poppy might react to seeing her crush like this”? Yeaaaah, Sebastian, she'd probably get a nosebleed or something-

“Mad men have neither race nor religion.” Was a statement made, if I recall correctly, by a French man, whose brother died in a terrorist bombing, and he made this statement to protest against racism towards Islam as a whole. I remember reading it in an article and loving it so much, such a beautiful statement that sums up the ridiculousness of hating an entire demographic of people because of a few bad seeds.

That's like saying all men are bad because some are rapists or that drag queens or transfem are dangerous because some genuine sickos with malicious intent used makeup and dresses to hide among women. Absolutely ridiculous. Every organisation and country and religion will have bad people in there by virtue of it having people, and the loudest and most visible ones are usually the mad ones.

I believe that we shouldn't make sweeping statements about any group and some bad seeds are not an excuse to suppress a minority group. Just make new laws and increase security for everyone, both transfem and women, problem solved! More types of toilets or just change them all to the handicap toilets style.

Safe spaces for women and safe spaces for transfem, and in fact, safe spaces for boys and transmasc as well, because even straight cisgender men with soft features suffer sexual assaults too. Such progress in security and overall safety will only benefit all people, regardless of gender or sex, on a whole in the end.

(Also, I tweaked the quote slightly for an older vibe in the chapter, and I went searching but couldn't find that article again so if anyone finds it, please link it to me, thanks xD)

[the-right-thyme]

In the Shadow of Family- Chapter 2

https://href.li/?https://archiveofourown.org/works/49807084/chapters/125930776#workskin

Characters: Sebastian Sallow, Ominis Gaunt, Garreth Weasley, Player Character 

Warnings: Mild swear

Relationships: Friendships

Summary: Sebastian attempts to cheer up his friend after the dreadful events he most definitely didn’t witness. It goes well. Until it doesn’t.

Chapter Two: Meridies

‘Do you want another cup of tea?’ Sebastian Sallow proffered the delicate willow-patterned teapot to his best friend, steam still gently curling from the spout. Charmed to stay warm, of course.

‘No thank you, twelve’s my limit.’ Came his friends' reply, the merest hint of sarcasm slipping through, as he placed the saucer down next to himself, angle slightly uneven on the ground, the cup perched precariously, its contents reduced to dregs. 

Sebastian wondered if reading Ominis’ tea leaf fortune to him would cheer him up. Probably not. He’d probably end seeing a grim, or worse, extra charms homework in their near future. That wasn’t going to help cheer anyone up, except perhaps Natty.

Sebastian knew he had been overly chirpy all morning, jittery and fidgety, trying his best to act as if he hadn’t witnessed… well, best not to dwell on it. He was trying his hardest to act how he normally did, impromptu tea party by the lake aside. 

He'd had to practically drag Ominis across the castle and grounds, deep from his reverie in their dormitory room when it became apparent he wasn’t going to join him in the Great Hall for lunch. It had seemed to work; with each emptying cup, he had seemed more at peace, more himself. Tea had always seemed to cure Ominis’ many ailments; if only Anne were the same.

Although twelve was an exaggeration, five, if that, at the most. For someone who liked to repeatedly declare how much Sebastian’s embellishment of the truth irked him, he sure was good at doing it himself. Something about a pot and a kettle jumped to his mind.

Sebastian watched as he stretched his arms high above his head, before laying back on the slightly worn, but dry, blanket he had thankfully remembered to bring last minute. From this angle of the lake, all that could be heard was the waters edge gently lapping nearby. It was calming; he could almost imagine falling asleep despite the surprisingly warm midday October sun beating down on them.

‘So? How did it go, this morning?’ Sebastian couldn’t help but ask, hoping Ominis would pick up on his desperate tone and share, so he wouldn’t have to keep the oblivious friend act up all day. It seemed to work, he pitched himself up slightly, leaning back on bent elbows, chin resting heavily on his chest. 

‘It went…well. As well as any sort of meeting with my father can go.’

‘What happened?’

Ominis flopped back, supine again, speaking to the sky. ‘Sebastian, I appreciate your concern, really, but, not right now. Please.’ 

Sebastian watched his friend’s chest slowly rise and fall for a few seconds before hatching a new plan. He stood, hands plucking a rock from the ground, considered it before taking a slight run up and flinging it in a swinging overhead throw that launched the rock in a high arch, to a loud plop in the glittering blue waters, audible even from the shore.

‘Hear that? Nearly reached the other side.’

Ominis let out a snort and a ghost of a smile. Pushed himself up again, until he was sat upright.

‘Saying so doesn’t make it so.’

‘Your turn. Just throw it, give it all you got. Like this.’ Sebastian bent down, picked another from the shore, and with a curdled, exaggerated yell, threw it into the lake with another loud plop.

Sebastian sighed at the motionless figure, and folded a particularly streamlined rock into Ominis’ limp hand.

‘Here, it’s great reliever of stress, I promise; or are you going to sulk all afternoon instead?’

‘I’m going to sulk.’ Came his voice, resolute.

‘Ok well I’m going to throw rocks and scream at the unfairness of life.’

Ominis sniffed, his thumb rubbing over the smooth surface. 

‘So undignified.’ He murmured, almost to himself, failing to hide the quirk of his lips.

‘C’mon, your turn.' Sebastian tugged on Ominis’ shirt cuffs as he stood, suddenly pliant, ushering him forward slightly by a few shuffling steps, until the lake ever so gently lapped at his boots.

With a small huff, he held his arm out and let the rock fall gracefully from his fingertips with a slight underhand motion. It clattered noisily against the rocks directly below, water splashing his socks. Much to his apparent distaste.

‘Sebastian, I’m getting soaked.’

He couldn’t have held his laugh back if he’d been given all the galleons in gringotts.

‘You really are the most dramatic dandy, you know that?’

He was given a sniff in response, watched as he folded his arms, sat firmly back down, cross legged on the grass. Sebastian let out a frustrated cry to the sky.

‘You’re the stubborinst person I know.’

‘No I’m not,’ Ominis’ lips quirked, ‘I’m the most stubborn.’

‘And you’re the annoyingist.’

‘Grammar is just something that happens to other people isn’t it, Sebastian.’ Ominis said with a weary sigh, sounding almost like himself again.

‘Alright Professor Gaunt don’t let your giant head break your neck when you get down off your high horse’

‘Now you’re being facetious.’

‘You sound like my great Aunt Hester.’

‘She sounds like the most sensible, charming member of your family. Please introduce us.’

‘She’s dead.’

Ominis shrugged, ‘Probably still smarter than you.’

‘Don’t think I wont hit you.’

‘Don’t think I wont hit back, I’ve been told I’ve got a mean right hook.’

‘By who?’ Sebastian snorted, ‘unfortunately for you, I can see your arms. I’ve met grindylow with more definition.’ He poked Ominis’ bicep, dodging the swatting hand that followed it. 

‘C’mon, back up.’ Sebastian leant over him, placed his legs either side of Ominis’ knees, pulling his arms taught as he tried to drag him up, leaning back with all his weight. He didn’t budge.

‘How are you suddenly so heavy, there’s nothing of you!’

‘It’s the bulging arms.’

‘Fine!’ Sebastian threw his arms in the air in defeat, collapsing next to Ominis, who at least had the decency to look sheepish. His face turned thoughtful.

‘You’know, I think I’d like to do that.’

Sebastian blinked dumbly, back tracking on their conversation, trying to pick the thread Ominis was following.

‘Boxing?’ He racked his brain further, ‘Horse riding?’

Ominis gave him an annoyed glare, eyes briefly skating over his own.

‘Don’t be ridiculous. No.’ His voice went soft, sad. ‘A professor. I’ve thought about it, quite a lot actually. Maybe, after Hogwarts-’

‘A-a professor?’ Sebastian couldn’t help but splutter. Ominis flushed, clearly mis-interpreting. ‘Stupid childish fantasy I kn-’

‘Ominis.’ Sebastian took his friends shoulders in both hands, forcing his attention. ‘You’d be great at it. Honestly, I’d say you were born for it the way you like bossing me and Anne around.’ He let his hands drop, Ominis’ lips quirking as he attempted to fight the smile that was obviously threatening.

‘Really?’ So hopeful.

‘COMPADRES’ Came a familiar voice, breaking the moment. Sebastian twisted to the direction of the shout. The chipper, upbeat voice of Gryffindors’ golden fifth year, Garreth Weasley and- 

Oh dear, Sebastian thought, his eyes closing with chagrin. Clearly a clothing factory had exploded all over the new student, and they had simply decided to run with it because there was no way someone would choose their current ensemble. Where did someone even find an honest-to-Merlin cape these days?

They sauntered over, Garreth nodding to Sebastian in greeting first before turning to his friend with a friendly ‘Ominis.’ 

He took in their rug, forgotten teacups and still-steaming teapot; raised an eyebrow at Sebastian.

‘What’re you guys up to?’

‘The twelve uses of Horklump juice homework.’ Sebastian said with a flourish of his right hand, licking the nib of an imaginary quill and writing great swirling letters in the air in front of him. Garreth eyed him with amused confusion.

‘You Slytherin lot are an odd bunch, aren’t you. Well, don’t forget number thirteen, makes a delightfully potent additive to firewhisky. Not that I would know, of course.’ He gave Sebastian a conspiratorial wink before pulling his knapsack higher on his shoulder.

‘And you?’ Sebastian motioned to both of them with a sweep of his hand.

‘Billywig stings.’ He gestured with his chin to the bag dangling behind his back, ‘Top secret mission, mind, wish I could tell you more but, Godric’s the word eh?’ He tapped the side of his nose. ‘Specially if you see my Aunt.’ he gave a quick, shifty-eyed look around, as though a certain head of house was waiting to pounce on them from behind one of the nearby trees. 'She's been extra nosy as of late.'

Sebastian felt himself give a whole body shudder as a sudden whisp of a breeze drifted from over the lake. In his haste to drag Ominis away, he had completely forgotten his school cloak. His shirt wasn’t the warmest, not for October.

‘Sebastian, you must be cold, here,’ Garreth’s partner-in-crime looped the particularly ugly scarf they had decided to don that day round his neck, ‘keep it, I have plenty.’ And indeed, they had already produced a second, somehow more grotesquely patterned scarf, from Merlin-knew-where, winding it around their neck with a flourish. The scarf, now his scarf he thought idly, was made from a sort of murky green velvet material, interwoven with a wool so thick and scratchy, he wasn’t sure if it was actually straw or not, and, worst of all, it had actual tassels. It was over the top, even by wizard standards. Hideous.

‘Uhm, thanks.’ he said weakly, not wanting to offend them by declining, not after everything they had done for him. With a satisfied nod, the two co-conspirators gave their goodbyes and trudged off, their conversation carried off in the wind.

‘Do you think I should lose the scarf?’ Sebastian asked, amused, once they were out of earshot, adjusting it, trying to find the best way to get it to sit just right without its itchy surface digging into the more sensitive parts of his neck, wondering if he could get away with obscure fashion choices the same way his new friend seemed to. Ominis reached out, fingers clasping around the garment, rubbing the material between his fingertips, tracing the swirling pattern. He considered.

‘I think you should burn it,’ Ominis said solemnly, ’Because if you lose it, you mind find it again.’

He playfully slapped the side of his head, scuffing the neatly combed hair.

‘You’re not as innocuous as people think you are, Gaunt.’

‘And you’re not as dashing.’

‘Oh? And you are?’

Ominis shrugged, ‘I have no idea. But I know a fashion disaster when I feel one.’

Sebastian threw the offending item at Ominis’ head, watched him fight a grin, something shifting in his chest. Now or never.

‘You know, when you said it went well? When you said well, did you mean shite?'

‘Something like that.’ Ominis said distantly, sounding far off again, smile fading. ‘Father is most displeased with me not running around hexing muggle-borns, or declaring my blood status, as if it matters, at every opportunity, it would seem.’

‘Your family really are a delight.’

‘What was it my Aunt Noctua used say about familial love and war? One involves a lot of physical and psychological pain, and the other is war.’ Sebastian felt a laugh bubble up, in spite of himself. A companionable silence followed, broken by Ominis clearing his throat.

‘Father wishes me to be married, the year after next.’

‘No. Really? Whoever to?’ Sebastian tried to aim for surprised, but not too much, hoped it didn’t sound as comically punch-and-judy out loud as it did in his head.

‘She’s called Lucilin Black. I’ve met her once before, a few years ago at a sort of-’ He wrinkled his nose in disgust, ‘Pure-blood social gathering. Her mother introduced us,’ he paused, ‘she’s fond of torturing animals.’ He said mildly, as if commenting on her favourite book, or pastry.

‘She sounds like a delight.’

‘Quite.’

Sebastian pushed on. ‘And?’ 

A few beats of questioning silence hung in the air. Sebastian pushed on. He’d get to the main point soon enough if he skirted around it long enough.

‘You’re really going to marry a Black?’

‘I most certainly am not.’ Came the affronted reply, as if even merely suggesting the fact was offensive to him. 

‘But think, the headmaster could be your father-in-law, now there’s a sobering thought.’

‘That’s-’ He blinked blankly in Sebastian direction, ‘That’s not how it works, she’s not his-’ Sebastian ignored him, feeling like he was on a roll, back into the flow of their easy banter.

‘Put in a good word for me, won’t you? I’m going to need all the help I can get if I’m going to pass my Beasts O.W.L this year, Howin has got it in for me I’m sure.’

Ominis sniffed, fiddling with a hem on his robe, in a way he never usually did. ‘I’m just like him.’

‘Who…Professor Black?’ Sebastian asked dumbly, reeling from the sudden change in topic, but knowing they were inching closer.

‘No-my father. I’ve heard people say I’m the spit of him. I think Marvolo hates me for it, he idolises father you know.’

‘Just because you look like him,’ Sebastian paused, ‘-if that is indeed true-’ he added hastily, ‘you, of all people, should know, you’re only like him in all the ways that don’t matter. Besides.’ Sebastian let himself snort unattractively, trying to break the tension. ‘You definitely don’t want to look like the lumbering troll Marvolo does now.’

Sebastian snapped his mouth shut audibly, realised his mistake as the words left his mouth too late.

‘How did you know Marvolo was -?’ Ominis was far too perceptive for his own good.

Sebastian felt himself splutter, ‘I-I saw them heading back, with the Headmaster-’

‘No, no you didn’t. Don’t lie to me. You were there, weren’t you! You saw-’ He let out an extended huff, stood up, started pacing, hands flourishing wildly in the air, too angry for words. 

‘After I explicitly said-’

Not wanting to see the complicated change of expressions on Ominis’ face, Sebastian closed his eyes as the tirade continued.

‘… you know what? I’m not even surprised anymore. You have a remarkable lack of self awareness, Sebastian, into others’ personal-agency.’ His voice sharp.

Something rustled by his side, he peeked, saw Ominis fumbling as he located his wand, refusing to even acknowledge him as he turned and bumped their knees in his haste. Sebastian watched with a sinking feeling in his stomach as he stomped away as quickly as he could, back towards the castle, disappearing round the back of the tree line. 

There was suddenly a noticeable wind, blowing in from across the lake, now more murky that it had appeared only moments before. 

Sebastian shivered.