Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

The seasons of their seventh years passed by both too quickly and not quick enough.

In Autumn, the realisation and acknowledgement of this year being their final one made everything feel nostalgic, with not enough time to enjoy everything Hogwarts and the surroundings had to offer.

Winter helped a little, the weather harsher than it had ever been for the past five years. Perhaps it was because the Ministry finally put a full end to the goblin rebellion and that they were no longer an active threat or perhaps it was that the new fifth year student who was now a not so new seventh year student had started to understand and control the ancient magic running through their body and all over the world better.

Whatever it was, this period of time seemed to have lasted for more than just three months, so much that when spring came, even if it means finalising their career choices for next year, all the students were relieved and mostly flocking back to Hogsmeade for some well deserved rest after being most often times than not closed off because of the awfully strong winds and unstoppable snow.

Now in summer, on their final day, of their final year, Sebastian wished that he had more time to stay in the little safe cocoon that Hogwarts had came to be.

His suitcase were already ready, on top of his (or formerly his) bed, his cat sleeping next to them. Maybe she will miss the castle too and was saying goodbye in her own fashion, or maybe that's just him projecting onto her. Even though, he had technically said his goodbyes.

Some of his friends in other houses were harder to locate but a quick trip to the dinning halls and most of them were found. It was quick but sweet, promises that they will keep each other updated about their lives here and there, to take care and achieve anything they set their minds to. Having said that, Sebastian was no fool, those promises might be kept but only for a short while and he did not resent it. He knew that once they got busy, it will be harder and harder to remember and have time, to write a letter to a friend that they liked but did not consider close enough.

He was aware that it will be the same once he gets busy as well with his plans to travel the world to find a cure for Anne. By then, there will only be three people he knew he was going to keep updated.

The first one wouldn't happen quite immediately for Ominis decided to travel with him for a few months, desperate to get away from his family and their plans for him as long as he could.

The second one was obviously Anne, and by proxy his uncle.

After the incident with the goblin, it had been a long and arduous road to have their trust back. He spent the rest of his fifth year with none of his letters answered and forced to stay at Hogwarts for the spring holidays. The drift he had caused impacted even Ominis who, as karma would have it, was still allowed in his own family home. The fellow Slytherin had described the atmosphere as cold and awkward, but by whatever miracles, his twin sister still spoke of him and urged their uncle to see reason and let him come back home at least for summer.

She wasn't heard. He had spent his summer in the muggle world with his new friend, the unfamiliarity of this world and the warm comfort of the Hufflepuff helping him come to terms with his shortcomings. One memorable evening he swore he would never touch the Dark Arts again. The cost grander than what he could afford. He recognized that the mystery and false promises surrounding them has pulled him into a rabbit hole that slowly but surely were drowning him.

He did not want to lose his friends. Never wanted to lose Anne.

So he stopped. Cold Turkey as his friend mentioned, whatever that meant.

Support was granted to him, and even though he wasn't a big fan of physical touches that didn't come from Anne or Ominis, he willingly accepted the warm hug he was given by his friend also wrapping his arms around them, thinking that, maybe, he wouldn't mind if they became as close as the other two.

And it exactly what happened.

Beginning of sixth year, if the Hufflepuff wasn't doing...whatever they were doing with their strange assignments and extracurricular work, they were together, Ominis being there most often than not, a trio that worked better than they, or anyone else, thought. 

It was also during that time that Sebastian started his intricate plan which consisted in him being back in his uncle's good grace so he could see his sister again.

When their friend wasn't busy exploring or honing their skills with the wand, they would innocently pass by Feldcroft, mentioning him and his desire to change. To never engage with any dark magic ever again.

Ominis did the same, during holidays and additionally innocent trips when he had the afternoon free of any work or classes. 

It took a year. A Whole Year.

After a talk with both his uncle and Anne, he was allowed back home on the promise that he will focus on school for the time being. Which he agreed under the condition that he will be the one choosing what he wants to do after his final year. The conversation ended awkwardly but it was a start.

Now in his seventh year, Anne writing to him regularly, wind blowing his special final-uniform-day hairdo away, he could confidently admit that he was proud of himself.

A nudge then an apology pulled him out of his thoughts, realising that he had been standing, unmoving and blocking the door that led outside.

Right, he had wanted to collect some mushrooms before leaving.

However, as he pushed the door and walked down a few of the wide stairs, on his left, there was, as if waiting for him, the final and third person that will get letters from him.

"Ah! Here is the 'most promising student that Hogwarts has ever seen'. I've been looking for you."

They looked up and their eyes met, just as easily as that was, a smile stretched their lips.

"Hearing that from you, Sebastian...It is rather embarrassing."

"But you don't mind it from Professor Weasley? Noted."

He continued down to the sounds of chuckles, sitting next to the Hufflepuff.

"All ready for your big adventure?" He asked, noting belatedly that they did not wear their usual house robes.

"Ready physically? Definitely. Mentally....not so much."

"That's...shocking to hear from the second best duelist. I thought you were all tough and strong. I'm rather..." A pause, for dramatic effect. "What's the word..? Hmmmm, yes, disappointed."

A hard push against his side made him lose balance and yet, that only incited a laugh from him which was met by a deadpan look from his friend.

....And a slight rictus.

"You and your jesting. You will never stop, won't you?"

"Not anytime soon."

"At least I got used to it."

"That you did."

Beat.

The wind was once again heard, Sebastian had the thought to try and arrange his hair only to give up before he even started. It might ruin the moment.

A hand was placed on his lower arm.

"You will...write to me, yes?"

It was funny. For someone who has faced many monsters, had very powerful enemies and did not falter under the pressure of it all while still following classes and getting spectacular grades, they sounded so insecure about something as simple as them keeping in touch.

How ridiculous. How...touching.

"Of course I will, who do you take me for? And I expect many replies from you. I want to know what you and Professor Fig will be up to."

"Then you shall inform me about how your travels are going as well. I want to hear about it all."

"You have my word."

They shared a tender glance and smile, years of close friendship and they could discern what each other meant without uttering anything.

"Then it is goodbyes for now, Sebastian Sallow."

"Goodbye, my friend."

28th August 1897,

Sebastian, you won't believe where I'm writing this from.

Professor Fig (he insisted that I call him by his first name now, but...I just can't) and I travelled all the way to South America.

The magic world here is definitely more open and welcoming, they don't feel the need to hide as much as in London and the surroundings and their magic is so different from what we learned! I'm sensing that I will definitely understand my own magic more here.

Talking about Professor Fig...He has decided to go back to Hogwarts and so I will continue travelling alone until I find myself another willing companion. Professor Fig said that he had someone in mind, so I'll just...wait and see.

 

I want to hear about you. How are you? What have you and Ominis have been doing?

 

Awaiting your answer with great impatience,

Your loyal friend.

Accompanying the letter was a moving picture of São Paulo's bustling Street, Eleazar Fig and his protégé waving to the camera. 

16th September 1897,

You indeed guessed right. South America? That's a long way from Scotland, you made quite a trip.

 

As for Ominis and I, we spent some time in Feldcroft with Anne before setting off to London. Ominis heard from a friend of his that there was a muggle library which contained several books that belongs to the wizardkind. How did they find themselves there? No idea but I intend to find out, along with reading all the books there is. I can only hope that there might be something that will help Anne in them.

I doubt that I will. It won't be as easy as this or I would have found something a long time ago.

I wonder if my travels will bring me as far as South America, or anywhere else.

It would most uncanny if we met somewhere in the world by suprise.

 

In hopes that you are faring well,

Your Favourite Slytherin.

 

When opening the letter, a card fell: Feng's Library! Any book you'll need at a fair price. 

2nd November 1897,

Dear Sebastian,

Please forgive me for my more than late letter.

With Professor Fig leaving earlier than planned, he left me instructions on how to find my new travelling partner and it led me to a...wild goose chase. I have now enough time to write and I hope you and Ominis have been doing well.

This library seems like a promising start, I hope it did not fail you and that even if the books can't help your sister they can help you.

No more am I in South America but in France, only for a short while, though. Down south, there is charming little place, not unlike Felcroft (in size), although no much wizarding is being done. I did miss such a world. 

My next stop will probably be in the east. Germany? Perhaps, Russia as well. I wonder if I'll see traces of ancient magic there.

 

Once again asking to be forgiven,

A pitiful former Hufflepuff.

30th December 1897,

So eager for my forgiveness, next time, your letter better come with a gift.

 

Jokes aside, do not fret. I am happy to hear that you're enjoying yourself wherever you may be.

Ominis and I parted ways, our fellow friend has found a new purpose in Ireland. I would love to tell you more about it and our journey there but I believe that he would rather share that part, so I'll graciously let him.

 

In that regard, I have spent Christmas alone, for the first time in my life.

If no one else, there was always Anne with me or when I stayed at Hogwarts, my fellow classmates/friends. I still fondly remember the Christmas we spent together and the gifts we exchanged on our sixth year.

 

New York (where I am right now) is a rather festive town so even if I was alone during the celebration, I wasn't completely lonely.

Dare I say, it was a nice change of pace.

 

Wishing you an early happy new year,

Sebastian.

 

Along with the envelope, there was a simple picture attached. Sebastian Sallow, dressed up in warm clothes smiling wide, eyes closed. Below the still photograph, an inscription: Happy New Year, I hope to see you soon!!

15th February 1898,

Ask and you shall recieve.

I've taken the liberty of sending you a gift along with this letter, you'll have to excuse me if it isn't grand enough. I didn't want my owl to feel burdened.

I hope you like it. If you already opened it (do it now if you haven't) you'll be able to tell that it's a tie, but not any kind! Depending on your mood it'll change colour.

Clever little thing, isn't it?

 

I expect you to wear it next time we meet, I want to see what colour will appear when you see me. Hoping for red.

 

Russia is a very cold country, I have considered too many times using Incendio on myself but the risk of losing my clothes is not one I want to take.

 

Sending you my best wishes for the new year, hoping that your work is coming along nicely,

A human popsicle.

 

In the small black box, the directions for use were missing. Instead was a small paper with a familiar writing: "It won't be this easy. You'll need to guess what each colour means!" 

24th April 1898,

The tie...Merlin's beard. You have a talent for always surprising me, even from afar. Thank you. 

Guess what? My knowledge helped me save someone. It wasn't Anne (yet) but reading so many medicinal books, I came across a plant that curiously only grows in areas that have solely been habited by Muggles. It was very hard to locate but easy to find once you know what you're looking for.

The plant, brewed properly by yours truly, helped this young girl called Niesha recover from a curse that was put on her as petty revenge from something her father has done.

I'm glad I could help her. I feel like, I'm on the right path.

 

Take care, my friend,

St.Mungo's honorary student.

 

Ps: I shall write for you the location of Ominis' residence.

 

At the bottom of the paper: Ominis Gaunt, 27th Monkstown Avenue, Lansville....

1st June 1898,

Sebastian, I was so glad to hear about you saving that poor girl.

If there was one person I could trust to do something as incredible as that, it would be you.

Unfortunately, I have not much time right now to tell you more about how I've been faring.

For sure next letter, I'll be happy to share it all with you.

 

I'll write to you soon.

 

 

5th September 1898,

 

Can you believe it has been more than a year since we left Hogwarts? It feels a lot longer.

I can't wait for you to update me about your travels, sometimes it feels like the owl knows more than me, as it always seems to find you wherever you are. Guess that's magic for you.

I'm no longer in New York, I learned a lot there but I knew there was even more to learn elsewhere.

Do not think I was influenced by you, but here I am, in France, writing to you from Beauxbâtons. The mother of that girl I helped studied there and kindly gave me the name of her friend which is now a teacher at the school. I'm hoping to learn more about Anne's curse here.

I feel....that I might stay here for a while.

 

Do write to me soon,

Your awaiting friend.

 

Inclosed in this letter is a pamphlet from Beauxbâtons, explaining all there is to know about the school. 

10th November 1898,

I am usually not one to worry over such things.

 

However I am getting this feeling (Ms.Onai would be proud) that something is not right.

Have I jinxed, for a lack of a better word, my owl by complimenting his way to always find you? But the letter was recieved by you, I could tell that from my magic, so it is not a travel issue.

 

Is everything alright? Do not hesitate to tell me if you need help with anything, after all, you do know that I like having friends in my debt.

 

Take care,

Sebastian Sallow.

 

 

17th February 1899,

Another Christmas and year has passed, this time I did not spend them alone.

I decided to leave France during the winter holidays to spend some time with Anne. We have been trying some plants that I have found here and there and while it does not get rid of the curse, it does alleviate the pain. For that I am happy.

I am still not back in France, Ominis also visited during the holidays and so we decided to once again travel together for the sake of it.

You ought to answer by now or you'll get me us worried.

 

 

21st May 1899,

Are you okay?

 

I know that the letters keep getting recieved but I'm worried that it might someone else entirely that is reading them.

Although the owl never did such mistakes....

 

Just, answer me soon, so I can put all of, my, our worries at rest.

 

Sebastian.

 

 

14th October 1899,

Hey, if there is something wrong tell us.

 

If not me, say it to Anne or Ominis, or even Natty, Poppy. I heard that they stopped getting letters from you as well.

 

Sebastian.

 

 

4th March 1900,

Where are you?

I put an enchantment on my owl so I can know where you are and knock some sense into you but it was broken.

 

Did you do it? Are you in danger?

 

Please answer.

Sebastian.

 

 

28th August 1900,

They are saying that you....No I can't believe it. I won't.

 

You need to answer.

 

 

12th October 1900,

Where are you?

 

 

13th December 1900,

I wish....I could have said goodbye.

Friday, 4th September 1903.

Even approaching Autumn, the sun was setting quite late over Feldcroft.

Looking around the small town, Sebastian got hit with a strong sense of nostalgia. Feldcroft looked as lively, if not livelier, as before. Houses were repaired and habited by either new or returning villagers, some businesses have established themselves, the gardens, the quality of life, the people...everything felt better.

He had just came back from Hogsmeade, buying some goods he could not find here. The plan was to go back home to Anne after he was done, but he couldn't resist a small stroll, greeting familar faces and helping when help was required.

But as the sun slowly but surely disappeared, he had no choice but to go home, his stomach protesting for some supper.

Therefore, he finished what he had to do for Mister Richard, said his goodbyes and jogged home.

Waiting for him there, or close enough, was someone, their back facing them. Old habits die hard, he reached for his wand but did not get it out yet, giving the mystery person the benefit of the doubt.

"Hello there. Are you lost, can I help you?"

They seemed startled by his voice. Sebastian grabbed his wand harder as they turned back, their face hidden by a cape that did nothing to calm his suspicions.

Until they spoke.

"Sebastian. It's you.."

The words were whispered but it was enough for him to hear and know who it was.

By Merlin's beard, it could not be...

"I...you're..?"

The mysterious person took off their hood, a second later, his bag fell on the ground.

It was them.

"Hi. Long time no see."