Chapter Text
When your eyes blearily blink open in the dark of your room, you were half expecting to awaken to both the quiet mumbling of Lizbeth's sleep talk and the loud snores of Nora filling your dorm room, but it takes a few moments for you to realize that you wouldn't.
Right, you think, "It's summer." You finish aloud in a sleepy whisper.
Summer vacation had started and most of Hogwarts' students and professors had returned home, except for the few that lingered behind as they simply just didn't have anything to return to. You were included in that. If this had happened a few years before, you probably would've flipped over and started sobbing in your pillow but you've long grown out of that. Of course, the feeling of loneliness has never completely gone away but at least now, you actually have a home to wallow in it. Having friends was a plus too. You rub your eyes with the back of your hand, a slight smile curving your lips, "At least I won't be spending this break by myself."
Ominius, Imelda (any time is broom practice, especially with the chance of Black opening Quidditch back up in fall), Natty (both her and her mother decided to just remain at the school, as for the time being, Hogwarts had become their home), and Garreth (mainly because he did something he wasn't supposed to and he's holding off on going back home so he doesn't have to deal with the aftermath. It took a lot of convincing for Professor Weasely to let him stay back for a month, only on the condition that the "humble hero" (which is very ironic for a Slytherin) keeps an eye on him or you're both going to be spending 90 percent of their 6th year in detention (so much for being the "hero")). Poppy went to her grandma's, but promised to send you letters and meet up in Hogsmeade occasionally. Of course there were also a few who were lingering behind, glad to be able to do whatever they wanted without being punished for it.
And Sebastian.
…Sebastian.
And I was doing so well.
After the many many events that occurred over fall and winter, it took another four months for the Slytherin to climb out of the hole he dug himself, though you have a feeling he'll probably always need to hold onto the rope. Starting now, where you're pretty sure this is his first summer where he doesn't return home. That's partially the reason Ominius is staying behind too, as he usually would go with him to see Anne for a weekend or two. You take a breath, your eyes seeing nothing but a black ceiling.
But that's not the issue is it?... Damn it.
You haven't left his side. Of course not literally. But, when you're not in classes, you're there. When he's busy with an assignment and you're running an errand, you leave your owl with him in case he needs you. And while he's expressed his annoyance more than once, you don't want to leave him alone anymore. Not since you refused to turn him in, knowing that would only set him off further down a very dark path. Not since Anne refused to see him. Not since, where he didn't shed a tear for his uncle but his eyes were glassy when Ominius tells him that his dear twin asked for him not to come home for the summer.
You're a little comforted by the fact that Ominius, who has become your confidante over these past months, thinks that your concern is perfectly warranted.
But though Sebastian's happiness is another question entirely, it would be fair to say that his diligence in redemption has not waned. He worked hard and eventually, the two people, next to Anne, he cared about most now had forgiven him. Ominius was reluctant, as he did care about his childhood friend, but his morals had been compromised when he was convinced not to turn him in. It's only after a long conversation in the Slytherin common room, does he let out a painful sigh and whispers that you were getting too good at manipulating him and as you let out a small laugh at that, he smiled.
You had forgiven Sebastian for being cruel to you and treating you like a tool out of his frustration and anger. Though maybe too easily, as you are not very good at holding grudges, let alone against that soft begging look of his (he has to be aware of how effective it is on you). You just cave so easily because everything that happened, whether he believed it or not, was for him. Not to mention, that while it was true that you had been there the entire time for him, he always returned the favor. Especially after Ranrok. When you wandered for hours after Professor Fig's funeral before settling down on a bench in the courtyard, staring blankly at the fountain until the constellations filled the sky and Sebastian's voice is by your ear, telling you he had been looking for you. When you cried almost instantly afterward. Because it finally hit you. Who you had lost, because of power, because of a terrible history between goblins and wizardkind, because of- Sebastian was not very physical in his affection, opting to be more gentlemanly unless given permission, and instead sat next to you, his shoulder brushing yours. And listened. While you talked about their professor, about Lodgok, about Natty who was still in a chair at the time, and about the many many deaths on your hands. Only when you reach your hand out at the very end of it, does he reach back.
That night was when you truly had let him back in. Let him be your best friend again. Along with the development of something else…
What is wrong with me?? Just when things were finally going well again- why did I have to ruin it?
...there's another issue now, an issue that has presented itself fully, as it been hiding in the dark for quite some time, and is realized that it is getting too big to be ignored any longer. The life of a Hogwarts student could never be simple, could it? Although one could argue...oh shut it me!
You had only put a label on it recently. And honestly, it should be natural with how much time you spend with him.
I like Sebastian...a lot.
After burying your face in your blanket and screaming into it for a few minutes, you roll out of bed grudgingly, because you can't fall back asleep, and make your way to the common room, not bothering to change out of your bloomers. Besides, it was 7 in the morning and no one sane would choose not to sleep in on the first day of summer. You fall back onto the couch in front of the fireplace as the pots began brewing coffee on the table beside you. A colorful magazine floats over your chest as you lazily flicks your finger behind your head, making it flip through the pages. A distraction, just until you can fall back asleep. "Maybe I should stay away from him for a little bit. I don’t want to ruin our friendship." You murmur.
After all he's still suffering, he doesn't need me to add to that.
As the page turns to the next, an article catches your eye. Usually, you would just roll your eyes and wave it off as the scam it always is, but...
10 Different Ways to Get Your Crush to Notice You
"1. Flirt with him! I know it sounds cliché, but drop pick up lines and see how red his face gets. Sometimes the simplest approach is the best, innit?" You read, aloud.
You pause after, narrowing your eyes before snickering to yourself, "Yeah right. How the hell would I ever be able to pull off any flirting without making a total fool of myself?"
"Flirting?"
You have fought and survived everything from trolls to goblins to dragons to even enduring the Cruciatus Curse along with any other painful spell that no ordinary person would be able to.
The high pitched squeal that leaves your mouth as you fall off the couch, makes you want to Oblivate yourself right then and there. Wide eyed, Sebastian stares at you, before breaking out into an amused smile, "Are you alright? I wasn't expecting that sort of sound from you. I almost mistook you for a Jabberknoll."
You glare at him, as he reaches a hand out to you. "Thanks, you absolute arsehole."
He pulls you up, finally letting out a little laugh, "How was I supposed to know that our brave and heroic witch would be frightened by something like that?"
You huff, placing your hands on your hips, indignant. He smirks at you, but as his eyes trail further down, you suddenly remember. At the same time, you both seemed to realize what exactly you're wearing. Your lace white under shirt (you're not wearing a bust supporter, which one can't tell by looking but it's embarrassing enough) and your matching bloomers, revealing your thighs. "Oh." Leaves his mouth.
You would laugh if you weren't too busy trying to become one with the couch. Your face is becoming so red, it might turn purple. "I-I thought I would be al- Merlin, what kind of teenager doesn't sleep in during vacation-" You stammer, burying your head under one of the cushions like an ostrich.
"Speak for yourself." His voice is muffled from the cushion, and you don't even want to imagine how he's looking at you right now.
"Were you half-asleep when you wandered out here? T-take this." There's a slight stutter too as something drops onto your back, since you obviously couldn't hide completely.
You risk a glance, only to see his robe's sleeves sliding down your sides, and his chin turned, giving you a chance to cover yourself.
It has to be a trick of the light or you could've sworn his ears were darkening. "Thanks." You mumble, as you sit up to pull on his green robe around you.
You button it carefully, feeling both ridiculous (you're completely swamped in fabric) and incredibly warm… because Sebastian actually offered his robe to you. A sweet scent, that you recognize as his (probably from all the candy he's constantly eating in the hallways), drifts into your nose and you resist the urge to behave like the Lord of the Shore, who enjoys sniffing you intensely every time you see the beast. Of course he would smell as good as he looks-WAIT STOP IT!
You clear your throat, giving the boy the go ahead to look at you again, "So w-what are you doing up?" You ask, internally cringing at your non suave way of changing the subject.
He takes it anyway, eyes shifting around instead of their usual direct stare, "I couldn't sleep."
You snap your head up but he's already shaking his, "Don't worry about it. I just thought I might as well get ahead of some errands I planned today."
"Errands?"
He taps his wand, sitting in his pocket, "I wanted to purchase a new handle for my wand since it's getting worn. I will need new clothes for summer as well, evidently." He smiles teasingly at you, and it widens as you blush, "Laney also asked me to pick up Fluxseed for her while I'm there."
"Laney?"
He raises his brow, "Yes, I was under the impression you two have met."
Oh we have met alright.
The petite blonde Hufflepuff that never failed to sit literally anywhere else but next to him every Herbology class. The first one to always ask if he'll be her partner even if there isn't any group assignments necessarily. The first one to sit extra close when he's leaning over to check on their plant or to smile happily when he asks her about her day or gives her a compliment. Leander can count on his fingers on how many times you've "accidentally" snapped your quills and some of his as well, because you only have so many.
You might be a little jealous.
"I...I know her. You told her about your plans today?"
Usually he wasn't so forthcoming with information like that, in case a teacher was looking for him.
He nods, crossing his arms, "That is why she asked me to pick up seeds for her while I am there."
He says it like he's confused on what you're not understanding.
Sebastian was popular, you noticed that after your first duel. You have no right- "Can I go with you?" It's out of your mouth before you can control yourself.
So much for distancing yourself from him. Besides, jealousy is stupid. You know that. It's such a childish thing and on top of it, Laney has been nothing but nice to you. Treating you like someone who saved the school and Sebastian's "dearest friend"…a friend.
You narrow your eyes. He tilts his head, taking you in. You don't know what kind of expression you're wearing but his lips curve as he steps forward, his hands clasped behind his back, and leans over the couch's arm. You blink as his face stops only an inch from yours, "I don't mind, but you should probably get dressed."
"But I thought I was setting the new fashion trend."
"Oh? Everybody in their underwear?"
"Yes! Just imagine, Professor Black and Sharp-"
He laughs, releasing his hands so he can playfully push you away, "Please do not put that dreadful image in my mind."
You pout, your shoulder burning from his touch, "It's only right, now that you've seen me in mine."
"I'd rather have that in my brain." His brown eyes shine, like he's already up to something mischievous.
Your eyes widen, and your heart thumps, but this is what Sebastian does. He flirts like that's his only way of communication, which is why someone like Laney would be so infatuated with him. He continues, enjoying the flustered red gathering on your cheeks, "It wasn't a bad sight after all. Seeing our prude hero being so vulnerable."
You sit up at that, affronted, "I am not a prude!"
"No?" He purses his lips and turns towards the stairs, "If you say so. I'll wait for you at the entrance."
"Your robe!"
He glances at you, "I'll retrieve it later."
He leaves you there.
Prude? Me?
Are the thoughts looping in your head as you dump your clothes out on your bed, trying to figure out what to wear. Sebastian's robe folded on top of your pillow. It did admittedly, take a few more moments than it should have, to take it off. You're already missing the sweet scent.
STOP BEING SUCH A CREEP!...But, have I done something prudish that I wasn't aware of? I mean I wouldn't consider myself- I only cared so much about it because I wasn't wearing a supporter! Not that he needs to know that... Ugh-
"I'll show him!"
Searching through your shit ton of clothes that you've accumulated through your travels, you finally settle on a pair of brown tight fitting pants with your wand strapped to your hip. You tug on a white under shirt and your brown petticoat. The buttons stop underneath your chest and you take a deep breath as you slip the final one into its designated slit, the fabric pulling tight around your hips. You tied your thigh high boots, before pulling on your favorite witch hat, the brim tilting over your right eye.
You were never one to put yourself down when you know you look good. Last time you wore this outfit, you had only walked in front of Leander and he had fallen off his broom, face first into the dirt. Not that he needed much help falling off his broom though. Sebastian hasn't seen you in this and you can't help but to feel a bit shy at the prospect of it.
After passing through empty halls, as like you said, no one sane was waking up at this time in the summer, you meet Sebastian (dressed in a new robe) at the main door to the courtyard. When he looks up after hearing your footsteps, you wished you had a spell to tell exactly what he's thinking. Both his brows raise as he sees your outfit, "Is this your idea of proving that you're not prude?"
"I'm not a prude! I don't know why you keep saying that!"
He laughs, holding open the door for you, "No need to get so angry. It's not necessarily a bad thing."
"Well it is, when it doesn't pertain to me." You snap back, shoving past him.
He stays behind you as you march though the courtyard, "Alright, alright. Forget I said anything."
You huff, tossing your hair behind you. You hear a chuckle.
The path down to Hogsmeade makes you nostalgic of the time he took you there. This is the first in months that you've been back, with just the two of you.
Sebastian must've been thinking the same thing, because as you cross the bridge in front of the Forbidden Forest, he appears at your shoulder after having been lingering behind the entire time, "Do you remember the first time we went to Hogsmeade?"
"How could I ever forget being attacked by a troll?" You muse.
"Ah yes, the first time I'd seen you in action."
"Hmm, what about our duel?"
"No, I meant without you holding anything back."
"You said something like that at the time too."
He grins, "Well what can I say? I have a knack for telling when someone is deft with a wand. You certainly were a gem in the rough as they say."
You look away at that, growing pink at the compliment. Sebastian really did have a way with his words. You cough, "Perhaps I should've stayed hidden then. Maybe you wouldn’t have pulled me into your mischief and made me into a troublemaker." You smile, despite your words.
"Troublemaker, you say? I have yet to influence you completely."
"Hah, who said I'll let you anymore? I'd rather not have weekly detention, thank you very much."
Your footsteps sync as you can't help but nudge his shoulder cheerfully. "You just don't know what you're missing out on."
His chuckle makes your adrenaline shoot up and you know you're addicted to the sound of it, "Perhaps I'm better off not knowing."
"You'll come to regret that, you know."
"Will I?"
"You will." He affirms, smirking.
As you reach Hogsmeade, your conversation switches to summer activities and you desperately try to avoid mentioning any topic in regards to Anne. "Ominius is planning on leaving during July to his family's home." You swing your arms by your sides as Sebastian pulls out a list of his errands.
He nods, not really responding and you continue, "I know he wanted to stay away as long as possible, so I was hoping to do something fun with him."
"What did you have in mind?"
"I'm not sure. He told me once about the mermaids in the lake, and I know someone who is actually training to be the Liaison of the Merpeople, believe it or not."
"Is that so? How am I not surprised?"
"Shush. Anyway, so I was wondering if I should set up a meeting at the boathouse…" You trail off, before looking up at Sebastian, who's now messing with his wand, distantly, "Do you think he'll like it?"
"I would think you would know since you two are so close now."
You step back, surprised at his sharp tone, "Sebastian?"
He grimaces, "I'm sorry, that was uncalled for."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," He says quickly, "Let's just move on, alright?"
You chew your lip, debating if you should press it, but he's already pushing through the wizards and witches to reach Ollivander's shop. "Wait Sebastian!"
He sighs, stopping. "Did I do something?" You reach out, your fingers pinching his sleeve.
He glances at your hand and then at your face, "No you didn't. I promise you it's nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure?"
As irrational that may be, you were afraid of arguing with him again. Afraid that it would end up like before.
He must've noticed the building panic in your face and grabs the hand that's holding his robe, firmly with his, "It's just something I'm dealing with. I'll tell you when I'm ready, I promise you."
When you smile at him, he squeezes your fingers, "Let's go in, shall we?"
After a visit to Ollivander's, he buys a black hilt, decorated with white webbing. It's beautiful and rather fitting, which you don't say aloud. You continue your summer activities conversation, Sebastian, happier to do so now, "Leander, that bastard, thinks he can out fly me on a broom, so he's challenged me to a race next Saturday. I simply responded that we could have the race this Wednesday instead and he made up some blimey excuse that he had to be in Hogsmeade that day. If you ask me, he's just trying to use as much time as possible to practice. Hah, I've seen him on the broom in the courtyard. He can't even fly up five feet without falling off. He has better luck with giving Imelda a Polyjuice potion and turning her into him, than beating me."
You roll your eyes fondly as he goes off on another tangent about Gryffindors and their "blind trust in their abilities". You had always known that Slytherins and Gryffindors do not get along, though you tend to be friendly with everyone, but witnessing it first hand is another thing. Especially when at times it seems that some of them just don't get along simply because of their houses. Garreth, Sebastian, and Leander are examples of this. The two Gryffindors are always fighting with him in every class they share. You don't know much of their history but the one time you asked, you were answered with, "Please don't make me tell you. I don't want to think about it." By all three people.
You tune back in, catching a particular name you didn't really want to hear. "Laney also invited me to wander Brood and Peck this weekend and then we're going to share a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks, so I'll be quite busy."
A sudden unsettling feeling drowns your stomach. "Are you listening?" He appears in your field of vision, a teasing smile gracing his lips.
"I didn't know you were so close with Laney."
"Well not really, but she has been asking me to join her frequently now on her trips. I just haven't had the time, since someone has been very opportunistic with it." It was a meant to be a lighthearted jab at you, but you can't force yourself to play along.
Stop, stop, stop, I don't want to feel this way. They're just friends-she may not feel that way but surely he does…right?
"She is rather pretty, isn't she?" You whisper, against your will.
The confidence from earlier, of being in your own skin, gone. He wrinkles his nose, tilting his head, "Where did that come from?"
You move past him, "It was just something on my mind."
"On your mind?" He follows you, "I didn't take you for one to notice appearances."
"Oh I do." You snap at him, catching him off guard, "I tend to notice why someone gathers a lot of attention."
"What does that mean?"
"Nothing."
"Wait, hold on." He steps in front of her and holds his palm up, "Are you saying I'm only acquainted with her because she's pretty?"
When he says it, you feel like a horrible person. "No! I-I just meant that she's pretty, is all."
He narrows his eyes, "That did not sound like that at all."
"Well I'm sorry that you misunderstood."
It's your turn to be irritated. Sebastian, however, is not one to take that, "I don't think I misunderstood anything. I just was not expecting that from you."
"I'm sorry I can't be your perfect "hero" all the time." You glare at him.
"Oh, I already knew that." He crosses his arms.
You try to step past him, but he blocks you, "I was not aware that you had a problem with Laney."
"I don't!" You throw your hands up in frustration.
"No? Then why did you react that way?"
"It doesn't matter, does it? Just like what you said earlier, it doesn't matter. Leave it alone."
His jaw clenches at your usage of his defense, "This is different. I've never seen you behave this way. Besides, Laney is very kind and has helped me-"
Before he can start singing her graces, you whip out your wand and shout Levioso at him. He can only yell your name as you run under his floating form.
And just like I feared, we're arguing...though this is completely my fault.
You find yourself sitting at the bar in the Three Broomsticks, nursing a butterbeer in your left hand and your forehead in the other. "Stressful day?" Sirona's voice echoes in your ear, as the sink turns on after.
You nod, mutely.
"Care to let another soul bear it?"
In the time you've been here, Sirona has been nothing but charitable to you, giving you many free butterbeers and listening to your stories or troubles without so much of a complaint. Not to mention she's very good at giving advice. "I had an argument with Sebastian."
You look up and Sirona reaches out to pat your hand at your miserable expression. "What happened?"
"I just-" You pause.
You haven't told anyone about your feelings towards him, afraid that it could somehow get out to the boy, himself.
"I reacted badly to something he said." You sigh.
"Hmm, that doesn't sound like you."
"So I've been told…" You mutter, before speaking up, "I just wasn't thinking, but now he wants me to explain myself."
"And that isn't something you can do?" Sirona tilts her head.
You wave your hand immediately, "No, not at all! But this isn't something he'll let go after the way I reacted."
"Y/n."
You glance at the older woman, startled by the sudden calling for your name, "You know I recognize that look of yours?"
"What do you mean?"
She taps the underside of the your chin, smiling, "Chin up dear. You only need to be more honest with your feelings."
You furrow your brows in response and the woman laughs, "You like Sebastian don't you?"
The fierce red that explodes all over your face, makes the woman laugh louder. You stand up quickly, stammering, "I-I-I-I don't know what you-what you're talking about!"
"Of course, my apologies." Sirona grins.
"Sirona!"
"Okay, okay. I get it. I shouldn’t have outed you like that." She says, amused.
You groan, sitting back down, "I can't believe-am I that obvious?"
"Only to the trained eye." She leans over the counter, "Let's just say that I was in your situation at one time."
"Having a crush on your best friend?" You sigh, bitterly.
"And more." She lets out a breath as well.
"Wait-more?"
She winks at you, "A story for another time."
"Alright…I guess since you know. I might as well tell you what the fight was about then. He told me that a girl had invited him to spend time with her this weekend and I…I got unbearably jealous."
"Jealousy," She clicks her tongue, "Oh that brings me back."
You frown at the fondness in the woman's voice, "You don't think that was terrible of me?"
"No of course not. Being jealous is being human. It only matters what you do with that jealousy."
"Well I took it out on Sebastian."
"Then you just fix it."
"How?" You wince at the whine in your voice.
Sirona only fills your goblet a little more, smiling, "By being honest."
"But I can't!"
"Because you're afraid of ruining your relationship?"
"If you knew, why did you suggest that then?"
"Because as someone who has been there, I know the best approach is the honest one. You may learn something you won't regret."
"I don't see how-"
"I finally found you, Y/n."
At the sound of his voice, you at once, want to go into hiding, but his hand clamps right down on your shoulder like he knew what you were thinking. Sirona greets him with a smile, "Sebastian, it's been awhile, innit? Would you like a butterbeer?"
"Hi Sirona, I would love one, but I actually have some business I need to settle with this one." You can't see his face, but you hear the fake politeness in his tone and the intensity in his fingertips.
You shoot the woman a look, begging her to save you. Sirona can't help but to take pity on you, "Ah, speaking of business, I was just talking to Y/n about helping me with a pickup in Irondale. As you have it, I am in desperate need of butterscotch and my supplier out there has been unable to send anyone to drop off a batch. I promised to pick it up myself, but I have just been so busy." Her tongue drags on the word.
You understand immediately, "A-and I of course, suggested that I go pick it up in her stead. So, I guess we might just have to put a pin in that conversation Seb-"
"I'll come with you then."
You turn so fast, spots dance in your vision, as you stare at him in shock. His eyes twinkle again as he tilts his head, eyebrows raised, "Do you have a problem with that?"
"Why would I?"
"That's what I would like to know." He states, challenging you.
"Ugh," You glower at him, while Sirona claps her hands, cheerfully, "I would much appreciate it you two. Here's the address."
She scribbles it down on a piece of paper and hands it to Sebastian's outstretched hand. "Since it's pretty far, I suggest getting a head start." She smiles brightly.
"I'm inclined to agree." He smiles back.
I'm surrounded by devils.