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Where there is a serpent, one will often find a badger.
It was one of those funny little observations in the wizarding world. Especially for those who had gone to Hogwarts.
When Sebastian was younger, he’d been a bit wistful about it. He was a little boy who wanted nothing more to grow up to be just like his parents. To be a studious and respected academic. His parents were professors after all, and to him there was nothing more interesting. To dive straight in and learn all that the fantastical world of magic
had to offer. But most of all, he wanted what they had together.
He was a bit of a romantic, see. Two extremely driven people with a vibrant passion for their work and for each other. Growing up, theirs was a love to admire. They had built such a wonderful life for themselves, for their family.
Even if they had been a bit of an odd couple, at least on paper. Despite the old adage, who would have actually thought that a Slytherin and a Hufflepuff would realistically work together? But theirs was such a warm and inviting love. Better than any of the fairy tales their mother would read them. A kinship like no other, an unspoken understanding and trust. A friendship that had grown slowly till it bloomed into love. He remembered just how happy it all was fondly. How playful his parents were with each other. He remembers how they would often tease the other anytime he or his sister showed tendencies for one house or the other. It was like a great game for them to try to guess just where their children would end up. He wondered if his mother would have been a tad sad that neither of them ended up in Hufflepuff. On the same token, he likes to think his father would have been properly smug about it.
Then they died. And suddenly everything was just that much more drearier. Some days were easier than others. Most, he just misses them. Though it was harder now than ever to ignore it without Anne around to anchor him and pull him back when it got to be too much.
See, Sebastian and Anne had always differed in many things further than appearances alone. But all became much more pronounced after the death of their parents. Namely, Anne was far more outgoing than he was. She opened herself up easily, made close friends extremely quickly and in abundance. While Sebastian…
He was friendly, alright? Ask any of his classmates. He could hold an entertaining conversation, was a fun person to be around who could help pass the time, or be someone who was knowledgeable enough in an array of subjects to make a decent study partner. Most left it there and went no further. He met the need they may have had, but never really pursued him outside of a superficial connection. And that was more than fine with him.
Let them make their assumptions. Call him too cocky and aloof. Sebastian didn’t need a gaggle of friends like his sister had built their first three years at Hogwarts. He liked his time in solitude with his books or practicing his dueling in the quiet of the Undercroft. He was perfectly content to keep near everyone at arm's length by perpetuating the image they all had of him. Letting only Ominis and Anne close.
It had been that way since they’d lost their parents. Where Anne reached outward, collecting people for comfort and companionship like Poppy Sweeting adopted wayward beasts. Sebastian curled inward, for the less people he let close, the less he would be hurt when they were inevitably ripped from him.
And that worked for him. At least till now…
Now, it seemed perhaps this time he was the fool who had been adopted like a wayward beast. Since, it seemed, despite his best efforts, a particularly stubborn little badger had seemed to pick him of all people to be hers.
He’d like to say he fought it, at least at first. Tried his best to keep the whirlwind that is Merida Smith held firmly at arm’s length with his usual methods of being charmingly aloof and when that failed, abrasively cocky. But it was all a really poor showing on his part. She was an absolute force to be reckoned with.
A fact he became intimately familiar with when she laid him flat on his back for all their Defense class to see. With a borrowed wand no less.
See, Sebastian had never lost a duel. He may have conceded a draw here and there, but never lost outright. He prided himself in being unbeatable, he spent hours in the Undercroft honing his skill to ensure the title remained. He should have been righteously furious at her afterwards. Yet, there he sat blinking up at her like a newborn mooncalf, dumbfounded as she smiled crookedly down at him, hand outstretched to help him up goodnaturedly. He felt his breath catch in his throat as he became fascinated with her hair, wild ginger curls moving every which way like fire dancing in the wind. It had been a frankly embarrassingly long moment before he took her hand and did his best to play off just how shaken she had him.
And despite him then going on to invite her to Crossed Wands, as he had figured Lucan would likely have his hide if he hadn’t, he vowed to do his best to avoid her from there on out. Whatever passing interest would fade with time and she stopped being the newest shiniest thing around. He had other things he needed to focus on, namely Anne and finding a cure to her curse. He couldn’t afford any distractions, especially not in the form of mysterious and intriguing Hufflepuffs who had nice smiles. And a lovely laugh… and smelled wonderful… and-
Well, see the point was it was a distraction he couldn’t afford. Unfortunately, his plan literally got thrown out the window not even several hours later when Professor Weasley swept him away tasking him with showing the new girl to Hogsmeade.
“You’re a knowledgeable and capable young wizard when you apply yourself, Mr. Sallow.” Weasley had commented kindly, surprising Sebastian who was almost certain she was not his biggest fan given his rather sordid academic performance. “Ms. Smith, when given the option, readily chose you as her guide. Please do not abuse my faith in you… take this seriously. Besides, I do think you'll find the two of you have much in common.”
He had cringed and practically sprinted out of Weasley’s classroom to get away from any further prompting to make friends with the new student. He didn’t need any other friends, thanks. He got on just fine with Ominis, that’s all he needed. But, it was better to just get through the task given to him then serve another detention with Scribner. So he played nice, made conversation with the girl.
It was all going rather smoothly until Thestrals trotted by on a carriage. He had pointed them out, because of course he had, they always filled him with this terrible dread every time he saw them. Imagine his surprise when his new charge only made a vague and morbid joke about dragon attacks bringing her new ability to see the beasts. He found himself even further surprised when she went on to blithely joke about being an orphan as well after he had vaguely mentioned it.
“Oh, well here’s an idea! Perhaps we can start a club.” Merida stated offhandedly as they strolled along the path towards Hogsmeade after she offered condolences for his loss. “Call it the Dead Parents Society. Though, I guess I don’t really know if my parents are dead, just an assumption really. The Orphan Coalition, perhaps? More inclusive for us potential bastards, I suppose.”
Sebastian had skidded to a halt and physically struggled to not laugh at her comments. He failed, miserably. Which is, coincidentally, where he also found out her laugh was lovely, as aforementioned. Not soft and dainty, but loud and booming. Infectious and breathtaking to him as he doubled over to join her. Passerby’s shot them funny looks as they basically leaned into each other wheezing with laughter.
He rather valiantly, if he did say so, got them back on track after the delay and let her loose inside the little town. He tried desperately not to notice how she practically vibrated with excitement before she bounded off all starry eyed. Sebastian forced himself to focus on his task, his own errand he had to run in picking up the books he’d special ordered for his research. No matter how much he wanted to trail after her as she gathered her supplies with infectious excitement as she took in all the sights. He wasn’t some lost pup after all.
Once done with his tasks, he waited patiently in their agreed location. Merida had shuffled up to him eventually. She somehow was wearing a different shirt and gloves than she had had on originally. While he tried to wrack his brain to remind if he’d seen her sneak into Gladrags without his noticing she shoved a little, shockingly heavy, blue bag into his hands. He recognized it as being from Honeydukes and shot her a quizzical look, she went on a rambling explanation that caused his heart to stutter.
“See, your sister right, you said she’s sick. I figured she likely needs cheering, right? And well I thought to myself, ‘You know what makes everyone happy, sweets.’ So I got her some. I mean, Weasley gave me more than enough… Galleons is it? Your monetary system has such odd names if you ask me, though I guess the pound isn’t much better…”
Her rant seemed to be never ending, and the longer she went the harder it was for him to tear his eyes away. Which seemed to make her more nervous and caused her to go on more. Fact is, at that moment Sebastian couldn’t recall ever encountering anyone who would just… go out of their way for a veritable stranger like that. Someone who would just do something kind because they could.
And as he had watched her explaining away her thought process like it was the simplest thing in the world, he felt as if his chest would burst. Especially as she unknowingly drove a knife into the one soft spot in his carefully constructed armor by involving Anne. He was overcome with the urge to just… pull her close and never let her go. No… that’s not quite right, he wanted to take her face in his hands, bury his fingers in her wild locks, and just devour her for all he was worth. He had even felt himself shifting closer to her, almost nearly giving into his desire when a troll came crashing into the square.
Now, Sebastian never thought he’d be thankful for a troll attack. Yet, there he was, thanking Merlin and the powers that be for producing a bleeding troll in the middle of Hogsmeade to stop him from doing something incredibly stupid .
And then he watched her… take down a troll . Almost single handedly. She then had the audacity to turn to him with a satisfied little grin afterwards when she trotted up to check on him.
That was the precise moment he knew he was doomed. Utterly doomed.
Everything that happened afterwards was a blur. From facing off against Rookwood to stop his blatant attempt at kidnapping her to Merida then basically exploding in a rush of words explaining all the strange things surrounding her situation the moment Sebastian asked. All of it may as well have never happened for him, his mind screaming at him as he panicked.
It was no surprise to him when not a week later he was covering for her to Scribner and Peeves accepting his punishment like a badge of honor. Nor was it any surprise when he led her to the Undercroft, teaching her another of his favorite spells. All because watching the way she took to magic was thrilling to him. The earful and corresponding cold shoulder he got from Ominis afterwards was worth the excited cackle she gave him as she shot off her first Confringo.
In the end, it took one day. Just one day, and he was utterly wrapped around her finger.
Which was how he found himself in his current situation.
Why she was at the Slytherin table, he had no idea. Frankly, he’s convinced Merida doesn’t even care about the house system and the unspoken rules surrounding it. She took her meals where she pleased, the Great Hall, her oyster. She’s just as likely to be found at Gryffindor squeezed between Natty and Weasley or Ravenclaw with Amit or the Dale girl, as she was at her own house table. Today though, apparently, Slytherin was her location of choice. Namely, Slytherin with his shoulder acting as a pillow while she idly munched away on a strip after strip of bacon, a blank bleary eyed expression on her face Sebastian was struggling not to laugh at.
Imelda watched them with a pinched curious expression before her bewilderment finally got the better of her.
“Smith… You know that you have your own table to sit at, yeah? Don’t always have to be glued to Sallow’s side.” She drawled bitingly, eyes narrowed.
“Piss off, ‘melda.” He felt Merida mumble, before she took a rather vicious bite of bacon, chewing with a distant look in her eye before continuing. “He’s soft and warm, and makes a great pillow. You jealous cause you want a cuddle too?”
Sebastian felt his ears start to burn, shooting Ominis a murderous glare he knew the boy could feel over Merida’s head when he snorted.
Imelda scoffed, her smirk growing near feral as she caught sight of him blushing like a damn first year, before she turned her attention back to their Hufflepuff invader. “Oh no, you can keep Sallow, though I don’t think you’ll have to put up too much of a fight to do it. Can’t think of anyone else who wants him.”
“Hmm… suppose, was talkin’ ‘bout you though, you can ask Seb, I give good cuddles.” Merida quipped through a yawn so violent she started to fall backwards off the bench. “You’re always so grouchy, could probably do with a good cuddle.”
Sebastian caught her before she tipped too far, pulling her more firmly into his side. He fought hard to hide the warm fond smile that was creeping onto his face when she nuzzled into his shoulder afterwards. He failed.
Ominis wasn’t even attempting to hide his laughter anymore, outwardly chuckling into his tea with a wide grin and twinkling eyes. It always amazed him just how perceptive his friend was. Even if at the moment it made him want to strangle the man. If it didn’t run the risk of disturbing the girl nearly sleeping on him, he’d likely reach over and smack him. He knew Ominis knew this too, as he was looking far too smug about the situation for Sebastian’s liking.
Imelda sputtered, it seemed it was her turn pink as she blinked owlish at the badger who sat smug, still happily munching on bacon. “I-I mean… you… whatever, honestly how can you even take yourself seriously, look at what you’re wearing.”
Sebastian took the moment to actually take a glimpse to see what all the fuss was about, she was in her house cloak, a rarity in itself. The garment usually being misplaced or so mud soaked it was unusable. But under that she was… “Are you in your pajamas ?” He asked in a bewildered tone.
Just when he thought she was done surprising him…
“Yep!” She tilted her head back just enough to blink slowly up at him, a sly smug smile growing across her lips as she nodded proudly. “I put down a troll yesterday, I think I get a pass.”
“Another one?!” Imelda cried in disbelief. Sebastian immediately began to watch her closely with concern, trying to ascertain if she was hiding any injury as she was known to do. “Troll slayer is not a professional sport you know.”
“Perhaps it should be, it’s quite the workout.” Merida laughs tiredly, lightly pinching Sebastian’s side once she caught sight of his worried expression causing him to bite back a yelp. “And stop it, you. I’m fine . Worse than a mother hen, you are.” She grumbled, a soft fond smile playing at her lips.
“How do you keep finding yourself in these situations?” Ominis quietly asks, surprising Sebastian with the concerned tone his voice held.
Not that Ominis really still held any ill will toward Sebastian’s new friend. He had mostly got that out of his system when he’d marched into the Undercroft after catching her leaving. He had laid into Sebastian for violating his trust and not telling him he was thinking of sharing the secret of the space with another. Practically spitting and foaming at the mouth until Sebastian had been able apologize throughly. Still, he had been taking his time to warm up to Merida. And given his history, Sebastian didn’t blame him. But clearly, she was already growing on him too. He did his best to ignore the way that thought made his chest tighten uncomfortably.
“Funny you should ask, I really didn’t this time.” Merida visibly perked up as she looked towards Ominis, surprised, probably that he was even speaking to her. “So I was in Brocburrow, my notes from Nora Treadwell said there should be a Merlin Trial there. I told you lot ‘bout those, right? Merlin built these puzzles in the Highlands, they’re a bit fun, mostly tedious, but I’m curious if something happens if I solve them all, yeah. Anyway, I found the Trial but also found a nice lady, Rickett I think. Anyway, she had a pet troll-“
“I’m sorry, Meri, she had a what ?” Sebastian interrupted, not able to hold his incredulity of her statement back.
“Pet troll, do keep up Seb.” Merida quipped, patting his knee before turning excitedly back to Ominis who was listening intently with a bemused smile tugging at his lips. “Anyway, she was trying to train him to protect the hamlet, which seemed a bit mad to me, but her heart was in the right place. The rest of the hamlet, understandably, didn’t want anything to do with it and asked her to put him down. Except she couldn’t do it, she felt too bad. I get it though, she was taking care of him and such.”
“So, I’m guessing you offered to do the deed then? Given you had the experience in such matters.” Ominis concluded, sipping at his tea with a cocked eyebrow.
“Very astute, my good sir!” Merida replied, her smile widening somehow further in her exuberance. “And well, I couldn’t just leave it, he could have hurt someone if they got too close. It took a while, he was quite strong, but at least I’m not a pancake.”
“Indeed, I think we all would prefer it if you remained fully intact and… not flattened by a troll.” Ominis agreed, tipping his cup in her general direction. “I assume you will be using this free day to rest after such a trying adventure yesterday.”
“ Well… ” Merida started, before shifting her head back to look Sebastian in the eye again, a familiar mischievous glint twinkling within. “So, when I was in Brocburrow yesterday, I met a merchant who asked if I could look into his missing chomping cabbages. See, he sent a few crates to his friend in Feldcroft, to help with defense, but they never arrived. I was going to track ‘em down and deliver ‘em today. He gave me some leads on where they might be, so I’m not flying completely blind. Which is nice. What ya say Seb, fancy joining me? Figured we could stop in an’ give Anne a visit since the last got… cut short.”
As in, since the last saw him thrown out of his own home by Uncle Solomon and then mysteriously traveling back to Hogwarts through a portal to the Undercroft. He had planned on doing some more research into the rumors of Slytherin having a secret room hidden in the castle. Had wanted to maybe squeeze some more information about it out of Ominis regarding it now he seemed to be in a better mood with him. But, he also really did want to see Anne and this was the perfect opportunity to do it. Maybe he and his uncle could keep the peace long enough he might actually get to talk to her longer than five minutes this time.
“Sure, it’s not like I had any pressing plans for the day.” Sebastian agreed with what he hoped was a nonchalant shrug.
“Oh brilliant!” Merida smiled excitedly, whatever vestiges of sleep having faded the moment he agreed. She then quickly cleaned the rest of her plate with an impressive and vaguely concerning speed. “Well, I best be off, meet me at the south exit in an hour? I need to change into something more appropriate… Never know, might run into trouble.”
Translation: they were most definitely going to run into trouble. She fully anticipated as such, but probably didn’t want to say as much in front of their current company. Sebastian shot her a knowing smirk.
“See you there.” He drawled lazily while he watched her get up to go.
Merida smiled brightly at him and before she stood squeezed him in an awkward half hug before ruffling his hair as she leapt off the bench. She called out goodbyes to both Ominis and Imelda before trotting away. As soon as she was out of ear shot, his dear friend burst out into a hearty chuckle that earned him the vicious shove Merida had unknowingly saved him from most of the morning. This seemed to only make Ominis more smug, if that was even possible, as he happily refilled his tea cup.
“Merlin’s beard… that was pathetic Sallow.” Imelda snorted.
“Oh like you’re one to talk.” Ominis snarked back before Sebastian had the chance, easily coming to his defense. “It seems rather like you actually would like a cuddle from our dear badger attaché.”
Imelda only laughed, especially when she caught sight of the uncomfortable glare Sebastian felt himself shooting her way. “Yeah no thanks, she’s all yours Sallow. Bit too perky for me.”
“She’s not mine.” Sebastian grumbled, doing his best to eat the rest of his breakfast as quickly as possible. “We’re friends. Nothing more.”
“ Right, keep telling yourself that, maybe you’ll actually start to believe it.” Imelda drawled smirking widely as Ominis chuckled quietly into his tea. “Well, I’ve already wasted enough daylight, those times won’t beat themselves. Cheers Ominis, good luck with that one.”
“Appreciated, he is quite the handful. But no more than I’m used to.” Ominis commented with a sly grin which only grew as he seemed to tune into the grumpy protests Sebastian was muttering under his breath. He stayed smugly silent just long enough to ensure Imelda was out of ear shot before he turned his head slightly towards Sebastian. “You know, you usually have a thicker skin when it comes to such teasing. I would be surprised, but frankly you are becoming quite predictable when it comes to your new friend .” Ominis commented blandly just loud enough for Sebastian to hear.
“I am not predictable, come on now Ominis. Does it really bother you that much that I’ve made a new friend?” Sebastian groused, draining the last of his tea with a grimace.
“Oh, no. It doesn’t bother me at all.” He replied, his tone suddenly shifted sincere with a little shake of his head as if catching onto his friend’s genuine irritation. “Sebastian, as I’ve told you, I have no issue with Merida. In fact, the more I get to know her, the more she seems quite lovely, if a little odd. It’s mostly that, well… I know you, my friend.” Ominis smiled at him, warm and fond, uncharacteristically affectionate as he knocked his shoulder into Sebastian’s. “You never warm up to anyone this way. I think it’s only realistic for me to assume the reason. There’s nothing wrong if you want to court her. Given this morning’s events, I don’t doubt your advances would be well received if that’s your worry. Take them leap Sebastian, you have my support. Whatever the outcome.”
“It’s not- You have it all wrong Ominis.” Sebastian firmly declared, after pushing his plate away. “I don’t… I can’t . Please… just leave it alone, yeah?”
Ominis faltered at the shift in mood, his whole face seeming to fall as realization dawned on him. Because his friend did know him well. He was right to question just why Sebastian was going so far out of his way to accommodate some new student who wasn’t even in their house. And Ominis knew him well enough to know that he really didn’t make new friends. He certainly didn’t go out of his way to pull anyone into his world as he had with Merida. Showing her the Undercroft, taking her to meet Anne, he knew it all added up in his mind that there only was one valid answer. He knew that his friend knew exactly how he truly felt without a shadow of a doubt. He also knew, Ominis knew exactly why he was refusing to act on it.
“Ah, fine then.” Ominis replied in a suddenly clipped disappointed tone, frown burrowing deep into his features before he continued gently. “However, let me state this, you are only torturing yourself in the end, and for what gain?”
“For what gain? You know to what gain.” Sebastian scoffed. “Anne. She needs me to be focused. Or how else am I to help her?”
“As if that is something she would want or even ask of you. Denying yourself in her name.” Ominis fired back, his frustration clear in his tone. “Putting your life on hold more than you already have, chasing after some fabled cure that-”
“That’s enough .” Sebastian interrupted, hissing through clenched teeth as he stood abruptly and moving to walk away. “I’m done talking about this, alright? Please respect that.”
Ominis was quiet for a long moment before he closed his eyes, defeatedly with a solemn nod and a long weary sigh. “As you wish, Sebastian. Give Anne my best when you see her today.”
He didn’t respond, barely grunting an acknowledgment before stalking off. Ominis would likely hear it anyway. He stormed towards the common room, full of bluster and muttered curses. It was easier to stay angered than it was to face the truth.
Had Merida Smith arrived at Hogwarts in their third year, he would have done everything in his power to make her his. It was not just her beauty. There was an ease about the companionship they had that he had so longed for. A kinship, an understanding that he shared with her that he didn’t even have with Ominis or Anne. She was chaotic and funny and always up for adventure. Everything about her, from her wild hair, to the absurd way she dressed at times, to her genuine gentle kindness, enamored him. And yet…
It wasn’t his third year anymore. He wasn’t some wistful unencumbered young man, hadn’t been since the night Anne was cursed. Gone were those carefree days where Hogwarts was filled with possibilities for a brighter future. A time where all he could have to possibly worry over was if the girl who unknowingly held his heart in her hands actually wanted him in return. He had responsibilities, a cause that would hinge the life or death of the one person he held dearest. And he wasn’t alone in that. Merida had just as many responsibilities as he did, in fact more. It seemed the weight of the whole of the wizarding world was on her shoulders.
How cruel it was to expect a fifteen year old, a child not yet of age, to be the savior. All because of a power she did not choose to wield.
He regretted that he had added to her ever growing pile of people and causes to worry about. Though at the same time he was selfishly grateful for her big heart. It was an excuse, after all, to keep her close. If she was helping him with his crusade for Anne, she wasn’t a distraction, right? That made her an ally, someone who he could confide in and rely on. It made continuing their connection justifiable in the crooked mess his mind was becoming.
He was only becoming a distraction for her. A fact he helped himself reconcile by accompanying her wherever he could. If he made himself useful, would she perhaps stay by his side? He hoped so. He didn’t think he could bear to see her with another.
He rushed and changed quickly into more comfortable traveling clothes, avoiding looking too closely at himself in the mirror. He didn’t so much like who he saw looking back these days. Plus, he did not want to keep her waiting, he was already cutting it close after getting lost in his thoughts.
When he dashed towards the South exit, Merida was already there, waiting. It was a crisp autumn morning, someone had propped the great wood doors open wide. Morning light flooded the doorway in which she leaned, idle and flipping through the thick cluttered journal she always seemed to have at her side. Oblivious to Sebastian who stood just in the shadows, watching her in awe. She was oh so lovely. So warm and inviting. Like a moth to a flame he stumbled towards her.
Merida caught sight of him and her smile grew wide in warm recognition.
“There you are!” She called, excitedly closing her journal with a definitive thud. “I was starting to worry.”
“Whatever for?” Sebastian laughed, the burdens plaguing him falling away each passing moment as he watched her playfully roll her eyes at his tone. “You said an hour, and here I am, exactly on time. Can’t help it if you were obscenely early.”
“Yeah, yeah… any longer I would have left your lazy bum behind.” She threatened, but it held no heat and was overshadowed by the brilliant smile she shot him as she nodded towards the door. “Anyway, ready?”
His heart clenched as he watched her, a soft smile growing as he took her in, a vision bathed in golden light.
“For you, always .”
He was sure now, the old adage was wrong. It was more like, where the badger went, you were surely to find its serpent. As he would happily follow her anywhere.
And who knows, maybe, just maybe, when he finally finds Anne’s cure, he could keep this. He hoped the fates were kind enough to allow him that.