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Few places in Hogsmeade are as iconic as the Three Broomsticks. Older than anyone currently alive and still as popular as the day it opened. This is especially so on Saturday nights, when the students are milling about in the darkening hours. Waiting for Sirona to make the dreaded announcement that she was closing up for the night.
One of those students was Sebastian Sallow. Although a majority of his friends were there he chose to sit alone. He read while waiting for a special girl that should have been here an hour ago.
The book had gotten boring the first time he read it for class. He was is mother’s son, however, so another read through seemed necessary.
“Does Sirona usually stop serving so early?” Natty asked from next to the bar.
“No, but she does stop serving when you’re six mugs deep.” Imelda explained.
After months of good behavior Natty was finally given an allowance. Although not enough for a new broom or shopping spree it was enough to (overly) indulge in butterbeer. Something that Imelda felt compelled to try and meet mug for mug.
The front doors opened before Sebastian could offer to order for them. Poppy burst through one of the doors. It was mean to say but Sebastian was disappointed that it wasn’t you who had come through. That disappointment leaving immediately when Poppy said your name, replaced with almost panic.
“Poachers took her. I don’t know this group, but they were following some hippogriffs and I don’t know what they were planning but we were sneaking through and she attacked but I fell during the fight and-and-and oh Merlin…” Poppy rapid fire spoke the moment she was in ear shot.
“Sit down,” Natty said, practically pushing Poppy into a stool.
“What do you mean you fell?” Imelda asked, practically accused.
“Down the embankment. I guess they forgot about me when I went out of sight. By the time I crawled back up she was overwhelmed, we needed help, so I ran.” Poppy explained.
Sebastian’s blood ran cold at Poppy’s words. He knew you liked to explore, find the most dangerous things, and prove they aren’t undefeatable. He’s come to terms with your love of risk. But that didn’t make it any easier.
After everything you were one of two people Sebastian had left. Ominis was a brother to him, but you were so much more. That you may be lost…
“Was she alive? Where were you?” Sebastian asked, but he struggled to be heard over the questions everyone else was giving.
“You just left her there with the poachers?” Garreth asked.
“Was she injured? How far away were you?” Natty asked.
“What’s the quickest way?” Imelda asked.
It didn’t take long for the mess of questions to become nothing but a wall of noise. Try as Poppy might to answer them all she simply couldn’t. It was only Sirona, coming back from the storeroom, that everyone quieted down.
“Enough, enough!” Sirona said loud enough to be heard but not enough to actually be shouting. “Imelda, send an owl Hogwarts about the missing student-.”
“I’m faster than an owl!” Imelda declared, running out the door.
“-Poppy, are you comfortable leading us where she last was?” Sirona asked.
Poppy nodded, “It was right next to the nest. It’s not far.”
Although bruised and scared beyond measure Poppy was ready to go. Up from the stool and out the door without confirming that anyone was actually following her. It was just out of luck that Sebastian was just as ready to go. With Natty and Garreth not far behind, wanting to prove their bravery as Gryffindors are known for.
Sebastian ran as only a desperate man could. Fast and without thought. Barely a direction to let him know he was going in the right direction. Later on he’d find cuts from passing thorns and bruises from tripping, none of which he noticed getting. All that mattered was moving and to keep moving until the destination, until you, were reached.
Sebastian has had to run like this several times in his life. When Anne was first cursed, and he was too slow to get in the way. When that goblin raised his weapon towards Anna. That time Sebastian was fast enough, but he was fast enough to make a mistake he’d never be able to recover from. He ran when battling his Uncle, and let the adrenaline make another mistake that took Anne from him forever. He was tired of running like this but couldn’t stop himself when it was the only chance he had to keep you safe.
“Slow-slow down!” Garreth calls from some feet behind him.
It’s only then that Sebastian finally sees the lights up ahead. They were low, mainly covered some sort of shelter. Made specifically to keep anyone, or anything, from above see the lights. Stopping just before the camp Natty and Garreth finally caught up. The three students looking over the thick rock just before the incline.
“Do you see her?” Garreth asked.
“If they had killed her we would have see her by now.” Natty says. Whether this was to comfort Sebastian or to just say something it wasn’t clear. Somehow, it did make Sebastian feel better that there wasn’t a body to be found yet.
The late night was making it hard to see details. Shadows from the poachers walking back and forth was proof enough that they were still there. Occasionally there would be a squeak or howl from some poor trapped beast.
“Okay,” Garreth says, “Natty if you can switch to a gazelle and lead them into the woods Sebastian and can then sneak in. We’ll find her and then leave before they even notice.”
“It’s not going to be that simple.” Natty said.
“If you have a better idea I’m all ears.” Garreth says with a sweeping gesture. Offering the open space for Natty to, metaphorically, place her idea.
Sebastian wasn’t listening to them, not really. He was too focused on the poachers moving around. Scanning them and the cages they collect. Hoping to see anything that might indicate where you were.
It was a scream that grabbed the rescue party’s attention.
Sebastian knew that it was you. The only other person who would recognize that stomach churning wail would be Ominis. He was there when Sebastian casted Crucio on you. Both Ominis and Sebastian heard your screams, they both regretted the forced choice and wished it were them in your place. Sebastian would never forget the sound. Never forget the tears that Ominis shed when you started crying out.
That same exact scream was currently flying through the woods.
“Sebastian..!” Natty says, reaching out too late to stop Sebastian from running out from cover.
The spells and words were flying from his mouth without a second thought. Practice and repetition had given him that ability. Pulling and throwing anyone that came too close, that looked too much like a poacher. They were all set alight, they’re hit and blown up with spells Sebastian didn’t remember learning.
Someone is screaming Sebastian’s name. It’s Garreth, trying to get the Slytherin to slow down.
Eventually Garreth gives up. Throwing a potion here and another there to keep the chaos going. It was easy to forget that Garreth has had the highest potions score for the last three years. He always loved reminding the world of his talent with inventions that, although weren’t always great, had serious potential.
Liquid acid no sane wizard would use is an example of this. The orange vial thrown past Sebastian to a poacher ready with a spell.
“I can’t find her!” Sebastian practically screams.
“Sebastian, here!” Natty calls out from further within the camp.
It might have been better if Natty had never called him over. At least not until she had gotten you out of the cage.
The poachers had treated you worse than they do the animals. Hands bound behind your back. Beaten and kicked the entire time it took to find a ‘perfectly’ sized cage. There was no way you were getting out of this without a broken rib or two.
At some point the poachers had seemed to remember who you were. Among them whispering how many of their friends you had sent to the healers, how many you might have even killed. All that you had admitted to with a smile. Taking their kicks with the same smile because you know, and they know, those poachers deserved it.
One of your captors had taken offense at your lack of remorse. Using the unforgivable curse that started the scream. That captor didn’t get to enjoy your pain for every long. Natty hitting them with a perfectly placed Stupefy, sending away just enough for her to reach you.
Crucio has a way of leaving it’s touch. Little waves of pain the roll down from your neck. Stabbing at every nerve it passes, hitting the bottom of your feet and then going back up. It’s hard to focus on anything else while this takes place.
“You’re almost free,” Natty says above you. Her hands working overtime to release your bindings.
As grateful as you were to have Natty she wasn’t who you were thinking about. You were looking past her into the clearing, where Sebastian was whipping his wand again and again to a poacher who had long fallen down.
“Can you walk? You need to walk.” Natty says, your hands now free.
Natty doesn’t see the fight going on behind her. She’s not watching, like you are, she doesn’t notice as a poacher abandons magic. Instead they physically grab Sebastian in a tackle that would rival the greatest football player. The both of them slamming to the ground with a loud grunt.
You don’t remember pushing Natty away. You don’t remember snatching her wand. And you certainly don’t remember the exact moment the words came from your mouth;
“AVADA KEDAVRA!” You screamed, a bolt of green shooting from Natty’s wand.
Using another wizard’s wand will never be as powerful as a caster’s own wand. That being said; it didn’t change the effects of your casted spell. The poacher falling to the side of Sebastian. Dead without a sound of his own, but dramatic all the same.
“Mr. Sallow!” Came the voice of one Professor Weasley. Quickly followed by her running to the student’s side.
It seems that Imelda had a right to her cocky attitude. Able to reach the castle, find help, and get them down there faster than an owl ever could. It was just genuine bad luck that they happened to show up when casting that one damn spell.
“Students, everyone! Back to the castle, NOW!” Ordered Professor Sharp, the Auror skills having never fully left him.
No one argues when the professors grab hold of two students each. The sickening feeling of apparition just outside the castle’s border was enough to tip you over the edge. Passing out from pain that would never really leave you again.
-
The entire situation took only two hours. Starting when Poppy ran into the Three Broomsticks and ending when you were practically dropped into an infirmary bed. Only catching a glance of Sebastian before the curtains are closed.
You were the worst injured out of anyone. Sebastian coming in second with a broken nose and blackened eye. Garreth had some burns that Nurse Blainey barely had to glance at before giving a basic tonic. Sending both him, and Natty, away for her to focus on your injuries.
“Give the tonic a few minutes and the pain will subside a bit. If it gets any worse we’ll try something else.” Sebastian heard nurse Blainey say from your side of the curtain.
“Can that something else be butterbeer?” You asked.
Nurse Blainey responded with a whisper; “I’ll see what I can do.”
No spell was needed for Sebastian to reach you. As Nurse Blainey left your bedside he simply walked in through the other side. Making quick work to close both sides of the curtains before letting himself see you fully.
It was not a pretty sight. While a wiggenweld potion could fix a black eyes or set a dislocated shoulder right it’s not going to be able to stop infections or internal bleeding. Nurse Blainey had done a haphazard job of tying your hair back. Patches of dark green and blue were placed almost randomly over your body.
The tonic she had given to take care of the pain had started to take effect. Blinking slowly up at Sebastian. Smiling when you realize who it is, but that smile leaves quickly when you see his face.
Sebastian was the kind of guy who assumed any and every reaction he had was justifiable. This usually lead to Sebastian being more than a little bit dramatic. This time, however, Sebastian was completely right in his feelings.
“It looks worse than it is.” You tried to reassure. The groan you gave when reaching out a hand to him didn’t help your lie. “But your eye…”
“I don’t give a damn about my bloody eye.” Sebastian hissed, his composure finally starting to strain. “Look at you. I’m so sorry, my love. I am so sorry.”
He takes your hand and kneels by your bedside. Careful where he places his elbows to keep any and all of his weight off of your body. He presses your hand to his mouth in a kiss. Trying to hold back tears that he didn’t deserve to shed. He wasn’t the one in the hospital bed, he wasn’t the one who had literally been tortured, he was just the one who failed to truly save you.
“Sebastian, please.” You said, pulling your hand away to cup his face. “Please, just shut up. This isn’t the first time I’ve been hurt, and it won’t be the last. I don’t need you crying for me when you couldn’t have done anything. Please.”
“I’m not crying…” Sebastian mumbles.
“Of course you’re not. Not like those poachers when they found out all their traps were destroyed.” You said, rubbing a thumb over his cheek.
Sebastian chuckles, leaning into your hand. “That’s my girl.”
You don’t get long to be together. The curtain in moved by a gentle hand and a clearing throat. It’s indescribable how badly you wanted Sebastian to stay, to reassure him, and just to hold him. You couldn’t ignore that Professor Sharp had just entered the space. Followed shortly by Nurse Blainey.
“While I am sorry to interrupt,” Professor Sharp started. “Nurse Blainey finds it’s best for Mr. Sallow to have his injuries taken care of sooner rather than later.”
“It won’t take long. Then you can sleep in your own dorm for the night.” Nurse Blainey says in a way that doesn’t allow for any room for discussion.
Sebastian doesn’t have to say how much he disagrees with this. Instead he does something brazen and gives you a kiss in front of a professor. Taking the chance to whisper, “I’ll visit you,” before pulling away and following Nurse Blainey.
Waiting for Professor Sharp to speak was incredibly tense. It seemed like he was taking his time: closing the curtains, moving a stool over to sit down in with an almost dramatic grunt. All that just to ask the simple question: “Where did you learn the killing curse?”
It would only make things worse if you tried to play dumb. Ever since Sebastian showed you the motions, and taught you the words, there was always a chance for something like this to happen. Although it wasn’t your go to curse, Avada Kedavra was quit useful when it came to fights against immensely powerful enemies. That someone might witness your use of it was a possibility you just had to deal with.
What you said next was nothing but shameful.
“Professor Fig taught me it.” You said, looking away as it was already bad enough you were smearing your mentors name. “He taught me so many spells before fifth year started. But I wanted to learn more, I wanted to know them all. After I started the trials he taught me the killing curse. ‘Just to be safe, and only for emergencies’, he had said.”
Professor Sharp nodded as you explained. His time as an Auror had taught him to know when someone was confessing. He’s never had to interrogate a student about something so serious before. This could be why he refused to believe anything but your word.
“What else did he teach you?” Professor Sharp asked.
“Nothing!” You said as if the accusation was outrageous. “I mean, he didn’t teach me any other curses. He only taught me the one, he thought that was the only one I needed.”
The tension is back with full force when Professor Sharp stays silent. It would be so much easier if he said you were lying. If he brought up Azkaban and put you under arrest that would have been easier. Anything would have been better than this silence, waiting for whatever it was he would say next.
“I need to make myself very clear.” He says leaning forward. “This can never happen again.”
“It will never happen again.” You lied, doing the best impression of a scared student you could.
Your acting skills seems to have been better than you could have thought. Professor Sharp didn’t accuse you of anything else. He simply asked how you were feeling after that. Letting you know that he’d make an exception on the paper due tomorrow.
“I, as everyone does, want you get better. But don’t think my kindness can be taken advantage of.” Professor Sharp warned before leaving.
You didn’t need to be told that he wasn’t just talking about your paper. Neither did Sebastian, who had heard the entire conversation.
-
Believe it or not but Hogwarts was actually rather good at keeping her students safe from threats. There was a slight reputation for Students that sneak around the halls, break rules, and maybe cause a bit of mischief. None of those could be considered threats, however.
This was why Sebastian had a relatively easy time making his way into the infirmary. Clinking from his pack made getting past prefects harder than usual. Having to stop every now and then when the sounds got too loud and a prefect took notice.
Overall he managed to reach your bedside around eleven pm.
The infirmary was quiet when he made his way in. Your bed was still surrounded by sheets to keep anyone from peeking in. The bandages and tonics made you somewhat of a scary sight to other patients.
The curtains rustled as Sebastian made his way in. Closing them tight behind him before dropping the disillusionment charm. He whispers your name, gently taking the bottles from his bag.
Few things are better to wake up to than your boyfriend. The only thing that could be better than that is your boyfriend with ice cold bottles of butterbeer.
“I love you,” You whisper reaching a handout for him to place an open bottle into.
It’s a little difficult to multi-task while injured. Trying to take a nice long drink while scooting over as far as you could. Pain from your side was simply making it worse. In any other situation Sebastian might have made a joke about it.