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They hadn't spoken in almost two years. Of course, there were pleasantries here and there but nothing compared to the conversations in the undercroft. They were once so close during their fifth year, but now they struggle to make eye contact for longer than a few moments. Sebastian regretted many things in his life. Losing her was one of them.
They had a tremendous argument toward the end of their fifth year. Ominis stood between them as they threw insults at each other like spells. It was as if they were dueling, trying to see who could win by hurting the other more.
"You have no idea what I have been through Sebastian. God forbid I put myself first before you."
"I would do anything for the power that you possess and you are going to throw it all away for what? Your weak sense of what is right? Those people are hiding something that could help the world. They are cowards, just like you."
"The only coward I know of is you. You could not accept that Anne and your Uncle did not want your help so instead of owning up to your madness you killed him." Her words cut deep, causing anger to seep through his veins.
"He was going to kill me."
"You attacked him first." She was quick with her comeback, which made it all the more frustrating.
"You are one to talk."
"Defending my life against a known criminal is not the same as killing your Uncle."
"You have killed more for less. That ancient magic is wasted on you." Sebastian's final blow is what encouraged Ominis to finally step in.
"Enough. This argument should not distract us from what we must decide. Sebastian you are like a brother to me but you have committed a crime that can not be undone. It is only right you own up to your mistakes."
"Lock me away, both of you. I have nothing to live for. Anne does not wish to see me and you are ready to throw me away at the drop of a hat. It is decided." Sebastian leaned against the undercroft pillar, accepting his fate.
"No." Her voice was stern, which startled both boys.
"What?" Sebastian questioned her, for he did not understand how she could not turn him in.
"Why should he rot in a jail cell? Sebastian is right, I would be a hypocrite if I agreed to turn him in. However, do not expect me to agree with what you did. I wanted you to find a cure for Anne, I really did, but not like this. Ominis you can do whatever you please but I have more important things to deal with at the moment. I must meet with Professor Fig." She turned to leave the undercroft, which only angered Sebastian further.
"How can you just walk away after all we have been through? After all I have taught you?" The conversation had taken a turn for the worse. Sebastian felt this may be the end.
"Goodbye Sebastian. Goodbye Ominis. I hope this won't be the last."
He had not fully understood at the time what she meant. It wasn't till the announcement that the professors and the new fifth year had successfully defeated Ranrok that he genuinely understood the weight of her words. Professor Fig had died and she sat at the far end of the Hufflepuff table, staring down at her hands. Several students were crying as Professor Weasley gave a toast that outshined Professor Black's poor excuse for a memorial.
Despite the arms raising their glasses, Sebastian could not take his eyes off the new fifth year. She looked exhausted and bruised. She had a fresh wound on her cheek covered up with a small bandage. Her eyes were filled with tears that struggled to fall as she looked down at the table. Her hands were folded under it as if she was trying to hide them away from the world. He wanted to speak with her desperately. He wanted to tell her how much of a fool he was. The only coward was him.
Now they were 7th years. Sebastian had slowly been able to get in contact with Anne. She had been staying with a distant relative on their mother's side. The two of them have been sending letters every few months. He would respond as soon as they were delivered, while Anne seemed to have a more challenging time responding so quickly. He knew trust would take time to grow. However, her most recent letter stopped him from replying for longer than a week.
"How is she? That new friend of yours, the one you could not stop talking about years ago." Anne's questions caught him off guard. He had spent most of his letter talking about what she was missing at Hogwarts. Yet, he had not written about her since they stopped speaking. What could he tell Anne?
The first day back from summer break was exciting for many. The new students were eager to be sorted and the 7th years were anxious to graduate. Sebastian knew he would need to plan a future for himself that would hopefully include Anne once she was ready. His obsession with a cure dulled but never went away. He spent his free time reading. Which gave him a reputation as a sulking pretty boy that was hard to get close to. However, Ominis stood by him, making them a pair of sad pretty boys that others loved to gossip about.
"How was your summer?" Since they spent most of it together, Ominis's question sounded off to Sebastian. He was about to ask Ominis if he had hit his head lately when Sebastian saw her standing before them.
She smiled at Ominis with a glow given by the summer sun. Her hair was longer than he remembered. The freckles on her nose were darker and her beauty only intensified over the last two years.
"Not too bad. My muggle friends and I went camping. Wish I could have taken a wizard tent instead of a regular one. Much less room to escape from mosquitos. How was yours Ominis?" Her laugh was a welcome surprise to Sebastian's ears. She was trying to make Ominis laugh, always so caring of others.
"Did my best to avoid my family. Spent a month at least in Feldcroft."
"Ah, I see. I should be returning to my table. Poppy is calling for me." She turned to look at Sebastian, making him almost choke on his pumpkin juice. "Sebastian." Before he could answer, she turned and walked away.
"Stop staring like an utter fool. You're drooling."
"You can't even see how would you know?"
"I've known you for too long, plus you reek of desperation." Sebastian was not about to let that comment go until he noticed a red-headed Gryffindor sneaking up behind her. Garreth lifted her up, causing the Hufflepuff to yell in surprise. Once he put her back down that yell turned into a laugh before they shared an annoyingly long hug. She looked happy to see Garreth, which only reminded Sebastian how emotionless her comment to him was.
"They seem to have gotten quite close haven't they." Ominis took a sip of his tea knowing that Sebastian was fuming with jealousy beside him.
"Why in merlin's name would I care? She has always had many friends." Expect she did not always have so many friends. During their fifth year, it felt like they spent all their time together. While she had mentioned her growing friendships with Poppy and Natty, she had only helped Garreth once. Sebastian would hardly call that a friendship. Yet they were laughing and catching up like they had been friends for ages.
Fate was a cruel mistress. So much so that Sebastian had all his classes with his once dear friend. In most classes they were able to avoid each other. However, potions was the one class that made it physically impossible. They were assigned to be partners for the whole year. Sebastian found himself sweating profusely as they both hovered over one pot. The chairs were bar stools which left little room between them. He did his best not to look at her but could not help himself.
"Would you quit staring? We need to focus on the task at hand."
"Couldn't help myself." The words fell out of his mouth so fast he did not have time to think of how stupid his next words were. "Had to make sure that Gryffindor didn't leave any hickeys."
"Garreth? Are you mad?" Her voice was hushed but her tone was stern. The color in her cheeks matched the deep red of their potion assignment. How cute. "We are not like that. We are just friends."
"You may need to tell him that."
"Why do you care exactly?" Her question threw him off. So much so that his instinct was to fire back at her.
"Its just an observation. I figure we should be cordial now that we must work together the rest of the year. I can assure you I wish nothing more to be done with this place and you."
"I find myself thinking the same." She shifted in her seat as if trying to get as far away from him as possible. He could not help but hear the shift in her tone. Could she be disappointed? The rest of the class was silent and painful. The moment class ended she wasted no time in leaving him. He slammed his fist on the table, earning a side eye from Professor Sharp.
The next several months involved the two of them struggling to work together while not speaking more than 3 words to each other at a time. Sebastian found himself desperate to say anything to break this back and forth between them. Yet, whenever he wanted to say something nice, he would correct it with something equally mean. She always kept her composure whenever an insult was thrown her way. She had just the comeback as if she had a secret list prepared before class. At first he hated it but as time passed, he looked forward to potions class just to see what would happen.
The moment he walked into the room, his excitement rose. His eyes always looked for her. If she was there before him, he would comment about how she was too late to be a head girl. If he was first, he would shake his head whenever she walked to their table. The kind of look you gave someone who was slacking off. She would either roll her eyes or give him a hard time about his messy robes.
"You look like you just got back from a snog fest. Could not take the time to look presentable?" She eyed his messy hair and tired demeanor as she asked the question. If only she knew he was up late thinking of ways to tease her in class.
"What if I was?"
"If it were true then it would not be any of my business. I would not be snooping for a hickey like some people I know." She turned away to not let him see her expression. However, he was happy with just being someone she knew. It was a significant improvement from strangers.
"I happen to be a wonderful kisser."
"I wouldn't know." Her words were dangerous. So much so that he almost uttered the words. How about I show you. However, Professor Sharp's voice interrupted their conversation.
"Flirting can wait till after class Mr.Sallow" He eyed the two of them before walking across the room to another table that was a little too loud. The two of them stayed silent for most of the class. Sebastian tried to cover his ears which were growing redder by the second. He glanced at her from time to time. It seemed he was not the only one turning red from embarrassment.
Sebastian refused to tell Ominis about his potions partner. They rarely spoke about anything personal regarding their feelings toward others. However, Sebastian was always curious if Ominis ever had feelings for her. They were also quite close during their fifth year. They even spoke occasionally to this day. What Sebastian would give to cast a disillusionment spell on himself when they would talk for hours in the great hall before nights out.
Sebastian was terrible at keeping secrets from his friends. Especially when he was not at his best. A group of students decided to meet up for some butter beers in Hogshead. She had invited Ominis and told Sebastian he could be the plus one. Plus one? Were they wedding guests? The fact that she did not ask him to go directly bothered him for the rest of the week. Anytime he was not studying or conducting research he thought of her. Sebastian would be casually walking down the hall and her smile would flash in his mind causing his body to recoil. The image would strike his heart fast, leaving him yearning to see her.
This feeling only deepened once Ominis and Sebastian arrived at the Three Broom Sticks. It was late in the night. Many students would have to sneak back into Hogwarts later that night. Ominis spent the whole walk discussing that fact and how they should only spend an hour there. Sebastian told him to lighten up. They were both eighteen now and were technically considered adults in Europe. From what Sebastian gathered, this was a tradition that seventh years had started several years back.
The Three Broom Sticks was packed with 7th years and a few regulars. His eyes scanned the room for the familiar bright eyes from potions class. Once he found her standing by the wall with Poppy, their eyes met. His heart plunged into his stomach as she smiled before her face froze in realization. Her smile quickly disappeared as she excused herself from Poppy. She made her way over to them, her eyes directed at Ominis. Sebastian was so distracted by how radiant she looked out of her robes that he could barely register the live music coming from their left.
"I'm glad you could make it Ominis. Let me direct you to the back where the music will not be too loud for you. Sebastian would you mind?" She grabbed Ominis's hand and led them both toward the back of the room. Sebastian made sure to watch out for crowds and to push anyone out of their way. He couldn't help but notice how considerate she was from the moment they walked in. She may not have welcomed him, but ensuring Ominis was comfortable was better than any welcome.
They settled at a table in the far corner. It gave them enough privacy for conversation and a good view of the rest of the bar. Sebastian could see that many of the 7th years struggled to keep their composure. It was no question that spiked butterbeer was the preferred option now that they were of age. He would need one himself with how nervous he felt.
"First round is on me old friend. Same for my potions partner unless you have already had your fair share of spiked butterbeer?" Sebastian gave her a teasing smile, earning him an eye roll.
"I can handle far more than you know. However, I would never say no to a free butterbeer." She made her way to the bar expecting Sebastian to follow. Their shoulders brushed and he almost jumped out of his skin. His eyes lingered on her retreating form before catching up with her. They both were silent as they waited in line to order. However, the tension between them was palpable. He would openly stare at her before turning away when she looked at him and vice versa. It was thrilling. Every movement she made, every look she gave, was exhilarating. He turned back to the table to check on Ominis. He had been alone at first with a scowl on his face but was soon joined by Poppy. The two teens looked to be engaging in a long conversation. Poppy was describing something with her hands before realizing her mistake and blushing. Ominis did not look insulted in the slightest he happened to laugh. It was quite a sight to see.
"Those two are getting cozy aren't they." Sebastian's potions partner bumped her shoulder into his to get his attention.
"I would have thought you were mad if you said that during our fifth year. However, the more I look at those two the more it makes sense." Sebastian nodded to himself feeling truly happy for his friend.
"Want to know a secret?" She leaned close to his ear, sending a shiver down his spine.
"You know just want I love to hear." He decided to play fire with fire and whisper closer to her ear. He saw her posture change for a moment before she continued.
"Poppy asked me to invite Ominis. She wanted to get to know him more. She and I may have had a shot or two before you two arrived." She smiled up at him and he noticed how red her cheeks were. She was not obviously drunk but he noticed how she remained close to him. Her awareness of personal space was almost nonexistent. It was a pleasant change from their time in potions class.
"I can see Poppy needing a shot of courage. However, I would not have guessed you would need one as well. Are you crushing on another seventh year by chance?" Sebastian was one hand pull away from bringing her into his arms. The chatter and music around them seemed to still at his question. He did not look away while asking her. Of course her answer could be innocent. A friend taking a shot for another. However, some part of him yearned for more. He wanted to believe that she was trying to impress someone, trying to impress him.
"Wouldn't you like to know." She laughed and looked out towards the crowd. For a moment, he wondered if she was looking for the person she had in mind. The thought that it could be anyone else made his stomach turn
"I very much would like to know." His tone was less flirtatious and more intense than he expected. She turned to meet his gaze. Her lips opened as she stared up at him in shock. Sebastian's eyes traveled down to those lips briefly before refocusing on her whole face. His motions were deliberate and his hand twitched as he slowly reached for her own. He hoped his eyes expressed what he could not with words. Before he could get a chance to join his hand in hers, their order was ready. The cold glass of the butter beer brought him back down to earth. The moment was ruined and they made their way back to the table.
Sebastian could hear Poppy finishing a story about one of the mystical creatures she met in the forbidden forest as they sat down. Ominis had moved closer to her in the time that they were away. The first sip of the spiked butterbeer was stronger than Sebastian had expected. Ominis even choked on his first sip, which earned a laugh from the table. They spent the next hour in casual conversation and by that time Sebastian was on his 3rd butterbear. The nerves from earlier had all but disappeared. The teasing between him and his potions partner became even more flirtatious as time passed. They would poke and nudge each other whenever the other said something funny or when they were admiring their two friends across the table. It felt like old times, which gave him the courage to bring up the past.
"I am sorry you know, about before when we were in our fifth year. I have always regretted not being able to apologize to you about what I said." He whispered the confession close to her ear so the other did not catch on.
"I said some awful things as well. If anyone has to apologize its me. I have been meaning to ask you…" Garreth approached her before she could ask the question Sebastian was so eager to hear.
"My lady, I believe you promised me a dance, Mind if I steal your potions partner by chance Sallow?" My lady? Was Garreth secretly an eighty year old man? He did not wait for Sebastian's answer before leading her away from the table and towards the live music. She looked back at him for a moment before mouthing the word sorry.
"Was that Garreth I heard taking her away?" Ominis turned to Sebastian for an answer. "Maybe you should duel him for her hand in marriage." Poppy covered her mouth, trying to hold her laughter back.
"Ominis, don't tell me you are drunk from two spiked butterbeers?
"I am perfectly fine. So fine in fact I might have another. Poppy would you mind accompanying me to the bar. I have a feeling Sebastian will be needing another." The young girl smiled before taking Ominis's hand and leading them toward the bar. Sebastian scoffed as he watched them make their way to the front of the Three Broom Sticks. His eyes finally landed on Garreth and his partner. She was laughing as he twirled her around the room. Others danced with them, jumping around to the music. Sebastian finished his third butterbeer, ready to drink his fourth. Watching her have fun with Garreth made Sebastian's blood boil. What had happened to their moment at the bar or the table? Was that caused by the whiskey in their systems?
How Garreth looked at her showed he considered her more than a friend. She did not look uncomfortable but it was clear the feelings were not mutual or were they? Sebastian found himself second guessing every moment, every look, every conversation they ever had this year. He hated to admit that he was jealous. Yet here he was, ready to punch Garreth in the face if he made one false move and tried to make the moves on her. Sebastian's partner not Garreths. She was always his partner. His eyes stayed on the two dancing the night away even after Poppy and Ominis returned with more drinks. Ominis tried to say something witty but Sebastian was too distracted. He was so preoccupied that he did not see the other two teens leave the table. Now he sat alone drinking the night away, watching the girl he loved with another man.
Loved? He loved her? Yes, of course he did. From the moment he met her, he was attracted to her. She had bested him physically and stole his heart just the same. He had never been in love before. Why did it hurt so much? The band finished their song and the dancing ceased. She and Garreth were clapping for the band. She smiled at him before turning back to return to the table. However, Garreth had other plans. The teen grabbed her hand and turned her around to face him. He leaned in and kissed her in the middle of the Three Broomsticks. It was only for a moment but it felt like an eternity for Sebastian.
Sebastian could not see her face but she had gone rigid. He slammed his glass on the table before heading their way. His body felt hot with anger as he got into Garreth's face.
"What the fuck do you think you are doing? Do you enjoy forcing yourself on women?"
"This has nothing to do with you."
"It has everything to do with me."
let's
"Last time I checked the two of you are not even friends. Back off Sallow." Garreth was one word away from a fist to the face.
"Both you of quit it. You are going to get us kicked out." She looked furious and also had a blush that crept to her ears. It was devastatingly cute which made Sebastian even more frustrated/
"Then shall we take this outside? I know how to duel without a wand." Sebastian yelled before his hand formed a fist, ready to strike the poor excuse for a wizard.
"By all means, let's go." Garreth's eyes narrowed. Students began to surround the three of them, chanting for the two teens to fight. Sebastian could hear the bartender yell at them but he was too focused on holding himself back. Before he could prepare a punch, Sebastian felt himself being pulled to the front door.
"I am not going to be expelled when we only have a few months left." She continued to pull him till they made their way to the entrance of Hogsmeade. The air was cold but the whiskey kept him warm. His hand was on fire from where she touched him. Maybe if he tried to go back she would grab his hand again. She looked at him before shaking her head and walking towards the castle.
"You should have let me hit him."
"And let you be expelled? Don't be ridiculous." She let out a frustrated groan as she used the back of her sleeve to wipe her lips. Sebastian noticed her movement and felt relieved. However, that would not stop him from teasing her.
"So you liked it then? The kiss."
"Absolutely not. He had asked for a dance right before the two of you arrived and I wanted to get back to Poppy as soon as possible. I did not think he would try something like that in front of so many people." She continued to walk down the path towards the castle. She stumbled at times but continued to wipe her mouth as if Garreth's germs were permanently on her lips. Sebastian could not help but laugh. "I am glad to know you find my misery hilarious. I even lost sight of Poppy and Ominis I hope they are safe." She looked around as if she would be able to see them between the trees.
"They seemed to have given us an Irish goodbye. I do not blame them. I was not the best company without you." Sebastian struggled to not reveal his true feelings about this kiss. However, he had no right to get in between them. They were not friends after all.
"Were you rattling off abut Anne again or maybe a new research theory? I can see how that would ruin the mood." She laughed for the first time since they left the Three Broom Sticks. He forgot how much he loved that sound. He wanted to hear it again.
"Truth be told I was occupied by the live music so I was not much for conversation." Sebastian was not prepared for her to stop so suddenly. He almost ran into her. She turned towards him. Her lips were bruised from all the rubbing. She was still very drunk but her eyes were so fierce he could have sworn she sobered up right there.
"Was that all?" She waited for his answer but he was at a loss for words. "Why must you tease me so?I hate it Do you enjoy playing with my emotions?"
"I do not understand what you are referring to."
"Do not play dumb with me. Every day in potions you tease me about my looks or how I prepare the ingredients. Even now you act as if I am the crazy one. Do you hate me so much that you enjoy toying with my heart?"
"I do not hate you. You are the one who hates me. You have made that abundantly clear."
"You are insufferable. How can you be do dense?"
"Dense? You are the one who toys with my heart. You knew Garreth had feelings for you yet you agreed to dance with him to torment me did you not?"
"Not everything is about you Sebastian. I can not help it if someone may have feelings for me and why should I deny them? He is the only person who has ever shown interest in me and does not have ulterior motives."
"Ulterior motives?"
"You know exactly what I mean by that. I would have done anything for you. I still would do anything for you and you could care less. You never wanted to be my friend."
"Do not tell me how I feel. I have wanted nothing but to speak with you since the end of our fifth year. I have been a coward watching you afar like some love sick fool. You are right I have never wanted to be your friend. I could not dream of only being friends with you. I want all of you. Every look, every touch, every conversation we have is what I live for. You drive me bloody mad and seeing that sorry excuse for a man kiss you tore me apart." He approached her slowly and traced a finger over her lips. "I know a better way to remove any taste of him from your lips. Would you allow me?"
"I never knew you to have manners."
"I will not force myself on you like he did. However, I can not promise that I will be able to stop myself if you allow me." The sounds of students heading down the path grew louder. It had to have been half past one at this point. The Three Broom Sticks had closed. They would be surrounded by students, not to mention those who saw the altercation. They would have to think fast. Before Sebastian could speak, she was pulling them behind a tree. He was going to tell her to wait till the other students pass but she was never one to follow orders.
She closed the distance between them. Her body pushed onto his causing Sebastian's back to scrape the tree. He lost all sense of awareness. Sebastian couldn't think. The feeling of her lips on his was all he could focus on. At first, he let her take the lead. Her hands were on his chest. Their warmth traveled all the way to his lower abdomen. Their teeth touched at times as they got used to the feel of each other. His hands started at her shoulder and slowly melted towards her hips. God, she tasted divine. The mix of saliva and butterbeer was even more intoxicating than when he had his own glass earlier. They paused for a moment as the footsteps of their peers drew closer. Sebastian took this opportunity to take control.
Sebastian moved her to the back of the tree and began kissing down her neck. She made the cutest sound before letting out a whimper. The noises she made vibrated between their lips and caused his pants to tighten. Sebastian moved her shirt aside to leave a lasting kiss that caused her to grip his hair. It hurt for a moment before pleasure took over. He bit down on her shoulder and she let out a dangerous moan. So dangerous that some of the footsteps stopped.
"What was that?" An unnamed student spoke near their hiding spot. Sebastian took the opportunity to cover her mouth with his hand but continued to spread his kisses to the other side of her neck.
"Maybe some cats getting it on. Come on l have some extra whiskey hidden in my room." Another unnamed student lead the other down the road. Both students swayed as they walked, too drunk to care for longer than a moment. Sebastian did not want to risk another moment alone with her. He kept his left hand over her lips and cupped her breast with his right hand. She glared up at him for a moment before rolling her eyes to the back of her head from pleasure. It was a sight he would play back in his mind for years.
However, she would not succumb to another person's control. Her tongue slide down one of his fingers, earning a groan from Sebastian. He looked down at her with a warning look but he would be damned if they stopped. It felt too good to stop. Sebastian brought their bodies closer. His desire for her pressed firmly into her stomach. She let out a gasp between his fingers and she rolled her hips onto him.
"Fuck." He struggled to only whisper the word as he gave into the rhythm of their hips. He had never been so intimate with someone before. The whiskey left him little time to overthink his movements. He let his intuition guide his moments. He would repeat moves that caused her body to relax under him. Any sound she made encouraged him to continue. Her hands held on to him as if she was afraid they would never see each other again if she let go. Their lips met once more as they continued to explore each other.
"Sebastian please." Her words were filled with desperation.
"Whatever you desire I shall give it to you." He kissed the spot behind her ear, causing her head to fall against the tree.
"Please don't let this be a dream." Her words were filled with lust but also despair. He stopped for a moment to look at her. Her lips were as red as her cheeks. He could see a bruise growing near her collarbone. Her eyes were hazy but shined in the moonlight. She was a vision.
"I have dreamt of this for years. I do not plan to let you slip away from me again." He smiled before giving her a slow kiss. His head was spinning and he could not tell if it was from her or the whiskey. "However, I do not wish to have you like this. I want to take you on a date and catch up on everything I have missed. I said I wanted all of you and I meant it." He stepped away taking his first breath of cold air since they started. She smiled at him but held a look that was anything but confident. He had no idea what she was thinking but it could not be good.
"You do not wish to have me like this? Have I done something wr…"
"Not like that." He looked at her hand before asking for permission. "May I." She nodded in response. He took her hand and lowered it to his pants. Her hand hovered over his strained erection. "Do you see what you do to me? You have done everything right. I only want to court you the way you deserve. Would you allow me the honor?" He raised her hand to his lips and placed a kiss on her palm.
"I would like that very much."
"Brilliant. However, we should probably sneak back in before we have another library incident on our hands." They both laughed before heading back on the road. Sebastian offered his hand to her and she took it.