Chapter Text
It hasn’t even been a day in Hogwarts, and Apollo Hyacinth Flower was already feeling exhausted. The classes had proceeded smoothly for his first day, and so did the “quests”. Thankfully, those quests weren’t so time-consuming, and so he was off to Hogsmeade with his new friend, Sebastian Sallow, whom he had encountered in DADA when Fduelled. It seemed he had charmed the Slytherin boy, but he had also been charmed by him.
A charming fellow, this Sallow.
Apollo was currently heading towards him, since he had requested from Ms Weasley. The list was simple: some ingredients, positions, and his new wand. He was very excited about that. This wand had served him quite well; it was his first after all, but it never belonged to him. He wondered when or where Professor Fig was required to use this wand. Well, he also wondered what in Merlin’s beard had happened yesterday. The dragon, the portkey leading to vault number 12, the sudden troll attack, and not to mention that he could see traces of ancient magic! Apollo didn’t even have the knowledge that magic existed until he was 13, only 2 years ago!
At his latter thought, he had finally reached Sebastian.
“Weasley announced to me that I was tasked with accommodating and showing our new fifth year the village of Hogsmeade.” The boy said when his eyes located on Apollo.
v
The other boy chuckled and nodded. “That is certainly true. I hope you didn’t mind.” He answered. “Although if you have something important to do rather than babysitting me, then I can always fetch Natty to show me.” He added quickly after, not wanting to be a burden or trouble, Sebastian. Fool, he had been; he should have asked first before immediately requesting Sebastian’s services.
“No, no, of course not. Task wasn’t the correct word. I don’t find this unpleasing. I would love to be at your service today.” Sebastian explained as he placed a comforting hand on Apollo’s shoulder. He had a soft expression plastered on his face, although his chocolate eyes always had some mischief in them. Apollo let out a relieved breath. He smiled and squeezed Sebastian’s clothed elbow.
“Then, without further ado, let us begin. Shall we?”
***
The train ride had been, in opposition to Apollo’s previous trip, calm and peaceful. A comforting silence had fallen on him, as Apollo gazed outside and Sebastian…. Well, he gazed at Apollo, answering any question he had.
Soon, they had reached their destination, Hogsmeade. Sebastian offered his hand for Apollo to step down. The Ravenclaw laughed and shook his head. “Such a gentleman, you are.”
Sebastian laughed in response and nodded his head. “Well, of course, my lord.” He said in a mock polite tone, bowing a bit. Apollo rolled his eyes fondly, but he accepted the offer. They were going to have an enjoyable evening together.
After walking for ten-ish minutes, he successfully made it to the village, uninjured. For now. The village was alive to say the least. Tons of shops and pubs, a lot of the villagers entertaining himself either in conversations or other attractions. Children were running around, engaging in foolish games, or simply enjoying their young years before school.
“Here we are, the famous Hogsmeade,” Sebastian stated, turning his head to the side slightly before looking back at Apollo.
“So, I must purchase some stuff for my sister. Would you be able to locate the items you need for yourself, or do you need assistance?”
Apollo tilted his head in confusion and interest. He hadn’t seen Sebastian’s sister around Hogwarts. Yet at least. Maybe she didn’t crave to be with her brother, or perhaps she was busy. How could he understand anyway? He hadn’t had the privilege of having a sibling. Although he had wished Sebastian would accompany him through his purchases, the boy had priorities for his sister.
“Yes, I have been given a map by our professors, so if I follow it carefully, I will manage.”
Filled with curiosity, Apollo couldn’t help but ask about his sister. “I didn’t know you had a sister, though. Is she in Slytherin, too?”
Sebastian glanced at the sky, his eyes suddenly turning melancholic. “She is. We were born on the same day. I was born 2 minutes before; other than that, we haven’t been apart since then. Only now. She isn’t at Hogwarts now, but she will return.
Apollo nodded thoughtfully as he stared at Sebastian. The boy returned his eyes on him and flashed him a charming smile, not reaching his eyes quite. “So, we will rejoin here, okay? I will be here if you need anything.”
“That is fine by me. See you until then, Sebastian.” Apollo answered affirmatively and returned to his tasks.
First, Olivander’s wand.
***
Apollo had to endure two wands to end up with his own new one. Mister Ollivander had been very patient with him and the unmatching wands. Both had acted very disobediently.
“Hmm, where is it? Where is it- Oh! Right here.” The man said after his eyes landed on what he wanted. He bowed, grabbed the casket and gave it to Apollo. “
Go on, try this one!” Mr Olivander exclaimed enthusiastically. Apollo grimaced slightly but reached for it. The moment the skin of his fingertips contacted the wand, Apollo knew that this was the wand. His wand. He looked at Ollivander and nodded surely. “This is the one, sir.”
According to the shop owner, the wand was of redwood, it measured 13 and three-quarters of an inch, its texture was solid, and the core was a dragon heartstring. A very powerful one, apparently.
“The wand will learn from you as you will learn from it.” Mr Ollivander had told him wisely in the end, making Apollo’s mind echo these words, ‘I wonder what he meant’ He monologued inside. Well, philosophy could wait for a moment. He had 3 other shops to go!
***
Three shops later, he was finished with all his purchases. Now he could rejoin his dear friend’s company. Apollo wondered if Sebastian had found what he needed. Not that he knew what his friend had wanted in the first place, but he sensed he had already interrogated too much. He couldn’t help but wonder what happened to Sebastian’s sister. Apollo knew better, however, than to ask about someone’s family status from his own private life. He considered what his own mother could be doing for a moment: maybe praying for him, maybe drowning in her misery, regretting everything she had done and hadn't. How could he know? Apollo hadn’t seen her after Professor Fig had taken him under his wing. Which he were very grateful for that.
Without realising, he had arrived at the meeting point. Sebastian was already there waiting for his arrival. “There you are, mate! Got everything you wished?” He asked Apollo, eyeing the small bag he had. “Yes, all inquired and ready to be used.” Apollo responded positively, “So, what is the plan for now?”
But, before Sebastian could even think, a massive troll with a wooden bat and full magic armour revealed itself by the loud steps. It jumped down the stairs, ready to attack. Some village women stepped in, wielding their wands and fighting back.
Sebastian automatically shielded Apollo, stepping in front of him. Apollo, though blasted, was no stranger to danger. Sebastian gave him a surprised look, yet he attacked the massive troll too. The troll held its bat high in the air to strike the two of him. The students stepped back, holding their wands tighter to attack. It was his wand's first battle, and Apollo felt a bit excited about that, though he would like to fight something smaller. A police officer arrived, casting bombarda on the troll, causing it to head in another direction.
“Draw it away from the buildings, away from the village!” The police officer yelled as more villagers rushed to help. They followed the troll in that direction, leaving him and Sebastian alone. He couldn’t even share a word before another troll, exactly like the previous one, emerged from a building behind him. Sebastian and he spun behind, his wands in the air to launch an attack. It seemed he was on his own this time.
he casted all the spells he had mastered towards it, trying his best to destroy the monster. Apollo suddenly felt this magic in his veins. Different from the one he used for the charms. It was something rawer, more powerful and older. Ancient even. Without even controlling his hands, Apollo levitated a large barrel and hit the troll with it. Sebastian looked at him, taken by surprise again.
“What was that?” He yelled at the other side where he was located. He had been separated by the troll, it seemed. Apollo shrugged, surprised by his own actions.
“I like it, do more of it!” Sebastian exclaimed while he cast some spells.
Apollo smiled despite all this chaos all around him. He felt another trace of this enlightening magic through him, and another barrel was hit on the troll. Soon, he had the troll cornered in front of a tree. Apollo stepped closer, along with Sebastian behind, the energy of magic filling him.
He invoked a weird spell, something that he hadn’t been taught by anyone else in advance and threw it at the enemy. The troll disappeared into black and blue (the blue from the magic, most likely) ashes, leaving the two students panting. He looked at the other, his eyes widened. Apollo looked him up and down for any visible wounds, and so did Sebastian. The police officer returned with the villagers, walking to him.
“Did you two take on a fully grown troll by yourselves?” She asked in wonder. “Are you two alright?”
Apollo looked at Sebastian, asking him through his eyes if he was okay. Sebastian nodded affirmatively with a faint smile.
“I suppose so. It is all a blur right now.” Apollo answered her, pulling his gaze away from his friend. “We are quite fine, Ms No injuries.”
“Good, that’s brilliant. Then, if you are unharmed, perhaps the two of you wouldn’t mind helping me put a few things where he was.”
Even though he would like to see if Sebastian is mentally well after the sudden attack, a “don’t worry and be patient” look from the boy made him, reluctantly, help her. He was glad that he had mastered Reparo. After about fixing seven items, Apollo searched for Sebastian in a shop he entered.
The shop was quite big, mainly filled with clothes. The walls were whitish with flower patterns on them, except where the shopkeeper's desk was, where the walls were pink. He saw Sebastian waiting for him along with the shopkeeper, who looked very pleased. The Slytherin boy showed him a mischievous smile and bowed his head towards the shopkeeper.
“He wants to share some works with the teen who defeated the massive troll all by himself.”
Apollo opened his mouth to argue that Sebastian had a great influence on him and that he had helped tremendously, but the shopkeeper had other plans.
“Allow me to introduce myself: Augustus Hill, clothier extraordinaire.” The shopkeeper said. He wore some fashionable glasses and a tuxedo, which was separated by an orange vest and a reddish pink suit, both with flowery patterns embroidered on them. Plus, a red tie and some pins on the suit.
“I should like to thank you for your remarkable bravery in fighting those trolls- not to mention your help restoring Hogsmeade to its rightful state.” The man expressed his gratefulness, “Frankly, you deserve an Order of Merlin, but I can offer something for your usefulness.”
Apollo couldn’t even comment on anything -he had a feeling that Sebastian had made known only about Apollo’s part- as the man started shoving much of the clothes, telling him how he owned this and that and how he would give him a new pair of robes.
Sebastian hadn’t spoken at all, only watching amused. Suddenly, before he realised, he was outside once more with new robes along with Sebastian, smiling cheekily. Apollo stared at the horizon, bewildered. He turned his head to the boy next to him. Why? Reassurance maybe. It comforted Apollo that he had him along.
Sebastian placed his hand on his shoulder, that cheeky smile of his turning into a softer kind.
“I think we deserve an old-fashioned butter beer after the trolls.” He stated, squeezing his shoulder. Apollo nodded with agreement. The touch, although foreign, felt pleasant. He almost followed it as Sebastian dropped it, but he stopped himself in time.
He began walking towards the brewery. Sebastian was telling him about the hostess, Serina, apparently a fearless woman, which reminded Apollo of his mother. Maybe the only good thing he could determine about that woman.
He passed under a bridge when he spotted a well-dressed man going down the stairs. It weirded Apollo out, since many villagers or anyone, to be honest, were in the centre or trying to help restore the place. It raised some suspicious questions. Sebastian seemed to be thinking the same, as he raised an eyebrow at him. Slow and silent, he crouched and stood behind a rock wall. Maybe this would give answers to the troll attack.
There, standing at the end of the stairs, was the well-dressed man, Victor goddamn Rookwood, with a goblin with full armour. The same goblin that had ambushed him in the vault, Ranrok. And some random man in the corner that Apollo didn’t recognise.
“You said you could get the child when he came to Hogsmeade.” Ranrok began with a displeased tone, accusing Rookwood, “That all you needed was a distraction.”
“I just saw a student take down your ‘distraction’” The man fired back, displeased too. Ranrok's face turned to an even more displeased grimace.
“Who is this child? What aren’t you telling me?” Rookwood questioned him.
“All you need to know is if you cannot take the child, then you mean no value to me.” The goblin spat with venom rolling on his mouth. Apollo gasped. He couldn’t mean him. No, but it is the only logical explanation.
He had encountered him yesterday at the vault, which he attacked again. It really seemed Apollo was in the middle of this. Then realisation hit him. People were after him, wanting him for something he didn’t even know about. Sebastian looked troubled from the dialogue between the goblin and Rookwood. He glanced at Apollo for any hint, but the other student was looking at the stairs with wide eyes. Ranrok tilted his head in his direction. Maybe he had heard Apollo’s gasp.
“Let’s go.” Apollo hissed at Sebastian, backing and turning to run down the road.
After making close to the three broomsticks, the students slowed down to catch their breath.
“What is that goblin doing with Victor Rookwood?” Sebastian asked, unbelievable he had witnessed this.
“Ranrok is working with Rookwood?” Apollo muttered to himself, not believing it either.
Sebastian turned to look at him. “The goblin from the Daily Prophet? I knew I’d seen him somewhere!” He voiced, though, that only brought more confusion. Footsteps sounded behind.
Sebastian pulled him inside the Three Broomsticks quickly, sitting on some stools at the bar table. Sirona was engaging with some customers and workers, so he had some time to himself finally. Apollo let out a breath, finally feeling calm and steady.
The place was… cosy. Not so many people, so it was quiet, and it was warm in comparison to outside. It felt almost like home. Well, how could he know? Apollo never knew what home truly felt like.
He looked at the boy next to him, only to find him staring back.
“Nothing,” He lied, “Just today’s events.” Sebastian nodded in agreement. Today had been very adventurous and strange, and he had barely seen the village. Not that Apollo didn’t enjoy some good adventure with some mystery, but he had hoped to have a calmer time here in Hogsmeade, a normal one. Like the kids his age.
“Show me the wand you bought.” Sebastian asked, desiring to break the silence that had fallen and the unwelcome subject.
Apollo smiled knowingly. He gave the wand to the boy to feel it. “Redwood with the core of a dragon heartstring. 13 and three-quarters of inches.” Apollo described, looking ahead rather than at Sebastian.
“And solid texture.” Added Sebastian thoughtfully. “It is a brilliant choice. Nothing less expected from someone like you, though.”
Apollo turned his head, tilting it a bit. “Oh? Is that a compliment, Mr Sallow?” He pondered with a smirk.
Sebastian reflected his smirk. “Only for you.” He said, “Only you.” He repeated, this time quieter, his face having a raw and honest expression. They gazed into each other’s eyes with their knees brushing just a little bit.
“Now what can I get- Oh, there’s a face I haven’t seen before. “ The voice of the hostess made them turn their heads away from each other.
“I, eh, it’s my first time here.” Apollo answered, managing to get his words in order. He glanced at Sebastian at the corner of his eye, who looked equally flushed.
The hostess, though, either didn’t care or didn’t comment upon it. “Welcome then!” Sirona greeted friendly “Butterbeers on me.” And then she pulled the beers by levitating him towards the counter.
“Heard about the attack. I shall be looking in on the other shopkeepers and residents shortly.” She continued. She eyed him a bit before speaking again. “Glad to see you two escaped uninjured.”
“Thanks to this one.” Chirped Sebastian, as it seemed that he returned to his usual self. “Single-handedly took down a troll.”
“Is that right?” Sirona said, surprised. “Well done.”
Apollo just sighed, deciding that if that’s what Sebastian wanted to say, he would let him for now. He thanked her for the free beer and took the first sip. It was surprisingly sweet. He had tried beer secretly from a remaining bottle that his mother had used. He had hated the odd taste of it, asking himself why his mother liked him so much. Only if he knew, he would figure it out sooner or later.
“Though I must say, trolls in Hogsmeade? That never happened before.” Sirona commented after a short while. “Something is not right. The only brutes we usually must deal with are-“
With a loud grunt that stopped the woman from finishing her sentence, the wooden doors opened harshly. Apollo turned automatically to observe who did. He saw Victor Rookwood entering the bar along with his friend. He felt Sebastian’s hand fleeing on his thigh, squeezing in reassurance. It guarded him, even for a wee bit.
Sirona grumbled.
“Hmph, how timely.” She strode towards Victor, who was as if he owned the place.
“Was that Logdok I saw leaving just now?” The man asked mockingly, “Your clientele is not what it used to be, Sirona.”
Sirona scoffed. “Not to worry, Victor. Once the two of you leave, it will improve.”
The other man, whose name is Theophilus, apparently, pulled his wand threateningly. Sirona glanced, advising him not to do anything further. Victor himself didn’t look like he wanted that right now.
“Come on now, no need for theatrics. I’m only here for that one.” He confessed, pointing exactly at Apollo. The two students, who had their backs to him, slowly turned. Apollo stood up as he wanted to show he wasn’t and shall not be afraid. Sebastian was standing close to him, as a reassurance and to defend or protect his friend's honour.
“My friend is enjoying a we
ll-earned butterbeer.” Sirona said, her voice turning dangerous. Apollo looked at Sebastian. His stance was in defence mode, and, oh, his face. Oh, it looks deadly. His brown eyes were darker, sharper. He was lost in the boy’s eyes that he noticed late when Rookwood stepped closer, saying he wanted a word.
“Perhaps you didn’t hear me, I said my friend is busy.” With Sirona’s words, all the people in the shop stood up, ready to fire an attack. Sebastian was somehow in front of him, as if he were a shield.
Rookwood's face was aversive. He muttered something to Theophilus, but Hyacinth’s heart was ringing in his ears, so Apollo couldn’t grasp any words.
He only felt Sebastian’s fingers on his own. His palm was placed on Sebastian’s chest, specifically where the heart was rumoured to be. he could sense the steady heartbeat coming from him. It grounded him, since his consciousness returned. He noticed that Sebastian was closer than before, his other hand located on his back. Apollo let out a breath he didn’t he was holding. Looking up to Sebastian’s eyes -since the boy had some inches higher-, he observed that his brown eyes had switched back to softer and sweeter.
“Hey there, sunshine. Feeling better?” The Slytherin murmured. Apollo sighed and nodded, rubbing his forehead. “Yes, I was just frightened.”
Sebastian snorted quietly.
“Oh, I am sure. I would be too.” And with that, he slowly stepped back. That resulted in Apollo losing the warmth he didn’t realise he felt. He found himself feeling safe in Sebastian’s arms, and he had just got acquainted with the boy.
“Trolls, Ranrok, and Rookwood? What are you not telling me?” He asked him after.
Apollo looked away. He wanted to tell him devastatingly so, but right now, in public, it wasn’t the cleverest idea.
“I promise to tell you everything, but it’s perhaps best I do it later.”
<
Sebastian glared at him, unsure, but he didn’t push further.
They walked back to the train in silence; both were lost in his head. It was cold, the temperature falling as the night grew. Apollo now felt glad he had accepted that odd man’s robes. Though he could see Sebastian shivering in the cold. So, he did the only logical thing and threw the robe around him.
“What- Oi, what are you doing?” The boy reacted too late.
“You are shivering. My body is naturally warmer; I shall manage until the train station. You, on the other hand, are going to freeze!” Argued Apollo back.
“I am Scottish, I can handle some cold for Godric’s sake!” He continued to argue.
Apollo rolled his eyes, “You stubborn fool, I do not care where or who you are. You might as well be from the Arctic, and I would still offer you, my robes.”
“You didn’t exactly offer.” Pointed the Scottish out in a murmur. Apollo refused to answer.
After some minutes of silent walking, Sebastian spoke up. “Where are you from Apollo? Excuse me if I sound rude, but you don’t seem native to here.”
“You found me exotic, Sebastian?” Threw back the Ravenclaw with a smirk. “But you are correct, I am not from here exactly. My roots are half Greek, half English. Greek from my mother, English from my father. I was raised in, well, what is known as the Ottoman Empire. In the city of Constantinople, to be precise.”
Sebastian nodded thoughtfully. “I see. I am not much of a history expert, even more if it is Muggle history, so I have not the faintest clue of what that is.”
Apollo smiled faintly. “It is alright. Shall I explain it on the train further?”
“If you are so kind.”
They had arrived back at the school in a somewhat
reasonable night. The stars were brighter than ever. Apollo loved staring at them.
”Quite the sight, aye?” Sebastian muttered, staring up too.
“Yes. Beautiful.” Apollo muttered back. He wasn’t looking at them anymore. He was staring at Sebastian’s face, at the freckles, the reddish-brown untamed hair and those eyes, soft yet deadly when he wanted. He had some freckles, too, but Sebastian’s light skin made them more noticeable. Sebastian’s face was surprisingly not scarred despite duelling so much and getting into trouble.
He, on the other hand, had a large scar on the bridge of his nose. his hair was curly, brownish black and down to his shoulders. His eyes were very odd, unlike his friend's. Well, Professor Fig had called it exceptionally rare, but Apollo disagreed. His eyes had three distinct colours: grey, blue and green. Only brown is missing…
‘He is the mesmerising one,’ The Greek thought. He shook that thought away, though as fast as it came and began walking in the castle along with Sebastian.
“Shouldn’t you be heading to the dungeons?” Apollo pointed out as they were close to the Ravenclaw common rooms.
“I am still at your service, Mister. And as the gentleman I am, I shall keep you company until you retire to your dorm.” Sebastian answered with the fake aristocrat accent.
Apollo chuckled and played along. “Of course, my good sir. But sadly, we have arrived. You can't in after all.”
Sebastian sighed with a smile. “Correct, I am afraid. Then, I shall bid you goodnight.” Then, unexpectantly, he took Apollo’s hand in his own and kissed it. Apollo’s whole nervous system seemed to be fried at that moment.
“Goodnight, mister Flower, I had a lovely day with you, even though you are an enigma. Lucky for us, I like figuring out.” The Scottish whispered closed. Apollo continued to look at him, bewildered. His two legs felt frozen to the ground.
“I, eh, had, um, a majestic time with you too, Mr Sallow. You are an excellent guide. I would recommend you to every new fifth-year.” He finally decided to answer. Sebastian chuckled and stepped even closer into his personal space.
“Too bad for him since I only desire to serve a specific one.” The boy whispered in his ear.
Apollo felt his face turn incredibly warm.
He pushed the other student quickly back and ran his way back to the common room. “Goo- good bye, Sebastian!” Apollo yelled, tripping in the process. He heard the echoes of Sebastian’s laughter and a goodbye.
And so the first day of Hogwarts came to an end came to an end….