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charlieweasleysimp · 10 months ago

Text

This was written so beautifully. I love seeing longing and romance captured in such a sweet way. I’ve been replaying this game recently and found myself craving good fanfic to go along with it. I’m thankful I didn’t have to look too far 💜☺️

is it too late to call you mine? | ch 3

Sebastian Sallow x Reader

Summary: In Sebastian's prettiest dreams, you'd wear a gown of a color that matched his tie, he'd take your hand and dance all night until morning came. But those dreams felt like a farfetched reality. Would you even consider going with him? As more than a friend?

A/N: This is the last part of my story for @spaceyaceface's HL Writing Challenge. I loved how this story turned out and loved writing it, hope you guys like it as well. <3

Masterlist | Read ch 2 here

Sebastian didn't want to be here. At least not in these circumstances.

He would be happy to be tucked away in his common room, or in the Undercroft. But for some reason, Ominis had insisted that he'd come, saying something about you being happy if he were to be there. And honestly, when it came to you, Sebastian never needed much convincing.

Students were steadily making their way inside the Great Hall, which was meticulously decorated; snowflakes fell from the enchanted ceiling and landed on the leaves of the many Christmas trees near the walls, blue and silver lights shone against the white tablecloths, and a band played a soft tune to fill the silence. The young couples held hands and smiled through the blush on their cheeks.

Sebastian paced back and forth beside the doors that lead to the ball, a permanent scowl on his face. Against his own better judgment, he wore black suit pants, a dark grey shirt with a black vest on top, and his dark long coat to chase away the cold.

"I still think there's no reason for me to be here, Ominis," Sebastian huffed.

Ominis, leaning back against the wall, raised an eyebrow at his friend, "No one's forcing you to stay, but I still think you would regret not being here."

"Why?" Sebastian stopped his pacing, shaking his head slightly, "She has her date for the evening, it's not like there's any hope for me to-"

The words suddenly died in his mouth then, for his gaze drifted up the stairs in front of him, up to where you now stood. Sebastian could feel all the air leaving his lungs, his breath running shallow. He couldn't pull his eyes away from you even if he wanted to. You wore this dark dress that hugged your body to perfection, expensive fabric glinting under the candlelights; light makeup framed your already breathtaking features, and your hair was styled up in a messy bun.

Palms sticky with sweat, Sebastian tried to swallow as you came down the stairs and towards him. Each step of your heels against the stone floor were two beats of his frantic heart. Sebastian thought it impossible that he could ever be more in love with you, but you always adored proving him wrong.

For a split second, there was no faint music coming from the Great Hall, no other students walking past him and wondering why he looked at you as if you hung the stars in the sky. No; there was only you and him. Your eyes met his then, with a hint of surprise in your features because of his presence.

Sebastian took a single step forward, his body in a trance. He hadn't seen much of you in these last few days, and now felt like the first time all over again.

Your eyes drifted away from him once you walked down the last step of the stairs, a smile that felt just a little rehearsed coming to your lips when Garreth suddenly met you in the middle.

Reality was a shot straight through Sebastian's heart. He watched helplessly as the ginger took hold of your hand and placed a kiss on top of it.

That should've been him, Sebastian thought, his chest feeling tight. You should be coming towards him, and not Weasley. He should be the one to hold your hand and tell you how beautiful you are. He could be. But it was his own fault that he wasn't.

The anger left his body with a sigh, leaving room only for the all-consuming regret to stay.

You allowed Garreth to intertwine your fingers with his, and as you walked past Sebastian you gave him a soft smile and a shy wave in greeting.

The Slytherin couldn't help but give you a smile of his in turn, even if it didn't hold any happiness at all.

── ·❆· ──

The Ball itself was nothing short of a spectacle, headmaster Black made sure of it, going far and beyond to impress the other Headmasters of the visiting schools. This year's Triwizard Champions opened the dance and soon enough the Great Hall was filled with couples doing their best to not step on each other's feet.

Sebastian chose to sit at a table tucked in a far corner, where the blue and silver lights barely reached. He mindlessly twirled his half-full glass between his fingers, a permanent pout sitting on his lips.

He hadn't missed the many girls whispering to each other and throwing glances at him, with teasing smiles on their pink lips as their eyes beaconed him to get up and ask them for a dance. Maybe he would have, in the past, he would be pleased to indulge as many girls as he could. But today, when his heart called for only one other, he couldn't bring himself to do it.

As Sebastian knew you would, you took to dancing as if it was second nature. As you did with anything you put your mind to. Your dark dress swirled smoothly across the dance floor, movements all fluid and graceful, your smile all pretty and easy.

Ominis was there too, Sebastian noted, features soft as he held onto Poppy's waist and she led him through the dance.

Downing the last of his drink in one big gulp, Sebastian got up. He grimaced when whatever it was that had been in his glass burned its way down his throat. Blending well with the shadows, he made his way outside, in desperate need of some fresh air.

Tiny snowflakes were falling from the sky, coating the viaduct courtyard in a thin layer of white snow that shone brightly under the moonlight. The cold air bit at Sebastian's cheeks and brought a shiver down his spine, but it was a welcoming feeling.

He'd felt alone many times in his life, yet here, as he stood amidst the snow without a soul nearby to witness, might be the loneliest of all.

The tip of his fingers started to become numb, snow steadily collected on his shoulders and clung to strands of his hair. He buried his hands in the pockets of his pants, huffing a breath of white air through his nose.

Sebastian wasn't sure how long he'd been standing there when he heard hesitant footsteps crushing the snow behind him, coming closer. He didn't turn around, part of him knew who it was.

He recognized you by the way you hissed when the gelid air easily seeped through the thin fabric of your dress. The ghost of a smile appeared on his lips.

You came to stand right beside Sebastian, personal space forgotten when you looped your arm around his and snuggled closer, your cheek pressing against his shoulder as you chased his warmth.

That's just how you two could be sometimes, no words because there was no need for them; only existing in each other's presence, souls entangled.

Sebastian exhaled shakingly, his heart threatening to escape his chest when he turned his head to you. His lips touched your hairline in a faint kiss before he leaned his cheek on top of your head.

The 'I missed you' had no need to be spoken out loud, you both knew it.

Maybe you were just two fools in love, clinging to each other under the falling snow, yet too stubborn to ever admit it.

"Why are you standing out here in the cold?" You whispered after a beat.

"You're here too," Sebastian reasoned just as quietly.

"Came to get you back inside," you told him with a grin, making no effort to move away.

A low chuckle escaped Sebastian, he bit at the inside of his cheek before speaking, "But it's much nicer here." He pointedly looked up at the sky then, and you followed his gaze. The moon was bright, with a few clouds hazing its light, and snowflakes glinting under it.

"I thought you didn't like the Ball."

Your soft words brought Sebastian's gaze back to you. He watched as the moonlight reflected against your eyes and shaped the outlines of your features while you looked up, worthy of a painting.

There was a question hiding behind your words, one that made Sebastian's stomach twist and turn with anxiety.

"I didn't-" Sebastian hesitated, and you turned to look at him, watching as his lips hovered for a moment, "I didn't exactly mean that," he glanced away from your eyes.

A soft crease appeared on your eyebrows that Sebastian wanted to smooth away. You regarded him with a mix of curiosity and longing. "Why would you say it then?" More than anything, you sounded hurt.

The guilt weighing down on Sebastian's chest only worsened. He couldn't have you thinking he had said that only because he didn't want to take you, when it was the exact opposite.

Subconsciously, Sebastian took hold of the hand you had around his arm. "I only said that because I was too much of a coward to ask you to the Ball myself, and… Guess I didn't want you going with anyone else, hoped maybe we'd skip it together instead." A soft blush dusted his cheeks and he avoided your gaze again, a bittersweet smile coming to his lips, "but it backfired immensely," he chuckled then, happy to have managed a soft laugh out of you as well.

A beat passed and his smile faded. He added quietly; "selfish, I know."

In the same heartbeat, you answered, "I would've said yes."

Chocolate brown eyes met yours, they were glinting under the moonlight as Sebastian looked at you, not daring to breathe. Snowflakes clung to his hair and lashes, freckled cheeks dusted pink. He looked like your favorite dream too.

"If you had asked, I would've said yes," you told him again, voice all soft and sweet as honey. You raised the hand he wasn't holding and brushed away longer strands of his hair so you could see his eyes clearly, "in a heartbeat."

You thought you saw tears pooling in Sebastian's eyes, but he blinked them away, pursing his lips before he spoke; "more than anything," he choked on his words, "I wish I had."

In the distance, you could hear the music still coming from the Great Hall, you couldn't make out any words but the melody was sufficiently clear. You grasped Sebastian's hand tighter, taking a step forward and tugging him with you. "Dance with me?"

He frowned, but a smile threatened to show on his lips. His feet followed you of their own volition. "Out here?"

You nodded softly, your hand came to rest on Sebastian's shoulder then, and his rested comfortably on your waist while you clasped his other hand in your own, fingers intertwined.

With a rhythm much slower than the one you'd followed when Sebastian was teaching you, you swayed gently from side to side, almost as if the cold wind was guiding you. Your heels and his shoes scrunched the snow underneath, Sebastian hugged you closer when the falling snow got a tad thicker.

The night suddenly belonged to you and him, a moment tucked away in a courtyard of Hogwarts. Two hearts beating in harmony.

A song or two passed with both of you allowing your bodies to do the talking, one following the other like you belonged just like that, wrapped in each other's arms.

Sebastian eventually released your hand so he could rest both his hands on your waist, his fingertips slightly digging into the fabric of your dress as he pulled you to him. You in turn brought both arms around his shoulders, gently playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck, while you rested your head on his chest.

Feeling the shape of you in his arms, your perfume clouding his senses, Sebastian realized then, that you were the sun for him. But not the sun that comes on a warm and clear day; you were the sun that came during the cold, when he hadn't felt its warmth in a while and everything looked gray before. That's what you always had been, a source of light, of warmth, of hope. Maybe that's why Sebastian's love for you almost hurts to feel the longer he keeps it tucked away in his chest.

He wondered if you were able to hear just how fast his heart was beating right now.

"I'm sorry," Sebastian mumbled, his lips grazing your hair. He cleared his throat in order for his voice not to come out as tender as he felt. "I still don't know how to get to you, how to… be someone who's deserving of you."

You pulled away from him and Sebastian's breathing stuttered. Your gaze found his, and in his eyes, you could see the regret, the guilt. You knew he blamed himself for much of what happened during your fifth year, no matter how much you tried to make him see otherwise.

With a delicate touch, you cupped Sebastian's cheek, watching with your heart in your mouth as he visibly leaned against your hand, closing his eyes momentarily. "Why don't I be the judge of that?" You whispered, your eyes drifting down to his lips just before you leaned in.

Sebastian breathed in sharply through his nose when your lips touched his, eyes widening in surprise only to close in bliss right after. You kissed him softly, your lips mapping his as if you were trying to memorize each part of him. Both your hands cupped his jaw and you held him to you, showing him anything you weren't able to put into words.

He suddenly couldn't get enough of you. Sebastian's hands were warm against your back, pressing your body to his. He pulled away then, his upper lip just shy of grazing yours as he turned his head, nose bumping yours only so he could kiss you again, again, again.

Snowflakes were melting onto his clothes, his skin. Yet Sebastian felt warm. He whispered confessions of love and you kissed the words. Promising you could never not love him.

⋆* ☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

Thank you for reading this little story. Feedback and reblogs are literally what keeps me motivated to continue posting here, so I’d appreciate it if you could take some time to reblog and comment if you want. <3

You do not have permission to repost, copy or translate my works on any platforms (even with credit), please respect.

Sebastian’s taglist: @milkiane @v1ci0us @auxiliare @arawai

#sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy

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charlieweasleysimp · 10 months ago

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is it too late to call you mine? | ch 2

Sebastian Sallow x Reader

A/N: Right I lied before, we're gonna have one more chapter for this story after this one lol. Written for @spaceyaceface's HL Writing Challenge. Hope you guys like it. <3

Masterlist | Read ch 1 here

"One would think that with a library of this size, the school would have more books about this," you mumbled under your breath, brushing your hand over the cover of the thick book to rid it of the dust.

Hogwarts library had to be one of the most enchanting libraries you've ever been to; with its tall dark wooden bookshelves, high windows, spiral stairs leading up to the second floor, paintings, warm orange lighting, and desks and armchairs scattered about for each student to read to their heart's content—it all made you adore spending hours in here. It was common for Sebastian to join you, you'd both sit together and exchange thoughts about the books you've been reading until Madam Scribner had to kick you out so you'd be back in your common rooms before curfew.

Today, however, you were alone; skimming between stacks of books which were mostly forgotten and had a layer of dust covering them.

The Yule Ball was less than a week away, and it only just occurred to you that you didn't know the first thing about dancing. At least not the kind of formal dancing that one does at an event like this, with a partner.

You stared down at the book in your hands for a few long seconds before closing your eyes with a sigh.

Praying that the single book you managed to find would help you, you turned around to make your way to Madam Scribner's desk so she could check out the book for you. Once you rounded a corner, however, you bumped straight into something firm and warm, a startled oof escaping your lips as your feet lost their balance.

Only it wasn't something, it was someone. Gentle hands quickly took hold of both your elbows so you wouldn't end up falling to the floor. When you finally looked up, you were met with a familiar array of freckles and a dazzling grin.

"Picking up a new book? Without me?" Sebastian slowly pried his hands from you, his dark eyes giving a quick glance up and down before he laid one palm over his chest; "I'm wounded."

You chuckled, your knuckles going white around the book because of how close he was standing. "I'm not picking up a new book… Well, I am," you hesitated, "but you won't be interested in this one, I'm sure."

Sebastian raised a curious eyebrow at you, the golden candlelights of the library shaping the outlines of his face and highlighting the auburn of his hair to perfection. "Oh? And what book might that be?"

You bit at the inside of your cheek, not directly answering him but loosening your grip on the book ever so slightly. There wasn't a thing you could hide from him anyway.

Reaching a hand out, Sebastian tilted the book away from where you held it against your chest, coming to stand right beside you so he could properly read what was on the cover. And you could suddenly feel the warmth radiating from his body; his shoulder brushing yours and raising goosebumps on your skin while your lungs already lacked air. You could hate Sebastian for the obvious effect he has on you.

"Dancing techniques through the ages?" Sebastian read the title of the book out loud, and when he turned to look at you, the expression on his face was nearly comical, "are you even interested in that?"

You gave him what was half a smile and half a grimace, hugging the book closer to your chest again and taking half a step away from him. If you weren't so flustered you probably would've noticed the slight bit of hurt that flashed through his eyes because of your movement. "Yes?" You tried, and then groaned, "not really, but I kind of have to read it."

"Why? I don't remember us having any classes on dancing," Sebastian shrugged, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his pants.

"Yeah, I know, I know," you sighed, then closed your eyes as you spoke, much quieter; "it's because of the Ball."

"The… Ball? Why would you-" Sebastian cut himself off when he finally understood, he hesitated, his plump lips hovering for just a second, "oh, you don't-"

"No, I don't know how to dance," you huffed, feeling your cheeks immediately warming up. You avoided Sebastian's eyes then. There was really no reason to feel ashamed, dancing wasn't a skill everyone was expected to have. Yet, you couldn't help but feel at least a little self-conscious under the gaze of those dark eyes.

"And you expect to learn that from a book?" The smile could be heard clearly in Sebastian's voice; not mocking, at least not your lack of skill, maybe just your choice of a solution.

You glanced up at him again, raising your eyebrows as if to say; 'yeah, what of it?'.

An amused chuckle stumbled past his lips just before his cheek molded back to that smirk of his. "It's like learning to duel by reading a book about it. Doesn't work."

More often than not, Sebastian frustrated you to no end. It was just his luck that he looked damn good while doing it. "How else am I supposed to learn anything about it, Sebastian? The Ball is in less than a week." You argued, dropping the book on top of the nearest table as you grew restless.

Sebastian stayed quiet for a few beats, his lower lip stuck between his teeth as he apparently mulled over his next words. "I could teach you… If you'd like."

He refused to look you straight in the eye as he spoke, and you doubt you'd ever heard him sound this… timid. Hesitant. Changing his weight from one foot to the other as he picked at a loose thread on his sweater while waiting for your answer.

Sebastian was nervous.

"You know how to dance?" You were surprised at how your own voice sounded somewhat shy. The thought of Sebastian teaching you—his hands holding you close, guiding your movements; his body close to yours, personal space forgotten—made you feel all warm.

Sebastian hummed, his teasing smile making an appearance again, "you pick up a thing or two if you attend enough parties. I could teach you the basics at least, you won't be completely at a loss of what to do then."

You breathed in deeply, pursing your lips as you nodded. "Alright." It was a much better option than just reading a book about it anyway.

"Alright," Sebastian repeated after you, his throat working through a gulp, "meet me near the Undercroft entrance after curfew tonight."

"Not in the Undercroft?" You frowned.

"Not quite," his sultry voice kissed your ears, "no music in the Undercroft, after all."

── ·❆· ──

The hallways of the Defense Against the Dark Arts tower were completely empty as you walked, the pristine tiles reflecting each of your steps. It was past 10 PM and the moon was high in the sky, you could only hope you wouldn't run into any of the ghosts… again.

Sebastian waited for you with his back leaning against the wall near the Undercroft, just as he said. His arms were crossed over his chest as his foot tapped the ground rhythmically. He perked up once he laid eyes on you, a gentle and sincere smile coming to his lips.

"Ready for some dance lessons, my lady?" He asked in an over-the-top courteous voice that got you endearingly rolling your eyes.

"As I'll ever be," you smiled softly then, feeling your hands growing a bit sweaty, "thank you for doing this, by the way."

Sebastian only shook his head, his own smile still playing on his lips. He avoided your eyes, "don't mention it," he told you quietly, before pushing himself off the wall and walking past you, "come on then."

You followed Sebastian up the stairs, trailing behind him until a gentle, familiar classical tune reached your ears. He lead you to the enchanted violins and cello that were constantly playing in the tower, and now you finally understood why he said 'not in the Undercroft'.

"I suppose it's close enough to what will be playing in the Ball," Sebastian gestured to the enchanted instruments.

You chuckled, taking half a step closer to him, "clever."

As the soft melody swirled around you, the air seemed to shift between you and Sebastian. Different from the usual commotion during the day, the DADA tower was entirely too calm tonight; dimly lit as it was bathed in various shades of golden coming from the candlelights that reflected against the polished floor, completely devoid of any presence save for you and him—what once reminded you of Professor Hecat's assignments, now felt like a private ballroom, tailor-made to hold this moment alone.

Sebastian cleared his throat. You wondered if he felt the shift too. "Right so, in a dance, you'll want to be as relaxed as possible, trying to move in sync with your partner," he told you, "I doubt that-" he hesitated then, words seemingly heavy on his tongue, "I doubt that Weasley is much of a dancer, so if you know a basic waltz it should be more than enough."

There was something about the way the candlelights shone against Sebastian's features, all soft and pretty, turning his expression into something akin to adoration. For you.

Your heart was suddenly in your throat. Sebastian's stare was almost too much. You'd gladly drown in that 'too much'. It holds you hostage, pierces like the afternoon sun.

"May I?" He asked, one hand outstretched, waiting for your permission to hold your waist.

You only nodded, not trusting your voice.

Sebastian looked as nervous as you felt, and you didn't want to dwell on why that was. Not now.

With a delicacy only you had the privilege of knowing, Sebastian placed a hand on your waist; the other finding your own hand so he could intertwine your fingers with his. His chest was a hair's width away from touching yours.

Your free hand came to rest on his shoulder then, as if your souls were always meant to be this entangled. You refused to look him straight in the eyes, praying that he wouldn't feel the shaking of your fingers when you squeezed his hand.

"Relax," Sebastian whispered, his voice so close to your ear that it sent shivers down your spine.

But the shaking of the syllables betrayed his own statement. Sebastian's hand on your waist tightened its grip, as his mind drowned in the possibility of you and him. Here, in this fraction of a moment, with your heartbeat following the rhythm of his own, the dream felt almost within reach.

You didn't know, but every minute with you was torture for him. Every minute you dangled something in front of him, something he knew was unattainable.

Every minute that you weren’t his was another droplet from his bleeding heart.

"What now?" you breathed suddenly, quiet as to not break the peaceful bubble around you, yet still startling him back to reality.

Several emotions were swimming behind Sebastian's eyes then, too many for you to put a finger in any of them. A soft blush formed under his freckles, barely noticeable against the faint candlelights.

But you saw it. There was a beat before either of you said anything, a beat where you just looked at each other, wondering whether the other person’s feeling the same way.

"Right, it's not hard," Sebastian straightened in his posture, adjusting your joined hands as he took one deep breath, "just try to follow me, slowly, from one side to another."

Surprisingly, Sebastian was quite a skilled dancer. At first, he did most of the work, guiding your body through each step and turn, getting you comfortable until you were aware enough to follow him quicker and on your own. And you found that it was easy to follow him; your feet, hips, and hands complemented his movements as if you were one.

You weren't sure how long it had been, all you knew was that Sebastian's hands were warm on you, your body feeling as light as a feather as you waltzed around the empty tower. Any tension any of you had felt before was long gone now. Sebastian's smile was soft and his chuckles were a music better than the one of the enchanted violins. Your soul moved in tandem with his and your bold hands pulled his body closer to yours.

If anyone were to glance, you two could easily be mistaken for the dancing ghosts that sometimes appeared around the castle.

"I think it's safe to say you're a natural," Sebastian said in between laughs, amused at the way you were dragging him around now.

You felt the squeeze of his hand on your waist, fingertips tracing the curve of your spine. "It's much more fun than I thought it would be," you told him, just a little breathless. "But I had a good teacher too, I suppose," you teased, tilting your head with a smirk.

You let go of his shoulder then, allowing him to twirl you around and then straight back into his arms. This simple night turned into a moment you'd be happy to live in forever.

Sebastian's own smile gets a little loose and gone when you do this—staying too close, smiling at him, touching—but you seem oblivious to it.

Whatever the future may hold, he was happy to say you were his; if only for this night.

⋆* ☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

Read ch 3 here

Thank you for reading this little story. Feedback and reblogs are literally what keep me motivated to continue posting here, so I’d appreciate it if you could take some time to reblog and comment if you want. <3

You do not have permission to repost, copy or translate my works on any platforms (even with credit), please respect.

Sebastian’s taglist: @milkiane @v1ci0us @auxiliare @arawai

#sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy

265 notes · View notes

charlieweasleysimp · 10 months ago

Text

is it too late to call you mine? | ch 1

Sebastian Sallow x Reader

A/N: This is part one out of two, of my story for @spaceyaceface's HL Writing Challenge. Hope you guys like it, let me know. <3

Masterlist

It was rather magical, how the white blanket of snow covered Hogwarts' grounds—with the arrival of winter, courtyards, towers, and trees alike harbored snowflakes that shone against the sunlight during the day and against the fairy lights scattered around the castle at night.

Despite the gelid wind nipping at your cheeks, you couldn't help but love it.

"Do you know who you'll be going with already?" Poppy walked the viaduct courtyard bridge beside you, hugging the two books she was carrying close to her chest.

You chuckled, glancing down at the way your shoes buried slightly in the thin layer of snow. "No, besides, I don't even know if I will be going at all, Poppy."

"What do you mean? You have to go, the Yule Ball is like one of the most awaited moments for anyone who attends Hogwarts," she reasoned. Then, a sly smirk came to her lips, and she bumped your shoulder with hers, "I'm surprised he hasn't asked you yet."

"Who?" You furrowed your brows.

"Sebastian, of course."

His name brought an instant blush to your cheeks that you tried to blame on the cold wind. You averted your eyes from Poppy, "why would he ask me? We're friends, it would be weird."

The sun had just peeked over the mountains in the distance, it was a cold morning today. The students who walked past you pulled their robes close to their bodies; you thought you heard a fourth-year complain about how far summer was still.

You had a scarf snug around your neck, the colors of your house adorning the fabric and keeping you warm. You thought your peers could learn a thing or two about appreciating the present. How the white of the snow blended with the dark stones of the castle, how the mountains and plains in the distance looked like something out of a painting when the first golden rays of the sun highlighted them.

Poppy pushed open the doors that lead to the central hall and a soft gush of warmth coming from inside enveloped your body and kissed your cold cheeks immediately.

Many Christmas decorations were already adorning each nook and cranny of the castle. You had been ecstatic when you saw Mr. Moon setting up the first big Christmas tree.

"Weird, you say?" Your friend walked ahead of you, the gold and black of her own scarf framing her rosy cheeks as she glanced back at you, "sometimes I wonder if we're talking about the same Slytherin."

Your lips hovered open and your feet stayed glued to the floor, just short of going through the threshold. What could she mean by that?

"See you in Herbology." With a wink, Poppy was walking away from you.

You tried not to dwell on it. Ever since the beginning of your sixth year things had been different between you and Sebastian. Everything you'd gone through together in your fifth year inevitably brought you closer—even more so when, by the end of the year, neither one of you had anyone to go back to. You chose to stay with him and Ominis at school; spending most of your afternoons tucked away in your Room of Requirement as hours went by in a breeze. Sebastian's soul became familiar to yours. There were moments, tiptoeing between the line of friends and something more, hidden behind corners and dimmed by faint candlelights, that felt too delicate to ever be labeled. And now, you still don't know what to call them.

Things became all the more complicated with the impending arrival of the Yule Ball. As if in on a secret, your friends kept teasing you about Sebastian taking you. And you couldn't help but feel somewhat of a pressure. You couldn't help but wish he actually would.

── ·❆· ──

Out of all the classes, Herbology had a special place in your heart. Nothing could beat the atmosphere of the greenhouse. As soon as you walked through the doors and came face to face with that gorgeous pink tree, a wave of calmness hit you instantly. Sunlight came in through the green-tinted glass walls, a slight breeze made the falling leaves rustle around you, and the smell of grass, dirt, and flowers covered your senses.

Snow was falling outside, yet here, it somehow always seemed to be spring.

You slowly walked down the stairs and to your potting table, removing your scarf from around your neck.

Sebastian had already taken his spot right beside you. He had a dark long coat over his uniform and his hair was messier and just slightly longer than usual, you also couldn't help but notice the faint blush under his freckles and on the tip of his nose, from the cold no doubt. You thought it was endearing.

"Well, good morning." His voice kissed your ears.

A smile found itself on your lips pretty quickly, "morning, Sebastian."

"Gotta love Herbology first thing in the morning. Nothing like getting your hands dirty to start the day just right," He mumbled, one finger brushing over the soil in his pot before he turned fully to you, his hip leaning against the table as he crossed his arms over his chest.

You chuckled lightly, gaze focusing somewhere on Sebastian's left shoulder. Poppy's words kept echoing inside your head; I'm surprised he hasn't asked you yet. Without fully realizing it, you left Sebastian without an answer. Your lips hovered open as your eyes turned unfocused the more you lost yourself between what-ifs.

Chocolate brown eyes regarded you with interest, perhaps just a tad too long before he finally spoke; "alright, spill it. What's bothering you?"

You weren't sure how he managed it, this ability to read between the lines when it came to you. You blinked multiple times and softly shook your head, gesturing to dismiss his worry. "Nothing's bothering me."

Sebastian clicked his tongue and took a step closer to you. In a moment of boldness, he reached a hand forward and straightened the lapel of your blazer. "You'll have to do better than that," he raised an eyebrow at you.

If you focused enough, you'd be able to feel the ghost of his words on your lips, count each freckle over his cheeks, that's how close he was. You couldn't breathe even if you tried to. And that's exactly what Sebastian does to you. His fingers may brush your cheek and he may get as close as breathing the same air as you, and yet…

"Humour me," Sebastian shrugged, leaning back against the table and distancing himself from you as if nothing ever happened.

He always pulls back. He gets so close, and yet it feels as if he's afraid to ever go further. Tiptoeing the lines of your relationship, yet never crossing them. Planting feather light kisses on your heart, yet never fully embracing it. He confused you to no end. And you still don't know what to call whatever it was that existed between you and him.

Ultimately, you were beginning to think there was nothing there at all. Sebastian had always been flirty after all.

"I've just been thinking about the Ball," you shrugged too, trying to sound nonchalant as you braced one hand on the table. "If I'll be going, and… with who."

Sebastian bit the inside of his cheek at your words, avoiding his gaze from yours for just a moment before a forced grin came to his lips; "I don't think it's much worth worrying over it, there's better things to do for a night than dancing to boring music. Especially when everyone will be occupied dancing to said music."

His eyes glinted mischievously as he spoke. You half expected him to invite you to sneak into the restricted section of the library again or something of the sort.

"Poppy says I should attend, something about having the full Hogwarts experience," you smiled, choosing to not comment on his slight mood swing, "I may be inclined to agree."

Sebastian only hummed, his brows furrowed as he choose to finally settle his attention on the sorry excuse of a Dittany he'd been growing since last class. "I… hope you find a good partner then."

You allowed your eyes to linger on him until Professor Garlick started speaking. Noticing how his jaw tightened in place and his shoulders became somewhat tense while he reached for the fertilizer.

You couldn't understand why Poppy was so certain Sebastian could ever think of asking you to the Ball.

── ·❆· ──

A mixed smell of freshly made potions hung in the air. Brewed Knotgrass and maybe a pinch of feathers of some kind. Chatter was going around the potions classroom, as it usually did before Professor Sharp arrived.

Sebastian had both elbows resting atop his potions station, slouched in his seat as one of his knees bumped up and down, and with his dark eyes glued to the door. There was a leave of Mallowsweet lazily being torn apart over and over by his fingers as the seconds trickled by.

"Sebastian!"

Something gently slapped the back of his head, bringing the boy back to reality. He hummed questioningly and turned to face Ominis, who sat beside him with a scowl.

"I figured you weren't listening to me when you failed to answer my question for the third time," the blond deadpanned, however with the beginnings of a smirk appearing on his lips. "Has she not arrived yet?"

Heat crept up Sebastian's neck and he straightened in his seat, "who?"

Ominis raised an unimpressed eyebrow at his friend; "you know exactly who I'm talking about."

"Don't," Sebastian mumbled, pushing to the floor the mess he'd made on his table.

"Are you still overthinking whether to ask her or not?" Ominis sighed, resting his elbow on the table so he could lean his head on his hand. "Sometimes I wonder which of us is the blind one."

Sebastian faked a laugh, "very funny, Ominis. I'm not overthinking anything, I've already made up my mind. Plus, I think the Yule Ball is overrated anyway."

Ominis hummed, "you and I both know that's not true, Sebastian. Not when it comes to her."

Sebastian gulped the sudden lump in his throat upon hearing his own thoughts being spoken out loud by his friend.

"Just don't force me to hear your whinings later," Ominis concluded.

A huff escaped Sebastian's nose at his friend's quip. He turned around with a pout evident on his lips. In all honesty, he hadn't meant a word of what he said to you in Herbology; if anything, that had been his emotions getting the better of him—the thought of you going with someone else brought a sour taste to his mouth and, for lack of a better word, he panicked. Because ever since the Yule Ball was announced, Sebastian caught himself smiling alone at random times as he walked the hallways of Hogwarts; the image of you walking down the stairs all pretty in a gown as you made your way to him, so he could take your hand and place a kiss there, painted his mind in the prettiest of colors, inevitably bringing a smile to his lips.

Sebastian liked to think he'd make it the perfect night, holding you close as you danced and serving you drinks whenever you desired; maybe he'd even go a step further and tell you exactly just what it is that you do to him—how you make his heart jump in his chest whenever he sees you, how he has to remind himself to breathe whenever you touch him.

It was a spark that had been there ever since you bested him in your first duel. A spark that he could feel leaving embers in his soul at each escapade and rule broken together. A spark that eventually turned into a flame, leaving scorch marks against his skin as punishment for all he'd put you through.

And now, Sebastian couldn't bring himself to do it. He'd hold your hand as you showed him your vivariums and have an arm around your shoulders as you walked the school grounds. He'd lose himself if he ever were to lose you. But he couldn't bring himself to do more, to cross that blurred line.

Sebastian didn't know how. How could he ever tell you that you hold his bruised heart in your hands? How could he ever say he was incapable of imagining a future without you in it? How could he do any of that, when he was nowhere near worthy of you?

In his prettiest dreams, you'd wear a gown of a color that matched his tie, he'd take your hand and dance all night until morning came. But those dreams felt like a farfetched reality. Would you even consider going with him? As more than a friend?

So, in stumbled words, he told you he found it boring. And part of him hoped you would both skip the Ball together. At least, he'd have you for the night.

Sebastian was pulled from his daydream when you walked over the threshold, smiling at Natty as you walked by her potion station. He was about to call you over when you were stopped in your tracks by Garreth Weasley.

A frown etched itself in Sebastian's features, his eyes burning against you and Weasley as he watched you speak. He couldn't make out the words you were saying, but the ginger had a hand brushing over your forearm for a moment, way too close to your hand for Sebastian's taste.

And then you smiled, all sweet and soft in a way that got Sebastian's insides all twisted because that smile wasn't directed at him.

None too soon, you were finally ditching Garreth and walking towards him and Ominis. Sebastian straightened in his seat and forced his expression into a neutral one.

"Hello boys," you greeted the Slytherin duo, dropping two large books on your table beside the caldron, "have you finished Sharp's assignment yet?"

Ominis' lips turned up at the sound of your voice, his features softening, "I have, I'm quite confident this is one of my best yet."

"We had an assignment?" Sebastian chimed in, making Ominis audibly groan from beside him.

You raised an eyebrow in his direction and he gave you an obvious wink, his Cheshire grin framing his freckles.

"So," Sebastian continued, avoiding your eyes, "what were you and Weasley talking about?"

"Oh," an unusual warmth came to your cheeks, you opened one of your books on no specific page, "he- he was just asking if I'd like to go to the Yule Ball with him."

Sebastian nearly choked on his own breathing upon hearing your words, he had to double-check them in his head to make sure he'd heard correctly. Several emotions clogged up his throat all at once. Anger, because how dare Weasley ask you to the Ball. Regret, because the ginger had done what Sebastian himself was too afraid to do. Despair, because somehow it felt just a little like losing you. Jealousy, because you were his. And then finally, realization, because you weren't his, not really; Sebastian had no right to feel any of this. Yet he did anyway.

His chest felt tight, his heartbeat began to hurt.

A strange chuckle escaped Sebastian's lips, he could feel Ominis' eyes boring into him, as ironic as that was. "Why would he think you'd go with him?" Sebastian liked to believe he kept up his nonchalant attitude pretty well.

You pursed your lips, taking a deep breath, "I said yes."

Sebastian thought that maybe Crucio would sting less.

⋆* ☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

Read ch 2 here

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