#morally grey sebastian sallow

[secretly-a-catamount]

Sebastian: If I ever even look at someone else, please stab me.

MC, cheerfully: I’ll even break your legs so you can’t run away.

Sebastian, nods, turning back to his essay: Thanks.

Random Sixth Year sitting at the Library Table next to them: What the fu—

[x-ladyathena-x]

In the Shadow of His Memory

Chapter 2–The Rhythm of a Broken Heart

Sebastian Sallow x Reader

Warnings: graphic violence, morally grey sebastian, morally grey reader, angst, fluff, alcohol

Word count: 1k

Summary: It's been 10 years since you were faced with that awful decision: turn Sebastian in for casting an unforgivable curse or lie for him.

You chose to lie for him and take his secrets to your grave, but that wasn't enough-the authorities found out soon after and Sebastian went on the run.

You never stopped loving him and when an unexpected visitor arrives in your home in the dead of night, you realize he never stopped loving you either.

—————

It had been days since your encounter at the acromantula den and your mysterious rescue. Nothing, not even a bump in the night had happened since.

The injury on your head had healed enough to remove the bandage and you were able to diminish the cut with a simple healing charm.

Your footsteps echoed on the cobblestone street and you pulled your bright emerald overcoat tight into yourself as the January wind cut cold down to your bones.

The road into Hogsmead was a short one, but you'd be happy when you reached the Hogshead Saloon's warm interior.

Darkness had long since fallen but even though it was still early in the evening, the streets were unusually sparse of pedestrians.

The after work crowd was your busiest rush on nights that you bartended. You didn't mind though, especially tonight. You needed to get your mind off of what happened the other night or you'd drive yourself mad trying to make sense of it.

The fact of the matter was, it didn't make sense, and you should've been scared, but at the same time a thrill shot through you at the idea that someone scooped you up at your most vulnerable and deposited you back into the safety of your home.

You drug your hand over your face and groaned. What was wrong with you.

The brass bell afixed to the front entry of the Hogshead tinkled when you entered. Your coworker Darius waved hello from behind the bar before going back to pouring pints of ale.

Once your coat and purse were stowed in the break room on a mounting hook, you tied a stained cotton apron around your waist and joined Darius up front.

"Light crowd tonight," Darius remarked.

"Don't jinx it."

"Sorry," Darius threw up his hands jokingly, "where you been lately, anyway?"

"Just needed a few days off."

"You okay?" He asked with concern.

"Fine," you dismissed the topic with a wave of your hand and looked at the two new customers that slid into the open seats in front of you at the bar.

"Double fire whisky." One said in a raspy voice.

"House ale," the second requested.

His voice made you pause, but you shook it off. It had been a long week.

You poured and served the whiskey first. The patron took it and went over to a group at a nearby table. You'd assumed the two Men arrived together but it seemed the second man was alone.

Foam sloshed onto the bar top as you placed the ale in front of the hooded guest. Not unusual for Hogshead goers to dress incognito.

The man reached out for the pint and his hand brushed your fingers, "thank you, Love."

Electricity jolted through your body and you felt like your heart would beat out of your chest.

You excused yourself to the back and gripped the wall trying to catch your breath. It was nothing new to be called a pet name by your male clientele, in fact it was downright common, but "Love" in that voice. Damn if that didn't sound exactly like him.

But that was impossible. He wouldn't be here in the middle of Hogsmead Village on a Thursday night where anyone could spot him.

However...

That voice had been haunting your dreams for near a decade. You'd know it anywhere, anytime.

You mustered up your courage and walked back out but the hooded patron was gone.

"That's for you," Darius called, hoisting an ice bucket over his shoulder. He pointed at the bar top where a shiny gold galleon lay.

You stared at it.

"Cloaked guy left it for you. Maybe I'll get lucky later and get a 500% tip too," Darius joked.

The night wore on and you couldn't stop thinking about the moment your hands touched with the hooded man. You hadn't felt a magical connection like that since, well—

You didn't want to think about it.

Though your time at Hogwarts was bursting with joyful memories, it was also a time when you began to dabble in things that ought not to be dabbled in.

At least not by polite society.

He had introduced you to many things. Many abilities. And when the two of you were working in tandem, it was, well, electric.

The two of you fed each other's powers in a way you'd never known before or since. Everything about Sebastian made you better, more powerful, and visa versa.

The power and passion grew between the two of you and it was addicting. He was addicting. And so was everything he had to offer.

He would've killed for you. He did kill for you. Had Sebastian not ended Solomon, Solomon's curse would've hit you and it would've been your body being carried out of the Scriptorium in a bag, not Solomon's.

Your body worked of its own accord as you lost yourself in memories, until you were sharply brought back to reality when you pumped the tap for ale and nothing but air spewed out.

"Be right back," you called over your shoulder to Darius.

A lone candle burned on the wall as you descended the staircase to the cellar. Water dripped from somewhere overhead, and the sound of mice scurrying over the stone floor made you look around.

"Lumos," you lit you wand and placed it between your teeth while you untethered a fresh keg from the wall.

Feet scurried across the floor, but this time it wasn't mice. It was something big.

"Whose there?" You spun around, shining your wand light into the dark corner of the cellar.

Fear held your stomach in knots as you saw the fringes of a tattered cloak hidden behind crates of inventory.

"Show yourself," you commanded. "I'm not above blasting curses first and asking questions later."

A familiar but somewhat deeper chuckle echoed through the cellar. And a tall, brown haired man emerged from the shadows. The wand light danced over his angular and freckled face, "that's the you I remember."

You froze.

"Need any help with at keg?" Darius' voice called from the top of the cellar stairs making you jump and look over your shoulder, but when you looked back to the crates, no one was there. He was gone.

"No." You called back to Darius while staring at the place Sebastian had been standing, "i got it."

[thatsoanjie]

When the wind settles

Sebastian Sallow x reader

Summary : After Ranrok was ended, a Goblin rebellion happened. This is 5 months after the rebellion, and everyone thought you were gone for good. Sebastian revisits Feldcroft in an attempt to find traces of you again, not knowing what's to come.

Word count : 1.5k

Notes : This one was a little heavier to write! Just had to get this one out of my mind.

TW : Mentions of su!c!dal ideation... read at your own discretion.

Read my disclaimer and fair use notice here

The ruins of Feldcroft lay still, a silent testament to the war that had ravaged the land. The village, once vibrant with life, was now a graveyard of memories, its cottages reduced to charred skeletons, its streets choked with debris. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and ashes, a grim reminder of all that had been lost. Snow had begun to fall again, soft and steady, as if the sky itself was mourning.

Sebastian Sallow stood in the center of what had once been his home, his heart as cold and lifeless as the stones scattered around him. It had been five months since the final battle of the Goblin Rebellion, five months since he had lost almost everything that mattered. Ominis and Anne were safe, and for that, he was grateful, but the knowledge did nothing to fill the void inside him.

Because you were gone.

The thought was a knife in his chest, a pain that had become as familiar as his own heartbeat. You had been his anchor, his hope, his everything. And now you were nothing more than a memory—a ghost that haunted his every waking moment. They had told him you were dead, that you had been lost in the chaos of the battle, your body never found. He had refused to believe it at first, had scoured the wreckage for any sign of you, but as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, the terrible truth had settled in.

You were gone. And there was nothing he could do to change that.

The guilt was a constant companion, a weight he could never shake. You had been the best of them, the light that had kept him going through the darkest times. And now that light was extinguished, leaving him to stumble through the shadows alone.

He had come back to Feldcroft because there was nowhere else to go. The world outside was trying to rebuild, to move on, but Sebastian was stuck in the past, trapped in a moment that he couldn’t escape. The ruins of Feldcroft were all that was left of his old life, a desolate reflection of the emptiness he carried inside him. 

He wandered through the village, his steps slow and heavy, his mind lost in the memories of what had once been. He could still see it, as if the echoes of the past were imprinted on the air—the laughter of children playing in the streets, the warm glow of lanterns in the windows, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting from the cottages. But those memories were like ghosts, insubstantial and fleeting, impossible to hold on to.

Just like you.

Sebastian’s breath hitched as he reached the edge of the village, where the land sloped down toward the river. This had been your favorite spot, the place where you had always come to find peace, to escape from the burdens of the world. He could almost see you there, standing by the water, your hair catching the light as you turned to smile at him.

But it was just a memory. Just another ghost.

He closed his eyes, the ache in his chest unbearable. He didn’t know how to keep going without you, didn’t want to keep going. The world was a darker place without you in it, and he was so tired of stumbling through the shadows, of trying to find his way in a world that no longer made sense.

But then, through the silence, he heard it—a sound so soft, so faint, that at first, he thought it was just the wind. But it came again, more distinct this time, a footstep crunching in the snow behind him.

His heart stopped, his breath catching in his throat. He turned slowly, afraid to look, afraid to hope. And then he saw you.

You were standing just a few feet away, your figure half-hidden by the falling snow, your eyes wide with shock and something else—something that mirrored the grief and yearning that had been eating away at him for so long.

For a moment, he couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. His mind struggled to process what he was seeing, to reconcile the image of you standing before him with the brutal reality he had been living in. It couldn’t be real. You were gone. You were a ghost.

“Sebastian,” you whispered, your voice trembling as if you, too, were afraid that this was just a dream, that you might wake up at any moment and find yourself alone again.

He shook his head, his eyes wide with disbelief. “You’re not real,” he said, his voice breaking as he took a step back, his hands trembling at his sides. “You can’t be real.”

“Sebastian, it’s me,” you insisted, your voice thick with emotion as you took a step toward him, your hand reaching out as if to reassure him, to prove that you were real, that you were here.

He flinched, his heart pounding in his chest as he stared at you, his mind screaming that this couldn’t be happening, that you were just a figment of his imagination, conjured by his grief and longing. “You’re dead,” he whispered, his voice raw with the pain that had been festering inside him for months. “They told me you were dead.”

“I almost was,” you admitted, your voice barely more than a breath. “I was hurt, Sebastian—badly. But I survived. I made it to one of the camps, and they healed me. After that, I helped wherever I could—healing, rebuilding, trying to make sense of everything that had happened. But my work there was done, I had nothing keeping me there. I had to find you.”

He stared at you, his heart breaking all over again at the sight of the tears in your eyes, the grief and love that shone in them. “I thought I’d lost you,” he whispered, his voice trembling with the weight of his emotions. “I thought you were gone, and I didn’t know how to keep going without you.”

You took another step closer, your hand brushing against his arm, warm and solid and so achingly real. “I’m here now,” you whispered, your voice filled with a quiet, unshakable determination. “We’re both here, Sebastian. We survived.”

He swallowed hard, his throat tight with the tears he had been holding back for so long. “It should’ve been me,” he choked out, the words slipping out before he could stop them. “You didn’t deserve this. You didn’t deserve to suffer like that. I should’ve been the one to die, not you.”

“No,” you said firmly, your voice laced with a fierce, desperate kind of love. “Don’t you ever say that, Sebastian. We both fought, we both survived. And now we’re here. Alive.”

He hesitated, his heart warring with his mind, his grief and guilt battling against the overwhelming relief of having you in his arms again. “I thought I’d lost you,” he repeated, his voice breaking as he finally let himself believe what he was seeing, let himself believe that you were really here, that this wasn’t just a cruel trick of his imagination.

You reached up, your hand cupping his cheek, your touch grounding him, anchoring him in the reality of the moment. “I’m right here,” you whispered, your voice trembling with the depth of your emotions. “And I’m not going anywhere. I’m not leaving you, Sebastian. Not now. Not ever.”

He couldn’t hold back any longer. With a broken sob, he pulled you into his arms, holding you as tightly as he could, as if he could somehow make up for all the lost time, for all the moments he had thought he would never have with you again. You clung to him just as fiercely, your tears soaking into his shirt as you buried your face in his chest, your breath coming in ragged gasps as you tried to steady yourself.

“I love you,” he whispered, the words spilling out of him in a rush, as if he had been holding them back for too long. “I love you. I should have told you before, but I was too scared, too afraid of what might happen. But I’m not going to make that mistake again.”

“I love you too,” you whispered, your voice trembling with the weight of the words. “I always have, Sebastian. And I’m not going to let you go. Not now. Not ever.”

He kissed you then, slow and deep, pouring all of his love, all of his grief, all of his yearning into that one kiss. It was a kiss filled with the promise of tomorrow, with the hope of a future that he had thought was lost. And as he held you in his arms, surrounded by the ruins of Feldcroft, the wind swirling around you like a shroud, he knew that he had found you again.

And that was enough.

***

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed. Requests are open.

[morelikeravenbore]

✨Mr & Mrs Sallow (part 2)

Photos by me using UUE unlocker mod by Otis_inf :)

[my-infinitelove]

Found this awesome character sheet and filled it out for my OC Ash. Blank template below as well.

[witchywriter18]

My Sebastian Sallow brainrot is slowly dwindling and now becoming a Percy de Rolo brainrot. But honestly, who could blame me?

Look at him!

HOW COULD I NOT FIND HIM ATTRACTIVE?!

My brain can literally become obsessed with anything if given the opportunity.

So, sorry Seb, I have a new morally grey character to fawn over 😊

[minikkicries]

Best, Beloved pt 3

Sebastian/MC 

darkfic! morally grey MC

 Here’s the ao3 link.

MC speaks to Ominis and gets a strange strange reaction.

The next morning I woke up surrounded by warmth. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I stayed still for a while, appreciating the moment before doubt began to fill my mind. What if last night was a mistake? Yes, they’ve always had a certain chemistry but Sebastian was still grieving. His life was so chaotic right now, I couldn’t expect anything. I should leave before I made things worse.

  When I began to wiggle my out he linked his arms together. “Where do you think you’re going? You don’t get to kiss me and disappear.”

  His reflexes were quick. Had he been awake this whole time?

I smiled, despite myself. Sebastian never left room for self doubt. I admired that about him, how sure of himself he was. I hope one day it’ll rub off on me.

“How did you sleep?” I asked, nuzzling myself back into bed.

  “Better than I have in a long time. Maybe in my whole life.”

“Good, then have to keep this up,” I snorted, half joking.

  “If you didn’t I would have to strap you down.”

“Would you really?”

“Yeah.” 

I elbowed him, hiding the heat rising to my cheeks. Biting my lip, I realized I would let him do it too.

I started wearing scarves to hide the marks he loved leaving down the sides of my neck. Sebastian was not a subtle person. He made it very clear to everyone around us that we were an item. If I carried a stack of textbooks he would take it from me, when we entered a room he would grab the door. I was a very independent person, so the sudden change in treatment was a bit hard to get used to. At first I wanted to make any excuse to stop him from extending his care. He wouldn’t have any of it. It was nice being doted on by him. Even if it meant letting my guard down.

  No one seemed surprised, it was more like they were waiting for it to happen. Our classmates all seemed very supportive of this, minus one. Ominis, for whatever strange reason, would give us a perturbed look whenever we passed each other in the halls. I was used to his cold shoulder, and already learned to not take it to heart, but this was somehow different. He didn’t look annoyed, more like concerned. I couldn’t really place why. Externally Sebastian seemed to finally be doing okay after Anne’s untimely death. It was like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

Maybe it was Ominis who had not been doing well. I felt selfish for forgetting about his pain. Thinking back to the day of the funeral, he had not been doing well at all. Unlike Sebastian he did not have anyone to confide in. Not that he wanted to, but perhaps needed to. It was not my responsibility, but I couldn’t help but want to extend my grace.

  I waited till after class to approach him. He was always the last to leave, which made it easy to pin him. Once most everyone cleared out I went in.

  “How are you doing? I know Anne’s passing has been hard on you. Sebastian and I are here for you if you need support.”

He glanced up at me, rolling his eyes. I expected that. Still, I couldn’t let him suffer alone.

  “I mean it.”

“Oh,” he scoffed, “I know you do. But him?”

“Er,” I think I stepped into more than I was prepared for. “Sebastian has been doing better recently. Maybe we could all meet up together sometime if there’s still some unresolved feelings left. Talking about things helps me when I’m in a bad place.”

“I don’t think he’ll want to say anything to me. Not if you’re around.” He glanced at the doorway, then began packing his things.

  I looked at the doorway and saw Sebastian patiently waiting outside the classroom. He smiled and waved.

  “He seems fine to me.”

  “Of course he seems fine to you.” With that he got up. He gave Sebastian a peculiar look at the door, then left.

  I met Sebastian at the door, nervously fidgeting with my bag strap. I didn’t know what to make out of that interaction. It seems all I did was make things worse. Was something going on I didn’t pick up on?

“What were you two talking about?”

Sebastian was quick to question me.

“I went to see how he was doing after what happened…” I was careful to avoid the sore subject. “He didn’t seem interested in talking to me.”

“Don’t think anything of it.” Sebastian assured me. “He’s always been like that. It’s not something you should worry about.”

“Hm… maybe you should talk to him? I know you two use to be close, maybe he misses you. Everything has been a lot, on everyone.”

Sebastian looked up, eyes searching for a hidden piece of information. “Okay,” he finally said. “I’ll speak to him alone. It’s a bit hard for me to think clearly when you’re around. I hope you understand. I think that's what he's going on about. Still, I don’t see how it’s any of his business.”

[biblicallyaccuratemeat]

Biblically accurate Sebastian Sallow

(featuring my A1 photoshopping skills because I didn’t take a photoshop class in college for nothing)

[girl4music]

Of course I love Sebastian.

But I love him in such a way that I love all my favourite evil/villainous or morally grey characters. Because you’re able to learn from them for WHAT NOT TO DO. It’s very much just a case of loving fictional characters for being representations of the human condition and how easily and quickly humanity can be corrupted.

If I knew Sebastian in real life.

Yeah, I’d hate his guts. 😂

[mscostac]

Timeless // Sebastian Sallow

{slow burn friends to lovers, arranged marriage, sacrificial love, Amortentia, morally grey characters, fluff and angst with happy ending}

WIP on AO3 / Wattpad

Sebastian x Carolyn art by @vienguinn 💕

Chapter 46 snippet

*MDNI explicit language ahead*

How unfair was it to all living creatures that the Gods decided to make a single girl the kindest, prettiest and most powerful being who ever lived?? And which devils did I please to, somehow, have her reciprocating my feelings? Me, of all people? Fuck, Respecting her was not enough. I was meant to worship her.

"So, your great-great-great-grandmother was an ancient queen, you say?" I leaned back and crossed my arms, feigning indifference with a smirk. "Wow. Does that make you a princess, then?"

She laughed loudly.

YES! I yelled in my brain as a jolt of pure joy warmed up my chest. It was a competition I had with myself, always working to win that heartwarming sound with my stupid jokes or remarks. Whenever they landed, her laughter was the trophy.

"As in monarchy, Sebastian?" She tilted her head to the side, amused. "With all due respect to the British crown and your king - though I have no idea where you wizards stand regarding them - for your information, my country cut ties with this outdated concept over a hundred years ago."

"Whatever you say... Princess." That was all I managed to answer as my hooded, entranced eyes watched her talk non-stop about royalty or something.

She chuckled, noticing that I didn't pay any attention to what she said. How could I focus on any words that slipped from that ridiculously luscious mouth? How could I hold a conversation when all I could think was how soft and velvety her lips would feel if she wrapped them along my full length?

Bloody hell, Sebastian, get a grip on yourself. This is a respectful lady you are looking at.

Keep reading: AO3 / Wattpad

[life-at-hogwarts]

In the shadow of the past (Ominis x GN! reader)

Fluff with a dash of trauma

Pairing: Ominis x reader

Warnings: angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, PTSD, abusive family

Word count: 3.6k

Summary: Ominis has decided to inform his family about the gruelling discovery you made in Slytherins scriptorium and has to return to the Gaunt estate for his aunts funeral for the first time in years. You and Sebastian accompany him for moral support.

“I don’t understand why you are not running. I’m a mess, in case you haven’t noticed,” Ominis broke the silence.

“Maybe I like your mess.”

“You will grow tired of it. Everybody does.”

“Never.”

He lifted his head, his cloudy grey eyes staring right into your soul and whispered, “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

Authors note: This is part two to my first fic ‘Crucio’. Nobody asked for it but I’m having too much fun with this right now. 

Part 1

“What have we here?,”  a dark voice growled and tore you from your sleep. Startled, you opened your eyes and blinked a few times to get them to focus. The first thing you saw was water. Your head was still clouded from the alcohol, and it took you a few seconds to remember where you were. Ominis was still fast asleep, snoring softly against your shoulder.

Finally, your gaze fell on a pair of legs, belonging to a fuming Professor Sharp. Next to him a Slytherin prefect was gloating, looking very satisfied with himself. No doubt he was the one who had told on you. Ominis who was not quite awake yet, nestled his face deeper into your neck. You gave him a gentle nudge, your cheeks already burning under the scathing looks of Professor Sharp and the wide grin of the Slytherin prefect. Still half asleep he raised a hand to your face, gently tracing your features. Finally, his brain figured out what was happening, and he shot up, his head painfully slamming into your chin. The prefect seemed to be amused by all of this, Professor Sharp, not so much. “Mr. Gaunt, I certainly did not expect this sort of behavior from you.” Now it was Ominis’ turn to blush. “It’s not what it looks like,” you protested.

“So Mr. Gaunt did not bring a student from another house into the Slytherin common room and the two of you did not consume illegal substances?”

“Maybe it’s a little what it looks like.”

“You have no idea, how much trouble you’re in. Now, where is the third troublemaker? I heard Mr. Sallow was not in his bed either.”

You looked at Ominis,, genuinely puzzled about where Sebastian could have been all night, and had to suppress a smile. His hair stuck to one side of his head, and he still looked sleepy and a bit confused. As if he had heard you talk about him, Sebastian strolled through the door, stopping dead in his tracks when he saw Professor Sharp, waiting for him with crossed arms. “Mr. Sallow, how kind of you to join us. And where were you, if not at this private party with your usual partners in crime?”

Sebastian stared at Sharp in confusion, before his gaze fell to the spilled whiskey on the floor, then to the sofa. You scrambled to your feet, pulling Ominis up with you. Sebastian raised his eyebrows in surprise, looking positively flabbergasted. You gave him an awkward little wave an Ominis buried his face in his hand. “Now that you’re all here and awake you can get cleaned up and go to the great hall. I will pick you up after breakfast and bring you to the headmaster’s office. Professor Black will know what to do with you.”

Sharp insisted on escorting you out of the Slytherin common room and you lowered your head as you followed him, feeling the looks of the other students burning into your back. You could already hear them chatter excitedly and sighed. This was going to be a long day. Undoubtedly this would be spun into some sort of gossip story by breakfast.

Your instincts proved to be right. When you entered the great hall, half of the school had already heard what had happened, or at least some version of it. Too tired to engage in any of this childish behavior you chose to ignore it and made your way to the Slytherin table, fully aware that everyone was watching you. Sebastian quickly moved his plate to make space for you between him and Ominis, smiling at you mischievously. You knew exactly what he was up to and ignored him, demonstratively piling food on your plate.

“What exactly where you two doing in the common room?” he finally blurted out, and half of the table looked at you, not even trying to hide that they were listening.

“What did it look like? We got drunk and fell asleep on the floor. Where were you all night?”

Sebastian lowered his voice to make sure the others did not hear this part of the conversation and replied, “In the Undercroft, studying the journal.” Then he turned to his friend, “You’re awfully quiet Ominis. Are you still mad at me?”

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Ominis replied coldly.

“What do I have to do to get you to forgive me? Get you drunk and sleep with you?” Sebastian teased and gave you another mischievous grin. You rammed your elbows into his ribs. Hard.  The tall Slytherin gasped in surprise and doubled over in pain, muttering curses under his breath. You finished your breakfast in silence and were almost relieved when Professor Sharp came to your table to pick you up. The three of you followed him wordlessly to the headmaster’s office, where he left you at the foot of the phoenix statue. Finally, Ominis spoke up, “Let me handle Professor Black. Just stay here.” You watched him walk up the stairs and turned to Sebastian for an explanation.

“He is going to use his name to get us out of trouble. Black is a close friend of the House of Gaunt, especially Ominis’ father. He may not be on speaking terms with his family, but he is never hesitant to exploit his status.” The way he said it made you think this was not the first time Ominis had gotten them out of trouble that way. For some reason, this left a bitter taste in your mouth, especially after what had happened last night the two of you certainly did not deserve Ominis protecting you from the consequences of your actions.

After half an hour Ominis emerged from the office, his face expressionless. “All done. We’re free to go. He’s not even going to take away housepoints from us.”

Both of you stared at him in disbelief. Something was not right about this. Black was not exactly lenient when it came to breaking school rules. Even Sebastian could not believe it. “What did you do?”

Ominis face was unreadable. “I guess you’ll see soon enough.”

-------------------------------

The rest of the morning went by relatively quickly. Divination was boring as always and you struggled to stay awake but at least it gave you time to recover a little from last night’s events. You met Ominis and Sebastian again in third period – potions class with Sharp. Luckily the Professor did not bring up this morning’s events. Whatever bargain Ominis had struck with the headmaster was sure effective. He still had not told you what exactly he had come up with to get you out of trouble, in fact he had barely spoken a word with you the entire day. You understood how overwhelming the past 12 hours must have been for him, but a part of you was scared he acted like this because of the gossip and Sebastian’s stupid comment at breakfast.

After class, the three of you left together to get lunch. As soon as you stepped outside of the classroom you immediately noticed the tall blonde woman on the other side of the corridor. You had never seen her before, but she looked oddly familiar. Before you could figure out what was going on she walked straight towards you. Sebastian gave you a nudge and you looked at Ominis, who had stopped dead in his tracks, his entire body alert.

“Mother.”

“Professor Black informed us about your find. Your father is retrieving the remains from the Undercroft, and you are going to come home with us. Tomorrow we will hold a funeral for Noctua,” the woman declared cooly, not even bothering to look at Sebastian and you.

Your jaw dropped when you finally connected the dots. Ominis had told the headmaster the truth, or at least a part of it, knowing it would mean having to see his family again. It was painful to watch how his entire demeanor changed and he retreated into himself more and more under the cold gaze of his mother. Finally, he regained his composure and replied, “If I must go, I want to extend the invitation to my friends. They were the ones who helped me find her. It would only be right.” His voice was as cold as hers, his face expressionless.

Her icy blue stare shifted to you for a moment and her lips curled in disapproval. “A half-blood? I expected better than this,” she sneered, shooting you another dirty look.

“An honor to meet you Mrs. Gaunt,” you retorted, forcing yourself to give her a polite smile. Right now, your hurt ego was insignificant, it was important to make a good impression, or Ominis would have to face his family alone. Sebastian immediately picked up on what you were doing and did the same.

“At least they are well mannered, I suppose. Alright. Your friends are invited to stay with us for tonight as well. Go pack your things. We leave in 20 minutes.”

With that she turned around and walked away, her steps echoing through the empty corridor. As soon as she was out of sight, Ominis sighed deeply. “Hope you didn’t have any plans for tonight.”

----------------

The Gaunt estate was like nothing you had ever seen before. You had heard that the Gaunts were practically wizarding world royalty, but only now did you understand what that meant. Growing up in a middle-class household you marveled at the gardens, that were really the size of a park, and the stables – they had their own stables for Merlin’s sake. Sebastian too was rendered speechless by the opulence flaunted in your faces. The only one indifferent to all of this was Ominis. His entire posture had changed now that he was back at his family home. He held himself with aristocratic elegance, careful not to let his guard down for even a second. You had caught some glimpses of his upbringing at Hogwarts, but never seen him like this. It was like he was an entirely different person, but you had to admit, nobility looked good on him.

The Gaunts had invited you to dinner, and you were led into a lavishly appointed dining room, by one of their human servants where Ominis’ mother was already waiting. Shortly after you were joined by his siblings Marvolo and Metis and finally Mr. Gaunt himself. You felt Ominis flinch next to you when his father entered the room. Even you could sense the dark presence that seemed to radiate from Erebus Gaunt when his gaze moved from his son over to you and Sebastian.

“So tell us, son, what did you find in the scriptorium? It must have been so exhilarating, uncovering the secrets of our great ancestor Salazar Slytherin. We want to hear everything about it,” he asked, his cold voice cutting through the silence like a knife.

“I wish I’d never gone there. It was horrible,” Ominis replied quietly, his entire body turning rigid under the probing look of his father.

“Come on now, you have to give us something. We are dying to know,” Marvolo joined in. For a moment you sat in awkward silence as his entire family stared at him in anticipation.

“I’d rather not talk about it.”

You gave Sebastian a subtle nudge, and he stepped in. “Maybe Ominis is not the right person to ask, he didn’t actually see the scriptorium. I could tell you about it if you’re interested.”

“Go ahead, don’t keep us waiting, boy.”

Sebastian was eager to tell them about your adventure and Ominis exhaled shakily when his family’s attention shifted to his friend. You gently touched his leg with yours, to let him know he was not alone in this. He relaxed a little and leaned into your touch for a moment before pulling away. When Sebastian finished his description of the scriptorium, Ominis’ father smiled contently, “Oh, what an exciting story. I am so glad Ominis has friends who push him to explore his family history. Maybe someday you will be ready to accept what it means to be a Gaunt after all.”

“My views on the dark arts haven’t changed, if that’s what you’re referring to, father.” An unsettling silence fell over the room.

“Let’s not talk about that,” Metis tried to diffuse the situation, but it was too late. Erebus had gotten up from his chair and slammed his fist on the table with so much force that his wine glass fell over, spilling its contents on the white tablecloth. You shuddered under the disgusted glare he gave his son. His wrath vibrated through the room, and it scared you to think what he was capable of. Everyone at the table held their breaths, waiting for Erebus’ next move. Ominis had frozen next you, seemingly expecting his father to lash out and punish him. Finally, Mr. Gaunt forcefully pulled back his chair and left the room without another word. Ominis’ mother was the first to break the silence.

“Well, I suppose it’s late anyway. Ominis please show our guests to their chambers. I’ve had the house elf prepare two of the guest rooms in the west wing.”

“Certainly.” Ominis gave his mother a respectful nod and stiffly got up from the table, gesturing you to follow him.

As soon as you had left the room Ominis collapsed into himself, his hands shaking uncontrollably. He closed his eyes for a moment and clenched his fists, as he tried to get a hold of himself. After what you had just witnessed you could imagine what his childhood must have been like having Erebus Gaunt as a father. Even Sebastian looked worried, his voice unusually soft when he asked, “Are you sure you want to stay here?”

Ominis gave you a pained smile and straightened his back. “It’s only one night. I’ll survive. Now come on, I’ll show you to your rooms.”

----------------------------

A few hours later you woke up feeling parched. A quick glance at the clock informed you that it was three in the morning. After lying awake for another half an hour or so, you decided to go find a bathroom and quietly slipped out of your room. You wandered around the mansion, trying to remember which of the many doors was the right one when suddenly a figure emerged from the shadows, making you jump.

“Merlin’s beard! Ominis, you scared me half to death. What are you doing here?”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Are you alright?” you asked, assuming his nightly walk had something to do with what had happened at dinner. When he moved closer you could see that his nightshirt clung to his body, and his hair was damp with sweat.

“I can’t sleep. Night terrors. Things I thought I had buried ages ago… let’s just say everything that happened in the last 24 hours have brought it to the surface. Or maybe it’s just being in this godforsaken house. I don’t know. I can’t think straight,” he murmured and tiredly rubbed his face.

“I’m sorry. I cannot even imagine what you must be going through right now.”

“Looks like it’s going to be another sleepless night,” he sighed, before continuing timidly, “Would you like to keep me company?”

“Of course. Where do keep the whiskey around here?” you teased, and a little smile formed on his lips. Instead of answering, he signaled you to follow him. You were surprised with how much ease he navigated around the house without his wand, even after not having been here in such a long time. Your journey came to an abrupt halt in front of a half-open door, and Ominis paused for second before pushing it open, revealing the dimly lit room behind it. You glanced through the doorframe at a neatly arranged bedroom, centered around a massive four-poster bed with emerald green velvet drapes.

“You can look around if you want to,” he mumbled, looking a bit nervous all of a sudden. You let your eyes wander around the room, trying to take in everything. The bed and furniture were crafted out of dark, solid wood and bore the Gaunt family crest. On the wall next to the window, a painting caught your eye, and you moved closer to investigate. It was a family portrait of the Gaunts, and you couldn’t resist searching for Ominis face, to see what he had looked like when he was younger.  Meanwhile, Ominis had made himself comfortable on the bed, patiently waiting for you to satisfy your curiosity. When you finally flopped down next to him, he asked, “Did you find anything interesting?”

“Not really. I can tell you haven’t lived here in a while. How long has it been?”

“Five, six years? I don’t know. I didn’t plan on ever coming back.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m glad that you came, both of you I mean. Sebastian has my parents wrapped around his little finger and you… I’m just glad you are here too.”

A long silence followed, and you were suddenly very aware of how close you were, mere inches apart, close enough to feel the warmth of his body. Your heart started racing at the thought of this. Knowing how good Ominis was at picking up these sorts of cues, you tried to force yourself to calm down. The air was thick with tension, and you frantically tried to think of something to say. Finally, he took a deep breath, mustering up all of his courage and blurted out, “I liked waking up next to you today.”

“Me too,” you replied timidly.

After another short pause he continued, “I also liked this.”  He took your hand, interlocking his fingers with yours. Instead of answering you pulled him into your arms and wrapped your body around him. For a while, neither of you said anything and you relished in the intimacy of the moment. Then he gently lifted his hand to your face, and traced your features, exploring every inch of it. His touch was light as a feather, his fingers barely brushing against your skin, and you trembled with pleasure when he moved down your neck, towards your clavicle. The flickering light of a candle painted Ominis’ face with dancing shadows, and you absentmindedly stroked his hair, gently twirling it in your fingers. Seeing his face soften as he let down his guard made your heart soar and you would have been completely content admiring him in silence for another few hours, learning the constellations of his beauty marks and exploring the galaxies in the depth of his eyes.

“I don’t understand why you are not running. I’m a mess, in case you haven’t noticed,” Ominis broke the silence, and you stopped playing with his hair, to look at him.

“Maybe I like your mess.”

“You will grow tired of it. Everybody does.”

“Never.”

He lifted his head, his cloudy grey eyes staring right into your soul and whispered, “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

You wanted to assure him but couldn't find the words, and even if you did there was little chance, he would believe you. Instead, you gently cupped his face in your hands and placed a soft kiss on his slightly parted lips. Ominis’ eyes widened in surprise, and he pulled away for a moment. Then he placed a hand against your neck, his thumb caressing your jawbone. You held your breath in anticipation, electricity shooting through your body when he leaned in, and his lips crashed against yours.

The vehemence of his kiss took your breath away. You had expected him to be gentle and coy, but he pressed his lips against yours with the desperation of a drowning man. He didn’t just want you, he needed you. Your body responded to his touch instinctively, and you deepened the kiss, passionately grabbing the collar of his shirt. Ominis smiled against your lips when he pulled away. “Easy there.”  You leaned your forehead against his and closed your eyes for a moment, trying to catch your breath. After staying like this for a few more moments you sank back into the pillows, Ominis resting his head on your chest.

“I like the sound of your heartbeat,” he murmured sleepily. “Did you know that each person has a unique heartbeat? Isn’t that beautiful? It’s like each and every one of us have our own love song right inside of us. You just have to listen.”

“A love song?”

“I don’t know, maybe I’m just overtired and rambling nonsense.”

“Not at all. I think it’s beautiful. I just didn’t peg you for a hopeless romantic, that’s all.”

“Not what you expect from the heir of Salazar Slytherin, is it?”

“We can’t choose our family.”  

You continued to run your fingers through his hair, and he sighed contently when you placed a kiss on the top of his head. Neither of you spoke but it was a peaceful kind of silence. Slowly the soft light of dawn started to seep through the windows. You lazily stretched your stiff limbs and sighed, “The sun is coming up. I should go back to my room before anyone finds me here.”  Ominis responded with an unintelligible noise, not showing any intention to move. Only when you awkwardly started to extricate yourself from his grip, he finally rolled over, reluctantly letting you get out of his bed.

When you turned around to leave, he grabbed your wrist and with one swift movement pulled you back in, placing another quick kiss on your lips. “Not so fast.”

[secretly-a-catamount]

My ideal dynamic for Sebastian and MC

[x-ladyathena-x]

In the Shadow of his Memory

Chapter 1–Ghosts

Sebastian Sallow x Reader

Warnings: graphic violence, morally grey sebastian, morally grey reader, angst, fluff, alcohol

Word count: 927

Summary: It's been 10 years since you were faced with that awful decision: turn Sebastian in for casting an unforgivable curse or lie for him.

You chose to lie for him and take his secrets to your grave, but that wasn't enough-the authorities found out soon after and Sebastian went on the run.

You never stopped loving him and when an unexpected visitor arrives in your home in the dead of night, you realize he never stopped loving you either.

There it was again.

You sat bolt upright in bed, having been awoken again by some unexplained noise coming from outside your window.

It couldn't have been a pedestrian, you lived far enough away from the main Hogsmead foot traffic that it would've been unusual for someone to have accidentally wandered by your window.

Even tipsy patrons leaving The Three Broomsticks and wandering off the main road.

Carrot, your fluffy orange cat yawned and stretched out his front paws, also awoken, but for him, it was because you got out of bed and disrupted the blankets. He glared at you sleepily as you lit a candle and walked to the window.

Nothing but moonlight peered back at you from the small window and you felt like you were going crazy.

You sat back down on the edge of the bed and let your head drop into your hands. You'd been dreaming of him again.

Sebastian.

It had been 10 years since that night in the slytherin dormitory when Sebastian made his escape. 10 years since you watched the love of your life disappear, never to be seen again.

And he truly was the greatest love of your life. Sure other men had come and gone over the last few years. And there were even some that you'd cared deeply for, but no one that you would ever love like him.

The memory of Sebastian hung in your mind like a ghost that never gave you peace.

Because you knew he was still out there somewhere. If he'd have died, surely a body would've been recovered by now. And if he'd been arrested, they'd have plastered it all over the Daily Prophet.

No, he was alive, you could feel it.

Gravel crunched just outside your door and this time Carrot heard it too.

So, you weren't crazy. Someone or some thing really was out there.

You swung your house coat on over your thin cotton night gown and pulled it tight to stave off the cold air.

Embers from last evening's fire burned low in the hearth, but they weren't enough to warm the late night chill.

Carrot watched you retrieve the candle from your nightstand and walk to the door, your wand in your other hand and at the ready.

The door handle was cold in your hand, you could feel your heart hammering in your chest.

You took a deep breath and swung the door open wide with your wand raised.

Nothing.

There was no one or nothing there. Just the quiet empty street.

You sighed in relief but before you could close the door, Carrot darted outside.

"CARROT!" You hissed. "Get back here!"

But the cat was gone.

You groaned in aggravation, "Accio slippers."

Your house shoes flew into your hands and you slipped them on your feet as you ran out the door after the cat.

"Carrot!" You called as you watched his fluffy tail disappear into the forest.

The Forbidden Forest.

"Why?!" You complained as you ran after the cat.

"Accio."

"Levioso"

"Arresto Momentum"

Spell after spell danced passed the cat. Ugh magical companions and their abilities. If he didn't want to be caught, he wouldn't be.

"Arres— ow"

The smell of dirt and decaying leaves engulfed your senses as you found yourself face down on the forest floor.

You'd tripped over something.

Your hands dug into the soft ground as you pushed yourself up. To your horror, you realized it was a spiderweb that you'd gotten tripped up on.

The web was tangled around your ankle and before you could utter a word to free yourself, something sharp pierced your shoulder.

An acromantula venom dart.

The acromantula scuttled toward you as more of the enormous spiders burrowed up from the ground.

"Confringo!" You yelled, and a bright beam of red burst out of your wand and hit one of the spiders. The beam broke into two more beams and hit two of the others next to the first.

They flipped over onto their backs and screeched.

You managed to free your legs with incindio but by the time you stood, you were fully surrounded.

You hadn't faced this formidable of a foe since your time At Hogwarts. But that time you had help from—

It didn't matter. You could do this.

You cast spell after spell, including a few unforgivable curses, and the spiders fell one by one.

As you faced off with the final spider, you couldn't help but notice it was more intelligent than the others. It moved differently.

Almost as if it were being controlled?

No that couldn't be.

You raised your wand to deal the death blow but the spider was faster. It slung out its web onto a nearby tree limb, ripping the limb free and bringing it down on top of you.

Everything went black.

When you came to, you realized it was morning and you were back in your bed.

Back in your bed??

You sat up but your head ached where the limb had hit you.

As you reached up to inspect the wound, you felt a bandage covering it.

You ran to the nearest mirror and as sure as the sun shone, someone had dressed your wound and brought you back home.

Your slippers sat next to the front door, muddy, your house coat hung on its hook, ripped from the fight with the spiders. And Carrot lay curled at the foot of your bed sleeping soundly.

Who did this?

Whoever they were, must've left the same way they arrived:

Like a ghost.

[thatsoanjie]

Beneath the shadows

Sebastian Sallow x reader

[spoilers, obviously]

Summary : Sebastian meets you for the first time, and invites you on a clandestine quest

Word count : ≈ 2 685

Notes : A differently developed version of Secrets of the Restricted Section. Flirty and SFW!

Read my disclaimer and fair use notice here

You were a mystery wrapped in layers of secrecy and quiet intensity.

You didn’t say much in class, always kept your head down, eyes fixed on your parchment, as if the very ink from your quill was more interesting than the people around you. But sometimes, a flicker of curiosity would break through that cool exterior, especially during Professor Garlick’s herbology lessons—something about the way you handled the venomous tentacula with such care made Sebastian’s mind wander.

He noticed you, of course. Who wouldn’t? There was something about the way you moved through Hogwarts, not fully a part of its chaos, yet not entirely separate from it. You seemed to glide through the castle’s halls like a ghost, seen but not often heard.

Sebastian didn’t intend to get close to you. He wasn’t the type to be drawn to quiet enigmas. No, he preferred the thrill of a good duel, the crack of spells meeting shields, the satisfaction of outsmarting his opponents. But you were different.

The first time your paths crossed properly was in Defense Against the Dark Arts, when Professor Hecat paired you for a duel. Sebastian had smirked, sizing you up. “Time for a proper Hogwarts welcome,” he’d said, a mix of challenge and anticipation in his voice.

You’d met his gaze with a steady calm, no trace of intimidation. The duel was fierce, the classroom alive with sparks of magic and the cheers of your classmates. But it was your skill, your precision, that caught him off guard. You weren’t just holding your own—you were matching him, step for step, spell for spell. By the end of it, he wasn’t sure if he’d won or simply survived.

From that moment on, something shifted. Sebastian found himself looking for you in the corridors, curious about the person who had met his challenge without flinching. He started noticing you in the library, tucked away in a corner, surrounded by books and parchment, your focus unbreakable. He wasn’t sure what it was that drew him in—maybe it was the way you seemed at home in the solitude that others might have found lonely, or maybe it was the memory of that duel, the way you’d met him head-on.

It wasn’t until one night, when the castle was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, that he finally approached you outside of class. You were by the Black Lake, your silhouette framed by the water’s shimmering reflection.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” he asked, his voice breaking the quiet of the night. You turned to him, surprised but not startled. There was a brief pause before you spoke.

“Sometimes the night is more comforting than the day,” you replied, your voice as soft as the breeze.

He moved to stand beside you, the two of you staring out at the lake in a silence that felt comfortable, unforced. There was no need for words; the connection between you was enough.

“I’ve noticed you,” he admitted after a while, his voice quiet, as if speaking too loudly might break the spell of the moment. “In class, in the library... you’re always so focused, so determined. It’s... intriguing.”

You didn’t respond right away, and he wondered if he’d said too much, revealing more of himself than he intended. But then you looked at him, really looked at him, and there was something in your gaze that made him feel seen in a way he hadn’t before.

“You’re not what I expected, Sebastian Sallow,” you said, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of your lips. “But then, nothing at Hogwarts ever is.”

You can feel the weight of Sebastian’s gaze as you turn away, letting the stillness of the night settle between you. The moonlight reflects off the water, casting everything in a silvery glow, making the moment feel almost surreal.

“I’m not what you expected?” Sebastian’s voice breaks the quiet, a hint of curiosity laced with something else—something almost playful.

You glance at him, a small smile playing on your lips. “No, you’re not. But that’s not a bad thing.”

He chuckles softly, the sound low and warm. “Hogwarts has a way of surprising you, doesn’t it?”

You nod, the words resonating with you more than you care to admit. There’s something about this place, about the people you meet here, that feels like a constant shift between the known and the unknown. And Sebastian, with his sharp wit and even sharper dueling skills, is a part of that.

The conversation drifts, easy and light. It’s not until Sebastian’s expression turns thoughtful, almost serious, that you realize he’s been working up to something.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to do,” he says, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “But it’s not exactly… well, let’s just say it’s not something we’re supposed to be doing.”

You raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “And what might that be?”

He grins, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “The Restricted Section of the library. I’ve got my reasons, but I could use some company.”

A thrill runs through you at the idea. The Restricted Section, filled with books and knowledge that most students can only dream about accessing. It’s dangerous, risky even, but you can’t deny the allure of it.

You remember a certain book professor Fig mentioned- could it be found in the Restricted section?

“How concerned should I be about the librarian?” you ask, trying to recall what she is like.

“Madam Scribner doesn’t take kindly to clandestine activities among her precious books,” Sebastian admits, the playful edge to his voice fading. “She and I have had our… entanglements, but I can hold my own against her. You, on the other hand, you may not be so lucky.”

You weigh the risks in your mind, but the curiosity, the need to obtain a certain book beyond those doors, is too strong to ignore. “All right,” you say, meeting his gaze with a determined nod. “I’ll help you.”

“Good,” he says, his grin returning. “Then meet me by the library tomorrow night. We’ll go after curfew when the castle is quiet.”

·····

When you arrive at the library, Sebastian is already there, his eyes flicking toward the door to the Restricted Section. “See that?” he says, pointing. “That’s the door we need to reach, and those annoying prefects would love nothing more than to rat us out to Scribner. So don’t let them see us.”

“Understood,” you start, your voice hushed but steady. “I can be sneaky. Let’s go.”

Sebastian chuckles softly, grabbing a hold of your arm with equal gentleness, pulling you back from the prefect’s sight. “Hold on now, there’s a spell you should know. The Disillusionment Charm—it’s good for getting into places you’re not supposed to be. Cast it, and you’ll appear as little more than a trick of the light, just as long as you keep your distance and stay quiet.”

Your eyes widen slightly. “You mean I’ll actually be able to turn invisible?”

“Something like that,” he says with a smirk. “It’s not as foolproof as a cloak, but those are expensive… and spells? Spells are free. Give it a try.”

You nod, concentrating as you cast the Disillusionment Charm. The sensation is strange, like a ripple spreading across your skin, but when you look down, you see nothing but the faint shimmer of the air around you.

“Not bad,” Sebastian whispers approvingly. “Let’s move.”

“Wait, one last thing,” you say, your voice barely above a whisper as you point your wand toward the prefects patrolling ahead. With a quick flick, you mutter, “Confundus.”

The spell hits its mark, and you watch as the prefects glance around, confusion clouding their faces. 

Sebastian, standing close beside you, whispers, “Where’d you learn that one? Students don’t usually pick up Confundus until a month before the O.W.L.s.”

You smirk, knowing he can’t see it. “Oh, and you would know?”

“Of course,” he replies, you could hear his smirk as he spoke. “But my question was about you.” 

You turn towards him. “Let’s just say I have a talent for picking up things early.”

“Clearly,” he murmurs, lingering beside you just a moment longer than necessary. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”

You shrug. “I guess you’ll have to stick around to find out.”

He chuckles softly, the sound low and warm. “Oh, I fully intend to.”

The two of you sneak into the library, the darkness enveloping you like a protective cloak. But then, as you approach the Restricted Section, Sebastian curses under his breath. “Blast, the librarian’s still here. Quick, behind the bookcase.”

You dart behind the nearest shelf, your heart pounding. You both drop the charm. His cheeks are flushed. “You told me the librarian would be gone by now!” you whisper pointedly.

“I said usually,” he retorts, a hint of tension creeping into his voice. “But it’ll still be all right. Do you see her desk behind me? The key is in the drawer of that desk. Now, here’s what we’re going to do: I’ll create a distraction to draw her away, and you focus on getting the key. I’ll meet you outside the Restricted Section.”

“You distract, I get the key. Understood.”

Sebastian gives you a confident nod. “I said I’d get you in, and I always keep my word. Trust me.”

With a quick glance to make sure the coast is clear, you slip around the bookcase, keeping low as you inch toward the librarian’s desk. You’re hyper-aware of every sound, every creak of the old wooden floors, but you manage to reach the desk without drawing attention. As you carefully open the drawer, your fingers close around the cold metal of the key.

You don’t have time to feel triumphant; you quickly retreat to the safety of the shadows, the key clutched tightly in your hand. Sebastian is already waiting for you, a satisfied smirk on his face.

“Nicely done,” he murmurs as you hand him the key. “Let’s get inside before she comes back.”

You slip into the Restricted Section, the air thick with the scent of old parchment and forgotten secrets. Shelves loom around you, filled with ancient tomes that seem to whisper as you pass. You can’t help but feel a shiver of excitement at the forbidden knowledge within your reach.

But as you approach one particularly enticing book, its cover adorned with an emerald jewel, Sebastian’s voice stops you. “Oh, that one’s charmed to look more useful than it is. Fooled me twice. Never judge a tome by its cover, I say.”

You nod, moving past the book as the two of you continue deeper into the section. The eerie glow of ghostly figures catches your eye—Victorian-era spirits gliding silently through the aisles.

“Ghosts,” Sebastian warns, his voice low. “Don’t let them see you.”

You manage to avoid their gaze, slipping further into the shadows until you reach the lower levels of the Restricted section.

As you turn to head back, Sebastian drops his Disillusionment Charm, gesturing for you to do the same. “We should be in the clear now,” he says, his voice returning to its usual casual tone. “No need for us to be skulking about.”

You dispel the charm once more, the cool air of the library brushing against your skin as you reappear beside him. “So, what is it you’ve been looking for?” you ask, curiosity getting the better of you.

Sebastian hesitates for a moment, his expression darkening. “I’m looking for a cure,” he finally admits, his voice softer. “For my sister, Anne. She’s been… well, Merlin knows everyone else has given up.”

A pang of sympathy shoots through you. “Why do you think we’ll find a cure in the Restricted Section? Hasn’t the Hogwarts matron helped?”

“We’ve tried everyone—from Nurse Blaine to St. Mungo’s,” he says, a touch of bitterness creeping into his voice. “But I can research on my own. No need to concern yourself with that right now. Let’s focus on what you’re after… which is what, precisely?”

You hesitate, not quite ready to reveal your own secrets. “I’ll know it when I see it.”

Sebastian raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “You’re being awfully cryptic.”

Before you can respond, a familiar, mischievous voice echoes through the Restricted Section. “Sebastian Sallow and his new little friend! Out exploring where they shouldn’t be! Naughty, naughty, you’ll get caughty!”

Peeves.

The poltergeist swoops down, cackling with glee as he threatens to expose you both.

“Don’t you dare,” Sebastian hisses, but Peeves only grins wider.

“I’m going to tell, I’m going to tell!” Peeves sings, darting off toward the librarian.

You grab Sebastian’s arm, panic rising. “Wait! I don’t want you getting into trouble for me.”

Sebastian shakes his head, determination hardening his features. “I have a way with the faculty when it comes to disciplinary matters,” he says with a small smirk. “Besides, I like having friends who are in my debt. Now go! Good luck in your search.”

With a final nod, you slip back into the shadows, making your way out of the Restricted Section as Sebastian confronts Peeves. You can hear his voice in the distance, cool and confident, as he weaves a tale to Madam Scribner.

When you finally make your way back to the main portion of the library, the book safely hidden in your bag, you find Madam Scribner and Sebastian locked in a tense conversation.

“Sebastian! Sneaking into the Restricted Section again?” Madam Scribner’s voice is stern, her expression disapproving. “I had thought we were through with this mischief. Clearly, detentions are insufficient. I’m afraid I must take this to the Headmaster.”

“But—” Sebastian starts, but she cuts him off.

“That being said, Peeves informs me that you didn’t come alone tonight. If someone has coerced you, I would have you tell me. You’re a bright boy, don’t waste this.”

Sebastian glances your way for the briefest moment, but when he speaks, his voice is resolute. “There was nobody else. I came alone.”

Madam Scribner sighs, her disappointment palpable. “Oh, Sebastian, what will your uncle say?”

You slip away before she can spot you, your heart pounding with the narrowness of your escape. But as you head back to your dormitory, you can’t help but feel a strange mix of emotions. Gratitude, certainly, but something deeper too—a sense that whatever connection you and Sebastian share has only grown stronger in the shadows of that forbidden library.

Later that night, back in the quiet of your dormitory, you can't shake the thought of what happened in the library. The way Sebastian covered for you, taking the blame without hesitation—it gnaws at you. The least you can do is check on him.

You sit at your desk, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the parchment as you dip your quill in ink. The words come easily, your concern for him spilling onto the page.

Sebastian,

I wanted to make sure everything’s all right. You didn’t have to take the blame back there—I hope you didn’t get into too much trouble. Let me know if you’re okay.

You tie the note to your owl’s leg and send it off, watching as it disappears into the night.

It’s not long before there’s a soft hoot at your window. Your owl returns, a letter clutched in its beak. You untie it, your heart quickening slightly as you recognize Sebastian’s handwriting.

---

Well, well,

Got your letter—nice to know you’re worried about me. I’m fine, really. Scribner gave me a good scolding, but nothing I can’t handle. I did tell you I have a way with the faculty, didn’t I?

But if you’re feeling guilty, I wouldn’t mind if you made it up to me. Maybe a walk by the lake again? This time, I promise not to drag you into any restricted areas… unless, of course, you ask nicely.

Looking forward to hearing from you, Sebastian

***

Thank you for reading! I felt like the whole quest needed a better ending to it hehe

[my-infinitelove]

Sebastian Sallow Fanfic link "Ashes and Dust"

[rypnami]

did you play hogwarts legacy?

do you like sebastian sallow? stupid question. of course you do

well then you’re in luck because i have a silly goofy discord server!!! dedicated to our lovely morally grey slytherin baby.

we have ominis and leander channels as well ☺️

join usss 🐍 vote and have a say in weekly sallow sunday themes