chickenlizard13

[chickenlizard13]

Stay Right Here

Pairing: Ominis Gaunt x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 7689

Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Mature 18+, Graphic Depictions of Violence

Description: Part 3 of All You've Done and Let Me See. You don't have to have read All You've Done, but you do need to have read Let Me See. Anyway, takes place directly after Let Me See.

Someone was pounding at your door. Squinting your eyes open, you peer through the curtains at the pink and purple sky, the sun just starting to rise. The pounding stops abruptly, and you assume whomever it was had left, deciding to try again later. Shoving your face back into the crook of Ominis’s neck, you close your eyes once more. His arms squeeze you unconsciously, groaning a bit in his sleep as he cuddles you closer. 

You’re only given a few moments of tranquil peace before the knocking starts up again, startling you into awareness. Sighing, you relish the feel of Ominis’s bare skin a second more, eventually detangling yourself from him and getting up. Swiping his discarded shirt from the night before, you button it clumsily, unconcerned with being presentable for your visitor. 

Trudging downstairs, you walk slowly toward the front door, griping to yourself under your breath. What could someone possibly need this early? Opening the door, you rub the sleep out of your eyes before looking at the figures before you. Sebastian and Anne stood on your doorstep, grinning like fools, delighted by your disgruntled face. “What are you two doing here?”

Sebastian scoffed, rolling his eyes at you. “What do you mean ‘What are we doing here’? You’re getting married.” 

Your sleep addled brain took a bit to process his words, furrowing your brow in confusion as you observed Anne’s giddy smile. “...Today?”

Anne chuckled. “That’s what Ominis’s letter said. Did he forget to propose?”

Shaking your head, you glance back and forth between them, noting the bag Anne carried. “I thought he was joking.” 

You heard an offended noise come from over your shoulder, Ominis walking up behind you, already dressed and fiddling with his cufflinks. “I would never joke about marrying you.” 

“Not about marrying me, you silly man, about marrying me today. How are you already dressed? You were dead asleep two minutes ago.” 

Finally satisfied with his cufflinks, Ominis places a hand on your waist, kissing your head in greeting. “Well, darling, I used a little something called ma- Is this my shirt?”

Ominis stops talking abruptly, feeling the fabric between his fingers as a light blush dusts his cheeks. “Are you- What else are you wearing?” 

Ominis looks scandalized at your lack of clothing, placing himself in front of you, blocking Anne and Sebastian’s view. “Why would you answer the door like this?!” 

Rolling your eyes, you peek out at your friends. “My love, it’s just Sebastian and Anne, nothing to worry about.” 

Ominis scoffed at you, baffled by your carefree attitude. “Darling, what if it hadn’t been Anne and Sebastian? You’re practically naked!” 

“And who’s fault is that?” Your tone is flat, eyebrows raised in accusation. Ominis sputters at you, ears growing red in embarrassment. 

Anne and Sebastian watched the two of you bicker, glancing at each other knowingly. “Merlin, they’re so in love.”

“It’s a bit disgusting, isn’t it?”

“Do you think this is their version of foreplay?” 

“I don’t particularly want to find out. Anyway! Should we get this show on the road?” Sebastian pushes past the two of you, waltzing right into your house uninvited. Grabbing the bag from Anne, Sebastian places it on your dining room table, calling to his sister over his shoulder. “Anne! Could you please help the lovely bride find something suitable to wear.” 

You huffed in annoyance, crossing your arms dramatically. “I can’t just get married in this?”

All three of your companions objected. A chorus of ‘No’, ‘Hell no’, and ‘Absolutely not’ had you rolling your eyes and trudging back upstairs. “Alright, alright, fine. I’m going.” 

Anne trotted after you, commenting on the large mirror in your room. “Merlin, what could you possibly need that for?”

You blush, quickly grabbing your wand and transfiguring the mirror back into a bureau. “Don’t, uh, don’t worry about it. Help me find something to wear.” 

The two of you combed through your closet, selecting something nice, but not overly dressy. It would just be the four of you, so you didn’t feel the need for formal attire. Once you were ready, you walked into the yard, the sun painting the sky in bright morning hues. Ominis stood staring at the colors, snake around his shoulders. He was facing away from you, but turned in your direction at your approach.

Ominis sucked in a breath, enchanted by the sight of you, bathed in the morning light. He smiled at you sweetly, voice nothing more than a mere whisper. “Hello, my love.” 

You walked up beside him, grinning, taking his hand before turning to Sebastian. “Alright, get on with it.” 

Sebastian shook his head fondly, muttering about your impatience under his breath. You and Ominis stood side by side, reciting your vows, Ominis never taking his eyes off you. Once you’d finished, Ominis squeezed your hand, silently asking you to look at him. Turning your gaze to him, you found a small, adoring smile gracing his lips, those same lips mouthing a quiet ‘I love you’, as your small herd of cats came bounding out of the bushes, rubbing up against both of you. Sebastian made direct eye contact with Anne again, mirroring her amused smile at the ridiculously sweet scene. 

When it came time, Sebastian produced a small box from the bag. Cocking your head, you look at the box curiously, gasping as Sebastian opened it to reveal a beautiful set of rings. You turn your wide eyes to Ominis, unoccupied hand coming up to cover your mouth. His smile widened, squeezing your fingers again as he spoke. “Do you like them?”

“Do I-...My love, when-” 

“You weren’t the only one planning a surprise.” 

Tears pooled in your eyes, the reality of the situation sinking in. You got to marry this wonderful man, fortunate enough to love and be loved by him for the rest of your life. “Sebastian, hurry up so we can put these on. I want to kiss my husband.” 

Sebastian rolled his eyes, but refrained from arguing, clearly recognizing the excitement on both your faces. He concluded the ceremony, Ominis slipping the ring on your finger, kissing it delicately, before allowing you to place his. He didn’t wait for Sebastian’s permission, grabbing the back of your neck as soon as his ring was on, kissing you lovingly, struggling to control his happy grin. 

The four of you celebrated for a few hours, eating breakfast and catching up, Sebastian and Anne bidding you farewell in the early afternoon. As soon as they disappeared, you and Ominis wasted no time running back upstairs, giggling in giddy excitement as you undressed each other. He kissed you like he’d die without you, smile persevering, teasing words slipping out in a playful tone. When you're finished, you lay together in quiet contentment, savoring the cool touch of the new additions on your fingers.

—-------

Both of you had taken the week off work, spending your ‘honeymoon’ lazing about the house or taking short trips to London or Hogsmead, just generally enjoying your time as newlyweds. 

A sharp knock sounded at your door, interrupting the quiet morning filled only with your soft conversation and the steam from your coffee. The both of you stood, walking to the door as Ominis teased you, playfully demanding to know your outfit before opening the door. Rolling your eyes fondly, you tell him he’s being ridiculous, opening the door as he settles behind you, left hand on your hip. 

You don’t recognize the couple standing in front of you, both tall and striking, clearly very wealthy from their state of dress. “Hello? How can we help you?” 

The woman says nothing at first, pointedly staring at Ominis’s hand on your hip, ring clearly visible. Raising an eyebrow, she scoffs, eyes flitting up to look at your husband. “So this is where you’ve been? How…quaint.” 

Ominis’s hand tightened on you instantly, pulling you back against him protectively. The young man beside her smirked condescendingly, eyes roaming the inside of your home, setting you on edge. “Excuse you-“ 

“What do you want, mother.” 

The woman sneered, an evil glint in her eyes. “My, my, still rude as ever I see. No matter, we simply came to…chat.” 

Ominis bared his teeth, pulling you further into him. “We? Who is ‘we’.” 

Her sneer turned to a sly smile, voice purring as she answered. “Marvolo came to visit as well.” 

Ominis placed his other hand on the door, knuckles white as he gripped the wood, preparing to slam it shut. “We aren’t interested in chatting. I believe I made that quite clear when I renounced the Gaunt family and my birthright. Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like you to leave our property and never return. Good day.” 

Ominis attempts to close the door in his mother’s face, but Marvolo’s foot shoots out, preventing Ominis from getting too far. “Really, Ominis. After we put so much effort into finding you? You’d deny your own family an audience? Such a rude child. Clearly living in this hovel has done you no good these past few years.” 

Ominis grinds his teeth together and you can feel his anxiety rising. His grip on your hip is almost bruising, making sure no space remains between you. “You are not my family. What. Do. You. Want.” 

His mother sighs dramatically, as if she were speaking to a toddler. “Well dear, if you must know, your fiancé has grown weary of waiting for your return, so your brother and I came to fetch you. Don’t you think it’s about time you stopped playing house and came home?” 

Your husband growls dangerously, breathing becoming erratic as his rage builds. “Well mother, I’m delighted to inform you that I’m already married. So your trip here was a wasted one.”

He tries again to close the door, but is once again stopped by Marvolo, his brother’s hand now also pushing the door open. “Marvolo. Get your filthy appendages out of my fucking house.” 

His brother chuckles darkly, a chill creeping up your spine. You itch to run into the kitchen, where your wands lay uselessly, but fear the consequences of leaving Ominis alone with his vile relatives. “This…sham marriage is of no consequence to us. Easily taken care of, annulled or…otherwise.”

Ominis snarls at his brother, arm now wrapping around your middle, shoulders hunched over you protectively. “Threaten my spouse again, and your severed head will decorate our dining room table.” 

Ominis’s mother sighs again, boldly looking at you as she shakes her head. “Boys, really, there’s no need for that. Ominis dear, just let us in so we can have a civilized conversation about this.” 

Your husband’s voice is low and dangerous in your ear as he answers her. “Absolutely not.” 

She sighs in disappointment, but you can see the tick of her mouth, pulling the corner into an almost smile. “How unfortunate. Then I suppose you’ll have to come out.” 

Without warning, Marvolo casts the Cruciatus Curse, hitting you square in the chest. You can barely hear Ominis’s panicked shouts over your own screams, and suddenly you’re being ripped away from him, body hitting the grass as you’re tossed onto the front lawn. Ominis tries desperately to get to you, following the sounds of your agony. Squinting your eyes open, you see Marvolo restraining your husband, who fights wildly in his grip. His mother saunters over, calmly casting Imperio on Ominis, instantly ceasing his struggle, face blank. “Now dear, that’s quite enough. Let’s return home, shall we?”

She turns to you as you lay twitching in the ground, haughty smile denoting her condescension. “You were a fool to believe yourself worthy of a pure blood. I leave you alive only as a courtesy to my son, as he would likely do something drastic if you died. Take this as a warning, should you decide to pay us a visit.” 

With that, she put a controlling hand on his shoulder, apparating back to the Gaunt estate. The last thing you see is Ominis’s neutral expression pointed in your direction, tears streaking from his eyes as he mindlessly allows his family to take him. 

—————

You lay on the ground a few more moments, breathing heavily as the feeling slowly returns to your body. Once you can move your limbs again, you push yourself up quickly. There was no time to waste, even as your body screamed at you to stop, you sprinted into the house. You stumble your way into the kitchen, opening your potions cupboard and downing a couple Wiggenweld potions, pocketing the rest. 

Most of the pain subsided, and you got to work quickly, writing a hasty letter to Sebastian and Anne, explaining the situation and that you were heading straight there. Your hands shook slightly, the letters wobbly as you wrote, a few stray tears falling on the page, blurring the ink. There was no time to start over, so you sealed the letter, presenting it to your owl and begging it to fly as fast as it could. The wise bird took off instantly, disappearing out the window in a heartbeat. 

Making sure to grab both wands from the table, you curse yourself for being so careless, knowing this could have been prevented if you’d just been more prepared. You prayed Ominis was alright, navigating his surroundings would be much more difficult without his wand. 

Sprinting outside, you barely remember to lock the door behind you before you’re taking to the sky, speeding in the direction of the Gaunt estate. 

Ominis informed you of the precise location of his childhood home after moving in, if only so you’d keep your distance from it. He wanted to be sure you knew its location, to avoid stumbling into their wicked talons accidentally on your many ventures. 

Now, you were especially grateful for his forethought, though your current purpose was in direct contrast with his intent. You flew for hours, fear driving you forward, cursing your broom for its slowness. Tears flew out behind you, the harsh winds whipping them away as soon as they formed. Merlin you hoped he was unharmed, and if he wasn’t, the Gaunts would pay dearly for their idiocy. They clearly held no idea exactly who their son married.

Eventually, you spot the estate, a massive house, dripping in grandeur. However, you knew it for the lie it was. Ominis had also confided that his family lay on the brink of destruction, Salazar Slytherin’s wealth having long run out. The betrothal they’d attempted to force him into was solely to absorb his fiancé’s family wealth, and carry on the Gaunt name. 

The family had yet to marry off Marvolo, as his particularly strong penchant for cruelty, ended several engagements prematurely. You weren’t surprised, thoughts circling back to your brief interaction that morning. It stood to reason that the Gaunts now placed all their faith in Ominis to regain their lost riches, knowing they wouldn’t have bothered retrieving him had Marvolo been a viable option.

You land softly, just behind the tree line, keeping an eye out for any hidden persons or traps. All seemed quiet, which you knew was never a good sign. Creeping around the side, you find a low window, unlocking it skillfully and slipping inside. You cast Disillusionment prowling through the halls, looking for signs of Ominis. Eventually, you spot a house elf scrubbing the walls of a long corridor. Sneaking up behind the elf, you snatch the back of his rags, dragging him into a dark corner as you release your invisibility spell. Pointing your wand at his throat, you pull him close to growl dangerously in his face. “Where. Is. My. Husband.” 

The elf shook his head violently in fear, lips moving but no sound coming out. Glancing at his throat, you see a nasty old scar splitting the front of it, registering that the Gaunts had removed the poor thing's ability to speak. A part of you felt terrible for inflicting more terror on the sad creature, but it was quickly swept away by the growing urgency to find Ominis and get out. 

The elf lifted his fingers, snapping them in an attempt to apparate. Ancient magic pulsed at the end of your wand, feeling your desperation and preventing the house elf’s escape. You looked at him now, eyes wide with unshed tears as you pleaded with him. “Please, where are these vile people keeping my sweet Ominis?” 

The elf stopped his struggle, watching you intently for a moment, glancing down the corridor towards the opposite end. You gesture in the same direction with your head, eyes flitting to the side before looking back hopefully. The elf nods slightly, squeezing your wrist in silent confirmation. A shuddering huff escapes your lips, as you haul the elf against you, crushing him in a brief hug. “Thank you.” 

Quickly releasing the house elf, you ignore his shocked stare as you cast Disillusionment tearing down the hall as quietly as possible. You inspect each door you pass, finally stopping before the very last one, a heavy lock securing the handle. If Ominis was in any of these rooms, it’d be this one. 

The lock was complicated, and it took you far longer than you would have liked to unlock it, but you heard the quiet click and hastily pushed the door open. Closing the door quietly behind you, you turn and immediately have to dodge a book being thrown at you. You look up from your crouched position at Ominis, shirt unbuttoned and hair disheveled, like someone had been running their hands through it. Ominis’s chest heaves, sightless eyes wild as they search for the intruder. You try to call for him, but are swiftly dodging a pillow streaking towards you, Ominis throwing anything he could get his hands on. You glance over at the bed briefly, spotting a beautiful woman with dark hair in a nearly sheer slip dress, the thin straps falling off her shoulders, eyes closed and seemingly asleep. 

Your stomach drops, heart breaking at the thought of your husband’s infidelity. Struggling to pull air into your lungs, you barely avoid another book whizzing past your head, Ominis spitting angry words in your direction. “Marvolo! You fucking son of a bitch. Take me back to my spouse now!” 

His chest heaved angrily, pausing his assault a moment, trying to gauge where he thought his brother had gone. Pushing your anguish down, you call to him quietly, though you can’t hide the bitterness in your tone. “Ominis. It’s me.” 

Surprise flits across his face, before it crumples into intense relief, a sob ripping itself from his throat. “My love, you’re ok.” 

He feels his way toward the sound of your voice, reaching out for you blindly. You don’t let him touch you, instead shoving his wand into his hand roughly before turning back toward the door. Voice cold and devoid of all emotion. “Let’s go. If you even still want to.”

Before you can get too far, Ominis catches your wrist firmly, tugging you back towards him a step. Turning your head, you look at his worried face, eyebrows furrowed in concern. “Darling, what-”

At that moment, you both hear a quiet sigh coming from the bed, both of your heads whipping toward it, and you watch as the sleeping woman shifts slightly before settling again. Realization dawns on Ominis’s face, neck snapping back to you frantically. His hand squeezes your wrist tightly, preventing you from moving away from him as he speaks in a panic. “My love, it’s not- please, it’s not what you think. I- She- My brother locked me in here with her, and-” 

You can see the fear blatant on his face, his other hand reaching for you, trying desperately to pull you closer. “She-She tried to…have me, but-! I-I didn’t let her. I knocked her unconscious, so-...my love, please.” 

Ominis was hyperventilating, hands shaking violently, his face scared as he begged you to believe him. Your heart swelled in relief, ashamed that you’d even considered his betrayal. Moving into his arms, you wrap yourself around him, holding him the way you’d longed to since he’d been taken. “I’m sorry. I-I shouldn’t have assumed-”

“No- darling, it’s alright. I understand why you’d think…anyway, let’s get out of here. I’d very much like to go home now.” Nodding in agreement, you both sneak out of the room, locking the door behind you to avoid suspicion should someone walk by. Ominis leads you back towards the entrance, glancing around before pulling it open quietly. 

You’d just made it down the steps, hurrying toward the front gates, almost home free, when you felt something wrap around your throat and yank you backwards. Choking, you lose your concentration on Disillusionment, you fall to your knees, gasping for air as the spell retracts back into Marvolo’s wand. Ominis rushes to your side, hands frantic as he asks if you’re alright. 

You look back at the steps of the estate to see Marvolo and his mother, as well as Ominis’s father standing imposingly, framed by the intimidating Gaunt estate. Mrs. Gaunt smiles haughtily, eyes sharp as she sneers down at you. “Going so soon? You didn’t even say goodbye.” 

Peeking out from behind her legs, you see the house elf from earlier, glancing at you in shame as dark bruises formed on his skin. Your heart wept, vowing to return for him at a later date. You stand, facing the three wizards in front of you, planting yourself between Ominis and his family. “We’re going home.”

Mrs. Gaunt laughed wickedly, twirling her wand idly in her hands. “My dear, Ominis is home. If you think that shack of yours is worthy of him, I’m afraid you’re sorely mistaken. Likewise, if you think you’re worthy of him…well, that’s just plain embarrassing.” 

Snarling, you feel Ominis take your hand, the cold metal of his ring grounding you. You look her in the eyes, determination settling behind them. “I said- We’re. Going. Home.”

The smile dropped from his mother’s face, an ugly sneer taking its place, as she pointed her wand at you. “Fine. Have it your way.” 

All hell breaks loose, spells flying violently from all sides. You and Ominis work like a well oiled machine, attacking and defending as needed, slowly backing toward the gate. If you could just get to the treeline, you could apparate home, far away from the Gaunt estate. 

The Gaunts followed, spells violent and unrelenting. A stray bolt flew past you, striking the gate behind you in a loud crack, drawing your attention away from the battle briefly. Ominis’s mother took the opportunity to cast Bombarda, splintering a tree directly behind you. Ominis watches helplessly, the world slowing as the shrapnel streaks toward you with deadly accuracy, his wand picking up its trajectory. He screams your name, arms wrapping around you protectively as he spins your bodies, physically shielding you from the sharp spike. 

You feel his body jolt against yours, a pained grunt pushing past his lips as something large strikes him. Looking up in shock, you push at his chest, trying to pry yourself from his arms. “My love, what-”

His arms tighten around you, refusing to let you pull away from him, voice pleading in your ear. “Don’t look. It’s- I’m alright, my darling, just-just stay here with me.” 

The Gaunts cease their attack, watching the scene before them unfold. Ominis’s breathing becomes labored, and you fight against him harder, panic rising in your throat, choking you. “Ominis please, let me-let me see.”

His knees buckle as he focuses all his strength into the arms holding you, and you both slowly sink to the ground. Tears stream down your face, and you feel wet drops hitting your shoulder, Ominis’s voice steady, a small smile on his face in contrast with the sorrow in his heart. “I’m sorry, my love, I don’t-I don’t think I’ll be able to stay with you much longer.” 

You sob against him, anguish tearing at you, begging him to let you go. “Please. L-Let me go get help-”

“No. It’s ok. Stay right here.” Ominis’s voice was growing weak, chest shuddering with the effort to keep breathing, laboriously pushing as many words out as he could. “My darling…my t-time with you was the-the happiest I’ve ever been…even now, I would-I wouldn’t change a thing.”

His mother strolls up casually, voice amused and eyes excited as she watches you hold her dying son. “What a shame. He would have been so useful.”

She walks back towards her house, humming cheerily, smiling in satisfaction. She makes it all the way to the front steps before she stops, turning to look over her shoulder at you once more, delight coloring her smug words. “I would kill you, but now, I think the pain of watching my son die, knowing your efforts were in vain, would be a more delicious ending to this ludicrous fairytale.” 

Laughing once more, she and the rest of the Gaunts turn to stroll back into their house, the door slamming in finality, echoing through the courtyard. Silence follows, only broken by your heart wrenching sobs, muffled by Ominis’s shoulder. 

Ominis, kisses your temple lightly, arms growing weak around you, body leaning heavily on yours as the seconds drag by. He brings his lips back to your ear, voice barely above a whisper, forcing the words out. “I love you.”

Slumping against you, his body goes slack, and with your body finally freed, you claw desperately at your pockets, fingers fumbling with your Wiggenweld potions. You almost drop them on the ground, but you manage to wrangle Ominis to be lying in your lap, tears blurring your vision as you rip the cork out of the bottle.

You held the bottle to his lips, begging him to drink it, but his jaw remained slack, breathing shallow. Bringing the bottle up, you fill your cheeks with as much liquid as possible, pressing your lips to your husband’s, siphoning the potion into his mouth. 

Once all the liquid slid down his throat, you bring a hand to his face, voice raw as you wail at him to open his eyes. When nothing changes, you drop your head onto his chest, weeping into it as you listen to his fading heartbeat. 

Without warning, Anne and Sebastian appear before you, only taking a second to absorb the situation before springing into action. Sebastian gently pulls you away, cradling you against him, letting you cry into his shoulder as you beg Anne to help your dying husband. 

After Anne’s curse had been lifted, she’d made it her life’s mission to help heal others suffering from similar ailments. She’d been a nurse at St. Mungos for several years now, one of the best, if anyone could help Ominis, it would be her. 

Anne got right to work, wand pulsing with healing magic as she muttered over him. Your hands gripped the fabric of Sebastian’s arms as he held you up, whispering reassurances into your hair, trying his best to quell your hysteria. Once Ominis was stable enough, the Sallow twins looked at each other silently, having a brief eye conversation before apparating you both away from the Gaunt estate. You and Sebastian appear in your house, alone. Looking around frantically, you're about to ask where Ominis and Anne were, but Sebastian answered before you could get the words out. “They went to St. Mungos. He’ll be alright. Trust Anne, ok?”

Face crumpling in anguish, you collapse onto your couch, sobbing into the palms of your hands. Sebastian sits next to you, pulling you against him, rubbing your back and letting you soak his shirt. 

—-------

You’d gotten an owl from Anne early the next morning, tearing the parchment open in your haste to read its contents. You hadn’t slept a wink, the bags heavy under your eyes, blinking to stay awake. Anne wrote that Ominis was stable, but hadn’t woken up yet, inviting you to visit if you were feeling up for it. You didn’t need to be told twice, shaking Sebastian awake from his place on the couch, apologizing as you begged him to take you to the hospital. 

He obliged immediately, also eager to see his best friend. Upon arriving, you grab Anne in a death grip, sobbing your gratitude into her shoulder. She shushes you, playfully reminding you that you and Ominis were her family, and she’d be damned if she let anything happen to either one of you. 

You sat at Ominis’s bedside, stroking his cheek sadly as you gazed at his sleeping form, his heart beat strong and steady. Sebastian stood leaning against the doorway, watching you silently. “You’re going, aren’t you?”

You huff humorlessly, never taking your eyes away from your husband’s face. “Am I that predictable?”

Sebastian chuckles quietly. “Nah, I just happen to know you pretty well. Go, I’ll stay with him. Give them hell.”

Kissing Ominis’s forehead tenderly, you stand, sparing him one last longing glance. You walked toward the door, eyes staring at nothing in particular as you stopped briefly, shoulder touching Sebastian’s. “They’ll wish that’s all I gave them.”

Without another word, you walked silently out the door, exiting the hospital completely before apparating away.

—-------

A storm brewed outside the Gaunt estate, lightning striking the trees around the house as you stalked through the front gates, not even bothering to conceal your presence. Casting Bombarda, you blow the front door right off its hinges, ribbons of ancient magic whipping around you in your fury as you strode into the foyer. Marvolo Gaunt comes running from the second floor, appearing at the top of the grand staircase, a look of alarm painting his features. He shouts, brandishing his wand at you, only able to get the first syllable of a spell out of his mouth before you shatter a vase against his head.

Snarling in rage, you quickly cast Accio, dragging him screaming down the stairs, making sure he slammed into each one. His body crumples at the bottom, groaning in pain as you stalk over, looming above him, eyes glowing dangerously. 

He looks up at you, face bloody from his newly broken nose, and tries to raise his wand at you. The heel of your boot comes slamming down on his hand, snapping his wand, and a few fingers all at once. He wailed again, tears springing to his eyes as he pathetically begged you to stop.

Sneering down at him, you bear your teeth, voice a low hateful hiss as it slips past your lips. “Stop?…You tried to take the love of my life from me…and you want me to stop? Let me tell you something, you worthless little insect, you have no idea what I’m capable of. I’m going to make the Cruciatus Curse look like a walk in the park.” 

Marvolo looked at you in fear, trembling and pleading with you for mercy, but you had no mercy to give. Casting Flipendo, you slammed him down on his back, pointing your wand at his knee cap and shattering the bone beneath the skin, permanently crippling him. He screamed in agony, hyperventilating as hysterical sobs wracked his chest. 

Using your wand, you magically drag his limp body behind you, relishing the pathetic chorus of whimpers as you search for the other two Gaunts. Servants cower away from you, shoving their bodies as far into the dark corners as they could. You paid them no mind, focusing solely on the three Gaunts who’d wronged your sweet husband. 

Ancient Magic billowed around you, shattering every door and window you passed, the tendrils almost sentient as they searched for their targets. 

You found the other two quickly, wood splintering everywhere as their afternoon tea time turned to raging chaos. Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt stood abruptly from their seats, wands at the ready, but they never got the chance to use them. Using your wand, you violently slammed Marvolo’s broken body onto the carpet at their feet, the young man letting out a pained yelp on impact. 

His mother covered her mouth in horrified shock, eyes raking over the damage you’d done to her eldest son. His father was the first to act, raising his wand to attack, spell on the tip of his tongue. You quickly cast Diffindo, slicing straight through the front of his throat, stealing his ability to speak in much the same way he’d done to his house elf. His hand flew to his throat as he began choking on his own blood, but you weren’t finished, using Accio to drag him forward. 

Mrs. Gaunt recovered from her shock, pointing her wand at you in an effort to cast the killing curse, words leaving her lips much too late. As soon as her husband sat on his knees before you, you recklessly cast Depulso in her direction, slamming her spine against a marble pillar and causing the spell to hit the ceiling harmlessly. She slumped on the ground, unconscious for the moment as you turned back to Mr. Gaunt. 

Terror shone clear in his eyes, lips flapping uselessly as no sound passed them. Blood gushed heavily from the tear in his neck, your fingers gripping his hair roughly, ripping out chunks as you yanked his head back. The tip of your wand grew hot, a small fire springing to life at the end of it. The Gaunt patriarch shook his head desperately, eyes darting between your wand and your emotionless face. Ignoring his silent pleas, you brought your wand to the wound on his throat, cauterizing the skin in an ugly scar. His mouth opened in a silent scream, tears of pain streaking from his eyes, hands clawing at your arm uselessly. 

When you finished, you tossed him by the hair onto the ground, stepping over his trembling form as you prowled toward his wife. 

Ominis’s mother lay slumped against the pillar, moaning in pain. You cast Confringo on a nearby chair as you stalked forward, fisting a splintered leg in your hand. Mrs. Gaunt looked up at you weakly, eyes never leaving yours as you stood over her, watching you crouch down to her level. Her breath shuddered out of her, eyes flitting to the bodies of her husband and son, her lips trembling as she attempted to speak. “Wait-”

You don’t wait, instead, you reel back ramming the sharp wood into her side as far as it’ll go, in exactly the same spot she’d struck Ominis. She cried out in pain, hands grasping at the wood in an attempt to pull it out, voice a quiet sob as she tried to speak. “Who-Who the hell are you?”

You ground the stake deeper, pulling another wail from her lips before leaning in to whisper dangerously in her ear. “You really should have done your research before showing up at my house. Of all the foolish mistakes you made, your first error was failing to learn exactly who your son married.” 

Leaning back you look her directly in the eye, letting the truth slip brutally off your tongue, relishing the horrified realization on her face as she processed your words. “I killed Victor Rookwood. I slaughtered Ranrok and his loyalists. I wield magic so powerful it’d make your fucking head spin. The dumbest thing you could have done is piss me off.” 

Getting as close as you can, you make sure she can see the dark malice in your eyes. “You’re beyond lucky my husband is still alive. I would set the fucking world on fire for that man, and if he’d died, today would have gone very differently for you.” 

Standing to your full height, you glare down at her, eyes crazed as ancient magic pulsed off you. “If you ever show up on my property again, you’ll wish I’d killed you instead.” 

Without another word, you stalked back the way you came, making it all the way to the destroyed foyer before noticing slight movement behind one of the large pillars. Whipping your head over, you prepare to spit your ire at the figure, but are met with the wide eyes of the Gaunts unfortunate house elf, peeking out at you from behind the tall column. 

Your shoulders relax, fire dimming a bit as you observe the frightened creature. You walk over slowly, stopping a healthy distance away, the poor thing shrinking back when you get too close. Several emotions tore through you all at once, but you try as best you can to keep your voice as calm and soothing as possible. “You serve the whole Gaunt family, don’t you?” 

The house elf stares at you a moment, nodding shyly.

“I am technically a Gaunt. Would you like to come with me?” You hold your hand out to him in invitation, providing him the option to escape this cruel life of abuse and neglect. He hesitates only a moment, before slowly creeping out from behind the pillar, placing his trust in you as he takes your hand gently.

Smiling at him, you both stride out of the Gaunt estate, apparating back to Ominis. 

—-------

Ominis woke up a few hours later, blinking blearily, eyes heavy from being unconscious for so long. He sits up slightly, hissing at the pain in his side as he fumbles around, searching for his wand, relieved to find it sitting on the bedside table. His wand pulses, giving him a general idea of the layout of the room, but leaves him confused by the unfamiliar surroundings. His wand pulses again, and he spots you over by the window, back to him. Calling your name quietly, he expects you to whirl around and run to his side. Instead, you seemingly hadn’t heard him, figure silent as you stood unmoving from the window. He tries again, voice a little louder than it had been. “My love?” 

You turn to him slowly this time, stubbornly retaining your position by the window. His heart shattered as he finally heard your quiet sniffling and shuddering breaths. Sitting up abruptly, he ignores the pain in his side as he reaches for you, frantic with concern. “My darling, what-”

“Lay back down.” Your words are quiet and commanding, an angry bite behind them. Your arms remained crossed over your chest, refusing to move closer.

Ominis falters a bit, wondering what he’d done to make you so upset with him. He tries again, desperate for you to be next to him, but you’re already ripping into him from across the room. “What possessed you to do something so stupid.” 

Realization crossed his features, his eyebrows furrowing sadly. “I understand you’re upset, but-“

“Upset? Ominis, I’m fucking furious.”

He opens his mouth to speak, but you continue ranting, words spoken in quiet rage. “Don’t you ever take a hit like that for me again. I can’t- Ominis, I can’t handle this a second time.” 

Ominis exhales shakily, he can hear the agony in your voice, and he wants so badly to tell you what you want to hear, but he knows he can’t. He’d be lying to you, and that was something he wasn’t willing to do. “I’m sorry, my darling, I can’t…I can’t promise you that.” 

“Please, Ominis.”

Tears trickle down his face, as he shakes his head. Your pleading hurt him, he very rarely denied you anything, but he would deny you this. “My love, I can’t make that promise. I won’t. I refuse to live a second without you. I’ll throw my body in front of yours every single time. If someone dies between us, it will be me.” 

A violent sob wracks your body, knees buckling slightly, and Ominis snaps. He’d had enough of the distance you kept from him, resolving that if you wouldn’t come to him, he’d go to you. Throwing the blankets off, he gets up and strides over, uncaring of the pain in his side as the need to comfort you consumes him. 

His arms envelope you, crushing you against him, physically showing you he was still there, still with you. Your hands hold a death grip on the back of his shirt, burying yourself in his chest as you wept. “You didn’t even let me try to get help!” 

Ominis squeezes you to him, words watery as he whispers in your ear. “If I was to die, I wanted it to be in your arms, not on the cold ground alone.” 

Wailing loudly, your knees give out, losing the ability to hold your grief any longer. You sank to the floor, Ominis sinking with you, perfectly mirroring your position from when he’d been wounded. You stayed like that for a long time, neither of you noticing Anne and Sebastian standing briefly in the doorway, having come to visit Ominis. 

They watched you hold onto each other for dear life, wiping their own relieved tears. Anne grabbed her brother’s hand, squeezing once before they turned to leave, deciding to come back at a later time. 

Eventually, your tears stopped, and the two of you wound up cradling each other on the hospital bed. Ominis laid on his back, your ear pressed against his chest, right over his heart. The occasional sniffle escaped you, and every time, the arm around your waist would squeeze you and a pair of lips would press themselves firmly against your forehead. 

There was a long period of silence before either of you said anything, your throat raw from crying, but after a while you spoke, no real bite to your words. “I’m still angry with you.” 

Ominis let out an amused huff, kissing your hairline a few times before responding. “I know.” 

Closing your eyes, you drifted off, finally allowing your body to relax now that he was safe and you were back in his arms. 

—————-

Months later, you and Ominis attended one of his work parties, laughing and making polite conversation with his colleagues at the Ministry. You stood tucked under Ominis’s arm, squeezing his waist subtly, silently asking if it was time to leave. Ominis didn’t outwardly react, smiling pleasantly at whatever mundane story was being told, but his hand ran purposefully down your arm in agreement. 

He started to wrap up his conversation, and just as you were about to excuse yourselves, one of his coworkers glanced behind your shoulder, eyes going wide. “Oh! What a surprise! Mr. And Mrs. Gaunt, an honor to have you stop by. Master Marvolo as well! Always a pleasure to have you.” 

You felt Ominis stiffen beside you, arm tightening protectively as he reached for his wand. Turning to face them, you watch your estranged in-laws smile politely at the man in greeting, eyes nervously darting towards you. 

The man, having had one too many glasses of fire whisky, mistook their anxiety for unfamiliarity, proceeding to introduce you cheerily. “My apologies! I didn’t realize you had yet to meet your son’s new spouse. My daughter and her husband also eloped, it seems to be a common trend amongst couples these days.” 

Smiling kindly, his colleague spoke your name, also introducing you as the ‘Hero of Hogwarts’, singing your praises loud enough for everyone to hear. Mrs. Gaunt was the only one who could stand to look at you, her husband looking past you and Marvolo staring at your feet, leaning heavily on a cane. She smiled pleasantly even as her lips wobbled slightly, her eyes watching you hesitantly. “Hello dear, lovely to meet you at last.” 

A wide grin stretched across your face, bearing your teeth, a subtle threat only the Gaunts would understand. “Yes, wonderful to make your acquaintance. I’m sorry to cut this meeting short, but my husband and I were just leaving…enjoy your night.”

All three of them visibly flinch as you take a step forward, you reach down and take Ominis’s hand, intertwining your fingers as you pass them. You throw a glance over your shoulder to see all three of them watching you warily, you flash them a wicked smile in warning, enjoying their terror as the color drains from their faces. Turning back around dismissively, you and Ominis exit the building, apparating home once you’re outside. 

Unlocking the front door, you step over the threshold, only to be yanked back by the hand holding yours. You squeal in surprise as you stumble into Ominis’s chest, his free hand cradling the back of your head as he crashes his lips into yours. 

Ominis kisses you passionately, licking greedily at your bottom lip, demanding that you open up for him. You do, and he moans into your mouth as his tongue caresses yours gently. He takes a step forward, pushing you farther into the house so he can enter and kick the door shut. The hand holding yours releases you in favor of snaking around your waist to haul you closer. 

Giggling, you tear your lips away for a moment to tease him. “My, what’s gotten into you?” 

Chuckling lightly, he places another lingering kiss on your lips before replying. “I suppose witnessing you scare the shit out of my horrible family really does something for me.” 

Laughing in amusement, you let him kiss you a few more times. “My love, how could you possibly tell if they were scared or not?” 

He pulls back slightly, stopping only a breath away, his eyes hooded with lust as he speaks. “I could hear it. I don’t think my mother’s ever been so terrified in her life.” 

You open your mouth to comment, but his lips press themselves urgently against yours once more, his hands traveling down to palm your ass. “Enough about them. Right now, I would really like to take you to bed, and not come out until the morning.” 

“So impatient tonight, Mr. Gaunt.” 

“My love, If you don’t start walking up those stairs this instant, I’ll show you ‘impatient’.” 

“Oh, you promise?”

Ominis groans and grinds his lower body into you, head dropping to rest on your shoulder. 

“You’re going to send me to an early grave, you wicked creature.” 

#ominis x reader #ominis gaunt x reader #sebastain sallow #anne sallow #marvolo gaunt #ominis gaunt #hogwarts legacy #fanfic

[chickenlizard13]

No One Else

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 11810

Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Mature +18, Violence

Description: Part 3? Sebastian POV for Catching Up To Do and Too Far Away.

He shouldn’t have accepted this job, no matter how good the payout. Being this close to the castle, to you, was way too risky, and he sat there cursing himself for saying yes. Hogsmeade was bustling, faces both familiar and unfamiliar passing by the dark corner he’d sequestered himself in, hood pulled low over his eyes. He hoped to overhear the location of the poachers’ latest hideout, as there’d been a recent up-tic in their activity around Hogwarts Valley. 

 He’d stopped by a wandering vendor, who informed him of a handsome reward for anyone who could clear the poachers in the Forbidden Forest. The man claimed to have heard rumors of Ashwinders hanging around Hogsmeade. The group prowled the streets, attempting to recruit corruptible souls, and against his better judgment, Sebastian accepted. 

Now here he stood, hidden in the shadows, doing his best to ignore the dull ache sitting in his chest. He didn’t dare look too closely at the students passing by, fearing one of them would be Ominis, or…you. Instead, he kept his head down, standing outside The Hogshead, listening intently through an open window.

 Unfortunately for Sebastian, avoiding eye contact didn’t help much in the end. His ears perking up at a familiar laugh floating by. Before he could stop himself, his head whipped up to look for the source. He swore time stopped as his eyes landed on you, all the air leaving his lungs and his heart squeezing painfully in his chest. 

You looked…Merlin, you were perfect. You strolled along, arm in arm with Poppy and Natty, head thrown back, eyes closed, laughing wildly at something one of the girls said. You looked like a dream, incredibly similar to one he’d had the night prior. Your bright smile shot him in the chest, a heavenly blessing and a wicked curse, the spell you’d cast whispering in his ears to get closer. And he almost listened, his body leaning toward you of its own accord, causing him to lose his balance and stumble forward. 

Sebastian watched you pause, having caught his clumsy movement out of the corner of your eye. He just had enough time to duck down, hiding behind a couple large crates, breath heaving in panic as he prayed you wouldn’t get closer. He heard Natty call for you, and felt you only hesitate a moment before trotting after her. 

Sebastian’s head thunked against the crates, sitting back against them as he replayed your laugh in his head. Covering his eyes with a hand, attempting to burn your image into the back of his eyelids. He never thought he’d see you again, the gaping hole in his chest making him wish he hadn’t, but a smaller, more selfish part, was elated. He missed you so much. Not a day went by where he didn’t long to see you, grateful now that he’d at least gotten a glimpse, no matter the pain it brought. 

After taking a moment to breathe, he slowly stood back up, peeking around the crates to see if you’d gone. When you were nowhere in sight, he slunk around behind the tavern, setting up shop to listen in once more. He was still here on business after all. 

—-------

Sebastian didn’t end up overhearing anything about the poachers in the Forbidden Forest, but he did hear of a small camp near Irondale. Deciding that something was better than nothing, he made his way under the cover of night, hoping to catch the criminals by surprise. He wondered offhandedly if you were still hunting down the vestiges of Rookwood and Ranrok’s forces, or if you’d abandoned that life in your fifth year. 

As it turns out, he’d soon have his answer. 

Sebastian crept silently around the base of the fort, casting Disillusionment to better conceal his presence. He’d just scaled the wooden walls when he heard a commotion coming from below. Peering over the scaffolding, he watched the Ashwinders stand at attention, readying their wands as they yelled at something in the distance. Not something, someone. Sebastian squinted his eyes at the figure, wondering who would be daft enough to approach a hostile poacher camp on their own. 

The figure neared, the torch lights illuminating their face, an irritated look on their features as they marched straight through the Ashwinder’s front door. Sebastian sucked in a sharp breath as he watched you come to a halt, a healthy distance away from the group, crossing your arms as you spoke in an almost bored tone. 

“Look. I’m in a pretty shit mood tonight, so if we could just skip to the part where you all throw your wands on the ground in surrender, it would be much appreciated.” The poachers look at you, and then each other, before bursting into peels of cacophonous laughter. You stood there stoically, waiting for them to calm themselves, growing impatient with each passing moment. 

Sebastian readies his wand as one of the poachers steps forward, preparing to rescue you should things go poorly. He knew you were a brilliant duelist, but there were at least ten to twelve poachers here, far too many for you to take down on your own. The Ashwinder scout wipes his eyes, sneering at you as he speaks. “That’s adorable. What can a little thing like you do all on your own? Why don’t you run along while I-”

He didn’t get a chance to finish. Ancient magic pulsed at the end of your wand, and the man vaporized in a cloud of black dust, ceasing to exist. The poachers immediately stop laughing, all staring in shock at the space their compatriot once occupied. You sighed heavily, planting your feet. “Alright, hard way it is.”  

The poachers raise their wands, and all hell breaks loose. Sebastian, rooted to the spot, watches dumbfounded as you absolutely clean house. Your movements seem almost like a dance, clothing whipping around you as you move, Sebastian finding such beauty in you savagery. You make quick work of the poachers, freeing all the captured beasts before heading back to Hogwarts. 

He watches you take one last look at the camp and the bodies strewn about it, before you quietly walk off into the night, disappearing into the shadows. 

Sebastian hops down from the scaffolding, making his way over to assess the carnage. An unconscious smile slips onto his face as his heart swells with pride, and a severe longing. Seeing you twice in the same day had done something to him. It’d put a hunger in his chest. To see you, talk to you, touch you, be near you. Anything you’d give him, he’d take it, greedily.

The thought stuck in his head for weeks, long after he’d left Hogsmeade, traveling far from you again. The need to be near you ate at him, plaguing his thoughts, haunting his dreams, much more than it had in the past two years. It consumed him completely, until he finally snapped, finding himself sitting in Professor Weasley’s office, making up a story about studying abroad with Anne after their uncle’s untimely death. 

She welcomed him back warmly, informing him that his bed and belongings remained untouched and ready for his return. Thanking her, he left her office, heading not for his dorm, but for the Undercroft instead. He’d have to share a room with Ominis, and Sebastian wasn’t quite ready to face the blonde just yet. He would sleep on one of the Undercroft lounges for a few nights while he figured out a plan. 

—-------

Sebastian was doing his best to avoid running into either you or Ominis, successfully evading you both for the first week of the new school year. He’d caught glimpses of both of you, but didn’t dare stop for too long, lest one of you notice him prematurely. 

That all went out the window when you barreled straight into him in Central Hall, making a mad dash to your next class. On instinct, he’d cast Levioso on your books and papers, preventing them from scattering all over the floor. You were holding your face and apologizing, not yet noticing exactly who you’d run into, and Sebastian stood rooted, feeling a bit dizzy from being so close to you. Finally, you looked up at him, and he could see your brain short circuit. He took the opportunity to scan your face, drinking in the details like you were the first water he’d seen after years in the desert. 

His memory really didn’t do you justice, the youthfulness you’d had in your fifth year melting away to reveal the striking young adult underneath. Sebastian couldn’t stop staring at you, taking in all the changes these two years had brought, eyes fliting down to give the briefest of glances to your lips. He wondered offhandedly what they’d feel like against his, but the thought was forgotten entirely at the first tear drop falling from your lashes. 

You looked at him, eyes wide and unblinking, face shining with heartbreak as you brokenly spoke his name. The sorrowful sound, combined with the wet streaks down your face, were enough to jolt Sebastian out of his private reverie and replace it with a deep shame. This was a mistake. He shouldn’t have come back. Not when you were looking at him like that, openly showing him the damage he’d done. 

Steeling himself, he returned your final book to you before making his escape. He reminded you of your tardiness as he left, not wanting to affect your day any further. He resolved to stay away from you as much as humanly possible, even though his heart screamed not to. 

—-------

Sebastian returned to the Undercroft after his last class, pacing the floor as he contemplated his next course of action. He could leave, go back to being a mercenary, eradicating poachers, doing his best not to think of you. The only problem was the more he thought about running away, the more his chest ached, growing so heavy that he wasn’t sure how he kept standing. 

Sebastian was so caught up in his own head, that he didn’t hear the gate open, or the fast angry steps striding toward him. “You fucking son of a bitch.” 

Whipping around, Sebastian had just enough time to dodge the book being thrown at his head, Ominis snarling in annoyance when it didn't connect. “Where the hell have you been?” 

Sebastian opens his mouth to answer, but ends up dodging Ominis’s fist instead as the blonde continues yelling. “Do you know how worried we were? Do you even care? How dare you. You think you can just waltz back in like the last two years never happened? You’ve got some fucking nerve.” 

There’s no time to say anything in retaliation, Ominis’s fists flying at Sebastian from every angle, surprisingly accurate for a blind man. “I have half a mind to kill you myself. Save you the trouble of abandoning us again.” 

Sebastian grit his teeth, shoving Ominis away from him. “You think it was easy?! You think leaving the two of you was easy?! I left to protect you. I-“

“Save it Sallow! You left because you were scared. Look at you, hiding away in the Undercroft, avoiding sharing a room with me. You-“ 

“OF COURSE I WAS SCARED!” 

Sebastian’s voice cracked, echoing loudly through the large space. Ominis stood, a look of shock painting his face, before scowling again, opening his mouth to spit his frustration at the brunette. Suddenly the Undercroft gates slid open. Both boys turned toward it, panting angrily. Sebastian’s heart sank at the sight of you. You looked defeated, eyes trained on the floor as you shuffled forward. “Ominis, I-I think I saw S-…oh.” 

He wanted to cry. He couldn’t handle the way you were looking at him, either of you. He’d caused this, and he’d only made it worse by returning. Overwhelmed by the crushing pressure in the room, Sebastian did the only thing it seemed he knew how. He ran. 

“We’ll continue this later.” 

Striding forward quickly, he didn’t dare look at you, ignoring the way you turned to follow him, hand reaching out as if to stop his retreat. Ominis demanded he turn around, explain himself to you, but Sebastian was so close to the edge already and couldn’t afford to fall over. 

“I have nothing to say to them.” 

He heard the pained noise ripped from your throat, hands clenching and unclenching, trying to maintain his composure. They ached to hold you, to grasp you and haul you against him. He wanted to whisper apologies into your hair, beg for your forgiveness, tell you he’d rather die than be parted from you again…but he couldn’t. Couldn’t risk breaking your heart any further. You didn’t need him the way he needed you. You could live a happy life, with or without him. 

Sebastian hesitated only a moment, before heading back into the castle, uncertainty settling in his gut. 

—————

Now that he’d been discovered, there was no point concealing himself away in the Undercroft, so Sebastian started spending his nights in his actual bed. He and Ominis weren’t speaking, and the rest of their roommates were too nervous around the two to ask about his sudden appearance. 

Things were tense for a few days, and Sebastian thought they’d stay that way, until he’s being shaken awake one night by a disheveled Ominis, clearly having been startled out of sleep. “Wha-What? What’s- Merlin’s beard wha- Ominis, what’s wrong?”

“I should be asking you that. You were thrashing about in your sleep, mumbling some nonsense.” Ominis stood above him, a comforting hand on his shoulder. Sebastian blinked the sleep out of his eyes, squinting up at Ominis’s concerned face. 

“It was- It was probably just a nightmare. Don’t worry about it. Sorry for waking you. Go back to sleep.” Sebastian rolled away from the blonde, closing his eyes. 

Ominis stood there awkwardly, shuffling his feet back and forth as he spoke. “Do, um, do you get them…a lot?” 

Sebastian turned to look over his shoulder. “Nightmares? Yeah, I guess, uh, I get them pretty regularly. I’ll-I’ll put a silencing charm on my bed at night so-” 

“No, that’s not- What I mean is-… W-What are they about?” Sebastian stares dumbfounded at Ominis’s nervous twitching. He was clearly worried for Sebastian, and it didn’t seem like he’d give up anytime soon. So, he scooted over, tugging on Ominis’s wrist gently as a signal to sit down. Ominis went hesitantly, but let the curtain fall as he sat cross legged on the opposite end of the bed. 

“Um, well…a lot of them are about...my time away, but…most of them are about the things that happened with my- with Solomon.” Sebastian glanced up at the other boy, gauging his reaction. Ominis furrowed his brow at the mention of Solomon, but nodded his head patiently, waiting for Sebastian to continue. 

So he did, and the two spent the rest of the night talking. Sebastian told him about the places he’d been, and the jobs he’d done, the horrors he’d seen committed at the hands of dark wizards. He told him the reason he’d left, the fear that he’d hurt the both of you the way he’d hurt his uncle, his own blood. Apologies spewed from his mouth, and both boys shed more than a few tears, embracing each other once Sebastian had finished. 

Things weren’t perfect, far from it, and all was not immediately forgiven, but it reopened the door to their friendship. Ominis reminded him that they were family, and no matter what lay ahead, he’d be there. He also urged Sebastian to talk to you, promising that you’d want to, even after the other night. 

He wasn’t convinced, fairly certain you’d sooner put his head on a pike for his mistreatment, than try to make amends. Unsure when he’d even get the chance.

—-------

Fortunately for him, the chance came rather quickly after that. He’d been reading in the library, far away from the other students, when he heard quiet swearing somewhere off in the stacks. Closing his book, he stood up, walking towards the voice that sounded more and more like you the closer he got. 

Turning the corner, he watched you stretch as far as you could, attempting to grab a book just out of your reach. He crossed his arms and leaned a shoulder against another bookcase, watching you struggle fondly, wondering where you’d left your wand. You huffed in frustration, and he had to put a hand over his mouth, silencing his laughter as you put a foot on the lowest shelf. His eyes shone with amusement watching your fruitless struggle, and decided to put you out of your misery when you continued climbing the shelves. 

His footsteps were silent as he approached you, reaching up and grabbing the book. You scrambled down, turning to object, assuming someone was taking the book for themselves. Stopping instantly, you both stare at each other, Sebastian finding it incredibly difficult to look away. Your eyes flit from his face to the book in his hands, and then back to his face before speaking. “Um…I need that.” 

Sebastian has to beat back a smile threatening to split his face in two, instinctively wanting to give a sarcastic reply, but controlling himself for the moment. “I know. That’s why I grabbed it.” 

Handing you the book, you take it gingerly, fingers accidentally brushing his. It sends a bolt of electricity through his body, awakening a need to touch you deep in his bones. He’d been so careful to always keep his distance, avoiding physical contact with you, mostly to preserve his own sanity. Sebastian knew he didn’t have any rights to you, and if you were to rebuild your friendship, he couldn’t become greedy. 

You looked at the floor, biting your lip, before thanking him, and making to leave. He notes that you’re careful to avoid touching him as you pass. Even though he knows it’s for the best, he still wishes you would. Merlin, he wants you to touch him so bad. To brush his arm, his hand, anything.

But you don’t, and he watches you take a few steps, before turning around once more. “I’m sorry.” 

Raising an eyebrow at you, he leans his shoulder against the bookshelf again, putting his hands in his pockets to make himself behave. “For what?” 

“For…being weak.  I couldn’t- I couldn’t help Anne, and…and if I were stronger, maybe I could’ve. Then you wouldn’t have had to…go away.” 

Sebastian’s heart sunk. You…blamed yourself? You thought this was your fault? He tried to formulate a response, denying your ludicrous claim, but you kept going. “I understand why you…hate…me, but I just-”

“I don’t hate you.” 

The words were out before he could even fully process what you’d said. Hate you? How could you think he hated you? Quite the contrary actually, he loved you so much it hurt. It often kept him awake at night, missing you, wondering how you were, pondering what could have been if he’d made different choices. How could he ever hate you? 

A sad smile slipped onto your face as you gazed at him longingly. “You don’t have to lie.” 

With that, you strode away from him, shattering his heart with every step you took. 

—————-

It was a long while before Sebastian saw you again. He’d catch glimpses in the halls, watching you giggle with your friends, or scurry between classes. You’d look away quickly if you happened to see him, very obviously pretending to be busy with something or someone else.

You were avoiding him, purposefully acting like he wasn’t there, and it irritated him. He wanted your time, your attention, but he figured that this was his punishment for treating you so poorly. 

Ominis told him to just talk to you, corner you after class or in the library, but he didn’t want you to be more upset with him than you already were, so he let you be. He was going to leave it that way, let you come around on your own, but then he also noticed how much time you spent with a certain red headed Gryffindor. 

Jealousy burned hot in his chest every time he saw you with Weasley, a stabbing pain every time he made you laugh or smile, Sebastian hated it. He wanted you to look at him like that, to laugh at his jokes, to be his. 

He watched you and Garreth heading to the library, arguing playfully, walking so close that your shoulders were practically pressed together the whole way. The last dregs of Sebastian’s will power evaporated, and before he knew it, he’d planted himself directly in your path. 

You didn’t even look up, too engrossed in your conversation with Weasley, and ended up bouncing off him, again. Sebastian could feel your eyes on him, but he kept his gaze focused on the redhead beside you, silently willing him to take a hike.

“I need to talk to you.” 

Sebastian tore his eyes from Garreth and looked at you expectantly. Blinking at him, you furrow your brow in confusion. “I can’t really talk right now. Garreth and I are-” 

Sebastian glared at Garreth, daring him to object. The redhead took a step away, intimidated by the dark look on Sebastian’s face. “You know what, that’s totally ok with me. You, uh, go have that conversation, and I’ll get a head start on the assignment.” 

Sebastian watched him scurry away, eyes narrowed, before turning back to you. “You’ve been avoiding me.”

He crossed his arms, not in anger, but in self restraint. His fingers itch to reach for you, touch any part you’d let him, but there’s no way you would, not like you let Weasley. You looked up at him, a pinched expression on your face.

“Have I?” 

Sebastian scowled at you, eyes narrowing.

“Don’t play coy with me.” 

“Is it really ‘avoiding’ if you don’t want to see me anyway?” 

Sebastian’s heart contracted painfully, the air leaving his lungs completely. “I never said I didn’t want to see you.”

Annoyance painted your features, lips flattening into a thin line. “Your attitude seems to indicate otherwise.” 

He couldn’t help but respond to your irritation with ire of his own. “How would you know anything about my attitude, when you’ve clearly been avoiding me?” 

Sighing, you pinch the bridge of your nose in a familiar gesture, clearly over this conversation. “Sebastian. What- What is it you want? First you’re storming out of the Undercroft, refusing to speak to me, and now you’re upset that I’ve been giving you a wide berth? I’m getting whiplash from the constant back and forth. So what is it?” 

He stays quiet a moment, kicking himself for always acting like this around you. This isn’t what he wanted to say, and he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to dig himself out of the hole he’d created. Taking a deep breath, he lets his mask slip a bit, hoping you’ll listen. 

“I’m sorry. Ominis and I had a pretty bad argument before you came down that night. I…was feeling emotional, and took it out on you. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.” 

You folded your arms protectively over your chest, looking down at the ground. “I can understand that. You probably didn’t want to see me anyway so-” 

There’s a pang in his chest, his voice coming out harsh, desperate for you to understand. “Stop saying that.”

Your eyes shoot up to meet his, and he holds your gaze, pleading with you. “I did want to see you. I do want to see you.” 

There was a deep hurt that settled in your eyes. Your voice a quiet, sorrowful demand. “Then why didn’t you?”

Sebastian has to look away. He can’t bear to see that sad expression on your face, knowing he was the cause. Biting his lip, he takes a few deep breaths, trying to get the words out, trying to explain himself. “I-I can’t tell you…right now. Not because- because I don’t want to. I just, need a little bit more time.” 

Breathing uneven, he waits for you to yell at him, cast him off, tell him to leave and never return. Instead, you sigh quietly. “Ok.” 

Sebastian’s shoulders slumped, wanting to cry in relief. Nodding, he keeps his eyes on the floor, not wanting you to see the excitement behind them. “Thank you.” 

You both stood awkwardly, pondering what else there was to say. After a moment, Sebastian glanced up at you through his lashes, scuffing his foot on the floor. “I guess you should, uh, get to Weasley.” 

Your eyes grow wide, suddenly remembering that you were supposed to be studying with the Gryffindor. “Yeah, I guess I should. Um, see you…later?” 

Sebastian’s heart fluttered in his chest. Later. You said he could see you later. Nodding enthusiastically, he gives you a quiet ‘yeah’, bidding you goodbye as you headed toward the library. Sebastian turned, watching you descend the stairs, heart soaring. 

Later.

——————

Sebastian didn’t want to push his luck too much, so he started with greeting you in passing, or giving you small smiles from across the room. When he felt a little braver, he started accompanying you to your classes, chatting idly about schoolwork or the latest gossip. 

He found it more and more difficult to maintain his stoic mask around you, often letting a chuckle escape at something you said. When he did, he could see you bite your lip, trying to stop yourself from smiling. He wished you would. He desperately wanted you to smile at him, and would subtly try to coax one out whenever he could.

Currently, he strolled down the hall towards Defense Against the Dark Arts, excited to see you. Turning the corner, you headed towards him, coming from your previous class. Just as he was about to call out to you, a red streak zipped past him and smacked you directly in the face. You stumble back a step, rubbing your nose, before looking at the offending envelope. He watched as you bent down, a noise of curiosity escaping your lips, before opening the letter. 

Your fingers had just barely lifted the seal, when the envelope flew up, shaping itself into a pair of lips. 

“My sweetest love, not a day passes that I don’t yearn for you-”

Sebastian watches your eyes get wide, a look of panic settling on your pretty face. A dark blush forms on your cheeks as people stop to watch the howler scream its contents at you. A love letter it would seem. 

“-your eyes are like the moon, big and round and beautiful. Your hair, like spider silk, soft and delicate. Your lips-”

You sank to the floor, hiding your mortification behind your hands as you crouched there. Sebastian stands there, dumbstruck, staring at the vile letter spewing its filth. You were clearly upset, embarrassed at how many bore witness to your humiliation. A primal need to protect swelled in his chest, Sebastian dashing to your side and snatching the howler out of the air, crumpling it in his hand before setting it on fire. 

Noticing the screaming had stopped, you peek out from behind your fingers to see Sebastian scowling in rage. “Who, the fuck, sent you this?” 

Sighing, you cover your face again, remaining crouched on the floor. “...Leander…”

Sebastian scoffed above you in disgust. “Prewett? Why?” 

Your voice stays quiet as you shake your head at him. “...I can’t tell you.”

Sebastian clicks his tongue in annoyance. “You’d better tell me, or else I’m hunting him down and kicking his ass now.” 

He made to walk away, ready to beat the daylight out of that cocky prick, when he felt a tug on his robes. Looking down, you’d caught the edge of his clothing in one hand, the other still covering your face from your crouch position. “Get back here, you brute. I’ll tell you, but you can’t laugh.” 

Sebastian obeyed immediately, crossing his arms as he awaited your explanation. Sighing once more, you stand up, removing your hand from your face. You didn’t look at him, instead looking off into the distance, a splash of color sitting high on your cheeks. “I- He- Tsk. I complimented him in our sixth year because he was upset, and…now he thinks we’re courting.” 

“...What.”

You scowled at him, embarrassed that you had to repeat yourself. “A girl he fancied rejected him, and-and he thought that it was because he was too ugly, so I felt bad. I told him he was very handsome and that someone would be lucky to have him one day, and…he thought I was talking about me. So he thinks I’m in love with him.”

Sebastian blinked at you, face carefully neutral. “Are you?”

Throwing your hands up in exasperation, you begin to pace in front of him. “No! I’ve told him so many times that I wasn’t talking about myself, but he just won’t hear it! He thinks I’m too shy, embarrassed by how much I like him. It’s insane! I don’t know how to make it stop.”

Sebastian growled, fists balling as he made to walk away again. “I’ll make it stop.”

“No, you won’t.” You yanked him back again, grabbing the loose fabric between his shoulder blades this time. It sent a shiver down his spine, images of your nails scraping down his bare back flying to the forefront of his mind. He has to take a few steadying breaths before he can turn and face you, praying you won't see the desire clouding his irises. 

“Listen, he’s annoying, but harmless. There’s no need to be getting into any fights, he’ll get it eventually.” 

Sebastian gave you a flat look, voice coming out monotone. “It’s been an entire calendar year, and he still hasn’t gotten it. Let me fix that.” 

Rolling your eyes, you grab the edge of his sleeve, tugging him along to class. “Alright you wild animal, that’s enough out of you, we’re going to be late.” 

Sebastian huffed in irritated defeat. “Fine, but I’m burning every letter I see.”

“And the bouquets.”

“He sends you flowers?!”

“At least once a week.” 

Sebastian grumbles, letting himself be dragged by you, wishing that you’d grabbed his hand instead.

—-------

That was a few weeks ago, and true to his word, he set every letter and flower arrangement on fire, preferably while Leander watched. Leander had kept his distance thus far, but finally grew a pair while you mediated a tense conversation between Sebastian and Garreth. 

“Hello dearest, how are you on this fine day?” 

Sebastian watched you recoil, scooting a step closer to him. He growled, irritated that he now had to deal with two Gryffindors vying for your attention. “Fucking perfect. Get lost, Prewett. They’re not interested.”

Leander scoffed and ignored him, reaching his slimy hand up to touch your cheek. “Anyway my sweet, would you care to join m-“

“No thank you, Leander. As I’ve said several times before, I’m not on the market.” Sebastian’s world came to a screeching halt. What did you mean by that? Had…Were you and Weasley… 

His eyes shot to Garreth, who flinched under his angry gaze. The boy shook his head, eyes flitting between the three of you. Sebastian’s mind was spinning out of control, and he barely heard the rest of the conversation, or that you asked to see him later. Nodding distractedly, he didn’t say goodbye as you dragged Garreth away by the wrist, growing even more envious that you’d freely touch the redhead, and not him.

—————

Sebastian avoided you like the plague the rest of the day and well into the next. He couldn’t handle watching you flirt with Weasley, so resolved to leave you be until he could get his emotions under control. You weren’t his. You had the right to court whomever you wanted, but Sebastian wanted so desperately for that person to be him. He knew he was late, and he’d caused you so much pain, but still he hoped. 

The next time he saw you, you sat in the stands with your friends as he gazed at you from the Quidditch pitch. You waved at Weasley enthusiastically, and the shy smile he returned set Sebastian’s blood on fire. He’d missed the fact that Garreth was actually sending that shy greeting to Poppy, who sat beside you. Sebastian ground his teeth together, determined to absolutely demolish the Gryffindor team. He couldn’t have you? Fine. He’d at the very least have this victory. 

You turned your attention to him, smiling sweetly, mouthing words of encouragement. That smile sent butterflies fluttering in his stomach. You had to stop doing that. How was he supposed to let Weasley court you when you kept looking at him like that? You could be so cruel sometimes. 

Sebastian nodded at you, turning away to focus on the game. Imelda clocked his attitude change immediately, observing the silent interaction between the four of you. A sly smile painted her face, already plotting ways to fix this ridiculous misunderstanding. 

The horn sounded, and they were off. Sebastian did his job beautifully, repeatedly scoring on the Gryffindor team, anger making him play more aggressively than usual. Imelda kept on the Golden Snitch, making sure to keep the other seeker away, performing elaborate aerial maneuvers as interference. 

Imelda could have snatched the snitch at any moment, but she really wanted to wow the crowd, so she waited, trusting Sebastian to keep going, which he did. Imelda held off until Sebastian threw the final quaffle through the Gryffindor goal, timing her capture of the snitch just right, resulting in a double victory. 

The crowd went wild, everyone rushing down onto the field, you included. Perfect. Imelda landed, easily finding Leander Prewett sulking on the side lines. “Prewett, it seems your love has come to console you.” 

Imelda pointed a thumb at you over her shoulder as you scanned the crowd, searching. Leander perked up immediately, making his way over to you, hearts in his eyes. “That’s just like them.” 

Imelda rolled her eyes in disgust as Leander took off towards you. Looking around, she spots Sebastian, sporting a rather cross expression, having been cornered by a group of giggly first years. Imelda strode up to him, waiting until Leander had approached you to tap Sebastian on the shoulder, gesturing to you. “Ridiculous. Does he have no shame? They’re clearly not interested.”

Sebastian cocks his eyebrow at her, following her gaze until it lands on your form, backing away from Leander with an arm stretched out. Sebastian ground his teeth together, a low growl escaping his lips. “I’m gonna rip his fucking head off.”

Without another word, Sebastian began shoving people out of the way, tearing a path towards you. Imelda smiles, patting herself on the back as she walks away. There, that should fix things. 

—————-

Sebastian stormed towards you, physically moving anyone dumb enough to get in his way. He didn’t know where your stupid little boyfriend was, but he wasn’t about to leave you at the mercy of Prewett. Stopping just over your shoulder, he overheard Leander ask where your ‘guard dog’ had run off to.

“He’s right here.” 

You craned your neck to look at him, and he could feel your eyes dart around his face, lingering. Sebastian didn’t dare take his focus off Leander, preparing to beat the ever loving shit out of him, should he touch you. 

He didn’t expect you to spin around and throw your body against his. Sebastian’s brain short circuited, having no idea how to process the sudden full body contact, and then you were whispering in his ear. Telling him how proud you were, how happy he’d made you, and it was over. He was done. He knew he’d do absolutely anything you wanted, just to hear you say those words again. 

Then, you were withdrawing, retracting your arms from around his neck, and he wouldn’t have it. Sebastian’s arms shot around you, clamping them around your body so you couldn’t leave. He shoved his face into your neck, savoring the feel of your soft skin on his cheeks. “Please don’t stop.” 

Apologies were spilling from your lips, you thought he’d be upset that you’d touched him thoughtlessly. On the contrary, he should be the one apologizing to you. The floodgates were open, he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands to himself anymore, he didn’t think he physically could. 

You asked him why, why had he avoided your touch. Before he could think, the words spilled out of his mouth. “I didn’t want to become greedy.” 

Sebastian squeezed you, burying himself as far as he could go. Pleading with you to hold him a bit longer. “I’m sorry. This is…the first hug I’ve gotten in…a long time. Could you just- could you just stay…here, with me?”

And you did. You put your hand in his sweaty hair, and held him as tight as you could, until he was called away by the team. Sebastian took one more second, giving you one last squeeze, before reluctantly parting from you. His hands lingered, relishing the feel of you a moment longer before he wished you goodnight.

—————

Sebastian had lost all self restraint, starved for your touch at every waking moment. Even when he was already pressed against you, it never felt like enough. You didn’t seem like you minded, actually, he thought you enjoyed it, grabbing his elbow or pushing your thigh against his unprompted. 

His head was in the clouds, opening up to you more and more every day. However, there was something in your eyes, a question that was left unanswered. Sebastian knew he had to tell you, knew it was time, he just wasn’t sure when it’d be the right time. 

The right time came as you studied together in the Undercroft, laughing about an unfortunate incident involving Ominis in your sixth year. You’d gotten quiet, withdrawing from him a bit, and he hated it. So, he told you. He told you of his travels, his escapades…his fears, sure that you’d leave, never to speak to him again. 

Instead, you cried. With him. For him. 

You asked his reason for coming back, and he couldn’t give you anything but the truth, trying to convey everything he felt for you in a few short words. “I missed you. So much.”

More tears began pooling in your eyes again, Sebastian’s hand on your face ready to catch them. “Then…When I saw you…why-”

“I was afraid. I didn’t know what to say. You looked like I’d carved your heart out of your chest and ripped it to shreds. I thought that I’d made a mistake…coming back, so I decided you’d be better off without me.” 

Your hand clutched his wrist, eyes wide as you feared he would disappear. Sebastian didn’t think he could, not with the terrified look you gave him. He’d sooner drown then be the reason for that look on your face again.

Matching tears fell from his eyes, his gaze both sorrowful and loving. “...but I couldn’t stay away. I tried to, but every time you looked at me…I couldn’t get enough, and I hated myself for it. I still do.”

A pathetic sound burst from your throat, Sebastian’s thumb automatically collecting the new tears streaming down your face. “If I was a stronger man, I’d let you go, but…I’m not.”

The dam broke on the last of your composure, and he pulled you into his lap, cradling you against his chest, whispering apologies into your skin. 

It was over for Sebastian. You were it for him. There would never be another so long as you walked this earth, and even for an eternity after. He was yours, whether you wanted him or not. 

—-------

“Sebastian!” 

You struggled in Sebastian’s grip as he carried you away from Garreth, uncaring whatever conversation he’d interrupted. He’d seen Weasley take your hands, nervous smile on the boy's lips, and had quite literally stolen you away.

If you still wanted Weasley in the end, fine, he’d find a way to cope, but he’d be damned if he went down without a fight. 

Marching down to the Undercroft with you slung over his shoulder, he kept a tight grip and ignored your complaining. Eventually you settled, your expression annoyed when he finally put you down. 

“What the hell was that?”

You’d crossed your arms, and Sebastian couldn’t help but find your grumpy demeanor adorable. He mirrored your stance, bypassing an explanation and getting straight to the point.

“Go on a date with me.”

You looked at him like he had two heads. Sebastian’s heart pounded in his chest, awaiting your answer nervously.

“...What.”

Huffing, he tightens his arms, attempting to shield his heart from your rejection. “You’d probably prefer someone like Weasley, but I’m throwing my hat in the ring. Go on a date with me.” 

Sebastian could see the whispers of a blush forming on your face, before you furrowed your brows in annoyance. “And this is how you’re asking?” 

What? He’d never done this before, but he was pretty sure this is how it went. How else was he supposed to ask? “How else am I supposed to ask?” 

You rolled your eyes, looking away from him in annoyance. “Whatever. It’s not like there’s even a ring to throw your hat in. It’s you, idiot.” 

Sebastian froze, arms loosening as he stared at you in shock. “But…you told Prewett you were off the market.” 

“Yeah, for him and everyone else. You made sure of that a long time ago, whether you knew it or not.” 

“So…you and Weasley…”

Groaning, you wipe a hand down your face in frustration. “Oh my- Are just friends. He’s actually confessing to Poppy as we speak, which you so rudely interrupted when you decided to act like a barbarian.”

Sebastian takes a step forward, and then another, and another, until he’s just half a step away, staring at you in wonder. There’s something bubbling in his chest, hands itching to touch you. “So…I can have you? Am-Am I allowed to?”

“Oh for the love of-“ Then you were kissing him. Yanking him down to you, to smash your lips together. Sebastian’s heart beat wildly in his chest, head dizzy from trying to keep up with your confession. You pulled away just a bit, holding his tie taught to keep him from going too far. “Get it together, Sallow. You’re embarrassing me.”

All the air had left Sebastian’s lungs when you’d kissed him, now he sucked in a deep breath, an unfamiliar feeling blossoming inside him. It started out small, a quiet rumble, but then quickly grew into loud giddy laughter. He couldn’t remember the last time he laughed like this, felt like this, but he couldn’t wait anymore. He grabbed your face in both his hands, pulling you close. 

“I fucking love you.”

Sebastian kissed you again, fighting against the joyous grin splitting his face. He couldn’t contain his excitement, peppering quick kisses onto every bit of skin he could reach, dragging you as close as possible, desperately trying to fuse your bodies together. 

Eventually, he couldn’t resist the temptation of your lips any longer, returning to them greedily. “You’re telling me *kiss* I could have *kiss* been kissing you-” He groaned as he kissed you again, his tongue licking your bottom lip insistently. “-this whole time?” 

Sebastian couldn’t stop, already addicted to your taste. A hand fisted in your hair, tilting your head back further as his tongue pushed its way into your mouth. 

“Yeah, you’re mmff-*kiss* -fucking late.”

He gave you one last chaste kiss before pulling away, lips still brushing yours, smiling sweetly. “Guess I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

—————

You were swiftly approaching the end of your time at Hogwarts, Sebastian finally happy after two long years of misery. 

Well, except for right now. Right now he was wildly put out. He stood down the hall from you, watching Garreth causally place a hand on your shoulder as you snickered together. Sebastian hated it, hated the way you just let the redhead touch you, the way you always let him into your space. 

Weasley kept a respectable distance from you when Sebastian was around, but it seemed like that space shrunk significantly when he wasn’t. Anxiety filled his chest. What if you started to prefer spending time with Weasley? The Gryffindor was energetic, fun to be around, easy to talk to. Your face always lit up around him, the envious pit growing in Sebastian’s stomach when the redhead made you laugh. Logically, he knew Garreth and Poppy were courting, but the jealous, irrational part of his brain couldn’t help but over analyse every interaction between the two of you. 

Sebastian was so afraid you’d realize you could do better, deserved more than he could give you, and that fear drove his growing anger as he watched you. Glancing over at him, your smile dropped immediately, silently asking what was wrong. 

Sebastian turned on his heel, walking away as quickly as possible. He wanted to have a proper conversation about this, and right now, he felt he was too volatile to do so. 

He hoped you wouldn’t follow him, somehow sensing he needed some time to calm down, but of course you did, shoving through the crowded halls as fast as possible to keep up. 

He’d made it all the way to The Bell Tower Courtyard, miraculously devoid of any other students, when you finally caught him. You grabbed his wrist gently, forcing him to stop, but he refused to look at you. “Hey, hey, hey. My love, what’s wrong? Where are you going so quickly?” 

Sebastian took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself before speaking. “It’s nothing. Go back to Weasley.”

You take a step towards him, and he flinches away on instinct, feeling a bit like a wild animal backed into a corner. He can feel you stop abruptly, hesitating, but ultimately dropped his wrist, leaving more space between you than there’d been in months. 

“Sebastian wha- what does Garreth have to do with anything? Why are you upset with him?”

Without thinking, he whirls on you, his rage spilling out of his mouth in an angry torrent. “I’m upset with you.” 

Shock sprang to life on your face, a hand covering your heart protectively. He’d never yelled at you like this, and he could see the gears turning in your head as you tried to comprehend his ire. “I’m sorry, my love, I don’t- I don’t understand what-”

“You keep flirting with him! Every time you’re together all you do is smile, and laugh, and let him put his hands on you. And I’m forced to sit there and watch, pretending like it doesn’t bother me, like I don’t want to tear his head off every time he even glances at you.”

“Sebastian, he’s courting Poppy. You know that. Why-”

“You think that matters?!” His voice cracks, letting you hear all the hurt, all the fear he’d been bottling up inside. “You always look so happy when you’re with him. What if- What if you fall in love with him? Or the next Garreth? You don’t think he’d jump on the chance to be with you? You could show anyone a modicum of interest, and they’d fall at your feet. Look at Leander! You gave him an offhanded compliment two years ago and he still tries to send you flowers.”

Sebastian can’t get enough air in his lungs, his thoughts irrational as he continues to berate you with his insecurities. 

“Sebastian, we’re friends. I- Those are normal things for friends to-”

“Bullshit!” 

He watches you flinch at his volume, sees the tears gathering in your eyes, and he wants to stop. Merlin, he wants to stop yelling at you. You didn’t deserve this from him, not after everything he’d put you through, but the wicked voice in the back of his head kept egging him on, convincing him you’d leave. You’d realize a happy sun filled life with Weasley was better than a miserable broken one with him. 

Your eyebrows furrowed, irritated by his aggressive outburst. “What about you, huh? You think I enjoy watching everyone constantly throw themselves all over you? You think I like knowing you’re the whole school’s wet dream? Because you are! All anyone ever talks about is how badly they want to fuck you.” 

Why would you care? How could other people possibly matter to him when all he could think about was you? Every waking minute of his life he thought of you. No one else could hold a candle to how much he loved you. His lips drew back from his teeth, a harsh bite in his words. “I don’t care if I’m their wet dream! I only care that I’m your wet dream!” 

“Don’t even try to be cute right now!”

“I’m not trying to be cute. I’m telling you how I fucking feel!” 

Annoyance clear in your eyes, you sigh in frustration. “Here’s the difference Sebastian, I trust you. I trust that you’re not going to fuck around with anyone else. You apparently don't share the same sentiment. Garreth is my friend, and I will not throw him away just because you don’t trust me. He’s a good person, and he was there for me when-” 

You slammed your lips shut before you could finish, but Sebastian knew. He knew what you were about to say, and he really couldn’t blame you. That didn’t stop the pit from opening up in his stomach, sure that this would be your final straw and you’d leave. He’d hurt you, and you’d forgiven him, and now he was hurting you again.

“When what? Go on. Say it.” 

The tears returned to your eyes, but Sebastian couldn’t see them past the inner turmoil consuming him. “Stop it.” 

He couldn’t stop the wounded, angry words from spilling out, no matter how much he wanted to. “When I wasn’t. That’s what you were going to say, right? That he was there when I wasn’t? Well, I apologize. Please, finish what the two of you started.”

The tears finally spilled over your lashes, jolting Sebastian out of his blind rage. He watched them roll down your cheeks, realizing the damage he’d done, an apology at the tip of his tongue. You didn’t let him get that far, swiftly turning and walking away, leaving him to play catch up.

This wasn’t what he wanted to happen, how he wanted this conversation to go. Sebastian fucked up. He didn’t mean…He didn’t mean any of it, but you were already gone by the time he’d called your name. 

—————

Sebastian tore through the castle, asking everyone and anyone if they’d seen you, not a clue where you’d taken the floo flame to. Night fell by the time he’d searched the entire building, looking in every nook and cranny he saw. He wasn’t even sure if you were still on school grounds at this point, trying to think of places you’d feel safe enough to go outside of Hogwarts. 

Wracking his brain, he was too distracted to hear someone screaming his name, footsteps pounding towards him. A body collided with his and Sebastian barely managed to steady them both, speaking frantically. “Baby, I’m-“

He looked up, expecting to see you, ready to get on his knees and beg for your forgiveness. Instead he’s met with Poppy’s wide frightened eyes, her chest heaving from exertion. “Um Po-Poppy what-“ 

“Forbidden F-Forest. You-You have to go.” 

Sebastian furrowed his brows, shaking his head, not understanding. “Forbidden F- Poppy, what’s going on?” 

Poppy started to shake, hands gripping Sebastian’s forearms as tears welled up in her eyes. “We-We found the fighting ring in the-in the f-forest, and-“ 

Poppy sobbed, trying to get her message out as quickly as possible, but unable to swallow her terror. “The poachers s-surprised us. They captured-“ 

More sobs wracked her body, her face hanging towards the ground, fat tears forming puddles underneath her. Sebastian could feel the dread sinking in, panicking as he feared the worst. “Who?! Who did they capture?” 

Poppy wailed your name, turning Sebastian’s blood to ice. She told him where the fighting ring was, explaining that they’d missed a few poachers while they were clearing the camp. She said that you’d been upset, going along to let off some steam, and that you must have been distracted. Sebastian’s heart constricted painfully. This was his fault. You were never this sloppy, and now you could be dead because he couldn’t communicate correctly. 

At that moment, Garreth walked down the hall searching for his girlfriend, calling to her, voice filled with worry. “Poppy wha-“

Sebastian practically threw Poppy at Garreth, breaking into a dead sprint, looking for the nearest door that would bring him outside. Poppy yelled for him to wait, that he couldn’t go alone, but he didn’t hear her. He’d be damned if he wasted even one more second. There’d be no waiting as long as you were in danger. 

Bursting from the castle doors, Sebastian summoned his broom, taking flight immediately and heading in the direction Poppy had given. His hands shook as he pushed his broom as fast as it could go, grateful that you’d introduced him to Albie and his broom upgrades. 

Sebastian got there in less than ten minutes, landing with a large thud, scaring three Ashwinders standing outside. He rose to his full height, glaring menacingly, voice dangerous as he bared his teeth.

“Where are they.”

The poachers swallowed nervously, glancing at each other before brandishing their wands. Sebastian snarled in rage, prowling forward purposefully. “Wrong answer.” 

He let loose on the three poachers, killing them quickly. Slicing the head off one, he set another on fire, and tossed the last straight into a tree, breaking his back. Sebastian assumed there’d be more inside, and he didn’t have time to fuck around, not knowing the condition you were in. 

Sebastian charged inside quickly, savagely ripping through anyone he came into contact with, uncaring if he killed them. Putting themselves between him and you was a dangerous position, and he relished their screams as they dropped one by one. 

He kept going, growing more and more frantic the longer it took to find you. Sebastian combed through every room, coming up empty handed each time, desperation clawing at his throat. He slaughtered his way through the poachers, until there was one left standing, the man’s wand shaking in his grip. Sebastian cast Bombarda, blowing the poacher back, collapsing one side of the arena in the process. 

He stalked forward, following the weak coughs of the half dead poacher through the smoke. The Ashwinder looked up, terror in his eyes as he stared down death, attempting to crawl away from his impending doom. “N-No please, I-“ 

Sebastian grabbed the back of his collar, yanking him back to growl in his ear. “Where. Are. They.” 

The poacher shuddered, eyes wide with fear. “Th-They’re in the ar-arena. Th-Through- Through there.” 

The man pointed through the large opening Sebastian had created in the wall. Sebastian growled, dragging the poacher along behind him as he strode forward, the dust settling as he scanned the large room for any other threats. 

Arm shaking with effort, the man pointed towards you. “T-They’re right ov-ver, over th-there. S-So, so let me g-“ 

Sebastian’s heart stopped, you were kneeling in the dirt, arms suspended above you, face bloodied and the skin he could see severely bruised. There was a high pitched ringing in his ears, so loud he couldn’t hear the poachers cries for mercy. He wasn’t in control of his body as he grabbed the man’s jaw, snapping his neck violently, silencing him before he could finish his sentence. He didn’t once take his eyes off you, letting the lifeless body fall as he quickly walked toward you.

Then your neck gave out, head falling weakly to your chest, and Sebastian started sprinting. He slid on his knees, stopping right in front of you to cup your head gently in both hands, pulling your face up to look at him. “No, no, no. Come on, baby. Don’t do this to me. Stay awake. Open those pretty eyes for me.” 

He could see how hard you were trying to do as he asked, but he could also see you rapidly losing that fight. Swearing desperately, he cut your hands free, catching you before you could fall to the floor. Sebastian feels how broken you are, cursing himself for letting this happen. One hand moved the hair out of your face, begging you to stay awake. “Not like this. Don’t you dare leave me like this! Please, sweetheart.” 

You couldn’t leave him. You were supposed to be mad at him. You still had to yell at him for being an ass. How were you supposed to do that if you weren’t here? You couldn’t go. He wouldn’t let you.

Tears fell from his eyes, his sanity slowly vanishing as the seconds passed. You struggled to breathe, the time between breaths becoming longer and longer. Sebastian went out of his mind, frantic to get you back to the castle, but knowing he’d have to hurt you to do it. “Fuck! I’m sorry, baby. I can’t wait anymore. We have to apparate back to the castle. It’s-It’s gonna hurt. I’m so sorry, my love. Please forgive me.” 

Sebastian curled his body around you protectively, knowing it wouldn’t do anything against the pain apparating would bring, but trying nonetheless. His tears hit your skin as he spoke quiet apologies into your temple, praying you’d make it back in time.

Sebastian appeared in the middle of the Hogwarts Hospital Wing, and was swiftly being torn away from you by the nurses there. He let them take you, knowing they could heal you, but fought against them when he realized they wanted to usher him out the door. 

Hysterical tears cascaded down his face as he screamed to stay with you, reaching out for you as they pushed him back. He couldn’t fight against them, grief making his limbs weak, and they eventually shoved him into a separate room where Ominis waited, locking the door behind him. 

Ominis hurried over, grabbing Sebastian’s hands as they tried to force the door open, nearly ripping it off its hinges, magic or no. Sebastian looked at Ominis, knees hitting the floor in a heavy thud as he collapsed. He cried into Ominis’s shoulder repeating how this was his fault, that if you died, he’d have been the one that killed you. 

Ominis held him tightly, denying Sebastian’s self hatred as he quietly cried with him, praying for your survival. 

—————

A few days passed, and you woke up. The nurses had tried in vain to keep Sebastian out, but eventually he would break back in, insisting on being there when you woke up. They gave up, telling him not to overwhelm you immediately upon waking. He pushed the next bed over right up against yours, much to their annoyance, but they let him do it. 

Sebastian broke down when you finally opened your eyes, shoving himself against you, hurling apologies into your ear. You held him through it, soothing him with words of forgiveness and love, kissing him when you'd heard enough. 

He kissed you like his life depended on it, pouring all his love and affection into the press of his lips. Over time, a need to have you crept in around the edges. Sebastian hovered over you, wanting more, his hunger for you growing with every kiss. 

You laughed, reminding him that not only were you out in the open Hospital Wing, but were also still recovering. Sebastian huffed in annoyance, but relented, promising to revisit the subject when you felt better. 

Sebastian didn’t think he was very good with words, always fumbling or saying the wrong thing, so he resolved to show his love physically, needing to please you to make up for his recent behavior. He waited patiently, as patiently as he could at least, until you’d gotten the clear from Nurse Blainey. Afterwards, all bets were off.

—————-

You’d reassured Sebastian that you were fine several times after being released. He’d been hovering around you non-stop, fetching you food and carrying your belongings, treating you with care and delicacy. However, once you’d convinced him of your complete recovery, he swiftly scooped you up, practically running to The Room of Requirement. 

“Sebastian! What in Merlin’s name are you doing?” 

He doesn’t answer, too focused on getting you alone. He’d missed you, missed feeling your skin against his, and he’d been so patient while you recovered. Bursting through the door, Sebastian was grateful that he didn’t see Deek, one less obstacle to get through. 

He strode down the hall, heading straight for the master bedroom that waited, the room already knowing what he wanted. Sebastian kicked the door closed behind him before putting you down, backing you up against it, eyes hooded and panting desperately. “Can’t wait anymore.” 

He couldn’t even let you respond, capturing your lips in a searing kiss, pushing himself as close to you as he could. One hand fisted in your hair, tilting your head back to give him better access, the other kneaded your hip, pushing and pulling like he was trying to force his hand through the fabric.  

Sebastian licked into your mouth hungrily, moaning as he scraped your bottom lip with his teeth. Tearing himself away, his other hand came down to grip the fabric at your hip, tugging on it urgently. “Let me have you. Please, baby.” 

Slamming his mouth back onto yours, he kisses you frantically before he hears a desperate ‘please’ escape from your lips. That’s all he needs to begin tearing at your clothes, demanding words finding spaces between kisses. “Off, off, off.” 

Thank Merlin your top had buttons, allowing him to shed your garments without breaking from you, fingers clumsy in his excitement. Once your top was off, Sebastian brought his hands up, cupping your jaw, pressing a few more forceful kisses into your mouth, before dropping to his knees. He got his hands in your waistband yanking your bottoms and undergarments off together, leaving you completely bare before him. 

Sebastian wasted no time, hoisting a leg over his shoulder, eyes never straying from your sex. “Yes baby.” 

He licked a long stripe up your center, eyes rolling into the back of his head at the taste of you. Sebastian licked and sucked like a man starved, which in his mind, he was. Your hands pulled his hair roughly, suffocating him between your thighs. He moaned against you, burrowing closer, refusing to come up for air until you finished. 

Sebastian looked up at you, watching you writhe on his tongue, and he swore he could climax at the sight alone. There were tears in his eyes, lungs screaming for air, head dizzy, but he loved it. He wrapped his lips around you and sucked hard, pulling a wail from your lips as you came, hips stuttering against his face as you felt him moan with you. 

You finally released him, and he pulled himself away just enough to heave air into his lungs. Sebastian watched your hips twitch as you felt his breath across your sensitive spot. The hand in his hair moved to the collar of his shirt, tugging at it weakly. He got the message and stood abruptly, placing your leg on the floor. You leaned against the door heavily, watching him with hooded eyes as he disrobed. Sebastian preened under your gaze, crowding himself against you once more. “You ok?” 

Nodding your head, you stretch up, kissing him again, trying to coax him back into a frenzy. “Are you ok? I’d usually be thrown on the bed by now. Tired already?” 

Sebastian chuckles darkly against your lips, both hands palming your ass as he rubs his hard cock into your stomach. “Well, excuse me for letting you breathe for a moment. I’ll hop to it.” 

With that, Sebastian lifted you up, wrapping both your legs around his waist, shoving his tongue in your mouth as he walked to the bed. He sat down, lifting you slightly so he could steadily lower you on his cock. Panting into your mouth, small whimpers escaped him until you were fully seated. He wrapped both arms around you, keeping you close. “Sorry sweetheart, I can’t-I can’t wait today.” 

Sebastian started rutting his hips up into you, arms clamped tight, forcing you to take whatever he gave. He wanted as much skin contact as possible, and he knew how much you loved when he ground himself into you like this. You mewled above him as he placed wet kisses on your chest, rolling a nipple in his mouth, squeezing every lustful sound he could from those pretty lips. 

He pistoned his cock inside you, making sure to hit every spot you liked, until he couldn’t take it anymore, lifting you slightly to scoot back on the bed. He laid on his back, bringing you with him as he planted his feet on the mattress. Wrapping one arm up your back to keep you close, he used the other to help you stay on his cock as he fucked you in earnest. 

He drank in every delicious sound, savoring every time you called his name. A primal need clawed at his chest, wanting his name to be the only word you remembered. “Oh baby, you feel so- fuck!- you feel so good.” 

Sebastian whimpered as you came again, hips grinding up into you, prolonging your orgasm. He rolled the two of you over, laying you on your side, mirroring your position from the Hospital Wing. 

Sebastian peppered kisses all over your face, hips still pumping in and out of you. You whined at him, complaining about the sensitivity. “My love, it’s-it’s too much. I can-can’t go anymore.” 

Sebastian trailed frantic kisses down your neck, moving to speak directly in your ear. “I know, sweetheart. You’re doing so good. Give me one more. Please? Just one more.” 

You wrapped your arms around his shoulders, and he relished the burn of your nails on his back. He gripped one leg, pulling it over his hip, giving him more room to fuck his cock into you. “Come on, baby. One more. Yes!- That’s it! Oh my-you’re squeezing me so good, sweetheart.” 

Sebastian rutted into you harder, your walls tightening around him so nicely. He could feel your orgasm approaching, you just needed a push. “Please, my love. I wanna cum so bad, but you-oh!- you have to first. Come on. Come on! Yes, yes, yes!” 

Sebastian felt your walls constrict and flutter around him, catapulting him into his own orgasm. He cried your name and bit down hard on your shoulder, causing you to keen in his ear, squeezing him harder. His hips twitched, milking as many spasms from you as possible, whispering praises into your neck. “Yes, baby. So good. You’re so good. I love you so much.” 

Finally his hips stopped, but he didn’t pull out, choosing to just rest there for a moment, purring as he kissed your skin possessively. “My love. Mine. All mine.” 

You could do nothing but lay pliant against him, brain fogged over in post coital bliss, eye fluttering shut in exhaustion.

—————

Sebastian lay there with you for a long time, caressing your bare skin, quietly proclaiming how much he loved you. Eventually you cracked an eye open, pouting about how sore you were. He’d smiled, running his nose along the side of your neck before placing a kiss behind your ear. 

Scooping you up once more, he carried you into the attached bathroom, the claw foot tub already filled with warm water, the steam rolling off the surface invitingly. He stepped in carefully, hissing as the hot water enveloped you both when he sat down. You were laid on his chest, settled between his legs, head tucked into the crook of his neck. He dipped his hands under the surface, letting the water heat them before placing the palms on your back, fingers kneading the skin soothingly. 

Humming in pleasure, he feels you sink into him, one hand resting on his chest as the other circled his waist, holding him lightly. You’re quiet for a moment, deep in thought before whispering to him hesitantly. 

“You know that I love you, right?” 

Sebastian looks down at you, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion. “Of course, baby.” 

Lifting your head, your anxious eyes meet his confused ones. “I- But do you feel loved?” 

Sebastian sits up a little more, confusion turning to concern. “Sweetheart, wha-“

“It’s just-…I keep thinking about what you said the other day, and… I just can’t help wondering if you don’t feel loved in this relationship. Because you are. Sebastian, I love you so much-“ Tears pooled in your eyes, and Sebastian’s heart broke a little bit at the sight. 

“Sweetheart, I-…I’m sorry for yelling at you like that. It had nothing to do with you. I was battling a lot of my own insecurities and I blamed you, which wasn’t fair.” Sebastian grabbed the hand on his chest gently, tenderly placing a kiss on your wrist, then one on every finger tip, and the last one on your palm. “I know you love me, ok? You remind me every day, and I’m sorry I made you feel otherwise.” 

Sebastian placed your hand back on his chest, holding it there affectionately as the other traced idle circles on your shoulder blade. He let you process his words for a moment, prompting a response from you with a quiet ‘Ok?’. Nodding, you tucked your face in the crook of his neck, relaxing once more. 

Placing a few loving kisses on your temple, Sebastian sighed in contentment, squeezing your wrist teasingly. “Ready for round two?” 

He laughed at your bewildered expression, hugging you tighter against him.

“Round two?! You mean that was only round one?!” 

Laughing some more, he brought a hand up to caress your cheek, moving a stand of hair out of your eyes. “You didn’t really think I’d be satisfied with just that, did you? Come on now, I’ve been so good. Don’t you think you should let me have my fill?” 

Flopping down on top of him again, you let out a resigned sigh. “You beast.” 

Sebastian cradled you in both arms, a happy smile painting his lips, letting you relax a bit longer. “Not my fault. You did this to me, now you have to live with the consequences.” 

“Me?!” 

“I’m ruined. No one else will do.” 

#sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow #ominis gaunt #garreth weasley #imelda reyes #poppy sweeting #fluff #fanfic #hogwarts legacy #hurt/comfort

[chickenlizard13]

Erm I have read all your FICs and I’m not even a massive Garreth fan but they are AMAZING 😍 Please tell me you have more up your sleeve?!

Always baby 👉👉👉

[chickenlizard13]

Too Far Away

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 5757

Warnings: Fluff, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Violence 18+

Description: Sequel to Catching Up To Do. Happens in the latter part of your seventh year.

No One Else (Part 3)

You felt bad for her, you really did. The poor girl was trying so hard to get Sebastian’s attention, but you don’t think he’d even looked at her once. She was standing as close as she could without actually touching him, batting her eyelashes as she talked his ear off. 

They’d been partnered up for doubles dueling in Defense Against the Dark Arts, much to Sebastian’s annoyance. Usually the two of you would be partners for these exercises, but Professor Hekate asked you to separate to ‘give the other students a chance to actually learn something’, instead of being knocked out in the first two minutes of class. 

You were fine with it, enjoying the view as Sebastian demolished his opponents entirely on his own, his partner too busy ogling him to pay much attention. Sebastian however, was much less enthused, standing with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face, upset that he had to remain on the opposing side of the room. 

Now, he stood studiously ignoring the advances of his partner, who twirled her hair in one hand and, oh Merlin, made the mistake of putting the other on his chest. His head whipped towards her, finally noticing her existence, and bared his teeth, no doubt ready to bite that hand off. 

Thankfully, it was the end of class, and you shot across the room towards them. This girl stood with stars in her eyes, completely unaware of the danger she was in, ecstatic that Sebastian finally looked at her. You watched as his hand yanked her wrist off of him, holding it as he asked her what the hell she was doing. Pushing through the other students leaving class, you finally make it over to them, luckily before it could get any worse. 

“Hi, my love.”

Sebastian immediately turned towards you, completely forgetting about the girl in his grasp as he dropped her wrist to head towards you. She scowled at you from behind him, still clueless about how poor her decision to touch him was. Since his return, he’d opened up quite a bit compared to those first couple months, but was still pretty adverse to other people. There were a handful of individuals he spoke to regularly, but other than that, he wasn’t particularly keen on interacting with the rest of the student body. 

However, the rest of the student body was keen to interact with him. You’d lost count of the times he’d bitten someone’s head off for laying a careless hand on his shoulder, or stroking his arm while they spoke. A few of the bolder suitors had wormed their way between the two of you, vying for his attention. In those cases, Sebastian had used an arm to unceremoniously shove them to the side, never breaking eye contact or halting his conversation with you. No matter how many times it happened, it only seemed to make his popularity grow, everyone wanting a piece of the prickly seventh year. 

It also led to the people who fancied him turning their ire on you, angry that you’d interrupted their chance to talk to him. Most of the time you’d simply roll your eyes, turning your attention to Sebastian’s adoring gaze, the same one he gave you now. 

“Hi, I missed you.” 

He pressed himself against your side, hand finding yours as he interlaced your fingers together. Smiling slightly, his lips find your forehead, and you hear the irate girl behind you stomp her foot, exclaiming to her friend that she almost had him. You had to stifle a laugh, wondering how the murderous expression he’d directed at her translated to ‘almost having him’. The two of you began walking toward the Charms classroom, keeping an eye out for Ominis on the way. 

“Missed me? We’ve been in the same room for the last hour. You could quite literally see me the entire time.” You squeezed his fingers as you teased him, amused at the indignant huff that escaped him. 

“You were too far away.” 

Laughing, you squeeze his hand again. “Well you’re partner probably would have preferred me to be farther. She wasn’t too happy I’d interrupted your conversation.” 

He quirked an eyebrow and looked down at you as you walked. “What conversation? I don’t remember talking to her.” 

Giggling, you smiled at him, placing a chaste kiss on his upper arm in amusement. “Well, it was more like she was having a conversation at you. You were too busy pouting that I was on the opposite side of the room.”

“I was not pouting.” He made the same grumpy face he had in class, proving your point. You shake your head, rolling your eyes in exasperation, voice coming out flat.  

“Of course not, darling. My mistake. You just always look like a troll who’s had his club stolen.”

He glares down at you, offended. He opens his mouth to protest. “I do not-” 

“Oh, Ominis! How was Divination?” Ominis approaches you, and you release your hold on Sebastian to skip over to him, shooting the brunette a teasing look over your shoulder. He huffs in annoyance and crosses his arms, grumbling to himself as he follows behind you. 

The three of you walk into the Charms classroom, chatting pleasantly with Ominis before taking your respective seats. The boys sat at the table in front of you as you took your place next to Natty. Sebastian had tried to convince you to switch seats with Ominis, but you’d argued that Ominis needed to sit in the front to hear better. He then demanded to switch seats with Natty, but you told him that you’d like to spend at least a little time with your other friends, Sebastian taking up as much of your free time as you’d let him. He’d been annoyed, but relented easily, the word ‘no’ not really existing in his vocabulary when it came to you. It was cute, his clingy tendencies, especially knowing that he wasn’t like this with anyone else. You also knew that he’d back off if you really needed space, but you did have to prepare to be smothered with his pent up affection afterward. 

Class started, Professor Ronen drawing some diagram on the chalkboard, which you diligently copied onto your parchment. You startled slightly as you felt something warm reach down and brush your ankle. Instinctively, you jerk your foot away, unsure of what just touched you. Peering under the desk, you see Sebastian blindly groping around, searching for your ankle again. You roll your eyes fondly, making brief eye contact with Natty, who has a hand over her mouth to silence her amused laughter. Shaking your head, you move your foot back over, placing the appendage right into his hand. His fingers move up almost to your calf and shove your sock down, thumb stroking the skin as he holds on gently. You sit like that all class, Sebastian’s thumb never ceasing its idle movements, other than to squeeze your ankle periodically. 

Professor Ronen turns his back to the class, and Natty takes the opportunity to lean over to whisper to you conspiratorially. “What did you do to this poor boy? He is obsessed. One would think you slipped some Amortentia into his pumpkin juice.” 

Laughing quietly, you get closer to her. “I think he’d be a lot more tame if I had. This is all him.” 

She shakes her head in amusement. Shifting away quickly when Professor Ronen faces your direction again, giving the closing remarks to his lecture. You feel a double squeeze on your ankle, Sebastian signaling the end of class, and all you can do is place a hand over your mouth, doing your best to hide the giddy grin forming there.

—-------

Later on, you were chatting with Garreth and a group of your other friends, talking about the poor Hufflepuff first year who’d gotten their first Puffskein tongue up the nose. Poppy stood on the other side of Garreth, giggling behind her hand, the other holding Garreth’s tenderly. You’d said something particularly funny, and Garreth placed a friendly hand on your shoulder blade to steady himself as he laughed. Wiping the amused tears from your eyes, you glance up to see Sebastian glaring at you with a dark look from the other end of the hall. You give him a confused smile, tilting your head, mouthing ‘What’s wrong?’ at him. He glares for a second longer, eyes darting to Garreth’s hand on your shoulder, before turning away and storming off. You’re taken aback, and quickly say your goodbyes to the group, Garreth’s hand patting your shoulder once in farewell. 

Following after Sebastian, you struggle to keep up with his wide gait, dodging around groups of students on their way to class. Eventually, the crowd thins out and you’re able to catch up to him in the Bell Tower Courtyard, grabbing his wrist gently to get him to stop. “Hey, hey, hey. My love, what’s wrong? Where are you going so quickly?” 

He doesn’t face you, but also doesn’t try to move away, simply just letting you hold his limp wrist. “It’s nothing. Go back to Weasley.”

His tone is cold and bitter, practically spitting Garreth’s name in loathing. You furrow your brows more, taking a step to get closer, but stop when you see Sebastian flinch away slightly. He hadn’t done that since the Quidditch game all those months ago, and your heart pinched in your chest, feeling a bit like you’d been stabbed. Letting his hand drop, it falls to his side, but even freed he doesn’t make a move to leave. 

“Sebastian wha- what does Garreth have to do with anything? Why are you upset with him?”

Suddenly, Sebastian whirls on you, chest heaving and teeth bared. His hands are balled into fists at his side, but a pained look rests in his eyes. “I’m upset with you.” 

You look at him shocked, hand flying up to your chest at his aggressive display. Running through all of your recent interactions with the redhead, you can’t think of anything that would cause Sebastian to react this way. “I’m sorry, my love, I don’t- I don’t understand what-”

“You keep flirting with him! Every time you’re together all you do is smile, and laugh, and let him put his hands on you. And I’m forced to sit there and watch, pretending like it doesn’t bother me, like I don’t want to tear his head off every time he even glances at you.” His hand clutches the fabric over his heart, as if to calm the painful ache in his chest. His eyes search your bewildered face as you try to formulate a response, your mind struggling to process all the emotion he just threw at you. 

“Sebastian, he’s courting Poppy. You know that. Why-”

“You think that matters?!” His voice is loud in the empty courtyard, loud enough that it definitely would have drawn attention had anyone else been around. Sebastian doesn’t let you get a word in edgewise, barreling forward in his tirade. “You always look so happy when you’re with him. What if- What if you fall in love with him? Or the next Garreth? You don’t think he’d jump on the chance to be with you? You could show anyone a modicum of interest, and they’d fall at your feet. Look at Leander! You gave him an offhanded compliment two years ago and he still tries to send you flowers.” Sebastian’s chest heaves painfully, the courtyard ringing as his words echo around you. 

Your heart hurts, realizing that he doesn’t trust you, doesn’t trust that you’re absolutely head over heels for him. Tears start to gather in your eyes, words becoming more watery the longer he yells at you. 

“Sebastian, we’re friends. I- Those are normal things for friends to-”

“Bullshit!” 

Flinching at his loud exclamation, you start to get angry as he cuts you off again, his mind already made up as he tries to push you into confirming his fears. Your breathing becomes heavy as the rage bubbles hot in your chest, you don’t appreciate being spoken to like this, and your mouth starts to speak before your mind can catch up. 

“What about you, huh? You think I enjoy watching everyone constantly throw themselves all over you? You think I like knowing you’re the whole school’s wet dream? Because you are! All anyone ever talks about is how badly they want to fuck you.” 

He reels back at your sudden outburst, but it only serves to spur him on. “I don’t care if I’m their wet dream! I only care that I’m your wet dream!” 

“Don’t even try to be cute right now!”

“I’m not trying to be cute. I’m telling you how I fucking feel!” 

You huff in frustration, the conversation just going in circles. “Here’s the difference Sebastian, I trust you. I trust that you’re not going to fuck around with anyone else. You apparently don't share the same sentiment. Garreth is my friend, and I will not throw him away just because you don’t trust me. He’s a good person, and he was there for me when-” 

You abruptly cut yourself off, kicking yourself for letting your mouth get away from you. Making eye contact, you hope Sebastian hadn’t figured out where that sentence was going. However, looking at his face, you knew he had, and you could see the hurt in his eyes. 

“When what? Go on. Say it.” His voice was much quieter now, jaw set and eyes hard. 

You shook your head, staring at him, the tears returning to your eyes as you spoke. “Stop it.” 

“When I wasn’t. That’s what you were going to say, right? That he was there when I wasn’t? Well, I apologize. Please, finish what the two of you started.” Your breath caught in your throat, eyes wide with shock. The tears finally spilled over your lashes as you let out a pained sob. Sebastian’s face changed immediately, registering his words and the look on your face. Regret shone on his features as he took a step towards you, an apology on his lips as he reached for you, but you couldn’t do it. 

“I can’t- I can’t be here right now.” Swiftly turning, you strode away quickly, not quite running but fast enough that you were already through the door and disappearing into the nearest floo flame by the time he called your name. 

—-------

You hadn’t set a firm destination when you’d used the floo flame, but it ended up dumping you by the Beasts classroom. Now, you were inside one of the pens, surrounded by kneazles as you hid your face, crying into their fur. The sun was setting, and the sky grew darker the longer you sat. The beasts purred at you comfortingly, rubbing their faces on you and grooming your hair, turning to growl at the gate when they heard footsteps approaching. 

“Go away, Sebastian.” The footsteps stop, the figure standing outside the gate. 

“What if I’m Poppy? Do I still have to go away?” Raising your head, you sniffle as you look at your friend. Poppy looks at you with concern, mouth turned down in a worried frown. “Can I come in?” 

Your lip wobbles as fresh tears stream down your face, nodding as another choked cry pushes its way out of your throat. Poppy quickly makes her way in, the kneazles making room for her to sit next to you before surrounding you both once more. 

Poppy puts her arms around you, letting you cry into her shoulder, waiting patiently for you to calm down. It was fully night by the time you stopped, moving back from Poppy with an embarrassed sniffle. “Sorry.” 

Poppy shakes her head. “No need to apologize. What- What happened?” 

Heaving a big sigh, you put your hand on one of the kneazles, watching as you absentmindedly pet the soft fur. “Sebastian and I got in a fight.” 

A surprised noise escapes Poppy’s mouth, head tilting to the side. “You did? But you guys never fight, not seriously anyway. The most I’ve ever seen was a heated argument over who was the better duelist, which is you, by the way.” 

You laugh slightly at her attempt at humor, wiping your nose with your sleeve. “He doesn’t trust me.” 

Now Poppy looked really confused, her hand also petting a kneazle as she processed your words. “Doesn’t trust you? Why not?” 

You only hesitate a moment, worried that Poppy might be upset with the reason, but ultimately decide that she’d understand. “He thinks…he thinks I’ll leave him and run away with Garreth.” 

Poppy let out an indignant scoff, looking at you in shock, bewildered by the notion. “Is he mad? Does he not see the way you look at him? It’s like he hung the damn moon in the sky. What did he even say?” 

You fill Poppy in on the events of this afternoon, her face growing more and more enraged the longer you spoke. Her hands were balled into angry fists in her lap, and her lips were set into a hard line when you finally finished. “That is the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard. He needs to get his fucking act together. Fast. I can’t believe the audacity of some-“ 

Stopping herself, she takes a few deep breaths, trying to lower her heart rate. “Sorry, sorry, not helpful. Well, um, if you’d like, I know of another illegal fighting ring out in the Forbidden Forest we could go destroy. If you wanted to let off some steam? It’s actually why I came looking for you in the first place.” 

Taking a moment, you slowly nod your head. “Yeah, I’d like that.” 

Smiling, Poppy puts a comforting hand on your shoulder, squeezing reassuringly. “Let’s go kick the shit out of some poachers.” 

—————

And you did, in fact, kick the shit out of some poachers. You’d freed several magical beasts, including two juvenile dragons, and were doing one more sweep before retiring to the castle. Poppy had wandered into one of the side rooms as you took one more look around the arena, just as you turned to call for her to head back, you were abruptly surrounded on all sides. 

Readying your wand, it’s suddenly ripped from your hand and your legs are kicked out from under you, your knees hitting the dirt hard. Someone fists your hair, yanking your head back to look at who you assume is the ring leader. “Well, well, well. What’s a pretty little thing like you doing, snooping around here?” 

You see a shimmer out of the corner of your eye, coming from the storage room. Glancing over, you realize Poppy had cast disillusionment on herself, probably planning to fight her way through the poachers solo. While you were confident in her abilities, without your wand, you wouldn’t be able to back her up if something went awry. Making eye contact, you shake your head slightly, warning her to stay away. 

The ring leader notices your gaze, turning to follow it. Your stomach drops and before you can think, you spit directly in his face, bearing your teeth aggressively. “Go to hell.” 

He pauses his movement, wiping the saliva off his cheek, he turns back to you with a wicked grin. “Oh, I like you.” 

His fingers reach to brush your cheek, grabbing your jaw roughly when you jerk away from him. “We’re gonna have so much fun together.” 

You didn’t dare look to see if Poppy escaped, but you prayed she had, based on the chorus of evil laughter surrounding you. Bracing yourself, you hoped you’d make it out alive, that hope dwindling quickly as they closed in on you.

—————

Time was moving so slowly, or quickly, you truly couldn’t tell. You were kneeling on the ground, wrists bound and arms suspended above you, body screaming but too exhausted to do anything other than hang limply. You’d been badly beaten, lip split and bruises forming on your jaw. It felt like you had a few broken ribs and one of your wrists was swelling badly. 

The poachers had left you alone for a moment, arguing about what to do with you as they headed out of the arena. You tried lifting your head to get your bearings, panting as you squinted around the room, everything looking hazy. Eventually your neck gave out, dropping to your chest, hanging loosely. 

Just then, slight tremors began shaking the arena around you, starting off as small vibrations and then building to large explosions sounding somewhere else in the tent. You could hear the poachers screaming, and prayed Poppy had come back to get you, preferably with your poacher hunting boyfriend.

A large explosion rocked the arena entrance, and as you lifted your head, you saw a tall figure stalking forward, dragging something behind them on the ground. As the smoke cleared, you see Sebastian, smoke practically billowing out of his mouth, eyes glowing with righteous fury as they swept over the arena. He looked demonic, especially as he dragged the limp body of a half dead poacher in one hand. 

The poacher pointed weakly at you, arm shaking with the effort to lift it. “T-They’re right ov-ver, over th-there. S-So, so let me g-“ 

Sebastian’s focus narrowed to you, instantly clocking your injuries, his body vibrating with murderous intent. Sebastian yanked the poacher up by the back of his collar, where he was being held, and grabbed his jaw roughly with the other hand. Before the poacher could even finish his sentence, Sebastian snapped his neck mercilessly, never taking his eyes off you. 

He let the body fall, thudding against the floor, and started walking quickly towards you. You could hear his footsteps turn into a dead sprint as he watched your head fall again, neck giving out on you. In a heartbeat, he was on his knees in front of you, gentle hands grabbing your face tentatively. Blinking deliriously, you try your hardest to focus on his words, but your consciousness was fading fast. 

“No, no, no. Come on, baby. Don’t do this to me. Stay awake. Open those pretty eyes for me.” You tried to follow his instructions, black dots dancing across your vision, but it was getting more difficult to keep your eyes open. You hear Sebastian swear desperately, quickly freeing your hands, cradling you to him before you fall to the ground. He hisses as he holds your body, feeling your broken ribs through your clothing, pleading with you to stay awake.

“Not like this. Don’t you dare leave me like this! Please, sweetheart.” Drops fell on your face as his thumb caressed your cheek gingerly. His voice was shaky, slowly losing his mind the longer you didn’t respond to him. Your breathing became shallow, and Sebastian’s panic shot through the roof. 

“Fuck! I’m sorry, baby. I can’t wait anymore. We have to apparate back to the castle. It’s-It’s gonna hurt. I’m so sorry, my love. Please forgive me.” Holding you as tightly as he dared, he shoved his face into your temple, whispering frantic apologies into your skin. He apparated you back to the castle as quickly as possible, straight into the Hospital Wing, startling the nurses tending to the other students. It took no more than a second for them to spring into action, physically prying a reluctant Sebastian away from you and out the door. He tried to fight them, hysterical tears streaming down his cheeks as he begged to stay with you. The last thing you hear is Sebastian sobbing your name before you sink into unconsciousness, the darkness swallowing you. 

—-------

You awoke some time later, unsure if it had been a few hours, or a few days. Squinting from the bright morning sun, you took a moment to take in your surroundings, noting the absence of anyone else. Your body was sore, but your broken bones and bruising had been completely healed. You tried to lift a hand to rub the drowsiness from your eyes, but found it impossible as something heavy rested in your palm. Looking over, you notice one other person in the room with you. They had pushed one of the other beds right up against yours, and were sound asleep next to you, their hand gripping yours like a lifeline. 

Sebastian laid on his side facing you, and judging from the bags under his eyes, had probably just fallen asleep only moments before. You could see the tear tracks streaking down his cheeks, the pillow still a bit damp, a mournful expression painted on his face even while he slept. You hear light footsteps coming towards you, looking over to see Nurse Blainey walking your way, a small relieved smile on her usually stern face. “Glad to see you’re finally awake.” 

Smiling tiredly, you greet her, thanking her for her help. She scoffs at you, waving your thanks away with her hand. “No need for that. You should really be thanking the young man beside you for getting you here so quickly. It’s rare for someone your age to know how to apparate, but it's a very good thing he did, things could have gone much worse if you’d been left for much longer.” 

She looked at him fondly, shaking her head knowingly. “You know, it was almost impossible to get him out of here when you’d first arrived. He fought tooth and nail to stay beside you, even when we told him he’d just be in the way. We tried to keep him out after you’d stabilized, to give your body time to heal, but he’d find a way back in every time, so we just gave up.” 

Chuckling again, she turned her gaze to you, a kind smile on her mouth. “He’s a good one. Make sure you hang onto him.” 

Thanking her again, she turns and walks away, telling you to holler if you need anything. You watch her disappear, rolling onto your side to face Sebastian after she’d gone. He’d laid himself as close to you as he could while still mostly remaining on the other bed, which made it easy for you to brush the fingers of your unoccupied hand through his hair gently. He stirred as you pet him, blinking his eyes open, taking a moment to wake up and register that someone was touching him. 

He closed his eyes again, relaxing into the pillow at your touch, before they flew open and his head snapped up to look at you. You gave him a tired smile, fingers now petting his cheek as he stared at you with wide eyes. His body remained completely still, but his breathing became uneven, hand trembling in yours. Lifting your hand from his face, you held it up, beckoning him forward into your arms. 

“Come on, my love.” 

Sebastian’s face crumpled, a heart wrenching sob escaping his lips as he dragged himself to you, crushing you as closely as he could. You winced a bit, body still sore, but didn’t dare say anything as he wept into your shoulder. Resting your chin on his head, you held him just as tightly, one hand stroking his back soothingly. You repeatedly promised that you were alright, shushing his cries gently, pressing your lips to his hair as you coaxed him out of hysteria.   

He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself enough to speak. “I’m so s-sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn’t- It’s my fault they h-hurt you. I shouldn’t have y-yelled at you like th-that. If I wasn’t so, so selfish then-” 

“Shhh, my love. This wasn’t your fault. I messed up. I let my guard down and paid for it.” 

Sebastian trembled in your arms, head shaking insistently against your collar bone. “But I was s-so cruel to you. If I had just sucked it up, this wouldn’t have-”

“Sebastian, don’t ever hide how you’re feeling from me. I’m sorry I didn’t try to see your side of-”

Sebastian tightened his arms around you, tears finally slowing. “No! Don’t give me a pass. I don’t deserve it. I fucked up. You should be furious with me.” 

Sighing, you hold him quietly for a moment, hand coming up to card through his hair again. “You came to get me didn’t you?” 

He lay there silently, only nodding his head after you squeezed him for an answer. “I made sure Poppy escaped so she could tell you where I was. I knew, no matter how cross you were, there’d be nothing on this earth that could stop you from getting to me. Not a single doubt in my mind.” 

Sniffling, he pulled back to look at you, eyes red and voice hoarse. His fingers moved to caress your cheek, confirming that you were actually there with him. “I was so scared when she told me. She tried to get me to wait, saying it was too risky to go on my own, but I-I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I flew as fast as I could, terrified the whole time that I’d be too late. I tore that whole camp apart looking for you, going absolutely out of my mind the longer it took. I don’t-I don’t know what I would’ve done if I found you d-” 

You give him a lingering kiss, not wanting to hear the next words out of his mouth. Sebastian kisses you back, the fact that you were safe finally sinking in. Pulling away slightly, he looks back at you with hooded eyes, gaze unfocused as it darts from your eyes to your lips. 

“I’m alright, my love. I’m sorry for scaring you.” 

He didn’t give you the chance to say more, repeatedly pressing longing kisses to your lips. You take each one readily, letting him give you as many as he desired until he was satisfied. Which he never was, if you were being honest, he was never satisfied when it came to you. Always craving more, always hungry. Just like now, his kisses turned more aggressive, and he began leaning over you, pressing you into the pillows. Chuckling, you try to speak as he kisses you. 

“Darling, we’re still in the Hospital Wing.” 

His lips continue to move against yours, uncaring, and a hand moves up to fist itself in your hair. “So?”

Huffing in amusement, you pull away as much as you can. “Nurse Blainey is right around the corner. She’ll most definitely come out here if she hears something.”

Sebastian’s mouth chases you, still not even close to having had his fill. “Then be quiet.” 

Rolling your eyes, you allow him to kiss you a few more times before ripping yourself away again. “Aaaaand, even though I’m feeling much better, my body is still pretty sore and it wouldn’t be a good idea to exert too much energy at the moment.” 

A grumpy look settles on his face as he looks at you, sighing in defeat before flopping down on top of you. “Fine, but you better prepare yourself. You’re gonna be sore for a whole new reason once you’re feeling better.”

Laughing, you wrap your arms around him, enjoying his warmth and weight on top of you. 

—-------

True to his word, a few days later, you really were sore for a totally different reason. As soon as you’d gotten the ok to leave from Nurse Blainey, and repeatedly confirmed your full recovery with Sebastian, he’d pounced. He didn’t let you leave the Room of Requirement for an entire day, pouring his affection into you until you barely remembered your own name, his the only one you’d said for hours. 

Walking the halls again, it was your first day attending classes after being released. Ominis had kindly taken notes for you and Sebastian in your absence, secretly delighted that you’d both been banned from leaving school grounds by Professor Weasley. 

Accompanied by the two boys, Sebastian’s arm wrapped around your waist possessively, you three made your way to the library to copy Ominis’s notes. You heard someone calling your name enthusiastically, and turned to see Garreth hurrying over to you with a big smile. 

“Hey! I’m so glad you’re feeling better! I heard my aunt banned you from leaving the castle. Good thing. I don’t usually agree with her, but you gave us quite the fright when you disappeared.” 

Nodding bashfully, you look down at the floor. “I’m sorry for worrying you like that. Certainly wasn’t the intent.” 

His eyes soften, and his tone quiets to something more private. “I also…really appreciate you getting Poppy out of there. I know it cost a lot.” 

Looking up, you shake your head at him, a small smile sitting on your face. “No need, Garreth. She’s important to me. I wasn’t about to let her stay. I knew someone would come get me.” 

Bringing an arm up behind his back, you wrap it around Sebastian’s waist, squeezing him against you. He returned the gesture, hand stroking up and down your spine afterward. Garreth finally acknowledged Sebastian and Ominis, greeting the latter warmly, before his smile faded as he regarded the former. You’d guessed that Poppy would tell Garreth about your fight with Sebastian, and from the unhappy tilt to the redhead’s mouth, your suspicions were confirmed. “Sallow.”

Sebastian got a pinched look on his face, but surprisingly didn’t glare at Garreth like usual. Instead he kept a cool, even tone as he addressed him. “Garreth.”

Your eyebrows shot to your hairline, briefly making surprised eye contact with Garreth as he mirrored your expression. Some of the ire left him in his shock, simply nodding in response before turning back to you. “So, graduation is fast approaching. Any idea what you’ll do afterwards?”

“Actually, I’d like to take Hekate’s place as-”

“Get married.”

You whip your head to look up at Sebastian, who stands there calmly, a slightly bored look on his face. He turns to you as you gape up at him, cocking an eyebrow. “What?”

Furrowing your brow, your eyes close as you pinch the bridge of your nose. “Why do you always do this? You’re so bad at asking for things.”

He got a skeptical look on his face. “Is that a ‘no’?”

“Well…no.”

A satisfied smile painted his lips, a smug aura rolling off him in waves. “Then I don’t see the problem.” 

“You-…You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

“Yeah, whatever. Don’t act like you don’t love it.”

#sebastian x reader #sebastian sallow x you #garreth weasley #ominis gaunt #poppy sweeting #natsai onai #hogwarts legacy #fanfic

[chickenlizard13]

Insatiable Thing

Pairing: Garreth Weasley x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 5529

Warnings: Fluff, Mature 18+ (definitely no kiddos)

Description: I'm having a great time. Sequel to Home to Me. Takes place in their 7th year.

Merlin, he looked good with his sleeves rolled up. 

You stood obscured by a large pillar, eyes raking up and down Garreth’s form as he faced away from you, chatting with a group of other students. He’d discarded his robes, leaving him in a fitted gray vest and black pants. Loosening his house tie, he’d also undone the first couple of buttons, displaying his freckled throat as he threw his head back, laughing attractively. 

You’d been playing a game of cat and mouse all day. Sending him teasing looks in class, disappearing when the Bell Tower rang, ghosting a hand over his back as you passed behind him in the hall, never letting him catch you. Which he tried, several times. His hand would shoot out in the direction of your touch, fingers just missing your wrist as you danced out of the way. It’d gotten to the point where he’d drop whatever conversation he was having and stalk after you, a primal look in his eyes, tracking you as you wove between the other students in escape. 

Unfortunately for Garreth, you were very good at hiding, vanishing around a corner and watching him growl in frustration at losing you again. However, Garreth could also be very clever when he wanted, so he’d taken measures to make himself more appealing to try and tempt you closer. Hence the rolled sleeves and unbuttoned collar, doing his best to seem unbothered by your antics. He knew you liked him in a more casual state of dress, and also knew his laid back attitude would infuriate you, causing you to get sloppy. 

A note floated lazily towards the group, circling around Garreth’s head once before he caught it in his hand. Nodding along with his friends, he opens the note, fingers tightening on the paper slightly, before folding it back up and nonchalantly placing it in his pocket. 

The conversation continues, Garreth seemingly unaffected by your note. You knew what he was doing. You knew what he was doing, and yet, it irked you to no end that he didn’t even flinch. You wanted to watch the wild desperation in his eyes as he searched the halls for you, see him slowly lose his sanity with each passing moment he didn’t have you. 

It was risky, but you were unable to resist the temptation as you thought of that frustrated look on his face, slinking out of your hiding spot to get closer. Even though he seemed relaxed, you knew he was on high alert and you’d have to make a hasty getaway before he caught you. 

Breezing up behind him, your hand caresses the nape of his neck, red curls tickling your fingers as you make your escape. Just as you turn to flee, a hand clamps onto your wrist, capturing you. Turning back, you see a triumphant fire blazing in Garreth’s gaze, a wicked smirk gracing his lips. 

“Hey sweetheart, there you are. I’ve been looking for you all day.” 

His tone is cheery, as if he were truly just greeting you after a day apart, but you could hear the danger behind it. A shiver raced down your spine, suddenly nervous that you may have pushed him a bit too far with your game. Hauling your front against his side, he tucked you under his arm, securing you to him. He leans down, giving you a sweet kiss on the cheek before whispering in your ear. “Caught you.” 

Pulling back, he smiles down at you pleasantly, turning back to finish his conversation while his fingers rub soothing circles into your shoulder. However, you were feeling anything but soothed, your heart pounding wildly in your chest, dreading the end of this conversation when you didn’t have the safety of other people. 

Garreth began saying his goodbyes, waving to the others as they headed to their next destination. He turns to you smiling sweetly again, removing his arm and interlacing your fingers together, kissing the back of your hand while leading you down the hall. He kept a casual pace, smiling at the people you passed, seemingly unhurried. You had no idea where you were going, Garreth refusing to tell you, only leaning down to whisper huskily in your ear. “You are in so much fucking trouble.”

Anticipation lit your blood on fire, your eyes nervous as you looked at him. He kissed your forehead as you walked, eventually stopping in front of an empty storage room. Opening the door, he gestures for you to go in first, pleasant smile still painted on his mouth, but his eyes tell you a different story. They dared you to run, promising grave consequences if you made him chase you. Gazing at him a moment, you consider bolting away, but know that in an all out sprint, he’d definitely catch you. 

Obediently, you walk into the closet, Garreth whispering ‘Good choice.’ as he follows quickly after you. Walking to the center of the room, you don’t turn around as you hear the door shut, or when you hear Garreth whisper a locking and silencing charm. When he’s finished, he walks up behind you, slotting himself against your back as he brings his lips to your ear. “You’ve been particularly cruel today, sweetheart.”

His breath tickles your skin as he runs his nose lightly along your neck, hands gently resting on your hips. “Not sure what I’ve done to receive such harsh treatment from you. As far as I know, I’ve been nothing but kind and loving. Doting, even.” 

Placing light kisses on your shoulder, he works his way back up to speak directly in your ear, another shiver running down your spine, helpless in his grasp. “And yet, you’ve left me like this-” Hands tugging you back, he grinds his cock into your ass, making sure you feel how hard he is. “-all day. Seems a little mean doesn’t it?” 

He traces one hand up your side, fingers coming to turn your head and tilt your chin up, giving you a chaste kiss before pulling back to look at you with hooded eyes. “It’s a really good thing you’re done with classes for the day. Don’t think you’d have enough time to hide all the marks I’m gonna put on your pretty neck, otherwise.” 

Beads of sweat broke out on your forehead, stomach flipping in excitement. You’d definitely pushed him too far, but you were eager to find out where this was going, unable to promise that you wouldn’t do it again in the future.

—-------

Hours. Hours later, the two of you finally exited the storage closet, Garreth carrying you gently. Your head lay on his shoulder, face tucked against his neck as you pouted into his skin. His hands supported your thighs, legs on either side of his hips, cradling your exhausted body as he walked back to the Gryffindor common room. You could practically feel the smug smile on his face. You huff in annoyance, drawing an amused chuckle from his chest. “I know, sweetheart. I was too much. I’m sorry.”

He most definitely was not sorry, if his pleased tone was anything to go by. “I can’t walk.” 

Humming, he kissed your temple lovingly, pride slipping into his voice. “I know.”

You don’t have the energy to be irritated, your exhausted body sinking further into his chest. He carries you all the way to his dorm, tucking you under the covers before climbing into bed after you. Garreth’s roommates don’t even bat an eye at your presence, very used to your frequent sleepovers, all of them assuming you’d fallen asleep studying again. 

Garreths crawls in behind you, drawing the curtains before settling down and wrapping one arm around your middle, worming the other under your head. He kisses your shoulder a few times, whispering an ‘I love you’ and tucking his face into your hair. You barely manage to give a tired ‘love you’ back before you’re fast asleep, comfortable and warm in the redhead’s arms. 

—-------

Days later, you’re walking past the potions classroom after visiting Sebastian and Ominis, when you spot Garreth working diligently inside. His back was to you, chopping ingredients for whatever brew bubbled in his cauldron. You admired him for a moment, smiling softly at the dedication and passion he put towards his craft. Strolling inside, you move to stand beside him, leaning your head on his arm silently. He immediately brings that arm around you in a half hug, kissing your forehead as he rests his hand just above your rear. “Hi.”

You smile up at him. “Hi.” 

“What brings you to my side of the castle today?” 

Rolling your eyes, you resist the urge to remind him that you’d had potions together not an hour ago and wrap your arms around his torso. “I just came from seeing Ominis and Sebastian.”

Garreth grunted at the mention of Sebastian, still not caring for the brunette after the events in your fifth year, but tolerating it for your sake. “Well good. I was just starting to miss your pretty face.” 

You laugh, earning a playful smile in return. “I don’t think I’ve been gone long enough for you to miss me.”

Still smiling, Garreth leans down, humming as he kisses your lips. “That’s what you think.” 

Heart fluttering, you kiss him once more, pulling away and leaning your head on his chest. “What’re you making, my love?” 

“Nothing exciting, just a few extra Wiggenweld potions.”

You quirk your eyebrow at him quizzically, waiting for an explanation. His smile turns into a smug smirk, a teasing lilt in his voice. “I just thought it’d be good to have some extra ones on hand, after the other day. Might have helped with your walking problem.” 

Clicking your tongue at him, you smack his chest lightly. “You were my walking problem.” 

He chuckles in amusement, giving you another lingering kiss. “I sure was.” 

Rolling your eyes again, you decide you’d had enough of his gloating and make to leave. “Well, my love, I’ll leave you and your enlarged ego in peace.” 

As you go to walk away, Garreth gently wraps a hand around your bicep, tugging you back to steal one last kiss. He pulls back just enough to speak, lips still brushing yours with a teasing smile. “My ego isn’t the only thing that’s enlarged.” 

Scoffing at him, you turn away, huffing as you leave. Garreth laughs at your irritation, and you feel a playful smack on your behind, turning to glare at him as he looks back at you innocently. His face relaxes as you turn back towards the door, watching you fondly as you walk away, already missing your presence beside him.

————-

You awoke to the gentle press of lips being scattered all over your face. Garreths long fingers scratching at your scalp lightly, attempting to rouse you from sleep. Squinting at the early morning light, you groan and hide your face in his neck, halting his soft barrage. He laughed, squeezing you tight against his chest. “Happy anniversary, sweetheart.” 

Humming in acknowledgement, you close your eyes again, content to let sleep whisk you away once more. Garreth chuckles again, a hand running up and down your back. “Do you plan to sleep the day away? I’d very much like to take you on a date at some point.” 

Whining, you try to shove yourself further into his neck, wrapping an arm around his middle so he can’t pry you off. “‘S the weekend. Lemme sleeeeeep.” 

Closing his eyes, a content smile rests on his face, fingers continuing to scratch your head. “But I haven’t seen you in so long. What if I get lonely?”

“My love, we went to bed eight hours ago.”

“Yeah, and that’s a whole eight hours of my life without your pretty face.” 

Knowing you weren’t going to win this one, you sigh heavily in defeat. You retract your face from his neck, squinting as you glare up at him. “You’re impossible. You’ve seen me every day for the past two years, and you couldn’t give me two more hours?”

Garreth smiles at your disgruntled face lovingly, pressing his lips to yours sweetly. “What can I say? No amount of time will ever be enough for me. I want it all.”

Huffing against his mouth, you let him do as he pleases, resigning yourself to being awake at this ridiculous hour. “Greedy.”

“For you? Immensely.” 

You roll your eyes fondly, whispering ‘dork’ under your breath, the word getting swallowed by Garreths lips. He gives you a few more lazy kisses, before shifting to lay partially on top of you, head resting on your chest. His arms worm their way underneath you, holding you close, as you card a hand through his hair, the other wrapping around his back. 

“So, what did you have planned for this date?”

Garreth sighs contentedly as he adjusts himself slightly, eyes closed as he speaks. “Well, I figured we could take a trip to Hogsmead, do a little shopping, maybe stop by The Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer, things of the like.” 

“What? No troll this year?”

Garreth laughs, thinking back to your last anniversary, where he’d tried to take you on a romantic picnic near a glen in the Forbidden Forest, only for a troll to come barging in half way through. 

“Not this year, sweetheart, but I’m sure we could find one if you’re really itching for a fight.” 

Shaking your head with an exasperated smile, you tell him that Hogsmead sounds great, excited to simply spend the day with him. The two of you continue laying there for another hour, talking quietly, lost in your own little world and ignoring everything going on outside Garreth’s bed curtains. 

—-------

Eventually, you do actually roll out of bed, putting on some heavier clothes for the walk to Hogsmeade. You take it slow, walking hand-in-hand as a light flurry of snow blankets the ground around you. By the time you get there, your noses are cold and your cheeks are flushed, but your smiles are warm as you head into the first shop. 

The two of you flit around Hogsmeade, popping in and out of various shops, stopping at Honeydukes for a treat, and even taking a stroll in the garden, greeting the hedge dragon as it shakes off the accumulated snow. 

As the sun gets lower in the sky, you meander your way to The Three Broomsticks, lightly arguing about Garreth’s spending habits. “My love, you don’t have to pay for everything all the time. I am certainly not hurting for galleons.” 

He scoffs at you. “What kind of gentleman would I be if I couldn’t treat the love of my life to a day on the town?”

You roll your eyes in exasperation. “You say that every time we go out.”

“Alright, fine. You can get the next one.” 

Approaching The Three Broomsticks, he grabs the door handle, opening it for you as you both step inside. There’s a knowing twinkle in his eye, and your voice is flat as you give him an unimpressed stare. “You also say that everytime, you liar.” 

He laughs heartily as he guides you to a table by the fireplace, leaving you briefly to head to the restroom, shouting at Sirona to not take a galleon from you no matter what. She shakes her head in amusement, making eye contact with you as you roll your eyes at her. You stay put, knowing Garreth would be pouty if he came back to find that you’d gone and purchased the butterbeers anyway. You busied yourself with looking at the paintings on the walls, enjoying the pleasant warmth of the fire as you waited for him. 

Suddenly, a tall presence appears beside you, and you turn towards it, assuming it’s Garreth. “Took you long enough. I thought I’d have to-”

Your teasing words die out as you realize the figure beside you is decidedly not Garreth. The unknown man gives you a flirty smile, eyebrows raising slightly at your words. “Oh? You were just waiting for me to come over here, weren’t you? Looks like your wish came true.”

Recoiling from him, you glance around to see if Garreth was on his way back, failing to spot him anywhere. “Oh, I’m sorry, um, I actually thought you were my-”

“What? Boyfriend? Come on now darlin’, no need to be embarrassed.” The man reached out and rested his hand dangerously high up on your thigh. “I’d be happy to take a pretty little thing like you home with m-”

His words are cut off by a large freckled hand clamping down on his shoulder, the fingers squeezing in warning. You look up to see Garreth standing behind him, a friendly smile plastered on his face, his eyes glued to the hand on your leg. “Hey there, friend. If you’d like to keep that hand intact, I suggest you remove it from my spouse’s thigh.” 

Your heart flutters at being referred to as Garreth’s spouse, eyes softening at him despite the tense situation. The stranger sneers, turning to look over his shoulder confrontationally, but freezes at the feral look in your boyfriend’s eyes. The friendly smile still stretches across his mouth, but fades a bit as the man stands there paralyzed, hand still firmly in place. 

“I won’t ask again.”

The man’s eyes widened at Garreth’s low, dangerous tone, all pleasantries gone from his cadence. The hand is torn from your thigh as the stranger scrambles to get away, spewing apologies as he hastily leaves the tavern. Garreth’s eyes track him the entire time, only turning back to you after the doors swing shut. He leans down, planting a possessive kiss on your lips as he places his hand on your thigh, exactly where the man’s had been. “You ok, sweetheart?” 

Nodding, you let him kiss you again. “Fine, my love, thank you.”

He hums in acknowledgement, hand stroking your leg idly. “Good. I hope it didn’t ruin the mood for you. Still want that drink?” 

You nod again, and Garreth turns to, very loudly and obviously, shout at Sirona again. “Sirona! A butterbeer for my lovely spouse, if you’d be so kind.”

She shakes her head again, having witnessed Garreth chase the unknown man out, amused at the warning aimed at the other patrons. Garreth hears you giggle at him, turning back to you with a half-smile and a cocked eyebrow. 

“We’re not married, my love.” 

He scoffs playfully at you, grabbing your left hand and bringing it to his lips, kissing your ring finger. “Not at the moment, but if you think for one second we’re not getting married, we might need to take a trip to St. Mungos to get your head checked.” 

Your heart swoons. Garreth sends you a wink before walking to the bar for your drinks, eyes narrowed as he glares at the other patrons, daring them to try something. You watch him go, gaze lingering on those broad shoulders, almost drooling as he leans his forearms on the counter to chat with Sirona a moment. You feel a bit hot under the collar, thinking about how territorial he’d been only moments before, and itch to get him alone, growing slightly impatient with the wait. 

—-------

You’d wandered back to the castle sometime after dark, heading straight to the Room of Requirement for a late dinner, courtesy of Deek. Thanking the kind elf, you told him to take the night off, promising at his insistence, that you’d call for him if needed. You weren’t exactly sure what house elves did in their spare time, but Deek seemed excited as he bid you both goodnight. 

Blankets and pillows had been piled in front of the fire, dinner and drinks already laid out and waiting for your return. Music played softly from a record player in the corner, the two of you dancing to it slowly once you’d eaten. 

Laying your head on Garreth’s chest, you release a content sigh, swaying back and forth as you listen to him hum to the music quietly. Eventually, you end up back on the floor, cuddled up in front of the crackling fire. Garreth lay behind you, arms pulling you tight against him, so that no space remained. You unconsciously drew lazy hearts on his hand with your finger, bringing a small smile to his face. 

“I was serious, you know.” 

Your fingers continue their idle tracing, even as you give him your full attention. “About what, my love?” 

His arms tighten slightly, trying to pull you closer. “Marrying you.” 

Laughing lightly, a teasing smile appears on your lips. “I certainly hope so, otherwise, the wedding invitations I’ve already sent out would be incredibly embarrassing.” 

He chuckles at you, propping himself up on an elbow and bringing his knuckles to caress your cheek as you look up at him. A soft smile rests on his face, eyes hooded as he gazes at you, memorizing your features for a moment before speaking. 

“You make me so happy.” 

His words are whispered, private, but he might as well have screamed them with how loudly they echoed in your ears. Your eyes instantly tear up as you look at him, his face filled with so much love and devotion it becomes hard to breathe. He notices your teary eyes and uses his fingers to catch each drop, shushing you with quiet apologies, brows furrowed. “Hey, hey, hey I’m sorry sweetheart, I didn’t mean to make you cry.”

Garreth leans down, kissing your tears away, thumb rubbing your jaw with soothing strokes. Your hand comes up and grabs his wrist tenderly, halting his delicate kisses as he gazes back at you. Your eyes dart around his face a moment, taking in every lovely detail before parting your mouth, words watery as they escape your lips. 

“I can’t wait to marry you.” 

Garreth sucks in a sharp breath, wasting no time in planting his lips passionately on yours. He kisses you deliberately, pouring all his love into the slow slide of his mouth, making sure you feel how much he needs you. 

Loving kisses quickly turn hungry, Garreth climbing over you to slot himself between your legs, lips never parting from you. Both of your hands find his hair, fingers tightening at the slow roll of his hips, pulling a groan from his chest. He drags his hardening cock along your center purposefully, as he licks into your mouth, grazing your bottom lip sensually with his teeth. Whimpering, your hips roll to meet him, the slow delicious grind making your head dizzy. 

Capturing your wrists, he pins them above your head with one hand, while the other starts a slow exploration across your skin. His fingers expertly undo each button of your blouse, achingly slow, teasing your flesh with the slight brush of his fingers as he pops each one. Your hands strain against him as you gasp desperately into his mouth, silently begging him to go faster, but he continues his maddening pace despite it all. 

Garreth doesn’t unbutton your top fully, stopping when there’s just enough room to pull the pieces apart and expose your chest. He says nothing as he moves to forge a blazing trail down your neck, kissing and licking his way to a sensitive nipple, giving it a languid swipe with his tongue. You curse quietly, back arching off the floor towards his scorching mouth, wanting him to give you more. 

He pays equal attention to both nipples, sucking at them intermittently, spurred on by the constant choruses of ‘yes’ and ‘please’ spilling mindlessly from your lips. Pulling away slightly, his mouth hovers over your chest as he looks up at you, green eyes devouring your needy expression.

“What’re you asking for, sweetheart?”

You can feel his breath ghosting over your nipple, still wet from his saliva, and it rips a quiet wail from your throat. “Anything! Anything you want.”

Garreth pauses a moment, gazing at you in wicked consideration. “Anything I want?” 

Your hips roll desperately on their own at the animalistic tone in his voice, chest heaving as you throw your head back on the floor, nodding wildly. Garreth crawls his way up to you, eyes focused, muscles flexing as he leans down to purr directly in your ear. 

“I want to taste you.” 

A kiss lands on your jaw.

“Can I do that?”

Sobbing, your hips rut against him. “Fuck yes.”

He hums in approval, releasing your wrists as he makes his slow journey south, savoring every inch of skin he can get his mouth on. Hands free, your fingers grip the blankets underneath you tightly, needing something to ground you. Your bottoms are removed from you with ease, leaving you in only your half buttoned top, the fabric grazing your overly sensitive skin. 

Garreth settles himself between your legs, eyes drinking you in, a soft moan escaping him at the sight of you. “So fucking pretty.”

Teeth scrape the inside of your thigh as he nips at you, placing an apologetic kiss over the small hurt. He looks absolutely sinful between your legs, his lips kissing the skin reverently, but never placing them where you needed. 

“You know-” The maddening press of his mouth continues even as he speaks. “-that note you sent me the other day has been on my mind.” 

Another nip, followed by a soothing kiss. “You really shouldn’t send me things like that in public, sweetheart.” 

His tongue comes out to lick a long stripe, so, so close to where you needed it. “Telling me how much you like my shoulders, how pretty your legs would look over them…do you know what that did to me?” 

Fingers clamped down on your hips to prevent you from moving, as Garreth gets a predatory look in his eye, his teeth sinking in a bit deeper. “After enduring your relentless teasing, watching you run away from me all day? Do you know how hard it was to maintain a conversation, when all I wanted to do, was tear your clothes off and devour you in the middle of the fucking hall?” 

Frustrated tears gathered in your eyes, watching the wicked pleasure Garreth got from leaving you hanging, pleading for any scrap he would give you. He hovered right over your most sensitive spot, staring at your desperate face. 

“How could you be so cruel to me?”

His breath ghosted over you gently, but it sent you bucking wildly against his hands, wailing loudly enough the whole school could probably hear you. “My love, please!” 

“…Well, since you asked so nicely.”

Garreth finally put his mouth on you, tongue laving at you as an appreciative groan tore out of his chest. Throwing your head back, you practically scream his name as he sucks on you. Your hands fly to his hair, gripping it tightly, unsure if they wanted to push him away or pull him closer. Not that you had much choice, now that Garreth had his mouth on you, it would be a hard fight to get him off, the redhead moaning almost as much as you. 

His eyes rolled back in his head as he devoured you, a string of praises flowing out of his mouth whenever he came up for air. “You taste so fucking good. Merlin, I needed this.” 

You were so close, and he knew you were so close, growling as he egged you on, demanding you cum. “I know it’s in there. I can feel it. It’s mine. Give it to me.” 

Suddenly, you felt him shove two fingers inside you, and you completely fell apart. Your orgasm rocked through you, cumming so hard it almost hurt. You could only sob his name, body shaking violently as he worked you through it, fingers barely moving with how tight you were squeezing him. 

It felt like hours until you started to come down, Garreth’s tongue lapping at you lazily as his fingers continue to pump in and out slowly. You try to push his head away from your sensitive center, but he refuses to budge, looking up at you with a devilish glint in his eye. “Oh, you thought we were done? Sorry, sweetheart, I haven’t had my fill of you yet.” 

He puts his mouth back on you, ignoring your cries of oversensitivity. You try to wiggle away from him, but he pulls you back, laying an arm across your hips to hold you down. “Where the hell do you think you’re going? Don’t you dare try to run from me.” 

Garreth’s pace is punishing, driving you to the edge as quickly as possible. You had tears running down your face from the overstimulation, but you’d be lying if you said you didn’t love it, that’s why you’d purposefully drive him out of his mind. Of course he knew, he knew you loved this. Knew you wanted him to make you cum over, and over, and over again. Knew you’d never be satisfied with just one orgasm, so he kept going, ignoring your showy attempts at stopping him. 

Your hands pushed his head as close to you as they could, chanting his name until your voice was raw, his unrelenting ministrations pushing you over the edge once more. Mind whiting out, your chest heaved with sobs, Garreth removing himself from you once you’d come down. 

Crawling up your body, he places gentle kisses into your skin, running his hands over you soothingly. Quiet praises were spoken into your skin, your body relaxing and becoming pliant under his touch. “So good. You did so good for me. I love you so much.” 

Garreth settles himself on top of you, letting his weight ground you as he brings you back to earth. You can feel his aching cock resting between your legs, neglected, and you muster just enough energy to rock your hips against him, earning a hiss in return. 

He lets you rock against him, chuckling breathlessly into your hair. “You sure, sweetheart? Got one more in there for me?” 

Too tired to form actual words at the moment, you simply nod at him, moaning slightly as he begins to grind back. Pushing himself up, he doesn’t even bother undressing, only pulling his trousers down enough to free his flushed cock. Impatient to be inside you. Lining himself up, he pushes in slowly, panting heavily at the feel of you. He runs his hands up and down your thighs comfortingly, stilling once he’s fully seated. “You ok, my love? Need a second?” 

Shaking your head, you wiggle your hips as best you can, wanting him to feel as good as he makes you feel. He laughs breathlessly, petting your hips as he starts grinding into you. “It’s alright, sweetheart. You don’t have to do anything. I know you’re tired. Just relax and let me take care of you, ok?” 

He fucks you languidly, savoring the drag of his cock as he moves, content to prolong his pleasure as long as you’ll let him. You can see the adoration in his eyes as he looks down at you, proud to have made you an absolute wreck. Desire starts to build back up in your chest, a familiar ache in your core causing you to moan louder, muscles tensing in anticipation. 

“Yeah, my love? What do you need? Need me to go faster?”

You can do little more than nod at him, whining needily as his hips begin to snap forward, eager to give you what you wanted. He fell forward onto his elbows, the new angle driving his cock deeper, pushing right up against that spot inside you. Your fingers clawed at his back, spurring him on, desperate for you to finish on him. 

“Come on, sweetheart. Give me one more.” 

Garreth tucked his face into your neck, wrapping both his arms under your lower back, helping angle you just a bit more. It had you seeing stars, and the grinding of his cock combined with his breathless pleas in your ear had you tumbling over the edge for the third time that night. Garreth swore loudly and snapped his hips forward a few more times before spilling inside of you, twitching as you convulsed around him. 

You both lay there in a daze, remaining connected, just enjoying the afterglow. You ran your fingers through his hair, kissing his temple repeatedly as you professed your love. 

Laying boneless on top of you, you wondered if he’d fallen asleep, his breathing slow and even. That is, until he lifts his head just enough to kiss you gently. He rubs his nose against yours delicately, taking you in as you lay together.

 “How are you feeling, my love? Everything ok? All done?” 

Pausing, you take stock of your body, waiting a moment before answering. “Mmmmm…I think I’d like one more.”

Huffing in amusement, Garreth kisses you again, just feeling you against him, unhurried. “I knew it. Insatiable thing.”

He kissed you a few more times, before pulling away to whisper mischievously against your lips, a delighted smile gracing his handsome face. 

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

#garreth weasley #garreth weasley x reader #garreth weasley x you #hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #ominis gaunt

[chickenlizard13]

Masterlist

Ominis Gaunt:

All You've Done

Let Me See

Stay Right Here

Sebastian Sallow:

Catching Up To Do

Too Far Away

No One Else

Garreth Weasley:

Home to Me

Insatiable Thing

#ominis gaunt #sebastian sallow #garreth weasley #hogwarts legacy #ominis gaunt x reader #garreth weasley x reader #sebastian sallow x reader

[chickenlizard13]

Let Me See

Pairing: Ominis Gaunt x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 4742

Warnings: Fluff, Mature 18+ (get outta here you kids)

Description: I’m really just doing whatever I want at this point. Can be read as a sequel to All You’ve Done, but can also be read as a standalone. Prequel to Stay Right Here.

Holding the box in your lap, you bounce your knees impatiently, awaiting Ominis’s return. You sat on the couch, fearing he’d take the gift as an insult, rather than the assistance it was meant to be. 

Grabbing your journal from the side table, you read the incantation again, and again, and again, knowing it by heart but still afraid you’d make a mistake. It was getting late, a heavy rainstorm obscuring the front gate of the property, making you all the more anxious. Ominis was always punctual, if not early, so it concerned you that he still hadn’t walked through the front door. 

Taking a few calming breaths, you reminded yourself that Ominis was incredibly capable, more so than you at times, so it wouldn’t do to sit around worrying. 

Standing up, you gingerly place the box on the couch, heading into the kitchen to make tea. Ominis would certainly appreciate a hot cup after the cold storm. You’d just put the pot on the flames, when two freezing hands appeared on your hips. Yelping, you turn around to an absolutely soaked Ominis, grinning down at you mischievously.

“Hello, darling.”  

“Ominis! I don’t understand how you keep doing this. Why is it, I can level an entire poacher camp alone, but I never hear you sneaking up behind me?” His grin widened as he took a step towards you, the puddle forming at his feet growing larger.

“It’s not my fault you keep letting your guard down. Perhaps you’ve become rusty?” 

Scoffing, a drop from his wet hair lands directly on your forehead, startling you. “My love, go change. Those clothes can’t be comfortable.” 

You try to move out of his grasp, but find yourself being tugged back, your hands landing on soaked biceps. 

“I’m actually quite comfortable right here.”

Water continues to drip on you from his hair as you squirm, laughing in his arms, his smile becoming more maniacal the longer you struggle. “Ominis! Release me you scoundrel, you’re soaked! Go dry off!” 

Instead, he hauls your body right up against him, shoving his face into the crook of your neck. You again squeal at him to let go, but he refuses to budge. 

Finally he raises his face, kissing you sweetly on the lips, before pulling away slightly. You gaze up at him in annoyance, grimacing. “I’m wet.”

He chuckles playfully, humming as he kisses you again and whispers against your lips. “You will be.” 

Blushing, you smack him on the arm and he steals one last kiss before releasing you to change, laughing the whole way up the stairs. 

You look down at yourself, now also soaked, and shake your head, a small amused smile gracing your lips. Grabbing your wand, you dry yourself off and clean up the water Ominis had tracked into the kitchen. 

The house had once belonged to Professor Fig, and was passed to you upon his death. It sat isolated on a high cliff, overlooking the ocean. Wildflowers bloomed in the yard, their stalks shaking wildly as Ominis’s ever growing cat colony chased each other through the grass. 

You’d moved in immediately after seventh year, not having another place to go, and not wanting to return to the muggle world. Ominis had returned to the Gaunt estate at first, but showed up at your doorstep in hysterics late one night, cursing his family name and the marriage they’d tried to force on him. You’d ushered him through the door, and he never walked back out. 

It’d been several years since then, and every day you were grateful to have him. At times, you had to stop and steady yourself, awed by the love he bestowed on you constantly. You thought it a crime that his family attempted to rob him of his gentle soul, and you swore to pay them back tenfold if they ever tried again. 

The tea pot whistled loudly, drawing you out of your thoughts. Grabbing two cups, you bring the tea out to the living room, startling slightly when you see Ominis standing by the couch, back to you. 

He’d changed into dry comfortable clothes, turning around when he heard you enter. In one hand he held the box you’d set on the couch, in the other, he held the contents of said box. 

“Darling, this was on the sofa. Is it yours?” You set the tea down on a table and walk over to him.

“It’s yours actually.” 

He quirks an eyebrow at you. “A scarf? I have plenty of scarves my love, something you remind me of constantly.” 

Rolling your eyes, you worm your way under his arm, hugging his side,  arms wrapping around his waist. “It’s not just any scarf, you silly man.” 

He makes a curious sound in the back of his throat as he leans his head on top of yours. “Care to enlighten me?” 

Back at Hogwarts, Natty informed you of a certain charm taught at Uagadou. The spell allowed the caster to see through the eyes of a familiar. You’d immediately thought about Ominis, that maybe he’d be interested in trying it out, but Natty said that she wasn’t sure if it’d work on someone who was already blind. Thus, began the long journey of trial and error, often forcing Sebastian to play guinea pig with a blindfold. 

Once you were sure you’d perfected the charm for your purposes, you’d gotten to work on the familiar part. Natty was very specific, stating that the caster and familiar had to have a deep connection, and Ominis wasn’t overly fond of most beasts. He loved the cats of course, but you wouldn’t say there was one he favored in particular. 

Then the thought came to you, perhaps if you made something yourself, and then transfigured it into an animal, your connection with Ominis would translate over. Honestly, you’d have probably been able to show him sooner, if learning to knit hadn’t taken so long. 

Now though, everything was finally ready. Ominis held a cream colored scarf in his hand, both of your initials embroidered in the corner. “Why don’t you sit down, my love.” 

Ominis cocks his brow at you, but obeys, sitting down and patting the seat next to him. You sit and take his unoccupied hand in yours, lacing your fingers together.

“So, I’ve been working on something, for you, for quite a long time now, and I think it’s finally ready.” 

His thumb swept back and forth across your hand, body turned towards you attentively. “The scarf? You made it?” 

Nodding, you continue your explanation. “That’s not all. I- There’s a spell that would allow someone to use a familiar to…see.” 

You felt his fingers tighten on yours as his brows furrowed. “But I…I don’t have a familiar. How would-“

“That’s where the scarf comes in. I’m going to transfigure it.” 

Ominis breathed out, not saying anything more. You would be worried that he was cross with you, if not for the thumb still stroking lazy circles on the back of your hand. “And…you’ve been working on this? For how long?”

You pressed your lips together, unable to read his face to tell what he was feeling. “Since our seventh year.” 

Ominis sucked in a breath, his voice coming out in a whisper. “That long?” 

He clutched the scarf in his hand, holding it close to him, voice just above a whisper. “Show me.”

Squeezing his hand reassuringly, you take out your wand, and waving it over the scarf, you watch as it transfigures into a smooth white snake. You just thought he’d look so good with a snake draped over his shoulders, making such a striking image combined with his pressed jackets and manicured hair. He smirked slightly at you, raising an eyebrow in amusement. 

“A snake? Really?” 

“Shut up. Are…Are you ready?” 

His face becomes serious again, hesitating only a moment before nodding his head. You took a deep breath, praying for success. He closed his eyes, squeezing your hand as you cast the spell. You were sure to be extra careful with your pronunciation, placing your wand on the table when you finished. He waited a beat before cracking an eye open, sucking in a breath and snapping it shut again. 

You reached for him, heart sinking, fearing the worst. Before your hands could get too far, he was shoving his face into your shoulder, eyes still pinched shut. “Ominis, what’s wrong? Did it not-”

“It worked. I’m just- I just need a moment.” You could feel him take calming breaths against your skin, allowing him to stay there until he was ready. Slowly, he leaned back, eyes still shut. Blinking slowly, he opened them, taking in the carpet under his feet. He studied the patterns, following the black swirls, before looking at the fireplace. The snake’s head mirrored his movements, silently showing him what he wanted. He sat mesmerized by the fire for a moment, before looking back at the carpet, the snake moving in sync. 

“What…what color is that?”

You didn’t take your eyes off him, knowing what he was asking about. “Red.”

He mouthed the word, staring for a moment more, before turning his gaze to look at you. It looked like all the air left his body as he locked eyes with you, his breath shuddering out of him. “...oh.” 

His eyes darted around your face, a stricken look on his features, mouth slightly open. You didn’t know what he meant, feeling slightly self conscious under his attention, resisting the urge to cross your arms in front of you. You’d never felt insecure in your relationship, but suddenly you worried he didn’t like what he saw, nervous it would have a negative effect on his feelings for you. 

You unintentionally shied away from his intense scrutiny, and his hand shot out to your face, chasing you. “Please don’t run.”

He swallowed, still staring at you with wide eyes. “I’m-I’m sorry, it’s just…that’s…that’s what you look like? I- How- How did you end up with…me?” 

You looked at him bewildered, his eyes drinking in the new expression. “How did I…end up with you? Ominis I- because you’re kind, and generous, and-”

“But you just look so…I don’t- I can’t articulate how-” He stopped abruptly, releasing an irritated huff at his fumbling. 

You realized that he’d never seen himself before. He didn’t know how beautiful he was. Standing suddenly, you haul him up, dragging him to the nearest mirror. The snake slithered up his arm, resting its long body around his shoulders, head turning quickly as Ominis tried to look at every object you passed. 

You lead him to a mirror hanging in the hall, stopping in front of it. “How did you end up with me? My love, take a look at yourself.” 

He turned his attention to the mirror, eyes wide. His hand came up to touch his face. “Are these…moles? I have so many.” 

Hugging one arm, you lean your head against him, watching him inspect himself. You smile lovingly, fingers running up and down his arm lightly. 

He watched in the mirror as you watched him, the look on your face striking him in the chest. Was this how you always looked at him? Even having now seen himself, he truly couldn’t fathom why you chose him. He thought he looked so plain compared to you. You were…Merlin you were beautiful. He’d known that of course, his wand giving him a vague idea of your facial structure, but it was nothing compared to this. He could see the slightest change to your expression, the color of your skin, your eyes. It was overwhelming. 

“You have to stop doing this.” 

Scrunching your brow, you shake your head at him, not understanding.

“Every time I think I can’t possibly fall more in love with you, you give me another reason. What am I supposed to do? Nothing I can give you will ever hold a candle to what you’ve given me.” 

Shaking your head, you try to object, but Ominis continues on. “I’d endure every terrible thing in my life, all of it, all over again if it meant you’d be there waiting for me.”

You turn your face away, hiding your watery eyes. He squeezes your hand, a soft smile painting his face, his voice intimate. “Thank you, my love.”

You sat together in silence for a moment longer, just basking in each other's presence. Eventually, he asks you to disenchant the snake and turn it back into a scarf, informing you that he was feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. You did as he asked, taking care to place the scarf back in the box carefully, saving it for another time. 

He held you close that night, limbs entangled, your face tucked into his neck as he combed his fingers through your hair. Basking in your warmth and replaying your image in his head. 

—————

It’d been a few days since then, the both of you sitting at the kitchen table enjoying a peaceful morning. You gazed out the window at the rising sun, sipping your coffee, lost in thought. Ominis stroked his fingers on the back of your hand idly, an enchanted book in the other hand, seemingly engrossed in the words. In reality, Ominis’s attention was elsewhere, mulling over the events of the days prior. 

He’d used the scarf a handful of times, for short periods as it was still quite overwhelming, preferring to use his wand for most things. 

However, a thought continuously ran through his mind every time he saw you. He loved seeing the little expressions that were often lost to him, treasuring each one, but as time went on his eyes would drift lower, wondering what you’d look like under your clothes. He’d trace the contours of your body, his hands lightly following the path his eyes blazed.

He wanted desperately to peel your layers off, slowly exploring your skin with his lips, wondering what color you’d turn with his mouth on you. 

What he wasn’t thrilled about, was the large snake he’d have to wrap around his shoulders, wearing it the entire time he ravaged you. He turned the thought over in his mind, pondering possible solutions, and the things you’d said about the nature of the spell itself.

“Darling, may I ask you something?”

You turned your head towards him, eyes blinking slowly as you came out of your distracted daze. “Of course, my love, anything.” 

He paused for a moment, mindlessly stroking your hand in thought. “That spell, does it only work on animals?” 

You cocked your head, to the side, considering his inquiry. “I’m…not sure. The spell specifies that a connection is required, but I don’t know if it’s strictly limited to beast companions. Why do you ask?”

Ominis hummed in thought. “Simply curious.”

 

You nodded, squeezing his hand. “I’ll do some research today while you’re at work.” 

Smiling, he gently brought your hand to his lips, kissing your knuckles lightly. “Thank you, darling.”

—————

It took a couple more days, and a brief trip to see Natty, but you think you’d done it. Ominis sat in front of you on the couch waiting patiently, a nervous buzz beneath his skin. He closed his eyes in anticipation, until he felt the now familiar feeling of the spell taking effect. 

Opening his eyes, he was startled with the image of himself sitting on the couch. It was interesting watching his own reactions, finding coordination difficult as you sat across from him. 

You watched him flail about for a moment, unsure of how to match his movements to what he was seeing. Standing, you take the seat next to him. “Better?”

He nods, and turns his face to you, disappointed when he only sees himself looking back. This wouldn’t do at all. His brows furrowed, a pout forming on his lips. “I can’t see you.” 

You chuckle and grab his hand, guiding him once more to the large mirror in the hall. Standing in front, you gesture to your reflection. “Problem solved.” 

Ominis slots himself up behind you, winding his arms around your torso as he places his chin on your shoulder, a wicked smirk tugging at his lips. “Problem solved indeed.” 

There was something in his voice that sent a shiver down your back, but you watched him start to place light, lingering kisses on your neck. You stood there, tilting your head to give him better access, to which he groaned in appreciation, his kisses becoming a bit more forceful. 

You continued to watch him in the mirror as he worked his way up your neck, flinching when he bit your ear playfully. He laughed quietly in amusement, enjoying every expression you gave him and moved his hands to your hips, squeezing them. 

“Ominis…” Panting slightly, an aroused flush appeared high on your cheek bones, as a needy ache formed between your legs. Pleased hums reverberated against your back, Ominis’s hand traveling upward, brushing your nipple through your clothing. You jerk against him again, a second brush of his thumb pulling a small whimper from you. 

Ominis groaned as he watched you, feeling giddy and a bit clumsy, as if this were your first time all over again. He knew the contours of your body like the back of his hand, but savored every twitch and whimper as his eyes devoured you hungrily. 

He kept his gaze fixed on your face, head spinning at the furrow of your brow and half lidded eyes, lips parted slightly, breathing heavy. His hand gripped your chest fully, sucking at your neck with fervor, a breathy whine escaping his lips at your lustful expression. He detached himself from you momentarily to speak. “You’re telling me…this is what you look like when I touch you?” 

He ground his hard dick into your ass, hands tugging your hips tight against him. “I haven’t even undressed you yet, and you already look like this?” 

Reaching a hand up, you close your eyes and slam his mouth down onto yours in a passionate kiss. He moans into your mouth, disappointed he could no longer see you, but loving the desperation with which you kissed him. Twisting in his arms, you stand on your toes, winding your arms around his neck to keep him close. 

Ominis wrapped his arms around you, stroking your sides as he pushed his tongue past your lips. Suddenly, he rips himself from you, panting a demand into your mouth. “Upstairs. Now.” 

You waste no time grabbing his hand and clumsily leading him up the stairs, both of you tripping in your excitement. He kicked the door shut behind him, tugging on your hand forcefully, bringing you back into another searing kiss. He had one hand on your face and the other gripping a handful of clothing at your waist, spinning you around to push you against the door. 

His hand traveled from your waist, skimming your thigh before lifting your leg to his hip, giving him better access to grind his lower body into you. Moaning, your hands find his hair, pulling on it while you pant his name between sloppy kisses. 

“Is there a mirror in this room?” The words are growled against your mouth and it takes your brain a moment to process his question. 

“A- A  mirror? I- um, n-no I don’t- I don’t think there is.” It was hard to think with him grinding his hard cock into you, creating such delicious friction. He kissed you again, unable to stay detached for too long. 

“Then make one.”

Your legs wobbled at his demanding tone, unsure if you’d even be able to make it to your wand on the bedside table. “M-My wand…it’s oh Merlin- it’s on the table by Ominis- by my side of the bed.” 

Groaning, he tugged you from the door, lips never leaving yours as his hands caressed you every place they could reach. The both of you fumbled your way to the bed, your hand blindly searching the table for your wand, almost knocking it on the floor. 

Tearing your mouth from his momentarily, you transfigure your bureau into a huge mirror sitting on the far wall. The image of your disheveled appearance, with Ominis wrapped around you, appeared in the reflection. 

Ominis whimpered loudly, rolling his hips into you hard. “Merlin, my love, I can’t- you look so good. Did I- Did I do that to you?.”

Your eyes roll back at the awe in his voice, barely able to stand. His hands tug at your clothes with purpose, cursing under his breath. “Get these wretched things off.” 

Tearing at your clothes, you’re eager to comply, ripping the clothes from your body as he does the same. When you finish, he climbs backwards onto the bed, hands tugging you along with him. He lets his hands explore your body as he kisses you, fingers traveling lower, feeling the wetness between your legs. 

“So wet. All for me. All mine.” 

You loved when he got possessive like this, but today especially, he seemed so wild, like a beast in heat. You’re abruptly turned around, Ominis settling behind you once more. Craning your neck, you go to question him, but the words die in your mouth when you catch a glimpse of your reflection. 

All you see is your naked body on full display, Ominis hovering over your shoulder, staring at your reflection hungrily. Becoming a bit self conscious, you try to cover yourself, but your hands are immediately ripped from your body, his grip tight on your wrists. 

“Don’t you dare.” 

Whimpering you try to tug your hands from him. “Ominis, it’s a bit- it’s embarras-“

“I don’t care. Let me look at you.” Growling his words directly into your ear, he releases your hands, peppering wet kisses on your shoulder. Ominis brings one hand to your chest, rolling your nipple between his fingers while the other travels lower, skimming your stomach. Your breathing picks up again as you watch it, anticipation replacing anxiety. 

His hand stops just short of where you want it, stroking the skin possessively. “Don’t even think about closing your eyes. I won’t miss a single second of you coming undone.” 

Before you could respond, his fingers plunged the rest of the way, finally where you wanted them. You automatically close your eyes as you let out a shameless whine, but immediately feel him halt his movements. “What, did I just say?” 

Forcing your eyes open, you train them on your entangled bodies in the mirror. “Good. So good.” 

He continued his movements, fingers driving you higher and higher almost tipping you over the edge, but it wasn’t enough. You start moving your hips against his hand, making sure to rub his leaking cock against your ass. His movements falter and he tucks his face against your shoulder for a moment, breathing frantic and heavy.

“Ominis, my love, I need- Merlin, I need more. Please. More.” Emphasizing your plea with the grinding of your hips, it only takes a moment before Ominis rips his fingers from you, leaning back on his heels a bit to line his aching cock up with your entrance. 

“As you wish, darling.” 

He pushes into you slowly, maintaining enough self restraint to still be gentle, knowing you’d need a moment to adjust to his size. You cried out at the full feeling, a string of whispered encouragements falling from your lips. You struggled to keep your eyes open, but were rewarded with the sight of Ominis, completely wrecked as he shoved himself inside of you. 

Once he was fully seated, he stilled a moment just breathing, his face resting in the crook of your neck. He waited a bit longer than you would have liked, so you attempted to buck against him, trying to coax him into moving. Instead an arm clamped around your front, preventing you from moving, while the other hand came to cover your eyes. 

As you were about to ask, you felt a wetness on your shoulder, startling you. “My love, what’s wro-“ 

“I’m sorry, my darling, I just- I just need a moment.” His voice was quiet, words watery as he kept still, holding you. Tears silently ran down your back, as Ominis released shaky breaths into your skin, arm tightening around you.

“I love you. So much. It’s- Sometimes I get overwhelmed by how much I love you, and this…treasure you’ve given me is- is…my love, I can’t even begin to tell you what it means to me. You deserve so much more than I can give you. I’m sorry, but…I don’t- I don’t think I could live without you anymore.” Ominis sobbed his words into your shoulder, one of your hands clamped on his arm, and the other gripped the back of his head, trying your best to hold him in your current position. 

The tears stopped a moment later, and he lifted his head to place a few loving kisses on your lips, hand still covering your eyes. Sniffing slightly, he nudged your nose with his, whispering an apology. “I’m sorry for ruining the moment, darling.”

Laughing quietly, you card your fingers comfortingly through his hair. “No moment with you is ruined, my love.” 

You wiggle your hips a bit, reminding him of your current situation. “However, I would still like to finish, if you’re up for it.” 

Chuckling in amusement, some of the fire came back to his chest. Kissing your shoulder a few times, he moves to speak directly in your ear. “Always.” 

He starts out slow, grinding his hips into yours, trying to build your desire back up to where it had been. His hand comes off your eyes, and you immediately open them to look at your reflections. Ominis moans as your image floods his mind once more, hips starting to move faster. “So fucking pretty.” 

Shuddering at his praise, needy whines fight their way out of your throat, begging him to go faster. Obliging you, his hips snap forward at a wild pace, his chin hooked over your shoulder to keep you close. “I can’t- my love, I don’t think I can last much longer. I need you to- oh Merlin darling, I need you to cum. Please. I need it so badly.” 

Ominis trails one hand down your front and starts working you in time with his thrusts. Your eyes roll to the back of your head, struggling to keep them open. “No, no, no, my love, please keep your eyes open. I want to -fuck, I want to watch you fall apart. Please, let me. Please?” 

His thrusts get sloppy as he speeds up, fingers stroking you so perfectly. He whispers praises into your ear. Telling you how good you are for him, how much he loves you, how much he needs you, how desperately he wants you to cum. His pleading whispers hurl you over the edge and you force your eyes to stay open for him. 

He sobs at the sight of you, finishing as soon as he feels you convulse around him. Emptying himself inside you, his hips keep twitching and grinding, prolonging both of your pleasure. Lips brush your neck as he speaks praises into your skin, thanking you for staying with him, for loving him. 

The room was silent, save for your combined panting, the two of you trading comforting caresses as you come down. You allowed the spell to fade, Ominis eventually pulling himself from you to find a cloth, not needing his wand to navigate your shared home. Once he returned, he wiped you down with gentle, practiced motions, kissing your skin with an ‘I love you’ every now and then. Once he’d finished, Ominis tossed the cloth into some dark corner of the room, a problem for tomorrow. Laying down, he pulls you into his chest with a pleased sigh, kissing your forehead twice before settling. 

You’re both quiet for a long time, Ominis rubbing lazy, contemplative circles between your shoulder blades. The feel of his fingers and the beat of his heart lulling you into near sleep, only interrupted by his quiet voice. 

“Marry me.” 

Eyes closed, you smile to yourself. So demanding. 

“When?” 

“Tomorrow.”

You huff in amusement, too tired to do much more. “I’ll owl Anne and Sebastian then.”

His lips stretch into a sweet smile against your forehead.

“I already did.” 

#hogwarts legacy #ominis gaunt x reader #fanfic #ominis gaunt #romance

[chickenlizard13]

Hey there! Absolutely loved “all you’ve done”! Can’t wait for the next chapter(hopefully there’ll be one!!??:o) are you on archiveofourown by any chance?

Working on it! They just sent me the official invite email today :)

I don’t know if I’d call it a second chapter, but I am planning a sort of sequel to All You’ve Done

[chickenlizard13]

Catching Up To Do

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 8122

Warnings: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff

Description: Happens during their 7th year.

Too Far Away (Part 2) No One Else (Part 3)

It’d been a hard year. Well, almost two really, but who was actually counting?

You were. And Ominis. It felt like the two of you kept track of each second Sebastian was gone. Not just gone, disappeared. After Solomon had been killed in the catacomb, triggering Anne’s departure, Sebastian just…vanished. Not a word to either of you.

You’d spent those first few months searching. Every night, every holiday, every weekend. You and Ominis would hole up in the cold, empty Sallow home, praying he’d wander in. He’d made some awful, terrible, wicked decisions, but every night you spent flying over the hamlets, all you could see were his wide eyes as he watched Anne cradle Solomon’s lifeless body. He’d just been a boy, helpless, trying to save something he loved more than life when it seemed everyone else had given up. It’s like he’d been stuck in quicksand, the harder he fought, the faster he sank.

At first, you were angry. Angry at him for leaving you and Ominis to pick up the pieces, angry at him for pushing things so far, angry at yourself for letting him. You’d fooled yourself, believing he’d stop if you were serious enough, believing your words would be able to change his trajectory. You were wrong.

After the anger, came the sorrow, great heaving waves that would crash down on you, beating your battered body against the ocean floor. Some nights you’d find yourself sobbing into Ominis’s shoulder, hating yourself for your weakness, surprised Ominis didn’t hate you too.

Eventually, your sorrow became a deep loneliness. A hollow feeling in your chest, driving you to keep searching, everywhere, anywhere. You imagined that this loneliness may have been something akin to the driving force Sebastian felt. Underneath all that rage, had been a terrible, all consuming loneliness. He’d simply missed his sister, just as you now missed him.

After a year, you stopped. You couldn’t do it anymore, breaking your own heart night after night, cursing the heavens for their cruelty. It was too much, and you hated yourself even more for it.

Ominis continued to search. Not as often, but you knew there were nights he’d walk the dark streets of Feldcroft, hoping to catch a glimpse of messy brunette hair, atop a mischievous freckled smile.

He knew you stopped, and he never faulted you for it. Never blamed you for anything, simply acknowledged your actions with a quiet understanding. Even though you didn’t go looking anymore, you’d still catch yourself gazing at the gates or searching the crowded halls, disappointed every time.

—-------

The start of your 7th year was uneventful. You greeted your friends with enthusiasm, some already lamenting that this was your final year together before life led you elsewhere. You’d laugh, telling them to slow down and focus on classes before planning any goodbye parties.

You’d spent the first week welcoming the first years, catching up with your housemates, and studiously ignoring the haunting visage of broad shoulders and brown locks, disappearing into crowded corridors. These brief hallucinations were nothing new, and you vowed to enjoy your final year, despite their frequent occurrences.

You’d spent far too long chasing ghosts, perhaps it was time to move on.

—-------

You were charging down the steps of Central Hall, incredibly late for Herbology, having fallen asleep in The History of Magic, again. Several books and loose notes were clutched in your arms, many just barely hanging on by the edges.

You weren’t paying attention to your surroundings in the slightest, nearly falling headfirst over the handrail in order to avoid barreling into anyone.

Successfully shoving your way through a group of Quidditch players, you emerge, only to ram your face right into a hard chest. Dropping your supplies, you yelp in pain and cover your nose, afraid you’d broken it and would need to head to the Hospital Wing. You doubled over, shooting off some incredibly creative expletives you were sure would make even the Hogshead regulars blush.

Squinting through your tears, you could see that the stranger had stopped, having used Levioso to catch all your books. You start spewing apologies, while repeatedly thanking them for gathering your belongings. You still hadn’t looked to see who you’d bumped into, the figure being much too tall to be anyone you knew. Determining that your nose wasn’t broken, you blink away the remaining tears and go to grab your books from the kind man. He’d had yet to say anything, and patiently stood, unmoving in front of you.

Looking up, you attempt to apologize once more, when the words die in your throat. The boy…man, standing in front of you was significantly taller than the last time you’d seen him, your eyes level with his chest. Some of the youthfulness had disappeared from his face, leaving a chiseled jaw and prominent cheekbones, his freckles accentuating their contour. You struggled to take in oxygen as your eyes scanned his face, subconsciously noting a new scar decorating his brow, and another faint one across the bridge of his nose.

You stood there frozen, having completely forgotten your earlier rush, trying to figure out if your grief had taken your hallucinations to a whole new level. Perhaps you really did need to go to the Hospital Wing after all.

He looked back at you just as silently, face stoic and unreadable, but never taking his gaze away from you. His eyes darted around your face, as if he was memorizing you, noting the changes he saw, lingering on your lips for a fraction of a second before darting away.

A book still hung suspended in the air in front of you, forgotten as you studied each other, the room and bustling students fading away until it was just the two of you. You stood there with wide eyes, watering with the need to blink, but refusing to do so lest he disappear again.

A small whimper escapes your lips, and you see his eyebrow twitch at the noise, hands and jaw clenching as you take in a shaky breath.

“Se…bastian?” You whispered his name quietly. So quietly, you weren’t entirely sure if you’d spoken at all. He blinked, and suddenly the spell was broken. His face became stony, and he used his wand to place your remaining book into your arms before brushing past you. You thought you heard him grumble ‘You’re late’ as he passed, but couldn’t quite hear him over the blood rushing in your ears.

He left you standing dumbstruck, staring at the space he’d just occupied, startling when you felt something wet hit the back of your hand. You brought that hand up to your face, feeling the wet tracks sliding silently down your cheeks, unsure of when you’d started crying.

—-------

You’d walked in a daze to Herbology, miraculously managing to still make it on time. Professor Garlick set to reviewing a few key points from the previous year before starting the lesson, which you barely paid attention to, instead operating completely on autopilot until the class had ended. You continued on like that for the rest of the day, many of your friends asking what had happened, but only receiving a distracted ‘nothing’ in return.

Wandering down to the Undercroft, you hoped Ominis would be there, if only to tell you that you’d finally gone mad and it was all in your head. You failed to hear two voices rising in volume as you descended into the room, unable to take your wide eyes off the floor, where they’d lingered all day.

The gate opened and you shuffled forward, the tense voices immediately halting as you spoke.

“Ominis, I-I think I saw S-...oh.” Your eyes dragged themselves from the floor, landing on the scene before you. Sebastian and Ominis stand, staring at you from the center of the room. You’d clearly just interrupted a very heated conversation, judging from the furrowed brows and angry flush the boys were sporting.

Sebastian’s gaze hardened as he stood up straight, jaw clenching once more as he looked at you. Breaking eye contact, he swiftly strode past Ominis to the exit.

“We’ll continue this later.”

You wanted to call out to him, beg him not to leave again, but he felt too far away. It was like you were standing alone on an island, watching your ship purposefully sail away from you. Your mouth opened to speak as you watched him pass you, but no sound came out, a helpless look in your eyes.

A snarl sounded from behind you, coming from deep in Ominis’s chest. “Sallow! Don’t you dare walk away, you coward. Get your ass back here and give them an ex-”

“I have nothing to say to them.” His words hit you square in the chest, a pained noise forcing itself out of your throat.

Back to you, he hesitated only a moment, hands clenching and unclenching at his sides before exiting the Undercroft without another word.

Your body shook violently, hyperventilating as your breath came in quick succession. You were crying again, staring at the door he’d left through, trying to keep it together. Ominis called to you urgently, rushing to your side as you heaved air painfully into your lungs. He threw his arms around you, trapping your arms against your sides as he squeezed you.

He kept reassuring you, asking you to breathe with him. You shook your head, hysterically repeating that everything was fine, you were fine.

You both sunk to the floor, earth shattering sobs wracked your body as you held onto Ominis’s arm for dear life. You could feel a wet spot from where Ominis pressed his cheek up against your shoulder, allowing himself to cry with you as you got your breathing semi under control. You held each other for a long time, parting only when you felt calm enough to head to your separate beds, resolving to speak at a later date.

You lay in bed that night with dry eyes, unable to shed another tear. Staring blankly at the curtains surrounding you, the night dragged on, sleep avoiding you at every turn.

—-------

It’d been a couple days since the incident in the Undercroft, your mind felt a bit numb, no doubt caused by the raging storm of emotions that’d been plaguing your thoughts. Ominis had been unable to meet you since that night, 7th year classes bogging you both down, leaving little room for anything else. You sat alone in the library, tucked away in a back corner hidden from prying eyes, quietly trying to focus on your pile of assignments.

Realizing you needed a specific book to complete your paper, you stand from your chair and walk to the appropriate section. You squint at the spines, trying to make out the tiny lettering, noticing that the book you were after was filed incorrectly and was sitting on a much higher shelf. Sighing, you reach into your robes for your wand, confused when your pockets come up empty. You look at the floor, wondering if it’d fallen, until you recall placing it on your study table next to your stack of homework.

Heaving another heavy sigh, you stare up at the book, wondering if it was even worth it to walk all the way back for your wand. Standing on your toes, you try to stretch as far as you can, fingers just brushing the lip of the shelf you needed. Grunting in frustration, you put one foot on the lowest shelf and pull yourself a little higher, fingers now grazing the spine, but unable to get a good grasp.

As you were about to put your other foot on the next shelf, opting to just climb the bookcase, an arm appears above you and removes the book from the shelf. Scrambling down, you spin around to object.

“Oh! Um, I was actually trying to-” Your eyes travel upward and find themselves captive to Sebastian’s intense gaze. His hand had paused above you, the corner of the book still resting on the edge of the wood, effectively trapping you between him and the bookshelf. Your mouth felt dry at the close proximity, but you refused to break eye contact.

“Um…I need that.”

You swore you could see the slightest quirk of his lips, as if he wanted to smirk at you, but held it in. “I know. That’s why I grabbed it.”

He slowly lowers his arm, handing you the book gently. You take it hesitantly, accidentally brushing his fingers with yours. He’d been very careful to keep his distance even with the close proximity, so you felt his fingers jerk away when they’d touched yours, as if he’d been shocked. His brow twitched, lips turning down into a frown. You didn’t want to see that look on his face, so you broke eye contact, looking at the floor.

“Thank you.” Careful not to touch him again, you stepped around him and started walking back to your table. You wondered why he’d helped you, seeing as how he clearly didn’t want anything to do with you. Pausing your movement, you turn toward him once more, face still directed at the ground.

“I’m sorry.” You weren’t sure when the next opportunity to speak to him would present itself, if it would present itself, so you wanted to say your piece while you had the chance.

He quirked an eyebrow at you, putting his hands into his pockets before leaning a shoulder against the bookshelf. “For what?”

Apparently he was in a more talkative mood today, seeing as how these were the most words he’d spoken to you since his return. You looked up at him, feeling a little braver, and did your best to not stare at his exposed forearms. He really had grown up quite a bit over the last two years.

“For…being weak. I couldn’t- I couldn’t help Anne, and…and if I were stronger, maybe I could’ve. Then you wouldn’t have had to…go away.” Chancing a glance, you could see a pinched look on his face, his brow scrunched together in a look of distress.

The almost pleasant atmosphere was gone, replaced with a tense weight that threatened to crush you if you pushed too hard. Looking back at the floor, you clutch the book to your chest, trying to use it as a kind of shield against his ire. “I understand why you…hate…me, but I just-”

“I don’t hate you.”

The words were murmured quickly, his voice so low you had to strain to hear him. You glanced up, a look of heartbreak rested itself on his handsome face, the most emotion you’d seen from him thus far.

Letting a sad smile slip onto your face, you held his gaze. “You don’t have to lie.”

Deciding that your heart couldn’t handle more, you turn on your heel and quickly walk back to the rest of your belongings, gathering everything into your bag and checking out the book. You could do your assignments elsewhere, for now you just needed to put some distance between yourself, and the man watching your back longingly.

—-------

After that, you did your best to avoid Sebastian entirely. Making sure to always look busy, or seem engrossed in a conversation if you passed him in the halls. You noticed he and Ominis had started hanging around each other again. Often surrounded by tense silence, but you were glad to see them putting forth the effort to fix their relationship. You didn’t see much of Ominis, the blonde mainly focusing on repairing things with Sebastian, which was fine. You had plenty of other friends to spend your free time with, but you did miss his company.

One person you found yourself gravitating towards was Garreth Weasley. He was social, and could talk to anyone about anything, making him incredibly easy to be around. Which is what you felt like you needed, an easy friendship that didn’t demand that much from you. You’d often walk together between classes, laughing as you teased him about his crush on Poppy, his freckled face growing redder every second.

Sometimes, you could sense a pair of eyes boring into your back, the feeling fading as soon as you’d turn to look.

Days turned into weeks, and before you knew it, a whole month had passed. Mid term exams were fast approaching and you were on your way to the library with Garreth, arguing playfully about the number of lacewing flies needed for a Felix Felicis potion. Garreth was adamant that the more flies you added, the more potent the potion, but you were pretty sure it would cause an explosion.

You weren’t paying attention to where you were going, and bumped directly into Sebastian, for the second time. You bounced off him lightly with a small ‘oof’, noting that he didn’t move an inch, clearly having planted himself in your path. You look up at his face, noticing his gaze trained directly on Garreth, who looked back slightly unnerved.

“I need to talk to you.”

Sebastian didn’t break eye contact with Garreth, so you assumed he was speaking to the redhead, but after a beat he turned his eyes expectantly in your direction. He hadn’t phrased it as a question, his tone leaving little room for you to object, but it would be rude to ditch Garreth when the two of you already had plans, so you tried anyway.

“I can’t really talk right now. Garreth and I are-” Sebastian’s eyes shot to Garreth again, a dark glare daring the other boy to challenge him.

“You know what, that’s totally ok with me. You, uh, go have that conversation, and I’ll get a head start on the assignment.” Garreth hurried off to the library without looking back. Sebastian tracked his movement with narrowed eyes, turning back to you once you were alone.

“You’ve been avoiding me.” Sebastian crossed his arms as he spoke, a grumpy set to his brow. He stood close, forcing you to look up at him as he towered over you. You squeezed your books a bit tighter against your chest, trying to stop its incessant pounding.

“Have I?”

Sebastian huffed, brows furrowing further.

“Don’t play coy with me.”

You bit the inside of your lip, studying his face, trying to pinpoint his angle in this conversation. “Is it really ‘avoiding’ if you don’t want to see me anyway?”

He got that pinched look again, and no matter how hard you looked, you still couldn’t discern its meaning. “I never said I didn’t want to see you.”

Some of that old snippiness you’d get when arguing with him started to resurface, and you shot back at him without thinking. “Your attitude seems to indicate otherwise.”

He narrowed his eyes at you, his scowl deepening. “How would you know anything about my attitude, when you’ve clearly been avoiding me?”

You sigh and pinch the bridge of your nose, suddenly remembering the stress headaches he’d give you when he was being particularly stubborn. “Sebastian. What- What is it you want? First you’re storming out of the Undercroft, refusing to speak to me, and now you’re upset that I’ve been giving you a wide berth? I’m getting whiplash from the constant back and forth. So what is it?”

You don’t hear anything for a moment, the air charged and hanging dense between you two. Just as you’re about to tell him to forget it, he speaks.

“I’m sorry.” You open your eyes to see him staring at his shoes, the same pinched look back on his face. “Ominis and I had a pretty bad argument before you came down that night. I…was feeling emotional, and took it out on you. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.”

You weren’t sure if it was due to shame or not, but Sebastian was struggling to look you in the eyes, like he was afraid of what he might see there. You let out a small sigh, arms coming to cross over your heart protectively.

“I can understand that. You probably didn’t want to see me anyway so-”

“Stop saying that.” His voice is fierce, beckoning your eyes to look up at him. He traps you in his stare as soon as your eyes meet, a pleading look behind his irises. “I did want to see you. I do want to see you.”

You look at him helplessly, trying desperately to decipher what his eyes were trying to tell you. Your voice comes out in a pained whisper, unable to mask the deep hurt his absence created. “Then why didn’t you?”

His face crumples and he has to break eye contact, looking back at the floor. He bites his lips and blinks a few times before taking a deep breath, voice matching yours in volume. “I-I can’t tell you…right now. Not because- because I don’t want to. I just, need a little bit more time.”

Looking at Sebastian in this moment, it seemed like the weight of the world rested on his broad shoulders. You could see that whatever happened in his absence had aged him well beyond his years. As much as you wanted to demand answers from him, you could clearly see how close he was to the edge, and didn’t want to be the thing that pushed him off.

“Ok.”

His shoulders slumped immediately, all the tension leaving them. He didn’t remove his eyes from the floor, but released a sigh while nodding his head. “Thank you.”

The two of you stood there in silence for a moment longer, unsure where to go from here. Sebastian glanced up at you through his lashes, scuffing his foot on the floor. “I guess you should, uh, get to Garreth.”

Truthfully, you’d completely forgotten about Garreth, suddenly feeling guilty for keeping him waiting for so long. “Yeah, I guess I should. Um, see you…later?”

The question came out shaky and unsure, but Sebastian nodded his head instantly, letting out a quiet ‘yeah’ before bidding you goodbye. You walked past him towards the library, and could hear him turn to watch you disappear down the stairs.

————-

You started slow. Giving each other small smiles and waves in the corridor, or across The Great Hall during meal times. From there, you escalated to walking each other to class, keeping conversations light. Safe.

It was clear that you’d both changed while apart, and you wanted to take your time getting to know this new person, dressed in such familiar skin.

Your heart would leap in your chest every time you got a chuckle out of him, feeling like you’d put another crack in his shell with each one. You tried not to let the giddiness show on your face, often looking down, lips trembling with effort as you fought a wide smile.

Ominis would often accompany you to your shared classes, giving you a small sense of normalcy after being without for so long. It wasn’t what it used to be, not by a long shot, but you hoped the three of you could get back to something similar.

Sebastian picked up Quidditch again. Well, it was more like Imelda grabbed the back of his collar and physically dragged him all the way to the pitch for practice, telling him that he’d do well to put his new muscle to good use. He’d tried to protest, giving up quickly, as he had enough sense to know he shouldn’t piss her off too much. You hadn’t been aware that Sebastian was even on the Quidditch team, but Ominis informed you that he’d been one of the top Chasers in Hogwarts before the season was canceled in your fifth year.

You were walking to Potions with Garreth, being interrogated about what he should get Poppy as a courting gift, when you felt a dark aura heading down the hall toward you. Turning your head from Garreth, you see Sebastian stalking towards you, a slight scowl on his face as his eyes dart between the two of you. Sebastian wasn’t overly fond of Garreth. Why? You couldn’t say, but Sebastian was always extra cranky when the red head was around, refusing to explain himself. You’d tried asking Ominis once, but all he did was sigh and say ‘Because he’s an idiot.’

Whatever the reason, the scowl on his face remained firmly in place as the three of you converged, stopping briefly.

Garreth hadn’t the faintest idea as to why Sebastian disliked him, but still made an effort to be welcoming and friendly whenever together. “Sebastian!”

“Weasley.” Garreth didn’t let the brunette’s curt greeting phase him, even as Sebastian crossed his arms, scowl deepening.

“Excited to see you back on the pitch tomorrow! Hope you kept up your flying during your time abroad.”

Anytime someone would inquire about Sebastian’s long period of absence, he’d simply state that he’d been a part of an exchange program, studying at one of the other magic academies. It was enough to placate most people, many too intimidated by his stoic mask to pry further.

Sebastian’s eyebrow twitched, taking Garreth’s friendly competition as a slight against his abilities with a broom. “I’m not the one you should be worrying about.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose, pondering a way to break this weird tension. There had been several attempts to correct Sebastian on Garreth’s intentions, but every time he’d narrow his eyes at you, muttering ‘That’s just what he wants you to think’ under his breath before staring daggers over at the Gryffindor table.

Just as you were about to excuse yourself and continue walking to class, hoping Garreth would follow, a smug voice called your name, the figure strolling up to your group with unwarranted swagger. Turning, you pray it’s Ominis, even though you know it’s definitely not.

Leander Prewett came to a stop beside you, much too close for comfort, an over confident smirk plastered on his mouth. “Hello, dearest. How are you on this fine day?”

Sebastian ground his teeth together, a deep irritation rolling off him in waves. “Fucking perfect.”

You’d been forced to inform Sebastain of Leander’s unfortunate fixation on you, when he’d sent you a poorly written love letter, via howler. Crouching in the hall, you covered your mortified face with your hands as Leander’s howler screamed his misguided feelings for all to hear.

His obsession started all the way back in the beginning of sixth year, when you’d made the mistake of complimenting his physique. He’d been upset that a girl he fancied turned him down, convincing himself he was too ugly to love.

In a well meaning attempt to cheer him up, you’d disagreed and said he was very handsome, promising someone would be very lucky to have him one day. To your dismay, he took that as a confession, immediately swearing his love and loyalty to you for the rest of his days. You’d tried ever so gently to correct him, but he’d refused to hear it, choosing to believe that you were just shy, embarrassed by your feelings for him.

Now, in the midst of your seventh year, it seemed he was still in hot pursuit, all of your rejections falling on deaf ears.

Sebastian heard all this and went on the offense, looking Leander dead in the eye as he shredded the letters with his fingers and set every bouquet on fire. This did little to deter Leander, vowing to rescue his love from the clutches of the beast guarding them.

“Get lost, Prewett. They’re not interested.”

Leander scoffed, turning his nose up at Sebastian, ignoring him completely. “Anyway, my sweet, would you care to join m-”

“No thank you, Leander. As I’ve said before, I’m not on the market.” Your words are monotone, practiced, saying the same line you had a hundred times before.

Sebastian visibly stiffened, eyes boring into you as his face dropped a bit. Furrowing your brow, you tilt your head at him in silent question, confused by his reaction. Leander laughed loudly, as if your comment was meant as a jest.

“My pet, of course you’re not on the market! Obviously you’re with m-”

“No. I’m not, as I’ve said several times before.”

Deciding you’d had just about enough, you grab Garreth by the wrist, walking quickly towards the potions classroom. “We’re going to be late for class. Sebastian, I’ll see you later?”

All you got in return was a distracted nod, Sebastian’s mind clearly elsewhere. You wanted to ask what was wrong, but you really were going to be late for class if you didn’t hurry. Throwing him one more concerned look over your shoulder, you and Garreth hurry to Professor Sharp’s class.

—-------

You didn’t end up seeing Sebastian for the rest of the day, or the morning after. The next time you spotted him was on the pitch, during warm ups for the quidditch game between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Garreth gave you an enthusiastic wave, which you returned, while also gesturing with your head to Poppy sitting beside you. He blushed slightly, also waving at her shyly, a nervous smile painting his lips. Poppy reciprocated in much the same manner, looking down at her hands in embarrassment.

You searched the field and locked eyes with Sebastian, who’d just witnessed your interaction with Garreth, giving him an encouraging smile as you mouthed the words ‘You’ll do great’. His face was impassive as he nodded his head slightly, turning back to focus on his teammates.

Hoping to get the chance to speak with him later, you turned your attention to the field as the players got in position. You could see the tension in everyone’s bodies, the air charged as they waited for the signal, and as the horn blew, they were off.

Your eyes were glued to the field, watching in awe as the players maneuvered their brooms with skill and ease. During your fifth year, you’d bested Imelda in the training courses she loved, which was mostly thanks to the upgrades Albie had installed.

Watching her now though, you were convinced it had been a fluke. She turned her broom in a tight corkscrew zipping straight towards the ground, pulling up at the last second in pursuit of the Golden Snitch.

Scanning the field, you spot Sebastian tossing the quaffle through yet another hoop, diving after it quickly as soon as it’d gone through. He deftly dodged the bludgers hurtling towards him, focus unbroken as he scored again. It seemed to you that a good portion of the Gryffindor team was focused solely on slowing him down, failing at every turn. You were unable to take your eyes off him, the way his uniform hugged his body at the forefront of your mind.

Looking down quickly, you mentally chastise yourself. You’d just barely become friends again, sort of, and you weren’t about to jeopardize that in any way. He still hadn’t revealed to you why he’d left, a part of you still convinced it was because of you. Furrowing your brows, you shook your head a bit, trying to dispel the depressing thoughts that had begun to form. Instead, you focus back on the game, eyes still periodically straying to Sebastian’s form.

Leaning on the edge of your seat, you watch with bated breath as both teams continued to score on the other, the tension reaching its peak when both were tied at 140. It was anyone’s game, each side needing to score one last goal to claim their victory. Imelda remained focused on the snitch, having little regard for the other players as she ducked and wove through them.

You heard shouts of excitement from the stands, straining your eyes to see what the commotion was about.

Finally, you see Sebastian swiftly swipe a quaffle out of Garreth’s hands, speeding towards the Gryffindor goals, laser focused. Almost every Gryffindor player abandoned their formations, instead attempting to converge on Sebastian before he scored. Unfortunately, they were too late. Not that it would have mattered anyway, for at the same time Sebastian scored the final goal, Imelda shot to the sky triumphant, Golden Snitch clutched in her hand.

You’d never seen anything like it. No wonder Imelda had been so forceful about Sebastian joining the team, together they made quite a formidable pair. Everyone in the stands lost their minds at Slytherin’s double victory, and you shouted with the rest of your friends, heart swelling with pride over Sebastian’s achievement.

Everyone rushed down to the field to congratulate the players, even commending the Gryffindor team for their exceptional skill and near win. You pushed through the throngs of people, looking in every direction for the brunette.

Feeling a tap on your shoulder, you whirl around, only to be faced with Leander’s smug grin, his uniform damp from playing.

“Come to cheer me up, my sweet? Your kindness knows no bounds.” He moves forward to embrace you, and you swiftly put up your arm, keeping him at a distance.

“Leander, seriously I’m not-”

Leander continues to advance on you, forcing you to take a step back for every one he takes forward. There isn’t anywhere to run in such a thick crowd, but your eyes dart around for any possible escape routes. “Oh come now, stop being so coy, we’re finally alone aren’t we? Where’s your scary guard dog, hm? I don’t see him.”

“He’s right here.”

A cold, angry voice growled lowly in your ear, sending a chill up your spine. Sebastian stares hard at Leander’s hands stretched out towards you, clearly attempting to stop your obvious retreat.

You, however, completely forget Leander’s existence as you crane your neck up to look at Sebastian. There are beads of sweat decorating his brow from all the energy he’d exerted, his slight flush emboldening the scars he’d yet to explain to you. You stare at his rugged beauty for a moment longer, lost in counting the freckles littering his cheeks, before remembering the major victory he’d just accomplished.

Without thinking, your body twists itself around, and you practically throw yourself at him so hard he has to catch you. He makes a grunt of surprise and stumbles back a step before steadying you both.

Your arms wind themselves around his shoulders, squeezing him as tightly as they can, a mad grin on your face as you speak into his ear. “I’m so fucking proud of you. That was amazing. I’m so glad I got to watch you play.”

He doesn’t return the hug, body tense as he stands there in shock. Noticing his lack of reciprocation, you suddenly remember how hard he’d been working to avoid any physical contact with you. It hurt at first, his aversion to your touch, but you’d respected it as a silent boundary he’d put up as a condition of his friendship.

Suddenly you feel awful, having crossed that boundary thoughtlessly in your excitement. You thought you were truly no better than Leander, and immediately went to retract your arms, an apology already on your lips.

Sebastian feels you loosen your grip on him, and his brain finally catches up. He wraps his arms around your torso, crushing you to him, almost squeezing all the air from your lungs. His face finds the crook of your neck, burying itself as deep as it can go.

“Please don’t stop.” His words are quiet, desperate, lips brushing your skin as they move. You freeze at his plea, confused, but remain where you are.

“I’m sorry, I- I was just so excited. I didn’t mean to push you into-”

“No. You didn’t. I…it’s- it’s ok.” His arms tighten impossibly around you, asking you to squeeze him just as hard.

“But…you’re always so careful not to-”

“I didn’t want to become greedy.”

You almost miss his quiet confession, his murmuring and the noise from the crowd making it difficult to hear his words. You think that maybe you weren’t supposed to hear them as Sebastian nuzzles further into your neck. “I’m sorry. This is…the first hug I’ve gotten in…a long time. Could you just- could you just stay…here, with me?”

Nodding your head as best you can, you card your fingers through his hair, holding his head to you, uncaring of the sweat dampening it. His breath shudders out of him, body melting further into you.

You stay locked like that until people start filtering off the field, and he’s called away for a debrief with his team. He releases you reluctantly, hands lingering as long as they’re able, bidding you a goodnight before trudging after the rest of the players.

—-------

It seemed like the floodgates opened after that night, Sebastian finding any and all reasons to be touching you in some way or another. Whether it was linking your arms as you walked together, or capturing your ankle with both of his while you ate across from each other. It was overwhelming at first, going from no contact to pressing his leg flush with yours in class, but it certainly wasn’t a change you were complaining about.

Sebastian became more at ease. His smiles coming easier, his laughs getting louder, talking more than he had the whole year. He really started spending time with you and Ominis, rarely being seen without one of you, if not both.

You were thrilled, you really were, feeling like you were finally seeing the real Sebastian, but there was a constant nagging in the back of your mind. He still hasn't explained his disappearance, and you wondered if, maybe now, he was comfortable enough with you to talk about it.

Sebastian asked you to come with him to the Undercroft after class, not wanting to fight through the crowds in the library that appeared right before exams. Packing your things, you automatically take his arm, touching him becoming second nature. He guides you down the hall, a small pleased smile gracing his lips. Opening the clock face, he ushers you inside with a gentle hand on your lower back.

Once in the room, you lean your backs against the wall, shoulders pressed together as you complete your assignments in comfortable silence.

He interrupted the silence with a question about Diricawl breeding, needing the answer for his Beasts class paper, which led to you sharing a wild story about the vanishing bird.

You told him how someone has snuck an irate Diricawl into the Slytherin Common Room, unleashing it on poor Ominis, who was unable to avoid its beak as it teleported around the room after him. You had tears in your eyes as you recounted the disheveled, panting state he’d been in when he’d run into you, begging you to catch the damn thing and stop his torment.

Sebastian laughed with you, clutching at a stitch in his side. “When- Merlin’s beard, When did this happen?”

You wiped your eyes, laughter trailing off slowly, a soft melancholy coming over your features. Avoiding eye contact, you keep your gaze on the piles of homework in front of you. “When, um…when you were gone. In our sixth year.”

The atmosphere became stifling as an awkward silence befell the room. Clearing your throat, you picked up your quill again, continuing to work on your assignment.

A moment passes, the scratching of your quill the only sound in the room. You see movement from the corner of your eye. A hand stretching across you, fingers gently brushing yours as they take the quill from your hand, setting it down. You don’t look at Sebastian until he calls your name softly, slowly turning your eyes towards him.

His face is pained, gaze searching your face as he starts to speak. “Please don’t- I…I thought I was going to hurt you.”

Eyes widening, you turn further towards him. He breaks eye contact, looking down at his lap as he fiddles with his fingers, murmuring quietly. “I couldn’t stand the thought of hurting you. Either of you. You were…are so important to me, and I thought that if I…stayed, you’d-”

Sebastian’s breathing shuddered, hands trembling slightly as his words became watery. “-you’d end up like my uncle. And- And then Anne left, and I was so scared something would happen to her, I tried to…find her, but I couldn’t, and-”

Blinking, you feel wet drops hit your hands, but you refuse to look away from Sebastian as he tries to speak. “I was too afraid to face you, or Ominis. Knowing I’d failed everyone I loved was- was too much, so I…I ran.”

“...Where did you go?” He looked at you then, finally seeing the tear tracks down your face. Bringing a hand up, he wiped your cheeks with his thumb, fingertips lingering before tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

“I…I went far. As far as I could. I…became a mercenary of sorts, getting paid to clear out poacher camps, or deliver high value items across hamlets. I thought that…maybe if I did as much good as possible…I could be forgiven. That you’d forgive me.” His hand continued to pet your hair as he leaned his head against the wall, suddenly too heavy for his neck to support. He gazes at you sadly, memorizing your face in case you never speak to him again.

You gaze back just as intently, once again mapping the changes in his face, quietly mulling over his words. “Why- Why did you come back?”

His hand stilled, resting on your cheek. Unconsciously, you tilt your head further into his palm, craving more contact.

“I missed you.” He says it so sincerely, like it’s the only true thing he’d ever said in his life. “So much.”

You feel like the wind is knocked out of you, but still manage a whisper. “Then…When I saw you…why-”

“I was afraid. I didn’t know what to say. You looked like I’d carved your heart out of your chest and ripped it to shreds. I thought that I’d made a mistake…coming back, so I decided you’d be better off without me.”

Shaking your head, you grabbed onto his arm, holding his wrist securely, suddenly afraid he’d disappear again. He blinked, a few tears falling from his lashes as he bit his lip. “...but I couldn’t stay away. I tried to, but every time you looked at me…I couldn’t get enough, and I hated myself for it. I still do.”

You hiccupped, and his thumb collected your tears once more, knuckles lightly brushing your cheek bone when he was done.

“If I was a stronger man, I’d let you go, but…I’m not.”

You sobbed openly. Sebastian pulled you into his lap, rocking you back and forth as you cried into his chest. You told him how much you missed him, how worried you were, how you’d go out looking for him every chance you got. You begged him not to leave again, wailing all your hurt into his sweater.

His arms tightened with every word you spoke, face buried in your neck, tears soaking your collar. He apologized over and over, the two of you holding each other for dear life until you’d stopped crying, and then for a long while afterward. Only parting when the Bell Tower signaled the start of curfew.

—-------

Time passed slowly after that, weeks going by as the season gradually changed. There was something unnamed between you and Sebastian, several of your friends commenting on how sweet he was towards you. If Ominis happened to be around, he’d look at them quizzically and ask what they were talking about, stating that Sebastian had always treated you that way. You weren’t sure if you completely believed it, but Ominis was adamant that this was Sebastain’s normal behavior around you.

Walking the halls, you attempted to give Garreth the pep talk of the century, trying to boost his confidence for his rendezvous with Poppy. “You got this Garr, no sweat, just tell her how you feel.”

He took a deep breath and looked at you nervously. “You sure it’ll be ok?”

“Yes! I’m positive. I couldn’t be more positive. Just trust me on this.”

He took another deep breath, bouncing in place a few times, trying to shake out his jitters. “Ok. I’m ready. I just- before I go…”

Garreth takes both of your hands in his, squeezing a little, his smile nervous but warm. “I just…want to thank you, you know, for being my friend. You’ve always been there for me, probably more so than I’ve been there for you, and I just want you to know how much I appreciate y-”

Your hands are suddenly ripped from Garreths and your world turns upside down. You’re thrown onto a broad shoulder, an arm securing you in place as they walk away with you. You look up at Garreths shocked expression, mouth hanging open, hands still outstretched from where he’d held yours. Turning as much as you can, you look at the back of the perpetrator’s head.

“Sebastian!” Looking back at Garreth, you see him take a few steps to follow.

“It’s ok Garreth! Go on ahead! Good Luck!” You had to shout at him to be heard, Sebastian putting as much distance as possible between you and the redhead.

“Sebastian! Wha- Put me down! This is so embarrassing!” He ignores your cries and continues walking, other students stopping their activities to watch you flail on his shoulder. You recognize the path he’s taking, crossing your arms and giving up your struggle until you get to your destination.

Sebastian only puts you down once you’ve crossed the threshold into the Undercroft. Your arms stay crossed as you glare up at him, Sebastian mirroring your pose, refusing to break eye contact. You squint at each other in silence for a beat before you speak.

“What the hell was that.”

Sebastian doesn’t speak for a moment, jaw clenching as he regards you.

“Go on a date with me.”

He’s so grumpy when he asks, or rather demands, that you’re not entirely sure you heard him correctly.

“...What.”

Sebastian sighs, annoyed that he has to repeat himself.

“You’d probably prefer someone like Garreth, but I’m throwing my hat in the ring. Go on a date with me.”

Your brain short circuits for a moment, but then is irritated with the tone he’s chosen, and any shyness you might have felt flies out the door.

“And this is how you’re asking?”

His brow furrows deeper, offended. “How else am I supposed to ask?”

You scoff and turn your nose up at him, turning your head to glare off into the Undercroft. “Whatever. It’s not like there’s even a ring to throw your hat in. It’s you, idiot.”

Sebastian makes a confused noise, and you turn to look at him again. His arms had partially come uncrossed, a surprised look on his stupidly handsome face. “But…you told Leander you’re off the market.”

You roll your eyes. Unbelievable. “Yeah, for him and everyone else. You made sure of that a long time ago, whether you knew it or not.”

He stands there staring. ”So…you and Garreth…?”

“Oh my- Are just friends. He’s actually confessing to Poppy as we speak, which you so rudely interrupted when you decided to act like a barbarian.”

Sebastian strode up to you, ignoring your irate words, stopping half a step away. Towering over you, his eyes were wide with wonder, hope glimmering behind them. “So…I can have you? Am I- Am I allowed to?”

“For the love of-” You grab his tie and crash his lips into yours. You linger for only a moment before pulling back just enough to glare at him, still annoyed. “Get it together Sallow, you’re embarrassing me.”

You hear a sound coming from his chest, starting as a low hum, slowly building itself up to giddy giggles, before exploding into loud laughter.

“I fucking love you.” He grabbed your cheeks between his palms and yanked you into another kiss, struggling to wipe the grin off his face enough to do it properly.

He gathered you as close to his body as he could, frantically kissing everywhere he could reach. All you could really do was hang onto him as he lovingly attacked you. Eventually he returned to your lips, his kisses turning more passionate the longer you stayed together.

“You’re telling me *kiss* I could have *kiss* been kissing you-” He groaned as he kissed you again, pressing further and lingering longer. “-this whole time?”

He couldn’t stop long enough to let you answer his question properly, so you did the best you could. “Yeah, you’re mmff-*kiss* -fucking late.”

He chuckled, pulling away just enough to speak clearly.

“Guess I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.”

#sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy #ominis gaunt #garreth weasley #romance #fanfic

[chickenlizard13]

Hi there! I found your blog out of pure coincidence because "All you've done" popped up on my dash and i LOVED it.

I do have one question for you though would it be possible to add Read more to your Long story's because scrolling through that mountain of a fic that is All you've done to find something else of yours to read is... Something. I can even tell you how to use Read more (at least via Mobile) if you don't know.

That would actually be so incredibly helpful. I definitely agree, she’s hefty. I would very much appreciate the assistance!

[chickenlizard13]

I absolutely ADORED 'Home to me'. I am now a Garreth fan. Not that I wasn't before...but you've just made Garreth hit 'Sebastian/Ominis' level of love.

<3 <3 <3

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. He definitely deserves more love :)

[chickenlizard13]

All You’ve Done

Pairing: Ominis Gaunt x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 12790

Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, Like a hint of spice

Description: Buckle up kids. This got waaaaayyy longer than I’d planned, and I’ve taken a lot of liberties with the story. I envision Ominis’s wand working like a topographical map, kind of like Toph in Avatar The Last Airbender. Anyway, mainly follows Sebastian’s quest line.

“You got a staring problem?”

You were violently ripped from your thoughts by a low angry voice. Tearing your eyes from the other side of the room, you look up at the boy glaring at you from the end of the table. Furrowing your brow, you tilt your head in challenge, eyebrows rising. “Excuse you?”

You watch his hackles rise and his scowl deepen, before letting out an irritated huff. “I asked if you have a fucking staring problem.”

You give him a once over, trying to figure out where you’d seen him before. You vaguely remember dueling him in Defense Against the Dark Arts, but were struggling to produce his name. He was in Slytherin, and you were pretty sure he had an interesting reputation, but that was all you knew at the moment.

You’d met so many people in your first few days here, who could really blame you for blanking on a name? Squinting harder, you looked at the smattering of freckles across his face and wild brunette locks, hoping they’d trigger your memory. He bristled at your intense gaze, mistaking your concentration for hostility, and refused to back down.

Bringing your hand up, you repeatedly tapped the center of your forehead with your index finger, trying to summon his name to your mind. S something. Ssss-tanley. Steven. Sylis?

He’d started to fidget at your odd behavior, eyes darting questioningly to Natty as she sat beside you. Natty had seen you do this before, and laughed at Sebastian’s bewildered look, telling him to give you a moment.

“Sebastian!” You snap your fingers and point at him with a triumphant look on your face. “I’m sorry, uh, what did you want again?”

Suddenly remembering why he’d approached you in the first place, his face darkened once more. Leaning down, he gets right in your face, blocking your line of sight from your previous fixation. “You’ve been staring at Ominis for a particularly long time, and I’d like to know why.” You return his scowl and roll your eyes at his aggressive display.

“Don’t see why it’s any of your business, freckles. Can’t someone just enjoy the view in peace?” Your dismissive tone does little to dissuade him. Sebastian narrows his eyes, and doesn’t budge.

“I would think twice about messing with Ominis, if I were you. House Slytherin is not an enemy you want.” Rolling your eyes, you let out an exasperated sigh and stand up, brushing past him. You ignore his irritated calls, striding towards the blonde’s table. Ominis sat hunched over, frustratedly staring at the leaves in his hands. You purposefully make a noisy approach, so as not to spook the blind boy with your presence. Stopping next to his chair, you take a breath before you speak.

“Hello.”

Ominis slowly raises his head and does his best to look in your general direction, the look of frustration staying on his face. “...Hello. Can I help you?”

You smile at the warry tone and attempt to make your voice as sincere as possible. “I noticed you’ve been staring at these leaves for quite awhile. I was wondering if you’d want some help with…whatever, it is you’re doing?”

A look of indignation crosses his features and he sticks his nose up at you. “I don’t need anything, thank you very much. Just because I’m blind doesn’t mean that I’m incapable.”

Merlin’s beard, Slytherin boys were a prickly bunch. Sighing tiredly, you consider just turning around and walking away, but instead cross your arms and lean your hip against the table.

“I didn’t ask if you NEED any help. I asked you if you WANT any help. It’s fine if you don’t, but you’ve been sitting here fondling leaves for the better part of an hour. I assumed the wrinkle in your forehead would become permanent if I didn’t put you out of your misery. I see that I was mistaken” Without waiting for a response you turn to leave, only taking a few steps before he calls out to you.

“Wait.” You stop and turn, raising an eyebrow expectantly even though he can’t see it. He shuffles his feet and looks down at the floor, mumbling begrudgingly. “I have to write 5 inches on the medicinal and physical differences between Mallowsweet and Dittany for Herbology, and I’m having trouble with the physical portion. Someone was supposed to be here half an hour ago to help, but he still hasn’t shown up.”

Gazing over your shoulder, you could see the smoke coming out of Sebastian’s ears as he scowled at you. Natty hid an amused smile behind her hand, eyes darting between the both of you. Taunting him, you give him a wink and a sly smirk, resisting the urge to chuckle as you hear him curse you out from across the room.

Facing Ominis, you sit on the table and put your feet on the chair next to him. “So, Dittany grows on long stalks, ending in bright pink flowers. The leaves are smooth, and more circular, than Mallowsweet.” His attention had been drawn away, as he’d no doubt heard Sebastian’s string of expletives across the room, but swung his head in your direction as you spoke.

Grabbing a Dittany leaf, you gently take his wrist, ignoring the way he stiffens at the contact. You place the leaf in his hand, letting him feel the edges for a moment before moving on.

“Mallowsweet on the other hand, ends in a point and has small ridges along the edge. The leaves progressively become more yellow, the closer they get to the cluster of orange flowers at the top. Unlike Dittany, Mallowsweet grows in short clumps, the stalks close together.” You pick up a Mallowsweet leaf and tap the back of his other hand with your knuckle, signaling that he should turn his palm over for the second leaf. He does so willingly, and takes a second to feel both leaves simultaneously.

This whole time you’d been focused on describing the leaves as accurately as possible, and only now turned your gaze to his face. He seemed to be deep in thought, features unreadable, his eyes pointedly turned toward his hands.

He turned his face towards you and opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by Sebastian's untimely arrival. “And what is going on over here?”

Apparently he’d had enough of watching from afar and decided to make himself known. You rolled your eyes at him once more and hopped down from the edge of the table. “Oh, there he is, you’re late. Just a little homework help, don’t get your panties in a twist.” You could hear Sebastian grumbling about how he doesn’t wear panties as you walked away. What you didn’t see was Ominis grabbing his wand and pointing it in your direction, trying to discern any identifying features from your retreating figure.

__________________

The next few weeks flew by as you dove head first into your classes, doing your best to catch up to your fellow fifth years, as per Professor Weasley’s expectations.

You were in the middle of Potions class, finishing up your Wiggenweld brew, when Professor Sharp walked up behind you quietly. Corking the bottle, you turn and face him, silently handing him the potion with a pleased smile. He took the vial just as silently and inspected it thoroughly, examining the liquid and smelling the contents. Grunting in approval, he replaced the cork and handed it back to you. “Impressive. Wiggenweld is not an easy potion, and you’ve executed it exceptionally well.”

Your smile grows a bit as you thank him for his kind words. He gestures for you to follow him back to his desk with a slight nod of his head. The two of you make your way over, and you stop at the front, as he circles around to stand behind his chair. “Professor Weasley has asked me to give you extra assignments to help you catch up with the rest of the fifth years. I’d like you to try your hand at the Edurus potion. You can find the ingredients in my office. You may use them for today, but you will be expected to provide your own in the future. We’ll see if your Wiggenweld was actual skill, or just pure luck.”

You smile as you thank him again, making your way to his office. As you walk over, you can see Garreth Weasley lurking conspicuously by the door. There’d been many a conversation in the halls about Garreth’s failed brews, and how he often roped unsuspecting students into his schemes. Uninterested in being involved, you did your best to avoid eye contact, walking quickly to the office door. Before you could escape, he stopped you, a mischievous smile lighting up his face as he spoke your name. “Did I hear correctly that you’ve gotten permission to go into Sharp’s office?”

Groaning internally, you close your eyes before turning to face him. “Yes, Garreth. Why do you want to know?”

His eyes grew bigger as the mischief turned to giddy excitement. “That’s great! How would you like to be part of something truly spectacular? I’m working on a new potion, and there’s just one final ingredient before it’s finished!” You open your mouth to deny his request, but he continues without letting you get a word out. “What is this ingredient you may ask? A Fwooper feather! Sharp has one in his office, and it would be a great help if you could grab it for me while you're there.”

Shaking your head, you let out a large sigh before looking him in the eyes. “Garreth, I’m not stealing from Professor Sharp for you.” Garreth began waving his hands back and forth frantically, a panicked look on his face.

“No, no, no, listen. It’ll be fine! Fwooper feathers aren’t THAT valuable. He won’t even miss it! Please, do this for me? Just this once, I swear!”

You pressed your lips into a thin line as you regarded the red head. He was pouting, giving you the biggest puppy eyes you’d ever seen. It was tempting to just give in and get him the feather, if only to spare you the crocodile tears. Ultimately, you decided that you’d rather stay on Sharp’s good side, and that Garreth should really focus on actually learning to brew potions instead of his semi dangerous concoctions.

“Look, Garreth. I can appreciate your…creative vision, but I am not willing to compromise my current standing in Professor Sharp’s good graces. You’re going to have to find another way to get that Fwooper feather.” You turn to continue your way into the office and feel a hand grab your sleeve.

“Wait! I promise you won’t get in trouble! I just really need-” You gave him a stern glare and whirled on him.

“Garreth. I will not be pressured into doing something I don’t want to. I’m all for breaking some rules every now and then, but stealing from a professor I respect and want to learn from, is not something I’m willing to do at this juncture. Please, drop it.” Unprepared for your ire, Garreth took a step back in shock, before slinking away in dejection. You felt a little bad, but it was for his own good. It would serve him to be told no every once in a while.

Quickly gathering the ingredients, you start walking back to your potions table, having spent way too much class time arguing with Garreth. You passed behind Ominis sitting at his own station, still trying to perfect his Wiggenweld, when he accidently knocked his wand off the counter. It hit the floor with a small clunk, and Ominis scrunched his eyebrows together, leaning down to retrieve it.

He must have misjudged where the counter started, and was about to put his whole hand into his scalding potion pot. Before you could think, you grabbed his wrist and yanked it away from the cauldron, burning the back of your hand on the lip.

You immediately went to apologize for grabbing him so suddenly, when he ripped his wrist from your grasp. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

Opening your mouth, you attempt to explain what happened. Ominis heard none of it and continued to yell, drawing the attention of the rest of the class.

“You think it’s funny to just grab someone like that?! You’ve got some fucking nerve-” You caught Sebastian stalking over out of the corner of your eye, a dark look on his face. The entire class was giving this spectacle their undivided attention, heaven forbid you had one uneventful potions class. Wanting nothing more than to finish this potion and leave, you interrupt Ominis as he accuses you of purposefully knocking his wand over.

“Ominis.” Upon hearing your voice, he clamps his mouth shut, a look of surprise and something else crossing his face. Sebastian comes to a halt next to you, teeth bared, but you ignore him and continue talking.

“You were about to put your hand into your boiling cauldron. I didn’t think that you’d particularly want to take a trip to the Hospital Wing today. I apologize for startling you.” Picking up his wand, you place it carefully onto the table, still within arms reach, but far enough that it won’t fall again. Sebastian bashfully scratched the back of his neck in embarrassment, as you brushed past him. Ignoring the stares of your classmates, you quietly brewed the Edurus potion, face carefully neutral.

Upon finishing, you brought it over to Professor Sharp. He gave it the same level of scrutiny he’d given your Wiggenweld, grunting in approval when it was up to his standards. You turned to follow the other students out of the room, when you heard Professor Sharp clear his throat. “I appreciate you denying Mr. Weasley’s request earlier, not many are able to resist his particular brand of...persuasion. He would do well to focus on actual potions while he’s still a student.” Letting out an amused huff at what he meant by ‘persuasion’, you bid him goodbye, continuing on with the rest of your classes.

——————————————-

You hated that you had to ask Sebastian for help. The smug satisfaction ever present on his face as you snuck through the Restricted Section, searching for any wisps of ancient magic. He’d been needling you endlessly about what you were after, but you successfully evaded his questioning each time.

Sebastian was too busy trying to annoy an answer out of you to notice Peeves popping out of a bookshelf, threatening to tell the librarian about your late night escapades. Fearing the consequences awaiting you if you were caught, you allowed the familiar pull of ancient magic to guide your wand. A book flew off the shelf, opening on its own, hovering before you. Peeves started floating away, taunting Sebastian with your impending detention, when your wand pulsed and dragged Peeves screaming into the pages. The book snapped shut and shuddered once, before calmly putting itself back on the shelf.

The both of you blinked at the shelf silently, holding your breath, before staring blankly at each other. Sebastian opened his mouth to ask, closing it as you held up a hand, shaking your head. You turn away from him, sensing that you needed to travel deeper into the Restricted Section, knowing he couldn’t come along.

“Well, it looks like you have free reign of the Restricted Section this evening. You can poke around to your heart's content.” He looked at you quizzically as you started heading down the stairs leading deeper below the school.

“You’re going alone? Why can’t I come? What about Peeves?” You stop and give him a gentle smile over your shoulder.

“Don’t worry about Peeves. He’ll find his way out.” Probably.

You turn to face him fully on the stairs, your smile widening. “I figured you’d want a free evening to peruse the books, uninhibited. Don’t worry about me. Thank you for getting me this far. It wasn’t completely terrible.”

He gave you a wide, boyish grin. “I think I miss judged you.” He gave you a parting wave, before sneaking off to bury himself in as many illicit tomes as possible. Smiling to yourself, you continue your way downwards, excited to discover what secrets lay so far beneath Hogwarts.

—————————————

After your jaunt through the library, you discovered that you rather enjoyed Sebastian’s company. Contrary to your first impression, he actually had a working brain between those ears, and he knew how to use it. Your friendship slowly grew over the passing weeks, until finally, he sent you an owl requesting your presence in the Defense Against the Dark Arts Tower.

Meeting him late that night, he shared with you his dearly kept secret, known only to him, Ominis, and now you. You guessed he still felt a little guilty about his behavior during your early interactions, thus offering the Undercroft in apology. The only stipulation being no one, especially Ominis, would know.

Swearing to guard his secret, you left the Undercroft, hoping to catch a few hours of sleep before your morning classes.

As fate would have it, you’re immediately cornered by the last person you wanted to see.

“Hello Sebastian.” Wide eyed, you stare at Ominis, unblinking. Perhaps if you didn’t breathe, he wouldn’t notice you. Instead assuming he’d just missed Sebastian entering the Undercroft.

It would seem that luck had abandoned you, his eyes narrowing at the lack of response. “Hold on. You aren’t Sebastian at all, are you? Did you just come from the Undercroft?!”

Biting your lip, you consider your options. You could always lie, and say you stumbled upon the room by accident. You could come clean, and admit Sebastian’s guilt. You very briefly even considered just making a break for it, praying Ominis wouldn’t catch you. You had no good options, least of all one that would end with the three of you on good terms.

Ominis’s brow twitched impatiently, wand pointed directly at your chest. You supposed that the blonde boy already thought pretty poorly of you, seeing how your previous interaction ended. Why not give him one more reason?

“I…did.” You answered cautiously, unsure where you were going, letting your lips take you.

Ominis’s scowl deepened, a haughty sneer placing itself on his lips. “Sebastian showed you didn’t he? That fool. I can’t believe he would-”

“Relax, Ominis. Sebastian didn’t give up your secret, um…willingly.” What were you saying? What did that even mean? Before you could say anything else, Ominis stopped talking and narrowed his eyes dangerously.

“What do you mean by that.” There was no question in his voice, only a frosty demand. You resisted the shiver tickling at your spine, swallowing the need to take a few steps back.

“I saw Sebastian duck in here earlier and followed him. He- uh, he’s not as sneaky as he thinks.” You had absolutely no control over the words coming out of your mouth. Cringing internally at your horrid acting, you wondered how Ominis hadn’t seen right through you.

“Don’t worry. I promised to keep the Undercroft a secret…for a…a price?” WHAT. Why would you say that? Why would you say that? You watched his chest heave in anger, latching onto the implication of your threat. It seemed he’d rather believe you the villain, than consider his friend's betrayal.

“What. Price.” There was something in his voice that sent a chill through your bones. Something hissed behind his lips, sinister and cold, almost too faint for you to hear. You felt like a rabbit cornered by a cobra, nowhere to go but through him.

Swallowing, you steeled yourself, resolving to end this interaction quickly so you could wallow in self pity from the comfort of your bed. “Nothing much, just a favor. No need to concern yourself over it.” You stupidly give him your back as you slide past, wanting to bolt from this absolute disaster, but forcing your legs to maintain a casual pace.

“If you tell anyone about this place, I will make sure the rest of your time at this school is a living hell. My father is good friends with Professor Black, and I will not hesitate to exploit that connection if I need to. Not even your precious Professor Fig will be able to save you.”

Humming lowly, you continued down the hall without looking back. You could faintly hear Ominis snarl in rage, as he opened the door roughly to question Sebastian. The sound was drowned out by the whirling thoughts in your head. What had you done? You couldn’t have created a bigger mess if you’d tried. There was no way you could come back from this, no way Ominis would want to be anywhere near you. You didn’t even know if you’d be allowed around Sebastian anymore, knowledge of the Undercroft not worth the loss of a new friend.

Resigning yourself to lie in the bed you’d made, your legs trudged the rest of the way to your dorm. Wondering what the morning would have in store.

——————————————-

Whatever had been said that night between the two, Sebastian never brought it up.

Instead, he invited you to Feldcroft to meet his sister, and uncle. Which was a less than pleasant experience, to put it lightly. You would see Ominis around the halls and in classes, but you wouldn’t get much more than a withering glare in your general direction. Sebastian reassured you that he just needed a little time to cool down, but his seemingly permanent scowl lines told a different story.

You took some comfort in knowing that Sebastian and Ominis’s friendship improved greatly, often seeing them walking together between classes. It brought a smile to your face every time Sebastian would wave to you enthusiastically when Ominis wasn’t looking, quickly putting his arm down when the blonde would face his direction. Things continued on like this for a while, settling into this weird passive aggressive routine you weren’t sure how to break.

————————————————-

Ominis was pissed. Ever since the Undercroft, he’d made sure you knew how displeased he was in your presence. He’d spent the rest of that night cursing himself for being so foolish, having believed you to be kind, just as the rest of the student body. After his outburst in potions class, he’d been contemplating ways to apologize, wanting to give you a better impression of him. Not anymore. After that night, he couldn’t even stand to hear your voice.

Your loud laugh would echo through the halls, instantly souring his mood. He questioned Sebastian constantly about the favor he owed you, but was brushed off every time. The brunette remaining tight lipped, telling him not to worry about it. In truth, he really did owe you, for taking the full brunt of Ominis’s wrath. Sebastian planned to come clean once Ominis had settled, but it seemed to be taking longer than expected.

Ominis couldn’t let it go. He began lurking around corners, listening to the whispers of other students. He listened intently for any other favors you were owed, paying particularly close attention to those you’d been seen with frequently. Nothing. All people ever did was sing your praises.

He sat alone on the second floor of the library, hiding between the tall stacks. For once, trying to avoid all human contact, his nerves frayed and mind tired.

Low murmurs were filtering in from the next aisle over. Ominis sat, uninterested, until an unmistakable laugh caught his attention. His ears perked up, instantly recognizing your carefree giggles, followed by Natty’s light scolding to be quiet. Ominis slowly stood from his seat, creeping to stand just around the corner, out of sight but in better ear shot.

Once the giggling from the both of you faded, you stood in comfortable silence, returning your borrowed books to their respective shelves. Standing there, it didn’t seem to Ominis that you were going to say anything more, taking a step away to find another hiding spot. Just as he lifted his foot, Natty’s voice quietly broke your companionable silence.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you, my friend.” Her voice was quiet, as to keep her question private, but not quiet enough to escape Ominis’s sharp hearing. You hum in acknowledgement, awaiting Natty’s inquiry.

“What on Earth did you do to piss off Ominis Gaunt so badly?” Natty never minced her words, always opting to get straight to the point, something you truly appreciated about her.

Ominis could hear your breathing stop, before heaving a big sigh and plopping down in a chair. His wand pulsed, and he could tell that you’d put your head in your hands, face directed to the floor.

“You noticed that, huh?”

Natty laughed jovially, ignoring your obvious distress. “Who hasn’t? He certainly isn’t trying to be subtle.”

He could hear you sit back, your voice muffled by the hands covering your face. “…it’s embarrassing.”

Natty nudged you to continue. Sighing, you dropped your arms, hands slapping your thighs loudly. “Sebastian…told me something he shouldn’t have, and the only stipulation was that Ominis wouldn’t find out. Unfortunately, as if by magic, he caught me almost immediately. Which, believe me, was already bad enough, but then I had to make it worse by lying to him.”

Natty hummed, waiting for you to continue. “He was so angry, and I’d just promised Sebastian I’d keep his secret, you know, a secret. We’d just started really being friends and I didn’t want to jeopardize that, so I panicked and just said the first thing that came to mind.”

Natty’s brow lifted. “Which was…?” Your head fell back into your hands, your words becoming slightly muffled.

“I told him that I’d keep their secret for a price. A price, Natty! Like I was some kind of Ashwinder demanding ransom. What the fuck was I thinking?” You groaned, and Natty remained silent as you rambled, the words spilling out of your mouth.

“You don’t understand. He was so scary. I was nearly pissing myself the whole time. It took everything in me to not sprint away. Ranrok’s loyalists have nothing on Ominis when he’s well and truly put out.” You paused briefly to take a breath before charging forward. “I just- I just kept talking. I couldn’t stop. And my acting was so bad. I really don’t understand how he even believed me.”

Natty attempted to hide her smile with her hand. Ominis could vaguely hear you smack her lightly, crying that it wasn’t funny, but his mind was elsewhere.

He suddenly felt very guilty about how he’d treated you that night, now recognizing your obvious discomfort and nervousness. Why had Sebastian let you take the blame for him? Ominis thought back to his boarish behavior the last few weeks, angry at his blatant hostility and lack of attention. If he’d taken a moment to actually consider the situation, he might not have wasted so much energy hating you. He hoped you’d be willing to forgive him, but didn’t have very high hopes.

————————————————-

It took a couple days before Ominis gathered enough courage to approach you, but broke down after hearing you laugh with Sebastian before Potions. You’d noticed his sudden change in behavior, because of course you did. He seemed more withdrawn than normal, barely ever facing your direction. His newfound stoicism had begun to worry you, and asking Sebastian had been no help. He’d simply shrugged and grumbled something about Ominis being too clever for his own good.

Acquiring your extra assignments from Professor Sharp, you headed to the Room of Requirement with your newly rescued beasts, excited to show them their vivarium.

Clearing the classroom threshold, you spotted Ominis, arms crossed, leaning against the wall conspicuously. He’d been avoiding you the last few days, so it was odd to see him openly waiting around. You paused your steps and regarded him. He looked a little worse for wear, but otherwise seemed fine, physically at least. Approaching him cautiously, you stop a healthy distance away. “Hello, Ominis. Did- Did you need something?”

His fingers tighten on his sleeve, brows scrunching. You thought that you’d maybe been mistaken and you were only aggravating him further.

He didn’t turn his head to face you, but his eyes looked in your direction, trying harder than usual to pinpoint your location. “You can drop the act now.”

You fidget with your fingers and bite your lip, looking up at him through your lashes.

“I, um, I don’t-“

“Don’t even bother. Sebastian already told me about your little charade. You might as well stop while I still have a modicum of patience.”

You sighed, shoulders slumping, letting the nervous tension leave your body. “You know, it’s just like him to tell on me and ruin all my hard work.” You glance at Ominis briefly, noticing his expression had morphed into something like amusement, but it just as likely could have been a trick of the light. “So you know, but you still seem upset?”

Huffing at you, he rolled his eyes and pushed off the wall, keeping his arms crossed as he faced you fully. “Of course I’m still upset. I don’t enjoy being lied to, no matter how noble the reason. I’m perfectly capable of making my own judgments, thank you very much.” You looked at the ground and flattened your lips into a thin line, nodding in agreement before remembering that he couldn’t see you.

“Yeah ok, I deserve that. I’m sorry.” You watched him shake his head and turn his head, looking pointedly down the hall.

“Yes, well, please refrain in the future. It’s going to be very difficult spending time together if I can’t trust your word.” Slight color rose to his cheeks as he realized the possible implication of his words. “Since you’re friends with Sebastian and all. I imagine you’ll start frequenting the Undercroft more often now that your farce has been discovered.”

You chuckled and smiled at him. “Of course. I’ll try not to make a habit of it.” He nodded once, and turned to swiftly walk down the hall.

You’d thought that was the end of it, but are surprised when Ominis stops abruptly, calling to you over his shoulder. “I apologize for my behavior the other night, and everyday since then. It was rather rude and unnecessary.” Without waiting for a response, he walks off down the hall. You smile after him and continue on with the rest of your day, feeling lighter than you had in weeks.

————————————————

You did, in fact, visit the Undercroft more frequently after that. Mostly with Sebastian, but Ominis was slowly making a habit of accompanying the brunette when the two of you made plans. He’d also started showing up to your study table without so much as a greeting, simply sitting down and pulling out his assignments for the day. Today was one of those days. You glanced up from your Herbology homework to see Ominis making a beeline for your table. Smiling to yourself, you watch him approach, waiting for him to be fully seated before greeting him.

“Ominis.” You only get a hum of acknowledgement in return, before you both turn your attention to your respective assignments. An hour passes in comfortable silence, only interrupted by the clock tower signaling the start of a new hour. You’d planned to practice your spell work in the Undercroft after the library, and started packing your things to head out. Glancing at Ominis, you hesitate for only a moment before circling around to his side of the table, leaning down next to him.

“Ominis.” His head turns slightly in your direction, signaling that you had his attention without looking away from his enchanted quill. “I’m heading to the Undercroft for a bit. Care to join me?” You lean away and watch him consider your offer, before quietly disenchanting his quill and following you out of the library.

The walk to the Undercroft was done in comfortable silence, occasionally bumping shoulders on the way. He led the way down to his secret room, making sure no one had seen your entrance before closing the door securely. He headed for the center of the room, casually discarding his robe on a lounge chair on the way. You’d just crossed the threshold when he whipped around without warning. “Levioso.”

Instinctively, you shout Protego, his spell bouncing off the shield harmlessly. You look at him bewildered, about to ask what had gotten into him, when he whipped two more spells at you in quick succession. Dodging one and shielding against the other, you cast Stupify, only for him to roll out of the way effortlessly. “You know, you’ll never stand a chance against dark wizards if all you do is run away.”

“Ominis, what is happening right now? Did I do something to upset you?” He huffed and rolled his eyes, still brandishing his wand in your direction.

“Did you not come here to practice your spells?” He shot off another basic cast without warning. You leapt out of the way just in time, the spell hitting the wall behind you.

“I mean, I did, I jus- oh shit! uh, I wasn’t expecting to- fuck! Immediately find myself in a duel.” You continue to tuck and roll, as Ominis quickly fires a few more spells your way. A cocky smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth, giving you the sense that he was only playing with you at the moment.

“You think Sebastian became so good at dueling by accident? He’s only considered the best because I don’t care to waste my time playing in Lucan’s little club. I’d wipe the floor with my eyes closed.” You barked out a surprised laugh, almost costing you your robes as a ball of fire came hurtling towards you. Ominis’s smirk grew into a wicked smile. Your eyes lingered a bit too long on his lips as you circled around each other slowly.

“You should add ‘comedian’ to your long list of talents.”

“Is it comedy, or just honesty?”

“Mmm, humble too.” This time you take the attack, casting Depulso, attempting to knock him prone. He threw up his shield and cast Stupify in retaliation, hitting you in the chest.

You stumble a bit, and scramble to regain your balance. Before you could react, Ominis cast Expelliarmus, ripping your wand from your hand. He followed with Accio, yanking you across the room towards him before your wand finished falling. Spinning, you land directly in front of him, feet wobbling as you hit the ground.

An arm snakes around your waist and tugs you forward, steadying you. You feel the point of a wand lightly touch your throat, and a low amused rumble come from the chest pressing against you. Looking up at Ominis’s face, you notice he’d closed his eyes at some point during your sparring, a pleased smile resting comfortably on his lips. Your mouth hangs open as you gape up at him, mind reeling at how good he looks like this. Relaxed and happy, if not a little cocky. You search for something to say, anything, when he parts his lips.

“I win.” His voice is barely above a whisper, his smile growing at your indignant huff.

“You cheated. That wasn’t a fair fight.” His arm tightens ever so slightly around you as another chuckle escapes him.

“They never are. I even gave you a handicap, and you still lost.” He opened his eyes as you clicked your tongue in annoyance, eyes crinkling around the edges as you lightly smacked his arm.

“It doesn’t count as a handicap if you’re not actually restricting yourself, you ass.” He barked out a laugh and lowered his wand, but didn’t remove his arm from you.

“You’re free to try again, if you’d like. Though I doubt being prepared this time will change the outcome.” You narrow your eyes at him.

“I’m gonna kick your ass.”

His haughty smirk morphed into an actual grin as he finally released his hold on you. “I’m looking forward to it.”

——————————————

You, in fact, did not kick his ass. The tension between you continued to grow after every round, the air growing heavy with something unnamed, calling it quits after the fourth duel.

Following that, you would sneak into the Undercroft together while Sebastian was in class, enjoying the easy banter that came without the brunette dominating the conversation. Not that it had been very difficult to hide your increasingly frequent rendezvous. Sebastian had become more and more preoccupied with his search for a cure recently, talking about his latest discoveries every time you were all together. Both you and Ominis grew more concerned the deeper Sebastian delved into the Dark Arts, often discussing how to steer him away from the path he traveled on. You’d decided to trust him to know when to stop, but you weren’t convinced when he started pestering Ominis about the location of Salazar Slytherin’s secret Scriptorium. Ominis continuously refused to tell him any information, and was just getting more irritated by the day.

Ominis was ranting to you one day after combat training, yelling about how Sebastian had kept him up half the night prior with his whining. You’d been contemplating how to end Sebastian’s obsession without potentially pushing him away, when a truly wild thought occurred to you. You tried to interrupt Ominis’s pacing and irritated grumbles.

“Ominis.” He continued on as if he hadn’t heard you, eyebrows scrunching further the more he worked himself up.

“Ominis.” You called his name a bit louder. Still no response. You could sense a whole new wave of annoyance about to explode out of his mouth, and attempted to interrupt it before he really got going.

“Ominis!”

“What?!” He whipped around to face you, a slightly unhinged look in his silver eyes.

“Stop your incessant pacing for a moment and come over here.” He narrowed his eyes and grumbled, but did as he was asked, stopping a short distance away.

“What.” He was decidedly calmer than he had been, so you excused his shortness. You took a deep breath, preparing to share your possible solution, knowing he’d object immediately, but hoping to persuade him.

“I had a thought, but I don’t think you’re going to like it.” He huffed and crossed his arms, putting all his weight on his left leg while raising one eyebrow.

“Well? Spit it out.” You rolled your eyes and took a deep breath, knowing he was acting this way out of worry.

“Alright, first of all, you can lose the attitude. We’re on the same team here. No reason for you to get pissy with me.” He clicked his tongue and looked away, but didn’t make any more comments as he waited for you to speak. Rolling your eyes again, you try to choose your next words carefully. “What if, and hear me out here, we take him to the Scriptorium.”

Ominis went to object, but you covered his mouth with your hand before he could get any words out. You tried to ignore the feel of his lips on your fingers and kept talking. “I wasn’t finished. We take him to the Scriptorium, and if we find something, we hide it before he can get his hands on it. He’ll see it’s a dead end, and look elsewhere.”

You look up into Ominis’s hard eyes and slowly remove your hand from his mouth. His arms remain crossed as he scowls, remaining quiet for only a moment longer.

“Congratulations. That was officially the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Absolutely not. How could you think going INTO the Scriptorium is a viable solution? My Aunt Noctua disappeared after entering that place, and we all assume she died terribly in her search.” You could see the sadness creep into his expression at the mention of his beloved aunt.

As you’d grown closer the last few weeks, he’d started opening up to you about his family history, and how he adored his aunt for sharing his personal beliefs. Your brow furrowed in sympathy, completely understanding his aversion to anything to do with the Dark Arts. You place your hand gently on his elbow before speaking again.

“I know, but letting him think his search is futile would be better than the alternative. I have a bad feeling it’ll only escalate if we don’t intervene.” His face is turned to the floor, and his eyes still hold the same hardness from before, but he is clearly considering your words carefully. You squeeze his elbow gently, pushing on. “It would also be nice if you could get some closure about your aunt. Maybe there’s something she left behind?” You watched his shoulders sag as he exhaled loudly. Defeated. “We stop as soon as things get too dangerous. Ok? I promise.”

He thinks for a moment more, but you could tell that you’d won. He heaves a large sigh before looking up at you, eyes searching your face as if he could actually see your expression. “Ok.” You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding, and give his still folded arm a tight squeeze. “-but, we leave as soon as I say, alright? Not a second later.” You nod in agreement and say yes, hoping the two of you would be able to pull this heist off under Sebastian’s nose.

—————————————————

The following night, you found yourself standing in a dark hallway deep in the Hogwarts dungeon. No other students ventured this far, and your only source of light were the sparsely scattered torches. Which only served to cast an eerie glow over the bricks.

“The entrance is here, but there’s some kind of trick to getting it to open. Something about three’s.”

You look around and notice two large, unlit braziers flanking the arch way towards the Slytherin Common Room. Three pairs of bejeweled snake eyes seemingly following your every movement. Looking around, you spot a similar brazier standing alone down the opposite hall. Having become familiar with the little puzzles peppered around the castle, designed to bolster your field guide, you theorized those braziers probably needed to be lit.

Taking out your wand, you cast Confringo on the lone brazier, quickly casting it on the other two after. For a moment, nothing happens, and you second guess yourself. Just as you went to ask the boys for other ideas, faint hissing traveled past your ears, and only grew louder as a door revealed itself on the wall.

Sebastian’s face holds a poorly concealed grin, giddy at the new discovery. Ominis looks like he wants to call the whole thing off here, but instead approaches the door. “Alright, we found the entrance. Now, how to open the door.” He puts his hand on it, feeling for some sort of doorknob or locking mechanism, coming up empty handed. Sebastian squeezes in next to him to get a better look and the ornate designs.

“Say something in Parseltongue.” You cock your head at Sebastian quizzically.

“What’s Parseltongue?” Ominis sighs heavily, but doesn’t look at you.

“A Parseltongue is someone who can speak to snakes. It’s a rare ability, and almost all known Parseltongues are directly descended from Salazar Slytherin.”

Sebastian shuffles his feet excitedly and stops trying to hide his boyish grin. “And we just so happen to have one standing right here!”

Ominis looked like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole. You knew he was feeling uneasy. Walking up beside him, you grab his hand, causing him to look in your direction uncertainly. You gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, ignoring Sebastian’s gaze darting between you two. Ominis squeezes back, and doesn’t release you as he starts speaking. The unknown words caress your skin as they slither through the air.

The door responds, granting access to the pitch black rooms beyond. You give Ominis one last squeeze before letting go and heading into the dark, Sebastian following close behind. Ominis hesitated, but decided that whatever was beyond the door would be best faced by the three of you. As soon as everyone crossed the threshold, the entrance closed and locked, forcing you to continue forward through the maze.

“So, what did you say to Ominis?” Sebastian came up next to you, speaking in a low tone just out of their companions earshot.

“What makes you think I said anything to him?” You kept your gaze focused on the stones in front of you, worried Sebastian would glean something from your expression. Sebastian huffed in amusement while moving some cobwebs out of his way.

“Don’t even try. I’ve been hounding him for information for weeks. I tell you about the Scriptorium, and suddenly he’s on board? Clearly something happened with you two.” You blush a bit at the underlying implication in his words, thankful for the low light in this maze.

“You just don’t have the same way with words, Sebastian. I simply put the situation into perspective for him.” Without giving him a chance to respond, you push forward, scanning each surface for a hint of what was to come. Sebastian muttered a doubtful ‘Right.’ under his breath, but dropped it for the moment.

You found several unlit torches on the walls, getting to work lighting as many as possible. There were unique puzzles acting as locks needed to move forward. You found scattered pages along the way, each revealing itself to be written by Noctua Gaunt. Handing each one to Ominis, he stores them safely in his robes to read later.

Solving the last puzzle, the three of you cross into the next room. You had a feeling this was the final hurdle before discovering the Scriptorium, but stop short after entering the room. A pile of bones lie on the ground near the opposite door, next to the word ‘Crucio’ scratched into the floor.

Mind reeling, you pivot, attempting to walk back to Ominis, only to find him directly behind you.

He’d stopped so close that your forehead nearly bounced off his chest. His face unreadable as he stares in the direction of the body, the hand holding his wand shaking ever so slightly. You take his other hand in yours, silently confirming his terrible suspicion. He lets out a shaky breath he wasn’t aware he’d been holding, body tense, only worsening when Sebastian read the word aloud. “Crucio?”

Ominis sucked in a sharp breath, his grip on your hand tightening painfully.

Keeping his grasp on you, he whirled back the way you came, dragging you along with him. “We’re leaving.”

Just before you’d reached the doorway, it vanished, leaving you nowhere to go but forward. You yanked on Ominis’s hand, preventing him from hitting his head on the solid wall before you. His breaths became erratic, his hand shaking violently in yours.

“Ominis it’s- the door’s gone. We have to- we have to keep going.” You tried your best to remain calm and keep your voice from trembling. Ominis started shaking his head, tears beginning to gather in the corner of his eyes.

“No. No, no, no this can’t- we can’t- we shouldn’t- we shouldn’t have come. I knew we shouldn’t have done this. You- You promised we’d leave when I said. You-” Tears started to gather in your eyes from watching Ominis’s worst fear come true. You hated yourself for ever suggesting this in the first place, wishing you could take it all back. You hold his hand in both of yours, staring helplessly, trying to figure out how to calm his panic. Sebastian spoke from the other side of the room.

“We’re not trapped, Ominis. We just need to cast Crucio and we’re in. Since you’re the only one who’s cast it before, you should-”

“NO, Sebastian. I’ll never go near that spell again. I can’t.” His silver eyes were wild as they shot in Sebastian’s direction, a shuddering breath escaping his lips.”You need- You need to want to cause pain when you cast it. I have no such desire. I- I can’t.” You squeezed his hand as hard as you could, trying desperately to squeeze the guilt out of him. Tears were openly running down his cheeks, his expression one of pure torture, as if he was reliving the day he cast the curse all over again.

“It wasn’t your fault, Ominis. Your family-”

“That doesn’t excuse anything. At the end of the day, I still cast it, and I will live the rest of my days haunted by the memory.” You looked to Sebastian for help, but only received a gesture to come over to him. Annoyed that he wasn’t trying to help his distraught friend, you looked back at Ominis.

“Ok. It’s ok. You won’t have to cast it. We’ll figure out another way out of here. Stay right here.” You gave his hand one final squeeze before making your way to Sebastian. “What do we do?” He regarded you for a moment before flicking his eyes back towards Ominis.

“Well, I also technically know the Cruciatus Curse, but I haven’t actually cast it before, so I can’t entirely guarantee anyone’s safety. I can either cast it on you, or teach you and have it cast on me.”

You already knew the answer. There wasn't a bone in your body that would allow you to cast such a horrid curse on your friends, growing nauseous at the thought. You looked at Ominis, once again facing the wall you’d come through, and steeled yourself.

“Cast it on me.” Sebastian nodded and took a step back, waiting for you to give the signal.

“I won’t forget this.”

You took a steadying breath and nodded. Faster than you had anticipated, a bolt of red lightning was streaking from Sebastian’s wand. “Crucio!”

Your knees hit the ground as you were struck. You’d tried to hold in your screams, for Ominis, but the pain was too great. Your wails echoed loudly in the tight space.

Through your tears, you could vaguely make out Ominis crouched over, covering his ears. A small part of you thought that you deserved this for opening his old wounds, but that thought was quickly replaced with another wave of blinding agony.

As the spell began to fade, you could hear the door into the Scriptorium melt against the floor, the path open. Your body screamed in protest, but you stood up as quickly as possible and focused on the task at hand.

“Are you alright?” Sebastian wore a look of concern, and it warmed your heart that he hadn’t immediately run off into the other room. You nodded and walked inside, still clutching your ribs.

“Fine. Let’s look around inside. Sebastian, start in this room, we’ll search upstairs.” Without waiting to see if Ominis would follow, you dragged yourself by the handrail to the study on the second floor.

Casting Revelio, you spot a book lying on the desk emitting a dark and twisted aura. You pick it up and examine the cover, identifying it as Salazar Slytherin’s spell book. If Sebastian wanted anything in this room, it would be this book. You hear footsteps coming up the stairs, pulling you out of your thoughts, whirling around, you recognize Ominis’s blonde hair ascending the staircase.

As he reached the last step, you whispered his name, beckoning him closer. You started hurriedly filling him in when he got close enough. “Ominis, this is Salazar Slytherin’s spell book. We can’t let Sebastian find it. Help me look for a place to-”

“Does it still hurt?” You sputtered in surprise.

“Does what still hurt?”

You could see deep set worry in Ominis’s brows, his lips turned down in a sorrowful frown. “The curse. Does it still hurt?”

You blinked slowly, not quite understanding his train of thought. “Um, well yes, but that’s not important right now-”

“Yes it is. Of course it is. How could that not be the most important thing right now?” His hand took your unoccupied one gently. His other came up to lightly stroke the side of your head, tucking his thumb gently behind your ear, barely touching you.

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry you had to experience that torture.” You could feel his breath on your face from how close he’d gotten and how breathy his voice had become. “So sorry.”

His face shone with regret, wishing he’d been able to spare you this pain. You squeezed his fingers, about to reassure him that you were alright, when you heard Sebastian call up to you.

“I haven’t found anything useful down here! What about up there?” You were ripped from the intimate moment by the realization that you still had a job to do. You cursed under your breath and looked around, seeing a book of similar size on a top shelf behind Ominis. Casting Accio, you pull it towards you, placing it in the spot the spell book previously occupied. Thankfully, it filled the outline in the dust well enough to avoid suspicion. There was no time to stash the book in your hands, hearing Sebastian climbing the stairs, calling for you both. You look at Ominis wildly and shove the book into his chest.

“Tuck the book into my waistband.” You let go of the book, forcing him to catch it before it fell to the ground. You quickly grabbed the back of his neck and yanked him down toward you. Pausing only briefly to apologize.

“Please forgive me.”

“What-” You didn’t give him time to ask what you meant, hoping that he’d figure it out. You pulled him the rest of the way down and crashed your lips together clumsily. He stood there frozen until he heard Sebastain call for you again, almost to the top of the stairs. Ominis wound his arms around your waist, underneath your cloak, tucking the spell book into your waistband like you’d asked. Making sure it would be secure until you could move it to a safer location.

You could hear Sebastian stop short at the top of the stairs and just stare. Both you and Ominis pretending you hadn’t heard him, continuing to kiss. You started losing yourself in the blonde’s mouth, realizing how much you liked kissing him. His hands clutched your waist, pulling you as close to him as possible, seemingly becoming as lost as you. One hand came up to cradle your cheek, thumb stroking just under your eye. Your fingers found their way into his hair, lightly scratching his scalp and tugging slightly on the short strands. Ominis groaned into your mouth and deepened the kiss, licking at your bottom lip needily.

“OK, that’s enough. What exactly is going on here?” You tear your mouths away from each other in genuine surprise, having both forgotten Sebastian had been standing there. He raised an eyebrow, regarding the both of you as you stayed intertwined.

“Uh, well, the um, the pain from the, the curse hadn’t fully subsided yet, and I needed a…distraction.” You hoped your half baked lie would be enough to fool the brunette, but you weren’t very confident.

Sebastian's eyes flickered back and forth between you two, definitely suspecting something was going on, also noting that you had yet to release each other. Ominis’s body curled protectively around you, shoulders hunched as if to shield you from Sebastian’s gaze. He closed his eyes and shook his head, deciding that he wasn’t willing to deal with this right now.

“Right, well were you able to find anything of importance, or have you just been snogging this whole time?” You and Ominis finally realize you were still cradling each other, and jump apart. You looked down at the floor blushing, gesturing to the book on the desk. Ominis was looking anywhere but you, trying to hide his blush behind his hand. Sebastian eyed the both of you as he walked over to the book. You didn’t know what book you’d summoned from the shelf, but you hoped that it was something less dangerous than the spell book. Sebastian flipped through the pages, seemingly satisfied.

“A book of rare potions. This could definitely prove useful.” With that he snapped the book shut and turned towards the exit. “Let’s get out of here. We’ve all had enough excitement for one day.” He started walking without waiting for either you or Ominis. Exiting, the back of your hand brushed Ominis’s, silently promising him that you’d take care of the book. He nodded slightly and you bid the boys goodnight, quickly heading for the Room of Requirement, thinking of places to stash the tome.

—————————————————-

You didn’t see much of the boys for a while afterwards. Trials set by the Keepers and your academic responsibility pulling you in too many different directions to have much free time to spend with your friends. Ominis wore a constant face of worry when you were around, repeatedly asking if you were alright. You did your best to reassure him that you were just busy, before apologizing and hurrying to your next task.

Ominis hadn’t realized how much he enjoyed your company until he didn’t have it anymore. He craved it, and was struck with how much he missed you. He didn’t want to be selfish and ask you to carve out time to spend with him in your outrageous schedule, so he settled for keeping a close eye on you whenever you were near.

Thoughts of the Scriptorium floated through his mind constantly. Wanting to know why you’d thought to kiss him, and if you’d let him do it again. Sebastian had stuck his nose in the potions book you’d found, and had yet to come up for air. He wished there was a way to take some of the burden off his friends shoulders, but came up short every time.

After completing all of the Trials, you now had a fairly good grasp on the ancient power you wielded. You’d listened to all the warnings from the Keepers on the responsibility of this power, and you swore to use it wisely. However, there was one thing you needed to accomplish, preferably without the Keepers ever finding out. Surely removing a curse was more acceptable than removing emotion, but you thought it best to keep it secret.

That’s how you found yourself in Feldcroft, standing outside Sebastian’s uncle’s house. You knocked on the door lightly, praying that Anne was home alone. She opened the door and greeted you cheerily, inviting you in. You glanced around and didn’t see anyone else, which was exactly what you needed.

“Hello!! It’s been too long, thank you for the visit.” You smiled warmly and sat down at the table.

“It’s great to see you, Anne. How’ve you been? Have you seen Ominis or Sebastian recently?” She joined you sitting at the table, wincing a bit in discomfort before settling down.

“I’ve been well. As well as I can be anyway. Fortunately both Ominis and Sebastian have paid me a few visits since we last spoke. I believe they’re actually on their way over shortly.” You nod quickly, realizing that you didn’t have much time.

“Alright, we’ve gotta do this quickly. Anne, I can help you, but you can’t tell a single soul what happens here. I need you to trust me and not ask questions, ok? Explaining would take much too long and put you in too much danger. Please, please just trust me.” You looked her in the eyes, willing her to say yes, so you could accomplish your goal before the boys arrived. She bit her lip and studied the table, nodding hesitantly, and then more resolutely.

“Do it. Uh, whatever ‘it’ is.” You breathed out a sigh of relief and took out your wand, placing it over her heart.

“Take a deep breath.” She did as she was told, and you began to pull the curse out of her while she exhaled. She had a slight look of discomfort but remained still until you were done. She slumped back into her chair as you placed the curse in a jar, to dispose of when you returned to the castle. You could see the color already returning to her face as you studied her, making sure you hadn’t messed up in any way.

She had her head down quietly, and you were about to ask if she was alright, when you saw teardrops start falling into her lap. Panicking, you reach for her, afraid something was wrong. Suddenly her head shot up and she beamed at you, smiling so bright you thought you might end up blind.

“The pain, it’s- it’s just…gone! Thank you. Merlin’s beard, thank you. I can’t ever repay you for what you’ve done.” You shushed her with a hug, glad to see the girl Sebastian spoke about come back to the surface.

“You don’t have to thank me. Just promise me, if anyone asks, tell them it was Sebastian. One of his potions, or something. Please, keep this between us.”

She nodded and wiped her eyes with her hand. You wanted to say more, but heard the tell tale signs of the boys arguing as they approached the house. You got up quickly and cast Disillusionment on yourself before whispering to her. “I was never here.”

She nodded again as the door opened, both boys walking in. You waited until they went to greet her before slipping out the front door, creeping away. You could hear Sebastian’s cries of joy as he held his sister close, asking her a thousand questions.

What you didn’t notice, however, was Ominis watching you slink away down the path. Disillusionment never worked on him, his wand detecting a person’s mass. He’d accidentally exposed many hidden persons, often getting them into trouble.

He listened to Anne and Sebastian talk, wondering why you hadn’t stayed, but as Sebastian grilled Anne, he could hear the slight hesitance in her voice. He turned in their direction, watching Anne wring her hands under the table, something she did when she was lying.

She glanced over at him, noting his silence, in stark contrast with Sebastian’s excited chatter. Noticing how closely he studied her, she looked away quickly, laughing nervously at Sebastian, who was too wrapped up in his own excitement to notice.

Suddenly, it dawned on him what you’d done. He knew the rules you’d broken, the danger you’d put yourself in, and he wanted to weep. His emotions were everywhere, a part of him wanting to stay and celebrate, but a larger portion desperate to fly back to the castle in search of you. He struggled to get his breathing under control.

Anne could see the change in him, and shook her head, eyes wide, begging him not to say anything. Ominis took a few deep breaths, striding over to her quickly. He pushed Sebastian out of the way and enveloped Anne in his arms, squeezing her tight.

Sebastian wormed his way in between the two, joining the relieved embrace. The three of them sat quietly, and there wasn’t a dry eye when they’d finally pulled apart. Laughing through their tears, the boys regaled Anne with their latest escapades, excited for her eventual return to the school.

You sat in the back of Ominis’s mind as he celebrated with his friends, longing to share this moment with you, but understanding why he couldn’t. He resolved to find you as soon as they returned to the castle, eternally grateful for the risk you’d taken.

____________________

Sebastian and Ominis only spent a couple hours with Anne, wandering back towards the castle in the early afternoon. The boys parted ways after entering Hogwarts, Sebastian walking leisurely toward their Common Room.

Ominis didn’t even wait for Sebastian to turn the corner before taking off. He checked all of your usual haunts, failing to spot you anywhere. He started checking the classrooms to see if you’d maybe gone to speak to a professor, all coming up empty.

He made his way to the Astronomy Tower, having already checked the other classrooms, wondering where you could have possibly disappeared to. He passes a blank portion of wall, stopping at the light sound of metal on brick. Turning, he watches in awe as a door appears, beckoning him forward.

He opens the door slightly, cautiously sticking his wand in first, mapping the room beyond. His eyes widened as he yanked the door open, and taking a few hesitant steps in, he disappeared inside.

The room was enormous. He subconsciously wondered how his wand had never picked up such a huge space. He could hear the faint call of gulls and running water, sensing another large room down a nearby hall, but unable to glean any details.

There didn’t seem to be anyone else there, until a house elf appeared next to him, startling the blind boy. “Oh, Master Gaunt! What a surprise! What can Deek help you with?” Ominis looked from Deek, to the room, and back to Deek.

“Wha- What is this place, um…Deek?” Deek smiles at him kindly.

“It’s the Room of Requirement, Master Gaunt! It sometimes appears to students in need. What were you looking for when it appeared? Maybe Deek can help you find it!” Ominis blinked. He’d been thinking about you. His thoughts had been a jumbled mess, unsure what to even say when he finally found you. During his search, Ominis had considered keeping his knowledge to himself, but ultimately decided to come clean. He hadn’t thought he could keep his emotions in check enough to come up with a convincing lie. His heart was pounding too hard with a driving need to see you, the feeling only increasing the longer you evaded him.

He relayed his intentions to Deek, who smiled widely back. “Well! You’re certainly in the right place. They’re right down the hall, should Deek show you?”

Ominis shook his head and thanked the elf, walking quickly into the next room. There were plant pots and potion desks lining the walls, a pleasant scent hanging in the air. Ominis scanned the room, spotting you over by a truly massive Chinese chomping cabbage. He had no idea they could get that big, but there you were, petting it lovingly, unafraid.

He has no memory of walking towards you, not entirely in control of his body. You turn around, bumping directly into his chest, and let out a surprised gasp. “Fuck! Who- Ominis! You- Merlin's beard, you scared me. How did you-“

Ominis drops his wand on the floor carelessly, hands coming up to cradle your face reverently.

“Thank you.” His lips land on your forehead first, kissing the skin slowly. You make a small noise of surprise, but otherwise are unable to speak.

“Thank you.” He kissed your left eye, voice barely above a whisper. Your hands unconsciously rest themselves on his forearms, gripping them slightly.

“Thank you.” You feel the delicate press of his lips on your right eye.

“For saving Anne.” He kissed the bridge of your nose tenderly, before skipping your lips and kissing your chin. “For saving Sebastian.”

He looks at you with hooded eyes, stopping a hair's breadth away. Thumbs caressing your cheeks lovingly, pausing only for a moment. “For saving me.”

You shake your head slightly. “I didn’t-“

“You did.” He runs his thumb along your bottom lip, brushing it ever so slightly. He hadn’t realized until this moment, but you had indeed saved him. He’d lost so much so quickly, and was on the path to losing whatever he had left. Anne was gone, and Sebastian was killing himself to get her back. Ominis had felt like he was drowning. His friends, who were really his family, were fading. There had been nothing he could do to stop it, but…you did. Self sacrificing, stubborn, beautiful you. He knew he was done for. He wanted to fill his lungs with you, leaving no room for anything or anyone else.

The air hung heavily between you, the tension almost stifling. Ominis gently brushed your nose with his.

“Can I kiss you?” Ominis spoke the words into your mouth, his voice needy, waiting for your answer.

“If you want to.”

He let out a shuddering breath, and inched impossibly closer. “Desperately.”

Pressing your lips together, he kissed you slowly, savoring each second. He groaned, pulling away briefly, only to come surging back with renewed vigor. Ominis’s hands slid down your sides, coming to wrap around your middle. Your arms came up around his shoulders, fingers carding through his hair, tugging at the strands. Ominis gasps, pulling your hips impossibly closer, grinding his lower body into you.

He tears his mouth away from you, but doesn’t go far. Leaning his forehead against yours, you both take some time to catch your breath. He recovered faster, and started gently scattering soft kisses around your neck and jaw, continuing his ministrations while he spoke. “I don’t- I can’t articulate how grateful I am. You’ve done- Merlin’s beard, you’ve done so much for me. How would I even begin to repay you?”

You’re roused a bit from your dazed stupor at his words, tilting your head down slowly to look at him again, shaking your head. “Ominis, there’s nothing to repay. You owe me nothing.”

Ominis took a step back and sunk to the floor, kneeling in front of you. You had to grab onto the table behind you to avoid collapsing. You were rendered speechless at the sight of Ominis, on his knees before you. His hands rested on your outer thighs, thumbs stroking back and forth idly.

He looked up at you with unadulterated adoration, his sightless eyes searching for you longingly. “You saved my family.” His fingers tighten ever so slightly on your thighs.

“I owe you everything.” Leaning forward, his lips placed a light kiss on your left thigh, scorching you through the fabric. He moved to kiss the other thigh just as tenderly, a shiver racing down your spine in anticipation. Hands creeping up to rest on your hips, he pressed a couple more kisses into your stomach, face nuzzling you here and there.

“I’d spend the rest of my days showing you how grateful I am,” his chin came to rest on your stomach “if you’d let me.” Eyes hooded, boring into yours, you move your fingers to brush his cheek ever so slightly. He leaned his head fully into your palm, an edge of desperation slipping into his voice. “Please, let me.” He turned his face, kissing the palm of your hand, whispering into your skin like a prayer. “Please.”

You can hardly breathe. Your heart, pounding faster than your first time flying on Highwing. The sight of this beautiful, refined, proud man begging on his knees was something straight out of a muggle romance novel. You cupped his other cheek with your hand, bending over and pressing a firm kiss into his soft lips. He groaned into your mouth, chasing you as you tried to pull away. Indulging him for a few more seconds, he whines as you actually pull away this time.

“Ominis.” You pant his name into his mouth, he gasps and unconsciously rolls his hips forward, looking for friction.

“Yes, darling.” He looked like a man starving. His hands had tucked themselves behind your knees, trembling from the effort of maintaining a sliver of his composure.

“Ominis I-”

“I’m heading out to run a few errands for Professor Weasley, do you or Master Gaunt need Deek to get anything?” You and Ominis were startled out of your private little world, jumping apart for fear of Deek seeing you in such a compromising position.

Your brain fought through the foggy haze it'd settled in, and quickly answered Deek. “We’re ok Deek. Just talking. Take your time! No rush to come back.”

You waited until you heard the elf apparate out of the room, looking around for somewhere to conceal you both, should Deek return too soon. You hear the familiar sound of the room changing itself to accommodate your needs.

Ominis yelped and covered his head, and you spotted a door forming on the far wall. The door swung open on its own, revealing a spacious bedroom on the other side.

“What the hell just happened?” You turned back to Ominis to see him peeking out from under his arms comically, in great contrast to his previous behavior. Ominis lowers his arms at the sound of your amused laughter, pouting a bit. You brush the back of his hand with yours and he quickly captures it in his.

“Uh, well, it seems like the room thought we needed a more…private place to finish our conversation.” You looked away blushing, but quickly turned back when you felt an impatient tug on your hand.

“I can’t find it. Show me.” You could hear the barely contained neediness in Ominis’s voice. Realizing Ominis didn’t have his wand, you start searching the ground around you.

“Ominis, your wand-”

“Don’t care. We’ll look later.” Getting impatient, he starts dragging you in a random direction.

Laughing once more, you redirect him towards the open door, spotting a fully furnished master bedroom, attached bathroom and all. Ominis waits for the sound of the door closing, before crowding you against it, trapping you with his body. His hands cradle your face once again, forcing you to look into his stunning silver eyes. He looks like it pains him to keep your lips apart, but he resists the temptation with furrowed brows, waiting. “Well?”

You want to laugh at his ridiculous question, but your voice comes out closer to a sob. “Do you even have to ask? I think you know very well that I’m yours, that I have been for-” He didn’t even let you finish before slamming his mouth down onto yours. Hands quickly trailing down to your thighs before hoisting you up to wrap your legs around his hips. You exchanged pleased sighs and hungry moans, your tongues dancing to the tune.

You fought to stay together as long as possible, becoming lightheaded as your lungs screamed for air. Ominis only tore himself away to suck in a deep breath, panting a desperate ‘I love you’ against your lips before diving back in. You lost track of how long you stayed entangled, exchanging I love you’s between sweet kisses and gentle touches, your intense fervor for one another slowly cooling to a low simmer.

At some point Ominis had carried you to the bed, where you currently lay facing each other, basking in the other's arms. Your fingers ran through his hair as he placed lazy kisses on your neck and collar bone, purring a quiet ‘I love you’ after each one. You sighed contentedly, thinking about how far you’d both come from that very first meeting.

You laughed quietly to yourself, prompting a curious hum from Ominis, who continued his slow ministrations.

“You wanna know something?” Your voice was barely audible, afraid to break the peaceful atmosphere too soon.

“What’s that, my darling?” Ominis whispered the words into your shoulder, placing a light kiss on it right after.

You fought to keep the shit eating grin off your face, not wanting Ominis to get suspicious at the change in your tone. “The day we first met, when I came over to help you with your assignment?”

“Mhmm?” Another kiss behind your ear.

“Sebastian actually caught me staring at you.” You huffed out an amused laugh. “He’s very protective, tried picking a fight with me.” Ominis chuckled with you, running the tip of his nose along your jaw, quiet for a moment.

“What were you thinking about?” You smirked to yourself, knowing you’d caught him.

“When?” You put on an innocent act, pretending you didn’t know what he was asking.

He huffed another amused laugh against your cheek. “When you were ogling me shamelessly across the library.” His hand was gliding gently down your arm, coming to rest on your hip.

“Well…” You finally allowed the wide grin to spread itself across your face, making sure he’d be able to hear the taunting lilt to your voice. “I was thinking about how pretty you’d look with your dick in my mouth.”

Ominis barked out a surprised laugh, pulling you tighter against him and hiding his red face in the crook of your neck. You could feel the wide, happy grin he pressed into your skin, shoulders shaking with laughter. He brought his teeth to your ear, biting it gently in retaliation, causing you to squirm as he trapped you against his chest.

“You naughty thing.”

#ominis gaunt #sebastian sallow #garreth weasley #hogwarts legacy #romance #fanfic #ominis gaunt x reader

[chickenlizard13]

Home to Me

Pairing: Garreth Weasley x Reader (gender neutral)

Word Count: 5019

Warnings: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff

Description: There isn’t enough Garreth content, so I’m doing it myself. Takes place after the Scriptorium.

Insatiable Thing (Part 2)

You’re not sure how you made it back to your common room after the events at the Scriptorium. You’d assured Ominis that you were fine multiple times after being hit with Crucio, and that all you needed was a good night’s rest. You were lying. While your body still held an ever present ache, it was your heart that hurt the most.

You’d felt nauseated at the thought of inflicting such gruesome pain on Sebastian, so instead allowed him to curse you, for the sake of exiting the Scriptorium. It made you uneasy how readily he cast the spell on a friend, at least, you thought you were friends. You hoped you were friends, but he’d barely spared you a glance after offhandedly asking if you were alright. Ominis was the one who ran over and helped you up with gentle hands, hovering around you until well after you’d left the Scriptorium. Sebastian barely managed to say goodbye before running off to bury his head in Salazar Slytherin’s spell book, leaving the two of you in the dust.

Ominis asked how you were several more times before reluctantly parting ways, his shoulders a bit slumped as he trudged tiredly after Sebastian. You dragged your heavy heart and exhausted body all the way back to the Gryffindor common room, trying your hardest to reassure yourself that your brunette friend was just caught up in finding a cure for his sister.

You closed the common room entrance and leaned your back against the door, attempting to gather the energy to make it all the way to your dorm. Involuntary sniffles and quaking breaths started escaping your lips as tears pooled in your eyes. You pushed yourself off the door, hoping to make it to your bed before you broke down completely. Each step became harder than the last as fat tears began to roll down your cheeks, your shuddering breaths becoming quiet sobs. You only made it to the living room before your legs gave out and you crumpled to your knees, the action sending dull pain up through your sore muscles.

The common room should have been devoid of students, as it was well past curfew, but you faintly heard a voice call your name questioningly from the couches, swearing loudly as your knees hit the carpet. You were vaguely aware of them vaulting over the back of the couch and sprinting over, worriedly asking what was wrong. Unable to form a coherent sentence, you clutched the robes over your heart and sobbed at the floor. Two gentle hands held your cheeks and tilted your face up to look at them, and you were met with frantic green eyes and fiery red hair, backlit by the light of the fireplace.

Garreth tried again to ask what was wrong, his voice sounding so far away you couldn’t comprehend the words. You shook your head slightly as another sob escaped you, more tears replacing the ones he’d wiped away with his thumbs. His brow furrowed helplessly at your distress and he removed his hands from your wet cheeks. You wanted to beg him not to leave you as he retracted his hands, but soon found yourself being gathered into his arms as he easily lifted you off the floor. Your arms immediately circled his broad shoulders, as you shamelessly shoved your face into the crook of his neck, weeping into him. His strong arms carried you back over toward the couches, where he sat down with you curled up in his lap.

Once you were both seated, his arms came up to wrap protectively around you, one palm resting just under your shoulder blades, and the other cradling the back of your head. Gentle fingers stroked your hair comfortingly as he held you against him and whispered reassurances into your temple.

You felt like you cried for hours, sure that the collar of Garreth’s sweater was soaked and your position becoming uncomfortable for him, but he never faltered. His constant murmurs of ‘It’s alright’ and ‘I’ve got you’ slowly coax you out of your panic, your sobs turning into involuntary hiccups. You thought you felt a few feather light kisses pressed into your hairline, but were too out of it to really be sure.

Eventually the tears stopped and you just sat together quietly, Garreths fingers still stroking your hair, letting you breathe until you were ready. Slowly you lifted your head from his shoulder and looked at him. He gazed back at you with concern, searching your face for an answer your lips wouldn’t give him. The hand on your head moved to wrap securely around your waist, keeping you in his lap, as the other came up to wipe the remaining tears from your stained cheeks. He tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear, grazing your jaw with his thumb lightly, before resting his hand on your thigh.

“What happened?” His voice was barely above a whisper, afraid to send you back into the pit of despair he’d found you in.

You shook your head and fought to find your voice again, the sound coming out sad and broken. “Nothing.”

Garreth let out a humorless huff, his thumb drawing unconscious circles on your waist. “You and I both know that wasn’t nothing. Something happened.” You couldn’t bear to look him in the eye anymore, so opted to turn your gaze to your hand resting on his chest. Your fingers started to pick at his sweater idly as your teeth worried at your bottom lip.

“I, um, I was with Sebastian and-”

“Sebastian left you like this?!” You were startled at the quiet fury in Garreth’s tone, the hands on your waist and thigh gripping you tighter. You knew his anger wasn’t directed at you, but it still made your eyes well up again as you thought about tonight’s excursion. You shook your head and glanced up at Garreth from under your lashes, watching him deflate at the fresh tears in your eyes.

“Ok, ok, I’m sorry. We don’t have to talk about it right now.” He relented and pulled you back against him, cradling you. An unspoken promise hanging in the air that you would be talking about it later.

He held you into the wee hours of the morning, gently carrying you up to your dorm once you’d begun to fall asleep.

The journey to your bed was a blur, but you vaguely remember one of your roommates demanding to know what he was doing. He told them to not worry about it and to go back to sleep. After you were laid down and the covers pulled over you, a gentle hand came to stroke your head again. You thought you felt a pair of lips press tenderly against your forehead, lingering for a moment before whispering goodnight against your skin. You soon fell into a dreamless sleep, your heart aching a little less than it had before.

_________________________

You awoke late the next morning, nearly bolting out of bed to get to your classes, when a note appeared on your bedside table. You opened it cautiously, worried it’d be Sebastian asking you for yet another favor.

‘Don’t worry about classes today. I’ve informed the professors that you aren’t feeling well, and won’t be in attendance.’

You let a sigh of relief escape your lips as you carefully folded the note again. It wasn’t signed, but you knew whom it had come from. You spent the rest of the day curled up in your bed with the curtains drawn, ignoring the concerned whispers of your roommates. You hadn’t had a moment’s respite since entering Hogwarts, and were honestly beyond grateful for the day of rest.

—————————

What you didn’t know was that, while you recovered, Garreth was on a warpath. Stalking the halls in search of your brunette friend.

No one had ever seen the goofy red-head so enraged, most were too afraid to engage him in conversation, thus scurrying away from him like antelope in the path of a lion.

Garreth finally spotted Sebastian leisurely striding through Central Hall, smiling and waving at the people he passed by. He recalled your despairing expression from the night before, Sebastian’s carefree attitude causing Garreth to see red. He quickly caught up with Sebastian, catching his shoulder in an iron grip before spinning the brunette around to face him. Garreth’s hand grabbed one side of Sebastian’s collar and yanked him forward, baring his teeth as he got right in Sebastian’s face.

“What. The fuck. Did you do?” Garreth’s voice came out in a low, dangerous growl. All conversations stopped as every student in Central Hall became silent as the grave. Everyone waited with bated breath. Waiting to find out what Sebastian had done to put the usually jovial red-head in such a foul mood. Garreth was quite a bit taller than Sebastian, and had lifted him off his heels slightly. Sebastian, unperturbed, sneered back, refusing to back down.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about Weasley, but I’d take your hands off me if I were you. Unless you’re looking to get your ass kicked.” Garreth snarled, his grip only tightening, lifting Sebastian further off the floor.

“Don’t play coy with me, Sallow. You know exactly what I’m talking about. What. Did. You. Do.”

You and Garreth were usually inseparable, had been, since you’d introduced yourself in the Gryffindor common room that first day. The two of you were thick as thieves, as well as actual thieves at times, so it was rare to see the two of you apart. Sebastian glanced around for you to ask what the hell Garreth was on about, coming up empty handed.

Realization dawned on Sebastian’s face, he saw the way Garreth looked at you. Everyone did. He barked out a laugh, figuring this was just an envious outburst born from unrequited love. His sneer turned into a condescending smirk, wicked amusement seeping into his voice. “Oh, I get it. You think this big alpha male display is going to finally win them over, hm? Feeling a little jealous with all the time we’ve been spending together? News flash, threatening their friends isn’t going to get them to notice your pathetic school-boy crush. In fact, just wait ‘til I tell them about your little stunt. Certainly won’t be earning you any brownie points.”

Garreth’s brows furrowed in bewilderment, a crazed look forming behind his eyes. “You think this is about my feelings? Are you mad? Fuck my feelings. Explain to me why they came back crying last night after spending time with you.”

Sebastian’s face dropped immediately, a look of genuine concern crossing his eyes as some of the fight left him. “They were crying? Why?”

Garreth’s anger reached a whole new level, completely baffled by the brunette’s idiocy. His grip on Sebastian’s collar tightened as he lifted him closer, Sebastian’s toes just scraping the floor. “I. Don’t. Know. That’s why I’m asking you, asshole.”

Confusion had chased the fight out of Sebastian, leaving him hanging loosely in Garreth’s grip. The red-head could start to hear whispers from their fellow classmates, some of them wondering if they should grab a professor. The last thing he wanted was to explain to his aunt why he’d basically assaulted a fellow student in the hallway, so opted to abruptly drop Sebastian with a snarl and back up. Sebastian stumbled as he hit the ground, just managing to catch himself before he fell completely. He reached a hand to his wrinkled collar and looked up at Garreth wordlessly, a pinched expression on his face.

“I swear on the Gryffindor name, if they ever, ever come home to me in such a state again, I will hunt you down and kill you myself.” Central Hall burst with conspiratorial whispers at his possessive declaration. He was aware you weren’t, and might not ever be, his. You very well could fall for someone else, forcing him to love you from the side lines. Be that as it may, he’d be damned if he let you end up with a man like Sebastian. Not after last night.

Without waiting for a response, Garreth turned on his heels and stalked away, needing to take a walk to cool his head. Sebastian stood there for a moment more, stunned, trying to wrack his brain and figure out what had upset you so. He’d cast Crucio on you last night, but you’d agreed to that, so it had to be something else. He spent the rest of the day looking for you, wanting to apologize for whatever wrong he’d committed, but his search proved fruitless.

Garreth dutifully attended the rest of his classes for the day, wanting to make sure he had notes for you to look over when you felt up to it. He decided against checking on you himself when he returned to the common room, choosing instead to ask some of your roommates how you were fairing. They all said you’d been sleeping all day, figuring you were sick and hadn’t tried to disturb you. Natty, bless her soul, had left some food for you on your nightstand, in case you got hungry.

Garreth slept fitfully that night, hoping that you’d feel well enough to come down to breakfast for a proper meal in the morning.

________________________

The next day, Garreth dragged himself out of bed, having slept terribly the night before. He sluggishly pulled on his school robes and trudged down to breakfast. He scanned the Gryffindor table hopefully, and was delighted to see you sitting near the far end, an unoccupied seat sitting directly across from you. His exhaustion forgotten, he made a beeline for the empty seat you’d most likely saved for him, as you did every morning.

Noticing his significantly better mood today, a few people attempted to rope him into conversation, but he did little more than give them a greeting and a distracted wave, too focused on seeing you.

He sank down onto the empty bench, causing you to look up at him with a soft smile, swallowing your food before greeting him warmly. The look on your face sent butterflies careening in his stomach, causing him to rub at his chest in an attempt to ease their fluttering. You’d only been apart for one day, but he’d missed you dearly. Smiling tenderly back at you, he rubbed your ankle with his foot in silent question. You looked much better this morning, a healthy amount of color sitting on your cheeks and most of the exhaustion gone from your eyes. He released a small sigh of relief when he received a few taps back, turning his attention to filling his plate with this morning’s spread.

He briefly noticed the scarf wound snuggly around your neck, but figured you were just a bit chilly this morning, as a wistful flurry of snow blanketed the school grounds outside. You remained quieter than usual, but participated in light conversation here and there, even allowing some light chuckles to escape your lips. Garreth collected them all and coveted them jealousy, wanting to erase your tear stained face from his mind even a bit.

He attempted to keep his gaze as inconspicuous as possible, but still caught the knowing looks his house mates threw eachother out of the corner of his eye. So it stood to reason that he also caught the moment your features pinched slightly in pain as you watched something behind him. He followed your gaze and saw Sebastian enter the room, looking worse for wear as he slunk over to the Slytherin table. He flopped down next to Ominis and glanced over at the Gryffindor table, locking eyes with you in a silent plea. He then tore his eyes away and looked at Garreth, who’s eyes narrowed into a hard glare, communicating an equally silent threat.

Garreth broke contact first and turned back to you, your eyes still focused on the brunette across the room. You had stretched out your arm to grab another pastry from the pile, causing your sleeve to rise up, revealing the smallest bit of dark bruises littering your wrist. Garreth briefly glanced down at your outstretched arm and had to do a double take, freezing completely at the angry purple lines.

————————-

You had awoken that morning feeling much lighter than usual, grateful for the day of rest you’d been gifted, but desperately needing a shower. You gathered your things and headed to the bathroom, stripping down quickly, wincing a bit from some lingering pain in your muscles.

Catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror, you froze, gaping in horror at the giant bruise covering your body. The wound originated at your sternum where Sebastian had struck you, and exploded outward, covering your whole body in harsh lines save for your face and hands. You trembled as you looked at yourself, the horror of the other night rushing back to you, but managed to take some deep, steadying breaths. Resolving to speak with Sebastian later, you showered and dressed quickly, opting for longer sleeves and a large scarf to hide the bruising. All you needed to do was get through your classes, and you could head to the Room of Requirement to brew some extra strong Wiggenweld potions.

Unfortunately, that plan flew out the window the minute you noticed Garreth’s hard stare directed at your outstretched arm. Your stomach dropped, already knowing what he’d seen. Giving him a panicked stare, you willed him to look at you, but his eyes remained locked on your battered wrist. You scrambled for an explanation, but it was too late. Faster than you could speak, one of his hands had already grabbed your wrist in a firm, but careful hold. The other had deftly unbuttoned the cuff of your sleeve and shoved it all the way up to your elbow, remaining in place. You subconsciously wondered if his lightning fast fingers were a product of constantly pilfering potion ingredients, but banished the thought at the blank look on his face. His eyes raked over your forearm, the bruises looking worse in the morning light. His grasp on you remained gentle, but his breaths became harsh and short, and you could practically see the smoke billowing out of his nostrils.

You called his name quietly, begging him to look away. His eyes remained locked on your arm for a moment longer before snapping up and zeroing in on your throat. You noticed, too late, that your scarf had shifted slightly when he’d grabbed you, allowing the faintest edge of another bruise to peek through. You went to call his name again, but hadn’t even managed to get the first syllable out before the hand gripping your elbow all but tore your scarf off, yanking your collar to the side. His fingers accidentally pressed against a bruise, causing you to wince and recoil slightly. Garreth seemed to snap at your discomfort and released you, whipping around and directing that blank, wide eyed look toward the Slytherin table.

“I’m going to kill him.” He stood abruptly, his gaze locked onto Sebastian, who had witnessed the entire exchange, and could clearly see the terrible wounds he’d caused. Understanding crossed his features, and the brunette’s eyes filled with fear and remorse.

Garreth looked like he was about to launch himself directly over every table in his way to get to Sebastian. You mustered all the strength in your sore body, frantically grabbing Garreth’s wrist as tightly as you could, halting his movements. His gaze didn’t falter, but he stopped abruptly, standing there frozen for a moment before speaking.

“Sweetheart, please let go. I have some unfinished business to attend to.” His voice was deceptively calm, like he was making small talk about the weather, but you could feel the murderous vibrations under his skin. He could have very easily torn his arm from your grasp, but instead waited patiently for you to release him, his eyes unblinking as they bore into Sebastian.

Your heart fluttered a bit at the unexpected nickname, but you pushed it aside. Now was definitely not the time to think about how much you liked that name coming from his lips. You tightened your grip and tugged at him slightly. “Garreth, it’s not- it’s not what you think. Please, I promise.” Garreth’s fingers twitched at your breathy plea, but he otherwise remained still. You couldn’t even tell if he was breathing.

“Then what is it?” His fingers twitched again, and you knew you had to get him out of there.

“I can’t tell you-” His head whipped in your direction so fast you were afraid he’d hurt himself, and you scrambled to finish your sentence before he could interject. “-here. I can’t tell you here. We need to go. Please, come with me.”

Even in his feral state, he knew he could deny you nothing. His eyes roamed your face as you pleaded with him, lingering a moment on your neck before relenting. Taking a deep breath, the first he’d taken in several minutes, you thought, he quickly walked around the end of the table, forcing you to release his wrist. Ignoring the wide eyed looks of your classmates, he grabbed your hand, his grip demanding, and tugged you along behind him. His pace was fast, but not so fast that you struggled to keep up. Students parted like the red sea for him, sensing his wrath. He spared no one a glance as his hardened eyes focused straight ahead.

You walked in tense silence until you came upon an unused storage closet. Garreth yanked the door open unceremoniously and ushered you quickly inside, closing it roughly behind you. His tall form backed you against the door, his quick fingers fully unwinding your scarf in the process. Before you could protest, he’d loosened your tie enough to undo the first couple buttons of your shirt, pulling your collar fully to the side, trying to gauge the severity of your injury. He sucked in a sharp breath as he took in the worsening bruise, the purple streaks becoming blacker the closer they got to the origin point. He brought a hand to your face slowly, using it to gently tilt your jaw up with his thumb to get a better look. You waited for him to say something, anything, your breathing shallow and nervous.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t obliterate him from existence.” His voice was quiet, words carefully controlled. He knew you were nervous. He didn’t want to scare you anymore than he already had, but the wild, untamed rage boiling under his skin called for blood. You could feel his hands shaking from where they held you, knowing how hard he was willing himself to remain calm. Your own trembling hands came up to grip his wrists lightly, needing to steady yourself and him.

“Well for starters, I’d be pretty lonely if you went to Azkaban. I don’t think I could send you many letters there.” Your small attempt at humor was met with furrowed brows and pleading eyes. You sighed and resigned yourself to telling him the truth.

“It wasn’t- He didn’t mean to- It wasn’t on purpose-” A truly violent snarl ripped itself from Garreth’s lips at the thought that this could be anything but purposeful. You had to close your eyes, but forced yourself to keep talking. “We- The three of us, discovered Salazar Slytherin’s secret Scriptorium and-” You let out a shaky breath, idly stroking the skin of Garreth’s wrists as you spoke. “-and, in order to, to escape, someone had to-” You paused for a moment, trying to prepare yourself for Garreth’s reaction.

Apparently, you’d waited a beat too long, and he grew impatient, his voice coming out harsher than intended. “To what?”

You took one last steadying breath before finishing your confession. “-to cast, Crucio, on another person.” You screwed your eyes shut as you let the final words leave your mouth, afraid of the outburst Garreth was sure to display at your admission, but all you got was a quiet, broken sound above you. Your eyes flew open, and you were met with the most sorrowful expression you’d ever seen grace Garreth’s handsome features.

“He cast…an unforgivable curse…on you?” Garreth’s entire body was shaking violently, his lungs heaving, the look of despair on his face mirroring your own from the other night. You wanted desperately to wipe that look off his face, and suddenly found yourself vomiting all the words you couldn’t before.

“Garreth, please. It’s not- He didn’t- He didn’t want to. None of us did. He even offered to teach me the curse, so I could cast it on him, but I- I couldn’t. I didn’t want to know something so vile. And I didn’t want to- didn’t want to force Ominis to relive his greatest regret. So I told him to cast it on me. We were locked in. We would have died down there if he didn’t cast it. It wasn’t-”

“Why were you down there in the first place?!” One of Garreth’s large hands came up to cradle your face, his fingers wrapping gingerly around the back of your head, afraid to hurt you further, but needing to hold you in some way.

“We were looking for a cure for Anne. I just- I just wanted to help. We didn’t know the price would be so high. We found the remains of Ominis’s aunt. She was alone when she was exploring the Scriptorium and- and died down there. Please, Garreth. Please, believe me, we-” You were cut off by Garreth’s lips landing desperately on yours. The kiss wasn’t so much for passion, as it was for comfort. Garreth needed so badly to reassure himself that you were still there in front of him, unable to bear anymore of your horrific story. He didn’t think he could handle another word of sorrow from the person he loved so much.

He tore himself away from you, but couldn’t bear to go too far, your noses brushing together ever so gently, in stark contrast with the fear in his voice. “Please don’t do anything so dangerous again, my love. I don’t think my heart could handle it.” Hot tears dripped from his lashes onto your cheeks, joining the rivers already flowing from your eyes.

“I was so scared when you came back the other night. You looked so heartbroken. I didn’t know how to fix it. It hurt so much that I couldn’t fix it.” His body pushed you further into the door, trying desperately to get as close as possible. He cradled your head in both hands now, eyes screwed shut against the awful images flooding his mind. A shuddering sob escaped his chest.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t stop it. I love you-” He kissed your lips again. “-so much. Please don’t let someone hurt you like that again. What if you don’t come back to me next time?” Another shaky kiss. “Please come back. Please don’t leave me behind.” He whispered his words into your mouth, into your soul. Your hands grasped weakly at his robes, trying to tug him impossibly closer. Your body screamed at you to stop, but it was drowned out by the wailing in your heart. You loved the man in front of you with all of your being. He was the bright, ever present sun, who washed away the daily sorrows you endured at the hands of Rookwood and Ranrok. Your soul wept, knowing you couldn’t promise him your safety like he so desperately wanted.

“Garreth, I can’t- I have many things to accomplish. Dangerous things. I can’t promise to-”

“Then take me with you.” He whispered the words against your lips, unable to manage more than that. Fresh, hot tears streamed down your face at his plea.

“No. Garreth, it’s not safe. I couldn’t stand it if you died-“

“I will die beside you, for you, before I live without you. I refuse to exist in a world where you don’t. I won’t have it. Make no mistake, my love, should you depart this mortal plane, my soul will chase you into the next.” You were staggered by the weight of his confession. The finality in his tone left no room for argument or rebuttal. All you could think to do was surge upward and capture his lips in a fierce kiss, your mouths moving together, lips slippery with the combination of your salty tears. You only broke apart when you heard the bell tower chime, signaling the start of classes. Your lips met lovingly a few more times before Garreth rested his forehead against yours, opening his eyes to gaze at you softly. His thumbs came up to gently wipe away your tears as he smiled at you, adoration apparent in his tender gaze.

“I don’t think we’re going to make it to class today, sweetheart.” You huffed a laugh as you gazed at his equally tearstained face, the both of you simply basking in eachother’s warmth.

As if on cue, a note appeared beside you. Plucking it out of the air, you open it, recognizing Sebastian’s messy scrawl.

‘I told the professor's you and Garreth would be absent today. They assume he caught whatever “bug” you had yesterday…I’m sorry for what I did. I can’t begin to tell you how sorry I am. Give me a chance to make it right. Please? - Sebastian’

The boy in your arms let out an annoyed huff and buried his head in the crook of your neck, wrapping his arms around your torso. Your arms came up around his shoulders, one hand sneaking its way into his hair, running your fingers through the ginger curls. “I still don’t like him.”

You laughed quietly in amusement, but hissed a bit as you finally remembered the giant bruise covering your body. Garreth lifted his head from your shoulder, and left a lingering kiss on your forehead before pulling away.

“Come on, let's get you fixed up.”

#hogwarts legacy #garreth weasley #ominis gaunt #sebastian sallow #garreth weasley x you #fanfic #fluff #hurt/comfort #romance