#auror sebastian

[writing-intheundercroft]

The Night Shift

AO3 Link

Pairing: Auror!Sebastian x F!MC

Word Count: 10,206

Rating: T (just some smooches but plenty of angst)

Summary: You're the lead healer in the St. Mungo's intensive care unit, and a painfully familiar face ends up in your ward.

A/N: Took a break from my long fics this week to deliver a long angsty Seb one shot. I heard Phoebe Bridgers cover Night Shift and became feral over it. Perhaps it needs a smutty part two???

Night One

“I’m so glad you were able to slip away from work for a bit.” Poppy says, pouring tea into your cup.

You smile up at the brunette girl, who still wears her hair in a cropped bob, albeit a bit more fashionable now that you’re in your twenties.  You miss Poppy’s presence in your life, but her career as a mazoologist and yours as a lead healer in the intensive care unit of St. Mungo’s has your schedules rarely crossing.  

“It’s nice to be out in the sunlight,” you say coyly, lifting the cup to your mouth. It's the truth–you haven’t been out to tea with a friend, dressed in a pretty lace gown in what feels like ages.  Your career usually has you in a tightly pulled bun, hair out of your face to focus on your patients, with bloodied aprons.  Magic can heal most ailments, but your ancient abilities make you the best bet for the most gravely wounded.  So much so that you’ve worked six nights a week every week for the past five years, sleeping during the day to make it to your overnight shifts at the hospital.

With few exceptions.

But there’s coverage today, giving you a rare Saturday afternoon off to enjoy the warm spring day.  You and Poppy are sitting outside a tea shop in Diagon Alley, catching up on all things personal, while people watching.  It’s strange, you think, to be surrounded by so many people.  You leave for your shift at seven thirty in the evening, when most people are getting home for dinner, and return to your flat far after everyone has left for work.  

Poppy had just started telling you a story about a wild herd of manticores she’d encountered on her travels abroad, when a familiar face walked up to your table.

“Merlin’s beard, I never thought I’d see the likes of you two ever again,” Andrew Larson grins.

“Andrew,” Poppy smiles. “It’s good to see you.”

There are obligatory kisses on the cheek as the handsome Ravenclaw pulls up a chair. “What are you doing in town, Poppy?”  

“Visiting my gran, of course.” She tilts her head towards you. “And catching up with friends.”

“And you, it’s like you’re back from beyond the grave.” Andrew shifts his attention, teasing you. “Haven’t seen you in a long time.”

You roll your eyes, crossing your arms. “Just busy keeping people from their graves, that’s all.”

“I’ve heard.” Andrew elbows you. “Youngest lead healer in all of St. Mungo’s.”

“Yet being the youngest earned me the night shift.” You wrinkle your nose.  “And very few days off.”

“How’s the auror office doing?” Poppy quips, leaning her chin into her palm.

Andrew shrugs. “Busy; we’re working on a big case right now, but we finally got a few hours off to enjoy lunch.  I was just heading over to the Cauldron, meeting Sallow and Clopton for a bite.”

You swallow thickly.  It’s been five years since you last spoke to Sebastian Sallow.  At this point, you can’t exactly remember how it ended, except that the two of you had screamed at one another.  You were fairly certain you’d thrown a book at his head, and he’d knocked over your favorite mug in the process. You still had it, the handle broken off, now used as a quill holder at your desk.

“Oi, Larson!  Quit flirting, we’ve just gotten a message. All hands on deck at the office.” 

Both you and Poppy turn to the voice; Everett Clopton is standing a few paces away, wearing a smart suit.  He still has his gold wire glasses, but he’s grown into them. He’s wearing a hat, tipping the brim to you both in acknowledgement.

You hate the way your breath hitches when you see their companion.  Sebastian is also dressed well, sporting a tweed three piece suit, shiny black dress shoes, and a gold auror badge attached to his lapel.  He meets your gaze briefly before looking back up to Andrew, who’s moving the chair back to its proper table.

“Emergency meeting,” Sebastian utters gloomily. “Ruined a good lunch.”

Your stomach twists at the sound of his voice.  It’s no more than six words, but your insides feel like a wet towel being wrung out.  And Sebastian doesn’t even have the decency to look at you, avoiding eye contact with the person he considered his best friend for three years.  The audacity of him, to completely ignore the person who once held his fate in their hands–you feel the bile rising in your throat, swallowing down the anger that once consumed you.

No, you won’t let a tiny interaction with Sebastian ruin five years of hard work.  You stare at the cutlery on the table, willing him to leave.

Andrew Larson sighs, rapping his knuckles against the table. “It was good seeing you girls,” he smiles. “Hopefully I run into you again.”

The three boys–men, rather, you are all twenty three at this point–shuffle away.  

There is a heavy silence between you and Poppy, until she clears her throat.

“Are you okay?” she asks softly.

You nod, collecting yourself as you smile at her. “Perfectly fine.  It’s been ages, Poppy. We’re all over it.”

She grabs your gloved hand, pulling it towards her.  “You certainly are,” she says playfully, twisting the sparkling bauble on your left ring finger. “It’s gorgeous, by the way.”

“I never get to wear it,” you admit sheepishly. It’s been a month since your engagement, and you’ve hardly worn your ring; your fiance’s parents are perturbed that the announcement hasn’t been posted to the Daily Prophet yet. Despite having courted for the last year and a half, it still feels like everything has moved too fast, like you’ve fallen off your broom mid flight. For the most part, your engagement ring is safely tucked in its box atop your dresser, at the risk of getting bodily fluids on it during your shifts.

“He’s a lucky man.” Poppy echoes, sitting back in her chair. “You are happy, aren’t you?”

You’re doing fine, you think.  You’re at the top of your field.  You have a fine flat in a nice part of London, and a promise from a man that’s kind to you.  The kind of man who waited for you to get off your shift to bring you breakfast, and took you to a nice restaurant on your Friday nights off. You hadn’t expected a pretty ring from him, especially since you only graced him with your presence once a week, but then again, your last relationship had taught you not to expect anything at all.

A flash of brunette hair crosses your mind; you blink away the thought.

“I’m happy.  Very happy,” you say simply, holding your teacup up to your lips again. “So about the manticores…”

You jolt out of bed, a blue wisp of a rabbit bouncing around your bedroom.  It’s rare to get a patronus message at this hour; it can only mean an emergency at the hospital.  It also must be bad, considering they’re calling you in on your day off.

Without another thought, you tumble out of bed, rushing to your wardrobe to pull out your clothes.  Your unit specifically wears a deep purple–dark enough to hide stains.  Your shrug on undergarments and petticoats, and a burgundy gown with a high neckline.  Your hands know exactly how to tighten your hair into a knot within a minute, having perfected the craft over the five years of your career. Your wand is stowed in your dress pocket; you’ll grab an apron at the ward.  Grabbing a fistful of floo powder next to your fireplace, you step in, yelling out for St. Mungo’s.

The ward is in a flurry as you step out of the flames.  A nurse hands you a white cotton apron, which you wrap around your waist as you hold your wand between your teeth.  There are men all over, gashed and bleeding, as other healers take their information. 

“What’s happened?” You bark at an orderly, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

“Auror ambush by some ashwinders,” he says dryly. “It’s awful.  Lost a few–even more are bleeding.  It’s dark magic, some sort of spell to keep the wounds bleeding.”

“Of course it is, those bastards.” You mutter. “I’ll take the worst of them.  Can someone bring me a coffee?”

He nods, pointing over to a bay of beds a few feet away. “Those three–they specifically requested you.” He hands off the charts, promising a caffeinated beverage.

You’re about to start flipping through the charts when you hear your name.  Your head flies up at the familiar voice, and you feel the blood drain from your face. You can see Everett Clopton waving his hands at you; Andrew Larson’s voice is yelling behind the curtain.  And just your luck, a pair of black shiny dress shoes are dangling off the examination table, twisted in an unnatural way.

Before you even realize it, you’re running to them.  The charts are promptly cast onto the side table when you duck behind the curtain, a gasp catching in your throat.

Sebastian looks awful.  

Correction–Sebastian looks dead.

“He jumped in front of me,” Everett panics, his hands on his head. “He shouldn’t have–we were talking, we thought we were out of the thick of it–”

“He’s been hit badly,” Andrew interjects.  His sleeves are bloodied from trying to apply pressure to a gash across Sebastian’s chest, the blood seeping through his shirt and vest. “You have to do something,” he pleads. “He’s the best of us–we can’t lose him.”

“Move,” you urge the two of them.  They scoot out of your way, and you make quick work of Sebastian’s clothing.

Years ago, tearing off Sebastian’s shirt would’ve been done out of passion, out of love.  You push those thoughts out of your mind as you rip through his white dress shirt, which is sopping wet with blood. Sebastian’s skin is cold and clammy; even his freckles are pale, disappearing from his face.

“Get me some dittany and shrivelfigs,” you screech at the other healers. “And the blood renewing potions, please.” You run your hand and your wand over Sebastian’s wounds, uttering a healing charm. “Vulnera sanentur, vulnera sanentur, vulnera sanentur,” you mutter under your breath.  The spell isn’t healing fast enough, Sebastian is still losing too much blood.

You let out the  blue wisps of magic from your fingertips as you channel some of your ancient magic into the healing spell. You’re still mad at Sebastian, of course, but you’ll be damned if he dies on your watch.  

To your relief, the wounds start knitting themselves shut faster, but the scars look awful, all purpled and raised.  Another healer is next to you, urgently crushing the dittany and shrivelfigs into a paste–an idea you got from the patient lying in front of you during your sixth year.  You’d been battered so often during Crossed Wands, the two of you had experimented with salves and balms to lessen the appearance of your scars. 

“He appears to be stabilizing,” the junior healer claims. “Good job, as always.”

You suppress the choked out cry that’s stuck in your throat as you think of Ominis, and how he used to scold the two of you for experimenting.  He’d be thankful now that you did.

“There’s others,” another healer urges you. “We must move on to the next.”

You don’t want to.  Sebastian seems to be stirring, groaning as the healer rubs the salve onto the gaping wound that streaks across his chest.  You can hear Everett and Andrew crying and laughing on the other side of the curtain, exclaiming your name for having saved their partner.

There’s so much commotion, you could swear Sebastian uttered your name, but when you look back, his head is flat on the table, eyes shut.  The color is slowly returning to him, now no longer pale and gray.

“We have to keep him for observation,” you instruct another healer, handing her Sebastian’s chart. “I’ll check on him later.  In the meantime, there are others.”

Without another glance, you move on to the next bay.

“Excellent work as always,” your boss pats you on the shoulder. “You saved six good men tonight with your quick work.”

“I should just move into the ward,” you mutter under your breath before taking a large swig of coffee.  

Your dress is stained with blood, fingers aching from all the healing you’d done.  From the twelve aurors in the ambush, three had superficial wounds (Larson and Clopton included).  Two had passed in the field, another before you’d gotten to the hospital.  But all six of the aurors you’d treated, Sebastian included, were now tucked into private rooms, safe and breathing. You were keeping them for observation, unsure of what kind of curse the ashwinders had used on them.  Your ancient magic managed to seal the wounds, but all were badly scarring.  They’d all have to stay until you could rule out the cause.

After a much needed shower and an owl sent to your fiance, regretfully informing him you’d not make it to brunch with his parents, you start making your rounds. Most of your patients are sleeping deeply, others dizzily asking what happened.  You save Sebastian’s room for last; Clopton and Larson, faithful companions, are sleeping in chairs outside of his room.

You quietly shut the door behind you, gulping as you stare at the man laying in the hospital bed. His chubby cheeks are long gone, hollowed and chiseled by age. You’d laughed at him when you were seventeen and he claimed he had a beard coming in; now you can see traces of stubble lining his jaw. His unruly chestnut hair has been brushed out of his face in a way you know he’ll hate.

But you don’t know that, not truly. Because you don’t know Sebastian anymore.

“Oh Sebastian,” you tut, sitting at a stool next to his bed. You hover your hands over his body, a misty blue glow emitting from them. No internal bleeding at least. He’s had at least three blood renewing potions, and his breathing is steady. You would examine the scars across his chest and torso, but the thought of undressing him in his current state is inappropriate to you. 

You’re about to get up, leave him to his slumber when you hear it. He whispers your name in his sleep, head falling to the side. And instead of him being the one with a gaping wound, you feel like a hole has been drilled into your chest. 

Maybe you’ll ask for tomorrow off.

Night Two

You’d asked for the day off again, but the request was denied.  Begrudgingly, you dress for your shift, tucking your hair behind your ears as you walk with your daytime counterpart down the hallway.

“You’ve missed all the commotion,” your fellow healer gasps.  She’s filling you in on the day shift, and all that’s transpired since you left in the morning. “There was a memory charm laced in with that blood curse from the ashwinders—some of them have lost weeks, years of memories. Not recognizing their wives or their children; we’ve had to close the doors to all visitors.”

“That’s a nasty curse.” You mutter, flipping through charts. Only someone sick in the head would mess with memory tampering curses—you wonder why no one has petitioned for them to be banned. The long term care wing at St. Mungos is filled with too many people who’d tinkered with memory spells, and you sincerely hope none of the aurors under your care end up there.

“Terrible, of course. But it made for an interesting day.” She hums. “You should’ve seen Rowle’s wife, security had to cart her out after he called her the wrong name. Think he courted her twin sister too.” 

You laugh with her as you walk through the hallway, until your heart fills with dread.  

“How is Sallow?  The patient in 213.”

She tilts her head. “Fine I think–oh, he was asking for you.  Do you know him?”

You fight back the red flush that’s creeping up your neck. “We were schoolmates.” You say. Nothing more. Sebastian can’t be more, especially after you’d done such hard work to forget him in the first place.

After your colleague has clocked out and you’ve checked all your other patients, you quietly rap your knuckles against Sebastian’s door.  It’s late enough at night that he might be asleep already, and you can avoid the entire awkward conversation.

“Come in!” 

Shit.

You open the door, and Sebastian is staring right back at you.  He isn’t scowling like you thought he would be–his eyes are bright, a beaming smile on his lips.

“They told me you were working the night shift.” he says happily, scratching at the collar of his hospital gown. “I stayed awake.”

“Right, Mr. Sallow,” You say curtly, eyes down at the chart in front of you. “It is late, you should be getting rest–”

“But I’ve been waiting for you,” he frowns. 

You look up at him, and instead of a grown man, you see the puppy dog eyes that got you in trouble the few years you had at Hogwarts. “Mr. Sallow, rest is essential to your healing. You’ve been through quite the ordeal, and you need to go to sleep.”

“Why are you talking to me like you don’t know me?” Sebastian asks, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Pet, it’s me.”

You inhale sharply, white knuckling the edge of the bed. “Sebastian,” you mutter (you hate how easily his name rolls off your lips still), “what year do you think it is?”

He rolls his eyes and chuffs. “It’s 1893, duh.”

“It’s not,” you sigh. “It’s 1898. You were in an ambush yesterday, and it seems the Ashwinders are using a memory curse as retaliation nowadays.”

He blinks at you for a moment, before he bursts into laughter. “Really?  I’ve lost five damn years in my head?  What have I missed? Don’t tell me we’re not married yet.”  Only Sebastian could be jovial about such a matter; all the others were utterly distraught at losing their memories.

“Sebastian, darling, we haven’t seen each other in five years.” you confess, moving to the edge of the bed.  Your voice is quiet, and although it’s been ages since you last called him darling, you think it might be too much on his poor heart if you don’t. The poor man just asked if you were married, for Merlin’s sake.

His smile fades. “What?”

“We…we went our separate ways five years ago.” You clear your throat. “It…it was a mutual decision.” you lie.  Was it a lie?  You honestly can’t remember.

“I would never,” Sebastian bites back.  “I would never break up with you.”

“Darling, it’s been a very long time,” you say softly, wringing your hands together. “And I’m okay–you’re okay.  We’re both doing well…just on our own now.”

“I can’t–this doesn’t make sense,” he jolts away from your touch, and you flinch. “Why would I ever agree to such a thing?” 

You can recognize the tell tale signs of panic on a patient’s face, so you hurry over to the cupboard, pouring a glass of water.  Sebastian is too far away to see you slip the vial of dreamless sleep into the glass, swirling it into oblivion.

“Here, drink this.  You’ll feel much better,” you assure him. 

Sebastian absentmindedly takes the glass, gulping down the water as he tries to make sense of the current situation. “It doesn’t make sense,” he mutters under his breath as he starts rubbing his eyes.  He’s fighting the effects, and he looks up at you, a deep set frown on his face. “You dosed me, dammit.” The glass rolls out of his hand and onto the bed, where you scoop it up. 

“I’m sorry,” you apologize, and it's sincere.  But you’re not equipped to handle Sebastian in such a state–you aren’t equipped to handle him, period.  It’s been five years since you’ve had to mind his temper, and your heart can’t handle the pain.  

Before you know it, Sebastian is knocked out, the dreamless sleeping draught taking over his body.  With his eyes tightly shut, you can finally examine him.  The scars across his chest are still purple, bruises lining his torso.  Your fingers dance across his skin trying to heal him, but alas, they stay.

You make notes on his chart, letting the other healers know he may be groggy and upset when he wakes in the morning. Even though they’ve put a no visitors policy on the aurors, you remind them to call upon Ominis and Anne to see if they can talk some sense into him.  

The last you’d asked Natty about Sebastian, he was happy.  He was climbing up the ranks in the auror office, and he’d finally moved out of Ominis’s spare room.  You’d cut her off once she started telling you how he was dating–that you didn’t need to know.

That had been two years ago.  You wonder what’s changed since then.

Night Three

Your pleas for a night off have gone unanswered.  Your boss tells you that you’re too integral to the auror case to be gone for more than twelve hours.  

There’s a note left by your fiance’s owl; he’s sad you missed brunch, but he’s excited to take you out on Friday, your next scheduled day off.  His mother is insistent the two of you sit for an engagement portrait that will be posted in the Daily Prophet to announce your impending union.  You fold the note and toss it onto your desk; when you have a free moment, you’ll write a letter explaining that you would like a lengthy engagement.

Planning a wedding and working the night shift is just too much work for you.  You twist your large engagement ring off your finger and put it in its box before taking the floo network to St. Mungo’s.

You’re barely five steps out of the fireplace before a body hits you.  

“Thank goodness you’re here,” Anne Sallow breathes, her arms enveloping you. “You saved him. He’d be dead if it weren’t for you.”

“Anne,” you sigh into her touch.  Similar to her brother, it’s been ages since you’ve seen her.  She’s still thin and delicate, but her bangs are long grown out. “What are you still doing here?  It’s so late.”

“Ominis and I wanted to catch you,” she claims. “The healers called us in to talk to Sebastian.”

“Right, I asked them to.” you say, smoothing your apron. “How was he today?”

Anne winces. “He’s…he’s still pretty confused.”

You give her a sympathetic smile, biting back the sarcastic words you had in mind. “It must be awful.”

Anne pulls away, digging her toe into the ground. “He keeps asking what happened between the two of you.  I’m not sure what to say.” she admits.

You bite your lower lip. “You can tell him the truth.  That we ended amicably.  That we were fine.”

“If you were fine, you wouldn’t have disappeared for five years.” a voice says behind you.

It only takes you a second to recognize the rich voice of Ominis Gaunt.  Whirling around, you throw your arms around the tall blonde.  It’s been ages since you’ve given him a hug let alone seen him, so he chuckles into your shoulder when you grasp him.

“I missed you,” you pat his cheek.

“We missed you,” Ominis hums. “I’m surprised St. Mungo’s would call me; I haven’t been Sebastian’s emergency contact for a while.”

You furrow your eyebrows as Anne takes Ominis’s arm. Why wouldn’t he be his emergency contact?  Ominis is his best friend, and having been together with Anne for so long, practically his brother.

That’s a question for another time, you decide.

“It’s late, you two should be getting home.  Visitor hours are over.”  you remind them.

“I’m not leaving before you promise to see me again,” Ominis says sternly. “Five years is far too long.”

You place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Of course. Ominis, I’m sorry.  I just thought that when things ended, the two of you were best friends…”

“That was my decision to make,” he says softly. “Not yours.  I decide whose side I’m on.”

Ominis’s words warm your heart, but they also leave cracks.  Ominis and Sebastian were a package deal when you met them, and you’ve spent far too much of your time with the boys driving them apart. 

After much coaxing, Ominis and Anne take their leave.  You’re finally able to start your rounds.  Rowle is starting to regain his memories and they’ve allowed his wife back into the ward.  Travers still has a nasty gash on his leg that’s festering, but he’s otherwise remembering things from last week.  Cattermole is fast asleep, so you avoid his room to let him get some more rest.

Your hand falters on the handle of room 213, taking a deep breath before you push in.  Just as you thought, Sebastian isn’t asleep.  He’s sitting upright in bed, arms crossed over his chest, frowning at you.

“You’re looking much better,” you offer, shutting the door behind you.

“You gave me a sleeping draught last night,” he accuses you. “That’s not fair.”

“You were getting hysterical, Sebastian.” you remind him, flipping through his chart.  Nothing particularly new, and no memories back.  He’s spent the entire day asking for you, the chart says, and fighting with orderlies.  It mentions Ominis and Anne arriving, and that the two gentlemen had sharp words for one another. Ominis was right—he isn’t Sebastian’s emergency contact anymore. There’s an unfamiliar name, a woman.

“Open your shirt, please.”

Sebastian waggles his eyebrows at you. “Are you sure we’re not together?”

You roll your eyes. “Your cheekiness, I didn’t miss it.” you mutter, hands on your hips. “I need you to take your shirt off so I can check your wounds, you idiot.”

Sebastian gives you a familiar grin as he unbuttons his pajama shirt; he’s flexing his muscles, you can tell.  A pinch to his pectoral has him yowling, and he stops.  You grin at him, and he rolls his eyes.

“Perhaps we did break up,” he grumbles.

Sebastian’s breath stutters as your fingers prod at his scars. They’re still ugly and raised, but the color is improving. 

“I’m not sure there’s much more I can do,” you frown. “I think they’ll stay.”

“That’s fine,” Sebastian breathes. “You did always say you preferred when I was roughed up.” 

You give him a strained look. “Sebastian–”

“Please, listen to me.” Sebastian urges. “Ominis…he told me what happened between us. And I really, truly can’t believe we would let it get to that.” Your name is a gentle whisper from his mouth, and he pushes his brunette hair out of his eyes. “I didn’t mean to neglect you.”

You swallow thickly, backing up. “We were so young, Sebastian.  Let’s leave the past in the past, please.”

“Ominis and I haven’t spoken in two years.” Sebastian interjects. “He just told me.  Annie says we had a fight, and you were part of it.”

You turn around, shutting your eyes. “I don’t want to hear this,” you admit weakly.

Sebastian is rustling in his sheets; he lets out a low hiss as he adjusts his still healing torso. “If the version of me, the one that got cursed, isn’t talking to you, Anne, or Ominis…I don’t want to go back to that.  I don’t want to be that version of me.” Sebastian pleads. “If that’s the case, I don’t want to remember.”

“You have friends, Sebastian.” You remind him, turning to face him again. “You have friends, your job…” you trail off, picking up his chart again.  You pinpoint the section with his emergency contact; a woman who is likely sitting at home, worried sick over him. “You have a girlfriend, probably.  One who is desperate to see you.” There’s a lump in your throat as you try to imagine her, but your mind comes up blank.

“I don’t care,” Sebastian breathes. “She’s a stranger.”

“I’m the stranger,” you remind him. “Sebastian…I’m engaged. I’m getting married next spring.” 

That’s a lie–you and your fiance haven’t even discussed a timeline, but it seems more official to say it with a season.

The hope on Sebastian’s face crumbles, eyes wide as he stares at you.

“You’re engaged,” he croaks.

“Engaged.” The more you say it, the more it’s real. “He’s lovely.  You would like him.” Now that's an even bigger lie–Sebastian would’ve called him a prat if he met him. You appreciate your fiance’s softness and meekness, especially after having been with a firecracker hothead for most of your teens.

Sebastian is crumpled in bed, twisting onto his side. “I’d like to go to bed now,” he mumbles.  It was textbook Sebastian–whenever something didn’t go his way, he’d turn away from you in bed like a petulant child.  It’s almost a relief to see that he does the same thing at twenty three years old.

“If you ring the bell, someone will come to aid you.” You wave your wand, dimming the lights. “You can ask for someone else, if you’d like.”  

Sebastian doesn’t say anything as you shut the door, and when he does ring the bell for assistance, he requests anyone but you. It’s stupid to be upset over, it’s what you wanted–for him to stop pestering you.  

But you have a nice long cry in the potions ingredient cupboard anyways.  

The rest of your shift goes by uneventfully.  Rowle has regained his memories and will be discharged in the morning.  Cattermole finally woke up from his deep sleep and he’s on the mend, moved out of the intensive care ward. Travers has also been discharged, prescribed a salve to make sure the cut on his leg stays clean.  It leaves Roberts, Jorkins, and Sallow as your only three patients left from the case, and perhaps now your boss will let you take a night off.

Night Four

“I wanted to apologize for last night,” Sebastian says sheepishly.

“Whatever for?” You mumble, pressing a strip of gauze to his chest wound.  You’re trying a new salve recipe you’ve been working on, just to see if it’ll help break down the scar tissue.  His bruises are starting to go yellow, and if he works back up on his memory, Sebastian can be discharged from your ward.

“For being rude.” Sebastian sighs. “I’m…it’s starting to come back to me a bit now.”

You look up at him, eyebrows raised. “Is it?”

“We fought that night.” Sebastian swallows thickly. “You and me.  I can’t exactly remember what we fought about, but you threw a book at me.”

“And I hit your eyebrow.” You remind him.

“Lucky shot,” Sebastian rolls his eyes, and you have to suppress a laugh. He winces as you press the salve in; his body is still sensitive.

“I’m sorry for that.  I never got to apologize to you,” you admit, rubbing the mixture in. “But I was embarrassed.”

“Embarrassed about what?” Sebastian asks softly.

“For putting up with all of it,” you pat another piece of gauze over the salve.  Sebastian looks like a mess and he’ll have to sleep sitting up, but you’re hoping to salvage his handsome chest. There are a bevy of flower vases strewn across the room, and plenty of Sebastian’s favorite sweets piled on his bedside table.

“I see you had quite a few visitors today.” 

Sebastian nods, trying not to move too much. “Anne and Ominis again; he’s warming back up to me, I know it.” he brags. “Clopton and Larson too. I can’t believe I was paired up with two Ravenclaws as partners. That’s probably how I got all bungled up in the first place.”

“Everett said you were quite the hero,” you back away, admiring your work (and his muscles, he’s grown quite a bit since you last saw him).  “And they stayed the entire night when you first came into the ward, so I know they’re loyal to you.”

There is a silence between you two for a moment, until Sebastian breaks the tension.

“She visited earlier.” Sebastian echoed. “Rebecca.”

You turn away at the name; at least it’s not the girl you remember from your last argument.  “Rebecca is a lovely name,” you offer.  It’s all you can give him without treading into dangerous waters.  You’re engaged after all, and stuck patting balm into the chest of your former lover.

“She was distraught.” Sebastian hummed. “Hates the scars.”

You turn around, rolling your eyes. “She’s dating an auror, she should get used to it.” you scowl. 

“That’s what I said,” Sebastian laughs, trying not to move the salve covered strips. “But she wasn’t having it.  She was worried I would never look the same, so I broke up with her.”

You blink at him.  He seems completely unbothered.

“Sebastian!” You exclaim. “You shouldn’t break up with her over that alone.”

Sebastian shrugs. “Y’know, the boys filled in a few of the blanks for me.  Apparently, not very many people actually liked Rebecca and I together, so I guess it was impending anyways.”

You put your hands on your hips. “I cannot believe you broke up with your girlfriend because Everett Clopton and Andrew Larson told you to.” you shake your head. “She was your emergency contact, Sebastian.  You’ve probably been dating a while.”

“According to Clopton, I was planning on breaking up with her soon anyways.”

“Idiots, the lot of you.” You tut, washing your hands in the basin.

“We’d only been dating three months.” Sebastian interjects. “I put her as my emergency contact because I had no one else.  Ominis and Anne…well, they weren’t talking to me apparently.”

You don’t say anything, letting the water run over your hands.

“I guess I’ve been a real arse the last few years,” Sebastian echoes. “Everett said I hadn’t been quite myself since we…well, you get the gist.”

“Everyone is an arse when they’re eighteen,” you remind him. 

Sebastian snorts. “I’m sure you weren’t.”

“I think I might’ve been.” You chuckle under your breath. “Poppy always said I had a one track mind.  Only ever thought about myself, my career.”

“Well, it’s done a lot for you.” Sebastian offers. “Youngest lead healer in St. Mungo’s history.”

You roll your eyes. “The others think I’m a show off.”

“You’re gifted,” he shrugs, and a slice of gauze slips from his chest. “That’s all.”

“Lay back darling,” you advise him, stuffing a pillow behind his back to keep him comfortable. 

Sebastian does as you say, his hands balled up in fists at his side. “So, your fiance,” He trails off. “What’s he like?”

You purse your lips, pulling his sheets over his waist. “He’s nice.”

“Nice.  That’s it?” Sebastian snorts. “Surely he has some better attributes, you said yes to marrying him.”

“He’s calm, quiet.” you say, turning your back to put away the excess gauze. “He’s a junior secretary for the Minister of Magic.” turning back to Sebastian, you already know he has a smug smile on his face. “Don’t you dare say what I think you’re going to say,” you warn, wagging a finger.

“What?” Sebastian scoffs. “I would never say anything about an esteemed junior secretary,” he says dramatically. “Besides, you’re the one who thought it…”

“I didn’t think anything!” You laugh. “I just knew exactly what you were thinking.”

“And what is that?” Sebastian asks coyly.

“You were going to call him a pencil pusher,” you accuse.

Sebastian fakes a gasp, holding a hand to his chest. “My stars, I would never say such a thing.” 

“Stop it,” you laugh again, slapping his hand. “You’re ruining my hard work. I’ll have to do it again.”

“No,” Sebastian groans. “It’s cold.  I just want to put a jumper on, I don’t care about the scars.” he pouts.

“I need you to get better,” you hold your hands on your hips. “The auror office will have my head if I keep you here any longer when your colleagues are back home.”

Sebastian fumbles with the edge of the blanket. “And what would consider me healed?” 

“Well, I’d say besides the appearance, your physical wounds are fully healed.” You shrug. “But we can’t discharge you until your memories are back–or at least substantially returned.”

Sebastian is quiet, and he stays quiet until you finish putting away all your supplies.  You’re about to leave him, implore him to get some rest, when he clears his throat.

“Pet,” he says cautiously (he hasn’t used your old nickname since the second night of his stay).  

“Yes, Sebastian?” You ask, slipping your hands into the pocket of your apron.  When you look at Sebastian from the doorway, he doesn’t look like a twenty three year old man.  He looks like the Sebastian you used to know–the hotheaded eighteen year old who only ever got shy around you.

“Would you…could we be friends after this?” He asked lowly. “I know you said we haven’t seen each other in five years, and I know there’s some blame there on my end. But we’ve been through so much together, and you’ve saved my life.” he rambles. 

You once told yourself that if Sebastian Sallow ever came crawling back, you’d slam the door shut in his face.  The first year of your separation had been excruciating; the second had been dreadful.  Once you’d gotten on to your third year without him in your life, the pain had become bearable.  And once you’d gotten on to four years without him, you realized you didn’t think of him anymore.  In fact, you hadn’t thought of him at all until you saw him standing a few paces away from your tea table.

“Of course, darling.” You assure him. “Only if you promise me that you’ll actually sleep.”

Sebastian’s face lights up in a way you distinctly remember–the first time you’d seen it was when you arrived in Feldcroft to meet Anne when you were both fifteen.  He adjusts himself to the pillows as you wave your wand to dim the lights. 

You shut the door behind you, letting out a sigh when you’re out of sight.  You feel guilty calling Sebastian darling again–you’ve never even blessed your own fiance with his own nickname.  And despite your refusal of the situation, you can’t help the shiver you feel at the base of your spine when you hear Sebastian calling you pet again.

Perhaps being friends is not a good idea.

Night Five

Sebastian is asleep when your shift starts, and you nearly skip over his room.  But against your better judgment, you push into the door, knocking lightly.

The brunette man is slumped over, snoring lightly as if he were waiting for you.  At the sound of the door, he jolts, rubbing his eyes. 

“Why can’t you be on the day shift?” he complains sleepily. 

You chuckle. “I can leave you, let you get some rest.”

“No,” Sebastian clears his throat. “I’d like you to stay.” He shrugs off his shirt, proudly displaying his scars. “They still look like hell, but at least they aren’t purple anymore.”

You stride over, running your hands over them.  Your ancient magic was able to overpower the bleeding curse, but Sebastian will forever have a dip in his chest and bubbled over scars.  They’re at least turning pink, a much better place than they were a few days ago.

“They look great,” you pat his shoulder. “And once we get your memories back in order, we can get you home.”

Sebastian gives you a strange look. “Ominis came again during the day…filling in the blanks again.”

“And?” You ask softly, sitting in the chair next to him.

“Why did we break up?” Sebastian asks firmly. “Can you tell me? And don’t give me the whole spiel about us growing apart.  I want the details.”

You swallow thickly, looking down at your hands. “We were eighteen, Sebastian. I was careless, you were lonely, we were both focused on our careers and not on each other.” Truthfully, you had spent years thinking of the many ways you’d address this conversation, how you’d confront him if you ever saw him again. Now five years later and after having almost witnessed Sebastian’s death, the downfall of your first love is easily compounded into one simple sentence.

“You started working the night shift,” Sebastian says.

“I started working the night shift,” you echo. “I wanted to rise up quickly in the ranks, so I volunteered. I was working so many hours, and you were gone during the day at your job, so we barely saw each other.”

“I asked you to take time off.” Sebastian adds.

“And I said no.” you admit. “I told you that you were being insecure.  That my job was more important, because I was saving lives.” It’s one of the few shames you’ve compartmentalized over the past few years–that you’d ever downplayed the importance of his career compared to yours.

“I went out that night.” Sebastian whispers, looking at his hands. “And I didn’t come home until the morning.”

“It was my only night off of the week, and you came home at four in the morning, stinking of firewhiskey and perfume.” Your eyes shut, replaying the awful scene in your head.

“Did I?” he croaked. “Did I cheat on you, really?”

“No,” You shake your head, and he lets out a relieved sigh. “You said you could have.  You said you wanted to.” You add, rubbing the temples of your forehead. “That you were tired of living in half of a relationship, and that you’d wanted to kiss that girl.”

“You threw the book at me,” Sebastian says weakly. “And I smashed your mug.”

“I told you to go to her if you really wanted.” You admit. “And you left.”

“I stayed at Ominis’s that night.” he whispered. “I didn’t go to her.”

“I didn’t know that.  So I packed my things and left.” 

The silence hangs between the two of you, and all of the feelings you had at eighteen come flooding back.  After the fight, you apparated to Natty’s place, while Anne and Poppy had cleaned out your bits in the apartment. What was meant to be a one night stay turned into a week, and then more. After a month without word from Sebastian, you committed to the night shift, forsaking your friendships and social life for work.  Days turned into weeks, weeks to months, and before you knew it, you were promoted.  Sebastian Sallow was a blip in your timeline, a faded memory of teenage love.  He’d been just a memory until you saw him in Diagon Alley.  Your heart hadn’t felt anything but anger towards him until you saw his shiny black dress shoes.

“Did we throw it all away?” Sebastian asks sorrowfully.

“We became the people we needed to be.” You remind him. “Look at you, an auror.  A damn good one.  The kind that jumps in front of their partner to save them from a curse.” you assure him.

“And you’re a healer,” Sebastian inhales. “A bloody amazing one, that saved my life and five others.  I’m so proud of you.” Sebastian’s lower lip wobbles, and you know your heart is in danger.

“You seem to remember quite a bit,” You point out. “More than you let on.”

“I was talking to Clopton about you.  We thought the ambush was over, we were trying to get to a floo point so we could get Larson’s leg checked out.” Sebastian says. “I told him how beautiful you looked, and that you looked happy.” his voice cracks. 

“Sebastian.” It’s not a warning, just a statement.  A week ago you would’ve never said his name aloud, let alone thought of it.  But it feels right rolling off your tongue.

“Everett said something about you being engaged.  It’s…it’s fuzzy from there on, but I remember the fight.  And I jumped in front of him, but not just to save him.” Sebastian says, his fingers drumming on his stomach.

“Why?” You almost don’t want to hear the rest. It might upend your life entirely.

“I jumped in front of him because I knew I’d be okay.  That you would probably be at St. Mungo’s when I got there.” Sebastian said weakly.  “And I’d get a chance to see you again.”

“Sebastian, we’re different people now.” You remind him. 

“We’re better now.” Sebastian says, giving you pleading eyes. “I was an idiot when I was eighteen; I thought I was being a man, but I wasn’t.  And I’m not going to pretend that I’ve been happy the past five years–there hasn’t been another woman who’s made me feel the way you do.” he confesses.

“It’s been too long,” you try to say, but you know it's no use trying to argue with him.  From your first fight in the Undercroft at fifteen to the fight that broke you two up, Sebastian has never backed down.

Before you even realize it, Sebastian has reached his hand out, taking yours. He’s rubbing your left ring finger–the one missing your large, ostentatious engagement ring.

“Don’t marry him,” Sebastian croaks. “Please, don’t marry him.”

“Why?” you ask.

“Because I understand you now.” Sebastian says. “I understand you in a way I didn’t when I was younger.  And that’s good–it’s good for us now.  It wasn’t the right time then, but we could try again now.” he pleads.

“Four days ago when you saw me in Diagon Alley, you could barely look at me.” You remind him. “I should have you committed to the memory ward at this point.”

“Four days ago when I saw you, I was sick to my stomach with how happy you looked.” Sebastian admits. “I saw you from a distance, smiling at Larson and Poppy.  I couldn’t look you in the eye after seeing you smile.”

You want to tell Sebastian that your fiance is a good man.  That he loves you, cherishes you, and doesn’t fight with you.  But you can’t help being nostalgic as you hold the hand of your first love, who is currently begging you to end your relationship to risk it all again with him. Whatever strength you’ve mustered together in the last five years is about to break as his big brown eyes implore you to stay.

“Your memory seems back to normal,” you change the subject, standing up quickly.  You tug your hand out from his, smoothing your clammy palms against your apron. “I’ll put you down for discharge in the morning.”

“Don’t,” Sebastian warns. “Don’t run away.”

“You ran away.” You remind him.

“And I regret it, every day.” Sebastian says mournfully. “You were my first love.  You were going to be my only love, and I fucked it up.”

“We both made mistakes, Sebastian.” You say, staring down at your feet. “You need to get some rest.  I’ll leave you be.”

He’s arguing as you step through the door, wringing your hands together.  The thoughts running through your head aren’t right–no, they’re crazy.  Except your feet keep walking towards the ward matron’s desk, gripping the stone top.

“Are you alright, dear?” she asks, frowning.

“I need to go home,” you confess, scribbling what little notes you have onto Sebastian’s chart. “There’s something I have to do.”

Thirty minutes later (your on call replacement is displeased to have been woken up late at night) you’re back in your flat.  Your mind is buzzing as you pace in the bedroom, thinking about the idea gnawing at your brain.

It would be insane.

You haven’t talked in five years.

He’s emotional after having been saved from the brink of death.

He broke up with his girlfriend on the spot, because she wasn’t you.

Sebastian is most well known for his unwavering support and adoration.  At least he was when you were younger.  Sebastian had always been encouraging, cheering you on through crossed wands, battles in the highlands, and even when you got your first job offer from St. Mungo’s. He’d been crazy about you–obsessed with you, even.  The two of you had been the couple of your year when you graduated.  

Sebastian had only ever faltered once, and it ended your relationship.

Don’t marry him.  

The words replay in your mind.  It makes you realize your stomach has flipped more in the last four nights than it has in years.  That your even tempered fiance, a kind but boring man, has not once made you feel what you’ve felt in the past week being back in Sebastian’s presence.

It is insane, you think. But you’d rather take feeling than nothing at all.

Digging through your dresser, you pull out the box holding your engagement ring.  

Night Six

It has been a long, long day.

What time you would have spent sleeping is spent assuring your now ex-fiance that nothing untoward has happened.  That you appreciate his kindness and companionship over the past year, but that you cannot lie to yourself. 

You cannot marry him because you don’t love him as you should.

You prepare for the night shift with a spring in your step, because when you get there, you’re heading straight to Sebastian’s room.  You’re going to tell him what you’ve done, and hope that he’s still feeling just as crazy as you. You pull your hair into its usual bun, wishing you could wear something a little nicer to what will be your reunion.  Sebastian used to love when you wore green; perhaps you’ll buy a green dress the next day you’re off.

When you get to the ward, it’s quieter than usual.  Holding your wand between your teeth again, affixing the white apron, your heart beats out of your chest as you approach room 213.  

This is it.  This is the start of the rest of your life.

You push through the doors of 213, but your breath stutters when you see the empty bed.  It’s stripped of any linens, and all of the flowers and candy boxes Sebastian’s colleagues sent are gone.

“Where is the patient in 213?” you whip around, grabbing the closest orderly.

They give you a curious look. “Discharged this morning–you put it in their paperwork.”

You swallow, and it feels like shards of broken glass are tumbling down your throat. “I…I did.”

“Isn’t today your day off, too?” They tilt their head at you. “Honestly, it feels like your head hasn’t been screwed on at all this week. Might want to take some focus potions, ma’am.”

“Uh, right.” You admit, turning red.  You were so excited at the prospect of seeing Sebastian again, you completely forgot that Fridays were your nights off from the ward. You were rather busy after all, imploding your life. “”Does it say who picked him up?”

They shrug, flipping through the charts again. “He was taken to his home in Diagon Alley by his sister and brother-in-law.”

You curse under your breath as you try to plot a plan.  There’s no way Ominis still lives in the small flat he had when you last saw him, and you have no idea where Sebastian lives.  The ward doesn’t have an address either, so you’re shit out of luck.

Unless…unless you were to find one of his loyal partners.

Apparition is frowned upon inside of St. Mungo’s, but you’ll take a scolding from the matron ward on Saturday. You immediately apparate to the Leaky Cauldron, where most of the ministry’s aurors spend their evenings.  You know this because you’ve been avoiding the biggest pub in Diagon Alley for five years, hoping not to run into your ex.

The crowd stares at you in your St. Mungo’s uniform; you push through throngs of ministry employees, all wearing fine suits and dresses from their day jobs.  Your eyes scan the room, heart losing hope by the second, until you spot Everett and Andrew sitting with a gaggle of your classmates from Hogwarts, Natsai Onai included.  Andrew elbows Everett at the sight of you, and Clopton beams as if he’s won a bet.

“Hi,” you say breathlessly, approaching the group. 

“Figured you might turn up.” Larson teased. “Gaunt, Clopton, and I had a bet on how long it would take.”

“What’s going on?” Natty asks, clearly confused. She says your name, tilting her head. 

“I need his address,” You gasp. “He wasn’t at the ward when I got there–”

“Anne and Ominis picked him up this morning.” Everett says, pulling out his wand and a paper napkin.  He aimed his wand at the scrap, delicately burning an address into the paper. “He doesn’t live far from here. Perhaps you’ll keep him from spending too much time at the pub now.”

“Who doesn’t live far?” Natty asks again, elbowing Andrew.

“Sallow, of course.” Larson winks. “You two had enough time to talk it through, yeah?”

“What the bloody hell–they haven’t spoken in five years,” Natty claims with wide eyes. She gives you a look, and you can’t do anything but shrug.

“Near death experiences will change you,” Everett says smugly, taking a sip of his tankard. “Well go on then, what are you still doing here?”

You mouth an apology to Natty; you’ll have to explain it to her someday soon.  For now, you’re pushing through the crowd, trying to get out the door.  Looking down at the napkin, Everett Clopton is right; Sebastian lives maybe a stone's throw away from the pub.  Your feet are pounding on the cobblestone of Diagon Alley, looking like a blue wisp to any passersby.  

Before you know it, you’re turning onto his street, with only the lamps in front of each door illuminating the numbers.  You stop, gasping for air, trying to find the right one.  Of course he’s at the end of the row, a dark green door with a gold knocker.  It’s late now, the sky pitch black, as you start pounding.

It takes only thirty seconds for the door to swing open; Anne is standing behind it, looking shocked.

“You’re here,” she breathes.

“I told you she would,” you hear Ominis yell from the inside. “Clopton owes me ten galleons.”

“Can I come in?” you ask.

Anne bites back a smile. “Of course you can.”

You walk into Sebastian’s home; despite having never seen it, it positively reeks of him. There are touches of him all over the house–from the books stacked in the hallways, to the shoes messily kicked in the parlor room.  He has trinkets from his travels on the mantle, and you can see he still leaves his teacups all over the house (something you once fought over–it seems endearing now).  

Ominis is in the sitting room, lounging on a chaise. “Took you long enough.” he says teasingly. “I was rather surprised you abandoned him last night.  He was absolutely bereft when we picked him up in the morning.”

“I didn’t mean to,” you admit sheepishly, digging your toe into the carpet. “I…I just had something I had to do first.”

“A break up and a make up in one day, you’re a busy woman as always.”

“Shut up.”

Ominis gives you a toothy grin; something he saves only for those he loves. “I missed you.” he stood, pulling you into a tight hug. “I can only hope Sebastian doesn’t bungle it all up and we lose you all over again.”

You press your nose into Ominis’s shoulder; it seems silly you ever thought you could live without this group of people in your life. 

“I thought you were mad at him,” you say, pulling back to look up at the blond.

“I was mad that he was being stubborn,” Ominis says softly. “That he wasn’t being himself, drinking every day and dating girls who weren’t right for him.  I told him he had to pluck up the courage to speak to you again, or get over it and make peace with his life.  He’s been rather stuck, as you can imagine.”

You have been too, you think.

“Is he upstairs?” You ask, turning to the slim staircase. Anne is standing next to the railing, giving a signature Sallow smirk.

“He might be asleep,” Ominis warned. “But he is. First room to the left.”

You squeeze his hand in thanks before walking up the stairs.  The floor creaks underneath you as you push in the door; Sebastian is laying in his bed, sleeping fitfully. You nearly knock a stack of books over as you kneel next to his bed; you also recognize the book on his side table, the spine dented from when you threw it at his face five years ago. It reminds you of the shattered mug you keep on your desk.  Perhaps you two have been subconsciously keeping pieces of each other around.

Sebastian stirs as you brush his brunette hair out of his face.  He opens one eye, then the other, blinking furiously as he tries to sit up.

“You’re here,” he groans, a hand flying to his torso. “Is this a good visit, or just a hospital house call? Because my scars are killing me now that I’m home.”

You give a watery chuckle. “It can be both, if you like.”  You pull the blanket aside, examining his puckered skin.  The scars will stay for good, but that’s fine.  You did always like it when Sebastian was roughed up anyways.

“You’re here.” Sebastian repeats, only this time it's softer.

“I had to go to the Leaky Cauldron to get your address from Clopton.” you admit, blue waves emitting from your fingertips as you try to take away some of the physical pain. “But yes, I’m here.”

“By the sound of our last conversation, I thought you were done.  That we were just going to have to live with our mistakes.” Sebastian breathes.

“I wanted to say more, but there was something I had to do first.” you sit on the bed; Sebastian adjusts to give you more room, taking your hands in his. “I had to give back the engagement ring.”

“You did?” Sebastian asks hopefully.

“Seeing you…being around you for the first time in five years…” You’re trying to compound all of your feelings in a simple sentence, but it doesn’t feel like enough. “It made me realize I just didn’t love him.” You confess. “I shouldn’t feel the way I’ve felt seeing you.”

“Pet,” he murmurs, putting a hand to your cheek. “You’ve saved my life. I can’t ask anything more from you.”

“Then can I?” You ask, feeling the tears welling up in your eyes as you place your hand over his. Sebastian’s hand is warm and familiar, fitting perfectly against you.

“Ask me anything,” Sebastian echoes.

“Let’s try again.” you whisper.  

Sebastian scoots over, making space on the bed for you.  You don’t care if anyone else has slept in it over the five years you’ve been apart; something about the way Sebastian melts against your touch tells you he’s only ever belonged to you in the first place. 

“Let’s try again.” Sebastian whispers in your ear, pressing a kiss to your lips.  It feels positively electric, like it’s awoken something that’s been dormant inside you for five long, sleepy years.  You take good care not to press too much of your weight onto a still recovering patient, but Sebastian does everything in his power to draw you closer.  His hands start pulling pins out of your hair, the tight bun coming unraveled as he weaves his fingers through your tresses.

“You’re still healing,” you remind him as he starts working on the buttons of your dress. “And your sister is downstairs.”

“I don’t care,” Sebastian murmurs into your skin, tugging your collar down to press a kiss at the base of your neck. “We’ve waited long enough, haven’t we?”

You have, you think.  So you let Sebastian ravish you with kisses, blushing when you hear Ominis loudly call up the stairs that he and Anne are leaving.  You only leave the bed to unlace your dress, Sebastian eagerly watching as you strip the fabric from your body.  He groans in a good way when you press kisses to his chest, fingers dancing across the scars on his chest.  Not all scars would disappear, and there would always be reminders of the past.  But it was good to acknowledge them, to know that they were there, and that they were healed.  

The two of you stay awake the entire night reacquainting yourselves with each other’s body; the sun is streaming through Sebastian’s curtains when you realize you’ve been awake since Thursday night, running off adrenaline. Your eyes begin to droop as Sebastian presses a kiss to the top of your head.

“Go to sleep, pet.” he whispers. “I’m right here.”

You’ll have to call in again, you think. You need an entire day of sleep after this week.  And the next time you get to the ward, you’ll turn in your official notice, asking to move to the day shift.

#sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow x you #ominis gaunt #ominis gaunt x anne sallow #Auror Sebastian #Auror Sebastian Sallow #hogwarts legacy fan fiction #writing-intheundercroft #this one got a little out of hand #should I write a smutty part two?????

[hotcinnam0nspicy]

Did some edits for @ars-slytherin enjoy babes!

#hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #slytherin #harry potter #sallow #auror #auror sebastian #auror sallow #dark Sebastian #dark x Sebastian #freckle love

[sunnyrealist]

Poll: Sebastian Sallow’s First Career

Many people in the Hogwarts Legacy fandom believe that Sebastian will eventually become a professor. In that case, what would have been his first career? Cast your vote and leave a comment if you would like!

Picture credit goes to the amazing @xxluna-rougexx! Thank you!

Please sound off in the comments! I love discussing anything related to Sebastian Sallow. 🥰

#hogwarts legacy sebastian #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy #aged up sebastian sallow #harry potter #slytherin #hl sebastian #professor sallow #auror sebastian #hogwarts #hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry #ministry of magic #azkaban prison

[zyuyea]

Auror Sebastian

I forgot I didn't upload this here, so here. Auror Sebastian, idea request by @cuffmeinblack and one of the examples I'm going to use for my commission sheet, whenever I manage to make one that is.

Ko-fi

#sebastian sallow #auror sebastian sallow #auror sebastian #illustration #drawing #digital art #hogwarts legacy #zyuyea art #zu draws #zu art

[thetaxicabber]

Decided to post my new Hogwarts Legacy fanfic here too! It’s also on AO3.

This future idea has been living in my head so I finally started to write it. I’ve never shared to tumblr before but I’ve been reading so many on her I thought I’d share!

In the Shadow of Choices

Chapter 1

He drops his keys and his auror badge onto the table near the door. With a sigh he stretches his neck. The flat is quiet, despite the muggle noise just outside. Silencing charms are very handy when you live in London.

He runs a hand through his messy hair. It hasn’t changed much since he was a boy, despite the fact that Ominis grumbles he should slick it back as he does. He shrugs off his coat and hangs it on the rack near one of his hats. Then he pulls at the buttons on his vest so that it hangs open. His starched white button up is already wrinkled.

“There you are!”

Sebastian glances up to find his closest friend. Ominis is leaning against the doorframe of his bedroom. He’s already cleaned up and in a fresh set of clothes. That makes sense since he left the office hours ago.

“Fancy a glass of fire whiskey?” Sebastian asks him with a raised brow. He flicks his wand up and a crystal decanter fills up a glass for him.

“No,” Ominis frowns and his pale eyes are narrowed. “Have you forgotten we have plans tonight?”

Sebastian stares at him. Plans? He doesn’t remember making any plans. His routine is always work then home. He doesn’t go out unless he has to or if he’s seeing Anne on his days off. “If you and Elise are going to dinner that’s fine,” Sebastian turns away as he nurses the dark liquid in his glass. “I’ll stay in tonight.”

Ominis mutters something too low for him to catch. He’s always been good at that even when they were children. Sebastian is the only person besides Elise that can read Ominis when he’s in a mood. It’s what makes them such good partners. The best in the department.

Sebastian rubs at the ache in his chest. As much as he appreciates and respects Ominis, he’s not the partner that Sebastian wanted to fight by his side.

“We have a reunion in Hogsmeade,” Ominis reminds his friend softly. He approaches slowly, his shoes nearly silent on their hard floor. “We’re meeting at the Three Broomsticks.”

Sebastian bites back a curse. He doesn’t want to see all their former classmates. The only people he cares to see he does. And then there’s the one that vanished. The one that broke his heart.

“I don’t want to go.” Sebastian voices to Ominis, turning towards the windows. The sun has finally set and the night sky is visible amidst the grey clouds.

Ominis sighs like he expected this answer. He knows Sebastian is still struggling with their friends disappearance after graduation. One minute she was attached to them. The next she was gone.

“You promised Anne that you’d be there,” Ominis uses his own words against him like a muggle might use a blade. Sebastian does anything his sister asks him to do. It’s one way that he’s atoning for the grievous mistake he made as a boy of killing their uncle.

It took nearly two years for Anne to speak with him after the events of their fifth year. It nearly broke him. Without MC, it might have. She was the only one that didn’t leave. Not even for a moment. She’s the one that brought them back together and cured his sister too.

“Fine,” Sebastian mutters. He finishes his drink, hoping it gives him a calm mind so he can get through the evening. “Let me clean up and we can go.”

The duo apparate to Hogsmeade. The village is just as wonderful as it always is. The houses are decorated for Halloween which is a few weeks away. Hogwarts castle looms in the distance. Sebastian ignores the twinge in his heart at the sight.

“Ah,” Ominis straightens suddenly. Sebastian glances up and finds Elise making her way towards them. “Hello love.”

Elise looks striking in a blue dress that’s cinched at the waist. Her pale skin is as white as snow. Her hair is as black as night and intricately knotted at the back of her head. Her eyes brighten at the sight of them. “I’m glad you made it,” she cheerfully exclaims.

Ominis circles an arm around her tiny waist and she presses a soft kiss to his cheeks. Despite seeing each other since their seventh year, Ominis still blushes.

“How was your day, love?” Ominis asks her and Sebastian follows the couple through the cobblestone streets.

“It was wonderful,” she replies immediately. “Garetth and I made quite a bit of headway on the shop. I can’t wait to show you the new greenhouse we designed.”

Elise is an expert herbologist and potioneer. She owns a new shop here in the village with Gareth Weasley. The pair make the best potions in all of England. They’ve even started to talk of expanding their business to Diagon Alley.

“We’re not running late are we?”

“No, I don’t think so,” she replies and Sebastian glances around the courtyard. The windows are dancing light and pumpkins. The smell of butter beer and fresh pastries fills the air. Someone nearby is playing music and a few people are dancing together.

Sebastian pulls open the door for the unlikely couple with him. Despite once being arranged to marry and hating each other because of it, Ominis and Elise found happiness. Both broke contact with their dangerous pure blood families. Sebastian knows they’re in love and they seem content just as they are.

The bar is decently crowded with witches and wizards scattered across the room. It’s loud with their chatter and laughter. Sebastian’s eyes instantly seek out his twin and through the chaos finds her sitting on a bar stool, smiling up at Imelda Reyes. Her dark hair is swept up in a usual bun. She looks so much like their mother.

He slips through the crowd with the ease of someone trained to do so. “Sebastian!” She calls his name in delight as he sits in the chair beside her.

Sometimes he has to pinch himself to see her so lively. It’s been years and still he can scarcely believe it. Anne’s cheeks are full and flushed pink. She’s in simple clothing and her belly is round and swollen. His second niece of nephew is due before the fall is over.

“Hello Anne,” he replies with a smile he reserves only for her.

“Oh I’m so glad you’re here,” she struggles to stand, her brow knitted in frustration.

Before Sebastian can aid her, Anne’s husband Eric appears and carefully takes her hands to pull her carefully to her feet. She touches his cheek and Eric brushes a hand over her belly.

Sebastian didn’t think anyone would be good enough for his sister. Especially not a Gryffindor. But when he found out that Eric Northcott was the only one besides he and Ominis that never stopped corresponding with her during her illness he didn’t mind the bloke. They married as soon as Anne finished catching up on her schooling and entered the training programs for Saint Mungos as a healer. Sebastian walked her down the aisle. They had their first child over a year ago now and Sebastian adores his nephew Gregory. Eric is a good man that loves his sister. He works closely with his department as well since he’s a lawyer for the Minsitry. It’s his job to make sure the dark wizards Sebastian and Ominis catch, remain in Azkaban. He’s very good at his job.

As Eric turns to speak with his friends Anne hugs Sebastian. He sinks into her warm embrace, feeling a bit like a boy when she dotes on him like this.

“I’ve missed you,” she tells him and her dark eyes shine in the firelight. “And Gregory does too. He’s been babbling your name constantly.”

“I’ll visit soon,” he promises and he means it. He shouldn’t neglect Anne and her family simply because he’s sad. They’re one of the few things that bring him actual joy.

“Good,” she nods her head. “Now I’m going to excuse myself for a moment to use the washroom. Speak with some of our friends,” she orders him sternly. Once more Sebastian is reminded of their mother. Anne is so much like her it makes his heart heavy sometimes.

Not wishing to incur her wrath, especially as heavily pregnant as she is, he slides into her now vacant chair.

“Sallow,” Imelda nods to him. She’s sporting her quidditch gear. She must have come from practice. Her hair is messy I’m a way that can only come from broom flight.

“How’s the team?” Sebastian asks her politely. Imelda was immediately picked up to play professional quidditch after graduation. After leading their team to two consecutive Quidditch House cups. Sebastian remembers them well as he played beater on her team.

“Perfectly polished,” she answers with a signature smirk. Sebastian remembers her rigorous training regimens. He’d bet anything they’ve gotten even more intense.

Next to her is Gareth, his arm is resting on the back of Imelda’s chair. He’s in clean clothes for once. Normally both he and Elise are filthy from their work. If it’s not dirt from their plants it’s potion residue he’s never able to identify. Imelda must have made sure he cleaned up.

That pair was one of the most surprising matches from their year. Quidditch Captain and Head Girl Imelda Reyes with amateur troublemaking potioneer Gareth Weasley. Sebastian supposes he understands now that he looks back. There was so much tension between them in classes. They got married after Imelda’s first season playing quidditch for the Pride of Portree.

“How’s catching dark wizards?” Gareth asks him, shooting him a toothy grin.

“Delightful when I get to duel,” Sebastian answers with a wicked grin. He slides into the persona he maintains at work. All his fellow aurors know Sebastian as a cunning and charming man. Only Ominis and Anne know how truly damaged he is.

As the night progresses he’s able to catch up with a bunch of his former classmates. He maintains his mask of his former self but does enjoy himself. Natty is a diplomat that’s fostered better relationships with wizarding communities all over the world. Amit is a very well known author and astronomer. Nerida is the first ever Minsitry liaison to the merfolk. Prewitt is moving into politics. Everett is a quidditch announcer that’s moving up to the global level.

All his classmates are successful and happy. But Sebastian can’t help but notice that several people are missing. Of course MC is one. But he’s used to missing her. She’s a constant wound that won’t fade.

“Still no word from Poppy?” Sebastian asks Natty who is sitting beside him. He helped organize a search when she first disappeared. But they came up with nothing.

He watches her face fall and his frown deepens. “Nothing.”

Poppy hasn’t been seen or heard from in two years. It’s enough that it was reported to the Ministry. She’s considered a missing person. Most of their classmates assume that Poppy is off chasing magical creatures. It’s where her passion has always been.

Sebastian hopes that’s true. But he knows Poppy isn’t the simple girl most people thought. She was fierce and battled poachers with a viciousness rivaled by few. He hopes that none of them caught up with her. Poppy was MCs best friend outside of Slytherin. They all adopted her into their group and Sebastian started to see Poppy as family.

“I’ve been pushing my contacts here in the Minsitry,” Natty explains, voice low. The last thing they need is for Samantha Dale to overhear them. Sebastian isn’t sure who invited her. She didn’t like MC or Poppy. She always voices her opinion that they both ran off chasing monsters.

“Leander is trying to get the Minsiter involved. He’s in contact with Poppy’s grandmother too. But people are resistant.”

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I’ll let you know.” Natty gives him a cheerful smile and places her hand over his, giving it a squeeze in thanks.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Sirona apologetically cuts through their conversations.

“Oh Sirona,” Nerida smiles at their favorite bartender. “Come join us! We’re reminiscing.”

Sirona smiles regretfully. “Would that I could. I’m afraid I’ve got a message for two of my favorite former Slytherins. It’s from Mr. Rowle.”

Sebastian stands quickly and unrolls the parchment. His bosses scrawl barely legible for him to read. Ominis moves to stand beside him. “What is it?”

“We’re being called in,” Sebastian murmurs. It must be urgent for them to be called back after their day. The office was so quiet when he left though. If something was planned, why weren’t they told?

Ominis lets out an annoyed huff. With his wand pulsing red he fetches his jacket. “It seems dark witches and wizards do not enjoy nights off,” he tells the group before them. “I’m afraid Sebastian and I must go and assist our boss.”

Sebastian smiles back at the ones waving to him. He leans down and kisses Anne’s cheek. “I’ll come visit this week. I promise.”

Anne’s worry is evident as it always is when Ominis and Sebastian go off on a mission. She worries for them constantly. “I’ll hold you to that. Be safe.”

“We’re always safe,” Ominis teases her and kisses her other cheek. “Or at least…I am and I in turn keep your brother safe.”

Eric takes her hand and laces their fingers together. He knows that more often than not they end up in fights. It’s in the reports that he no doubt reads to prepare for his job. But he’s never told his sister all the terrible details which Sebastian is thankful for.

Sebastian waits at the door as Ominis bids goodbye to Elise. She’s sitting next to Amit and Everett, her former housemates. Her smile is sad but she presses her lips to against his mouth. Her hand clinging to his shirt collar. Sebastian is sure she must be telling him to be careful. Ominis likely is assuring her they will be as he extracts himself from her arms and they leave the warm pub.

The air is cool and the wind bites through his slacks. He wishes he had robes for extra protection. But a fight might be just what he needs. The high of a battle and the energy of facing down an opponent. He can only hope it’ll be a worthy adversary. A good duel always gets his mind off of anything that bothering him.

#sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy #ominis gaunt #Sebastian sallow x MC #wizarding world #post graduation Hogwarts #auror Sebastian #auror Ominis #angst #tension

[ellivenollivander]

Okay the more I think about it the less I can see Sebastian becoming an Auror

Not because he has a problem with authority, I think that’s just him being a 15 year old boy who’s stuck in a real shitty situation.

He’s just too morally grey to ever feel comfortable arresting someone and imprisoning them in a literal torture chamber if he didn’t believe they really deserved it.

Would not want to feel like he’s following in Solomon’s footsteps

The Trauma™️ along with feeling as though he needs to atone, he just wants to feel safe and calm.

The kid is a NERD. I feel like this aspect of him gets lost some in the fandom, he loves to learn and research and understand everything he can.

All of this being said, here are some careers I could see Sebastian enjoying:

Healer (this is my personal HC, and what I always imagine Sebastian going on to do). Think about all of the information he learned and retained in his search for a cure for Anne, and doing healing work would make him feel like he’s redeeming himself after Solomon and all the events after his fifth year.

Hit Wizard, this one is iffy for me but makes more sense to me than an Auror because he could pick and choose his cases based on his own idea of worthiness

Curse Breaker, the kid is smart and enjoys an intellectual challenge just as much as a physical one. This would also make sense again from all of the information he found when searching for a cure for Anne.

Professor and/or Researcher, again the kid loves to learn and understand and would love to eagerly share his knowledge. (Maybe even work in the Department of Mysteries?)

#hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #Sebastian sallow hc #NOT saying auror!seb isn’t a fucking BABE #but #ya know #Elli is just thinkin thoughts

[notashe-hogwarts]

Ya’ll...

Carnal had me on my KNEES after reading it- if you don’t know the fic its: carnal by Arthenaa on tumblr! 

#hogwarts #slytherin #sebastiansallowart #sebastiansallow #sebastian #sallow #ominis #ominisgaunt #gaunt #auror #carnal #fanart #wizards #wizard #tuxedo #uniform #suits #hogwartslegacy #legacy

[zetadraconis11]

HL Incorrect Quote #51

Natty: So, what do we do?

Sebastian: We have to wait for MC's diversion.

Natty: What do you think MC will do?

Sebastian: I don't know, probably nothing too big. A couple fire spells, maybe.

*They see an explosion in the distance*

Natty:

Sebastian:

Sebastian: That works too.

#This plays into my headcanon that natty and seb and mc become aurors #That job just seems fitting to me about the three of them #And mc is still as chaotic as ever lol #sebastian sallow #natsai onai #hogwarts mc #hogwarts legacy headcanons #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy incorrect quotes

[girl-named-matty]

POV: Helen Thistlewood takes Sebastian to Azkaban to try and convince him to stop using dark magic.

"If you continue on this path... this is where you'll be."

#hogwarts legacy #hl #sebastian sallow #Helen Thistlewood #Azkaban #Harry Potter #Hogwarts legacy screenshots #Hogwarts legacy game #Hogwarts legacy fandom #Sebastian Sallow screenshots #Auror

[writing-intheundercroft]

Only You - S. Sallow

AO3 Link

Word Count: 5,034

Rating: E (Smut, Oral and Vaginal Sex, NSFW, MDNI)

Summary: You decide to surprise Sebastian with lunch at the auror office.

A/N: I said I'd do a smutty follow up to The Night Shift, and here it is!

“You didn’t have to come, you know.” Sebastian says, gently guiding you into the elevator.

“I wanted to,” you insist. “You’re always supporting everyone around here–someone has to support you.”

Sebastian gives you a soft, shy smile as the door shuts behind you both. He’s been utterly dedicated to helping you get adjusted to your new daytime schedule, his career taking the backseat in your daily conversations.  The two of you were leaving the courtroom, where several surviving ashwinders were just sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban. You knew he was nervous about the Wizengamot trial, having to confront the offenders who’d set up a surprise attack for the aurors all those months ago. Sebastian had recovered quite well in the months that followed, but you’d caught him trembling at the thought of sitting in the stands, identifying each one. Trials had always made Sebastian nervous, knowing deep down that Azkaban had almost been his fate, if not for you and Ominis.

You push that memory out of your mind. Sebastian is now an upstanding member of society, a decorated Auror who you’ve just found out is up for promotion thanks to his heroics.

“Dinner, tonight.  You and me.” Sebastian declares, leaning against the wall. “I’ll pick you up straight from the hospital.”

“I’ll be disgusting.” you remind him.  You’d taken a few hours off to attend the trial, and were already dressed in your uniform to go to St. Mungo’s.  You wouldn’t be off until the late hours of the evening, but it didn’t seem like Sebastian cared.

The doors to the elevator opened and you politely stepped to the side, letting the woman who’d entered step into the center.  As the doors shut, she turns to Sebastian, a saucy grin on her face.

“Sebastian Sallow, it’s good to see you.” she says sweetly.

You immediately frown, taking note of her casualness around him.

“Marlene, nice to see you again.” Sebastian is polite and gentlemanly, keeping his eyes glued to her face.  

She steps towards him, completely ignoring you in the elevator with them. “Glad to have that trial over then?” she asks.

Sebastian lets out a puff of air, nodding gratefully. “Very glad.  Was a nightmare to relive the whole situation.” he admits.  His eyes flit over her shoulder to you, but you pay her no mind–she must be a coworker in the auror office.

To your shock, the woman steps forward towards Sebastian, placing a hand on his chest. “I was so sorry to hear about you and Rebecca.  You know, I still haven’t forgotten about that night–”

Steam was about to pour out of your ears, no pepper-up potion needed.  Mortified, Sebastian pushes her hand away, gesturing to you on the other side of the cab.

“Marlene, this is my…” Sebastian trails off.  The two of you hadn’t quite put a label on your relationship yet.  Despite the time that had passed since your reunion, and the fact that you’d all but moved into his tiny flat, you had yet to call him your boyfriend.

The woman jumps back, blushing. “Oh!  I’m so sorry, Tony had said you were unattached at the moment.”

“It’s nice to see you, Marlene.” Sebastian says quickly, grabbing your hand as the door opens to the ground floor. “I’ll see you around the office.”  he quickened his pace, tugging you out from the elevator.

You yank your hand out of his, brushing your now sweaty palms on the front of your dress. 

“So, Marlene.” You seeth. “A friend of yours?”

Sebastian’s face turns scarlet red, scratching at the freckles trailing down his neck. “Come on, now.” he strains. “We both have histories, we know that.  It was five years, we can’t pretend there wasn’t anyone in between.”

You feel guilt pooling in your stomach; Sebastian is right, after all.  Up until a few months ago, you had an entire fiance–someone you were going to marry, raise children with, spend the rest of your life with.  You also couldn’t lie that there had been men before him.  Imelda Reyes had said it best–the only way to get over Sebastian Sallow was to get under someone else. 

“I at least avoided anyone I worked with.” you grumble, crossing your arms.

Sebastian lets out a low sigh. “You’re right.  It wasn’t the smartest move of mine, but I assure you–you’re the only woman for me.” he says gently, his hands finding your hips through your unflattering St. Mungo’s uniform. “Forgive me?” He pouts.

You roll your eyes, fighting back a smile. For as much as you want to be mad at Sebastian, you can’t resist the puppy dog eyes he gives you anytime you even remotely disagree. Not that there have been many disagreements lately anyways–Sebastian has been nothing but entirely amenable since you’ve returned to his life.  There was only one time you thought you might actually fight over Sebastian littering used teaspoons all over the flat, but he’d more than made up for his behavior by spending the better half of an evening with his head between your thighs.

“Fine.” You purse your lips, hiding the smirk you know Sebastian is searching for. “I’ll meet you outside of the hospital at eight o’clock.”

Sebastian Sallow’s boyish grin will be the cause of your downfall someday, but not today.  His beaming smile and flushed freckles makes your heart beat a little faster, and you feel completely alive.

You walk tentatively into the auror office, clutching the basket of lunch you’d just made for Sebastian.  His favorite–a ham and pickle sandwich on sourdough bread, apples you’d picked up together at the market, and some homemade cookies (Anne’s recipe, obviously–you’re rubbish with baked goods).  After feeling quite homely in your St. Mungo’s uniform, you decide to dress up today.  The move is inspired completely by the way you’d caught Sebastian admiring the dresses you’d moved into his now fully stuffed wardrobe. You’re wearing one he spent a good minute looking over, likely imagining how low the neckline could possibly lay.  You’d swatted him, scolding his cheeky glance, but had decided to wear it anyway after he’d left that morning.

You hear your name over your shoulder; turning around, it’s Everett Clopton, a big grin stretched across his face. His dark curls are tucked behind his ears, sporting his classic gold wire glasses.

“I was wondering when we’d see you here.” Everett bowed his head slightly, hands in his front pockets. “Bringing a snack for Sebastian?”

You blush, gesturing to the basket. “Where is he?” you crane your neck, looking over the office.

“Lucky bugger just got promoted after the trial,” Everett rolled his eyes. “Something about bravery or whatever. Got his own office and everything.  I think he was moving his things in.” 

Even more of a reason to celebrate, you think.  Sebastian had been toiling over the prospect of the potential promotion over the last two weeks, and all of his hard work was starting to pay off.  You thank Everett, sauntering your way over to the door at the end of the hall, a little gold plaque marked S. Sallow on the front.

“Surprise,” you call out cheerfully as you push the door open.  Your smile fades into shock when you see a pretty woman perched on top of the desk, flicking through a box of Sebastian’s belongings.  

Marlene, you remember.  The woman from the elevator.

She smiles at you as she slides off the desk, pressing creases out of her dress. “I didn’t know Sebastian was expecting any visitors.” she says kindly. “And how sweet, you brought him lunch.”

You clear your throat. “I have.  Do you know where he is?” 

Marlene presses her lips firmly together. “Off to the loo.” 

You fidget with the basket in hand. “Right.”

“You two haven’t been together long, have you?” Marlene asks, walking slowly towards you. “I would’ve heard about it, I should think.  Sebastian and I do spend quite a bit of time together.”

You can feel your ancient magic bubbling over with your anger. “Do you?” you spit out.

“Working, of course.  Amongst other things.” Marlene nods, patting your shoulder. “Sebastian can be such a sweetheart,” she purrs. “Yet such a fickle lover, don’t you think?”

You turn on your heel, bolting from the small office.  Tears are pricking at the corner of your eyes; clearly, Sebastian hasn’t spoken about you to his colleagues yet.  It makes you feel quite silly, considering all the other healers in your unit are constantly fawning over the daily flowers Sebastian sends.  Yet you cease to exist in the auror office, with only his two partners and your former schoolmates knowing of your existence.

You could hear your name being called, but nothing could stop your feet from hitting the ground, nearly breaking into a sprint in your effort to remove yourself from the vicinity. Before long, you’re in the main lobby, heels clacking on the black tile as you make your way to the floo flames. Just as you’re about to floo to your own home for the first time in weeks, you run into a solid body.

“I’m so sorry–” you begin, blinking rapidly as you recognize the suit in front of you.  Eyes trailing up, you see a familiar set of eyes, and a smile you thought you’d never see again.

“Hello you,” your former fiance proclaims, his hand on your elbow. “What in Merlin’s name are you doing here?”

If there could be awards for terrible days, this one would take the cake.  Not only are you running from Sebastian’s former fling, you’re now faced with the man you utterly destroyed a few months ago. It isn’t a fond memory, but you can recall the distraught look in his eyes as you arrived at his flat in the wee hours of the morning, clutching his engagement ring. He still looks just as handsome as you remember him–dark hair, a well groomed mustache, and bright, sparkling blue eyes that could even rival Ominis Gaunt’s (not that you’d ever let Ominis hear that you’ve made a comparison).  

For as handsome as you find him, his face is still not the one you crave the most.  

“Pet,” you hear from behind, Sebastian gasping for air. “Did you not hear me?”

Great, you think. This makes your day even better.

“Who is this?” Your ex-fiance asks, a slight frown on his face.

You turn to look at Sebastian, who is slightly panting as he puts a hand on your shoulder.  He looks slightly disheveled, his crisp white shirt rolled up to his elbows, the top unbuttoned.  He looks at you, and then the man next to you, trying to put the pieces together.

“This is Sebastian Sallow,” you gulp. “He was my patient.”

Your ex-fiance gives him a full glance over. “You’re one of those aurors from the ambush, aren’t you?” his eyes narrow. “Freshly promoted by the minister himself.”

Sebastian frowns at him, eyes trailing down to the grip he has on your elbow. “And you are?” he sneers at the stranger. 

Your ex-fiance keeps his hand on your elbow. “Eric McNair. Junior secretary to the minister.” he grits.

Sebastian stands tall. “A pleasure, Eric.  If you don’t mind, the lady and I have somewhere to be.” his hand remains on your shoulder, and you find yourself sandwiched between two men you’ve loved–each for very different reasons, and in very different ways.

“This is him, isn’t it?” Your ex-fiance says flatly.  His blue eyes pierce your soul, clearly in pain.  It’s almost as bad as the way he looked at you when you shoved the pretty red velvet ring box back into the palm of his hand.  You had lied that night, claiming there was no one else that had changed your feelings–it was your fault, not his.  That had only been partly true, considering the freckled bastard beside you had planted the seed of doubt.

“I’m sorry,” You wince. There’s no dancing around the subject, especially with the way Sebastian has his hand curled around your shoulder.

Ever the gentleman, your ex-fiance lifts his grip on your elbow. Bowing his head slightly, he purses his lips as he backs towards the floo flames. 

“I hope you two are happy together,” he says curtly, before disappearing into the green fire.

Taking in a sharp breath, you turn to Sebastian.  He’s looking down at you, slightly stunned. 

“Will you please come back with me?” Sebastian nearly wheezes. “You and I need to talk.”

You nod dumbly, letting him guide you back to the elevator.  The two of you are silent, Sebastian’s hand lightly gripping your gloved hand.  Once you’re back on the fifth floor, Sebastian guides you through the office to his.  Larson is now sitting on Everett’s desk, giving you a goofy wink as Everett complains about his crumbs dusting the tabletop.  You glance sideways, seeing Marlene looking quite frustrated, sitting at her own desk now.

Sebastian shuts the door behind you; the office is still empty, Sebastian’s meager belongings in boxes around the room.  He mutters a quick locking and silencing spell, so that others might not hear you if you decide to argue.

“I wish you’d told me you were coming,” Sebastian huffs. 

You set the basket down on an empty shelf, whipping the gloves off your hands as you rest them on your hips. “So you would know not to have a pretty little coworker sitting on your desk when I arrived?” you snip at him.

Sebastian rolls his eyes. “That’s not what I meant.” he says bitterly. “I just…I would have made things nicer for you, that’s all.” He’s fidgeting now, which is most unlike him.  

“Do your friends know about me?” You snap at him.

“Everett and Andrew know, but it’s no one else's business. They’re not my friends, they’re my colleagues.” Sebastian argues. 

“Colleagues you’ve slept with,” you retort.

“That’s ancient history, and you know it.” Sebastian declares. “Marlene is a colleague–she’s one of the secretaries in the office, we have to work together.  Besides, it was over a year ago when it happened, and I’ve turned down every advance since.”

“Well, she clearly thinks she still has a chance.” you bite back.

“And what about that man in the lobby, then?” Sebastian argues. “Just a friend of yours? The two of you looked fairly chummy.”

A frown settles into your lips. “Really, Sebastian?  Surely you’re more perceptive than this.”

Sebastian’s frown turns into confusion, and then clarity once he’s put it together. 

“Your fiance?” His eyes widened. “The pencil pusher?”

“Ex-fiance, thanks to you.” you grumble. “And I told you not to call him that.”

Sebastian’s face turns red as he begins to pace around his office.  Now that he knows, his head is surely filled with all the scenes of your past relationship.  Eric was a man you’d known well–well enough that you’ve laughed with him, slept with him, even agreed to marry him. 

Sebastian falls into his chair, blinking at you rapidly. “He looks nice,” he admits.

You are frozen in place, looking down at him and his sheepish face. “A perfectly nice man whose heart I broke.” You echo. “Because like the massive arse I am, I fell back in love with you within five days of seeing you.”

Sebastian holds a hand out to you, and your body reacts instantaneously, feet shuffling towards him.  He hooks his hands behind your thighs, pulling your body close.  Digging his face into your skirts, he grumbles his apology.

“I didn’t even mean for her to be in my office,” Sebastian strained. “She offered to help carry boxes.”

You know he’s telling the truth, but that’s not what’s really bugging you. “She didn’t even know who I was, Sebastian.” you bite your bottom lip. “I’ve told everyone who you are, how important you are to me.  Yet she feels like she can put her hands on you.”

Sebastian looks up at you, his big brown eyes filled with remorse. “What can I do to fix this?” he asks, slightly panicked.

“Tell me what I am to you,” you ask gently, tipping his chin up towards you.

“You’re everything,” Sebastian breathes. 

Ruffling his hair, you roll your eyes. “Be more specific.”

Sebastian wrinkles his nose. “Bit juvenile to call you my girlfriend, isn’t it?” He pulls you in tighter, pressing a long, languid kiss to the front of your bodice. It sends shivers up your spine, wishing there were several less layers of cloth between you two.

“You can call me that for now,” you murmur, nimble fingers moving towards his chest.  You give him a coy smile as your fingers start playing with the buttons of his vest. “But I would much rather you change my title sooner rather than later.”

“Yes, madam.” Sebastian’s eyes start roving over your body. He leans back, letting you slip your knee between his legs. You plant your hands firmly on his shoulders, looking down at him.

“I was hoping to see this dress on you soon,” Sebastian licks his lips. “Bend over for me, will you?” 

You roll your eyes, swatting at him. “You brute,” the laugh rolls off your tongue, but there is no hiding how badly you want him.  

Sebastian pinches the fabric of your dress between his fingers, eyes dancing over your decolletage. “I’m the luckiest bastard in the world,” he murmurs. “A promotion, my own office, and my dream girl.” You feel his hands slide around, squeezing your bottom through the fabric. “I’m quite tempted to take you right here, right now.”

It’s indecent, you think.  His coworkers are right behind the door.  But your baser urges drive you to pull away, making quite a show of sitting on his brand new, empty desk.  Sebastian watches you, slack jawed, as you cross your legs, pulling the fabric of your dress over your knees to expose your silk stockings.

“Tempting, you say?” you murmur, uncrossing your legs to show your body underneath the petticoats.

Sebastian launches himself off the desk chair, groaning as he tangles his hands in your hair.  You laugh against his lips as one of his hands trails up your leg, stopping where the lacy edge of your stockings meet your soft thighs. 

“You’re mad, woman.” Sebastian pants. “Only you could drive me to this.”

You bite back a moan as Sebastian’s fingers slide against you.  He gives you the filthiest smile when he feels how wet you are for him–he knows no matter how mad you are, he can reduce you to a trembling mess with his hands.  Always has been, you think.

“I want to hear you beg for it,” Sebastian urges you, curling his fingers inside.  You gasp as he adds a third, clutching onto his shoulder while he gives you the cockiest look you’d ever seen on him.  No, it’s Sebastian who should be begging.  Sebastian who should be quaking beneath you, begging for your forgiveness after the conversation you’d just had.

Even though you whine at the loss of his fingers, you push him backwards.  Sebastian is slightly shocked until he lands into his desk chair, bouncing into the leather seat.  Again, he’s at a loss for words as you surge forward, one hand on the chair back, the other popping the buttons of his trousers.

“What would you call me?” you ask him innocently, brushing your fingers against his clothed cock.

“W-w-what?” Sebastian sputters, looking down at your hand.

You tilt his chin back up to look at you. “What would you say I am to you?” You murmur, sliding your hand under his undergarments, tightly gripping his length.  He feels so soft and smooth, yet impossibly stiff at the same time. “Answer me, darling.”

Sebastian let out a stuttered groan, his head falling back against the chair.  When he doesn’t answer, you lighten your touch; he whines in response.

“You’re my girlfriend,” he moans.

“Hmm, I thought you said that wasn’t good enough.” Your thumb swipes over the crown of his cock, spreading a glistening bead of precum against his skin.

“My lover then,” Sebastian pants, tilting his head down to look at you through darkened eyes.

You smile sweetly at him, slowly kneeling between his legs. “You’ll tell all of your colleagues I’m your lover?”  You keep your eyes on his face as you press a sweet kiss to his tip, and Sebastian might just explode right then and there. “Seems like you’ve had quite a few.”

“The only one I’ve ever loved,” Sebastian moans, patting your hair as you slip your mouth around him, rolling your tongue against his cock. "Only you."

You hum in approval as he chokes out his praise for you, sweet names of endearment for you spilling out of his mouth as you hollow your cheeks.

“Sweet little thing– fuck, the sexiest witch I’ve ever laid my eyes on,” Sebastian rasps, looking down at you with pupils blown out in pleasure.  He chokes as he pushes you off of him, blinking while you wipe the saliva from your lips on the back of your hand.

“On the desk,” Sebastian’s voice falters. “Now.”

His mouth crashes against yours as you scoot your bottom onto the desk; Sebastian rucks your dress up to your waist, desperate to reach your hot skin underneath.  Your hands tug his trousers down, palming his round bottom as he groans into your mouth.  You can feel his cock pressed against your thigh, wet and throbbing.  Teeth smashing, tongues tangling–you simply cannot get enough of one another.

You’ve had months of sweet love making since your reunion, you think.  The urgent, feral fucking you’re about to receive is quite welcome.

Sebastian wastes no time sinking his length into you, pressing his forehead against you as his breath stutters. Looking up at you through his dark lashes, Sebastian has never looked more beautiful. You wrap your legs around him, allowing as little space possible between your bodies.

“I love you,” Sebastian grunts, thrusting his cock into you.  “ Only you.” The sound of those words coming out of his mouth again has your head rolling backwards. You’re thankful for the silencing charm Sebastian has cast on the door; the sound of his skin slapping against yours fills the small office.

“Sebastian,” you moan, falling back against the mahogany desk.  Your hands splay out against the surface, back arching as he rolls his hips just the way you like.  You’re both moaning with every hurried thrust; Sebastian’s hands are wrapped around your thighs, nails digging into the lace edges of your stockings. 

“I love the way you look sprawled on my desk,” Sebastian growls. He leans forward, kissing the tops of your breasts. “You’re a dream come true.”

“Am I?” You gasp, arms thrown around his neck. “Tell me more, Sebastian. Use your words.”

“Don’t think I haven’t been dreaming of this since the night you showed up at my bedside,” Sebastian warns, his sweaty forehead pressed against yours. “Merlin, I want to feel you come around me so badly.”

“What am I, Sebastian?” You murmur, fingers lightly wrapped around his neck.  He’s broadened with age, your small hands barely fitting around his neck.  But in this position, you can feel his quickened pulse, which makes your stomach flutter.  You feel the coil inside of you tighten, waiting for him to say the magic words that will push you over the precipice. 

“You’re the love of my life,” Sebastian rasps, eyes glued to yours. “Always have been. Gonna–I’m gonna make you my wife someday.” he whimpers.

You let out a satisfied cry as you finish around him, hands trailing up to grip his unruly hair at the root.  Sebastian is not far behind you, cursing as he spills his seed inside of you. His hips stutter against you on the edge of the desk, whispering filthy promises alongside the sweet reassurances of your future together.

After a long, passionate kiss, Sebastian pulls away, tugging his pants back up.  You blush, dropping your skirt hem back over your legs.

“Christened my desk,” Sebastian winks cheekily. “I was thinking we needed to, but I wasn’t quite expecting it to take place today.”

You roll your eyes, laughing as you slap his shoulder.  You’ll never stop loving him for his attitude, you think.  Sebastian can be so serious, chivalrous and determined.  The next, utterly depraved and passionate.  But underneath it all, Sebastian is filled with laughter and sweetness–something you’d forgotten after five years of trying to hate him.  It’s a sweet reminder of the boy you met when you were fifteen, who’d raced you to Hogsmeade on your first day of classes.  The boy who’d so bravely taken the fall for you when you’d snuck into the restricted section, and had swept you off your feet at sixteen.  

He’s a grown man now, you think.  But he’ll always be that Sebastian in your heart.  And one day, he’ll be your husband–you’re positively sure of it this time.

“Ham and pickle, my favorite.” Sebastian smacks his lips.

You smile at Sebastian as you unpack another box.  After your frenzied lovemaking, you actually started helping him with the task at hand.  His files are now meticulously organized, and you were working on his box of desk trinkets while he sat against the door, tucking into the lunch you’d packed for him.

“Still your favorite,” you remind him, carefully taking out a wooden picture frame.  You thumb over the glass; it’s of him and Anne as children with their parents.  You set it on the corner of the desk, next to the lamp.  There’s another small frame–Sebastian standing next to Ominis and Anne on their wedding day.  It pangs your heart to realize that you missed it, and that you’ll forever be absent in their photos. In fact, there are no photos of you in the box to display on his desk.

“What can I say?  I’m a creature of habit.” Sebastian says with his mouth full. 

“Y’know, I rather think my picture belongs on this desk.” You say, putting your hands on your hips. “I should think I’d get top billing.”

He beckons you; you fall to your knees, shuffling towards him, and you snatch the sandwich out of his hands, taking a large bite for yourself.  Surprisingly, Sebastian doesn’t protest–instead, he dips his hand into his trouser pockets.

“I keep a photo of you a little closer,” he confesses, digging out his wallet.  You remain stunned as he fishes through it, pulling out a creased photograph.  It’s the two of you on your graduation day from Hogwarts; you’re laughing at the camera, pointing at whoever was aiming it (it’s been so long, you can’t remember who).  Sebastian’s eyes remain glued to you, completely ignoring the photographer. It’s the last time you’d ever worn your Hogwarts robes, pointy black hats adorning your head as you both clutched your diplomas.

You swallow thickly, taking the photo in hand. “I can’t believe you still have this,” you murmur.

“One of my favorites.” Sebastian gulps, pressing his lips in a tight line as he tucks you into his chest. “Fished it out of my memory box, right after we got back together.  Should I find a frame for it?”

You feel silly for ever doubting him.  Sebastian has always known what you are to him–no title needed.  Blinking back tears, you look at the brunette, pressing your palm against his cheek. 

“I want you to keep it on you at all times,” you declare. “Right in your pocket, you hear me?”

“Yes ma’am.” Sebastian purrs, kissing the top of your head. “Perhaps we’ll have a more formal occasion to take photos soon.  Wedding photos, I think.” he teases.

The two of you finish unpacking his belongings, polishing off what remains in the lunch basket.  The hem of your dress is torn from dragging against the splintered edge of his desk, so Sebastian casts a hasty reparo charm on it.  You double check that you’re both decent before opening the door to his office, confidently striding out hand in hand.

It must be late afternoon already, as most of the desks are abandoned.  Marlene’s eyes are glued to whatever file she’s reading, ignoring the two of you.  You smile haughtily to yourself as Sebastian wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you in tighter.

“You two are disgusting,” Everett rolls his eyes. “As if we didn’t know what you two were up to all afternoon.”

“I beg your pardon,” Sebastian scoffs. “The lovely lady was helping me unpack my office.  And that’s no way to speak to your senior officer now, is it?” 

Larson lets out a booming laugh as he pulls on his jacket. “Well, should we all hit the Leaky Cauldron then?  Rest of the office is bound to be there already.”

Sebastian looks down at you proudly. “No, I think I’ll take the missus home.”

You can’t hide the blush on your face when Sebastian looks at you in such a way.  The two of you bid a hasty goodbye to Everett and Andrew as you walk hand in hand to the elevators, swinging the wicker basket.  When the elevator doors close, Sebastian pushes you up against the wall, putting a hand on your waist.

“Speaking of home, I think it’s time we start looking for a bigger one,” he announces. “I’ve found a few listings for new places, considering we’ll have to get a separate bedroom for your clothes. Plus, we should live a bit closer to the hospital for you.”

“Braving the London housing market together,” you sigh gloomily. “The next test of our relationship.”

Sebastian lets out a sparkling laugh, pressing his forehead against yours. “Pet, after everything we’ve been through, I think this will be an easy task.”

You bite your lip, smiling up at him.  He’s right, you think–nothing these days seems too difficult with Sebastian back at your side.

“I can’t wait.” You admit.  

The doors open, and Sebastian pulls you out into the light.

#sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow x oc #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastian sallow x you #auror sebastian sallow #auror sebastian #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy fan fiction #this one is a reasonable 5k #sebastian sallow smut #writing-intheundercroft

[hotcinnam0nspicy]

Did some edits for @ars-slytherin enjoy babes!

#hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #slytherin #harry potter #sallow #auror #auror sebastian #auror sallow #dark Sebastian #dark x Sebastian #freckle love

[hogwartslegacypics]

Headcanoning that 13 year-old Sebastian visited the Ministry by himself to ask the employees there (any really, but mainly aurors and curse-breakers) if they knew anything about goblin curses and how to cure one. I’m sure some were annoyed and brushed him off, but many of them thought it was the sweetest thing and news quickly spread around the Ministry about the young boy who came in looking for a cure for his twin sister.

Maybe he even snuck away from St. Mungo’s after the healers said there was nothing they could do and got yelled at by Solomon after returning.

#he did say they tried everything and tbh i doubt solomon as an ex-auror himself would have been comfortable doing this #probs too embarrassed to be seen in the ministry and that’s even if he did consider visiting for anne’s sake #hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #anne sallow #solomon sallow

[matchavellichor]

A Midnight Reuniting - Pt.2

dark!Sebastian x f!MC - Angst - 2.8k words - ao3

Tags: Graphic Depictions of Violence, Heavy Angst, Auror Ominis Gaunt, Mentions of Blood, Mentally Unstable Sebastian

A/N: Wasn't originally planning on writing a part two but got some requests so here you go!! (first part here)

Flashes of green and red. Spells cast with a particular breed of viciousness, incantations dripping with malice. The familiar sensation of crucio flaying your nerve-endings apart in the scriptorium. Solomon’s body falling limp to the floor of the catacombs. Dead, unseeing eyes. 

Sebastian’s eyes. Amber clouded with scarlet, a particularly grotesque shade of red, like the blood covering his hands. The blood covering your hands where he’s clinging to you, pleading with you, holding on. Smearing it all over you until you’re drenched and drowning.

The stench of dark magic on his clothes, his hair, him. The evidence of everything he’s done, suffocating and all-encompassing until it fills your lungs like thick, black smoke. Until you’re clawing at your throat, scratching at the hand around your neck— his hand, little black dots clouding your vision and—

You wake up gasping for air, a cold sweat making your camisole cling to your torso. Sebastian’s sitting up beside you immediately, tender hands smoothing back the hair sticking to your cheeks. A sympathetic voice, low and sleep-rough, telling you it’s okay, that he’s with you. Because he understands. Because he’s spent too many nights waking up in the same manner, with nothing but frigid stone in a desolate cell to cradle him.

He tucks you back against his chest, urges you to fall back asleep with soft reassurances in your ear, a hand running up and down your back. You don’t tell him that you can’t. You don’t tell him that your heart feels like it’s going to burst out of your chest, or about the gut-wrenching pit of dread that’s been settled in your stomach since he arrived. 

You’re unable to relax, even after Sebastian’s own breathing steadies out, his arms around you going lax as he falls back asleep. You wait a few more moments before you slip out from under them, careful, cautious movements as to not rouse him, bated breath.

The clock on your wardrobe tells you it’s a little past three in the morning, and you’re surprised you’d managed to get even an hour of sleep after everything that’s happened tonight. You glance back at Sebastian. Moonlight seeping through the window beside your bed illuminates his sleeping figure and he looks so much younger asleep. More delicate, vulnerable. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, you tell yourself. You fight the urge to climb back into his arms. 

You make your way towards the door slowly, silently, your breath catching in your throat every time the hardwood under your feet creaks, heart hammering in your ears. The second you successfully slip out, you dart towards the kitchen. 

You scour over every countertop, pull open drawers and cabinets. You know it was here last, you had used your wand to heat the water for your tea, but even as you scan every square inch, it’s nowhere to be found. The search renders just as futile in the living room. You feel hopeless. Defeated. Trapped. 

Even if you had the willpower inside of you to use it on him, to stop him, to defend yourself, you’d be unable to. You’re defenseless, both physically and emotionally. He’s cornered you, body and mind. Ensured you’d have no way of resisting. 

There’s the rattle of a doorknob and your heart stops in your chest.

It’s not from down the corridor though, not from the bedroom. Someone is trying to open your front door, quiet and inconspicuous, and even as you’re conscious of this fact, you’re stood frozen still, just watching. 

The quiet click of the lock unlatching following a silent alohomora, the door opening with a slowness that’s mindful of the creak, intentions to be undetectable. 

Ominis stands in the doorway in his auror robes, his wand arm outstretched firmly in front of him, the tip of the wood glowing red. There’s a rigidness to his stance that tells you he’s on-edge, poised for combat, expecting a threat.

Probably not the wisest idea to pounce on someone so highly-trained in combat with his wand out, but you’re so relieved that you’re wrapping your arms around his neck before you can even think properly. You bury your face in his chest in shuddering breaths and it works out in your favor in the end, because at least you’re not immediately flung across the room with a depulso.

His wand lowers, tucked away in its holster, his other hand coming up to hold you tighter to him, and you can tell by the way his muscles drop the tension in them that he’s just as relieved to see you. 

“Are you alright? Are you hurt?” His hands run down your shoulders, arms, groping, feeling for injuries. Worry running rampant through his blood.

“I’m alright, I’m—I’m fine.”

“I’m so sorry, I came as soon as I found out,” His hands find your cheeks, frantic, as if he needs to feel you to assure himself that you’re genuinely alright. “Gods, I was so scared. I knew he’d come here, that’d he try to do something to you—”

You shook your head. “He…he didn’t do anything, he—” You can’t stave off the tears that well up in your eyes, the thickness in your voice. “He’s not well, Ominis, he needs help, he—”

“It’s alright, I’m here now,” He hushes your panicked breathing, lets your fingers curl into the front of his robes, lets you cling to him. “I’ll take care of this. The DMLE is already aware, they’ll take him back and—”

“No!” You object immediately, pulling away, and you’re surprised by your own hostility towards the idea, how terrified the notion makes you. You sniffle, shaking your head, attempting to calm yourself. You try to think rationally, even if your heart’s too heavy in your chest to have a single reasonable thought. “Maybe…maybe we should think this through, maybe we can work something out.”

“Do you hear yourself?” He’s taken aback, brows furrowed in concern. “He’s a murderer, he—”

“That was years ago, Ominis!” You retort, conscious of the fact that you may well be coming off just as mad as Sebastian. You can’t help yourself. The vulnerability you saw in him tonight makes you unwilling to let go with such ease. Your conscience would never let you survive it.

“By gods, he’s gotten inside of your head,“ Ominis mutters, unbelieving. His hands find purchase on your shoulder, giving you a little jolt, attempting to knock some reason into you. “Listen to me, he’s dangerous. Do you understand? We’re leaving now and letting the ministry handle this. I’m taking you somewhere safe—”

“I…I can’t just leave him,” You shake your head, tears still stinging at your eyes. “I can’t do that to him again, Ominis,”

“Are you aware of what he did to escape?” You swallow the lump in your throat at the thought. You don’t want to know, but Ominis tells you anyway. Forces you to be confronted with reality, makes you swallow down the bitter taste. “He bludgeoned one of the wardens to death, caved in a man’s skull with a blunt object and—”

“A dinner tray,” Sebastian stood leaning against the wall of the hallway, wand drawn and twirled carelessly between his fingers. Not the slightest bit fazed by the presence of the blonde. There was the subtlest quirk of his lips at the corner, nonchalant, amused. “I caved in a man’s skull with a dinner tray.” He clarified. “Wasn’t too hard,” He sighs, indifferent, almost bored. “Awfully messy, though.”

Ominis’ head shoots towards the direction of Sebastian’s voice, immediately pulling his own wand from his leather shoulder holster, pointing it in the direction of the brunette.

“Come on, now,” Sebastian frowned. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

“It’s over, Sebastian.” Ominis muttered, firm and authoritative. Speaking to the man in front of him, his best friend, as he would any other criminal he’d come upon on the job. But deep down, you could see the glint of misery in his eyes. How it’s ruining him to be in this position. “You’ve done enough harm already. You had to have known it would end like this.”

“End like this?” Sebastian grins. “Oh, but it’s only just begun.”

“There’s a dozen aurors making their way here as we speak, you have nowhere to—”

Sebastian laughs, entertained. “Always the dramatics with you, isn’t it?” He fiddles with the wand in his hand. “I’m not going back, Ominis.” He takes a step closer, eyes darting between you and Ominis, observing the way the blonde’s positioning himself, a protective barrier. His eyes narrow, fingers tighten around his wand. “You can step away from her now.”

“You’ve gone mad.” 

“Of course I’ve gone mad,” He seethes, voice raised. “Years , in an empty cell. Years, where the closest thing to human contact I’ve received is the overseer who brings me my meals. Years abandoned, betrayed, by the people I trusted the most.” 

“I'm sorry, Sebastian.” Ominis says and his tone falters, deviates from its strong and commandeering lilt. Vulnerable. Devastated. As if he’s bearing witness to a gruesome trainwreck, a sick happening of fate that he was unable to prevent. Guilt-stricken. “I’m sorry I couldn’t stop you before you did what you did. I’m sorry for not having noticed the signs sooner…I’m sorry for failing you.” He firms his stance, definitive. Braced and unyielding, despite the feeling of his heart splintering in his chest. “But I’m not sorry for locking you away. I won’t be sorry for preventing you from doing any more harm.” 

“I’m not your failure, Ominis.” There’s the briefest flash of sympathy in Sebastian’s eyes. A consciousness of the fact that he’s the maker of his own bed, the digger of his own grave. But recognition is not the same as acceptance. “And I will not let you make me your tragedy.” Sebastian adopts his own offensive position. “We’re leaving. Now you can step aside or—”

Ominis casts the first hex. A stupefy, one that Sebastian quickly deflects and veers off to the adjacent wall. An array of picture frames are flung off their hooks, shattered glass and splintered wood littering the floor. You flinch from the impact, but you’re barely able to react. To do anything except watch the combat unfolding in front of you.

Sebastian responds with a confringo, quickly blocked by Ominis’ protego. Sebastian is quick, vicious. Out for blood. 

Ominis is quicker. Favoring stunning jinxes or immobilization spells. Even without the gift of sight to his advantage, he’s flawless. Trained, calculating. Swift, fluid movements, years of experience under his belt. 

What Sebastian lacks in technique he makes up for with pure, ardent severity. Callous, unfeeling. The lengths at which he’s willing to go to come out victorious is evident in every flick of his wand, every spell gritted out through snarled teeth.

Ominis manages to deflect nearly every ruthless hex that makes it out of Sebastian’s wand with finesse. Nearly every. 

A depulso catches him in an opening, his reaction time a mere millisecond off-kilter. He goes flying into the far wall of the sitting room, landing on the floor with a sickening thud. 

Time seems to still, only the sound of your blood roaring in your ears. You don’t know why you just stare. Holding out such hope for him to get up, to keep fighting. But it becomes very clear, very quickly, that he’s not getting up anytime soon. At this horrifying realization, you’re darting towards him. Kneeling by his body in the same instant. 

Staring down at him, limp and unmoving, you immediately break into hysterics.

Not the soft, sorrowful kind of tears you’ve shed enough of this evening, but the manic, desperate kind of sobbing. 

The kind where you break into dry-heaves, and you can hardly even think straight, let alone get oxygen into your hyperventilating lungs, because Ominis is out cold in front of you, and he’s breathing, but it’s shallow and labored, and there’s a gash on the side of his head, and there’s blood. Too much of it. Too much blood streaking his blonde hair scarlet, too much blood on your trembling hands where you’re holding his head, and—

“Get up.” 

You don’t budge. You can’t even bear to look at the man who hovers over you where you’re knelt on the floor. You choke on your sobs, shake your head in refusal. Still clinging to Ominis, willing him to wake up.

“Get up.” He’s yanking you roughly up by your arm, forcing you to your feet before you can protest again. 

“What did…what did you do,” You stumble over your words, incoherent, frantic. “You…you…he’s—”

“He’ll live.” Sebastian’s voice is foreign in your ears. Muffled, like you’re underwater. Like you’re not really there in the moment, but hovering over your body, looking down at the room as a nightmare unfolds. You can’t tear your eyes away from Ominis crumpled at your feet, red streaked over his pale skin where you ran your hands. 

“Hey, hey, look at me,” Sebastian’s hands are cupping your cheeks, forcing your eyes away from the unconscious figure slumped on the floor. “It’s alright, deep breaths,” He encourages, soothing, patient. Inhale, exhale. Repeat. “— there you go, good girl, just like that.” 

“It’s done. It’s over.” He presses his forehead against yours, willing you to look at him. Thumbs rubbing the stickiness from your cheeks, the tears clouding your lashes. “It’s you and me, yeah? Always been you and me?” 

He presses his lips to your forehead, a tender hand stroking the back of your head before he’s pulling away. “We’re leaving now.” 

He swings open the front door, cold making its way in, a shiver down your spine. Frigid. Unforgiving. He makes his way to the open doorway, but you don’t follow. You’re frozen in place, feet glued to the floor, fists tense at your sides. Outside, beyond where the orange light seeping from the cottage reaches, is just darkness. Pitch black, void-like. It terrifies you.

You don’t want to leave. Don’t want to leave Ominis, the warmth and light and familiarity of the cabin. Security. Refuge. Outside, in the woods, is uncertainty. Outside, you’re forced to accept the reality of what you are. Accomplice. Fugitive. In love with a monster.

He notices your apprehensiveness. Stares for a beat of a moment. Patient. Understanding. But you’re certain that if it came down to it, he’d drag you out by your hair, kicking and screaming, if he had to. He’s not prepared to let you go. Even if he ends up destroying the both of you in the process.

He walks back over to you, taking your chin in his hand, tilting your head up. A thumb brushes over your quivering bottom lip, sympathy in his eyes, because he understands how it feels to be this scared. Petrified. His hands run down your shoulders, trying to still your trembling.

“Remember when we used to run through the woods in fifth-year, little vigilantes?” He smiles, rueful, nostalgic. A devastating kind of sadness. “It’s just like that. We—we’re looking for Ashwinder camps, hm? That’s all. Doesn’t that sound nice? Just like old times?”

You shake your head because you can’t force yourself to make-believe the same way he has, even if you try. You wonder how long it took for his brain to compartmentalize into this little fantasy world it’s created to protect itself. Stowing away his traumas, the truth, in a closed-off corner in the back of his mind. Sacrificing its own sanity so the hurt stops. A morbid act of self-preservation. 

You try to glance back down at Ominis at your feet but his hand is on your jaw, firm, forceful, pulling your attention back towards him. “It’s alright, don’t— don’t, hey, it’s just you and me,” Words meant to be soothing but feel like a knife wrenched in your chest, twisting and dragging through flesh. “Come on now, be a tough girl for me.” He pleads, and it’s the same vulnerability that’s haunted your dreams for years. “My brave girl.”

You shake your head, resistant. More hot tears spill over your lashes, carving paths down your cheeks. It’s irrational. You’re half-convinced you’ve gone insane yourself. But you wrap your arms around his neck, bury your face into his collar. Like a child seeking comfort for a skinned knee, even though they’re scrapes and bruises that he’s responsible for putting there.

“Oh, darling,” He frowns at your sobs, pulls you tighter into his chest. “It’s alright. Don’t you worry. Sometimes we have to make difficult decisions —you understand, don’t you? He was trying to hurt us. I had to stop him, I had to. ”

“Everything will be alright now. I’ll take care of us, I swear it.” He hushes against your hairline, lips pressed to the top of your head. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“Just you and me.” He whispers, and his arms around you tighten. Suffocating. A terrifying, asphyxiating feeling in your chest that you stifle, pretend doesn’t exist. Stow away in a closed-off corner of your mind and try to compartmentalize. Just like he has.

“Always.”

#hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy sebastian #sebastian sallow #sebastian x mc #ominis gaunt #auror ominis gaunt #dark sebastian sallow #angst #sebastian sallow x reader

[your-nanas-house]

On her desk

◇ Pairing: Auror!Sebastian Sallow X secretary!Reader

◇ Warnings: smut, short, quickie on a desk

◇ Summary: Y/n finds herself in a unusual position at work.

◇ Note: Sorry for the mistakes and the English.

When Y/n had shown up for work that day, she hadn't at all expected what was about to happen, not that she minded of course.

She had prepared herself as she did other days, a modest outfit but still eye-catching, pretty appropriate for a secretary, even if she was only an auror's secretary. For the young woman to work in such a department, despite not fighting on the outside, was still a privilege, especially after she ended up under the wing of the head auror Sebastian Sallow, only two years after she managed to graduate from Hogwarts.

It was supposed to be a duller day than normal since most of the aurors were on a mission where Sebastian also had to go, but luckily or unluckily for Y/n the young man had stayed there, at the ministry with her.

Just a few hours passed since she sat at her desk, staying alone for the very first time with her boss, and honestly, she did not know how she had ended up on her own desk, her legs spread wide and her skirt around her waist, with Sebastian's large hands on her tits which were covered only by her lace bra.

His hard cock deep inside her, while his usually well-buttoned shirt hung open so that he could show off his muscular chest streaked with hair and freckles.

Their bodies were slightly sweaty and both were almost on fire from the heat they caused upon contact with each other; the usual din in the room was not caused this time by the many voices of the workers but by their skin colliding with each movement of the Auror's hips.

The papers Y/n was working on were scattered all over the floor but neither of them cared, both of them too caught up in the approach of their climax.

Taglist:

@gabile18 , @mrsfullbuster500 , @rex-ray , @elizamalfoyy, @eovjjj , @monkeyking-and-liuer-mate , @jeremiah-va1eska , @gothamchic16, @rabbiteggz , @dieg0brandos-wife , @rottenecstasy , @lazyexcuse , @teh-vampire-bunny , @lobotomy-lover , @slasher-smasher , @sleepycreativewriter

#hogwarts legacy sebastian #sebastian sallow x you #sebastian sallow x y/n #sebastian sallow smut #sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow x mc #auror sebastian sallow

[just-another-star-47]

Auror Special Force

💠 Mission: Build a snowman (complete)

There was a knock on the door to Sebastian's office and, looking up from the papers he was working on, he signaled for whoever it was to come in.

"Sir...?"

MC pushed her way into the small room, which was crammed with books and folders, the walls hung with awards and trophies that Sebastian had already collected despite his young age. Her gaze flitted briefly in the direction of the basilisk tooth, which stood in a glass cabinet in the cupboard, before her eyes fixed on Sebastian, who was looking at her in anticipation.

"Sir... would you build a snowman with me?"

Instead of an answer, silence settled in the room as Sebastian looked at her, furrowing his brow and blinking several times. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth, only to close it again and make another attempt.

"You're asking your commander to build a snowman with you, recruit?"

She shifted her weight from one leg to the other and shrugged her shoulders.

"None of the others wanted to."

"And so you thought it would be appropriate to disturb me at work - to build a snowman?"

Her gaze flitted briefly out of the window, only to meet Sebastian's penetrating gaze again.

"Otherwise I wouldn't be standing here, sir."

Sebastian's jaw tightened for a split second before he shook his head and wiped the slight smirk off his face with his left hand. Sighing, he stood up and grabbed his coat, nodding his head towards the door as he threw it on.

"Come on then, I've got some paperwork to do today."

With a broad grin, she clapped her gloved hands together, "You won't regret it, sir."

"I'm not so sure about that."

Turning to him again and again, she ushered him out.

"Think of it as a well-deserved break.

"I'm quite sure I wouldn't be doing anything like that during my break."

Ignoring his objections, she formed a ball with the firmly caked snow and pressed it into her troop leader's hand.

"Roll it."

Sebastian's eyebrow shot up as he replied in amusement.

"Oh? I see you've taken command, recruit?"

Grinning, she readied the second ball in her hands.

"Perhaps you will discover completely new abilities in me."

Rolling the small snowball on the ground into a larger globe helped Sebastian hide his grin from her and for a while the gusting wind and the crunching of the snow was the only thing that could be heard.

"Your instructions were imprecise, recruit, what globe am I moulding here? Head, torso, legs?"

"Which globe would you like to mould, sir?"

This time Sebastian couldn't help but laugh, and he straightened up to watch her, as she slowly drew her circles, rolling the snow globe in front of her.

"I think my snowball would make a good torso."

"Then stay where you are, I'll come to you."

She accelerated her movements and pushed the ball in front of her. More and more snow clung to the surface, steadily enlarging it. When she reached Sebastian, he carefully placed one ball on top of the other. While Sebastian was now moulding the snowman's head, she was improving the existing body.

"Now we just need stones and sticks for the face and arms."

With their hands on their hips, they both tilted their heads and looked at the basic structure of the snowman.

"We're in a wasteland of ice and snow. Stones and sticks are a bit scarce."

"Have you ever been told that you are extremely pessimistic?"

The troop leader stood puzzled while she scraped through the snow in search of the aforementioned materials.

"That's simply the truth."

She snorted and shook her head: "I expect more drive and motivation, sir! After all, you've done very well so far."

Watching her silently, Sebastian remained motionless: "I have a sinking feeling that you're making fun of me, recruit."

"I would never dare, sir," she hid a mischievous grin.

Mumbling to himself indistinctly, Sebastian shook his head again and finally trudged back into the house.

Her wide-eyed gaze followed him, and for a moment she stood rooted to the spot, unsure whether she had gone too far. Chewing on her lower lip, she shovelled the snow aside with her boot, but her gaze was not directed at the ground in front of her.

As the door slammed shut again and the snow began to crunch under the weight of a person, she spun around, and a wide smile lit up her face.

"You're acting like Father Christmas just stepped in front of you."

His comment made her look down and bite her bottom lip as his eyes lingered on her form, slowly travelling over her face.

"MC..." he tapped the underside of her chin to get her to look up, but the utterance of her name had been enough. Their eyes found each other for a moment before Sebastian held out a carrot to her.

"For the nose..."

She looked down at the vegetable in amazement, her brow furrowed until she understood what he was talking about.

"Oh...wonderful!"

She placed the carrot in the centre of the face and then reached for the pieces of cabbage that Sebastian held out to her in his open hand - forming eyes, mouth and buttons. Then they both stood in silence in front of the snowman and looked at it closely.

"Maybe a scarf is what's missing...".

She didn't even get round to unwrapping her own from her neck, as Sebastian had already taken his off and wrapped it around the snowman.

"Satisfied?" He looked at her, his expression soft and attentive, earning a warm smile from her.

"It's perfect."

❆⋆❆⋆❆⋆⚔⋆❆⋆❆⋆❆

LOGBOOK: All missions here.

#hogwarts legacy #sebastian sallow #sebastian sallow x mc #hogwarts legacy mc #sebastian sallow xf!reader #sebastian sallow x f!mc #sebastian sallow x reader #auror special force au

[zetadraconis11]

HL Incorrect Quotes #99

*as Aurors*

MC, pointing at a map: He says his dealer hangs out here. He said he'll point him out to us. So you approach on foot from the south. And me and Natty will be in Disillusionment here.

Sebastian: Whoa, whoa... "Me and Natty"? Didn't you mean "Natty and I"?

MC: ...Oh, Merlin.

Sebastian: I corrected your grammar! Are you so proud of me? Are you horrified?

#Shamelessly putting my hc of mc and sebastian being a couple of aurors #Couple as in they are a couple that is also a couple of aurors lol #I also thought for my 99th incorrect quote I'd do a quote from b99 #Clever right? Lol #sebastian sallow x mc #sebastian sallow x oc #hogwarts legacy mc #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy incorrect quotes #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy headcanons #b99 quotes