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im-clapped-af · 10 months

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In the shadows of the past Chapter 9

9. Birthday Boy

October 18th, 1890

Dear Anne,

Hogwarts is not the same without you. I know I’ve told you that multiple times, but it stays true every time. I hope you are feeling well. Whatever you need, please, let me know and I will head to Hogsmeade as soon as I receive your owl.

I feel as though I am becoming a true friend to Audrey. We spend most of our time together. You would love her. I plan to visit soon, just after our birthday. So, expect to see me at the end of the month. I’m going to invite Audrey to Feldcroft as well. I think you two will get along amazingly.

Before I sign off, I did not use your potions kit. I simply borrowed it.

Love,

Sebastian

Sebastian held the candle flame up to the wax and watched as it dripped onto the parchment. He sealed it with the wax seal of his family's crest that Anne had carved for him a few years prior. He stood up and placed the letter in the pocket of his robe. He contemplated taking the present he had bought Anne with him as well but decided against it. Growing up, she had always tried to peek into her presents, and Sebastian’s, every Christmas and birthday. He didn’t want her to open this present. It was his favourite one he had ever gotten her. She would just have to wait.

“Where are you heading?” Ominis asked him. He was lying on his bed, finger tracing along a sentence in a book he was reading.

“I’m going to the Owlery, I have a letter I need to send to Anne. After that I want to find Audrey, I think she’s been avoiding me after the Undercroft.”

Ominis sat up and tossed his book to the end of his bed.

“I’ll join you. I owe her an apology for how I reacted yesterday.”

The two walked along the path towards the Owlery, their scarves whipping in the wind. It had gotten a lot colder in the Autumn months, and it was approaching winter.

“Where do you think Audrey will be?” Ominis pondered.

“I believe she has Care of Magical Creatures next. I know she and Poppy walk to the lesson together.”

“You have noticed Audrey and Poppy walking to lessons together?” Shit! He didn’t need anyone else to know that he observed her a lot. First Audrey knew he was taking long looks at her, now he just revealed to Ominis that he saw Audrey and Poppy walking together to Care of Magical Creatures. Truthfully, it was just a simple pattern he had noticed in her day-to-day routine. Every time Audrey had Potions with him, she had Care of Magical Creatures next. The two girls would walk to it after Potions. The one time they didn’t have Potions before that lesson, Audrey would always wait near the Hufflepuff common room entrance, and they would walk together then. Today was that day. It was just a simple, innocent, observation.

“It’s just something I noticed; besides, Poppy asked me in the Great Hall at lunch if I had seen Audrey today. Did you not hear her?”

Ominis was going to remind him that his hearing was above average compared to everyone else but decided not to. He knew Poppy never spoke to Sebastian that day. He was aware of his best friend's blossoming crush on Audrey the day before. He wouldn’t have betrayed his trust for anyone unless he was infatuated with a girl.

They continued up the hill in silence, the only sound accompanying them was Sebastian’s heavy breathing.

“Sebastian, I truly believe you should get your breathing checked out. Tuberculosis is still strife now and I’d hate for you to be unaware if you have it.”

“Shut up. I’ve always been like this.”

“All I’m saying is –“

A scream broke the conversation between them. They both peered up to where the sound had come from. Sebastian saw her. Audrey. She was falling. Instantly, he pulled out his wand and cast it towards her falling body.

“Levioso!”

Sparks shot out from his wand towards her. Audrey felt her body slow down as if a giant hand had stopped her fall. She was mere inches from the floor when it stopped her in the air. Sebastian raced over to her.

“Audrey, are you ok? What happened? How did you fall?”

The spell let go of her when she let her feet touch the floor. She tried standing but felt her legs give away. Sebastian caught her, his hands holding her up by her armpits. Ominis had managed his way over to the pair.

“Audrey, are you ok?” He said it slower, allowing her time to respond. She breathed heavily, trying to recollect what had happened. It had happened so quickly.

“I ... I … It … the shadow it – pushed me …. I.” She stammered. She tried standing up straighter, but once again, her legs gave away. Sebastian held onto her more firmly now. He reached his arm around her waist and pulled her up straighter. She leaned her weight against him, feeling weak from the fear that was racing through her body.

Sebastian inched his face towards her, her lips brushed against the top of her head.

“Shh, everything is ok.” He said softly.

“We need to take her to Nurse Blainey,” Ominis ordered.

“No!” Audrey almost lurched at him as soon as he said that. “No. No Nurse Blainey.”

Ominis shook his head.

“Audrey, we need to take you there in case you’ve been hurt. You’re already in a state of shock; she can help you calm down.”

Audrey shook her head adamantly.

“Please, don’t take me there. I’ll be ok.” Raindrops had started falling around them. Sebastian looked down at her.

“Audrey –“

She looked up at him, tears brewing in her eyes.

“Please.” She didn’t say anything more. He understood, nodding at her. The rainfall had gotten heavier now. It trickled down their faces and the bottom of their robes were dampening from where it tickled the ground when they stood.

“Let’s head to the common room. We can deal with what happened there.” Sebastian confirmed. They started making their way towards the castle. Ominis led them hurriedly, with Sebastian and Audrey following behind. His arm was draped over her shoulder and his other arm rubbed her arm to comfort her. “When we get to the common room, we can talk about everything there. Try to remember what happened. It’ll help us for later.”

Audrey nodded softly. She didn’t want to know what he meant by his last sentence. What was he planning for later? The three of them were becoming soaked now, the rain had gotten heavier with every step they took. Lightning cracked in the sky and thunder echoed loudly. Audrey counted the seconds between each clap of thunder. It was still some miles away. Her father had told her that every second between each sound of thunder represented how many miles it was away.

Ominis splashed ahead of them quickly. They reached the entrance of the building, and he held the door open for them as the pair followed. It wasn’t busy in the castle. The majority of students were in classes, so the halls were barren, aside from the occasional ghost wandering around. They walked in silence. Their footsteps echoed around them. It felt like years before they arrived at the Slytherin Common room. Ominis uttered the password, and they rushed inside. Sebastian guided Audrey to the chairs beside the fireplace.

“Here, warm yourself up with fire. Ominis, stay with her while I get a blanket.” Sebastian rushed off towards his and Ominis’s dorm while Ominis perched beside where Audrey sat. He could feel her shiver beside him.

“It’s ok, Sebastian will get you his blanket. It’s very warm. I remember falling into the Black Lake once and he gave me it to help me warm up.”

“It’s not the cold.”

Ominis offered her a sympathetic smile. They sat in silence listening to the crackle of the firewood. Sebastian hurried over to them, his blanket in his arms. He stood in front of her and wrapped her in it. It engulfed her and she laughed softly at how ridiculous she must look. They all looked a little ridiculous admittedly. Their hair was plastered to their faces. Sebastian’s face was tinged red and he was breathing quite heavily. Ominis look so dishevelled, something she had never seen before. Normally, he was dressed exquisitely, now he looked like a wet dog.

“Ok, so we need you to tell us everything that happened at the Owlery. How did you fall? Was it a person?”

“Sebastian!” Ominis warned him. He was getting ahead of himself. Asking too many questions before Audrey could calm herself properly.

“It's ok, it's fine.” She took a deep breath. “Something … p-pushed me.” Sebastian and Ominis listened to her carefully. The two boys already knew that once they knew who it was they would be tracking them down and having a friendly chat with the person.

“it was –“Tears started streaming down her face. “I – it was … I don’t know.” She started crying. Two months of intense learning, unfamiliarity, and stress weighed down on her, and it was finally taking its toll.

Ominis reached over to her and wrapped her in a hug tentatively. He rubbed her back as she cried quietly, her face hidden in his shoulder. Sebastian knelt in front of her now and rubbed circles against her back. She didn’t care that two boys were touching her. To hell with what people would say about this. She needed this. She needed them.

“I think it’s best you calm down for a bit. Take a breather. I like to take a bath when I’m not feeling great. How does that sound?” Ominis offered his solution. There had been many times when he had taken himself away to submerge himself in the comforting warmth of a bath. Sebastian would accompany him, sitting on the stool that was placed in the corner. They didn’t care that they saw each other naked. The naked feeling of expressing their true emotions was far more intimidating than flashing each other their bare skin.

“I can’t,” Audrey responded meekly.

“Why not?”

Her face flushed a soft shade of pink.

“It’s … I don’t want to be alone.” Sebastian flushed a soft shade of pink now. He couldn’t believe what he was about to offer.

“How about … if Ominis and I sit with you while you bathe.” He saw Ominis’s face snap up scowling.

“We can sit on the floor and face the wall. I will close my eyes as well if you want me to. It’s just so you don’t feel alone.” Audrey nodded. “Ok, um, we can use the boys’ bathrooms. Ominis and I can’t enter the girl’s bathroom remember.” It was confusing as to why the girl’s dormitory and bathrooms were enchanted for the boys to not enter but the girls were able to enter their dorms and bathrooms. They were all aware of the girls that would sneak into the boy’s side of the common room and how they would slip out a while later.

The trio walked over to the boy’s bathroom. Fortunately, it was empty. Audrey shut the curtains as she filled the porcelain tub up. She didn’t have her luxurious soaps with her to soak in, but she didn’t care. All she craved was the warmth of the water to engulf her. She enjoyed the way her body floated in the water, it was almost as if the weight of all her problems left her body and all that was left was the shell that looked after her.

The boys stood awkwardly against the wall. The coolness of it failed to lower their body temperature which was rising over the situation they were in. I’m standing in a bathroom with a girl while she’s about to undress in front of me, I didn’t imagine Ominis would be here honestly, Sebastian thought to himself. He hated that that was what he was thinking of. He peered at Ominis whose eyes were sealed shut. Always the gentleman, he had told Audrey that he would close his eyes because, despite his blindness, he didn’t want to make Audrey uncomfortable if it looked as though he was staring at her.

Sebastian closed his eyes as well and tried flooding his mind with images. Professor Sharp in his pyjamas, specifically a woman’s nightgown, Uncle Solomon in that ugly green suit he had, grandma, grandpa, anything to not let his mind wander about where he was currently standing.

Audrey peered over the shoulder and saw that the two boys had their eyes closed. Very respectful of them, she thought. Quickly, she peeled off her robes and folded them over the stool. She unbuttoned her blouse and shimmied out of her skirt. She pulled off her tights, stays and undergarments and hid them under her robes. Why did Victorian women have to wear so many unnecessary layers?

She hopped into the bath.

“OK, you can sit on the floor now. Don’t worry about closing your eyes anymore, you won’t see me.”

The boys did as they were told, their backs leaned against the porcelain and their legs stretched out uncomfortably in front of them. The bathrooms were too small for them to extend their legs fully. When they arrived in the first year, the boys could extend their legs fully and still have some room. Now, they sat uncomfortably. It reminded them of how much they had changed since their arrival.

It was quiet for a while. The sound of the water, as Audrey adjusted herself in the tub, echoed around the walls.

“Never in my life did I think id be in the bathtub with two boys beside me.” She laughed to herself. “If my father heard of this, he would never let me return to Hogwarts.”

“Don’t worry about it. Plenty of girls sneak in here with the sixth- and seventh-year boys. Only a few of them have been caught. Although, it's best not to, rumours spread like wildfire here.” Sebastian joked. He removed his robes, overwhelmed with the heat from the steam, or was it from something else?

“Oh, I know.”

Ominis cleared his throat.

“So, if you’re Ok with talking about it now, what was it that pushed you.”

Silence filled the room again. Sebastian wished he could stand up and look at her face. To see her expression so he knows if he needed to save her from answering the question. He was desperate to know what had happened. But he wanted to prioritise Audrey’s feelings.

Audrey took a deep breath and dunked her head under the water. She didn’t come up for air straight away.

“Why did you ask her that?” Sebastian tapped Ominis’s shoulder aggressively. “She was laughing and happy.”

Ominis rolled his eyes. The pair didn’t have serious fights often, but they did bicker.

“We need to figure out what happened to her. It could be a serious threat to the school and not just herself.”

“I care about – “Before Sebastian could finish his sentence, Audrey’s head rose back up from under the water, and droplets dripped over the sides onto the two boys.

She took another deep breath.

“It was the shadow.”

“What? The shadow? What is the shadow?” Sebastian quizzed her.

“About a month ago I was attacked when I was taking a bath. It held me under the water and only stopped when a Prefect came into the bathroom. I haven’t seen it since then. Well, not until today. I was sending a letter to my father and … I saw a butterfly.” Audrey was embarrassed over how a small fragile insect had captured her attention so intensely. “I followed it to the highest point of the Owlery. I watched it fly off, that beautiful blue speck in the sky, and when I turned around it was there again. It pushed me off the side and that’s when you two saved me.”

The pair took in what they had heard. They had so many questions. What was this shadow spoke of and had it attacked anyone else in the castle? They would have heard if it had.

Ominis spoke first, “Does it look like someone? Or is it quite literally a shadow?”

“It’s not a shadow as if was cast by the sun. It is a black silhouette with no face or any depth to it. Somehow, it can hold onto me but I can’t hold onto it, my hands just slip through as though it’s some void. I don’t know, am I making any sense.”

“No, everything you’re saying does make sense.” Audrey appreciated Sebastian’s attempt at consoling her, but she knew she didn’t make sense. All of it was so surreal. “There might be something in the library about it. We can go tomorrow and look through all the books. We can try and get into the Restricted Section again, there must be something in there.”

“Sebastian.” Audrey leaned her head against the tub and closed her eyes. “I appreciate what you’re suggesting but I’ve had a look and I didn’t find anything.”

“But –“

“I don’t want to speak of it anymore.” Audrey snapped. Sebastian obeyed her request and sat silently. Ominis didn’t speak either. For what felt like the hundredth time that day, the trio sat in silence.

“It’s your birthday next week Sebastian. Ten and six. How are you celebrating?” Audrey attempted to change the mood into something more cheerful. Sebastian didn’t understand why she didn’t confide in the two of them. Why wouldn’t she confide in him?!

“Oh yes, Sebastian, aren’t you still insisting that a party be held in the Slytherin Common Room?”

Everyone knew Slytherins held the best parties at Hogwarts. You would be considered lucky if you were invited and were from another house. Normally, fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-year students would hold the parties. The younger years would either stay in their rooms or stand to the side in the common room. Sebastian had forgotten about his wish for one of Slytherin’s notorious parties to happen on his birthday. He didn’t want to think about it much, especially since Anne would not be here for this one.

“Well, I was planning on it but not – “

Audrey sat up straight and clapped her hands together. More water splashed over the sides onto the two boys, wetting them further.

“Amazing! I’ve heard about these Slytherin parties and have been so excited to experience one. That is, if I’m invited of course?”

“Of course, you’ll be invited!” Ominis answered her enthusiastically. The two of them started speaking excitedly over Sebastian’s arriving birthday. Normally, he loved his birthday. This year he was dreading it

October 27th, 1890

Sebastian’s birthday had crept around the corner and slapped him in the face the minute he woke up. His body was filled with dread. Every inch of him screamed guilt and sadness. It was a day to celebrate him and Anne. They were supposed to be eating cake and opening presents and spending time together. Instead, he was surrounded by friends, and she was stuck at Feldcroft in agony.

He kicked off his blanket and dressed slowly. Ominis wasn’t in their dorm, and his bed wasn’t made either. He knew where he was. He would be sat waiting in the common room, most likely with his gifts for him with his other Slytherin friends where they would all say happy birthday and chat about the party later that day. He looked in the mirror that was next to his bed. Small hairs stuck to the basin where some of them had started shaving and were too lazy to wash it. He rubbed his chin. Only a few hairs were growing above his lip and along his jaw, so he decided against shaving for today.

He made his way out of his dorm down to the common room. As expected, Ominis, Audrey and a couple of other Slytherins stood huddled around a table. Audrey peered over her shoulder and spotted him. Quickly she turned back to their friends and tapped all of them and they all turned around. She held out a cake, a Victoria sponge, that had sixteen candles teetering on top. A broad smile was plastered on her face. Had he not felt as solemn as he did, he would have found her quite beautiful at that moment.

“Happy birthday!” they all chimed. He walked over to them and scratched the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Ah thank you guys.”

Audrey held the cake up to his face.

“Blow them out and make a wish.” He wished that Anne was here.

His friends clapped and cheered as he blew out the last candle. A couple clapped him on the shoulder wishing him happy birthday again before rushing out of the common room to their lessons. Imelda walked over and stood next to him as Audrey and Ominis fussed over the cake. They were arguing over whether jam should be the first layer or cream.

“A couple of seventh years managed to get fire whiskey and other alcohol for tonight. I’ve already warned the younger years to keep their mouths shut.”

“Good, alcohol is good.” Imelda left him then, not wanting to spend more time with him than she had to. They had a weird friendship/rivalry. Sebastian looked over to the table where alcohol was already being stacked for tonight. He walked over and picked one up. He read over the label. Fire whiskey. A couple of sips wouldn’t hurt.

Sebastian's solemn mood never wavered throughout the day. The only thing that changed was his sobriety. He had taken one of the bottles of fire whiskey and snuck it into his robes. Whenever his mind started drifting towards thoughts of Anne he would take a sip, and he had taken a lot of sips. His vision had started to blur by his third lesson of the day out of five. This didn’t stop him though.

In Defence Against the Dark Arts, Ominis noticed as he wobbled slightly more as he had been struck by Leander as he duelled him. It was unlike Sebastian to let someone hit him in a duel, let alone Leander. The pair despised him.

Audrey had pointed out a strong alcohol smell in potions, but Garreth had told her it was one of the ingredients they were using. Sebastian wasn’t grateful for what Garreth did, but he could have kissed him at that moment. That was the alcohol speaking he told himself. Sebastian rushed out of the classroom when it was over, not bothering to let Ominis know where he was heading. His bottle had run out and he needed another one before more thoughts of Anne in pain pained his mind.

“Sebastian!”

Shit!

“Ah, Natty. Something the matter?” He slurred slightly at his words.

She gave him her dazzling smile.

“I heard you're celebrating your birthday tonight in the Slytherin Common Room. Audrey told me it’s best to ask you for permission, but may I join?”

Sebastian gave her a big grin.

“Of course! Invite all of your friends, the more the merrier!” She gave him a quizzing look.

“Is everything Ok, Seb?”

“Of course, everything is fine, it's my birthday!” He spoke the last part a lot louder than he expected to. Natty accepted his answer, wished him a happy birthday, and rushed off. He watched as she pulled aside another Gryffindor fifth year-student and spoke to him quickly before rushing off to another student. Sebastian carried on his journey to obtain more fire whiskey where he had been ambushed by some more students asking to come to his party. He told all of them yes.

A seven-minute journey had turned into twenty-six minutes with how many times he had been stopped by students. He reached for another bottle on the table, this time not reading the label and took a swig of it. It burned his throat and it tasted horrible. He took another swig and put the bottle into his robe pocket. His vision had become completely unfocused, and it felt like he was floating slightly. It didn’t feel like he was walking when he moved, which made sense as he suddenly found himself at Charms with no recollection as to how he got there.

He stared ahead of him to where Natty and Audrey were engaged in conversation. Well, he couldn’t see what they were doing, they looked like little blobs from where his vision had blurred.

Professor Ronen paced the length of the classroom as he spoke about charms. What charm Professor Ronen was speaking about, Sebastian had no clue. Ominis nudged him.

“Huh – what?” Sebastian gave him an annoyed look.

“Mister Sallow, can you answer the question please?” Ronen was standing at the foot of his desk peering over him.

Shit, why did he not pay attention.

“Um, sorry Professor. I wasn’t paying attention.”

Professor Ronen tutted and started his pace of the classroom again.

“I could already tell that Mister Sallow, please pay attention in the future. It was essential for your OWLS. Five points from Slytherin.”

A cast of groans filled the room from Slytherin students. Great, that will make this party tonight so much better, Sebastian thought.

“What’s wrong Sebastian? You’re not being yourself. I saw what you were like in Defence against the Dark Arts.” Ominis whispered harshly to him.

If he focused enough his vision cleared, it was blurring the most when he changed where he was looking at.

“Are you listening to me?” Ominis asked. Sebastian was not listening. He was staring at Audrey now. She wasn’t looking at him, instead, her attention was on Natty. Natty glanced over at the boy and tapped Audrey on the arm and pointed towards Sebastian. Audrey looked over to him and gave him a smile, that beautiful smile. Sebastian smiled back at her as well and winked. She gave him a thumbs up and started talking with Natty again. She had found the entire thing amusing and was giggling to herself while Audrey swatted at her arm, but she couldn’t hide her laugh as well.

“Unbelievable.” Ominis rolled his eyes. “You’ve been drinking haven’t you.”

“So what.”

“Sebastian, I understand that today is going to be difficult for you but a decision like this isn’t going to help you or Anne.”

Sebastian gripped Ominis’s wrist under the table.

“Don’t speak about her,” Sebastian growled. Ominis had witnessed Sebastian in a couple of fights and had heard him get aggressive, but he never was like this to Ominis. He knew he had tapped a nerve and regretted it.

“Ok, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. Tonight will be fun, we can let loose a little.” Sebastian's grip on Ominis’s hand weakened and he let go eventually. Yes, tonight will be fun.

It was 8:00 pm when students started arriving. The older students had brought alcohol with them. The table that held them all had filled up so much that two other tables had to be pushed up against it to hold the collection of bottles.

Since Charms, Sebastian had consumed another bottle of fire whiskey. There were a lot more students in the common room than he realised. There were students from all years and houses here, even some he knew he did not invite. What the fuck? How the hell did Zenobia Noke get invited? Imelda strolled up to him, bottle in hand.

“I must say, Sebastian, this party is the best one yet. I have to say some student invites are a bit more questionable than others.” He followed where her gaze landed on Puffskein Dunkein. Ominis was so proud of that nickname he made. “Have you seen Audrey? Last I saw she was with Poppy and Natty, but I didn’t get to speak to them before Garreth came over and started kissing me.”

Sebastian almost choked as he took another swig of his drink. Garreth and Imelda, what a pair that was.

“When’s the wedding?”

Imelda scoffed.

“There will be no wedding. He was just there, and I have needs Sebastian. Women have needs just like boys like you do.” With that, she laughed and walked off. What did she mean by boys like him? She must have heard that damned poltergeist Peeves when he went through the corridors chanting about how he caught Sebastian right before he was going to touch himself.

Women have needs just like boys like you do. He let that ponder on his mind. Did Audrey have needs like he did? She must do. She is a woman, and as Imelda said, women have needs. What if she found her way to Garreth and he satisfied these needs she had? He couldn’t allow that boy to do anything to her. He needed to find her.

His drunken mind had taken Imelda’s simple statement and spurred it into a plan to protect her from Garreth’s wandering lips and tongue. He wobbled as he pushed past a group of seventh-years who were trying to bounce balls into goblets filled with wine. He made his way over to fifth-year girls, in the complete opposite direction of where Audrey was standing chatting with Poppy and Natty.

They clanked their goblets together, tipsy off the wine they were drinking.

“What was that about him winking at you in Charms?” Poppy asked Audrey. The three girls had become quite close in their infrequent time spent together.

“Oh my god, you should have seen it. He gave her the biggest smirk and winked. I know Sebastian is a flirt, but I’ve never got to witness it.” Poppy and Natty laughed as Audrey blushed. Sebastian was a flirt? Audrey didn’t take much notice when he had winked at her earlier. She assumed it was just their friendship and it wasn’t nothing more than that. She hadn’t heard any rumours that he was a flirt. Did that mean he spent a lot of time with other girls? She was disappointed but shook it off.

“He’s a flirt but will never get with any of the girls. I saw Cressida crying in the third year once because he didn’t return her affection.” Poppy added.

“He’s never courted any girls?” Audrey asked.

Natty and Poppy laughed again.

“You’re so formal Audrey. People don’t court here, well it’s not taken as seriously as muggles take it. Have you not seen older students sneaking into the rooms of others late at night?” Audrey took a long sip of her drink, trying to hide her blushing face. Yes, she had seen people sneaking around at night with red faces and puffy lips. Imelda has sworn her to secrecy when Audrey had heard her return quite late at night after hanging out with Garreth. She assumed it was just kissing that everyone was doing.

“Course I have, I was just wondering whether Sebastian has been with any girls is all.”

Poppy took a long swig of her drink and Natty poured herself another.

“Tell me, Audrey.” Audrey noticed as Natty’s drink sloshed over the sides which Natty hadn’t noticed. “If Sebastian asked you to sneak out with him, would you?”

“I would.” Poppy chided in quickly. The three erupted into laughter. Audrey downed the rest of her drink and contemplated her answer. She already had snuck out with Sebastian. Though, not in the same way the two girls might have encouraged her to. Sebastian was nice. Sebastian was handsome. He was funny, sarcastic, witty, charming, and talented. He was her closest friend at the castle.

“If you mean it in the way I know you are, then no. He’s my closest friend. I wouldn’t want to ruin that by trying to do anything scandalous with him. It’s risky.” The two girls booed her and pushed their drinks into Audrey’s hands.

“Drink up Audrey, and then maybe you’ll start admitting things to yourself.” Quickly, she gulped down the two drinks. The velvety heat of the alcohol burned her throat as it travelled down it. She laughed loudly, the effect of the numerous alcoholic drinks she had had that evening already taking its toll on her. She felt weightless as if every stressful event that had happened in the two months had vanished from her memory. Ominis had sauntered up to the three girls, goblet in hand.

“How are you three enjoying the evening?”

Poppy rushed over and hugged him. He froze at the sudden contact but quickly recovered, wrapping his arms around the small girl. Natty picked up the goblet that was falling out of Poppy’s hand and downed the rest of the drink.

“This party is great. But have you seen Sebastian?”

“Ominis shook his head. “No, I haven’t. It’s difficult to navigate myself around here with so many people.”

“Yeah, there’s so many people here, yay people!” Poppy cheered loudly. She was a lot more drunk than they had realised. Audrey peeled Poppy away from Ominis, and he sent her a grateful smile for being freed from the clutches of Poppy.

“You stay here with Poppy and Natty. I’m going to try and find him.” Before Audrey could protest, he had disappeared into the crowd of people. She turned on her heel to find Poppy and Natty slowly dancing together.

“Audrey come join us!” Natty called out. She did as was told Despite her need of finding Sebastian, she owed it to her girls to hang out with them. She crashed into their embrace, and they giggled as they twirled around each other in drunken bliss.

Ominis made his way through the crowd shouting out Sebastian’s name. It was useless considering how loud it was in here.

“Sebastian! Sebastian – ow that’s my foot you dick!”

“Sorry!” A sixth-year called out.

Ominis cried out Sebastian’s name until he felt something clap him hard on the shoulder. He turned around quickly.

“Ominis, my brother! How are you enjoying my party? Best one yet I’ve been told.” He was incredibly drunk. Ominis felt him wobble and he held a hand out to steady him.

“You want to dance with me? You only have to ask.” Sebastian reached out for Ominis’s hands and wrapped them behind his neck and situated his own hands around Ominis’s waist. Ominis laughed and rolled his eyes.

Sebastian scoffed. “You do realise that just because you can’t see doesn’t mean I can’t see you roll your eyes.”

“I do it because I know you can see me.” Ominis heard Sebastian’s lip squeak and he knew he was sending him an air kiss. “Audrey’s looking for you.”

“Where is she?” He asked him urgently. “I need to protect her from Garreth, he’s going to try and kiss her because she has needs!” Ominis had no clue as to what Sebastian was referring to.

“Garreth is not going to kiss her Sebastian. Wait where are you –“ Before Ominis could finish his question, Sebastian took off towards the staircase. He had seen a flash of ginger. That specific ginger shade of Weasley! He had to warn him to stay away from Audrey. Ominis tried to keep up with him, his wand guiding him through the crowd and up the stairs to where Sebastian was heaving out of breath.

“Sebastian!” Leander greeted the boy cheerfully.

“Leander!” Sebastian spat.

“I heard you were having a party and so here I am. Where was my invite?”

“I don’t know Leander, where was your invite? Enlighten me.” Sebastian crossed his arms across his chest. He had started tipping backwards but Ominis had placed a firm hand on his back balancing him.

“Come off it Sebastian. Put this stupid rivalry aside and just let me in.” Leander looked too confident in his effort to try and join the party. “Everyone knows the party doesn’t start til I’m here.”

Ominis laughed loudly. It took him by surprise, but he couldn’t hide his amusement over Leander suggesting that.

“You hear that Leander, that’s the laughter of everyone’s amusement over such a bullshit statement. Go home.” Sebastian turned on his heel, almost falling over Ominis from where he stood still holding him up.

“But –“

“Fuck off Leander!” Ominis and Sebastian both yelled at him. Defeated, Leander made his way back to the Slytherin common room entrance.

“You do realise that he’s going to rat us out to a staff member now,” Ominis told him.

“I don’t care. Everyone will hate him for ruining such a great party!” He spoke the last four words very loudly and held up his bottle of rum. Wait, when did he get that? The crowd at the bottom of the stairs cheered loudly and raised their goblets and bottles and took long swigs. They resumed their chatter. Sebastian’s mission was not over. He scanned the crowd for red.

Red dresses, red drinks, red faces – wait is that Natty smacking Poppy on the ass? Ginger!

There. He saw him. That flash of ginger near the far-right corner of the common room. Sebastian rushed down the stairs, tripping at the bottom. Ominis struggled after him.

“I’m going to kill him.”

Audrey whooped as Natty smacked Poppy on the ass for the fifth time to the music playing. Beethoven just got people in the party mood. She twirled around, her dress fluttering around her and lifting higher than anticipated. It flashed her thighs to the people around her but she didn’t care. She was enjoying herself and that’s all that mattered at that moment.

She took another swig of her drink and realised it was empty.

“I’m going to get another drink!” She called out to the two girls but it didn’t appear they had heard. She stumbled over to the wall where a bottle of alcohol had been placed. She didn’t know what type it was, but she didn’t mind as long as it kept her in the state she was in. She felt herself stand on something hard and heard a yelp.

“Shit, I'm so sorry!” She held her hands up apologetically as the victim turned to face her. It was Garreth. He was sweaty, his face red and lips puffy from where he had been kissing Imelda, who was pinned up against the wall. “Oh wow, sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt you.”

“It’s ok, I haven’t had a drink in an hour.” Imelda stood up and straightened her skirt and shirt which had become dishevelled from Garreth’s wandering hands. She rushed off quickly to find a drink. Sheepishly, Garreth rubbed the back of his neck.

“Sorry, we got a bit ahead of ourselves.”

“It’s ok, our dorm should be free so you two can go off into there. I won't interrupt again.”

Garreth choked as Audrey said that. His face turned a deep shade of crimson.

“Garreth it’s ok, I know that you and Imelda sneak out all the time to do whatever scandalous thing you do. I won’t tell.” Audrey leaned against the wall to steady herself. Garreth chuckled.

“Ah has she told you then? Tell me, Audrey Thornhill, what scandalous things do we get up to?” She could smell the alcohol on his breath and she was sure he could smell it on hers as well.

“Well, you’re kissing obviously.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“Just kissing?”

She didn’t know how to respond to it. She knew there was something more that happened after kissing. She just couldn’t explain it. The act and details of it were still foreign to her.

“You don’t know, do you? Do you want to know?” He leaned closer to the eye. She wanted to tell him yes. She wanted to know what this act was.

“Weasley!”

Sebastian stormed over to him, face livid. Garreth stood straighter but didn’t shy away from how close he was stood to Audrey still.

“Sebastian! Amazing party!”

“Shut your mouth!” Before Garreth could respond, Sebastian’s fist collided with the boy's face. “Leave her and her needs alone. She doesn’t want or need you!” The boy kept colliding his fist against the other boy. Garreth retaliated and tried pushing away.

“What the fuck Sebastian! You’re drunk. Ominis help me!” Ominis rushed over and restrained Sebastian.

“Garreth, are you ok?” Audrey asked him. She took his face in her hands and checked over him. His nose was bleeding but other than that he appeared fine.

“Other than a bruised ego I should be fine. At least his duelling skills are better than his fist-fighting skills.”

Sebastian tried lurching forward again but was pulled back by Ominis.

“Thank you Garreth, let's rile him up even more,” Ominis said sarcastically and pulled Sebastian away from them all and tried heaving him up the stairs. Audrey followed as everyone around them continued with what they were doing before the fight.

“Let go of me Ominis!” Sebastian broke free from his friend and started rushing up the stairs towards the entrance of the common room. Audrey checked the time and saw it was 12:56 am. Fuck! It was too late for Sebastian to be wandering the halls. It was too late for any of them to be in the common room. They were all going to get in trouble if people didn’t start leaving soon.

Sebastian burst through the entrance and took off down the hall.

“Stay away from Garreth everyone!” He yelled down the corridor to no one. Audrey and Ominis chased after him, yelling out his name.

“He’s going to get us caught.” Ominis hissed at Audrey.

“I Know. Sebastian no!” She shouted out to him as had made his way to a garden. He decided to climb over the brick fencing rather than the normal entrance. He stumbled over to the fountain, muttering something about needs and how It was something he could do. He leaned against the fountain and heaved. Ominis and Audrey stood behind him unsure of what to do. They watched as he leaned forward slightly and retched, emptying the contents of his stomach into the water.

“For fuck’s sake,” Ominis muttered and rubbed his temples.

“Such colourful language Ominis. I don’t expect this from you.”

Ominis stretch out his hand towards Sebastian. “Well, I never expected this.” Sebastian retched again, and more contents of his stomach entered the fountain.

“Should we help him?” Audrey asked.

“No.” Ominis sat on the ground and leaned against the fountain, far away enough from him to avoid raining droplets of vomit but close enough to offer a comforting stroke on his leg. “He will cope.” Audrey sat down beside him.

“I never got to apologise properly for what happened at the Undercroft. I reacted poorly. I hope you can forgive me.”

Audrey gave him a sympathetic smile and held his hand.

“Don’t worry about it. The Undercroft is special to you. Admittedly, I would react the same way.” He smiled at her and they sat in silence while Sebastian heaved more.

“Why was he so riled up against Garreth? I heard him mention something about needs.” Ominis shrugged his shoulders.

“I have no clue. He’s been drinking all day did you know? I imagine Garreth said something to him and it’s been on his mind all day. We can ask him tomorrow. That is if he will be conscious tomorrow.” The pair glanced over to where Sebastian had slumped onto the ground. Audrey stood up and tried picking him up by his armpits.

“Come on, we need to get you back to the common room.” He didn’t fight back. He stood up with the assistance of the two and they walked slowly back to the common room. They had their arms under him and his face was slumped forward.

“Christ Sebastian at least help us,” Ominis begged his friend.

Suddenly, they heard the echo of footsteps down the corridor. They knew it was a staff member. Professor Sharp appeared around the corner and his gaze landed on the three instantly. He made his way over.

“Care to explain to me why you three are out so late in the corridor? And why is Mister Sallow looking like that?” Ominis and Audrey offered the professor a sheepish smile. Instantly at hearing his name, Sebastian stood up straight and shook himself from his friend's assistance. He raised a hand and looked Sharp in the eye.

“Professor Sharp, there Is something I must tell you.” He lurched forward and emptied his stomach all over the professor’s shoes. It felt like hours before he finally stood up straight again, wiping his mouth clean. “Oops.”

#sebastian sallow #sebastian x reader #Sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian and ominis #sebastian x mc #hogwarts #hogwarts legacy

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