Always || Sebastian Sallow x Reader

Chapter 1

(Y/N) couldn't be more confused by the splotches at the bottom of their tea cup. The ceramic cooled their fingertips, and sat awkwardly in the palm of their hands. (Y/N) had twisted and turned the image every which way, but still failed to understand what was laying below their nose. They heave a heavy sigh, prompting Professor Onai to float over with interest.

"Do you happen to be struggling, (Y/N)," her palms clasped in front of her waist, her lips slightly persed.
Immediately (Y/N) wants to lie and say no, say that they completely understand what they are seeing in the tea leaves and that tessomancy was yet another subject that happens to come easily to them. But alas, even the new fifth-year was able to struggle with something, regardless of all of their progress so far in the academic year. (Y/N) forces a less perplexed expression on their face.

"I suppose I don't entirely understand the underlying complexities of reading these tea leaves Professor Onai... You see, at first I thought that I saw an arrow," (Y/N) traces the shape of an arrow pointing north-east vaguely above the tea leaf, "But then I thought it could be an anchor, or maybe even
a cross".

(Y/N) runs a nervous hand over their hair. Confrontation was never difficult for them, but (Y/N) deeply respects Professor Onai, especially because of Natty.

Natsai Onai was from Matabeleland in Africa, where she witnessed one of the worst heartaches in the world– the death of her father. Regardless of how it happened, Professor Onai was provided with an offer and decided that her and Natty should leave Uagadou, the wizarding school in Matabeleland, and come to Hogwarts. Natty's accent was thick, extremely characteristic, much like Amit's (but we'll discuss him later). Her skin was smooth, like a creamy hot latte, dark as an espresso bean. Her eyes were the size of quarters, captivating for those around her. She was also extremely intelligent, beyond description. It was a surprise that she was a Gryffindor considering how focused she could be on her coursework.

Professor Onai gestures toward your hands, "May I hold it for a moment?"

After you nod, she gently takes the cup into her own hands. She studies the tea leaves for a moment, and nods to herself as a confirmation of what she is seeing. "Ah yes (Y/N), you were correct the first time. It is an arrow. Do you understand the meaning of this?" she questions.

"Not entirely," you start, "Does the arrow not point in the direction of a bearer of bad news?"

"That is correct (Y/N), but beyond this, the arrow changes direction depending on how you hold the cup, you must hold it in the same direction as you first placed the tea leaves into the cup for the reading to be true. The arrow will act as a compass for you individually."

She places the cup into your hands again, and points in the same direction as the arrow.

"It is possible that he may be the problem" she states, standing upright and bringing her arm down to her side as she turns and begins to observe other students.

Your eyes stay glued to the right of the room, staring straight at where the green and black cloak meets with the mahogany floor. They slowly start to make their way up, taking in as much visual information as humanly possible, until your eyes lock together. For a second, just a split second, it seemed as though maybe, just maybe, Sebastian Sallow was staring back at you.