In the Shadow of Healing Heartbreak (Sebastian Sallow x Slytherin Fem Reader)

Chapter 8 - Christmas Love

1891 - Late December

Between Quidditch and classes, both you and Sebastian had been somewhat distracted in the lead up to Christmas. On the weekend before the ball, you both found yourselves in the Room of Requirement when the room decided it would be a good idea to force you two into some dancing practice for the hastily approaching Yule Ball by conjuring several enchanted instruments to play a waltz.

It had been a given that you were both going together, since the announcement you did manage to acquire an emerald green dress and apparently Sebastian had his dress robes organised. But that was the extent of your organisation.

"Is the Room saying our dancing skills are not up to scratch?" He asked raising an eyebrow at the suggestion from the room.

"Hmm, perhaps. I can't say I've done many dance classes other than some basic ones at the orphanage when they gave us etiquette classes to be come proper young women." Sebastian realised that he hadn't really asked you much about your time in the orphanage.

"Is that really something they teach in the muggle world?" You nod at his question.

"We should probably give the room what it wants." You motion to him. "Think of dancing like a Quidditch manoeuvre with a team mate. You're in sync with each other. Your foot steps forward, mine goes back. That sort of thing."

The rest of the afternoon you are both trying out the waltz, a few toes are trodden on but with quick learning you have both been able to understand how to do twirls and dips. You manage to get through a whole song without a mistake, with a dip at the end. Your eyes gazing into his deep brown eyes with a smile adorning both of your faces. He leans down to your lips to give you a kiss which you happily accept.

In the week leading up to the dance, classes continue to go on with much distraction. Everyone talking about who is going with who, what are the witches going to be wearing and when the teachers are not particularly listening: talk of an after party hosted by Slytherin of course.

Last year you didn't get much of a chance to partake in the famous Slytherin Common Room parties as you were gallivanting around the Highlands completing errands, solving Merlin Trials and seeking information about the repository under the school. It seems like Sebastian didn't go to many either because he was busy trying to find a cure for Anne.

When the topic came up in secretive class discussion from fellow students, you asked Sebastian if he wanted to go to it.

"I think it would be fun." He said smiling at you.

"Well I guess we will make an appearance then. I wonder what wizard parties are like." You said chuckling.

On Christmas Eve, you and Sebastian stayed in the Room of Requirement. The Room had become a little more festive than just your year round Christmas tree, with Christmas themed garlands and floating candles in various colours making the room feel magically festive. Deek had even gotten into the spirit, changing up his usual attire to a festive pattern.

You both wanted to wake up on Christmas morning together - Sebastian knowing how much you love the occasion. Two new boxes had been placed under the tree in preparation for Christmas Day. Presents you were going to give to one another. You were excited to give him his.

Both of you snuggled and kissed during the night, both respecting each others boundaries by not going further and just enjoying each others company. The warmth of Sebastian offset the crisp cold Scottish air and you swear that it had been the best nights sleep you have had in months.

You awoke before him in the morning. Still snuggled up to him.

"He looks so peaceful." You think to yourself as you recall back to the time you comforted him on the anniversary of his parents' death.

Sebastian began to awake and took the time to give you a kiss on the lips.

"Merry Christmas darling." He said while his brown eyes looked into yours.

"Merry Christmas Sebastian." You smiled. "Should we go and unwrap presents?" He nodded to your suggestion and both of you began to rise to walk over to the presents sitting under the tree.

"Ladies first." Sebastian says, beaming while passing to you a square box neatly wrapped in ornate silver and green paper with moving snowflakes. You take the box and begin to unwrap it, eventually opening the box to find a silver bracelet with emeralds dotted throughout. As you take it out of the case you see engraving on the inside.

Forever My Everything

Along with S.S., your initials are also engraved on the inside.

"Oh my. This is beautiful. Sebastian you shouldn't have." You say, in awe of the bracelets beauty but also pleased that it will match your outfit for this evening. You reach in and give him a kiss. "Thank you." You say as you part from his lips. "Now time for your present." You beam as you collect it from under the tree and hand it to him.

Sebastian begins to unwrap the present, a long rectangular box.  He takes off the lid to reveal a glistening silver wristwatch, enchanted to not only show the time but also shows a compass and the weather.

"You should look on the back." You say with a smile. He turns over the watch to see the back engraved.

Perfume, Mallowsweet and Fir Tree
Cologne, Shampoo and Books
Forever and Always

The engraving is finalised with your initials and S.S.

"This is a lovely watch. I'll have to wear it now and I'm never going to take it off!" He says smiling back at you. He mimics what you did earlier and leans in for a kiss. Parting to say "I love you."

You both had been meaning to say it for some time but you didn't know when it would be right. You smile back at him and respond.

"I love you too Sebastian. Merry Christmas." Your lips meet again, this time you both put more passion into it. Within a minute of the kiss, both you and Sebastian slightly open your lips to allow for your tongues to twirl against each other. Electricity firing through your veins. You can't help but ask yourself.

"How on earth did I deserve this man?"