Aftermath | Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 18

"I want to go." Sebastian says, angry with me. He's standing away from me with his arms crossed, leaning against a tree near the broomshed.

"You can't come with me Sebastian. At least not today, I need to focus." I say as I'm slipping on my black leather gloves.

I'm clad in black trousers with leather boots laced up to my knees. My grey tunic has a belt secured around my waist, with my satchel containing wiggenweld potions. I left my robe behind for a cape that drapes over my shoulders and flows down my back. It's easier for swift riding and movement in combat, but still helps shield against the biting air.

Sebastian is eyeing me over and watching me fasten and buckle my clothing, making sure I have everything securely in place.

"Wiggenweld potions? How am I supposed to feel alright with this. I know you." He says, glaring at me.

"Sebastian, this is just a preventative measure. I have no idea what Professor Sharp has in mind." He walks over to me and wraps his arms around my shoulders, pulling me in tight to his chest. I lean into him, enjoying his closeness.

He kisses the top of my head. "I should know better than to try and convince you otherwise. Walking into danger is your favorite past-time. It's just that I saw what this did to you, twice. I've witnessed it first hand. I told you that you weren't going to go through it alone. I want to be there." He is genuinely concerned. I move against his hold on me to look up at his face.

"I would want nothing more than to have you by my side through everything. But I'll be with Sharp. You know I'll be safe." I say to him, searching his eyes for approval.

He stares at me for a moment then lifts his gaze off me and sighs. "Fine." He releases me and grabs both of my shoulders instead. Lowering himself to eye level with me, he says "But you come back in one piece, okay?"

"Okay. And I won't miss curfew. I'll finish all of my house chores as well." I smile sweetly up at him. He lets go of my shoulders.

"Watch it." He says squaring off with me.

"Or what? What will you do?" I tease him.

"How are you feeling this morning?" He moves closer to me, his expression changes. His eyes are lower and his voice drops. "Did I make you sore? Was I too rough?" He says leaning his head down to my neck to whisper into it.

The heat is building inside of me, "No." I breathe out quietly and close my eyes. I love feeling his body close to mine, but then it moves away. Too soon.

"Well," he straightens up, "I guess if you don't listen, then you'll find out what kind of trouble you'll be in."

"Shameless." I respond to him shaking my head. My broom listens to my body, and flies up into my hand. I throw my leg over and take one look at Sebastian. I know he's not happy to see me leave. But I must be off to meet Professor Sharp. I give him one last smile, then grab the broom with both hands and jolt straight up into the air.

Sharp had shown me a map with the precise location we would be training at beforehand. He said we would change our locations each time. I left a little early wanting to be there before he apparated on site. We're to meet in the North Ford Bog, nestled perfectly in the trees surrounding us. I find the location he had shown me and dive down on my broom to land and dismount.

I'm waiting for only about two minutes before he appears. We stand there looking at each other for a moment, not saying anything. I offer him an awkward smile. "Well then, let's begin." He grumbles.