Aftermath | Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 38

The next evening Sebastian and I make our way towards the broom shed with Ominis and Anne, Ominis and I trailing behind the two twins.

Anne stops walking and faces Sebastian, all off us stopping as well. "Sebastian.." I hear Anne begin softly, she seems to struggle with whatever words she is looking for and wraps her arms tightly around herself.

"I know, Anne." Sebastian says dropping his gaze towards her. Anne's lip begins to quiver and after a brief pause, she jumps towards him in a hug. Sebastian immediately reciprocates it.

She pulls away and hits his chest, saying to him, "Don't you dare get used to it." We all laugh nervously.

"We will see each other again, when this is over. But make sure he comes back in one piece, please." Ominis says towards me.

Sebastian gives him an offended look. "Hey! Where's the confidence in my abilities?"

"Oh I have no doubt in your abilities. Your stupidity and impulsive decision making is what I fear." Ominis grins at him, planting his arm on Sebastian's shoulder. Sebastian returns the sentiment, placing his hand on the opposite shoulder of Ominis. The gesture offers unspoken words and understanding.

Anne gives me a hug, and I'm pleased with her newfound strength as she pulls me in tight. She could barely hold a broomstick when we brought her back to Hogwarts.

"Well then." I turn to Sebastian. "Shall we?"

Sebastian replies by summoning his broom into his hand. We both mount, and begin our journey to Keenbridge.

I'm pleasantly surprised when we arrive to the outskirts of Keenbridge, as I see all of the aurors together. Some conversing, some adjusting their gear. Besides the circumstances in which we are gathering, I am in awe. We are standing among some of the most skilled wizards in our wizarding world.

A large shadow flies over us, blocking the moonlight. I already know who it belongs to. Felix had taken his thestral, Hades, to meet with us. I wouldn't dare take Highwing to where we're going, but I'm sure Hades has been on many adventures and battles with Felix.. Besides, flying by broom next to Sebastian offered that much more time with him.

Felix lands and strokes Hades' back, then makes his way towards us, which Professor Sharp now joining as well.

"Well.. what's the plan?" Sebastian asks Sharp, breaking the silence between us. He stands with his hands on his hips, closely behind me. I imagine he'll want to do much of the same in the coming night.

"The first squad will enter in from the west, the second down from the northeast." Sharp glances around us and leans in closer. "Listen, you will not follow us. You will go directly to Manor Glen, where Xaiden is." He looks directly at Felix.

"I'll take care of it." Felix says sternly, straightening up in Sharp's stare.

"Good, and you're going too. The two of you know what needs to be done." He says to me now. "Oh, and, take this one with you as well." He nods towards Sebastian. "He would run off to stay by your side anyways."

"You're damn right I would." Honestly, the balls on him.

"Then it's settled." Sharp turns surveying the other aurors then looks back at us. "We must join the others, it's time."

Sharp mounts his broom, with Sebastian and I following. Felix walks towards Hades and with one swift motion, swings up onto his back.

I'm grateful that the ride to Marunweem is a bit long, as flying side by side with Sebastian offers me that much more time with him.