A Change of Heart // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 35

The first week at Sebastian's job had been going well. He'd been going to Gringotts every day, getting acquainted with the role, learning the counter-curses he needed and liaising with experienced wizards and goblins and learning techniques to develop perfect emotional control for curses that may manipulate him. She was glad she had the chance to tell him it was Rookwood who had cursed Anne, otherwise his close work with Goblins may not have gone down so well.

He'd been working for three weeks when he found out about his first assignment. He broke the news to Florence as they ate breakfast on a Saturday morning.

"By the way, they're taking me to Egypt soon." He said, mouth full of toast.

"Egypt?" Florence said shocked, almost choking on her breakfast. "All that way for your first task?"

"Yes, unfortunately. They're sending me over with some pretty experienced wizards to get me the best first-hand training. I shouldn't be gone for more than a few months." He explained.

"A few months?!" Florence repeated, apparently having hearing issues this morning.

"I know it's not ideal. It's a crucial time in our relationship and I adore coming home to you every night, but I'm sure time will fly by. I did want to speak to you about the magic though." He said.

He'd been taking it off to go to work, not sure if he should be taking it into the bank full of goblins, leaving it in the apartment. But, that worried Florence considering it was unattended all day.

"I think we need to work out what we are doing with it before I go. I would also still like to make an Unbreakable Vow with you, to keep it safe." He said.

"Sebastian... I thought we had forgotten about that." Florence's voice trailed off, her brows furrowing with concern.

"I'm not making any rash decisions, Florence. I've thought about this for weeks and I know that this is the best way help you and take the pressure off you. We make the vow, then we create a repository. I'll ask Anne if she will help." Sebastian said.

Sebastian and Anne had finally been speaking on their own terms without Florence as a middle man for them. She had noticed owls coming and going all week.

"Are you sure you want to be dragging Anne into this?" Florence asked, concerned.

"Well, as a matter of fact, I had mentioned it to her earlier. She seemed unsure at first but knows how important it is to keep the magic out of the wrong hands. I'm certain she will help, this won't harm anyone." He said.

"Anyone but you. You could die, Sebastian." Florence said, feeling herself getting slightly upset as she fought back tears thinking of him dying as a result of something she was supposed to have control over.

"I could also die in Egypt or walking to Gringotts in the morning. Trust me. Please." Sebastian begged.

"Alright... fine." Florence said, knowing she was losing the battle. Sebastian was always, always relentless when he had his mind set on something.

"Good, because I invited Anne over for dinner tonight." Sebastian casually said.

"Sebastian!" Florence said, disapproving of his failure to mention this to her.

"Don't worry, I will take care of everything."

--

Anne arrived in the early evening, bringing a bottle of wine for Florence and a bottle of fire whiskey for Sebastian. She gave them both warm hugs as she entered the apartment.

Sebastian was preparing dinner for them all, tonight he was cooking a roast lamb. The aromas in the apartment were mesmerising, scents of lemon, rosemary and thyme filled the air. Florence showed Anne around the apartment while he continued to roast the potatoes.