A Troubled Time / Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 12

Lucy sighed, looking beyond the grass at the damaged castle. It was a sunny day for the autumn season. The shades of orange, green, and yellow beautifully captured the crumbling castle before her eyes. She leaned against the wooden structure she stood upon, letting her arms fold over the edge. She played with the green ruffles on her shirt, opting to wear the same ensemble she did the night the three of them went out for butterbeers.

"The view is stunning." Lucy admired, letting her head rest on her hands.

"It'd be a lot more stunning if Ranrok's loyalists weren't overrunning the place." Sebastian shook his head. He was wearing his grey uniform suit and green tie as he joined her, peering over the edge towards the castle in the distance. Lucy could sense the anger within him as he spoke, "Solomon is a former Auror and refuses to look into it, even after Anne was cursed by one of them. Possibly with a wand no less."

"Anne was cursed by a goblin with a wand? I heard a goblin refer to wizardkind as 'wand-carriers.' Are goblins forbidden from carrying wands?" There was still so much Lucy didn't know. She was curious as to why goblins couldn't carry wands if they were truly forbidden.

"Precisely. That's why I'm on the hunt for answers. If I'm to cure her, I need to understand what happened to her." Sebastian tore his gaze from the castle, "For all I know the answer could lie in Rookwood's castle."

"With how hard you're working, I'm sure you'll be able to find the answers you seek. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to call." Lucy stood upright, breaking her gaze from the castle as well.

"You needn't worry about that. At least for now. For this visit, I'm simply hoping a surprise visit from me and a new friend from Hogwarts will lift her spirits. Bring back the mischievous Anne I used to know." Sebastian let a smile form on his face.

"Anne doesn't know I'm coming?" Lucy's eyes widened, "I thought you told her, Sebastian." Her nerves were beginning to come back to her.

"Anne doesn't know either of us are here. Come on. Let's go to my uncle's" Sebastian began to descend down the wooden stairs before Lucy could respond.

"Damn you, Sallow.' Lucy mumbled, following after him.

"I heard that." Sebastian teased, "I wish you could've seen Feldcroft when it was more lively. With Ranrok's lot about, everyone stays out of sight."

"That's terrible. I hope they clear out soon." Lucy walked by his side. The hamlet was small and the dirt roads split off in various directions. It was quiet and solemn, but she could imagine it when it was lively. Perhaps they had fun nights filled with music, the local kids running around. She giggled at the thought of a young Sebastian playing with Ominis and Anne in this very spot.

"What are you laughing about?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious.

"Just imagining a first year Sebastian running around the hamlet with his twin and Ominis." Lucy smiled, taking in the cottage scenery.

Sebastian shook his head with a smile on his face, "Those were some good times." He came to a halt outside one of the houses. It was a beautiful place, at least from the outside. Flowers surrounded the entrance. It looked like something from a storybook. The outside of the house was built with stone and a simple hay roof. A stone path led them to the wooden door, "Here we are. My sister should be just inside."

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How did things go so wrong? A visit that was supposed to be a fun and surprising reunion, as well as an introduction went up into flames. Lucy could only watch Sebastian pacing from a distance. She wanted to chase after him, but Solomon stopped her. The vibe she got from the man threw her off.