In the Shadows of a Legacy // A Sebastian Sallow story

Chapter 6-The Reunion

Startled, I instinctively tensed as the familiar voice pierced the air, my heart skipping a beat. Slowly, I turned my eyes to face the source of the intrusion, my eyes widening in recognition and disbelief. He wore a black robe and removed the hood that adorned his head, releasing his mangled hair.

"Sebastian," I whispered, my voice trembling with fear and astonishment. There he stood, his stormy eyes reflecting a turbulent mix of emotions, his wand pressing against my neck with a firm grip. The boy I had once loved, now a man consumed by anger and resentment. Gone was the boyish charm of the boy I had last seen five years ago. His hair, once neatly styled, now hung loosely around his face, unkempt and wild. A scar marred his cheek, a visible reminder of the hardships he had endured. But amidst the changes, the familiar freckles I had once loved tracing with my fingers still adorned his face. It was as if time had both hardened and refined him, sculpting a more rugged version of the person I had once held dear. Standing at least 6'5 tall, he exuded a commanding presence, a stark contrast to the boy I had known.

My heart ached at the sight of him, the memories of our shared past mingling with the reality of the present. It was difficult to reconcile the person before me with the image of the carefree boy who had once held my heart. The weight of the years weighed heavily on both of us, etching lines of sorrow and bitterness onto our souls.

This was not the reunion I had envisioned. The Sebastian before me was a stranger, his features etched with pain and betrayal.

His wand dug deeper into my neck. This was a man molded by the darkness, consumed by his own inner demons. The glimmer of vulnerability I had glimpsed in his eyes seemed fleeting, overshadowed by the bitterness and anger that now radiated from him.

I took a deep breath, grounding myself in the reality of the situation. This encounter was a stark reminder of the responsibilities and duties that came with being an auror. I couldn't let my personal feelings cloud my judgment. My duty to protect the wizarding world and uphold justice demanded my full attention.

With every ounce of strength, I pushed aside the ache in my heart and focused on the task at hand. I had to be careful, to navigate this treacherous terrain with precision. The lines between love and duty blurred, but I knew that my duty came first. I couldn't allow sentimentality to cloud my judgment.

"What are you doing here?" I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper, as I met Sebastian's intense gaze. The air crackled with tension, and the weight of our shared history hung heavy in the space between us.

Sebastian's grip on his wand loosened slightly, but his eyes remained filled with a mix of anger and anguish. "I could ask you the same question," he replied, his voice laced with bitterness. "You, of all people, coming to hunt me down like some common criminal. Was it not enough for you to send me to hell the first time?"

My heart sank at his words, the pain in his voice slicing through me like a dagger. "Sebastian, please," I pleaded, my voice trembling. "I never wanted any of this. I never wanted to see you suffer."

He scoffed, a bitter smile twisting his lips. "Is that so? Then why are you here? Why did you join the ranks of those who condemned me?"

Tears welled up in my eyes, my voice cracking with emotion. "I became an auror to protect, to bring justice. To make up for my guilt. But I never wanted to see you locked away, Sebastian."

His eyes bore into mine, searching for the truth, for any sign of deception. "Tell me, Ophelia. Tell me why you left me to rot in that hellhole." he demanded, his voice tinged with desperation.

As Sebastian's wand faltered for a moment, doubt flickering in his eyes, I seized the opportunity. With a surge of determination, I swiftly stood up, my hand gripping my wand tightly. I squared my shoulders, facing him with a resolute gaze, my voice steady but laced with caution.