A Troubled Time / Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 23

Lucy sighed as she stared at the second bit of canvas she plastered on the triptych. Sebastian seemed to act normal during their adventure to get this piece. She still smiled at his sarcastic remarks about the spiders they faced in the mines.

"You have any idea where this is?" Lucy took a step back from the painting, looking at the land before her. The large cliffs and beautiful stream covered the piece of canvas, though she wasn't sure the exact location.

"The good news is, I do, in fact." Sebastian crossed his arms from beside her, observing the location on the map.

"The bad news?" Lucy raised an eyebrow, turning her head to look at him.

"We're in for more trouble." Sebastian let out an exasperated sigh, turning to her, "Not much to explain really. I'm sure you've caught on. Ranrok's loyalist are flooding the area."

Lucy sighed, running her hands through her hair, "Of course. Ranrok and his loyalists seem to be everywhere I turn."

Sebastian let out a low chuckle as he let his arms dangle beside him, "Well, shall we head there now? The night is still young."

Lucy bit her lip, debating the offer. It would be nice to go there and get the last piece, but a weird feeling was holding her back, "I think we should wait."

Sebastian's eyes furrowed in confusion, "Wait? For what?" his voice became slightly harsh.

"With everything I do, I am always a step behind Ranrok. But, I met someone who may be able to get me ahead. And that is certainly an advantage I'd like to have, wouldn't you?" Lucy let a small smile form on her face, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere.

"Who is that?" Sebastian almost sounded nervous, his head tilted slightly.

Lucy debated in her mind for a moment, wondering if she should tell him the truth or not. She looked into his eyes and sighed, knowing she couldn't lie to him, "He's a friendly goblin. He wants nothing to do with Ranrok's fight." Lodgok had been helpful to her so far, she trusted him to keep his word.

Sebastian's face turned from sour to anger, hearing her speak, "You know goblins cursed my sister to shut her up. Said she should be 'seen and not heard.'" His voice rose slightly. His once straight posture faded as he hunched over more, his fists clenched beside him.

Lucy swallowed softly, seeing his eyes turn darker. The Slytherin before her wasn't the one she met in the common room so many months ago, "I understand, Sebastian, but not all goblins-"

"Not all goblins what?" Sebastian scoffed, "Are you dim? Have you forgotten Feldcroft? Or how about the mine we just went through?"

Lucy bit her tongue. She knew he was upset and was saying things he didn't mean. She calmed herself down before she spoke again, "No, Sebastian I haven't forgotten. But you aren't listening to me. I'm trying to explain and help you understand."

"Listen to you? Why would I listen to someone so ignorant?" The words Sebastian spoke came out in the harshest tone he had ever used. He was speaking to her as if she was his uncle.

As much as Lucy wanted to remain calm, she simply couldn't. If anyone were to call her such things, she wouldn't be quiet about it, "I'm sorry, I think I misheard you, but did you really call me ignorant?" A fire ignited in her own eyes as she glared at the brown haired boy before her.

"If the shoe fits." Sebastian was glaring daggers at her.

"Oh, I'm the ignorant one? Really now? I drop whatever I am doing the second I get your letters and rush to help you. I risk my damn life to help you find a cure for Anne, I let you use the cruciatus curse on me for fucks sake! I put my entire life and everything I know on hold, just to stay here and help. And I'm the ignorant one?" Lucy's own fists were balled at her sides. Her hands shook lightly, wanting to hit him for that comment, "I helped you with so fucking much, Sebastian. I do not deserve to be treated like this."