Legacy Disowned - Book 1

Chapter 4 - The Potions Master

Anne Sallow approached the window of the small kitchen, heart pounding in her chest as she drew back the frayed curtain to reveal a solemn-eyed owl perched on the sill. She had been worried about Sebastian since he hadn't contacted her the previous night, and she couldn't help but hope that this was finally a letter from him.

Ominis' letter had made her hopeful. It sounded as though Sebastian was actually enjoying himself in class.

However, when the evening came and went with no word from her brother she had started to worry again. He had been adamant that he would be continuing his search for a cure. She knew convincing him not to was impossible; she'd hoped he wouldn't get himself into trouble in the process. Things between him and their uncle were strained enough already.

She unrolled the parchment and began to read. If she hadn't known better she would have thought her brother had invented half his account of the day. Mercifully it seemed he had not gotten detention.

"What's the boy gone and done now?" her uncle asked gruffly from the doorway, his brow furrowed with disapproval. "Couldn't even make it a day." Anne glanced up, clutching the letter to her chest. Her eyes drifted to the bottle in his hand. So it was going to be one of those days...

"Actually," Anne countered, "he was helping another student. A new girl in fifth year."

He replied with a non committal grunt.

She reread the letter, noticing Sebastian's obvious infatuation with this mysterious stranger.

"That fool boy still going on about a cure?" her uncle suddenly barked.

She hesitated. He indeed did reiterate his promise to find a cure, but her uncle need not know that.

"Actually," she started slowly, "most of this letter is about the new girl...I suspect our Sebastian might be rather taken with her."

He gaped at her. Obviously, that was the last thing he had expected to hear. She was sure he couldn't possibly find anything wrong with the news—

"Well that's just great" he grunted, taking a swig "knowing that boy I'll have to smooth things over with the poor girls parents and paying for a child out of wedlock."

"Merlin's beard Uncle!" she exclaimed disgustedly, "Why would you say such a thing? -Ugh!" She shuddered.

"The boy's reckless and irresponsible." He growled "It'd be just like him. As if we aren't dealing with enough."

Anne shook her head. It was so like her uncle to get worked up over something Sebastian hadn't even done. She, however, felt hopeful: perhaps Sebastian had finally found himself a decent diversion. He may even have some fun this year.

***

Maggie Darling awoke to the sound of animated chatter, blinking blearily at her surroundings as she took in the now familiar faces of her roommates. Imelda, the fierce captain of the Quidditch team, grinned at her as she laced up her boots, while Grace, a refined beauty with an air of elegance, brushed her hair. Nerida quietly studying her book on Merfolk. Violet trying on her third outfit.

"You wasted no time showing off" Imelda teased, referring to yesterday's events. Maggie rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a grin.

"You seemed to be rather enjoying yourself" Grace arched an eyebrow, her voice lilting and sweet.

Maggie responded with a playful smirk.

"Speaking of impressions, what do you think of our classmates? Any boys catch your eye?" asked Violet mischievously. While Grace seemed intrigued, Imelda snorted dismissively.