In the Shadow of Regret (Sebastian Sallow Story)

Chapter Three | Picking Up the Pieces

As I step through the doors of the Three Broomsticks, I can't help but remember the first time meeting Sirona. She didn't even know me back then and she still did not hesitate to defend me against my father and Harlow. She has always been kind to me, and now here she is opening her doors to me. She gives me hope that I will be able to turn things around, maybe even start picking up the pieces to my life. I don't want to go down the same path as my father, I am not a Rookwood and I don't want to be. I have to be better than that, but where do I even start?

"lost in thought are you?" Sirona says as she steps through the doors leading into the Three Broomsticks.

"Yeah, I guess you can say that... I'm just remembering the first time I came here," I say, "It seems like such a long time ago."

"It does doesn't it...here follow me. I'll take you up to your room," she says as she leads me up the stairs. "I'm afraid your room is up here... I hope you don't mind stairs."

You got to be fucking kidding me. I know I shouldn't be complaining, but this past year has made me hate stairs with a burning passion. Hogwarts was filled with them, which is why I always made sure to carry floo powder with me in an attempt to avoid them as much as possible.

"No, Of course not," I lie, " After living at Hogwarts for the past year, I am quite used to them."

Thankfully the stairs leading to my new bedroom aren't nearly as long as the ones at Hogwarts. These are bearable.

"Here we are" Sirona says as she opens the door. The room itself is pretty spacious, with a single bed on the far right corner of the room. On the left side of the bed there is a nightstand with single lamp. To the wall on the left stands a large wardrobe, as I take a closer look I can see multiple carvings etched onto the doors. There were four in total; one of a lion, a tree, a crown, and the moon. It was a detail that I later grew to love.

"I know it's not much compared to the Hogwarts dorms you are used to...but you are more than welcome to decorate it however you please."

"It's perfect, thank you," I say as I give her a warm smile. I can't remember the last time I had a room to myself, I usually had to share a room with others growing up. I guess it would nice to finally have a bit of privacy, but ever since Ranrok I found myself unable to sleep in the dark. I know it's an adjustment that Imelda found particularly annoying, although she would never admit it. Especially considering I began sleeping by candle light ever since, but I guess she understood that it helped keep my nightmares at bay.

"Alright! I'll go ahead and let you get settled in. Let me know if you need anything, I'll be right downstairs." Sirona says before walking to the door.

"Sirona... there is something I have to tell you.." I say as I try my best to control the trembling of my hands.

Sirona turns to look at me before making her way over. She sits down on the bed beside me before asking me what's wrong.

"I'm not sure how much Professor Weasley has told you about my past, and I want to make sure you know so that there are no surprises... especially if it can negatively affect you..." I say. Well here goes nothing.

"You're going to tell me that Rookwood is your father" she interjects.

I am almost too stunned to speak. Did Professor Weasley say something to her? Did the rumors going around Hogsmeade make its way to the Three Broomsticks? Was this where Sebastian found out the truth?

There are a million questions going through my head before Sirona snaps me back.

"Did Professor Weasley tell you?" I ask.

"No, not exactly. I suspected for a while that you and Rookwood had some sort of relationship... He doesn't necessarily care much for children. So when he came in looking for you, I found it odd that he left so willingly. Knowing him I would've thought he'd put up more of a fight" she admits. "If he wanted you harmed, he would have done so way sooner than he did."

"oh.." Is all I can manage to say.

"When rumors started circulating around Hogsmeade about your confrontation with him and with the news about the events that followed, I figured you needed a friend."

"Why didn't you say anything? I would've thought you'd be upset, You put yourself on the line for me. I wasn't honest with you or anyone about who I was. -And even if the news wasn't circulating around Hogsmeade, I would probably still be keeping it secret." I admit almost ashamed to say it out loud.

"You had your reasons, and it wasn't my secret to tell. I don't blame you for not saying anything, admitting someone like Rookwood to be your father isn't something many people would accept. Especially with all the harm he has caused."

I am relieved to find out that Sirona was so understanding of my situation. I lied to her and she is still continuing to look after me, which is more than I deserve. However, it pains me to learn that my father has hurt so many people. I guess picking up the pieces is going to be much harder than I thought.

"Why are you being so kind to me? Why would you be willing to put your business and reputation at risk for me? I imagine that many people don't particularly like me given the circumstances." I ask.

"You are not your father, and you need to stop categorizing yourself with him. You are young and you are allowed to make mistakes. In the eyes of a child, a parent is god. However, as one grows older, you learn to realize that that is not true. You have done more for this Hamlet than you realize, and there are others here that recognize that too. Everyone else might need a bit of convincing, If you are set on changing people's perception of you..maybe a little community service is in order." Sirona says as she places a hand on my shoulder.

"I guess I should get started on that community service huh," I say letting out a small laugh.

"Show people who you really are. People are usually afraid of what they do not understand, so just be patient and give them grace. Even when they might not deserve it."

I never realized how wise Sirona was, and I appreciate her advice. She's right, I am not my father and I need to stop comparing myself to him. Of course, that is easier said than done when I keep thinking back on what Sebastian said. I know he was hurt, but a part of me still agrees with what he said. I miss him... and I can't help but wonder if he misses me too.

I am determined now more than ever to change people's perception of me. I plan to start with Hogsmeade and work my way out. It's time I put my ancient magic to use by doing a bit of community service. With a little bit of luck, I might be able to undo some of the harm my father has caused.

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Hello Everyone!!

I wanted to thank everyone who has supported my fanfic. It's because of everyone who has supported this concept on Tiktok that I decided to finally to expand this story beyond my videos. However, I will still be posting videos that go along with this story so if you haven't already definitely check out my tiktok ;) If you haven't seen it already I just posted a trailer for this fanfic in case you're curious about what's to come. I am also trying to work out a good schedule for post chapters and I am pretty set on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Anyways, I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. It starts off a bit slow but I promise the story will get good.

thanks again for your support!

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