Seeing You Again: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter One

Amara

            Sucking in one last breath of fresh air, I steady my mind for what's to come next. After defeating Ranrok and losing Professor Fig nearly two years ago, I felt myself begin to slip. The ancient magic I once called upon to aid me in defeating the dark wizards started to feel different. I wanted to use it to remove my pain and free myself of the darkness that slowly hazed over my mind.

It didn't matter that Hufflepuff won the House Cup or that Ominis didn't turn Sebastian in. All I could think about was all the death that stained my palms. So, after the ceremony, I ran. I packed my bags and fled Hogwarts on High Wing's back. I didn't tell anyone where I was going because I didn't know where I was going. All I knew was that I was becoming a danger, and the repository wasn't safe, not with the way my mind was shifting.

Taking my savings and resources I gathered, I located a cabin outside the Hamlet of North Ford Bog. No one would find me here. I barely found my new home myself. Thankfully, I aided the landlord a few months back, and he graciously rented me the cottage.

Months passed before I worked the nerve to send my first owl. I couldn't stomach the thought of reaching out to Sebastian, not after our last conversation.

"I'm grateful for our friendship."

His words sting to this day. Friendship. After all we've been through. All the danger, adventures, laughs, and innocent flirtatious comments. I knew that boy was trouble the first day I met him, yet I still let myself fall.

It doesn't matter, though. I haven't seen or talked to Sebastian in sixteen months. I didn't reach out to him, and he didn't reach out to me. Poppy and Natty know where I am now. I didn't tell Ominis because I knew he would tell Sebastian, and I wasn't ready to face the boy who had his own darkness. Not while I had my own to take care of.

I grieved for Professor Fig. I've lost track of the number of tears and bellowing I succumbed to. I failed him. It didn't matter how strong I was. I let him die.

Ranrok's chuckle rings in my ears. The battle against him was fierce, and he almost won. I don't know what came over me during that fight, but I don't question it either. I took his life, just as he took my dear mentor's.

Packing up my belongings, a soft smile spreads across my lips when I come across my old house robe. Bringing it to my nose, the scent of crisp apples and warm cinnamon whirls my senses. I don't bother trying it on. I've changed since the last time I wore this. I'm going to need a new set when I return tomorrow.

Fuck. I grasp onto my stomach as it fills with butterflies. I knew I was going to return. I just didn't know it would be almost two years later. My Professors were quick to accommodate my request. I saved Hogwarts, after all. The least they could do was send me my coursework as I healed from the trauma and exhaustion.

Nurse Blainey insisted I stay in the hospital ward, but my body itched for fresh air. I needed to be alone. She's been sending me calming drafts for my nightmares and nerves. They've been helping, but when my mind gets too dark, all I can do is sit with the thoughts.

I'm better, though. The desire to use my ancient magic to remove my pain no longer boils in my chest. My past is my history, and I need to take it as a lesson. I need to remember that not everything that happened that year was terrible. I made friends, shared laughs, and smiles, saved creatures and people alike. I met a boy who changed my life entirely, just as I changed his.

Releasing my nerves with a shaky breath. I drop my luggage by the front door and look out the window. I smile to myself when I spot High Wing soaring through the sky. I bet she'll be happy to return to Hogwarts tomorrow as well, see Poppy again. I was expecting her to leave the moment I unpacked, but she didn't, and I appreciated her for the company these last few months.