A Troubled Time / Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 41

Lucy stared at the slowly disappearing town that was once her own as the train sped off into the distance. She felt tears well in her eyes at the thought of never returning. Though her parents always favored her brother, she didn't realise it would be this bad.

The carriage was empty as she sobbed to herself. She had asked the others to stay put while she went off on her own. The train was updated since her time, looking almost entirely different. The carriages were bigger for starters and it was a lot cooler inside as well.

She jumped hearing the door slam shut as she turned her tear stained face to the door.

"Sorry, these doors are a bit different than what we're used to." Sebastian let a small smile form on his face as he sat next to Lucy.

"They looked at me like I was a monster." Lucy whispered aloud, shaking her head as more tears streamed down her face.

"You are a lot of things, A hero, a kindred spirit, a kind-hearted person, but a monster?" Sebastian shook his head, taking a seat next to her. He gently wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, "You're not a monster." He whispered, gently kissing her head.

"Why did I come back? I should've just stayed where I was." Lucy shook her head, burying her head into his chest. "I'm so stupid."

"Hey, you aren't stupid. You know, if you wouldn't have done this, it would have bothered you the rest of our lives."Sebastian cooed, holding her tightly, "You came not only for your parents, but Jess as well. How would she have felt if you just up and left. She would've been worried sick." He gently stroked her arm, keeping her close to him, "Seems she would've gone searching for you if she could."

Lucy smiled even though the tears kept rolling down her face, "I would've kept thinking about it." She bit her lip gently, "But I do feel bad. Natty, Poppy, Amit, and Imelda were all left behind. I nearly left you and Ominis behind."

"But you're lucky we're stubborn." Sebastian chuckled softly.

"We?" Lucy leaned back slightly, raising an eyebrow and looking him in the eyes.

Alright, I know I convinced Ominis to join." The two giggled quietly before a moment of silence crossed them, "Also." Sebastian kept one arm around her as he dug into one of his pockets, pulling out a few things, "The sweets trolley stopped by our cart. I remember you loved the chocolate frogs and pumpkin pasties. I got some other things too, like these Jelly slugs. Our Honeyduke's doesn't have that." Sebastian held out various types of candy.

Lucy smiled and rested her head on his shoulder as she took one of the Jelly slugs, trying it, "Tastes like a gummy worm." She giggled as she ate it.

"A gummy worm?" Sebastian raised an eyebrow as he took one for himself, "I don't know what those are, but they're delicious."

Lucy smiled and laughed, "Thank you for making me feel better."

"Of course. I already lost that smile once, I don't want to lose it again." Sebastian gently placed his index finger and thumb on her chin, lifting her head gently to look at him.

"Once we get to Hogwarts, let's go back to our time." Lucy looked at him with loving eyes.

Sebastian's eyes widened as a large grin formed on his face. He didn't waste a moment to press his lips against hers, pulling her even closer to him, "You have no idea how happy you make me." Sebastian smiled against her lips.

"Okay break it up lovebirds." Jess groaned as the door flung open.

Lucy and Sebastian jumped apart, both of their cheeks a bright red, "Jess that wasn't funny."

"You should see your faces." Jess chuckled as she sat across from them. She held a smirk on her face as the train raced on.

"This is the one time I'm envious of you. I wish I could see the embarrassment the two of you are emitting." Ominis strode in not even a moment later, taking a seat next to Jess.

"Well, not that you're here, I have made a decision." Lucy held her hands together in her lap. She was glad to change the subject, but also felt nervous to tell Jess the news.

Jess's smirk slowly faded, a sad look crossing her face, "You're going back, aren't you?"

Lucy felt her heart sink, "How did you know?" The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her best friend. The sad look on her face mixed with the tears filling in her eyes, it broke her.

"I'm your best friend." Jess sniffed, tears threatening to spill, "The look you had and your tone told me everything I needed to know."

Lucy immediately stood up and hugged the girl, her own tears running down her face, "I'm sorry, Jess."

"Lucy, no matter how much I wish you would stay, I do know you need to do what's best for you." Jess held her tightly. Lucy could feel her shake as her shoulder started to get wet with tears.

"Why are you crying?" Another voice called out as the door opened.

"Minister?" Sebastian sat up straight, looking at the woman who just entered.

"I did say I'd be escorting you to Hogwarts, didn't I?" The woman smiled, sitting down, "Now, again. Why are you crying?"

"Uhm, well. I plan on going back to the time I visited." Lucy swallowed softly, slowly letting go of Jess.

"So what seems to be the problem then?" The Minister of Magic crossed her arms and reclined in her seat.

"Well, Ma'am. I must say goodbye to my best friend." Jess wiped away the tears that fell down her face.

"Why must you say goodbye? And please, just call me Hermione." The woman smiled softly.

"My mother would never agree to such a thing." Jess shook her head quickly.

"Tell me, Jess. What was it Irene told you before you left?" Hermione quickly responded.

"You know my mother?" Jess's eyebrows scrunched slightly in confusion.

"Well, of course. We went to school together. She was a bit younger, but I do still remember. We were in the same house after all." Hermione smiled, "But she told you that no matter what, you stick with Lucy. She said that for a reason, Jess." Hermione didn't tear her eyes away from Jess.

"I think she meant about Hogwarts, not about traveling through time." Jess shook her head.

"Aren't you wondering why she was so sad when you left? Perhaps she knew she wouldn't see you again." Hermione rose to her feet, resting her hands on Jess's shoulders, "Aren't you curious as to why she let your little brothers and sisters attend Hogwarts and not you?"

"Well, yeah of course. Mom always said it wasn't safe for me." Jess swallowed softly.

"There is a reason for that Jess. If you wish to find out, you must listen to your mother. Stay with Lucy."

Lucy chewed at her lip as her eyes left Hermione and looked at Jess, "What do you say? Would you come back with us? With me?"

Jess swallowed softly, the gears turning in her head. The train car was silent for a moment. Time seemed to move in slow motion. It took ages for Jess to move her head up and down.

Lucy let a large smile form on her face as she wrapped her arms around her best friend. Jess let out a soft laugh as she hugged her back, "I can't believe I'm actually doing this."

"I'm so happy you are. There is so much for me to show you." Lucy squeezed the girl as the train came to a halt.

"Looks like we made it to Hogwarts." Hermione smiled, opening the carriage. "I'll let you guys explore the school before you head back. For now, this is goodbye. Good luck on all your adventures." Hermione waved and with a single snap, she vanished into thin air.

"Well, I suppose we should head to the school." Ominis rose to his feet, taking the lead, "Then we can go to the undercroft and head back to our time."