The Forbidden Love of Aesop Sharp

Chapter 26 - A Heavy Heart

My return to Hogwarts was an exhausting experience. After dropping Elisabeth off at her home, I retreated to my quarters, where I had to confront the remorse and disillusionment that came with my encounter with Katie.

I paced the room, deliberately avoiding the mirror hanging on the wall, my thoughts consumed by the events of the evening.

That Sallow, how dare he lay his hands on her? The mere thought sickened me. While I was aware that such things might happen after I had pushed her away, I hadn't expected her to move on so quickly, especially not with someone like Sallow.

Back when they were students at Hogwarts, he had been a negative influence on her. Together, they broke most of the school's rules, and he put her in danger more than once. But she was infatuated with him, convinced that his intentions toward her were purely friendly and that he wanted nothing more.

However, I had never trusted him. And his behavior tonight, how he drew her to him and called her 'honey,' drove me mad.

In a moment of foolish desperation, I struck a violent blow against the stone wall of my quarters, ignoring the pain radiating through my arm. I continued to hit the wall, even when blood began to flow, staining the dark wood with a crimson pool.

Only then did I step back, emotionlessly observing my injured hand, flesh visible in places. With a sigh, I made my way to my desk, leaving a bloody trail in my wake, and retrieved a vial of dittany potion, which I generously poured over my hand.

The pain should have been intense, provoking a stronger reaction. Yet, compared to the pain in my heart, it was no more significant than a splinter. I wrapped a fabric bandage around my wounded hand to absorb the bleeding and clenched it tightly to prevent further damage.

With determination, I headed for the door of my quarters, which I opened abruptly before slamming it behind me, descending the steps with purpose.

It was my fault; everything was my fault, I ruminated as I aimlessly wandered through the castle's corridors. I should have never pushed her away, and now, I had lost the most wonderful thing that had entered my life in recent years.

I had believed that pushing her away was the right thing, that it was best for her. But now, as the weight of my decision bore down on me, I questioned whether I had made the right choice. The sight of her with Sallow was a bitter pill to swallow, a reminder that my actions had consequences.

Sallow's very presence felt like a violation, a transgression; jealousy, anger, and regret intertwined in my chest, creating a suffocating blend of emotions. Deep inside, my fervent wish was to never have to see him with her again; otherwise, I couldn't fathom how I would...

"Sallow!" I exclaimed in his direction, my voice echoing through the castle's vast corridors. "What are you doing here?"

"Professor Sharp," he replied, his face a frozen mixture of both relief and fear. In his arms, cradled against his chest, he was carrying Katie, and my heart broke even more. "We were just..."

But when Katie heard my voice, she slipped from his arms and took an unsteady step toward me. I rushed to reach her, and she tumbled into my arms, giggling.

"What have you done?" I inquired, my concern directed at Katie and my anger and resentment aimed at Sallow.

"Nothing... but-"

"Whiskey is so bad..." Katie interjected, hiccuping, gripping my shirt tightly. "Don't know... how you could... how could you, I mean-"

"She's drunk," I shot an angry glance at Sallow, who approached to assist Katie. "Don't touch her," I warned, holding and pressing her against me.