call it what you want // sebastian sallow x reader

Chapter 1

It is long gone since the darkness settled over the Scottish Highlands, but in the far distance I believe I can make out the lights from the castle that I am supposed to call home for the coming months. The carriage is crowded with students buzzing from excitement, which is making me feel exhausted after so many hours of travel. Our journey began in the early morning, before sunrise, and at this point I am almost convinced the sun will begin to rise before we have arrived. As we approach the tiny lights from the castle the loud noise of excited students start to echo throughout the entire carriage. Despite being eager to talk, I refuse. My best friend Céline, who is sitting next to me, has fallen asleep a long time ago and I cannot bear to wake her up.

Céline has a round face with soft, pretty features. Her nose and cheeks are covered in a couple of freckles. They are always more apparent after spending countless hours in the sun during summer. Her amber hair is framing her face perfectly. Based on her looks, you would assume she is joy bottled up. But fact is, she is quite the opposite.

She is the kind of person that despises everyone until they have proven themselves worthy of not being despised. During our first year at Beauxbatons we were assigned the same dormitory, but it took us nearly a year to befriend one another. I really tried to befriend her, but after receiving a cold hand countless times I gave up. I thought she was presumptuous, arrogant and selfish. She thought I was naive and lacked integrity. But somehow, we found common ground and shortly after we became inseparable.

''It doesn't look nearly as good as they described it,'' Céline has obviously awakened and is complaining at the sight of the castle growing bigger in distance, as we are obviously getting closer.

Being a sceptic has always come to Céline like a force of nature. I smile,. ''It's dark, you can't even see it properly.''

''Yes I can,'' she argues. ''It's not nearly as big as Headmaster Bachelot said.''

Headmaster Bachelot was an old and cranky woman who had to be nearly 100 years old. But she was well respected amongst all students of Beauxbatons. She was wise and always showed the students respect, hence the massive respect in return. Rumour has it that one of her ancestors founded Beauxbatons back in the days, but no one has ever heard her speak of it.

''I can't believe we haven't even touched the ground and you're already complaining,'' I let out with a muffled giggle. ''I think it looks grand.''

And it really does look grand. We must be really close because the castle appears massive outside of the carriage window. Despite the darkness I can see how majestic the architecture is. Of course, it cannot compare to French architecture. But this is good, especially considering the fact that it is very much not french.

We hit the ground with a harsh bounce, causing some disruption amongst the students in the carriage. A slight chaos evolves as we get off the carriage. The castle really is huge. It must be at least twice as big as Beaxbatons. As I set foot on the ground the cold air feels like a slap across my face. I cannot recall the last time I felt this cold air. I mimic my classmates and cross my arms over my chest, as if they are going to keep me warm in the biting cold.

Wherever I glance, I am mesmerised by the castle. Massive glass windows, stone stairs and from the looks outside of it, the inside looks extremely cosy.

''It's stunning'', I hear a male voice behind me commenting.

Soon we are escorted into the castle through the main entrance by Headmaster Bachelot. After what feels like a thousand steps, we are standing in front of a massive wooden door that looks as if it¨s reaching towards the ceiling. It's rather surprising that the Headmaster manages to climb all the stairs, because I fear for my own health when we finally stop and I get to catch my breath. There are muffled sounds coming from the other side of the door. Excited, joyful chatter.