The Hope beneath the Dark - Sebastian Sallow

16. Playing with fire. No... Really.

"Wait... what? No, I mean... How could it be possible?" I lowered my voice.

"We should discuss it more privately later, the three of us." Ominis stated as he tilted his head in direction of Freddie, Imelda and Nerida who just entered the Great Hall. "What do you say about after dinner tonight in the undercroft?"

"Fine by me, I have to get a few things in Hogsmeade this afternoon anyway." Sebastian replied as he took his last bite of poached salmon.

"Yes, that is a good plan Ominis." I affirmed, looking down at my plate.

"Good! In the meantime, you should try and remember your few previous years before Hogwarts. Maybe you could start from when your mother died and go chronologically up until now. Try to remember as much as you can. " Ominis suggested.

"I'll do that, thanks."

"I will see you both later. I'm hanging out with Freddie this afternoon, and I'm pretty sure none of you wishes to join." Ominis spoke as he got up from the bench and took his wand out.

"You guessed right. Bye Ominis!" Sebastian responded as we looked at our friend walking away and exit the Great Hall.

Sebastian turned to me and placed his hand on my thigh.

"Maude, I apologise again about this morning. "He sighed. "You were right, and I'm sorry for yelling at you. When you said that you were scared of me, I left because I just didn't know what to say or what to think."

"I'm not scared of you all the time, Sebastian." I specified, placing my hand on his and squeezing it a little. "It's just that with what happened last year, when you start acting on your impulsive thoughts, being around you makes me uncomfortable. Every time brings me back to the worst memories I have with you."

I could tell he was disappointed, but in himself. He stared down at our hands and sighed again before lifting his head and looking at me.

"I understand, and I will not pretend I changed. I know I still have a lot of work to do, but please give me a chance, and time, to prove that I mean it." He pleaded. "Despite all the mistakes that I've made, telling you that I love you was never one."

"Of course, Sebastian. I don't expect people to change overnight, no one is perfect. You know you can come to me when you need to talk, instead of letting your emotions feed your anger. I am good at more than just fighting creatures off, you know!" I teased him, then leaned in for a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Do you want to come with me to Hogsmeade? We can even take some time to fly around the Highlands a little, before coming back for dinner." Sebastian smiled genuinely.

"I would love that!" I cheered.

We got up from the bench and headed to the dungeons to get our brooms before going to Hogsmeade. I also brought my black shoulder bag with me in case its enlargement charms might come useful if I decided to buy some stuff too. Once outside of the castle, we both took off on our brooms, Sebastian leading the way. It was a quick fly until we arrived near the entrance of the small village. I followed Sebastian to Tomes and Scrolls where he bought two books that I offered to put in my bag. Our next stop was at Spintwitches Sporting Needs.

"Oh, how lovely to see you again, Maude!" Albie Weekes greeted us as we entered. "Good day to you too, Mr. Sallow!"

"Hello Mr. Weekes!" I replied.

"Hi Mr. Weekes! I just need new gloves, same size." Sebastian said while putting his old pair of gloves on the counter.

"I am so excited for the first game next weekend. You can feel the excitement around the village, as the previous season was cancelled." Albie conversed while searching for the right size of gloves.