The Potions Master //Hogwarts Legacy//

Death

Everything seemed to have stopped. The birds outside no longer chirped, the enchanted broom no longer swept the floor, the only thing that Winona could hear was the beating of her heart. She had almost forgotten to breathe. She could feel tears welling in her eyes.

Professor Sharp dead? No that was impossible. This was some sick joke. Sebastian was cruel for even making up such a joke. How ridiculous! Winona stood from her chair, ready to berate Sebastian. Then she saw the look in his eyes. His eyes were filled with nothing but sorrow and pain. Why would he joke about such a thing? That wasn't Sebastian at all. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead, she sat back down in her chair and buried her face in her hands as she wept.

How could this happen? Sharp was such a good man. He was strong, resilient, a leader. Sharp was the only professor who kept in touch with Winona after her school years. Yes, Professor Weasley wrote to her at first, but even her letters began to dwindle down into nothing. Sharp on the other hand wrote often, asking how she was and inviting her for a cup of tea. She never accepted his invitations, and now she wished she hadn't.

After a while, Winona lifted her head. She still wept softly for her dear friend. If she could even call him that. She had become so cold and distant after her school years that she was surprised she didn't have to find out through the grapevine about Sharp's death.

"How?" She asked quietly.

Sebastian pursed his lips, taking a deep breath as he began to explain what had happened. Classes were in session. The halls were mostly empty. Sharp was teaching a group of third years when the door burst open. Sharp immediately drew his wand and positioned himself between the intruders and his students. Such a brave man. One of the men who had broken in was the man who had injured him on his last day as an Auror. The man that had gotten his partner killed. The man that Sharp had put in Azkaban for a long, long time.

Sebastian shuddered as he recalled hearing the screams of students. He was also with a group of third years. They had all been laughing and joking as his classes usually go. Then the screaming started. Sebastian ordered his students to stay put as he rushed into the halls, watching the chaos unfold. He overheard a student mention the potions classroom, and without a second thought he rushed to the class. There he found a group of students hovering over something. His heart dropped as he approached them. There on the floor, Professor Sharp lay unmoving. The intruders already long gone.

"We looked everywhere." Sebastian frowned, setting his cup of tea down. "The other professors, the older students, even the ghosts searched for those people. They had just disappeared."

"I can't believe it." Said Winona. "When are his services?"

"Soon. Everyone is coming. Ominis, Poppy, Natty, Garreth."

"I'm the last to know?" Winona's words made Sebastian flinch.

He understood her anger. "Yes." He answered honestly. "But you're the only one who was told in person. Everyone else had to be written to."

Winona crossed her arms. She was furious, but understood. Truthfully, she had shut everyone out. She almost didn't deserve to be told. That didn't excuse her not receiving at least a letter. Though she wanted to yell, scream, let her anger take over, she kept quiet.

"I'll be there." She spoke in almost a whisper.

Sebastian nodded and reached inside his jacket. "There's something else." He stated. "It's also why I'm here. To give you this." He pulled out an envelope and handed it to her. "You don't have to answer right away. But you do have to answer. Think on it." He stood, ready to make his leave.

"Sebastian." Winona called. She grabbed his arm, standing up to face him. Her breathing hitched as she pulled him closer than she had wished. Their bodies inches away from each other.

"Yes?" He asked softly, looking her up and down. Winona closed her eyes, ignoring the feeling rising in her chest.

"Thank you." She breathed. "For telling me."

"Of course." He replied, slowly pulling himself away. With one final glance, Sebastian turned and left.

Winona sat back down, recalling everything that had just happened. Her mind was fuzzy, head spinning as she opened the envelope.

Ms. Berry,
I'm sure you already know the news of Professor Sharp's unfortunate passing as mister Sallow would have told you. I entrusted him to deliver this letter. You were always gifted at potions and Hogwarts is in unfortunate in need of a potions master, and you were my first choice. Of course, this doesn't have to be permanent, but if you would like to stay, you are more than welcome to. Please send a response as soon as possible.
Professor Matilda Weasley.