Magicis Par // Sebastian Sallow

6. The Undercroft and Apologies

            We took the Floo back to the castle. It was the fastest way back and the only way I felt safe travelling now that I knew Rookwood knew where to find me. I would have to stay better protected in the future. He wasn't afraid to single me out in front of the patrons of the pub, but they came to my defense. Hogsmeade was safe for now.

Per Sebastian's orders, the Floo deposited us just outside of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. "What are we doing here?"

"Talking privately." I followed him down the steps and around the corner to what looked like a clock. With a wave of his wand, the front popped open and allowed us access to whatever laid beyond.

A set of dark steps led us into what looked like it should have been a storage room, but it was mostly cleared out. I never knew of this place in my time, and I was near certain I had every crack and crevice of this castle memorized. "What is this place?" I wondered as I stepped further inside and looked around. The candelabras emitted a dim glow but just enough to light the room. Barrels, crates, and old suits of armor lined the walls. They were coated in thick layers of dust, so it was clear they hadn't been moved or even thought of in ages.

"The Undercroft. Ominis learned of this place through his family, though no one knows it's here except us. You can't tell anyone else about it."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

"We use it to study and practice spells that we don't really learn in class." He leaned against a nearby pillar and crossed his arms over his chest. "Speaking of spells that we don't learn in class...you owe me an explanation."

I heaved out a breath. "I don't even know where to begin, honestly." I started pacing in front of him as I contemplated how much to tell him. He would surely think I was mad if I told him I was from over a century into the future. I knew I had to leave that out.

"Let's start with why Ranrok and Rookwood even know who you are."

"Because I hold an archaic form of magic that hasn't been seen in centuries."

Sebastian gaped at me. "Well, that's not what I was expecting, but it certainly explains how easily you took down the troll."

"We. I couldn't have done that without you."

"We do make a good team, don't we? Still undefeated." He smirked and pushed off of the pillar. His grip secured around one of my arms just above my elbow to stop my pacing. "Is that why I feel so much more powerful around you?"

My eyebrows immediately pinched together in confusion. "Powerful? How do you mean?"

"I feel stronger. I cast stronger spells, I have more control...does this secret, powerful, ancient magic have that effect on people near you when you use it?"

"Erm...not to my knowledge, no. That's new. I'll have to research it some more." I couldn't confess to him that he made me feel the same way. I needed more of an educational foundation before I could tell him that because I couldn't explain it. "Listen, Sebastian, you can't tell anyone about this. You've seen what happens when people find out. The dragon attack, the troll, Ranrok, Rookwood...I'm putting a lot of faith in you here."

He nodded immediately, his expression steeling. "I wouldn't dream of it." There was a playful glint in his eye when he used my own words against me. "My secret for yours. We can even become Secret Keepers, if it would make you feel better."

I shook my head. "I'm trusting you. Don't make me regret it."

We talked a bit more about the day's events, and I answered a handful more questions he had about the ancient magic. It started getting late when I left him there in favor of dinner. Just as I was leaving the Undercroft, I ran into Ominis. "Hello, Sebastian," he greeted casually. I froze as I tried to figure out how to respond or if I could just slip past him unnoticed. Sebastian was just down the steps behind me after all. "Wait...you there. I can hear you." Ominis's wand was out, the tip blinking red as he used it to analyze the scene in front of him. "Clara?"