Ever After: A day in the life.

Chapter 3. When he finds out.

Sebastian Sallow hadn't been back at Hogwarts in over two years, nor had he imagined he would do so on the other 'side' of the scale.

The Headmaster had reached out to witches and wizards from a variety of professions to attend the school near Christmas, in an attempt to offer some counsel to the older students that were entering the workforce soon.

Black's letter had arrived while Sebastian was traveling back home from France and he had a mind to reject the invitation, considering that he hadn't seen his wife in a week. He was bursting with impatience.

But of course, Everleigh had also been asked to come to Hogwarts and took no time in accepting the offer.

So his destination had changed from London to the Highlands, instead.

He got off from the train in the Hogsmeade station and the memories rushed to him like a torrent. With the holidays near, the station was bustling with people, mostly young students heading home. Sebastian's eyes wandered through the crowd, trying to identify those faces. He recognized a few students, grown now, utterly different to how he remembered them when they were eleven.

A half smile tugged on his lips while he pushed up the rim of his golden frame glasses up his nose. He dodged bodies until he was out of the station and the silhouette of the castle stood like a beacon over the Black Lake. Thousands of lights illuminated Hogwarts at dusk, a sight to behold. Something he hadn't realized he had missed until he was standing there, admiring the structure.

Night fell upon him like a mantle by the time he was crossing the main door into the school, accompanied by Mr. Moon, who was babbling about some enchanted Demiguise sculptures he wanted Sebastian to get rid of. As if that was in his list of priorities at the moment.

"As soon as I find my wife I'd be happy to help you, sir". He offered with fake politeness while his eyes examined every face that came into view. "I don't suppose you have seen her. Blonde hair? Strong moral compass that borders illness?"

He had muttered the last words as a joke, but to Sebastian's dismay, Mr. Moon didn't even acknowledge them. His mockery never made a dent in the man's face, who was obviously too swayed by his own problems to care.

"Everleigh Grayson, was it? She must be in the Great Hall with the rest. But Mr. Sallow, I heard that you are one of the most capable Curse-Breaker. Those statues I was talking about..."

Sebastian fastened his pace, ignoring the Caretaker as he made his way into the Great Hall. The banners of all four houses hung from the ceiling along with Christmas decorations. A big tree was sitting in the back, guarding a long table full of food and drinks. The hall was swamped with students, professors and wizards that he recognized from the Ministry, mostly.

A lot of hands waved in his direction and several heads turned his way, in recognition. There were giggles, too. Sebastian had almost forgotten about those.

A group of Slytherin girls were whispering something while sending meaningful glances towards him. He vaguely recalled the names of a few that he remembered seeing around the common room. He also didn't care enough to stop.

With big strides, he advanced through the room until he saw a familiar face that he hadn't seen in months.

A sharp sting of joy slammed on his chest before he was barking out a laugh and stretching his arms out to grab the boy's shoulders.

Ominis froze in place for a moment before realization hit him. And then they were both wrapped in a tight hug, sharing smiles and chuckles and so much happiness.