Magicis Par // Sebastian Sallow

17. Holiday Break-Ups

            I didn't make it to Feldcroft that night, nor to the Christmas Eve feast. It wasn't because I didn't want to. It was because I spent the night at Rookwood Castle battling with the reality that Ranrok made it to the first repository before I could and fighting my way through the second trial.

And I spent far too long sitting at the Pensieve. I must have watched the memory half a dozen times. This magic could take away pain. I knew it was capable of a lot. I knew what Isidora had done was terrible, but she could do exactly what Sebastian asked me to do for Anne.

It meant I could do it, too.

But it was at a great cost. I wasn't sure that was a price anyone was willing to pay.

I spent almost as long as it took me to do the trial arguing with the Keepers about what Isidora did, what our magic was capable of, and if there were a way to do it correctly.

They didn't think that there wasn't, but it wasn't ethical or humane to test it on people. And, the power that was stored in the repositories was what Isidora had removed from her students and others throughout her travels. It was dark, dirty.

It now belonged to Ranrok.

I debated not even going to Feldcroft in the morning, but I knew they'd worry if I didn't show up.

So, I took a deep breath and let my fist fall against the door.

It took only moments for it to rip open. Sebastian's worried expression met mine. Between the exhaustion and a week's worth of pent-up emotions, tears flooded my eyes immediately at the sight of him. I was only able to muster out a small, "hey."

He took one look at me, sighed in relief, and pulled me into his embrace. I wanted to break down right there. In the last twelve hours, I had learned that the wizarding world was in far greater danger than we thought and that I was the only person who could do anything about it. I found such great comfort in seeing him. All I wanted was to confide in him, but here wasn't a safe place to talk about it. I'd need to wait until I could get Sebastian alone.

"Merry Christmas," I strained.

"You don't seem very merry." He stepped back to observe my face. "What's wrong?" I shook my head, a silent plea for him to cease the conversation until we're alone. "Come in. It's freezing, and we're just about to open gifts." He ushered me into the cottage.

The interior of the home had expanded since I'd last been there. The common space stretched back to accommodate extra beds with a privacy curtain separating them from the main space. It appeared that all beds except one had been moved into the space.

Across from the fireplace stood an enchanted Christmas tree. It glistened with snow and tinsel, and a small pile of presents sat beneath it, including the ones I had sent to the house as to avoid bringing them all when I was supposed to arrive with the boys.

Sebastian's hand gripped mine tightly as he led me towards the kitchen table. Everyone had claimed a seat around it while Anne dispersed the presents. She smiled at me and offered a welcome, but Solomon said nothing. He sat in the armchair with his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

I felt his judgmental stare on me as I exchanged gifts with Anne, Ominis, and Sebastian. I put in my best effort to keep the mood light between everyone, but when we settled in for a late breakfast, it quickly started to go south.

"I expected you'd spend your break here," Solomon commented as he set down a skillet of sausages in the center of the table. "Leave it to my nephew to ruin it."