Unchained Melody |Sebastian Sallow|

2. Fates Intertwined

Taking a few steps down the stairs, Avril paid little attention to her feet. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the smoldering ones that bore into her. Alastair approaches his daughter and holds his hand out. She slowly slips hers into his as he helps her down the last few stairs.

"Thank you all for coming. I have a little announcement to make before this event gets into full swing." Alastair addresses the crowd before him. Avril looks to her father for a moment, finally tearing her eyes away. "Avril is to be wed after she finishes school. This is an engagement party of sorts. I have chosen her future husband based upon what I see as most fitting. My precious flower only deserves the best."

"Father..." Avril blushes a bit in embarrassment.

"House Drake has a long and deep history dating back to Godric Gryffindor. We as his direct descendants must carry on his legacy and bask in the purity of our line. What better way to honor this than by joining two of the greatest houses in wizarding history." Alastair starts. Avril's heart begins to race... no. "The house of Gaunt, descendants of the great Salazar Slytherin have always been a close friend to the house of Drake. Malachi, my oldest friend, has kindly offered me all his flesh and blood. After careful consideration of my daughter and his sons I have chosen what I feel is the best match for her. Ominis please, join us."

Avril felt like her world was spinning as a dumbstruck Ominis guided his way to them, his wand emitting a soft red glow. He finds her side, his hand reaching for hers. She takes it tenderly in her own. She should be happy her father chose someone kind and caring for her. Someone she enjoyed. She loved Ominis. But she was not in love with him. She could feel his palms sweating. Her cerulean eyes flit to Sebastian again. She couldn't tell from here but tears brimmed his eyes. Sebastian stupidly had fallen for his best friend. He could never tell her that. It would just hurt her more. Little did he know she returned his affections.

Her father talks for a few more moments but she drowns it out. The only thing she hears is her dismissal. Ominis leads her to Sebastian.

"Congratulations." Avril could hear the pain in his voice. She frowns as she takes him in. He had cleaned up nicely.

"Sebastian." She greets with a soft curtsy.

"So formal. Where's my hug?" He opens his arms. She rolls her eyes before stepping into them. She closes her eyes as she feels them wrap around her, squeezing her softly. She lets out a soft sigh in content as her hands grasp at his suit jacket.

"Not one letter. Where were you?" She whispers as she looks up at him.

"Let me explain. Dance with me?" She nods at his request and allows him to lead her onto the dance floor. "Anne is getting worse. I have been traveling trying to find something."

"Yet you can contact Ominis?" Avril cocks her brow as she studies his face. They follow the waltz as they whirl around each other.

"It was easier."

"Because I am a monster right?" She stifles a laugh.

"Avril you know I don't think that." He frowns as he looks down at her. She was always so headstrong and difficult.

"We both know you do. I refuse to help her because it could kill me. So I am the selfish, self centered monster. I get it." She huffs.

"You are way more than that. I was angry. For a long time. I am trying to get better. Please don't do this."

"Do what? Push you away like you have been doing to me for years?" She looks up at him. The depths of her eyes were filled with pain. They were darker, like the ocean under a storm.

"Listen, I get it. I am stupid. I don't deserve you back in my life but I am on my knees Avril. Please." He pulls her closer as they dance, his voice a mournful whisper. It filled her to her core like the icy breath of death.

"One more chance." A smile spreads on his face.

"So you and Ominis..."

"Don't remind me." She groans.

"At least it's not Septimus anymore." Sebastian tried to be positive. He knew Ominis would take care of Avril. Though he couldn't help the burdening jealousy he felt towards his best friend. The scorching blaze that was Avril Drake had consumed his very being. There was no other love for him in this world. The gods had crafted her just for him but unfortunately she was sold off to the highest bidder.

"True... at least Ominis is kind and knows me." Avril looks down at her feet.

"Do you love him?" Sebastian lets slip before he could stop himself.

"No. Not in that way. But I could learn to." Sebastian knew how deeply Ominis's affections ran for Avril.

"You guys will find happiness." Sebastian spins her around.

"I hope so." She whispers mostly to herself. Her heart was truly by the man that held her. She could never say those words to him. Sebastian meant too much to her. How could she give him false hope if she could not support her claims of love? "You will too, you know."

"Maybe one day." He doesn't dare to utter a word of his true feelings. Sebastian wanted to tell her so much. To reassure her of everything. Little did he know Avril was searching his mind. She knew it all. But the words would never come forth. She had to learn to love her future husband. The perfect, obedient woman. She never had to be that with Sebastian. He looks as if he is about to say something until they are cut off. Avril lets out a sigh as the music comes to a slow stop. The two freeze in place, their eyes never leaving each others. She could feel the soft rise and fall of his chest against her own. The only sound ringing in her ears was the pounding of their hearts. Two drums. One melody.