Magicis Par // Sebastian Sallow

23. All is Calm

            I fell asleep to the sound of Sebastian reading aloud, my head in his lap and his fingers gently combing through my wet hair. As I slept, I dreamt of Fig. I relived everything all over again. I vaguely recalled hearing Sebastian soothing me, but I wasn't sure if it actually happened until I woke up with his arms around me and my face buried against his chest. Gentle morning light glowed through the room from the enchanted ceiling, and I could faintly hear some of the jobberknolls chirping from their vivarium.

Everything was calm. For the first time in months, there was a peace that fell over the castle, a sense of safety and security that hadn't been felt in well over a year. It was the exhale of relief that the wizarding community needed. I was certain word would get out soon about what happened beneath the castle yesterday, if it hadn't already.

Despite the relief, I still felt unimaginable grief towards the loss of Fig, the loss of Lodgok, the lives I was forced to take, and for the boy with his arms wrapped tightly around me. None of them deserved any of this, even the enemies who had to die along the way. They were brainwashed to believe a certain way. I couldn't even be sure that they weren't Imperiused or possessed by the dark, ancient magic.

"Are you crying, love?"

The sound of his voice nearly startled me out of his arms. I hadn't even realized the tears had started streaming down my cheeks until he spoke. "Sorry, I didn't even realize."

He pressed a kiss to the top of my head and pulled me tighter against him. "You've nothing to be sorry for. I can't imagine what you're feeling, and I'm prepared to hold you as long as necessary."

I lifted my head to look at him. He was already smiling softly at me, but he took the opportunity to brush some loose hair from my face. "I wasn't sure we'd ever get along again."

He heaved out a deep breath. "Some things are more important than disparities in beliefs. I hope you know that you mean more to me than that." I nodded and let my head fall against his chest again.

I must have fallen back asleep again because the next thing I knew, Sebastian was exiting the bathroom in fresh clothes while rubbing his hair dry with a towel. I pushed myself up and stretched. Every muscle in my body ached, but the ache in my chest was even greater. "I'd heard of showers, but I'd never seen one before, let alone use one. It's amazing!" I offered him a small smile in response. "Are you hungry? It's near lunch time. I can fetch you some lunch, if you'd like." As I pushed myself up from the couch, my entire body screamed in protest. It caused me to stumble my first few steps, but Sebastian was at my side to catch me immediately. "Or perhaps I ought to take you to the hospital wing."

"No," I immediately objected. "No, I'd like to eat lunch with our friends."

I transfigured my clothes into something more appropriate and exited the room with Sebastian. We took the walk to the Great Hall slowly, his hand wrapped in mine like it was first term all over again. We didn't speak. We just took in the silence of the halls until it turned into the soft chatter of mealtime.

Sebastian stopped me just outside of the doors. "You're sure? I could bring you lunch if you change your mind."

"I'm sure," I said with a resolute nod.

He opened the door for me to enter the Great Hall, and as soon as I stepped inside, I regretted it. A hush swept across the hall like wave. It was almost like the room had frozen in time for a moment before Garreth stood up from the Gryffindor table and started clapping. Those around him followed suit until the entire hall were in a standing ovation. Students and professors alike raised their chalices, hooted and hollered, and clapped for me.