Under Your Scars || Sebastian Sallow x MC

Flashback - Fifth Year

Sebastian POV

I eagerly waited in the bell tower courtyard to usher the new fifth year to Hogsmeade. According to Professor Weasley, she asked for me by name. I was honored. It also spared me from an afternoon in detention that I had somehow already managed to get myself into.  An added bonus.

Juliet. A tragically beautiful name, if you ask me. I wonder what her deal is, starting school in fifth year. 

I had finally found someone that bested me in a duel, and I wanted to see what this girl was all about.  As if my very thoughts summoned her, she materialized from the floo.

I waved her over. "Hey, Juliet! I'm here to escort you to Hogsmeade. You're in luck because I'm the best tour guide around." 

"Thank you for accompanying me. It'll be helpful having someone who knows their way around," she kept shy smile as we passed through the courtyard. "By the way its pronounced Jhu-li-ette, not 'Jew-lee-et'. Its a soft J, almost like a shush sound mixed with a 'zzz' sound, if that makes any sense." she looked down at her feet as she walked, seemingly embarrassed. 

I wondered how many times she has had to explain that to people. 

Juliette. Even better. 

"Ok, Juliette. Is that French?" 

Her face lit up at the question and she bit her lip, "Yes, actually. My family is from France." 

"Oh, really? Why not attend Beauxbatons?"

"Well, my family moved to London before I was born so I'm technically a British citizen. My family still lives in London but I've been living in Paris for the last 3 years, it's all sort of convoluted." She looked down at her feet again. I felt horrible for her, feeling like she had to over-explain herself. 

"Not convoluted at all." I titled my head to try to meet her gaze. "So you've been living in Paris alone? Did you go to some fancy boarding school?"

"I attended the Paris Opera Ballet School, I was training to be a ballerina before... Well... before my abilities revealed themselves. I guess I can kiss dancing goodbye, now." she said, her voice trailing off.. 

She seemed so defeated, it broke my heart. Imagine training your whole life for something just to get it pulled out from under you because your magic decided to present itself 5 years late. I searched for a way to lift her spirits. 

"Don't be so sure about that. Hogwarts is actually hosting the Yule Ball this year. Its not ballet, but there's dancing." I held my arms out in front of me as if preparing to waltz. 

She gasped and a huge smile spread across her face, revealing prominent dimples. 

"The Yule Ball? You host balls, here?!" she nearly shouted in excitement.

I forgot. This was all brand-new to her. 

"It used to only be a Triwizard Tournament thing, but they stopped hosting those a long time ago because.. well. They're kind of a hazard. The Yule Ball is the only tradition that still stands. Durmstrang, Beauxbatons and Hogwarts take turns hosting it. Supposed to 'facilitate magical camaraderie and fellowship'." I said with a touch of sarcasm. 

Perhaps I was a little bitter I had not been allowed to attend a Yule Ball yet. They only allowed fourth-years and older, and last year Solomon had refused to sign the permission slip to let me attend the ball at Durmstrang. The prat.

Juliette was practically skipping down the path now. She looked so happy and carefree, I wanted nothing more than to give her something to look forward to. I quickened my pace to keep up with her.