Under Your Scars || Sebastian Sallow x MC

Chapter 5 - Like Old times

And part of me keeps holding on, Just in case it hasn't gone. 

I guess I still care.  Do you still care?

When We Were Young 

-Andy Black ft. Juliet Simms

____________

Juliette POV 

I felt a sense of deja vu as I headed for the Bell Tower to meet Sebastian. It felt like the first day Sebastian had taken me to Hogsmeade during fifth year, which turned out to be the first of our many adventures together. 

I had gone into it apprehensive, my first impression of him in Defense Against the Dark Arts was that he was quite cocky and had a penchant for mischief. Our trip to Hogsmeade had challenged my perception of him. I found him to be sweet and endearing, asking questions about my life and seeming like he genuinely cared. It was a welcome escape from the pressures and anxieties of my first day in a magical school. 

I smiled at the memories as I approached Sebastian, who was already waiting for me by the doors to the courtyard. He leaned against the wall casually, arms crossed in front of his chest. 

He had traded his suit and faculty robes for a pair of black slacks and a green button-down shirt. 

"Is your entire wardrobe green?" I teased. 

"Is your entire wardrobe blue?" he countered, looking me up and down. 

He had a point. I had changed from my blue power suit and was now wearing my preferred blue cloak with the gold trim over a casual black ensemble. Today I'd opted for a gold scarf, tucked securely into the collar of my shirt. 

I shrugged, "Touché."

As we started our walk to Hogsmeade I analyzed my surroundings, painfully aware that this was the same path from my dream. The courtyard was idyllic, students sat on the edge of the still-intact fountain. Others were scattered across the flying class lawn playing gobstones and Summoner's court, enjoying the start of their weekend. 

We walked from the grounds in relative silence. I could feel Sebastian looking at me. I was not sure if he expected me to say something. I was the one who had invited him, but I was too busy taking everything in. 

"So, Miss Fontaine, how was your first day back at Hogwarts? We missed you after the first class this morning." 

"I'm relieved that everything is... just how I remember it. I do apologize that I couldn't make it through the day. I needed to go back to my room for a nap."

"Was my class that dull?" He gasped, bringing a hand to his chest to clutch imaginary pearls.

"Oh no, its not that. I just... haven't been sleeping and it's finally catching up with me. I'm feeling much better now though." I smiled and shrugged, trying to brush it off. 

"What's keeping you from sleep, if I may ask?" He frowned, appearing genuinely concerned.  

I felt my smile fade, I looked to the ground as if that is where I would find the words to explain the dreams that had been plaguing me. I opted to be as vague as possible. 

"Nightmares." I said plainly. 

I glanced over to him and he was looking at me with an expression I could not quite read. Was it pity? Pain? 

"I'm so sorry" he whispered. 

He did not press further, and I was grateful.  Neither of us talked for some time, the only sound was our footsteps on the path.