Out of the Shadows // Sebastian Sallow

Chapter Thirty-Three

*Warning: This chapter contains talk of torture and mental health issues.*

It had been two weeks since the night of the Hogsmeade Festival. I was starting to find routine in the little house with Sebastian and Anne. And Ominis was always there, though technically neither he nor I lived there.

I was still plagued by nightmares and random panic attacks at some triggering event or other. But my constant supply of potions from Perry Pippin and Seb's support helped. I was slowly claiming back the person I used to be. Or someone similar to her. A mishmash of the old and new Rachel was being created.

Today, I was meeting with Professors to gauge whether I'd be returning to Hogwarts in a few days' time. I hadn't decided if I even wanted to. But Seb convinced me that at least meeting with Professors Weasley and Sharp was a good idea.

I didn't feel much like venturing out anymore so I asked if they could meet me at The Three Broomsticks. And I was nervous.

Also knowing that Professor Weasley had a hand in my exoneration was a burden. I felt I owed her and I wasn't a fan of being indebted to people... except perhaps Seb. My face reddened at that thought.

So, I sat at a table in the middle of the pub awaiting my teachers, hoping they would be supportive.

They entered together. Somehow, looking the same. I chuckled to myself. I guess not everyone has had such a transforming summer, like I had.

"Professors. Please, join me. I'm glad you're here." I had no idea why I was being so formal. I was just so nervous!

"Rachel, m'dear, it's so good to see you." Professor Weasley hugged me gently, kissing my cheeks. "You're looking well, I'm glad to see."

I shook Professor Sharp's hand, guessing he wasn't a big hugger and we sat.

Sirona brought us a round of butterbeer and I sipped timidly.

"Rachel, we wanted to see you to talk about if you'd like to return to school in September. We know that you've had a hellish time, and we don't mean to diminish your experiences in the slightest. We just want to impress the importance of finishing your education. You're such a bright girl." Professor Weasley stated in a very Professor Weasley sort of way. It made me smile.

"Yes. As head of Slytherin House, I can say you have made a strong impression and represent Slytherin well. It would be a shame if you didn't complete your education and graduate with your peers." Professor Sharp said. I think there was a compliment in there but with him it's always hard to tell.

"Truthfully, Professors, I hadn't planned to return. I... I've just been through so much. And..." I was ashamed to admit it. "I haven't even picked up my wand since I returned from.... Azkaban." The word was hard to get out.

"Rachel. That is shameful. You are so gifted! You mustn't waste it. If you ultimately decide not to return, I will understand. However, you can't ignore your talents and turn away from magic. It is a part of who you are! And when you do finally pick it up again, you'll find it an old friend, comforting and waiting for you to guide it." Professor Weasley always had a way of putting things that made me feel special and powerful.

"Well, I will consider it. I don't know how I would feel giving it all up and watching my friends go on without me. But it's a weighty decision. I struggle. Still. And I don't want to burden my friends or my House... or Hogwarts with my craziness. It's embarrassing to me. I'm a criminal." My cheeks were bright red, I knew, because I could feel them burning.

"YOU. Are no such thing." Professor Sharp pounded on the table and made me jump. "You were set up for failure and trapped in a political game with the Ministry. None of this was your fault. You need to know and understand that. You, Rachel Bennett, have nothing to be ashamed of. And if you return, I expect to see you in the halls with your head held high, with the pride of a true Slytherin. Is that understood?" His resonant voice commanded obedience. And I was touched by his words.