Side Effects |a Sebastian Sallow story|

An Improper Welcome

Content Warning: Referenced/Implied Suicide* (Reverences to off screen canon event and heavily implied reference to the catacomb event) 

Sebastian POV

After losing the contents of his stomach a second time, Sebastian stood back up on shaky legs. 

He had never apparated before and so far in less than an hour he had done it twice. He didn't think he would get used to the feeling but did have to admit it could be a useful way to travel. 

"Apologies for the abrupt exit kid, but we were starting to get too much attention and the less  people know, the better." The man said, turning to look at the queasy teen. 

Sebastian wiped his mouth on the back of his sleeve. He wasn't given the opportunity to dress in warmer clothes after his shower, so he was just sporting a long sleeved undershirt and his cotton sleep pants. 

After his vision came back into focus, Sebastian realized he was standing in a neighborhood he didn't recognize. There were paved walkways and cobblestone streets. Rows of townhomes lined each side of the street he was standing and there were a few horse drawn carriages traveling by. The walkways were filled with various people making their way about, some seemingly in a rush and others enjoying the afternoon walk. 

Furrowing his brows, Sebastian looked at the man. "Um, where are we?" he asked in confusion. He was sure they were headed to the ministry or straight to Azkaban for his crimes but this didn't look like the ministry was anywhere nearby. 

The man smiled at Sebastian, his green eyes twinkling in amusement. "We're in London, kid. You ever been?" 

He sounded way too enthusiastic which confused Sebastian even more. Sebastian frowned. "Just once I think, when I was younger. My parents took me and my sister to Diagon Alley with them to get supplies they needed for the school year." 

The memory of his mother showing off the owls to her seven year old twins flooded Sebastian's mind. She was so excited and promised that when their magic presented, they would make a special trip to pick out an owl. Anne complained that she didn't want an owl, she was more interested in the tabby cat that had curled up in her lap. Their mother just smiled and told Anne she could have any animal she liked. 

Sebastian felt his eyes start to sting at the reminder that they never did get to pick out their pets for Hogwarts with their mother. Alice and Samuel Sallow died less than a year later, and he and Anne were shipped off to Feldcroft to live with their uncle. 

Swallowing back the tears that threatened to escape, Sebastian looked back up at the man who just had a small smile of understanding on his face. 

"Well, this is no Diagon Alley, but it's home." He said, holding his arm out toward a bricked townhome. "Come on kid, lets get you a change of clothes and some lunch, yeah?"

Not wanting to sound ungrateful for the bizarre show of hospitality, Sebastian was more confused than ever so he just had to ask, "Sir, I don't mean to sound rude but aren't I under arrest or something? Why are you not taking me straight to Azkaban?" 

The man just laughed and stuck his keys into the dark wooden door of the home, "Oh heavens, no. You are not under arrest. At least not yet. Come, we will discuss more inside." he replied, pushing the door open and hanging his keys onto a hook by the entrance. 

Sebastian decided not to say anything more and stepped inside the home, the unmistakable smell of a roast hitting him. It made his stomach growl which earned a small chuckle from the man. 

Upon entering, the man went up the staircase by the door and returned shortly with a sweater and a pair of slacks to wear. Sebastian was given directions to the restroom to change and shortly returned to the main living area.