Under Your Scars || Sebastian Sallow x MC

Flashback - Sixth Year

Winter, 1891

Sebastian POV

I watched through the large bay window as a gentle snow fell outside of the Fontaine residence. Shadows danced across the ceiling as the fireplace blazed in the corner, bathing the room in warmth.  

I sat between Ominis and Juliette at the dinner table, her parents across from us. I tugged on the collar of my shirt, almost regretting my decision to dress so formally. Ominis and Juliette were both wearing jumpers and trousers, while I opted for a button down and dress pants. It was my first time meeting her parents and I wanted to make a good impression. 

"Thank you again for having us, Mr. and Mrs. Fontaine." I turned my attention to Juliette," Jules, what do you call this? It's divine." I said, gesturing to my nearly empty plate. 

"Cassoulet. It's my comfort meal, it's perfect for the winter." she grinned and scrunched her nose at me. 

"It's a French dish, I'm so glad you like it, dear." her mother added. "It is so nice to meet some of Juliette's friends from school. We were relieved to hear she found friends so quickly despite such a late start." 

"I'm relieved I've finally found a friend that can keep this one out of trouble." Ominis chimed in, pointing his spoon at me.

Charles Fontaine's piercing green eyes narrowed as he stared me down across the table. For some reason, this man made me nervous. 

"Indeed." he said plainly. "Mr. Sallow, what are your plans after Hogwarts?"

"Sebastian, please. The three of us are trying to do the Auror Programme together." I said, gesturing to Ominis and Juliette. "It's pretty selective, though."

"Auror?" Juliette's mother looked to her for an explanation. 

"It's basically like a police or military force for the wizarding world, mum."

Her dad's brow furrowed. "A police officer? Our Juliette? Sounds like a dangerous job for a gentle ballerina, you wouldn't hurt a fly."

I couldn't contain myself and snort-laughed, nearly spitting out my drink.

Suddenly everyone at the table was looking at me. A felt a sharp kick to my ankle under the table, presumably from Juliette. Her father looked even more suspicious of me as he raised an eyebrow.

Time to turn on the charm. 

"Well, sir, your daughter is quite talented with defensive and offensive magic. She gives me a run for my money." I elbowed Juliette playfully but she just looked at me apprehensively from the corner of her eye. My smile faded and I returned to my dinner. 

Did I say something wrong?

After I helped Mrs. Fontaine clear the table, she rushed over to the Christmas tree and returned with three small parcels. Each addressed to one of us. 

"I know it's only Christmas Eve, but I want each of you to have a little gift to open early!"

"No, ma'am, you didn't have to-"

"We couldn't, this is too much-"

Ominis and I tried to protest but she was hearing none of it as she raised a finger to silence us. 

"I insist. You get to take care of my Juliette all year, let me give you each a little something in return," she said as she plopped the gifts into our hands. 

I smiled as I accepted the gift. Mrs. Fontaine's warm, brown eyes matched her daughter's. I was starting to prefer them to the daggers that her father's eyes were still sending my way.