In the Shadow of Regret (Sebastian Sallow Story)

Chapter Twenty-Six | War Between My Head and My Heart

THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SEXUAL CONTENT! THE CHARACTERS ARE AGED UP AND IF THIS TYPE OF CONTENT IS UNCOMFORTABLE PLEASE SKIP.

The last few days before returning to Hogwarts don't go by nearly as fast as I'd hoped. Especially with the ongoing silent treatment I've been receiving from Sirona.

Although I predicted some form of repercussion for my sudden disappearance, this is by far one of my most unusual.

To put it lightly, Sirona has been refusing to speak to me.

I have tried on several occasions to apologize for running off, but she continuously ignores my efforts. At this point, I would much rather her scream and shout at me than to endure more of her silent torture.

I finish collecting the last of my things, when a sudden knock is heard at the door. I turn my attention to the door and watch as Sirona lets herself in.

"Mr. Hill dropped these off," she says, placing my packages on the bed. I was planning on stopping by Gladrags to pick them up, but looks like Mr. Hill beat me to it.

"Thank you," I answer, picking them up and placing them in my suitcase.

"Is there anything else you think you need?"

"No," I answer, my words sounding a lot sharper than I intended. "You needn't pretend to care, it's not like it is going to make this conversation any less awkward."

"Excuse me?" She retorts, crossing her arms. I look her way, and give her a confused look. Seriously, What did she expect? That I would kiss up to her after she spent that last three days ignoring me.

"What?" I snap, "You haven't spoken to me in days. Any attempts I have made to apologize to you, have all been ignored. So I apologize if I'm not jumping at the chance to speak to you."

I return my attention to packing my things, ignoring as Sirona approaches.

"Do you have any idea how worried I've been?" She scoffs, raising her voice to match mine. "You don't get to just run off, to Merlin knows where, and expect there to be no consequences! And in case you weren't aware, you were gone for three days. Three days in which I spent worried for your safety. Worried that Harlow, or whoever, might've done something to you..."

"You don't need you to worry for me—"

"But I do! and as your guardian, it is my job to look after you! That is what I agreed to when I brought you home!"

Sirona turns her back to me, frustration evident in the way she paces back and forth. I have never seen Sirona this angry, and for a minute I almost regret speaking out. Almost, because regardless of how valid her feelings are, she should've just talked to me instead of letting her anger fester inside. Had addressed the issue sooner, we wouldn't be here angry with one another.

"Have I disappointed you?" She asks, her question visibly catching off guard. "And has the freedom I've allowed you been insufficient in some way? Because I have tried my best to provide you with the freedom, you sure as hell wouldn't have had with Professor Weasley. And not only that, but allowed you to keep your secrets with little to no questioning on my part... so with that being said, have my efforts truly been insufficient to you?"

For once, I am at a loss for words... she is right, regardless of how angry I am at how she chose to handle this situation, She has been far more patient with me than I care to admit. At least for right now. Shit, I hate it when she's right... "No. They haven't," I finally give in. "I should've been more mindful on letting you know where I was and for that I am sorry. I will try to be better."

"I don't want you to try, I want you to be better. Or else you could find somewhere else to stay."

"I'll be better," I promise.