Better Than Blue [Sebastian Sallow]

VII.

❝You'll change your name or change your mind, and leave this fucked up place behind. But I'll know. ❞

October 2, 1890

" There must be another way!" Ominous protested, his voice quivering with fear and anger.

Valeria shook her head. " There isn't. Sebastian must do this." She reaffirmed as Sebastian stared at her with hesitant eyes.

" Valeria... Please I dragged you into this. There is no reason for you to take this pain for us." He said, shaking his head. " You need to cast it on me."

She took a breath. " Sebastian I... I'm not strong enough to cast a spell like that yet." She reaffirmed. " I barely learned the basic spells you learned as a 1st and 2nd year, earlier this summer."

He eyed her cautiously. She didn't look afraid. Internally though, she was terrified. She felt like her legs would collapse at any moment. The only thing keeping her steady was the reassurance with herself that she was not going to die. The crucio curse was only painful. She'd endured pain before.

" I can handle it. We need to get out, Sallow." She said in a firm tone.

Sebastian stared at her for another moment before sighing and running a frustrated hand through his hair. He barely knew her and she was so willing to offer herself to take this pain. Though it was his own fault they were in this mess to begin with.

But he needed to get to the scriptorium. He needed to find something to help his sister.

" I shall never forget this." he said apologetically as she took a step back from him. Still not showing fear. It perplexed him. Made him even more nervous.

This new 5th year was odd beyond her circumstances to him. She must not have truly understand the amount of pain this would cause her.

He had no clue that In reality she was terrified.

" Ready...?" He asked slowly as he raised his wand.

She nodded, with a defiant expression. Taking a small breath.

" I'm ready."

•••••«»•••••

Walking past the Slytherin common room she couldn't help but smile to herself as the slithering door opened. And shut as she passed.

She'd spent a long week answering questions for the ministry over the ashwinder attack. Some of which were pointed at what magic she used to beckon nature to work in her favor.

Of course all she had to say was she was an Unspeakable and must not speak of it, of course. Just another reason taking up the profession was a good idea. Her ancient magic abilities could be waved off a lot easier when it came to any authority.

And luckily, to her, she had no further run-ins with Sebastian. Since he had helped when Ashwinders attacked, she'd done well to avoid him. Irritated by their conversation. It felt like whenever she saw him, she felt her heart explode with various emotions. Anger, sadness, longing, resentment.

It had been ten bloody years and all he had done thus far was lecture her about her actions.

A part of her considered stepping away from the Herbology professor role. But her stubbornness wouldn't allow her to. She was enjoying herself. And she was enjoying how many students were gaining an interest in Herbology.

The one thing that evaded her was how Sebastian managed to secure this position. Why the ministry allowed it after deeming him their soldier. She wondered, for a moment, if he secured the professor position somehow because he knew she would be there. But she quickly waved it off. He said he intended to stay away. And the idea of this being fate, frustrated her.