Only The Beginning

We can't be friends

Olive was surprised when she had received an owl from Sebastian requesting her presence at a mine located just north of Upper Hogsfield. It had a sound of urgency, so she scooped up her books quickly and dashed out of the library, making an excuse to Natty that she had forgotten she agreed to meet Professor Fig. A flash of annoyance shot through her as she approached on her broom, watching Sebastian lounging on a rock flipping lazily through a book.

"Ah, there you are, that was quick." His tone was nonchalant.

"Well, you made it seem like there was danger." Irritation laced in her voice.

"Huh... Anyway. With all the stuff that happened with Ominis and my uncle and the catacomb, I forgot to tell you that I recognized the location we saw in that triptych."

"Right... Speaking of the catacomb, I think we should talk about it-"

"Theres nothing to talk about. My uncle will see reason. He cannot keep me from my own home or my sister." His voice was low, Olive let it be not wanting to upset him further. "Now about the triptych. Where we're standing right now is the view that was painted on it, but that's not all. I was taking a peek around while I waited for you to get here, and I noticed a mine shaft that was absolutely crawling with Ranrok's lot. Seems most of them have cleared out now, but I think we should take a look."

"Do you think they could be connected? The triptych and the mine? Something like Rookwood castle and Isadora's home in Feldcroft?" Olive questioned

"Could be, there's only one way to find out, you up for it?" Sebastian had a mischievous glint in his eye.

Olive hesitated for a moment, afraid of the consequences of putting Sebastian in front of more goblins after what happened last time, "Okay, but we need to try and avoid any conflict. We are just here to investigate."

"Have you gone soft?" Olive gave him a pointed look and he raised his hands in defeat, "Alright, alright, I was just joking.... But if one of those things comes at me all bets are off." She rolled her eyes and started off ahead of him down the hill to the opening of the mine shaft.

"Just trying to see if you've gotten rusty in the art of sneaking around."

Sebastian chuckled trailing after her, "I invented it, love."

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Olive groaned as they entered the mine only to be surrounded by spiderwebs. "Why is it every place we enter is overrun with spiders?"

"Can't imagine why you're afraid, they have so many endearing qualities like the grotesque fangs, eight hairy legs incase two wasn't enough, oh and can't forget those lovely black beaty eyes." He stated with a flippant sarcasm, "Seriously though, don't offer me up as sacrifice again if we run into one."

"Really? That was one time."

"And once was enough." Sebastian moved in front of her, leading them deeper into the mine, clearing the path of webs as he went. They settled into a comfortable silence before he spoke again, "So... My uncle. What did he say to you?" Sebastian didn't turn to look at her, afraid to see the truth written on Olive's face.

"He was upset, he said you weren't welcome back home..." Sebastian's shoulders sagged slightly before straightening again, "He also said... That if he found out that either of us were using dark magic again, he would go to headmaster and then the ministry. I think he was being serious, Sebastian."

"What was I supposed to do! That curse saved Anne's life. He's all talk, nothing to be worried about. I will find the cure for Anne and then he'll apologize." Olive remained quiet.