A/N: That awkward moment when you haven't updated in almost two years. It's like that neopet you had when you were twelve and went back to check if it's alive and surprisingly it hasn't starved to death! I feel like I now need to pick up my little baby fanfic an swaddle it up and apologize profusely for ignoring it for so long! Long story short, life happens. I put this story on the back burner, then accidentally donated the proverbial stove to Goodwill and forgot about it... but I'm back now with renewed vigor for this story :). I can't promise how often I'll be able to update but it is my intention to finish this creative love-child of mine :D. Welcome back!
P.S. Please bear with me, I haven't written in forever. My skills are tad rusty, but I'll do my best :D
DISCLAIMER: Despite my forever long hiatus I still do not own Harry Potter.
(Updated Version:7/23/18)
-Albus-
"I can't believe that the fearless Essex Champion who took on a graphorn, no less, is afraid of revolving doors!" Americans have got to be some of the strangest sort. If it weren't for Dad being raised muggle and Granddad Weasley I'd probably have no clue what she was even talking about. You wouldn't find anything like a revolving door in Diagon Alley. I strangle down a chuckle when an image of Hagrid trying to use them.
During lunch, we had somehow gotten onto the subject of what boggarts appear to us as and the conversation was still going as we made our way down to the dungeons for our Advanced Potions class. So far, she was winning with the strangest one, however mine was a close second.
"Hey, you promised not to laugh at me duck boy." Sawyer claims, jabbing me in the ribs for good measure.
"I said I would try, I have no recall of making any promises." I taunt poking her back, she yelps loudly and tries to give me her best scowl. But it comes across more as an angry puppy to me. "Besides ducks are diabolical bastards." She almost trips from laughing.
"In her defense, I will say there is a valid reason for her fear. There was a traumatizing experience when she was a kid." Although his voice says he's serious, one look at Sebastian's face and you know that he's trying to hold in the laughter.
"Do tell Blondie?" Scorpius prods at her grinning broadly. He's set on using that nickname with her despite the fact that he's practically albino his hair is so light in color.
"Another time maybe." She's blushing for the umpteenth time, I'm surprised the dame isn't in a constant state of redness. "it would take too long and we're almost to the classroom." True, the potions room is just down the next hallway and Professor Higgs is known for starting class precisely on time.
"Well it's better than Rose's, hers takes on the form of a failing grade." I point out. "Dad says it's the same thing Aunt Hermoine used to deal with." In response Rose shrugs in acceptance straightening out her knapsack.
"What can I say, I'm dedicated to education." We all snort at that, leave it to Rose to get her knickers in a twist over a grade.
"Alright Scorp, time for you to divulge your dirty little secret." Isabelle prompts him as she darts out in front of the group to walk backwards, effectively out of Scorpius's reach as well. "If you don't tell them they're going to assume that its hair gel being banned."
"Ha ha very funny." Scorpius retorts, taking a deep breath I know he's considering on whether to tell them or not. It's one of the very few things that he's actually embarrassed of. "Birds" he finally says somberly.
"Birds?!" Sebastian sputters out. "How can you possibly be afraid of birds, you have a pet owl!" The rest of us are already aware of this, but not him and Sawyer.
"Apparently it's a Slytherin requirement to be irrationally afraid of avian creatures." Rose says smugly.
"Let me clarify, not just any bird. But crows, pigeons, ravens." He states simply as if it were obvious. "Especially in swarms, the thought of them attacking me..." Shuddering at the thought, Scorpius stops to open the door for the rest of us.
"So, I take it you're no fan of Poe then?" I hear Sawyer ask him as we shuffle through the entry. He doesn't answer but I catch him smirking at her. Who or what is a Poe? Before I can question this we all disperse begrudgingly to our different seats. Sawyer and I are the only ones that are working together, everyone else got paired off with someone outside of our little gang. Except it's not quite so little any more, horde is more like it.
"Congratulations to Ms. Grayson and Mr. Malfoy you both concocted your antidotes beautifully, you did an old Potions Master proud. Now while yes it was a thrilling weekend, it is time to focus on something as equally exciting; the Polyjuice Potion." Professor Higgs effectively ceases all chatter, right on the dot. "By now I hope you have all collected the necessary ingredients, and if not." He pauses dramatically. "You're out of luck." Taking a moment to assess the students, no one is shuffling around or acting ashamed. "Good since none of you seem on the brink of tears I can assume you were successful. As you all should well know, the Polyjuice Potion takes a month to brew. Hopefully you were observant enough to purchase the fluxweed picked at the full moon, anything else will ruin the potion. Now with this added luxury how long should this brew take?"
Across the room I see Rose's hand shoot into the air. "Yes Ms. Weasley."
"Twenty-one days sir." At the tilt of his eyebrows she continues on. "The lacewing flies have to be stewed for twenty-one days prior to the actual brewing of the potion."
"Quite right, five points to Gryffindor." Lucky chit, he's in a good mood. "We'll begin this process today. This will not leave for much activity for the potion over the next twenty-one days." There's a soft scraping noise as he enchants the chalk to write across the board. Great, more assignments. "That being said you and your partner will be allowed to select a potion of your own choosing to brew during this waiting period. The potions listed are my suggestions, for they have yet to be covered and maybe a part of the N.E.W.T.S. But if you have other curiosities, make your proposal by the end of the class and I will consider them. Once you have started stewing your lacewing flies and chosen a potion you are dismissed. By the next class I expect a scroll on your selected potion to be turned in."
"Well my dear Sawyer what do you think?" Plucking the lacewing flies phial off the table I remove the cork, nasty things smell awful. "Obviously we won't want to pick anything too complicated because I have no intentions of working on it over break. But a potion too simple wouldn't earn that good of marks. Maybe we should select one not listed, broaden our horizons." Her lack of interruption finally has me realizing she's not paying the slightest bit of attention. "Our we could brew Amortentia. You could quit pretending that you're not in love with me and I'd have my wicked way with you." Nope, nothing.
Sawyer still just sits there dazing off to her own little world. It's obvious that something has got her down. Normally a comment like that would have earned me a good thwacking. "Why so glum chum?" I gently elbow my partner, perhaps mention of the break put her in a mood. Rose said something about how she was upset about not seeing her family during the holidays. At last my prodding has Sawyer turn my way, full pink lips form into a sad half smile and she tilts her eyebrows up. She knows that I know.
"This will be my first Christmas not at home, just a little sad is all." She shrugs explaining in a dull tone.
"Well my dear Sawyer, as your glorious and wonderful new friend who is also your glorious potions partner I am taking it upon myself, as my personal goal to cheer you up."
"Now what exactly is a Poe? Sounds like a weird fruit?" Smiling a little bit more fully she starts setting out the cauldrons. But her smile stops, and I don't miss the narrowing of her eyes before a small fist slugs me in the arm.
"We're not brewing Amortentia you perv." Guess she heard me after all.
x (Sebastian's Perspective) x
With the cauldron at the lowest heat possible I carefully pour the contents of the lacewing phial into the container. If it weren't for Professor Higgs' tight schedule this project would be all over the place. Even though we were just required to have the ingredients today, he already had us getting started.
The Polyjuice Potion is one of the most complicated recipes I've ever worked with. which is saying a lot considering that my Dad is a renowned American potioneer and all my free time at home was spent messing around in his personal lab. I've lost more than my fair share of eyebrows. But this is a first dealing with something quite so intense. Twenty-one days is a long time for prepping an ingredient, not even brewing it yet. That was my first clue to all the fun this was going to be.
"Okay so that's taken care of." I say double checking that the flame is only going to have it at a slow simmer. "Any ideas on what other potion we should brew?" Glancing over to my partner, only to find her staring fixedly just past my left shoulder. "Um hello? Ivy."
"Sorry Sebastian." Ivy murmurs halfheartedly, shaking her head minimally she focuses back to our table. "What were you saying?" A smile slides back onto her features. But it doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"The new assignment, we either have to pick one of those potions." I gesture vaguely towards the board. "Or pick one of our own choosing, that Higgs isn't likely to shoot down." I try to keep my tone as friendly as possible, but this is the fourth time I've caught her daydreaming.
"Oh yeah." She responds flipping her glossy black hair over her shoulder and directs her attention towards the list. Ivy is Lexi's host, she's in Slytherin with Albus and Scorpius. When they aren't hanging out with Gryffindors I've seen her around them a few times. It's hard not to see the similarities between her and Lex. She's like a shorter, more compact, ethnic and toned down version of her. Both seem concerned with the same issues, like their hair or how short her skirt can be without getting reprimanded for it. Despite all this she's actually pretty likable once she lets down the facade she tries to maintain. Hard thing to hold onto when you're spending several days hitting the books and collecting ingredients.
"Hiccoughing Solution seems straightforward, but maybe not the most exciting potion." Ivy nods and seems to be reading through the short list again.
"Kind of a snooze if you ask me, Everlasting Elixir could be a nice challenge." Along with those two, Draught of Living Death, Shrinking Solution, and Elixir to Induce Euphoria. "Well how about this, why don't flip through book, see if anything tickles our fancy, and go from there."
"Sounds like a plan to me." Her responding smile is dazzling. Grabbing our copies of Advanced Potion Making we settle in to find something.
After a few moments of hearing her flip through the pages I'm confident that she's now invested to the task. Pivoting slightly in my seat, I try to see what had her so captivated during class. Since we are towards the middle, there's plenty of distractions all around. The dust motes floating around the dimly lit cauldrons throughout the room. Or maybe the fact that Isabelle looks like she's about three seconds away from strangling her partner. I catch myself trying not to laugh at that one, Isabelle is so much like Emmy it's terrifying to think of them ever meeting. Beyond them is Scorpius and Jocelyn. Even from this distance I know that she's working efficiently and effectively. I would never admit this to Sawyer but she's one of the best people you can have as a partner. Must be the Warren qualities in her and Sawyer tends to have a short attention span. Quickly looking back at Ivy, I see that she's still fixed on the book. Good I can return to my people watching.
Well that's weird, normally Scorpius takes his work seriously. He's more fidgety that usual, did they spill something toxic? A peal of laughter breaks through the sound of tinkering glass and the stirring of cauldrons. Without even checking I know that it's Sawyer, after so many years of hearing it I recognize it automatically. Scorpius tenses up and subtly shifts in his seat. To anyone else it would look like he's adjusting but he's directly angled to watch Sawyer. Hmmm interesting, his gaze stays on her for several seconds past what would just be curiosity.
She's completely oblivious to all of this of course. That's Sawyer for you, awkward through and through, she has no capacity for flirting. Which is also why she doesn't recognize when someone likes her. There was talk in the guy's dorm about all the girls who were considered 'rankable', Jason and Michael's terminology not mine. Her name popped up with all the others, I know a few of the guys were interested but none made it obvious for her to ever notice.
Shifting my gaze forward I see that Ivy has her book partially closed and is fixed at the point over my shoulder again. Following her line of sight, I figure it out, she's watching Scorpius watch Sawyer.
This is why I avoid all things considered romance.
"Ahem." I clear my throat, trying not to startle her. Well at least I tried, she jumps slightly like a spooked mooncalf as she turns back to me. "Is everything alright?" Having sisters, I know what it looks like when a girl is upset over a crush.
"But of course." She answers perkily tossing her hair yet again. Does she have that set to a timer?
"You seem distracted?
"Just trying to observe the latest gossip" Laughter bubbles up, but I'm not buying it. "You know Sebastian, I was thinking." Leaning into me she adjusts herself, propping her elbows up on the table. "The Yule Ball is going to be here before we know it." I'm not sure how she manages to get even closer without actually touching me.
"I'm not entirely certain I know what the Yule Ball is." With the way she has her arms positioned on the table its making it hard to be a gentleman and ignore her more womanly features. But I try my best all the same.
"Just your usual celebratory event, a formal meal, fine clothing, a proper dance." Ivy manages to say all of this like it's a scandalous invitation.
"Well I'm sure that will prove to interesting." Gulping nervously, I begin to organize all of the material scattered across the table. I stack all of the books together and use a quick spell to clean up the dirty mortar and pestle. When I reach for the brass scales that are on her side I feel a sudden pressure against my forearm.
"It's practically a crime to attend without a date." She's dragging a finger tauntingly up and down my arm were my sleeve is rolled up. Batting her brown eyes at me she smiles slowly. Uhhh.
"So, find anything worth trying in the book. I think the Dogbreath Potion could be an option." Despite the misleading name, it actually causes the user to breathe fire. "Or maybe the Mandrake Restorative Draught, granted that means one of us would have to be petrified to determine whether we were successful or not."
I watch as she noticeably deflates at my determined academic based conversation, ignoring the obvious invitation being offered. It only lasts for a moment before she's going on about how that seems like an excellent choice. Ivy adds in that the Truth Serum had caught her eye. We write the three down and find Higgs to run our suggestions past him. After glancing over the list of ones we'd like to attempt he encourages us to go for the Mandrake Restorative Draught, an ambitious potion. Well that's class for us then. I head back to the table to gather my stuff.
"I'll finish cleaning up if you want to go on ahead."
"I don't mind helping." The response is husky but she's not touching me anymore. Risking it to look up I see that she's not even paying attention to me specifically. Her gaze is trained on Sawyer, Albus, Rose, Isabelle and Scorpius getting ready to leave. We were one of the last to decide on a potion. They linger near the door waiting for me, I gesture to my desk shrugging.
"Really go on, I got this." I urge her on.
"If you say so." She agrees, carelessly she tosses all of her belongings into her overly sized purse that she uses as a backpack. "Thanks Sebastian you're the best." Ivy puts her slender tan arms around me in a quick hug before rushing out the door, just on the heels of Albus and them leaving. Good luck to her and whatever that is she has going on. I can't keep up with her mood swings.
Almost everyone is gone from the classroom at this point as I take the time to finish cleaning it all up and put my quills and scrolls of paper back into my messenger bag. "Have a good evening Professor Higgs." I wave to him as he shuffles through a stack of items on his desk.
"Oh yes, thank you. You too Mr. Quinn." I close the door behind me since I'm the last student to leave. No classes for the rest of the day, might as well head to the dorm and see what everyone else is up to.
"What in the actual hell do you think you're doing?" The screech echoes off of the dungeon halls, I'm grateful that I took my time leaving the class, no one else is around. Sighing deeply, I face her.
"Hello to you too Lex, currently I'm headed back to my dorm." She stands haughtily behind me, hands perched on her hips. I must have walked past her and not even noticed that she was pressed up against the wall. I'm afraid to ask what has her all ruffled "What's up?"
"What's up? What's up?!"
"Um yes?" I wonder what has her so upset?
"I saw that slut coming onto you, and you want to stand here and act like nothing happened?!"
"What are you talking about?" While she is known for me being dramatic, and yes conniving this is the first it's ever been directed at me since I was twelve.
"Ivy was all over you, don't play dumb with me." She stamps her foot to add to her point. What is even happening here? I'm so confused.
"She was not and don't insult your host" I tell her patiently. Out of all my years of knowing Lex, I've learned that reacting to her aggressively only fuels her fire. "She's my potions partner, obviously she's going to be close to me. And unfortunately, I have never mastered legilimency, so we can't communicate that way either. But why does this matter anyways?"
"Oh please, don't act like it was all for the sake of education." She bites off the words as if they're acidic to her mouth and completely disregards my question. Her hands are perched on her hips in that classic 'don't start with me' pose.
I can see her firing up for round two and if I want to get any words in, now will be the time. "Despite all that, even if she was and we decided to go at it right in the middle of class. It would be none of your Merlin damned business." Yes, Lex has paid more attention to me over the past few years, and if I'm being honest been overly flirty. I've just politely tolerated it, never encouraged or returned the feeling.
"Like hell it isn't my business!" Her shrill voice echoes against the stone walls. Then it hits me, all the years of her viciously attacking my friends, me, and just people in general and I've had enough of it.
"We aren't together. Have never been together. And will never be together." I say each word slowly. So much for remaining calm and maintaining my composure. "Whatever deranged little world your mind has been residing in, it's time for it to end its vacation and return to reality. Where everyone else is entirely aware that we are not a thing."
Her chest is heaving from deep breaths, she's really worked up about this. "You know what, that's just fine." Lex's tone says its anything but fine. "I've been bored with you. I have higher prizes in mind. And you clearly have no taste, if you find it acceptable to spend your time with mudblood swine." Sneering this last part as if I'd done something so disgusting and terrible that it's offensive to even mention it.
I feel nothing but rage at such a demeaning and ignorant word, especially used for someone who is very important to me "Do you even-"
"I'm done with you." Before I can react, she's swinging her hand that I hadn't noticed was holding a wand. "Silencio." She saunters past me smirking like the evil she-devil she can be. Completely thrown off, I just stare after her disappearing figure. Soon after the dungeon halls are completely empty. I can't believe she just used a silencing charm against me?! That delusional harpy! At least by the time I make it up to Gryffindor tower it should lose its potency. Making my ways through the halls I can't help but think about how much Lexi has changed. Despite how she treats others she hasn't always been this cruel and bitter. We go way back. Our families are known for their 'elite status', so we grew up going to the same dull holiday parties, private schools that catered to the young witch and wizard, and etiquette classes. She's always had a bratty side to her, but still sweet in some ways. I didn't really notice a change in her until we started at Essex's, the moment we were sorted into different houses it's like someone flipped a switch. What happened to her to make her become such a bitch? I hate to say it, but that's what she is.
Without realizing it I've found myself at the Fat Lady portrait, I'd somehow managed to get myself here on autopilot, thank Merlin for my sense of direction. It's a miracle I didn't run over any first years. I go to say the password "chartreuse." when I realize that the silencing charm is still in effect. You've got to be kidding me.
"Password?" The Fat Lady asks in a bored manner. I shake my head at her. "Young man you must say the password if you have any intention of entering." Throwing my hands up in exasperation I reach down for my bag, maybe I could write it down. "Verbal passwords only." She continues sternly when she notices my movements. I'm considering leaving to go spend time in the library when some third year comes up and squeaks the password.
The girl stares at me as she steps through the door that just swung open. She stumbles through and turns redder than a fire crab and scuttles away not looking back. Why are all females acting flustered around me today? Is there something in the water? Making my way into the common room I see a few people scattered amongst the lounging furniture.
"Hey mate, I was wondering where you had toddled off to" Lysander addresses me from one of the many deep red couches closest to the crackling fire. I go to speak but still don't have the ability just yet. He peaks over his copy of the Daily Prophet, his eyebrows raising higher with each passing second. "Sawyer said you should have been right behind her." Still nothing "What's the matter, kneazle got your tongue?"
Reaching into my bag I grab a scrap of paper and a quill. SILENCING CHARM. I scrawl across it hastily and hand it over to him. His eyes squint at the paper, then looks at it again, then back at me. "No shite? Who would do that to such a swell bloke?" I go for another piece of paper when he abruptly stands up. "Oi just stay here a moment." Without waiting he dashes up the stairs towards the dorm, he returns shortly after panting slightly. "This should do the trick."
He hands over a decorative small tin that easily fits in the palm of my hand, Blather-Balm a Weasley Wizard's Wheezes product. I'm familiar with the company but not this product. Shrugging I twist the little lid off, the inside is a brightly blue colored paste. It smells like blue licorice; not entirely sure I should trust something coming from a joke store. Might as well go for it. There's an instant cooling sensation, it fizzes briefly then stops completely. Hesitantly I sound out a few words, it works! "Thanks man, Merlin only knows how long that would have lasted."
"Yeah I've been on the shafted end of that charm more than a few times." He admits sheepishly taking the container back from me "The blue lips should fade in a few minutes." At least it's better than not being able to talk. "So what trouble could a golden boy like you have gotten into, you wouldn't hurt a bowtruckle."
"I'm not really sure I did anything to be honest."
"Ah, females then?" I nod dropping myself onto one of the nearby plush chairs. "Was it Isabelle, sounds like something the little minx would do for a laugh."
"Oi, what am I being accused of?" Isabelle slumps herself into the chair next to me, her unruly black curls bouncing with the movement. She tosses the pillow that was there at Lysander's face before turning my way her honey eyes widen. "Blue lips, silencing charm?"
"Bingo."
"Yeah not my handy work." Her gaze stays just a few moments longer. "Well anyways I was wondering if I could count you two tossers in on a trip to Hogsmeade this weekend. A few of us are trying to get up to some good wholesome shenanigans."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." Lysander answers waggling his eyebrows at her.
"Count us in." After giving Lysander an obscene gesture, she throws me a grin.
"Excellent, well I'll see you around mates." And with that she's off just as quickly as she came.
"So, unless you really pissed off Sawyer, and she just did a good job of acting, which I doubt." True Sawyer is a terrible liar, and acting doesn't work for her either. Her emotions are pretty transparent for the most part. "Who did do this to you?"
"Alexandria." I admit defeatedly.
"Say no more."
A/N: Woo-hoo a new chapter! It only took forever and a day, but its finally here. Since its been forever since I have written I decided to try a different perspective, Sebastian's. Which I'm pretty sure someone requested, anywhos. It was certainly different. Because I haven't personally figured him out as a character it was a little weird to write from his POV. What did you all think? Feedback is what makes me grow and smile and think happy thoughts. Actually it just makes me a better writer :D Welp that's it, hope you enjoyed it dearies! All of my theoretical love! Until next time (which should be soon because a large portion of the next chapter is already written out)