Chapter 3
Here I was, sitting in my own living room, unable to move or say a word as I became the target of an Imperius Curse; one cast by my former - can't stress that enough - best friend.
I'd laugh if he'd let me.
I had tried to fight off the curse, willing my body to do my bidding instead of his, but apparently he had gotten quite proficient with it. Figures.
All I could do now was to continue to glare at him and listen to what he had to say. Just like he wanted me to.
"It's nice to finally have your undivided attention. Though you should know I wouldn't have done it if you'd just listened. I guess you always knew how to get that kind of reaction out of me," he sighed, pouring himself another drink.
Sure, help yourself to my Firewhisky, you sorry little―
"So, first things first: I got these scars while freeing a juvenile Chinese Fireball from Thompson's men. The little bugger didn't know how to aim properly."
Sebastian must have seen the incredulous look in my eyes, for he added, "You can believe me or not. You don't happen to have a Pensieve around here somewhere? It would make things a lot easier,"
I shook my head.
"Ah well, that would have been too easy," he groaned. "Alright, so as I was saying, I wound up with Oliver Thompson to protect you and Ominis, whether you like it or not. However, I didn't do it only for the two of you to fulfil your dreams of becoming Aurors; no, the two of you can be a tremendous pain in the arse even without being the Ministry's lapdogs."
I narrowed my eyes at him, willing my hand to slap him in the face, in vain.
"Was there something you wanted to say?" Sebastian asked, smirking, despite the daggers flying out of my eyes. "No, didn't think so."
He averted his eyes once more, staring into the fire. "Thompson had a plan. A plan involving the Ancient Magic currently only you can wield. He wanted to kill you and take it from you. I couldn't let him do that."
Even though I had listened to every word he said, I still didn't understand a thing. How would that even be possible? The Keepers never warned me about something like that. Surely Sebastian was mistaken.
"I know what you're thinking, but it's true. Thompson hasn't only recruited poachers but Dementors as well. He found bits and pieces of some ritual which can transfer your inert magic into himself with the help of those foul creatures. I found out the true extent of his intentions only weeks ago. Then I went to― confront him."
Kill him, you mean… I thought grimacing.
"As you might think, that confrontation didn't go as planned," he continued, indicating to the scar now adorning his right cheek. "I was forced to leave, however, not without taking some of his tomes and relics with me. And within these tomes lies the answer I've searched for, for years. In there, there's a way to repair the Relic Uncle Solomon has destroyed, and in there, there is a way to cure Anne and rectify my past mistakes."
And there it was; the most admirable yet dangerous thing about Sebastian Sallow, that unwavering determination, no matter the odds, no matter the costs.
It was that determination that had always drawn me to him, that spark in his eyes that had made me follow him into arachnid-infested caves and mines teeming with crazed goblins.
For a moment, it made me forget that I was still under his spell, unable to contradict him in any way.
"I've been on the run from Thompson's lackeys for two weeks now. I've led them on several false trails around the country and the continent so that they'll lose my trail. They don't know I'm here; I wouldn't put you in any danger because of me; I've done that enough in the past."
You can say that again! I thought, pursing my lips.
However, if I was being sincere, I had also put him in danger, and not once had Sebastian uttered a word of complaint. On the contrary, he was always ready to charge at anything thrown into our path.
The both of us were crouching behind the huge stone boulder, peering into the camp of Ranrok's loyalists.
"Seven-to-two. Three for you and four for me," Sebastian whispered, a sly smirk on his lips.
"Someone's quite cocky today," I retorted, unable to hide my grin.
"Only realistic. After all, aren't you actually a first-year? And doesn't that make me somehow your senior?"
I rolled my eyes at him.
"Saying you can take on three of them is me believing in your duelling skills," he added with a wink.
I sighed. I hadn't planned on bringing someone with me into this mess, and by the looks of it, we were about to poke our wands into a hornet's nest.
That boy didn't even know what he was getting himself into. I had only told him I was trying to find out about the alliance between Ranrok and Rookwood. In my opinion, that alone should have been reason enough for him to stay away from me, but apparently, Sallow had a taste for danger.
Maybe he would have stayed away had I told him the true extent of peril we were facing.
I hadn't told him about my rare ability to see and cast Ancient Magic yet, and I was still uncertain if I should. After all, Professor Fig had advised me not to, and Sallow was a fellow Slytherin, a rather cunning and resourceful one at that. Who knew what he'd do with that kind of information?
Before I could form another thought, one of the goblins had already spotted us.
"Looky here. Some wizard pups poking their little noses where they shouldn't. This lesson will end deadly for ya."
"Get down! Confringo!" Sebastian bellowed beside me, pushing me to the ground and blasting the goblin off the nearby cliff.
Apparently, the time for subtlety was over.
Four archers, armed with heavy crossbows, and two furious axe-wielders were left, one of which was about to split open Sebastian's head.
"Levioso!" I shouted, making the goblin fly into the air.
Sebastian gave me an acknowledging wink. "Depulso!" He yelled, thus throwing the hovering goblin over the cliff to join his comrade.
The crossbow bolt grazed my shoulder, making me yelp in surprise and shifting my focus to the archers.
"It's her! It's that little witch who killed our trolls in Hogsmeade. Ranrok wants that one for himself." The shooter grunted at his companions.
The look Sebastian was giving the goblin was deadly.
With s flick of his wand, he disarmed him. "Diffindo," he hissed, slashing the goblin into pieces.
While focused on the crossbowmen, he didn't notice the last axe-wielder's charge. 'Bloody―' I cursed in my mind, shouting, "Expelliarmus!"
The axe flew out of the goblin's hands and into the air.
Instinctively I tapped into the Ancient Magic, bringing the axe down on the little bastard and cutting his head off in the process.
My aim had improved, apparently...
Meanwhile, Sebastian had taken care of yet another crossbowman, now having the full attention of the remaining two goblins.
As they were about to take their shots at him, I summoned two lightning bolts out of the sky, frying them to piles of ashes.
After a quick look around the camp, I let out a breath. We were alone once again.
"Are you injured?" I asked over my shoulder. When I got no answer, I turned around. "Sebastian?"
Sebastian Sallow looked me up and down, arms crossed in front of his chest and raising an inquisitive eyebrow.
"So… care to tell me what the bloody Hell that was?"
I grimaced, "Quite the fight, huh?"
"Yeah… especially the part where you casually fried those two goblins by conjuring lightning out of the empty sky!"
"About that… maybe I should've told you sooner, but I didn't know how you'd react―
"Try me," he interrupted while striding over to me.
"I can cast and see Ancient Magic. I found out when the dragon attacked the carriage on my way to Hogwarts. I don't know why I have that ability nor how, but I know that Ranrok and Rookwood are interested in it."
Sebastian continued to stare at me for some moments. What I would give to know what was going on inside his head.
"Well, you had already piqued my curiosity with your duelling skills, but now you have my interest. I'd like to see this through with you if you'll let me," he finally said.
I nodded. After seeing him handle himself in a real fight outside the castle's walls, I knew he'd be up to the task.
He took another step, closing the space between us. "But, no more secrets, alright?" he imparted, adding, "And after I now know one of yours, I'll show you one of mine. I want you to meet my sister Anne."
That came as a surprise but not an unwelcome one.
"Of course," I agreed immediately.
Sebastian smiled warmly at me. "Are you up for a bit of broom riding? Maybe we'll even spot some of Ranrok's camps on the way and have a little more fun?" he mused, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
His― peculiar idea of fun should have made my sense of self-preservation kick in, but alas, that sense was always in deep slumber whenever I was around him.
Sebastian had stopped talking, absentmindedly staring into the fireplace, thus allowing me to take another good look at him.
He was still wearing the teal-green cape over what seemed like some sort of leather armour. His brown locks were messy, to say the least, adding to his already rugged look.
Dark stubble covered his scarred face, making him appear a lot older than he actually was; he was, after all, only twenty-one, the same as me. Still, when I looked at him, those last three years seemed to have been longer on his side.
His brown eyes met mine again, and I could feel his grasp on my mind waning.
"If you still want to slap me, now's the time," he whispered, smiling weakly.
That is what I should have done. I should have slapped him, cursed him, and thrown him out of my house.
Instead, I could feel my eyes well up once again, and my throat choke up. Hell, how I had missed him.
"There is a guest room right upstairs on the left. The bathroom is right next to it. Wash up, you stink," I stated, getting up from my seat and walking out of the room before he could see the tears fall.
After my eyes seemed to have finally managed to stop producing waterfalls, I let go of my drenched pillow.
Ugh… how overly dramatic.
I had barricaded myself into my own room, literally so by the use of a silencing spell, so that my late-night visitor wouldn't hear me.
I could hear the splashing of water coming from the bathroom upstairs. At least he seemed to be listening to me on that matter.
I let out a ragged breath. How could I let this happen? I shouldn't have opened the door to him, I shouldn't have invited him inside, and I definitely shouldn't have asked him to stay the night.
Merlin's beard be damned!
All I could think about now was Sebastian Sallow in my bathroom, taking a bath. Three years ago, I would have enjoyed that thought, but now, it was― ambiguous.
No, it was bad, really bad!
Damn, I wanted to slap myself for somehow still thinking like a hormone-driven teenager when it came to him.
"Stupid witch!" I cursed, tearing at my hair.
"I'll second that any day," a voice made me jump to my feet. I looked around the dimly lit room frantically.
"Over here," he called again, "Within your fireplace, Ryna."
As I walked over to the dying embers, I saw Ominis' face staring back at me. "O-Ominis, w-what in the name―" I began.
"I know it's quite late, but I had a feeling I should check up on you. There has been no owl from you in weeks," he said, sounding disappointed.
I bit my lip, "I― I didn't want to disturb you on your case; I know how demanding it can get," I explained.
"Hearing word from you never disturbs me. You should know that by now," he scolded.
My heart ached at Ominis' words. How in Merlin's name was I supposed to tell him who was under my very roof right about now? Who I let into my home late at night after he abandoned the both of us three years ago? After everything we've been through and after everything we had and could have had.
Maybe I should just keep quiet about it…
"How are you? How's work? Does Anderson still give you a hard time at the office, or has he finally decided to give you some real cases?"
"Work's fine so far, same old―" I said, trying hard not to sound too suspicious… maybe a tad bit too hard.
"You're unusually quiet. What's wrong?" he inquired after some moments, clearly sensing that something was off.
Damn him and his keen senses!
"Please don't be mad―" I began when the loud knock on my bedroom door made me whip my head around.
"Ryna, I think we still need to talk about some things," Sebastian's voice sounded through the door.
I grimaced, watching Ominis' face darken. "Stay where you are," he ordered.
"Ominis, no―" I began, but he had already vanished from the embers.
This can't be good.
"Ryna, please, I―" Sebastian began as I opened the door.
His hair was still wet from the bath, sticking to his wet forehead. But that wasn't the only thing catching my attention.
Oh my…
My mind went blank while Sebastian stood in front of me with nothing but a towel loosely tied around his hips. As he looked down at me, I could already feel my cheeks flushing red, being thankful for the dim light surrounding us.
He was doing this on purpose; I was sure of it.
"There is nothing I can say that can excuse what I did three years ago. I had to leave quickly, but that's no excuse to not have left a note, at least. As time passed, I was more and more afraid to contact you. I've been a bloody coward, and I'm so very sorry, Ryna. You and Ominis were the only people who believed I could change, the only people who stood by me, and I failed you, too."
I just stood there, watching him and the beads of water slowly trickling down his face and chest.
I was almost too distracted to notice the subtle gust of wind from the right.
"Well, that's all very touching. Now, how about you tell us what you're really after, Sallow?" Ominis' voice reached my ears.
I froze as I saw Ominis aiming his wand at Sebastian.
No, this wasn't good at all.
The stench of death was overpowering, yet it wasn't the worst thing about exploring the Feldcroft catacombs.
Every step I took, I felt like I was being watched, followed.
Sebastian, however, didn't seem to share my worries. Of course, he didn't... there was nothing to worry about spider-infested catacombs and doorways, which only opened once you piled skeletons on top of one another, was there?
I rolled my eyes.
What in Merlin's name had I been thinking of joining Sebastian in this endeavour? How on earth had he managed to convince me to help him find Salazar Sytherin's Dark Relic?
I somehow wished I had told Ominis where we were heading. At least then, someone knew where to find our corpses.
I chuckled silently; Sebastian's madness had finally infected me. Maybe Ominis could have stopped this madness?
No, who was I kidding? Nobody could stop Sallow once he set his mind on something. Had I not tagged along with him, he'd have gone on his own, and I couldn't let him do that. Not after he always had my back against Ranrok's and Rookwood's men alike.
When we entered the final vault, I heard the crawling before the armada of arachnids swooped down upon us.
Sebastian was casting spells and curses like he hadn't done anything else his entire life.
Was it weird that my heart always skipped a beat when I watched him aim his wand at an enemy?
Yes, yes, it was very, very weird.
Focus, witch!
And no, not on Sebastian Sallow's magnificent wand work or the sharp tone in his voice when casting a spell. Oh no, not on his ass either!
Ahrgh!
Giant spiders here I come!
After the last spider was felled, Sebastian strode over to the stone altar.
"The Relic, we did it!"
I grimaced. Part of me had hoped we wouldn't find it. Somehow it felt like nothing good would come out of it.
"Seb, are you sure? Maybe we should leave it?" I warned.
"Now you just sound like Ominis," he grunted, rolling his eyes.
"I'll take that as a compliment," I retorted.
It was enough that we went behind our friend's back. He didn't need to badmouth him.
"I won't leave something that important here. It could be Anne's only chance for a cure."
"You keep saying that, but it kinda just sounds like you're making excuses to practice the Dark Arts," Ominis' voice sounded from the doorway.
I knew that feeling of being followed wasn't just my imagination.
Sebastian was seething. "You followed us. If you think that you can convince me to leave without the Relic, you're gravely mistaken, Ominis."
"And if you think I'll let you descent deeper into the Dark Arts without trying to stop you, you're gravely mistaken," Ominis retorted.
Merlin's flaming pants, they were at each other's throats once again. Weren't they supposed to be friends, best friends even?
"Let's all try not to blow our lids, shall we, boys?" I said calmly, not caring how ridiculous that sounded.
"The only thing I'll be blowing up is―"
"Quiet, Sallow!" I bellowed, glaring at him.
"Fine, you talk to him. He enjoys listening to you lately."
I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him, was there a hint of jealousy in his voice?
"But tell him that's not a fight he can win."
No, that wasn't a fight either one of them could win, the price of it being their friendship. I sure wouldn't let that happen anytime soon.
As I walked over to Ominis, he defensively crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"I do enjoy talking to you rather than that stubborn idiot. Hell, it might be more enjoyable talking to a wall! Why can't he see that nothing good ever comes from dealing with the Dark Arts? Why is he so keen on going down that path despite fully well knowing the dangers of meddling with the Dark Arts? And I certainly can't understand how he managed to convince you that this was a good idea. I thought you weren't that... impressionable?" Ominis ranted on, his brows knitted in fury.
'Thanks for that...' I thought, letting out a sigh, "He says he's doing it for Anne."
Ominis let out a joyless chuckle. "Of course he is. I think, at one point, he even believed that himself. Has he also taught you the unforgivable curses for Anne? How's that going to help her, or anybody for that matter?"
Silence.
"Yeah... didn't think so."
"Imperio did help me when―"
"Ryna! I don't want to hear excuses for using Unforgivable Spells! You should know that! I told you about my family, my own brother torturing me..."
"Ominis, please. I'm sorry."
"I know you are, but Sallow isn't; he never truly is. One day maybe you'll learn that too." I let out a ragged breath
"He won't leave without that Relic; you know that."
"And I won't―"
"Listen to me: let him have it. He wants to study it, and so be it. We'll keep an eye on him... so to speak."
"Blind jokes won't get you out of this one, I'm afraid..."
"Ominis..."
"Alright, alright, damn it. You're almost as bad as Sallow," he grunted.
"I think I'll take that as a compliment as well."
There had only been very few occasions I had seen Ominis like this, and ironic enough, they had all involved Sebastian.
I had to defuse this situation somehow, but how? How did I prevent Ominis from doing something he'd definitely regret afterwards? I was at my wit's end.
"How dare you come here?" Ominis snarled, his face a livid mask.
"I― maybe I should get dressed for this…." Sebastian murmured, and for the first time, that cocky bastard seemed to be embarrassed.
"What? How― Why is he naked, Ryna?" Ominis blurted out, still not lowering his wand.
"He's not. He's wearing a towel. Just go get dressed, Sallow." I hissed, shoving him away.
"Ryna!" Ominis shouted in confusion.
"Ugh… let's just wait in the living room. I'll see if I have any more of that Firewhisky." I sighed in defeat.
This was going to be a long night.