Author's note: Hello, back again! I know the first chapter, but this one is longer! Also, I forgot the mention that I own nothing, all character excluding the MC belong to Warner Bros. Anyway, enough from me, hope you enjoy!

Once Vivienne was out of sight, Ominis rounded on Sebastian. "Well, you are a right bastard, aren't you Sebastian?" He spat, his tone cold. Sebastian looked affronted. "What? What the devil did I do?" Ominis scoffed.

"Oh, don't play those games with me. We both know that I know you far too well." Ominis sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"Are you really that callous, Sebastian? Why have you been treating her this way, after everything we have all been through together?" Sebastian stuffed his hands in his pockets, and heaved a heavy sigh.

"I…I didn't mean to…" He mumbled. "Oh for Merlin's sake, Sebastian! Of course, you didn't mean to! You never mean to! But the fact of the matter is you have proceeded to tear out the heart of one of the only people who has stood by you, has seen you at your very worst and still chose to be by your side, to call you a friend!" Ominis was shouting now, pacing back and forth, his hands balled into fists. Sebastian looked at him, a stricken expression on his face.

"You know honestly, I haven't the faintest idea why she would want to be your friend, let alone have any feelings for you at all!" Ominis stopped and pierced Sebastian with a withering glare. Sebastian still looked mildly shell-shocked. "She…has feelings for me?"

"You have done nothing but taken advantage of her kind nature, when all she has done is everything you ever asked of her!" Ominis continued. "But where were you when Professor Fig died?! Where were you after she was attacked by your own uncle, only after doing your bidding?! And where were you after we left the scriptorium? Did you even ask her if she was alright, after using the Cruciatus Curse on her?! Did you even pause to think that she insisted you use it on her, instead of the other way round? But no, all you've ever thought about was Anne, curing her, and as noble a cause as that was, you never stopped to see the damage you caused others along the way!"

When he didn't respond, Ominis let out a growl of frustration. "Do you mean to tell me that you feel nothing, nothing for her at all? Was all of this some sort of game to you, so you could-"

"NONE of this was a game!" Sebastian yelled finally, taking a step forward. "I'm sorry, but did we forget that I KILLED my uncle? And now the only family I have left, my own twin, wants NOTHING to do with me?! Ominis smirked. So he was finally getting angry. Good.

"My life has been a living hell Ominis, so I'm sorry if I haven't been as careful with other's feelings as of late!" Sebastian paused, chest heaving, glaring at his best friend. But Ominis wasn't buying it.

"Oh, but its alright for us, for Vivienne and myself, to drop everything for you, so you have your comfort? Friendships are a give and take Sebastian, and all you have done is take! Especially with her. And now, both of you are hurting, as a result of the actions you both were involved in. But instead of allowing her to comfort you, and you to comfort her, you turn her away? For heaven's sake, you couldn't even hug her goodbye! You couldn't even give her that."

Sebastian took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "This…was never a game. You know that. And I-I never meant to hurt her. Or you. But it happened. And I'm sorry. But developing feelings for her isn't even in the realm of possibility."

"I'm not really the person you need to apologize to." Ominis responded coolly. "And I'm having a rather hard time believing that you haven't." Sebastian scoffed, turning away from him. Seeing an opening, Ominis pounced.

"If not, then why? Why have you decided to try to alienate one of the only people left in your corner? Do you know that Anne wanted us to turn you in? That I wanted to turn you in?" Sebastian whirled around with a sharp inhale, and that reaction goaded Ominis into continuing on.

"We both thought that you had finally gone mad, after what you had done. We thought that finally, finally you would have been able to atone for your actions, finally learned something."

He stopped, wanting the implications of what he said to sink in. There was a very tense pause, the very air seemed to have gone stale. Finally, Sebastian spoke, his voice full of bitterness.

"Well? Why didn't you? Surely it would have caused you less pain if you had." Ominis growled again, this time fisting both hands into his hair.

"Don't you understand, you damn moonmind?! Vivienne convinced us both not to! Vivienne begged us not to say anything! She said that although what you did was terrible, throwing you into Azkaban, tearing you away from us would only do more damage, and we would lose you forever!".

Ominis's shoulders slumped, and his next words were much softer. "Vivienne couldn't bear to let that happen, to lose you in that way. What does that tell you, Sebastian? Truly? And can you honestly say to yourself, that you feel nothing for Vivienne? Ask yourself, here and now, what do you think of her?"

The Sallow boy was truly at a loss for words. He staggered somewhat to the bench that was nearby, and he sank onto it, his head in his hands. After a moment, Ominis followed. He didn't sit beside him, but he stood nearby, waiting for Sebastian to gather his thoughts.

And Sebastian's thoughts were filled with nothing but Vivienne Marston. He remembered when he first met her, and though his tone was casual when he first spoke, he had to admit to himself that she was rather pretty. Vivienne Marston, with eyes the color of a dove's wing, her curly, auburn hair that looked like burnished gold in the sunlight. Her nose, which crinkled when she laughed or when she scowled. Her lips, and how it drove him mad when she bit down on them, knowing it was due to anxiety. He always wanted to be able to kiss her worries away when she did that. Surprising himself with that very thought, he closed his eyes and thought, "What do I think of her…?" And he smiled. For he knew.

She was talented, both with her magic and with her words, rendering him speechless on more than one occasion. She was fearless, loyal, funny, and gave him a run for his money when it came to mischief. And heavens above, her scent… He liked the fact that even though he stood more than a head taller than her, she was never afraid to look him in the eyes, her chin up defiantly. She was small, but she never let that stop her.

She was kind. Always standing up for what she believed in, standing up for her friends. On several occasions she had defended not only himself but Ominis too, when rumors began circling. She showed tenderness to all beasts, no matter how repulsive (Giant Purple Toads came to mind,) and she was fiercely protective.

She was poetry in motion when she dueled, her movements fluid and almost dance-like, and she could fire off spells faster than he ever could. She never relished causing pain, and he remembered how guilty she would feel after every battle, at using the Unforgiveable Curses. He remembered comforting her, telling her that she did what she had to, what she thought was right.

Her pure heart, willing to give up powerful magic, knowing it was better for everyone. She could have done many things with that power, but she decided that no one should use it, for the greater good. She never let herself become corrupted, unlike him. And that was why…

"It doesn't matter." He spoke aloud, startling Ominis. The other boy sputtered, his pale eyes widening. "It doesn't matter?" He repeated incredulously.

Sebastian stood up, crossing his arms over his chest. "It doesn't matter because I don't deserve her. I don't deserve…any of her." Ominis made a strangled hissing noise, and Sebastian just knew he was cussing him out in Parsletongue.

"You're right. You don't." Ominis shot back. A carriage flew down suddenly, bouncing on the walkway before coming to a stop in front of the two boys. There was no driver, and there were no horses nor thesterals to pull it. The door, which bore the Gaunt family crest, swung open of its own accord. Ominis started to walk towards it but stopped. Turning, he fixed Sebastian with that famous stare of his, the one that made you think not only could he see you, but see into you.

"But, in this situation, it isn't what you want, or what you deserve, that matters. Think about that." With that, Ominis walked forward and entered the carriage. The door shut with a sharp snap, and as it was taking off, he called back.

"Don't forget to write to her! I'll send an owl soon!" He withdrew his head as the carriage began to pick up speed before taking off. Sebastian watched until the carriage was merely a dot in the sky before setting off in the direction of Feldcroft.

"But in this situation, it isn't what you want, or what you deserve, that matters. Think about that." Ominis's words echoed in his head as he made the lonely journey back home. Just what did he mean? Sighing, Sebastian walked on, trying to get the image of soft grey eyes and auburn curls out of his head.

Six Weeks Later...

Sebastian sighed, wiping his forehead of sweat with his forearm before leaning forward to resume his task of kneading. He was currently in the process of making pumpkin pasties, to which the tricky recipe was still giving him some trouble.

It was now just over a fortnight into the summer holidays. Sebastian, upon returning to Feldcroft, found that there wasn't much there for him, other than sympathetic stares and whispers, and a house that had fallen into ruin. It didn't take long for Sebastian to abandon the little hut entirely, putting it and the entire plot of land up for sale. One of the traveling merchants bought it quickly enough, wanting to use the space for storing his wares. Sebastian had taken half of what the man paid him and sent it to Anne in St. Mungo's. However, a day later the letter was returned to him, only this time, with a response:

Dear Sebastian,

I am writing this letter in the hopes that it will be the last. Although I couldn't find it in me to send you to Azkaban, I longer wish to see or hear from you. You are my brother, my twin, and always will be. But I cannot bear to look at you, after what you have done. Regardless of his faults, Solomon did not deserve to die. I know you will say it was all for the sake of curing me, but how could I abide that? How could I justify it, even if by your actions I was cured? Going to the Dark Arts is what cursed me, and now it has cursed you too. I hope that someday, you will find your salvation. But it will not be with me. If you truly want me to live, and live well, then please do not contact me again. Let me live with the memory of who my dear brother once was, rather than the monster he became.

Anne

The money he had sent had also been returned. In anger, he threw the envelope into a nearby meadow. Later in the night, he spent an hour searching for it, as well as the Galleons that had spilled out. He was angry, but he wasn't stupid. Until term started again, he was essentially homeless.

He could have stayed with Ominis, he supposed. But after their argument at the station, he thought better of it. They both needed some time to cool down. So, Sebastian found himself in Hogsmeade, looking for work. Sirona was kind enough to give him a job working in the pub's kitchen, and she even included room and board. So it came to pass that Sebastian learned to cook and bake the pub's fare, and quickly found he had a knack for it. Once he had mastered the simple recipes, Sirona had him learning the more complicated ones. Hence, pumpkin pasties. He still couldn't quite get the sweetness of the filling right, nor the flakiness of the pastry. Bur Sirona assured him that he was improving every day. It turned out to be a welcome distraction, at least during the day.

But, during the night, alone in his room, Sebastian's thoughts instead turned to Vivienne. It had been six weeks, and she hadn't written to him once. For the first week, he assumed she was busy settling in at home, as he was.

By the second week, he began to feel guilty. Perhaps she was upset with him due to his behavior? Reflecting on how he acted at the station in particular, the guilt increased. So, he wrote her a letter a day, detailing how sorry he was, and his current station at the Three Broomsticks.

By the third week, there was still no reply. Now, the guilt was slowly turning to hurt. Was she really going to hold a grudge, even after all his apologies? Even Ominis had written back, apologizing for his blunt words. He hadn't much time for writing, as his family kept him busy. But when he did return an owl, he always ended it with the same question: "Have you heard from Vivienne?"

The fourth week came and went, and there was still no reply. By now, the hurt had turned to anger. So, this was how it was going to be? Fine. He could be as petty as her, more so even. He even wrote an angry letter, pages and pages of his hurt feelings, all to be torn up and cast into the fire.

By the fifth week, he had resorted to begging. He was sending multiple owls a day, pleading with her to respond, just once. He invited her to stay with him, to meet him in London, anywhere she wanted to go, but it was as if he were conversing with thin air.

Now, they were nearing the end of the sixth week, and Sebastian was going out of his mind with worry. The last letter he sent was downright pathetic, promising to beg on his hands and knees just to hear a word from her. He felt his cheeks redden as he recalled that. He almost hoped she didn't get that last one…

He punched the dough again, sending a cloud of flour into the air. Coughing slightly, he waved the air in front of his face before punching it again. And again. And again. Soon enough, he punched straight through the dough and into the wood beneath it. Ouch.

Shaking his hand and cursing under his breath, Sebastian grabbed the hand towel that poked from his apron pocket. Wiping his knuckles, he saw traces of blood. "Brilliant," he thought to himself, stomping over to the small sink in the corner of the room. He ran his hand under the tap, then wrapped it in the towel. As he turned off the faucet, he heard footsteps. He quickly went back to reshaping the overworked dough, just as Sirona walked in.

Sirona knew, (and what she didn't know she could guess), as to what had been on Sebastian's mind as of late. The three Slytherin students had frequented her pub often last year, bringing stories of their adventures and filling their corner table with laughter. Through the years of getting to know both young boys, she had never seen them quite as carefree and happy until Vivienne joined them.

Now, she wasn't sure she could believe all their tales of escapades with poachers and spiders, and she didn't know all the specifics of what had happened with Ranrok and his loyalists, but she remembered seeing Vivienne's face when she told her of Lodgok's passing. They had mourned him together, and Sirona had also shared in her mourning Professor Fig. She knew that these young people had suffered loss, and had found a way to be happy again, by being with each other. So, seeing Sebastian now, alone and without his friends, sent a wave of memories through the young innkeeper. Memories of loneliness. She cleared her throat, leaning against the doorway. Sebastian started, whipping around to look at his boss.

"I think, that dough might be better suited for shortbread cookies, instead of a punching bag." She said gently, walking over and taking the dough from Sebastian's hands. Her gaze drifted to his now poorly bandaged hand. "Got a little too enthusiastic with the kneading, did we?" She quipped, setting aside the dough and holding out her hand expectantly.

Grunting, Sebastian unwrapped his hand and extended it to the older witch. "Was meant to be pumpkin pasties." He grumbled, as Sirona took out her wand, muttered "Episkey!" and saw the small wounds instantly stitch themselves back together. Releasing him, Sirona pocketed her wand, turning a thoughtful eye back to the dough.

"Really? Well, I still say they should be shortbread cookies. Sweet, but not too sweet. Especially with a nice, tart lemon glaze." She looked up at Sebastian, a knowing smile on her face. Sebastian rubbed his now healed hand, unable to meet Sirona's eyes.

Shortbread cookies, with lemon glaze. They were Vivienne's favorite, and practically all she ever ordered when they visited the pub. That, and a large butterbeer. A small smile crept on his face, imagining Vivienne's face, trying not to smile as she savored the tart, sweet taste of her favorite treat, her cheeks reddening as he pointed out the crumbs sticking to her chin. He looked up at Sirona then, who pulled an envelope from her pocket.

"Sebastian, this came for you this afternoon-"He snatched the letter and tore it open, almost ripping it in his haste. The smile died on his lips as he saw it was not Vivienne's handwriting, but Ominis's:

Dear Sebastian,

I apologize for my delay in responding to your last owl. There has been a lot going on, and I haven't had much time to think, let alone write. However, I'm sending you this with urgency. I'm worried, Sebastian. Vivienne hasn't contacted me at all since term ended, and I know she hasn't contacted you either. We both know that isn't like her. So, I went to her home address the other day, but no one answered the door. After some poking around, none of her neighbors claimed to have seen her either. And the town itself Sebastian-something isn't right about it. We need to figure out what is happening. Regardless of your feelings, we need to help her. You know she wouldn't hesitate to help you. Meet me outside Hogsmeade tonight, once the pub closes. I fear we may not have much time.

Ominis.

An icy ball of fear dropped into Sebastian's stomach. Vivienne…

Without even turning around, Sebastian tore off his apron and tossed it to the floor. He flew from the kitchen, up the stairs to his room, a very confused Sirona behind him.

"Sebastian, what-" "I have to go." He cut her off tersely, rummaging in his drawers for various potions, sticking them into his pockets. He crumpled Ominis's letter in his fist, throwing on a cloak as he sped back out the door.

"Sebastian, wait! What is going on-" Vivienne is in trouble Sirona. Please, I have to go." Sirona looked at his face, his eyes wide and fearful, skin pale. Instantly, she understood. "Go. Please, be careful. Bring her home." Sebastian nodded, and he ran from the pub.

Sebastian's lungs burned as he ran to the place where he would meet Ominis. The blood was roaring in his ears as dozens of horrible scenarios played through his mind. No, he mustn't think that way. Vivienne needed him, she needed him to be there for her, as she was for him so many times…

"I'm coming, Vivienne. I'm coming my Darling." And he'd be dammed if anything stood in his way.

Author's note: And...there's chapter 2! I 'm excited for people to read this, and even if anyone doesn't, I am happy to have written it. I love comments and reviews, and I will try to update as soon as I can. For now, happy reading and I will see you later!