This makes no sense? Like… if Aemma were alive, then Alicent wouldn’t have to act so protective over her children that wouldn’t even exist. There would be no battle for heir. There would be no Alicent being groomed and r-worded? It just doesn’t add up. People will do ANYTHING to villainize Alicent. I am team black, but I have a lot of empathy for Alicent. She is a product of the corrupt men around her. Stop pitting women against each other and recognize the actual issue.
I am a Solomon Sallow apologist, and I’ll tell you why:
As someone who lives with chronic pain and an incurable disease, there comes a point when you want to stop hoping to ease the pain. 🎗️🎗️🎗️ (not terminal, thank goodness, but I’ve spoken to many friends who are dying in recovery sessions who all feel the same way. I am not the voice for everyone, but from my experience, this is a pretty common feeling upon those with chronic pain and illnesses.)
You’ve tried all you can, but you’re tired of being let down, and you’re physically exhausted. You come to terms with it being better to live your days with gratitude and content rather than spending the rest of it anxious and exhausting yourself trying to find a possible solution. When you die, what would your finals days look like?
Anne and Solomon had exhausted their efforts to try and find a cure, but nothing could be found easily. Anne was probably so scared, but there’s something inside you that changes over time when living with an illness, and I believe it’s a sort of wisdom. Wisdom about life, about time, and about priorities.
Anne loves her brother so much. She wants to be with him in her final days, her final hours, but he is so hell bent and obsessed with fixing her issue that he spends barely any time soaking in the moments they have left.
Where a lot of people see it as loving, it also comes from a place of selfishness. Sebastian cannot stand the fact that his sister is coming to terms with her fate, because he doesn’t want to believe it. He doesn’t know what he’ll do without her. He can’t live without her.
And as somebody who lives with a chronic illness, I’ve had a family member overstep boundaries in my health journey to the point of it being about their comfort level in the situation, not mine. And I realized that they based their happiness off of my physical state, and when I didn’t live up to their expectations, I felt a weight of guilt.
Anne doesn’t want her brother to go down the road he’s heading, because she doesn’t want him sacrificing his morals and integrity for a maybe…
But Sebastian won’t listen. He won’t listen to her, he won’t listen to Solomon, and Solomon is fed up.
Solomon is the one who really knows what Anne goes through in a day, how she feels, she probably even opens up to him. Solomon is already stressed and exhausted with caring for Anne, he has no time to deal with Sebastian and his naivety.
Once he starts bringing dark magic around Anne, Solomon knows it’s no use at this point to parent him. So he resorts to the last option which is setting boundaries and making a no contact rule with Sebastian.
Solomon, who lost his brother, is about to lose that brother’s daughter to an illness. He’s probably a wreck. There’s no evidence to suggest he doesn’t love his family, and with his dedication to taking in his niece and nephew after their parents untimely death shows me he cares to a degree.
I think I should write that, from how we see Solomon treat Sebastian in the game, I am not a fan. Solomon has very little grace towards his nephew, whose intentions are good. It is sad to see Sebastian, a boy who thinks he’s helping, get shot down at every turn. This begs the question, what was their relationship like prior to what we see onscreen?
From my inference, I believe Solomon has tried being nice and understanding pleanty before. Now he’s fed up.
Now, about the death:
Solomon is an auror. He is 100% against the dark arts, no matter what. Just because I could find a cure for something, that begs the question, is it morally right? Going down the path of the dark arts to find a cure to an illness does not justify the act itself.
Let’s put this into realistic terms. Say I was able to find the cure for my disease, but the way I found the cure was to kill 50 people, pour a bunch of oil into the ocean, and burn down a mosque. The ends do not justify the means. (I know it’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I think you get the point lol)
Sebastian snapped and committed an act that he can never take back. And in finding a cure for his sister, he took away her last person for stability. Her uncle, a man who was trying to make the rest of her life as simple and painless as it could.
Now, for my little defenses for Sebastian. Sebastian doesn’t understand everything 100%. He thinks finding a cure is what Anne wants. He thinks what he’s doing is helping, because finding a cure is the ultimate goal! What he doesn’t understand is what it’s like to live in constant pain and exhaustion. To want nothing more than simplicity and stability while you are sick and dying.
Sebastian needs to grow up. I still love him, but I have to say, as somebody who has lived in Anne’s shoes for almost a decade, I am team Solomon.
PSA: Just my thoughts though, don’t take this to heart. I’m not an argumentative person, so if you do support Sebastian in this situation, that’s totally fine! I understand there is more than one point of view. The situation in itself is not black and white either. Each character shows positives and negatives to the situation, which is very refreshing because it’s realistic. All opinions are valid. This is just mine and I thought I’d share it😊
PPSA: Can’t believe the devs of this game had me writing a thesis on a moral quandary. Damn…
thanks for your input! this is a perspective i haven’t read before. you make a lot a good points and now i do have a bit more sympathy for solomon than i had before. i do still think he could have treated sebastian better though, and that he should have handled the relic situation much differently.
i feel like anne was getting all of solomon’s attention once she was cursed, which of course makes sense, but i think it led to seb being emotionally neglected. it was hard for him too, coming terms with losing his sister (and wanting to hold onto hope) after already having lost his parents, and he needed a good parental figure to be able to lean on/express his feelings/vent to. i mean we never know, maybe solomon did sit him down before we even met him and tried to have a serious talk with him about it and perhaps it didn’t work. but he also could have completely lost focus on sebastian, and especially since he was mad seb was looking for a cure, it was a good excuse for him to channel all his frustrations about the curse onto sebastian like we saw in the game. harsh parenting just isn’t a good route to solve any kind of emotional dilemma a child or teen is having. he sees his actions as trying to save his sister and doesn’t understand why he’s being punished for it.
also 15/16 is SO young!! at that age i thought i was mature and smart but now looking back as a 23 year old i’m like damn i was basically a baby. not using his age to excuse the murder, more so to defend how he wasn’t able to simply move on/grow up and accept anne’s curse. especially if neglect was going on because at that age things like that can be impossible to do/deal with healthily with little to no guidance. and even if it seems like they are from the outside, there’s no doubt some trauma brewing internally.
as for the relic situation, solomon should never have started attacking mc and sebastian. his priority should have been to get them out of there and away from the inferi. instead, he did nothing to stop the inferi and started attacking us himself with a very lethal spell. i feel like even if seb did get in trouble for it, he’d be able to argue self-defense pretty easily, especially with mc as a witness.
I agree with you totally! He was young and had already gone through so much grief, and there was no parental figure there to support him. So he had to rely on Ominis and Anne, and we know one of those options was dying herself. It’s a very sad situation :(
I am a Solomon Sallow apologist, and I’ll tell you why:
As someone who lives with chronic pain and an incurable disease, there comes a point when you want to stop hoping to ease the pain. 🎗️🎗️🎗️ (not terminal, thank goodness, but I’ve spoken to many friends who are dying in recovery sessions who all feel the same way. I am not the voice for everyone, but from my experience, this is a pretty common feeling upon those with chronic pain and illnesses.)
You’ve tried all you can, but you’re tired of being let down, and you’re physically exhausted. You come to terms with it being better to live your days with gratitude and content rather than spending the rest of it anxious and exhausting yourself trying to find a possible solution. When you die, what would your finals days look like?
Anne and Solomon had exhausted their efforts to try and find a cure, but nothing could be found easily. Anne was probably so scared, but there’s something inside you that changes over time when living with an illness, and I believe it’s a sort of wisdom. Wisdom about life, about time, and about priorities.
Anne loves her brother so much. She wants to be with him in her final days, her final hours, but he is so hell bent and obsessed with fixing her issue that he spends barely any time soaking in the moments they have left.
Where a lot of people see it as loving, it also comes from a place of selfishness. Sebastian cannot stand the fact that his sister is coming to terms with her fate, because he doesn’t want to believe it. He doesn’t know what he’ll do without her. He can’t live without her.
And as somebody who lives with a chronic illness, I’ve had a family member overstep boundaries in my health journey to the point of it being about their comfort level in the situation, not mine. And I realized that they based their happiness off of my physical state, and when I didn’t live up to their expectations, I felt a weight of guilt.
Anne doesn’t want her brother to go down the road he’s heading, because she doesn’t want him sacrificing his morals and integrity for a maybe…
But Sebastian won’t listen. He won’t listen to her, he won’t listen to Solomon, and Solomon is fed up.
Solomon is the one who really knows what Anne goes through in a day, how she feels, she probably even opens up to him. Solomon is already stressed and exhausted with caring for Anne, he has no time to deal with Sebastian and his naivety.
Once he starts bringing dark magic around Anne, Solomon knows it’s no use at this point to parent him. So he resorts to the last option which is setting boundaries and making a no contact rule with Sebastian.
Solomon, who lost his brother, is about to lose that brother’s daughter to an illness. He’s probably a wreck. There’s no evidence to suggest he doesn’t love his family, and with his dedication to taking in his niece and nephew after their parents untimely death shows me he cares to a degree.
I think I should write that, from how we see Solomon treat Sebastian in the game, I am not a fan. Solomon has very little grace towards his nephew, whose intentions are good. It is sad to see Sebastian, a boy who thinks he’s helping, get shot down at every turn. This begs the question, what was their relationship like prior to what we see onscreen?
From my inference, I believe Solomon has tried being nice and understanding pleanty before. Now he’s fed up.
Now, about the death:
Solomon is an auror. He is 100% against the dark arts, no matter what. Just because I could find a cure for something, that begs the question, is it morally right? Going down the path of the dark arts to find a cure to an illness does not justify the act itself.
Let’s put this into realistic terms. Say I was able to find the cure for my disease, but the way I found the cure was to kill 50 people, pour a bunch of oil into the ocean, and burn down a mosque. The ends do not justify the means. (I know it’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I think you get the point lol)
Sebastian snapped and committed an act that he can never take back. And in finding a cure for his sister, he took away her last person for stability. Her uncle, a man who was trying to make the rest of her life as simple and painless as it could.
Now, for my little defenses for Sebastian. Sebastian doesn’t understand everything 100%. He thinks finding a cure is what Anne wants. He thinks what he’s doing is helping, because finding a cure is the ultimate goal! What he doesn’t understand is what it’s like to live in constant pain and exhaustion. To want nothing more than simplicity and stability while you are sick and dying.
Sebastian needs to grow up. I still love him, but I have to say, as somebody who has lived in Anne’s shoes for almost a decade, I am team Solomon.
PSA: Just my thoughts though, don’t take this to heart. I’m not an argumentative person, so if you do support Sebastian in this situation, that’s totally fine! I understand there is more than one point of view. The situation in itself is not black and white either. Each character shows positives and negatives to the situation, which is very refreshing because it’s realistic. All opinions are valid. This is just mine and I thought I’d share it😊
PPSA: Can’t believe the devs of this game had me writing a thesis on a moral quandary. Damn…
I mean… I have conflicted feelings with this. Why did the dev team, knowing that JK Rowling’s goblins were based off of a Jewish caricature, make this a plot line?
The whole thing with ‘Ranrok Loyalists’ is very sad. Even though not all the goblins in the game are loyalists, there’s implication that it is more a ‘goblin’ issue than a ‘dark wizard’ issue. It just reinforces antisemitism unfortunately.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the game, and I love Sebastian, and I love the Wizarding World. It’s just unfortunate that this is still a stereotype they keep reinforcing in the series :(
PSA, these photos are very beautiful and wonderful! Love it!!!!
His fists were clenched in his pockets and he was tense, waiting, with MC stood there staring at him as though his head had fallen off. Maybe it had. Coming here so late at night was risky. It hadn't been too difficult to track her down, a quick scan through student records had turned up her current address, but getting past the formidable landlady had been a bit tricky. He was lucky he was charming, let's put it that way.
Still, he had kept one eye over his shoulder as he had climbed the staircases to get up here. A young man visiting an unmarried woman was rather scandalous and he didn't want to be recognised. She was his student after all. But, he hadnt been able to keep away.
"Bella had her hands on you," MC said, flatly. "It all looked rather cosy for someone who was so concerned about the rule breaking."
"Like I said, she has been pushing her luck. I have not laid a finger on her, I promise you," he said, earnestly. He attempted a smirk. "I've broken more rules with you than anyone else, and with more than one finger I might add."
"She has not been discreet in her affection for you," MC said. "She makes it painfully obvious every class."
Her blush was impressive. He just couldn't help himself. He smiled and held a hand up. "Forgive me," he said.
"I had to come, MC. Seeing you upset in class earlier today was not easy for me to watch. I wanted to come to you, but it was not the time. And then, you left so quickly afterwards before I could catch you. I am sorry you had to see her so close to me, trust me, it was not through any of my own intention."
He noted the way her mouth turned down, the way her eyes narrowed. She was jealous. The tone of her voice was dripping with it. He wasn't going to lie, that felt rather good. He risked a step closer, his booted feet on the threshold now.
"Does she know about us?" He asked. "She looked rather pleased that you had caught her in an inappropriate position."
"Is there an us?" She asked. There were hints of that vulnerability in her eyes again and his arms ached to reach out for her.
"I want there to be," he said. "Can I come in?"
Finally, she unfolded her arms and stepped to the side. She held out her hand. "Yes, you may come in, Professor."
....*....
Seeing Sebastian standing in her humble room made it look even smaller. He filled the space until there was only him. Her eyes couldn't tear themselves away, and his words of affection were still spinning around inside her head. She still couldn't shake a feeling of uncertainty though.
He could just be saying all of those things to get in the door. But it had worked. She moved to stand near her table, wand still in hand.
"I've told no-one about our...our meetings," she said. "The last thing I would ever wish to do, is get you into trouble. If Bella thinks she knows something, she didn’t get it from me. Although, she did mention that she wished you looked at her the way you look at me."
A tinge of pink coloured his cheeks. "I hadn't realised I was that obvious," he said, awkwardly.
Her lips twitched into a brief, small smile. "You do have a way of looking at someone that makes them feel a bit breathless," she admitted.
He smirked. "I hope that someone means you," he said.
She felt her stomach doing little flips and decided she needed to keep her hands busy. She cleared her throat. "I er...I can offer you a tea," she said. "I'm afraid the alcohol is all gone."
She moved towards her little stove to pick up the kettle, but Sebastian reached into his pocket and pulled out a flask and held it up.
"I've got firewhiskey, if that's any good."
She smiled. "Oo, definitely a little stronger than tea. Yes, please."
"Not feeling nervous are you?" He smirked.
He offered her the flask and she moved closer, reaching for it. Their fingers brushed and she met his gaze, heat gathering swiftly. She took a swig from the flask and handed it back, her eyes still on his. She wasn't exactly nervous, but there was certainly a tension in the room, like the kind before a storm.
As he went to take it, she didn't let go, her fingers gripping subtly to stop him. He tried again, and she fought the grin that wanted to form as his brow furrowed. One look at her teasing lips and his eyebrows quirked up playfully, his fingers shifted to graze over hers, the lightest of touches that sent a shiver down her spine.
"If you want me to touch you, MC, you need only ask," he said, his voice low and teasing.
Her breaths were coming quick and shallow. Her ache for him was so vivid that it made her hand tremble as she reached up to trail fingers along his freckled cheek. Her fingertips traced the line of his mouth, sliding to his jaw and down to his neck, his skin warm, the barest scratch of stubble under her touch stirring the already hot flame at her core.
The blaze in his eyes answered hers. It made her feel a lot bolder, along with the alcohol humming pleasantly in her veins. She fingered the collar of his coat, her thumb brushing teasing strokes against his throat.
Her lips curved into a teasing smile. "You know, I quite fancy you, Professor," she purred. "You make a girl start to imagine things, naughty things, that a student really shouldn't be picturing with her teacher."
She heard his quickened breaths and slid her hand down to pop the first button on his dark coat. He swallowed. "What kind of naughty things?" He asked. His smirk was delicious, as always.
She undid the next button. "Oh, Sir, I couldn't possibly say," she said. She tilted her head a little, playing shy. "That would make me a very bad girl. I wouldn't want to make you punish me, Sir."
His eyes flashed dangerously and she felt the tightening in her thighs as she throbbed with answering desire. He had got a kick out of her calling him Sir in the Restricted Section, and she knew how he loved to play, to tease. She was curious if he could take a bit of teasing back.
She was playing with fire, she could tell, but she had never been scared of fire, and Sebastian had taught her all the best fiery spells at school. He was the only boy, the only man, to stir a fire in her heart, and she wanted him, wanted him so much it was a physical ache.
"I would say you're being rather naughty right now, Miss MC," he warned. He looked down as she released the last button and opened the front of his coat to reveal the shirt and waistcoat underneath. Her fingers smoothed down the silk of his tie, sliding it up and out of said waistcoat, her teeth biting softly into her lower lip as she tugged him ever so slightly closer with it.
"Do you like naughty girls, Sir?" She tilted her head back, her eyes on his lips. "I could be naughty for you, if that's what you would like."
Her words were breathless, her heart pounding. She had never felt so wanton in all her life. The way he was looking at her was making her feel seriously damp between her thighs, and she released a soft sigh.
"You've got me curious, MC," he said. He leant his head down until their mouths were so close, the tip of his nose could graze hers if they so wished. "Just how naughty are you prepared to be?"
She moved as though to kiss him, but held back before their lips could actually touch. "I'm prepared to be as naughty as you would like, Sir. I merely wish to please you, to be your naughty girl. Would you like that, Sir?" Her words were the barest whisper against his mouth.
"Fuck," he groaned. He seized her in his grip, his hands at her waist before sliding down to hold her hips. His mouth claimed hers in a possessive kiss, his full lower lip sitting deliciously between both of hers, and she parted them eagerly, wanting him, all of him.
As they kissed, deep, hungry kisses that sounded wet and erotic in her tiny room, she shoved his coat from his shoulders. It tumbled to the floor, forgotten as he pulled her against him, their bodies now flush and writhing.
His hands urged her hips to grind against him, and she felt that hardness, that desperate need of his that made her ache deep inside. She moaned and rubbed herself against it. "Mmm, is that all for me, Sir?"
His choked moan made her chuckle, but then his hand was gripping her jaw, holding her tightly to make her look up at him.
"You're walking a fine line, MC," he warned. She stared up into his eyes, the depths of which were dark, blazing and glittering dangerously. She shivered, her pulse fluttering. "Keep teasing me like that and I'm going to throw you on that bed and fuck you until you scream, do you understand me?"
The flare of lust in her belly was white hot, the image he presented making her tremble, and a moan slipped from her mouth. She had no idea where her boldness was coming from, but she stared right at him as she spoke her next words. "Don't make promises you can't keep, Professor."
She was lifted clear off her feet, and she sucked in a breath that was dispelled as a cry as he made good on his word. She landed on her mattress on her back and he was immediately on top of her, his mouth demanding, his fingers gripping at her blouse and tugging it sharply out of her waistband. He sat back on his knees, gripped each side of the neat row of pearl buttons and yanked, the sound of tearing fabric and scattering buttons a shock to her ears.
"Sebastian!" She cried.
He put a hand to her throat, not hard, but firm enough to hold her there against the bed. "I did warn you," he said, eyes flashing. He was breathing so hard, but he stilled, looking down at her. "Do you want me to stop? Just say the word and I will."
"No, no...please," she whimpered. She shook her head. There was no way she could stop now.
Desire darkened his gaze as the hand at her throat slowly slid downwards, fingers splayed, his eyes following the possessive touch as it dragged between her breasts and over her stomach to the waistband of her skirt. Her chest heaved under his touch, small whimpers spilling from her lips, her need desperate and visceral.
He made quick work of the skirt, stripping it from her and tossing it aside before sliding his palms up each leg. She had high stockings on, his fingers curled around their tops and he slid them downwards, achingly slow, bending to press the softest of kisses on her inner knee, lower, his tongue teasing at her inner thigh.
She could barely breathe, eyes wide as she watched him remove every last piece of clothing until she was laid bare below him. His eyes feasted on her flesh and he shook his head slowly. "So beautiful," he whispered.
She almost felt emotional at the way he looked at her. Shyness stole over her and she moved to cover herself, but he caught her wrists. "Don't hide," he said. "Trust me, you don't need to hide from me."
With one hand, he pinned her arms above her head and bent to kiss her. Soft, teasing kisses, his tongue flicking and driving her towards desperation. She arched, needing him and he smiled against her mouth. "Tell me what you want," he murmured.
"You," she whined. "Please..."
He released her arms, kneeling up to begin removing his waistcoat. She watched his fingers as they worked and then sat up to help him, her eyes glancing up to meet his. They shared a smile, loaded with everything that required no words to say. Mutual want, mutual feelings of anticipation.
This should have happened years ago. She had always been his. Why had she hidden from him for so long?
"I love you," she whispered.
He stilled, eyes locking with hers. His shirt was undone, a glimpse of chest visible, a smattering of hair that was begging for her touch. He cupped her face with his hands, his thumbs brushing against her cheeks.
"I love you, too," he said.
His kiss tried to convey the sentiment, and she responded in kind. It was a frantic rush to rid him of the rest of his clothes, and then it was her turn to admire the lines of his body. She bit her lip at the muscle tone in his arms and shoulders, the jut of his hips, her fingers trailing through the soft hair on his chest and down over his stomach.
She pressed her mouth against his skin, as delightfully freckled as his face, breathing in deeply that scent of what she thought of as home. She was almost delirious as she kissed him wherever she could get her mouth, his throat, his shoulders, her hands sliding up the smoothness of his back.
Their moans and sighs entwined, her eyes closing in bliss as his mouth claimed a breast, tongue teasing the peaks into hard nubs only for him to blow softly against them, making her back arch and her fingers tug at the dishevelled hair on his head.
When his hand moved between her thighs, she bit her lip in anticipation, memories of the blissful high he had brought her to in the Restricted Section flooding her mind. Then, he guided her hand down to his arousal, her fingers sliding over the swollen heat of him, exploring an unknown. Together, they teased and pleasured until she was whimpering, begging him.
Sebastian pushed her thighs wider and settled between them, lining himself up. She looked down, a little nervous and he must have caught the look in her eye. He captured her chin, kissing her softly. "Are you alright?"
She nodded. "I...I've never..."
He smoothed her hair back from her face. "Eyes on me," he said, softly. "Relax, as much as you can, and tell me if it hurts. I'll stop."
"I trust you," she whispered.
He kissed her, slowly, deeply, his fingers working her gently until she was moaning into his mouth. When she felt the first thick press of him against her, she tensed. He stopped and pressed soft kisses down to her neck, tongue curling around the shell of her ear. "It's alright, I've got you," he whispered. She shivered and took a calming breath, his words a balm to her nerves. "You're doing so well."
He pushed a little harder and she winced at the stretch, he slid back a little and then pushed again. The stretch felt like deep pressure, but then as he continued to pull back and then push, she felt the delicious slide of him, and a low sound came from her throat.
Her fingers bit into the flesh of his lower back. "Oh...yes...Sebastian," she moaned.
He bit into her neck, sucking deeply, a low moan in his throat as he slid the deepest he could go. She gasped at the fullness, the delicious stretch and the utter completeness of being one with him.
He nuzzled his nose against her, soft kisses and teasing nips back up to her mouth. "Not so much a naughty girl, but more like my good girl," he said. "You feel so perfect. Are you alright?"
She held his face against hers and nodded. "Amazing," she breathed.
He looked at her, his desire hot and fierce in his eyes. "Are you ready?"
He flexed his hips and she gasped, hips instinctively lifting as a wave of heat rolled through her. She bit her lip. "I'm ready."
He began to move, rolling his hips, thrusting to a steady rhythm and she moaned, hands holding on to him. He gradually began to pick up the pace, his own pleasure evident on his face and from the sounds falling from his lips.
MC could feel the pleasure building, her hands urging him to be faster, her pelvis having an unbearable urge to bear down. She felt her cheeks flushing, the erotic sounds of slapping skin, their grunts and cries, the harsh breaths and the rhythmic squeak of her bed, it all added to the steady build of her pleasure.
Sebastian looked down between them, watching as he fucked her, lips parted. "So fucking good," he groaned. He shifted slightly, bearing his weight onto one elbow, angling his hips, MC's cries became louder as he pushed her thigh up and outwards. She flung out a hand to grip her bedspread, her knuckles turning white as he pounded against a sweet spot.
"Oh, gods, Seb..."
"You're mine," he ground out between his teeth. He fucked even harder, sweat beading on his brow. "Say it...fucking say it. You're mine."
She could barely breathe, let alone speak, but somehow she managed to pant the words out. "I'm yours... all yours...Sir."
The sound he made sent her spinning off the edge of reality, her release slammed into her and she felt the tight clench, her toes curling. He joined her, head thrown back as she felt the deep throb of his release, his hand gripping her hip, hard.
They lay in a tangle of limbs, breathing beginning to settle, her face buried against his neck. She clung to him, skin against skin, and she could feel the steady thrum of his heart.
How was she ever going to let him go?
....*....
He sat at her little table and sipped at the mug of tea he had quietly made. MC was asleep in the bed, her hair delightfully dishevelled against the pillow. He could see the marks his mouth had left on her neck, and he knew she was naked underneath those blankets. He resisted the urge to wake her with kisses and claim her again.
But it wasn't easy.
His gaze dropped to the stack of papers on the table. He could see her work from his classes, but beside it were Muggle news articles about the archeology discoveries in Egypt, pamphlets from the Wizarding World about ancient history locations in America and Europe. There was even a notebook with locations and transport options written in her own hand.
His heart clenched. She was going to leave again.
How could he ever ask her to stay when it was what she loved? She had told him that she loved him last night, but was it enough for her? Was he enough for her?
It was one of the reasons he hadn't woken her yet. Maybe she would be distant and ask him to leave, regretting letting him into her bed. So he sat, and sipped at his tea, and admired her as she slept, making the most of this beautiful sight in case it was to be taken away from him.
....*....
The mattress dipped and she felt gentle fingers on her cheek. Her eyes fluttered open and Sebastian smiled down at her, morning sunlight filtering through the curtain to put golden flecks in his hair. She took a beat to savour the view. He really was so perfect.
"I'm sorry to wake you," he said. "But, I made you some tea to soften the moment."
She sat up and tucked her hair behind her ear. Her muscles felt stiff and there was an ache between her thighs, but for a wonderful reason. Sebastian had put his trousers on, but his top half was wonderfully bare. She reached for him, her hand curling around his neck. "The tea can wait," she said.
She pulled him down to her, making him chuckle as she wrapped herself around him, rubbing her nose against his. She met his eyes and smiled. "Mmm, yes. I still love you," she said. "It wasn't a dream"
"Definitely not a dream," he said. He kissed her, once, twice, and she slid her hands into his hair, arching up against him. He hummed in approval, but he sighed, pressing his forehead to hers. "I should be leaving to get back and change. I have classes to teach."
She pouted. "But, I'm feeling all naughty."
He laughed and cupped her face. "I'm going to have to ask you to hold that thought," he said. "At least until after classes."
She smirked and gripped him, rolling them until she was on top of him. She kissed his neck, humming in delight as his hands held her hips.
"MC..." His plea was weak and she writhed against him.
"I'm not letting you go until you fuck me," she said. "How's that for being a naughty girl?"
His grin was wicked and she yelped as he slapped her bare behind. "You'd best get my trousers off then, my love," he said. "Naughty and naked is much more fun."
....*....
If she had thought classes were loaded with distraction before, she had been utterly clueless, because now it was torture.
Watching Sebastian move about the room, his hands that delighted her flesh gesturing, his lips that had left marks of passion on her skin speaking, her eyes hungrily taking in everything about him, it was beyond distracting.
She had clenched her thighs so many times they ached. Now that she'd had him in her bed, her hunger had only increased. She wanted more.
When the lesson came to an end, MC gathered her things and walked to his desk. Bella, no longer her seat companion, had been about to do the same, her face dropping a little when she saw that MC had beaten her to it.
There was no need for smugness or pettiness. But, inside, MC couldn't help but gloat happily. Her eyes lingered over her professor as he shuffled his notes neatly into a file, his smile warm as he looked up at her. "And what may I do for you, Miss MC?"
Oh professor, how long have you got?
....*....
MC lay on her stomach, propped on her elbows, her eyes on the book open in front of her. The summer sun was dappling through the trees in the city park, a slight breeze ruffling her hair, and she placed a hand down to prevent her page from flipping over.
The warm press of a shoulder moved against her and she turned her head to meet with smiling brown eyes. She smirked and leaned forward to press a kiss to Sebastian's freckled nose.
Four months. Four blissful months of loving him, of sharing his bed, months that had bled into one long, dizzying love affair. Now that classes were over for the summer, she truly had him all to herself. No more sneaking around. He was no longer her professor, although she still called him Sir when the mood took her, it never failed to awaken that dark fire in his eyes.
He shifted to rummage in his pocket and pulled out a piece of parchment, he roughly smoothed it out and slipped it into the top of the page she had been reading. There was an odd look in his gaze, unusual for him compared to his more common cheeky confidence. He looked nervous.
Curious, she glanced down at the parchment. It was headed MACUSA paperwork, and her eyes quickly scanned the letter inked beneath the official logo. She gasped, her gaze flying to his.
"No!" She pushed with her hands to sit up, her eyes wide as she looked at him. "Merlin..."
He sat up too, his cheeks turning a little pink as he nodded. "Yes, MC," he said. "What do you think?"
Tears stung her eyes. She hadn't thought it possible to love him more. She looked down at the letter, a formal offer to join the magical research team in Boston, America. They thought that Professor Sallow showed the necessary skill set to be a valuable member of their team, a team that would be taking part in field research throughout the northern states of ancient magical sites.
Those damned tears blurred her eyes and she swiped swiped at them. "I can't believe it!" She said. "How...?"
He smirked. "I have my ways."
She threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly, the letter still clutched in her hand. Her love and pride for him swallowing her up.
He held her close, his face buried into her neck. "Did you read the last paragraph?"
She pulled back, wiping more tears from her cheeks and shook her head. She had not got that far. He plucked the letter from her fingers with a smug smirk and straightened it with a flourish.
"Allow me," he said. He popped his spectacles on and began to read aloud. "Further to our most recent conversation, it is our utmost pleasure to agree that Miss MC would be a fine addition to the team as your assistant. Her wealth of talent and experience would be invaluable, not to mention the impressive scores in her recent examinations on the subject. We shall be writing to her with an offer to join us at the earliest convenience."
MC had her hands over her mouth as Sebastian read those words, her mind spinning, her heart bursting. He smiled and folded the parchment and slipped it back into his pocket.
"Now, we can travel together, both of us doing the research, but also, you can search out your Ancient Magic hotspots as we go," he said. And then he looked really nervous. "But that's not all..."
He reached into his other pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. Her eyes couldn't get any wider, surely. "Sebastian..." She gasped. "What are you..."
"How do you feel about travelling America as my wife?" He asked. He opened the velvet box to reveal a beautiful white gold ring with a square cut diamond.
She was openly crying now. Hers, he would be hers, forever. "Yes," she sobbed, immediately. She scrambled closer to him, her hands clutching at his shirt in her attempts to pull him close. "I will absolutely be your wife!"
He kissed her, his own eyes shining with unshed tears, and she clung to him, pressing untold amounts of kisses to his face. And then, he was sliding that diamond onto her finger, a promise for their future together.
When she looked into Sebastian's eyes, she knew she was home, he would always be her home, wherever they were in the world.
The burn of the whiskey felt good as it went down. Sebastian leaned back in his office chair, his gaze fixed on the ceiling, but his thoughts were elsewhere. So much for doing his marking this evening, the pile of parchments forgotten on his desk. All he could think about was that kiss down in the Ministry Restricted Section.
He had not planned for it, he had merely wanted to relive old times, and show MC something he knew she would appreciate. Her thirst for knowledge was one of the things that had drawn him to her in the first place, that and a very lovely backside.
It would seem that whenever she was close, he was unable to control himself. The desire to kiss her had been so strong, and when she had moaned into his mouth...gods. He would have happily taken her up against that bookshelf. He closed his eyes, the memory of it consuming him.
She had called him 'Sir' at his request.
The sound of it coming from her lips like that made him burn in ways he didn't know existed. It had nearly killed him to stop after that.
He would have to be extra careful around her, especially in class. Now, when she looked at him across the room, there was something darker, playful, in her gaze. And he had not missed the emphasis she now put on the word 'Sir' when she addressed him. It was a concern that the other students might notice, but he indulged a moment in the fantasy of bending her over his desk, his fingers tightening around his whiskey glass as he imagined it.
Yes, he would have to be very careful indeed. This was going to be a very long term.
....*....
She could respect Sebastian's need for professionalism, he was a Ministry professor and very good at his job, she did not want to be a reason for jeopardising that.
But, did he have to look so good doing it?
He had been utterly respectful towards her, towards all his students, including simpering Bella, who was slowly beginning to grate on MC's nerves. The urge to hit her with a quick Flipendo was very strong some days, especially when she loitered around Professor Sallow's desk at the end of the lesson.
Of course, MC would have rather liked to do something similar herself, or perhaps enjoy another secret moment somewhere dark and forbidden. Those were always rather interesting with someone like Sebastian.
Twice now, Professor Sallow had found her in the library, and they talked about the classwork and beyond, delving a little deeper into some of his theories. His mind was so vast, so knowledgeable, it was a delight to pick through his thoughts and debate them.
On the second evening, she found herself in the Restricted Section again, and this time there was no pretense about why they were in there. As soon as he locked the gate, he had pulled her into a quiet corner, his mouth finding hers in a devastating kiss.
"This is all rather naughty, Professor," she gasped. His mouth was hot on her neck, his fingers unfastening a few buttons to expose her collar bone, he sucked at the skin hungrily. She whimpered at the tight bite of it, and then he was pressing soft kisses over the blooming bruise he had left behind. "I thought you wanted to stick to the rules."
"Fuck the rules," he groaned. His hand cupped her breast, moulding her in his palm, his breath hot on her throat. "Do you realise how hard it is to teach with you looking at me across the room?"
"Am I too tempting for you...Sir?"
His gaze burned into hers. He pinned her more tightly against the wall, his hand rucking up the fabric of her skirt. Her legs trembled, and she couldn't break her eyes away from his intense stare. His knee pushed between her thighs and he rolled his hips, grinding against her. She could feel how much he wanted her, and her body throbbed in response.
"Touch me," she whispered.
His fingers slid lazily up her bare thigh. She whimpered. His mouth hovered over hers. "Say it," he said.
"I want you to touch me, Sir."
He closed his eyes. "MC..."
Her mind spun, breaths coming hard and fast as his hand slid higher, and then it was in her underwear, those beautiful, long fingers caressing her in ways that made her head fall back against the wall, shudders of pleasure washing over her. Her own hands were grasping at him as she became completely lost in every swirl of those fingers, and then he was sliding them deep inside her, touching her where no other had been before.
A cry left her mouth, her hips grinding against his hand. "Oh, gods, Sebastian..."
"Come for me, MC, please," he said. His words were a low murmur in her ear, she felt them through her whole body. He wasn't her professor in this moment, he was her Sebastian, and he was making her come undone with fingers and words. "Give it to me," he whispered. "I want to hear your pretty mouth moaning for me, come on baby."
His fingers moved even more quickly, driving her hard and fast until she thought she wouldn't be able to bear it a moment longer. It was overwhelming, and her fingers bit into him harshly as her breath was stolen from her lungs, her hips flexed and her back arched. A low, filthy moan came from somewhere deep in her soul as she gave him what he had asked for, what he had coaxed from her. His name spilled from her lips, a whispered promise of her devotion as she lost herself in the feel of her pleasure.
As she trembled in his arms, her face flushed and her eyes dazed, he smiled and kissed her softly. "That's my good girl," he murmured. His lips brushed against hers as he spoke. "You're so beautiful."
"I think this might be my favourite lesson of yours," she smiled.
He chuckled. "I'm glad to hear it. Although, I hate to say it, we should head back."
"One more kiss," she pleaded. He smiled and obliged her, kissing her slow and deep until she was once again starved of her breath.
....*....
At the end of one particular lesson, a rather intriguing offering on the secrets buried in Northern America, MC was packing up her things when the Professor asked to speak with her after class.
Bella's face fell into a disappointed pout. She eyed MC. "Aren't you the lucky one?"
"That remains to be seen," she said. "Maybe I am in trouble."
Bella gave her a disbelieving smirk. "Unlikely," she muttered. "See you next time."
MC gave her a curious frown as Bella left, throwing a longing look towards the front of the class. The girl was obviously smitten. Perhaps she ought to warn Sebastian, but then, that might make her look jealous.
Wasn't she? Oh, she absolutely was.
She approached his desk and he smiled up at her. "Did you enjoy today's class?" He asked.
She nodded. "Of course, Sir," she replied. "I didn't get to America in my travels, but it is definitely one on the list for next time."
"Next time?" He asked. His smile slipped a little. "Are you planning on setting off on new adventures so soon?"
"I will finish my classes, obviously, but yes. I would love to do more travelling. It is one thing to read of something in a book, but to see it with your own eyes is rather special," she said.
They exchanged a look, both of their eyes lit with a longing, but she wasn't sure if it was for the same thing. "You, erm, you wanted to speak with me, Sir?" She prompted.
"Ah, yes," he said. He fluffed his hair with one hand. "I wondered how you had got on with that book I gave you about Ancient Magic. Have you read it at all?"
"Oh, yes, it's rather interesting," she said. "The chapters arguing for the myth element were particularly entertaining. It is a shame the author is no longer in the land of the living. I would happily perform a demonstration that Ancient Magic does, in fact, exist."
They both laughed at that. "It really is a sight to behold," he said. "I am honoured to have witnessed you at work."
"We had some good times, didn't we?" She said, softly. "I know there were hard times too, but the good really stands out against them, don't you think?'
"You were one of the best parts of my time at school towards the end," he said. "I was glad that you came to us when you did."
She felt her cheeks warm. She cleared her throat. "Are you still in touch with Ominis?"
"Yes, of course," he said. "I mentioned that you were in my class and he was pleased to hear you are well." He paused, head tilted. "You are well, aren't you? Happy, I mean? If its not too bold of me to ask."
"I...well, yes, I'm alright," she said. Something in her heart twisted sharply, and she refused to call it loneliness. As she stared at him, she felt a longing so strong it almost stole her breath. She would always have the desire to kiss him, her body had proven that fact three times now, but this was different. She wanted him to hold her, to feel the solid strength of him against her, for his lips to whisper into her ear that everything would be alright, that he...oh gods...that he...loved her?
Is that what she wanted?
She swallowed hard against the thought, eyes suddenly burning with emotional tears. Her breath shook as she drew it in.
"I'm fine, of course," she said, quickly. She skipped her gaze away from that face, that wonderful face, and took a step back from the desk. "I er...I will return the book to you next class, Sir," she said. "Thank you for your time, Professor. Good day to you."
Once again she had to fight the urge to take one last lingering look at him. If she did, she feared she might not be able to leave the room.
....*....
Class was due to start in about a quarter hour and Sebastian ran his hands through his hair. Tiredness tugged at his eyes. He hadn't slept well the last few nights, his mind stuck on the way MC had looked at him when he had asked if she was happy. He half regretted the question, because the deep well of sadness and longing that opened up in her eyes had floored him.
Her hasty exit, eyes glittering with tears, had cut right through him. He had wanted to run around his desk and grab hold of her, he had wanted to hold her and tell her that everything would be alright. But, what right did he have to do such a thing? She did not belong to him, no matter how much he ached for her.
Also, the inappropriateness of it would land him in trouble, at the risk of his job if they were caught. He grit his teeth. Merlin, he hated bloody rules.
He shuffled his notes on his desk and tried to focus, he had a class to teach. A class that she would be in. MC was his biggest distraction.
The door opened and he looked up to see one of the younger students slip into the room. He almost sighed. This student, Bella, was becoming rather a pain in his side. He was never rude, but she was always there, smiling up at him. She had dared to lay her hand on his arm last time. It was this very behaviour that the rules were in place to stop. It was not appropriate.
Her smile was a pretty one, no doubt, and she gave it to him as she moved towards his desk. Her blouse was a little undone at her throat, her cheeks flushed. "Good morning, Professor Sallow," she said. "Isn't it a lovely day. I am looking forward to your class."
He gave her a tight smile and leant his elbows on his desk. She came right around the desk to stand beside him, her brow creasing. "Are you alright, Professor?"
"I'm fine, thank you," he said. "Why don't you find your seat? Class will be starting soon."
He rubbed his face with his hand. And then he felt the gentle press of her hand on his shoulder. He tensed. He felt the warmth of her breath as she spoke, her face leaning dangerously close to him. "Are you sure you're alright? You look a little pale," she said. Her voice had dropped a little lower. Fuck, was she trying to seduce him? "Is there anything I can do for you, Professor?"
His blood turned to ice. He was about to stand when the door swung open again and MC walked through the door. She paused in her step, one hand still on the door as she stared at the scene before her. Sebastian watched as a flood of colour stained her cheeks and her mouth tightened.
No, no, no! He stood, brushing Bella's hand from his shoulder. Bella turned to see MC standing there and the little bitch smirked, a smug little look that made his stomach turn over. Had she done this on purpose? Did she know?!
MC turned her face from them and made her way to a seat, not her usual one, but one near the back of the class. Other students began to arrive and Sebastian pushed a hand through his hair, his chest tight. Somehow, he had to get through the next 90 minutes without losing his gobstones.
....*....
The notes on her page were nonsense and most of the class had passed in a blur. Her eyes kept glossing over with stinging tears and she refused to meet anyone's gaze. She kept her head down and somehow got through it, the sound of the professor's voice sending conflicting shivers of pain and want over her skin.
How could she have been such a fool? All the times Bella had hung back to wait for him, the way she stared at him, her snarky comment when it had been MC asked to stay behind last time. How long had it been going on? Before he had taken her into the Restricted Section? She shivered. She would have let him take her that night, she had wanted him to.
She could not get the image out of her head, how close Bella had been to him, leaning over him like that, speaking intimately. Jealousy made her want to empty her stomach and she pressed her fist to her mouth. She had been a fool.
And to think she had imagined he could love her.
As soon as he dismissed the class, she grabbed her things and hurried for the door. She couldn't bear to look back and see Bella hanging around to wait for him. She couldn't bear the thought of accidently making eye contact with him. Holding on to her dignity as best as she could, she hurried to the nearest female bathroom, locked herself inside a stall and finally let the tears come.
....*....
MC tipped the wine bottle to refill her glass and a tiny drip plopped out. She grimaced and stared down the bottle neck. Great. That had been her last bottle. She put it down with a bang and slumped back in her chair. Well, today had not been great.
Her class work was sat on her little table, an assignment was waiting to be written, but she just couldn't face it. She wasn't even sure she wanted to return to the classes, and it hurt, not just because of him, but because she had genuinely enjoyed every moment of them.
She stared around her little rented room, a loft space in a London town house had been all she could afford, but it was a place to stay until she went off travelling again. She had few possessions, she liked to travel light, and she didn't really need much. It occurred to her that she had never really had a proper home.
Apart from Hogwarts, of course. That had felt like home. But, Sebastian had been a big part of that.
She put her head in her hands. Oh, Merlin. It hurt, and now she was beginning to understand why. Only love could hurt like this. She bloody loved that idiot. Maybe she always had. She was in love with Sebastian Sallow.
But he didn't love her.
A knock on her door made her still. She looked up towards the plain wooden door with a frown. It was late, and nobody ever knocked on her door, not really. She was a loner, through and through.
She grabbed her wand and moved towards the door, poised, alert. If someone was expecting a vulnerable woman in here then they were going to be mistaken. She may be a fool in love, but she was not afraid of a fight.
"Who is it?" She asked, coldly.
"It's me." Her eyes widened in shock at those two words and the voice that spoke them. "It's Sebastian."
How was he here? He had found her. Her heart pounded against her ribs. She stared at the door handle debating the sanity of opening the door. She should tell him to get lost. But her traitorous heart had her reaching for the handle, unlocking the door and swinging it open to reveal the man on the other side.
He met her gaze, brown eyes wary, expression soft. He looked so damned handsome in his dark overcoat, the collar turned up, his hair dishevelled and his hands in his pockets.
"I had to see you," he said.
"What do you want?" She asked. She folded her arms, wand still clenched in her fingers.
"You," he said. "I want you."
Her mouth fell open. She stared at him. "What?"
"What you saw...what you thought you saw, it was nothing. Bella has been trying her luck for weeks, and I get the feeling she was doing it on purpose because she suspects that I feel something for you, and she would be right," he said. He took a steadying breath. "I love you, MC. And I'm hoping and praying to whichever god cares to listen that you will let me come in."
MC stood there staring at him. His words going in and her wine addled brain trying to sort them into something that made sense. He loved her?!
NSFW 🌶 🔞 Part One of MC's University level education experience with a rather familiar Professor. A little spicy to get us started.
As MC walked towards the lecture halls, her eyes swept up over the huge main atrium of the Ministry, dodging the bustling crowds of employees dashing off to their various offices. It was her first time here, and she gaped at the grand scale of everything.
In her hand she clutched the piece of parchment that gave her instructions on what was expected of her on her first day, and after taking a ride in a rather bizarre lift, she found herself in the education department. A kindly looking witch sat at the reception desk, and MC approached nervously. It had been a while since she had sat in a classroom, 3 years to be exact, and she had a twinge of anxiety.
"Good morning, I have a class with a Professor..." MC scanned her parchment instructions to remind herself. "...McNeath, for Magical Ancient Studies."
The older witch smiled up at her. "Ah yes, you're right on time," she said, warmly. She gave MC an apologetic look. "However, Professor McNeath has had to step down from taking the class, for personal reasons, I'm afraid. But not to worry, we have a replacement, and he is highly recommended for the role. You will now be taught by Professor Sallow, and you will be in lecture room three which is just down this hall to the left."
MC stilled, her mouth slightly parted, her fingers clutching a little tighter to her parchment letter. "I'm sorry, forgive me," she said, licking her dry lips. "You did just say, Professor Sallow, didn't you?"
"Yes, that's right," she replied. Her eyes scanned MC quickly and a worried crease appeared on her brow. "Is that a problem?"
Was it? MC felt a flutter of panic as she thought back to when she had last seen Sebastian Sallow, not long after graduation if she remembered correctly - in a bar, and they had got drunk...
They had been quite close at school, and they certainly had some dark history between them, secrets they swore they would take to their graves. But, she hadn't seen him for years. It was quite sad really how they had lost touch. She certainly hadn't known he was a professor now.
But, wasn't she getting ahead of herself here? Surely Sebastian wasn't the only living Sallow in the world, so it might not even be him. It might be some stuffy old man in a moth eaten suit for all she knew.
MC glanced down the hall in the direction the receptionist had indicated she needed to go and took a shaky breath. She managed a small smile and turned her gaze back to the witch's worried face. "No problem at all," MC said. "I'm looking forward to it."
"Oh, good. I can assure you, Professor Sallow is quite the gentleman," she said, relieved. She tapped an open book on the table. "Sign in here and then make your way to class. I hope you enjoy it."
MC felt her anxiety switch up a notch as she approached a pair of black double doors with a brass number three fixed on a plaque beside it. She hesitated and smoothed her palms over her hips, looking down at her smart skirt and blouse. She patted at her hair that was twisted up at the back of her head, a few loose strands softening her face.
She felt ridiculous worrying about her appearance. Why should she care? It wasn't going to be him.
But, what if it was?
There was only one way to find out. She pushed at the heavy, wooden door and slipped into the lecture room.
Immediately, she was impressed with the size of the room, the tall arched ceilings and grand mullioned windows made her think of Hogwarts. Her heels clicked on the stone flooring as she made her way past the rows of tables, students already seated with parchment and quill to hand. One wall was covered with huge, fully stocked bookcases, and nearer the front was a selection of chalk boards on wheels. Front and centre before the far wall was a large wooden desk, and behind it stood her new professor.
MC paused in her step. That was no old man in a moth eaten suit. Oh fuck! MC made a small strangled sound in her throat as her gaze swept over the tall figure of Sebastian Sallow.
He had matured into a fine looking man indeed. His hair was still a little unkempt, brunette locks tumbling above his forehead, but his shoulders had broadened rather fetchingly, and he had a pair of spectacles on as he read from a book on the desk in front of him. His sleeves were rolled to the elbows, his shirt a deep blue colour matched with a black vest and tie. He leant a hand against the desk, bending to pore over the book and she had a flash of memory, hours spent in the Hogwarts library with him, often by candlelight.
A memory of soft lips on her neck, warm hands on her hips...
MC cleared her throat and spotted an empty seat a few rows back and hurried towards it. She sat down and busied her hands with getting her notebook and quill ready, her fingers fumbling as she tried to open her ink.
She hadn't gone to his bed that night. It had stopped after some rather passionate kisses against her lodgings door. He had walked her home, ever the gentleman, and she had given in to her secret, desperate urges for him. Luckily, it had stopped before it got out of hand.
Luckily, or regrettably? It was an ongoing debate.
Peering across the room at Sebastian and remembering that rather fluster enducing moment had warmth creeping into her cheeks. Would he remember it? She twirled her quill in her fingers and glanced around at the other students, searching for a distraction.
There were a varied bunch of students of all ages, and MC felt a little more relaxed about that side of things. She had feared she might look out of place, but perhaps not. Her urge to return to her studies had been a strong one after two years travelling. There had been much to discover and it opened up new questions regarding ancient magical practises. She had always felt one step behind her fellow students at school having started so late, and she still felt like she had a lot to learn. Coming here to study ancient history in magic had seemed like a good place to begin, plus, she did have a head start on the subject.
Her eyes were drawn to the front of the class as Professor Sallow called for their attention, his voice a familiar sound that sent a shiver of memory through her.
Oh, for goodness sake, she was not an awkward 16 year old any longer, she was a woman grown. And, he was not a roguish teenage boy anymore with a terrible habit of making her blush, he was her professor.
She took a deep, steadying breath, and tried to focus. She was here to learn after all.
....*....
When Sebastian had scanned through the student roll before taking his first class, he had paused when his eyes fell upon one name in particular. Why was the Hero of Hogwarts taking a class here? Anticipation had thrummed through him.
He was not new to teaching, he had taught classes before, but this last minute step-in had been a great opportunity for him to work at a more advanced level. His ultimate goal was a permanent position, and this would be good experience. So, while he hadn't been particularly nervous, he had felt the tremor of apprehension as he entered his classroom for today. And it was because of her.
He hadn't seen her since she had kissed him goodnight at her door. He could still remember the feel of her in his arms, how much he had wanted more, but he had been a gentleman. He had held back. And then, the next day, she had disappeared without a word.
Now, as he stood before a class of eager students, she was sitting there at her desk, eyes on him, looking as beautiful as she always had. Pushing down the memories of how his sixteen year old self had been under the influence of a ferocious crush, he took a deep breath and got his brain in professor mode.
"Good morning, and thank you for coming to Ancient Studies class today. I am Professor Sallow, and for today's lesson we will be outlining what these classes will cover, and familiarising ourselves with the subject matter. However, let's start things off by introducing ourselves."
A collection of sighs and shuffling seats sounded throughout the room and his lips twitched up into a smirk. It was the standard reaction he had come to find. He strolled around his desk and flipped open the student register. "Let's start with Mr Abbot, shall we? Tell us, what brings you to this class today."
Following through the list, they began to introduce themselves, and it was rather a mixed bunch of people, but they all seemed keen which was a good start. When it came to MC's name on the list, he had to pause for a second to steady himself before he spoke her name aloud. When he did, there were a few muttered whispers around the room. It wasn't surprising really, her name and photo had been all over the Daily Prophet more than once.
His eyes lifted to meet hers, no need to scan the room to see who it would be to stand next. She met his gaze and for a blistering second, it could have been just them two in the room, her cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink and he had to force his mouth to stay neutral. Oh, how he loved to make her blush.
"Hello, my name is MC, and some of you may recognise me from the newspaper. I have the ability to wield Ancient Magic, and I have spent the last two years travelling the world and searching out magic hotspots. I was intrigued by other magical cultures and their history, and that is what brings me to this class today."
Hearing her voice made his heart pound a little. To say he hadn't missed her would be a lie. The friendship they had forged as kids had been one he had wanted to hang to, but sadly life had got in the way. He was already intrigued to hear about her travels, his thirst for knowledge and information a constant pull, but he had to be professional. Being her professor came with a set of rules regardless of their age now. It was the department's policy.
He smiled with genuine warmth however. "Thank you, Miss MC. Welcome to my class."
....*....
Her parchment pages were filling up with notes, and she listened attentively to Professor Sallow's lesson. He was good, she realised, assured, and passionate about his subject. Glancing around at the other students, she could see she wasn't the only one caught up in his enthusiasm. She was already looking forward to getting stuck in to his suggested reading list as well.
As the class came to an end, she began to put away her things. The girl who had sat beside her smiled. "This was much better than I thought it was going to be," she said. "I'm Bella, by the way, and I must say, it was rather an honour to sit next to the Hero of Hogwarts. I graduated last summer, I was there when you saved our school."
"Oh, really?" MC smiled. "It's nice to meet you, Bella. And honestly, the whole hero thing is a little over rated. I did have some help."
"I'm sure you're just being modest," Bella said. She glanced towards the front of the class and frowned curiously. "I'm fairly sure our professor went to Hogwarts too, he looks a little familiar."
"Oh, well, yes he did," MC said. "He was in my year group in fact, although not in my House."
Her eyes brightened. "Merlin, of course! You were duelling partners in Crossed Wands! Oh, how exciting! Are you two friends?"
"Erm, no, not really. In fact, I hadn't seen Professor Sallow since school before today," she said. Her eyes skipped away from Bella's at the lie as they stood and moved towards the centre walkway.
"He is awfully handsome," she whispered. "I wish all professors looked as he does, it certainly makes for a lovely view."
"Perhaps," MC said. Her lips thinned a little. "I'm not sure it's very appropriate, though."
"Oh, of course," Bella said, quickly. A blush stained her cheeks. "Still, no harm in admiring from afar, is there? I will see you next lesson, nice to chat with you."
Bella's cheeks remained flushed as she hurried from the class, MC watching her go. The girl's words had irritated her somewhat, and she couldn't help the frown that creased her brow.
"Oh dear, my lesson wasn't that bad, was it? You look positively vexed."
Her gaze swung to meet with warm brown eyes, and an irresistible smirk. Her face relaxed. "Hello Sebas...erm, I mean, Professor," she said. Her cheeks flamed at the stumble.
His smile widened. "It's going to take some getting used to, am I right?"
"Maybe a little," she agreed. Maybe a lot. She glanced around as the students were filing out, the room almost empty now. "I think being a professor suits you. I enjoyed your class."
Seemingly pleased at her praise he held out his hand toward his desk. "Do you have a moment? I would like to show you something."
"Of course," she said.
She followed her Professor towards his large desk, her gaze wandering over his back and down towards his hips as he walked. She clutched her notebook tightly in her hands. Hadn't she just snipped at Bella for being this inappropriate? Fool.
Averting her gaze she stood before the desk as he circled around it. "I came across a book not so long ago that made me think of you," he said. He shuffled some old tomes in a pile and pulled one out. "Ah, this is the one." He held the book out to her. "This isn't on the reading list, however, I think you might find it interesting."
MC looked down at the old leather bound book. 'Ancient Magic, Truth or Myth'. She lifted her eyes to his, surprised. "Where did you get this?"
He gave her his trademark smirk. "I have my ways. You know me."
"I do, or rather I did," she said, taking the book. "It's been a while, but it's nice to hear that some things haven't changed. I shall look forward to reading it."
"Let me know what you think. I'm interested in your views on it, almost as much as I'm intrigued about your travels. You shall have to catch me up when you have the time," he said. His face took on a serious look. "In a strictly professional sense, of course."
MC stared at him across the desk and swallowed, nodding. Was that disappointment sliding through her stomach? Of course it would be in a professional sense. An exchange of views between a professor and his student. It was best to start as things were meant to go on, wasn't it?
"Of course, Sir," she said, politely. "I would be happy to."
While his face remained quietly serious, his eyes flashed with something a little more fiery when she called him sir. He nodded, his gaze flicking away for a moment, and he shuffled some parchment on his desk. "Great, well I won't keep you any longer," he said. "See you next class, Miss MC."
"Goodbye, Professor Sallow," she nodded.
It took everything in her not to look back over her shoulder as she left his lecture room.
....*....
"Ancient Egypt," Professor Sallow said. He wrote the words on his blackboard, before turning back to his class. "A fascinating culture that is filling up the Muggle newspapers at an alarming rate, archaeologists making brand new discoveries everyday while they try to understand what it all means. Has anyone here been taking an interest?"
MC glanced around the room and saw a few nods. She had definitely taken an interest and consumed every news article and pamphlet she could get her hands on. She sat, quill poised, attentive. Beside her, sat Bella, her blouse open at the throat and her eyes fixed dreamily on the professor. MC resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"There are many secrets to uncover in Egypt, and in the magical sense, a whole lot more," Professor Sallow continued. "I'd like you to open your texts to page 227 and take a look at the star charts printed there, for Egyptians were top class Astronomers and the building of their structures is no happy accident."
Once again, MC was completely engrossed in her lesson, her quill scratching out her notes as fast as her hand would allow. She even raised her hand to offer some words of her own, the professor's eyes warming when he invited her to speak.
"There has been much speculation around hidden, secret chambers beneath the Sphinx," she said. "There has been talk of enchantments concealing such secrets below the ground."
As their eyes met, his smile was one of knowing, a teasing glint in his eye as he nodded. "Indeed there is," he said. "What I wouldn't give to go snooping around in such places? Imagine the secrets you could uncover."
MC blushed, memories of sneaking about the castle at night, exploring hidden caves in the Highlands drifting through her mind. She tried to imagine doing similar things with him in the mysterious desert plains of Egypt and it made her heart flutter quickly. In the look they exchanged in those brief seconds, the memories tumbled madly, experiences shared.
As he moved on with his lecture, Bella leant in towards MC. "I thought you said you two weren't close?" She whispered.
"We're not," MC said, quickly. She wouldn't look at Bella, keeping her gaze fixed on her notes.
She heard the girl's huff of disbelief. "That was one hell of a look he gave you. I wish he looked at me like that."
"You're imagining things," she said, sighing.
MC looked at her professor, warmth gathering deep in her belly at the mere suggestion of being close with him. Her gaze lingered on those long fingered hands, the curve of his lips, and the tempting curve of his bottom as he turned to write on the blackboard.
She closed her eyes and tried to refocus. She wanted to learn, she was here for knowledge, but Professor Sallow was becoming a rather dangerous distraction.
....*....
By the fourth lesson, MC realised that she was slipping deeper and deeper into the realms of a crush. She refused to put any other name to it. It was a crush on an old school friend, nothing more.
But, my goodness, was it distracting!
When he walked past her desk, his scent lingered behind him, teasing her senses with that and the way he moved, his hands gesturing as he spoke with passion about his subject.
Her eyes followed him, as did the girl's next to her, and MC hated the bitter sting of jealousy that was coiling in her gut. Bella was clearly equally enamoured with their professor, and she found every excuse to remain after class, or get his attention.
After a lesson on magical Ancient Greek symbols, Bella was up out of her seat, adjusting her blouse just so, before sauntering off towards the professor's desk. MC gathered her things with a sour grimace at the welcoming smile Sebastian offered Bella on her approach. Ever the charming gentleman so he was.
With an assignment to write, MC made her way to the Ministry's library. It was fast becoming one of her favourite places to be. She had adored the Hogwarts library, but this one was a whole other level of perfect. The grand scale of it took her breath away, it was almost on a par with those beautiful religious buildings Muggles built centuries ago, with ornate stone columns and bookcases stretching forever in each direction, combined with intimate study spaces and comfortable seating.
She found her favourite spot and got out her things, burying her head into her books and losing herself for a couple of hours.
At the tread of soft footsteps she looked up, her cheeks immediately warming as Professor Sallow appeared beside her. He leant curiously over to see what she was working on and smiled. "Working hard I see," he said. His voice was low and soft in the quiet of the library, intimate, and it almost made her shiver.
"Well, I do have a Professor to impress," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'm afraid I've gone over the word count you suggested. I'm trying to edit it down, but I'm not having much luck."
"May I?" He asked. He indicated her parchment. She nodded and slid it across to him. He reached to pick it up, his fingertips grazing her hand. MC drew a swift breath in at the touch, her eyes flicking up to his a little alarmed, as she quickly put her hand into her lap. Oh my...
There was the barest flicker of reaction on his freckled face at the touch, before he slipped on his spectacles to read her work. Her heart pounded, cheeks too warm for the cool air of the library, and she tried not to stare at him. Since when did a pair of looking glasses look so bloody sexy?
He lifted an eyebrow, impressed. "You have certainly done your research," he said. His lips quirked. "It's nice to see some things haven't changed."
A call back to her words to him after the first class. She couldn't help but smile. "All or nothing," she said.
"I see you made mention of the great fire of Alexandria," he said. He looked at her. "It's painful when you think about all those lost scrolls, isn't it?"
She nodded. "Oh, absolutely, such a tragic loss. I would have lost myself for hours in such a place."
He gazed at her thoughtfully, something deep and intriguing in his gaze. Her pulse quickened under his stare, and then he was leaning in a little closer. "Would you like to know a secret?" He whispered. As entrancing as his eyes were, her gaze nevertheless risked a peek at his whispering lips. "I'm sure I can trust you with it. It's a Ministry secret after all."
"You can trust me," she whispered. "After all, I've got secrets I've kept from the Ministry."
His gaze held hers, more memories swirling between them. He nodded and continued. "The fire at Alexandria was deliberate, and certain important scrolls and texts were removed by wizards for safe keeping."
Her eyes widened. "Where are they?"
His smirk did delicious things to her insides. "Right here, under your very feet, in the Restricted Section of this library," he whispered. She shivered. Of course there was a Restricted Section. He slid his hand into his pocket. "And the best part is, I have a key."
He pulled out a key chain and held up an ornate iron key. She stared at it, her lips curving into a smile.
"Would you like to go and take a look? I can sneak you in," he offered.
She met his gaze. "Do you really have to ask?"
....*....
They were like teenagers again, casting glances over their shoulders as he led her down a narrow curving staircase. Anticipation thrummed with her pulse and her fingers trembled as they walked quickly, but quietly along a dark corridor. How was it that she was once again, sneaking into dark, forbidden places with Sebastian Sallow? She honestly couldn't seem to help herself.
As they approached an ornate iron gate, the design similar to his key, he paused, a gentle hand on her lower back as he listened for any sound of other people.
"There's not any Peeves type poltergeist menaces down here, are there?" She asked, quietly.
He chuckled. "No, there's that at least," he said. He slipped the key into the lock. "But, we must be quiet all the same. While not forbidden, a student down here after hours is not common practise. I may be accused of favoritism."
"Hmm, very unprofessional, sir," she said, playfully. "It's a good job I'm rather good at keeping your secrets."
To her surprise his cheeks turned a little pink. He cleared his throat and pushed open the gate, it swung open silently and they entered. He closed and locked it behind them, slipping the key back into his pocket.
She was utterly at his mercy, and she realised she was alright with that. He had always meant safety to her, something she had always been grateful for.
He led her through various aisles of bookcases and shelves stacked with various curiosities. Her eyes were everywhere and they exchanged smiles of understanding.
"This must be like your own personal heaven down here," she said.
He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "It certainly keeps me out of trouble."
She quirked an eyebrow. "Why do I find that hard to believe?"
"Come on, this way," he said. Whether out of habit, or not, he took hold of her hand as they walked. His palm was warm, comforting, familiar, and she didn't pull away.
The deeper they went the heavier the silence of the place surrounded them, it was like they were in their own little world. When he showed her the ancient scrolls, she almost cried at the significance of them, her fingers trembling to be able to touch such rare and important items.
"Merlin," she gasped. "I cannot believe it. Scrolls, from the Great Library of Alexandria! I must be dreaming!"
"You and me both," he said, softly.
She looked up at him, the air evaporating from her lungs at the way he was looking at her. Soft, but so very flammable. He reached up to brush a stray strand of hair from her face, and then her lungs seemed to be working double time, desperate to draw in enough oxygen to keep up with her thudding heart.
Her lips parted without thought as his mouth lowered to hers. The softness of his kiss making her eyes flutter closed. He tasted of whiskey and peppermint, he smelled like home, and she melted into his touch as his hands grazed her waist.
As he deepened the kiss, his tongue flicking at her lips, she welcomed him, moaning softly. His grip tightened at her waist and her hands were in his hair, grazing at the tender flesh of his neck.
Their feet were moving and she felt the press of a bookcase up against her back, his mouth found her neck, hot and teasing. Her breaths sounded loud to her own ears but she was powerless to stop herself from sliding down this slippery slope.
"Sebastian," she whispered. It was a plea, an expression of her desire for him.
His face lifted to hers, his forehead resting against her own. "Call me Sir," he groaned.
Heat pierced through her core and her thighs clenched tightly. She stared into those deep brown eyes, drowning in them. "Yes, sir," she breathed.
He devoured her, pressing his hips into her eagerly, crushing her against the ancient books. His tongue fought for dominance and she let him win, his kiss deep, hungry and possessive.
His hands slid lower, gripping her hips, fingers sliding to tease her backside. She moaned into his mouth, her hips rolling eagerly towards him. Gods, she wanted him, all restraint withering under his touch. As she rocked against him, she felt the hard nudge of his arousal through their clothing, and both of them gasped.
He stilled, his eyes squeezed tightly shut. "Gods...MC..." His voice was tight, strained. "Forgive me," he whispered.
Reluctantly, he moved back away from her, breathing hard. Her fingers dragged over his shoulders, aching as he slipped from her grip. He turned to adjust his trousers, getting control of himself.
"It's alright," she panted.
"I shouldn't be taking advantage of you like that," he said. He turned to meet her gaze. "It could get us both into trouble. I'm sorry."
She bit her lower lip. Disappointment flooded through her, but she understood, no matter how hard it was. Her body ached for him, need so hot and desperate she was practically throbbing with it. She couldn't help herself, her lips lifted into a teasing smirk.
"Look at you sticking to the rules," she said. "I'm impressed...Sir."
His expression was pained. "Don't..."
She straightened, smoothing her hands over her clothing and patting her hair. "Sorry, Sir," she said. She gave him a sweet smile. "I promise to be a good girl from now on."
His eyes flashed dangerously. "Don't do that," he warned. "Don't tease me."
"Whatever do you mean?" She stared at him, her eyes wide and almost innocent. "Now, I thought you brought me down here to see forbidden ancient scrolls, Sir. Shall we continue?"
His jaw clenched and his throat worked, but he nodded. He gestured towards where the scrolls were. "Of course," he said.
As they finished up and snuck back out of the Restricted Section, MC couldn't help the flutter of anticipation for their next class. She would be sure to smile sweetly and call him Sir, knowing what secrets lurked in the dark between them.
This is one of those moments where I don’t know if I want to be them or date them. They are seriously one of the coolest fucking people I’ve ever witnessed on this planet, and I can’t explain it.
If you’re new here, welcome to the Meatballverse! I’ll try to link the meatball chapters I’ve posted (there’s four official chapters so far and some random blurbs)
I am always taking suggestions if you have ideas for the Meatballverse or any of my other stories! Just send a message! In case you haven’t seen it, here’s a fact sheet about Meatball.
Just wanna take the time to thank @deathlysallows and @dingdongdick for being a great distraction at an extremely stressful time! I always open tumblr waiting to find new photos of our Slytherin boys!
Ominis: -sitting on his bed in pajamas- Oh hello MC, do come in.
MC: Meatball doesn’t have a middle name!
Ominis: What?
MC: He doesn’t have a middle name, or a last one! He needs a full name!
Ominis: For god’s sake, it’s one o’clock in the morning, how did you even get in here?
MC: Sebastian and I just got back, he’s taking a shower.
Ominis: -sighs- What ridiculous adventure did you two go on this time?
MC: The less you know, the better, but focus! He needs a middle name!
Ominis: How much coffee have you had?
MC: Three cups, what about Bartholomew?
Ominis: Why can’t he just have one name? Lots of people have just one name. Cher, Prince, Madonna…
Meatball: Flower is here!
MC: There’s my sleepy boy! Come here. -climbs onto the bed beside Ominis-
MC: Ok Meatball, here’s your buttons. I’m going to read off a list of names, you tell me if you like them.
Ominis: Could we please do this in the morning?
MC: It’s 1:15, it is morning! You can go to sleep, I don’t need you to translate since Meatball has buttons.
Ominis: Like I’ll be able to sleep.
-10 minutes later-
MC: Marinara?
Meatball: -robotic voice- yes
MC: WE GOT ONE! Ominis, did you hear that?
Ominis: -startles awake- wonderful, can you go back to your own common room and your own bed now?
MC: Did Sebastian not tell you? I’m here for the night.
Ominis: WHAT?
MC: They know I sneak out and they’ve assigned extra prefects outside the Hufflepuff dorms so I’m sleeping here with Sebastian.
Ominis: You are NOT sleeping with Sebastian!
MC: Would you calm down? We’re just sleeping.
Sebastian: -enters and yawns- What’s he in a tizzy for?
MC: You forgot to tell him I was staying here.
Sebastian: Oh, right. Sorry about that. MC, do you want the front or back?
MC: Front is fine.
Ominis: You’re NOT sleeping with Sebastian!
MC: I had no idea you were this uptight about sleeping.
Sebastian: He’s probably crabby because you’re keeping him up. He needs his beauty sleep.
Ominis: I’ll sleep on the floor, you can sleep in my bed.
MC: Don’t be ridiculous!
Sebastian: Mate, it’s FINE. Anne used to stay over.
Ominis: Yes, but Anne is your sister!
MC: If he’s just going to freak out, I’ll risk going back to my room.
Ominis: -sighs- no, it’s fine. I’m overreacting.
MC: Anyway, Meatball is now Meatball Marinara. Are we giving him your last name?
Ominis: You know what? Sure. Meatball Marinara Gaunt. Though perhaps he should have your last name, it’s better than being a Gaunt.
Meatball: She’ll have your last name one day anyway, isn’t that what humans do?
Ominis: MEATBALL
Meatball: I want to sleep with MC, but not the asshole.
Ominis: Seriously? Just sleep in your terrarium!
Meatball: You’re having a slumber party, I feel left out.
Ominis: -exasperated- Meatball wants to sleep with MC but not Sebastian because, and I quote, “we’re having a slumber party and he feels left out.”
MC: Aw! I don’t want my little boy to feel left out!
Sebastian: He doesn’t like me.
Meatball: -hits button- Mad!
Sebastian: Knock it off! Melody, get in Ominis’ bed with the snake. Ominis, if you’re going to freak out, sleep with me in mine. Now can we all go to bed?
Ominis: -sighs- alright. MC, are you comfortable sharing a bed with me? I don’t mind moving.
MC: I’m fine! It’s cold anyway, I’ll share your body heat.
-Everyone gets into bed-
MC: Sorry Ominis, I’ll have to be pressed up against you a bit so there’s room for Meatball.
