Chapter 01: A Prologue Chapter 02: Yellow Personified
The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars (rewritten!)
Hi! After working on this story for about a year and a half, I've decided to take a break from creating new chapters for now to focus on rewriting from the beginning. I hope you'll give the new and improved version a chance. Constructive feedback is always welcome and much appreciated!
Nine years after the events of Hogwarts Legacy, Sebastian Sallow has little hope for a positive future. While serving a life sentence in Azkaban, he managed to escape with the assistance of a terroristic organization of Dark wizards. When the Ministry of Magic eventually caught up with Sebastian, he struck a deal to serve as a double-agent and bring the gang to justice as a means to his freedom. Lonely, traumatized, and depressed, he never imagines his luck will change. But one moonlit night, it does. Fate intervenes in the form of Kate Mayflower, the Hogwarts assistant librarian. Infinitely optimistic and kind, she helps Sebastian find joy and peace again as he regains his humanity and rebuilds his life. While their journey towards happily ever after is a turbulent one, they slowly learn to trust in each other, believe in the power of true love, and heed the lessons from the past in order to grow. Tags: Romance, Fluff, Fast Relationship, Strangers to Lovers, Smut, Adult Relationship, Settling Down, Happily Ever After, True Love, Domestic Bliss, Soulmates, Fate, Reincarnation/Past Lives, Mutual Pining, Humor and Banter, Redemption, Drama, Angst, Secrets, Trauma and Healing, Coping Mechanisms, Grief, Hurt/Comfort, Dark Magic, Wizarding World Gangs, Undercover Work, Violence and Danger, Death, Revenge, Familial Relationships, Parental Disapproval, Pureblood Society, Expectations, Friendship, Kindness and Compassion, Goals, Hopes and Dreams, Illustrations Pairing: 25-year-old, post-Azkaban Sebastian Sallow x 24-year-old Kate Mayflower, my original character and the Hogwarts assistant librarian Word Count for First Two Chapters: ~4970 Art Credit: @giselsann Link to Wattpad Link to AO3
Chapter 01: A Prologue
Albert Sallow glanced at his watch. 9:15. Scribbling his name and the time into the log, he yawned fiercely, recalling the early morning wake-up caused by his screaming infant daughter. He shook his head at the memory. The moment he heard the baby’s wails, Albert had darted out of bed so that Sage, his exhausted wife, could take in a few more hours of much-needed sleep. Never mind that he had been assigned a nearly impossible task at work; she deserved the rest.
As an Unspeakable in the Department of Mysteries, Albert could not disclose, even to Sage, what his work entailed. Her curiosity was endless, yet he could not even breathe a word to her. Little did she know that Albert’s own family heirlooms - rather famous ones - had suddenly disappeared.
The door to the Love Room unlatched as soon as Albert’s name was written in the log. He opened the huge door only just enough to sidle inside, then closed it immediately. Hit with the enchanting scent of honey, lavender, and jasmine, he knew that the Amortentia fountain was in full working order. It was difficult to focus at times when he needed to work here; sometimes, he even needed a charm to dull the scent before his mind was flooded with thoughts and images of his wife.
Strolling towards the shelves, Albert's eyes searched for the box he needed. “S. and K. Sallow, 1874-1979.” He lifted it up, taking it to the large community desk across the expansive space. Inside were various items and a large black binder. Easing himself into the leather chair, he flipped the binder open. Paintings and photographs of a happy, handsome couple through the years, letters, copies of an ancient spell, and more filled the file.
The end of the binder contained two empty pockets in which very small artifacts could be stored. There were two images of the items inside the pockets - precisely what Albert needed. He plucked the photographs from the binder, using a charm to copy them.
The artifacts in question were two ancient moonstone rings.
Somehow, the rings had vanished from their place within the case file. Albert’s boss had pulled him aside to explain the situation regarding the bands; since they were Sallow family heirlooms, it was in Albert’s best interest to investigate and locate them.
The case file of Sebastian and Kate Sallow was well-known to the Unspeakables who worked full-time in the Love Room. Reincarnation was not a topic widely understood, despite centuries of research and experimentation. Albert, though not an employee in this particular department, was fascinated with their story. He was too young to have known his ancestors personally, yet he felt a deep connection to them and their lives. Perhaps because his great-great-great grandmother had been a librarian and avid bookworm, their story had been well-documented and preserved through the years. He was eager to locate the rings that had caused the couple’s reincarnation and reunion and supposedly would allow them to be born again in another lifetime. The Love Room Unspeakables did not believe that the reincarnation process had continued as of yet; they were waiting and watching for certain conditions to take root. It could potentially take centuries, they explained, but Sebastian and Kate would live on, thanks to an ancient spell and the rings.
Albert hoped that whenever it were to happen, that their souls would have a much easier time of it than in their past iterations.
Examining the time yet again, Albert found it was 9:32 now. He spent a moment considering his schedule today and realized he was not officially needed anywhere until his meeting in the late afternoon. Knowing he may have some hours to himself in this room, he decided to read through the case file again.
Chapter 02: Yellow Personified
Diagon Alley, May 1899
Loud hollering and laughter carry across the tavern.
The Leaky Cauldron is more alive tonight than Sebastian Sallow was hoping. Drowning in Firewhisky is not quite as easy when one’s attention is constantly drawn elsewhere. His jealousy, masked as annoyance, is clear as he scowls at the table across the pub that seems to be causing at least half of the noise. There, a group of about ten young adults grin, cackle, and shout in merriment. Sebastian wonders how long they’ve been here, hoping they’ll all be on their way soon so he can properly wallow in his darkness and misery. It’s impossible to achieve when the sounds of content companionship fill the air. Their table is littered with empty mugs and cocktail glasses - perhaps they’ve had enough. Narrowing his gaze, he throws suggestive thoughts their way, trying to anchor them to their minds. Float on home now. Time to leave.
No such luck.
Instead, there are encouraging shouts as a young woman stands and glides to the front of the large table with the grace of a selkie goddess. As if a life preserver was thrown his way, his interest suddenly awakens and bobs to the surface. His eyes grow wide.
She tucks a strand of her long, blonde hair behind her ear and then throws the rest of it behind her, letting it settle midway down her back. The ocean of her hair is calm, with waves only at the bottom, carrying daisy passengers up above. Her dress, yellow and long, only adds to the effect of the sea at sunset. It rides her body tightly, accentuating the feminine curves of her body; her breasts swell and fall, only for her hips to ripple out again, and then subside. Her short sleeves are puffed, keeping her fashionably afloat.
Brown packages and bags decorated with colorful ribbons are tossed to the head of their table as offerings to the golden angel. She smiles, her rosy pink lips widening before her perfect teeth. Her eyes sparkle as she listens and nods, agreeing to something. Then, her dainty hands begin to untie a bow and rip open the paper of one of the presents. She shrieks with laughter upon opening the box. Sebastian strains his eyes, trying to determine what was inside, but he’s just too far away to be able to tell. All of her companions erupt into giggles, men and women alike.
As the young lady speaks and picks up the next gift, her head suddenly turns Sebastian’s way, her eyes focusing directly on him. He realizes he has been watching her for far too long. Immediately, his eyes flick down to his Firewhisky, feigning fascination in its composition. She narrows her view, looking for just a moment longer before returning to the attention of her friends.
Sebastian knows he shouldn’t keep staring. He knows. He just can’t seem to help it, continuing to observe her for hours like a creep while he nurses drink after drink. It takes a great deal to get him buzzed these days; alcohol is just about one of his only escapes from the daily torture of his pathetic, meaningless existence. What’s the harm in looking at a beautiful girl for a while, anyway? It’s not like she’d ever want to talk with him. She has her people; he has his bottle. He takes a large swig of his Firewhisky, enjoying the burn as it distracts him momentarily.
When Sebastian orders another round, the barkeep gives him a pitiful look. He scowls at this; he doesn’t deserve anyone’s sympathy. He fixes his gaze on the countertop in front of him. Then a familiar feeling settles; someone is watching. Sebastian’s senses pick up on this immediately, his eyes opening wide to scan his surroundings. It’s her. Yellow personified. She’s studying him. When her eyes meet his, she turns pink for a moment, then looks away.
A wordless game of spying continues. As the night goes on, Sebastian observes as the girl’s companions start to disperse, one by one. By 12:30, only two of her friends remain, holding hands and whispering in each other’s ears. The golden girl smiles and speaks to them from time to time. She glances at Sebastian frequently with curiosity.
His brows lift when she stands up, an empty drink in her hand. He follows her with his eyes as she makes her way over to the bar, slinging a purse over her shoulder. As she strolls towards two empty stools, her eyes flick up to Sebastian’s, but when she notices his own gaze mirroring hers, her head whips away from him, embarrassed to be caught.
Should I approach her? Is it worth it? He weighs his options as she comes closer.
Two teenage girls sitting nearby decide to vacate their seats. One of them clearly drank far more than she could handle; she appears dazed and stumbles off of her stool. She attempts to correct her footing but fails, bumping hard into Yellow Personified. The empty tumbler she was kindly bringing back to the barkeep slips from her grasp and shatters on the wooden floor; her bag also tumbles to the ground, its contents spilling everywhere. The teenager slurs a pathetic apology, rushing out of the pub with her friend’s arm around her.
Sebastian immediately rushes to her aid. She already has drawn her wand, casting a charm to repair the broken cup.
He smiles as he crouches down beside her. “Please, allow me to help.”
He quickly gathers some of the items that fell, placing them back into her purse - a quill, a silver comb, a barrette decorated with pearls, and a tiny tin filled with peppermints. Finally, he notices a piece of parchment that had fluttered out, and he grabs it. Before he can stop himself, his curiosity gets the better of him; he discovers that it is a to-do list on the official stationery of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A student? She doesn’t seem young enough… When his eyes quickly read through some of the items on the list, it quickly becomes clear to him that she must be a staff member.
“Oh, thank you,” she murmurs to Sebastian as the glass rematerializes in her left hand.
“Of course,” he replies, his voice low. He holds out the parchment. As she takes it from his hand, her fingers brush his, causing her breath to hitch. “Wouldn’t want you to forget to… write letters of recommendation for the seventh-year helpers, now, would we?” He chuckles.
She gently takes the to-do list from him, an expression of mirth on her face. “We certainly wouldn’t.” Her grin and giggle are infectious and impossible to resist.
Finally getting to see her closely, he is taken aback by her eyes - sparkling, bright, and as blue as the summer sky. He gazes into them for a moment longer than he should, already feeling as though he has lost all ability to think or reason. Everything and everyone else has disappeared, and all that exists is her sweet laughter, her joy, her… sunshine.
When the two of them stand, Sebastian discovers that she is far more petite than he realized when he had studied her from afar. He easily has twenty centimeters on her, if not more. Her physique is feminine, and he imagines that underneath her clothing, her form might be quite similar to sculptures of ancient Greek goddesses. Everything about her seems soft and curvy and heavenly to touch.
She’s beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
Sebastian knows that his chance of anything serious with her is slim to none. He has nothing to offer. Who in their right mind would have any interest in someone like him? He is a criminal - not just that but a murderer. He barely managed to escape a life sentence in Azkaban prison and only did so with the help of the most notorious terrorist group in the British Wizarding World. He is a man whose freedom relies entirely on the whims of the Ministry of Magic’s Department of Magical Law Enforcement and whether they continue to deem him competent enough to continue serving as a double-agent to bring down that very same gang. He has no money, nor a permanent place to call home. The unfortunate truth is that he is a bloke with no connections - he has no one he truly considers real friends, and, well, his entire family is dead. The list of qualities deeming him unsuitable as a long-term partner is endless.
But yet, something within him urges him to try. It isn’t likely to pan out, but she seems so sweet and friendly - what if it could?
And if it couldn’t, he still might play his cards well enough to have her in bed tonight.
“Sebastian Sallow,” he introduces himself, holding out his hand. “May I have the pleasure of making your acquaintance?”
She accepts it, studying him excitedly. “I’m Kate Mayflower.”
Like a proper gentleman, Sebastian leans down, briefly pressing his lips to her dainty hand. “It’s lovely to meet you, Kate.” He allows his hand to linger on hers for a moment longer than necessary. “You seem familiar to me somehow, but I don’t believe we have met before.”
“I thought the same,” she acknowledges, flushing pink.
“May I buy you a drink?” he asks, hopeful.
Kate smiles. “Thank you. That’s very kind.”
As he ushers her towards two empty seats at the bar, he adds, “I… take it that you are celebrating tonight. Is it your birthday?”
“Yes, it is,” she replies as she settles on the stool. “My 24th.”
“Well, happy birthday, and many happy returns.” He gets the attention of the barkeep. “A butterbeer for me, and for the lady…”
“A Fizzy Lemon, please,” Kate orders. “Thank you.” She pauses, then turns towards Sebastian. “So… What brings you to the Leaky Cauldron tonight?”
“It’s been a long week at work. I came to relax, have a drink, and just do some people-watching,” he answers. “I’m an Auror.”
Impressed, Kate’s eyebrows rise. “Really? That has to be an interesting profession. I know how difficult it is to get into that line of work. A couple of acquaintances of mine tried, but they didn’t make it past the application process. So many requirements…”
“That’s true. Luckily, I had the right connections and skills,” he tells her with a smirk. “What about you? You work at Hogwarts, right? I saw the insignia on your parchment.”
Kate eyes him in wonder. “You’re quick to catch on. Yes, I work at Hogwarts. I’m the assistant librarian.”
He inhales sharply in surprise and delight. “Really? You’re a librarian at Hogwarts?”
“Yeah. I love it there, but… I am definitely looking forward to the summer holiday. I can’t wait to catch up on some novels I’ve saved. Working with the students is great, but it is so tedious to clean up after them all the time. That, well, and working with Madam Scribner… definitely takes a toll.” She gauges his reaction, knowing full well that almost everyone who ever went to Hogwarts hates Madam Scribner.
A goofy smile creeps across Sebastian’s cheeks as Kate mentions his least favorite staff member in a negative light. “You must be a saint for working with Madam Scribner. She used to hate me when I was a student. I was always sneaking into the restricted section.” He laughs, and his expression turns a bit sheepish.
Kate begins chattering away now that she knows they have a common enemy. “Well, Madam Scribner has been talking about retiring for years now. I am hoping this is her final year so I can finally have the- oh, I shouldn’t even breathe it! I’m getting ahead of myself.” Kate pauses, stopping herself from saying too much. “Anyway, she and I have very different perspectives on the library in general. Personally, if a younger student has a good enough reason, I’ll let them right into the restricted section.” Kate tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, then grins mischievously. “So, you were a bit naughty at Hogwarts, Sebastian? What were your reasons for needing the restricted section?”
“My parents were professors long ago, and they instilled in me a thirst for knowledge. There are so many things Hogwarts doesn’t teach, and I took it upon myself to learn all I could, even if some of the information might have been considered… controversial.” A nostalgic look comes over his face. “To be completely fair, I was quite the troublemaker back then, and I very much enjoyed annoying Madam Scribner.”
Kate bursts out laughing just as their drinks are delivered. Sebastian pays and thanks the bartender.
She takes a sip of her bubbly cocktail. “So, erm, anyways… Why don’t you tell me a bit more about yourself, Sebastian?”
“Did you want to know anything specific?”
“The basics…? Like, how old are you? Where do you live?” Kate asks with great interest.
Keep it simple - keep it safe. “I’m 25 years old - almost 26. I’m from Feldcroft.”
“I’ve never heard of Feldcroft. Where is it?” Kate smiles.
“It’s a wizarding village located in the Highlands. Where do you live, Kate?”
“Hogsmeade. I moved there a couple of years ago when I got my job at Hogwarts. I’m originally from Epping Forest, though, where my parents still live. It’s somewhat close to London,” she explains.
“The name sounds familiar,” he responds, then pauses, considering where to take it from here. He decides to turn on the charm. “You know, I… was not expecting to meet someone so pretty tonight. When I arrived here earlier, I noticed you right away. I wanted to talk with you, but I wasn’t sure I could get you alone. I’m glad I did.”
Kate blushes at his bold statement but smiles and decides to take a chance. He is rather handsome. “I… noticed you, too.” She meets his eyes. “I was hoping there would be a reason for our paths to cross. Good thing someone bumped into me and caused a mess.”
They both chuckle.
“I hope you don’t consider this too forward,” Sebastian begins, his heart pounding in anticipation, “but I would love to take you out on a date and get to know you better, Kate.”
“I would like that,” she replies with a grin.
“When… would be a good time for you?” he inquires.
“How about…?” She thinks for a moment until her face lights up. “You know what? How about now?”
“Now?” he asks, surprised at her boldness.
“Yeah. Now,” she replies, nodding. “I’m not tired, and… honestly, it’s a perfect night for a stroll. What do you say?”
He laughs. “I’m not tired anymore, either. In fact, I haven’t felt this awake in a long time, if I’m completely honest.” A lopsided smile tugs at his lips. “A stroll sounds amazing. We could enjoy this drink together and then head out.”
“My only concern,” Kate begins, taking a quick sip, “is that I am here with my friends, Pearl and Felix, and they’ll be expecting me to return. Maybe you could join us for a few drinks…” She gestures towards their table across the pub, only to discover that the two are making out, not caring at all about the setting. She practically chokes on her cocktail.
Sebastian can barely contain his laughter when he sees that they are passionately kissing. “Your friends seem to be… enjoying themselves.”
“Merlin, how indecent!” Kate giggles, red in the face. “Well, I suppose we don’t need to worry much about them, then! They’re plenty busy now.”
His laughter grows as they observe the scene. “I think you’re right. As fun as it might be to meet your friends, Kate…” He leans in, gently taking her hand. “...I would rather give you all of my attention tonight.”
Kate inhales sharply at the contact. His hand is hot to the touch, rough and calloused; it easily devours hers. Her heartbeat quickens. Something about him - she can’t place it and doesn't know what it is… is right. His hand over hers just feels… right. Her chest rises and falls as she contemplates what this is between them, why he seems so familiar, and how she is able to be so daring with him so quickly. She’s always been a confident young woman, but… normally, her instinct is to be meek in romantic relationships, as she was taught was proper for a lady. But something inside of her has been urging her all night to seize this opportunity, to not let it pass by as a fleeting encounter.
She doesn’t know if this will truly go anywhere, but what harm is done in getting to know someone better? And if it goes nowhere, at least it could make for a memorable birthday story…
“So, Sebastian, what are some of your interests? What do you enjoy?” Kate asks, stirring her cocktail.
After a brief moment of consideration, he answers, “Reading. I love reading. I always have. I fly through books - any kind.” He chuckles softly. “I suppose we’re a good match, considering you’re a librarian.”
She offers an amused grin in response. “Maybe we are. So, what else?”
“Hmm… learning and research. I like magical history, theory, mythology - honestly, most subjects, really. I’m an excellent duelist. I try to keep up with new techniques, spells, all that.” He drinks some of his butterbeer. “I enjoy the outdoors. Walking, hiking, exploring, camping, flying… I love getting fresh air.”
“I like being outside, too, but I’ve never gone camping before. I’m not sure it’s for me. I’m not used to… roughing it,” she admits. “I mean, I don’t know, maybe I do to a point. I’m an avid gardener, so I’m not exactly afraid to get my hands dirty. I grow a lot of items I use in cooking and baking. I’m told I’m rather good at it.”
“You’re a chef, and I love to eat. You’re a librarian, and I love to read. How… perfect,” Sebastian notes.
Kate enjoys more of her beverage, her glass more than half empty now. “So… since we’re on an ‘official’ date now, I guess I’d like to know… “How long has it been since you were in a relationship?”
Sebastian pauses in thought for a few moments before he speaks. “If I really think about it, I haven’t been in a proper relationship since I was in school at Hogwarts. I’ve been out with women here and there, but…” he trails off.
“Oh, I see. Too busy at work?” Kate suggests, quickly filling in the blank. “I’m sure the work of an Auror is grueling… but then again, here you are, carving out some time for yourself here in the Leaky Cauldron…” She gives him a lopsided smile.
Sebastian’s expression turns warm, appreciating the excuse she has provided him. “Yes, I guess it’s good to take a step back and relax a bit sometimes. After all, if I hadn’t come here tonight, I wouldn’t have been able to meet you. So, what about yourself? Do you date much?”
She shrugs. “My mother keeps setting me up on dates. They never amount to anything. I rarely feel a connection with any of the men. I’ve had a couple of serious relationships in the past, though, but they were not my family’s doing. My last relationship ended about two years ago, and it was brutal in every way. It was a terrible, terrible relationship - and a terrible breakup. That’s when I decided to make a completely fresh start.” Kate pauses to make sure Sebastian is listening; he clearly is interested, leaning in. “I left my parents’ home, got the job at Hogwarts, bought my own little cottage outside of Hogsmeade, and, well… here I am,” she explains, shrugging again with a grin. “I like being independent and living on my own terms, but I would like some romance.”
Sebastian listens intently. “I can understand wanting independence and living on your own terms.” He pauses, his eyes locking onto hers. “If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly happened in your last relationship?”
“Ugh…” Kate mumbles, looking down at her beverage. “I don’t want to talk about it too much. It was… incredibly toxic, but for some reason, I stayed with him much longer than I should have.” She pauses. “I did, however, learn a lot about what I want in a future love match. I want someone who…” She considers her words for a moment. “...actually listens to me, who allows me to have friends, cares about me and my dreams. Someone I’m not afraid of.” Kate frowns, bad memories flooding her mind.
Sebastian reaches out and squeezes her hand in support. “Your last relationship sounds horrible. I’m sorry that happened to you.”
Kate smiles softly, meeting his eyes. “There’s no need for you to pity me. I made those choices myself, and I have to live with them. I’m just glad I didn’t make a commitment. Now I have the chance to find real love.” There is a pause. “I’m certain the hard lessons I’ve learned are nothing in comparison to what others have lived through. I've honestly had things very easy in life.”
“I have been through a lot of tough lessons as well. Some are… way too personal for me to talk about right now,” Sebastian admits. “Some days, I think I’m in the midst of one of those rough patches. I’ve just been living in the here and now for too long. Always just… getting by in the moment.”
“Well, there’s something to be said for living in the present, but no, you can’t do that forever. Eventually we all need to start looking forward. Making plans, growing roots…” she trails off, wondering if his roots might intertwine with hers someday. She shakes the thought away, trying not to get too caught up in the moment, too enchanted by his looks and charming nature. Take it easy, Kate.
“You’re right,” he replies. “It’s time for me to start making plans and goals. I want to make something of myself. Become a better man than I was yesterday.”
“And… What do you want for your future, Sebastian?” she asks quietly.
Sebastian takes a breath, looking into Kate’s eyes. “Well, a lot of things. I want stability. I need to stay out of trouble.” He chuckles, playing it off, but it’s quite true. “And honestly, I would really like to be in a healthy relationship. It would be nice to have a partner.”
“I can completely relate to that. I think I’m… I’m ready to settle down,” Kate replies, smiling as she realizes they have some similar goals. “For me, I… don’t want to rely on my family, even though they are more than happy to help me. I just… I want my own life.” She pauses, thinking of how to best explain. “My family is quite well-off. I grew up spoiled. I had a perfect childhood. But when I graduated from Hogwarts, I moved home, and I never felt like an adult while I was there. My mother wanted me to stay at home until I married. She wanted me to just be pampered, to have very few responsibilities. I just felt like a child there. That’s another reason why I left home and bought my cottage.”
“Your family sounds like they care about you - but perhaps almost too much. You’re not a child, Kate. You’re... well, you're a beautiful lady. You deserve to be treated as such.” His hand goes to Kate’s arm, his fingers lightly caressing up and down over her bare skin below her short sleeve. Her eyes widen at the bold physical touch, but she doesn't recoil or ask him to stop. She really likes him, so she finds it comforting and sweet.
When she finishes her cocktail, Kate tries to gauge how close he is to finishing his drink. “Well, perhaps I should say farewell to my friends, if we are going on a walk soon.” Kate pauses, then gives him an out, just in case, even though his body language is practically screaming about how interested he is. “Do you… still want to go? It is late. I would understand if you’d rather not.”
Sebastian downs the remaining butterbeer, setting the mug on the bar and wiping the foam from his mouth. He gives her a warm smile, leaning in to whisper, “Kate, I want nothing more than to continue our date.”
Her skin erupts in gooseflesh, and she tries not to sound flustered, even though her pink cheeks likely give her away. “Well, since - since it’s getting late and all… perhaps we should go on a walk closer to home. Instead of Diagon Alley, we could apparate to Feldcroft or Hogsmeade… What do you think?”
His eyes widen in panic when Kate mentions Feldcroft, but he covers it up with a quick reply. “Hogsmeade sounds great to me. Shall we spend the rest of the night there?”
“Yes. But let me say goodnight to Pearl and Felix. I’ll… meet you outside,” Kate tells him.
Before getting down from the stool, Kate leans over and presses a little kiss to his cheek. She smiles and gazes into his eyes for a moment afterwards, noticing how his cheeks bloom scarlet. A huge grin grows on his face. Then, Kate drops down off of the stool to walk across the tavern to her friends.
After a few minutes, Sebastian watches her hug her friends. Kate gives him a “come-hither” look, tilting her head and stepping out of the pub and into the moonlight.
She can’t help but grin like a fool. Kate certainly hadn’t come to the Leaky Cauldron expecting to leave with someone new and exciting. A birthday, after all, is the perfect time to start a new chapter.
