Hello! This is my first time writing fan fiction, so I hope you enjoy it! đŠľ
Sebastian Sallow x f!MC ~ a little bit of fluff and angst
Summary: After years of avoiding him since graduation, MC is reunited with Sebastian.
âThe pleasure of your company has been requested to witness the marriage of Mr. Ominis Gaunt and Anne Sallow.â
MC held the letter in her hand as she contemplated her response. The announcement had not come as a surprise. Since her time at Hogwarts she had known that Ominis was smitten for Anne. After much encouragement on her and her friendsâ part, he began courting Anne soon after they had graduated.
While she was elated to hear the news, MC couldnât help but hesitate to attend. Though she tried to maintain correspondence with the her friends from Hogwarts, since graduating, she had become consumed by her career. With glowing letters of recommendation from Professor Weasley and Hecat, and earning a comfortable number of NEWTs, MC had secured a prestigious position in the Department of Mysteries. But that prestige came with a price. Due to the secretive nature of her work, MC was unable to share the details of her research which she found to take up more time than she had to offer.
Much to her embarrassment, she found what had once been regular correspondences with her friends soon became a rare occurrence. It wasnât that they didnât try to reach out to her, MC simply hadnât had the time to open the letters. Even now, she had only opened the wedding invitation as the owl that had delivered it wouldnât stop pecking at her until she did.
There was no doubt about it that it would be wonderful to see everyone again. But five years passing since their graduation, MC wondered whether she still deserved to have a place in the lives of the people she had so sorely neglected. From what she had last heard, Poppy was excitedly writing about her work at Brood and Peck, and Natsai was a great success amongst her colleagues in the Committee of Experimental Charms. In the past, the two would often force MC out of her hermit hole of an apartment to divulge in the latest excitements that filled the three of their lives, but that had come to a halt as all of their lives were busied with new developments.
Then there was Sebastian. MC had spent the remainder of her years at Hogwarts learning, exploring, and doing anything she could with Sebastian. Overtime, he became her best friend; when she was with him, it felt like anything was possible. But to her severe disappointment, nothing came of their friendship.
Still, that didnât stop her from wondering of what could have been. On more nights that she wanted to admit, MC spent her time reflecting on the night they had graduated. It had been a spectacular night, MC had secured her position as an Unspeakable, and Sebastian had finally received confirmation that he was accepted into Auror training program.
As the crowd of graduates made their way through Hogsmeade to celebrate at the Three Broom Sticks, Sebastian and MC found themselves lagging behind. The two danced their way towards the pub, and Sebastian twirled MC around to the happy tune that filled the streets in celebration of the recent graduates. Too delirious from their happiness, right before they were about to walk into the pub, MC stupidly blurted out that she loved him.
Whether he had heard her or chose to ignore what sheâd said, MC wasnât sure. All she knew was that sheâd made a mistake as Sebastian said nothing of the situation as they entered. MC had been too cowardly to admit her feelings again, and didnât dare risk their friendship as the mere thought of losing him was too much to bear.
Looking back at her reasonings for not confessing her true feelings again, MC couldnât help but laugh bitterly as she realized what had once been a great fear was now reality. Sebastianâs determination and dedication to accomplish what he wanted had never failed to garner MCâs admiration. But as time progressed, she couldnât help but swallow the bitter pill that was the fact that if Sebastian truly loved her as she loved him, he would have stated so by now.
So she was left with nothing but the truth, and the truth was that it was easier for MC to bury herself in her work than confront the reality of her feelings for him. Like the others, her correspondence with Sebastian dwindled, with MC declining any of his invitations of meeting, claiming that she was too overwhelmed with work. Occasionally she would see him around the Ministry, but his work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement meant that their path crossing was rare. Though he greeted her warmly whenever they met, MC couldnât help but feel her heart break every time at the knowledge that they could have been more if she had been willing to take the risk.
Meanwhile, though Sebastian and Ominisâ friendship was tense after the events of their fifth-year it was eventually restored after Sebastian swore to give up his pursuits of dark magic. By the end of their sixth yearâwith much persuasion on Ominisâ partâAnne had agreed to meet with Sebastian. With the help of MCâs ancient magic and many hours of research, the three were able to cure Anne, a feat that had once been thought to be impossible. As a result, it was without a doubt that MC knew Sebastian would be in attendance at the wedding, and that alone seemed like a valid reason for her to not attend.
But this wasnât about her. Ominis and Anne deserved to be surrounded by those who loved them on this joyous occasion, and while she may not have been a good friend as of lately, MC was ready to swallow her pride to celebrate their marriage. With a steady hand, she wrote back confirming her attendance.
In the weeks leading up to the wedding, MC took it upon herself to finally write once more to Poppy and Natsai. After many happy letters between the three, they agreed to meet in Hogsmeade and make their way to the castle together for the wedding.
As much as Ominis despised his family, using the power of his name and status as a pure blood, he successfully convinced Professor Black to allow him and Anne to use Hogwarts as the venue for their wedding. A decision the two had been set on as it had been the place they had first met and developed such a strong bond.
MC pulled her robe tighter against her as she made her way to the Three Broomsticks. Due to the momentous occasion, she had dusted off her formal gown, a simple, yet elegant dark blue dress. Unfortunately, it appeared that she had severely underestimated the weather as she shivered slightly in the cool, autumn wind. But the further she walked along the streets, the more filled with joy she became. It had been years since she had been here, and just walking the streets of Hogsmeade filled her with happy memories, from the many festivals she had attended with all her friends to the countless number of mugs of butter beer she had had as she debated with Sebastian on magical theories.
It was only when she approached the door that she became consumed once more with the vision of their graduation night. Not wanting to back out of the wedding, MC shook her head. Now wasnât the time to think about Sebastian. As she pushed the large wooden doors to the pub open, MC found herself being greeted by the familiar faces of the dear owner, Sirona, and her two friends.
âIf it isnât the Hero of Hogwarts,â came Sironaâs happy voice as she made her way around the bar counter. âItâs been too long since Iâve last seen you.â
âOh, Sirona!â Exclaimed MC as she happily embraced the pub owner. Upon hearing the commotion, Poppy and Natsai made their way over from the seats they had taken at the bar. After many embraces, MC stood back as she as she observed her friends. Both adorned in gorgeous gowns, MC couldnât help but swell with happiness as all the doubts she once had about attending faded away.
âI suppose you are also here for the wedding,â said Sirona. âThe number of you that have come through today! Oh how much all of you have grown, I still remember the first time I met you, MC⌠I was surprised to see that you hadnât arrived with Sebastian.â
âSebastian?â Said MC before she could stop herself.
âOf course, he was just here earlier, making sure that the butter beer would be delivered to the castle,â replied Sirona with a wistful look in her eyes as she reminisced on the past. âOh the mischief you too used to make, donât think I havenât forgotten about all the little schemes the two of you used to plot. Iâd just have to look at the corner booth, and there the two of you would be laughing away. Why, I was surprised you two werenât the first to be married.â
At that Sironaâs response was met with silence. The topic of Sebastian had always been a sensitive one amongst MC and her friends. They had known about how she pined for him during their school days, and how devastated she was when he hadnât courted her after graduation. Whether it was the way MCâs mouth parted in surprise or the way that her eyes seemed to take a sorrowful expression, Sirona realized that she had crossed a line.
âOh, MC. Iâm sorry, I didnât mean to imposeââ started Sirona.
âNo, no, thereâs nothing to be sorry about,â replied MC as she grasped Sironaâs hand. Was it that obvious that she had cared for Sebastian?
âI believe that it is time for us to make our way to the castle,â interjected Natsai, hoping to steer the conversation in another direction. âI believe that we will see you there Sirona?â
âOf course,â said Sirona as she gave MC an apologetic look and released her hand. âIt was lovely seeing the three of you, perhaps we will have more time to chat after the ceremony.â
With that Natty and Poppy linked arms with MC, and slowly made the journey up to the Hogwarts. The cool air outside helped calm MC. She knew that Sebastian would come up at one point, but she had never expected to be confronted about him so directly.
âAre you alright, MC?â Inquired Poppy, âYou seem a bit pale.â
With a feeble nod of her head, MC gave them a reassuring smile. âYes, donât worry. Iâm just excited to watch the ceremony.â
âIndeed, my friend.â Replied Natty, âFrom my understanding, many of the people from our year will be attending, it will be nice to see them all.â
Their conversation resumed happily as the three discussed what their former school mates might have been up to after all these years. Without realizing it, they had arrived at the gates to the place that MC had considered her home all those years ago.
The ceremony was beautiful, with Anne blushing like a rose as Sebastian walked her down the makeshift aisle in the courtyard. She was adorned in a lovely white gown that only elevated her beauty. Gone was the Anne who was too sick to even stand on her own, now she was filled with health and happiness. Meanwhile, Omanis stood at the front of the courtyard. While he had always been fairly reserved about showing his emotions amongst others, onlookers watches as his eyes filled with happy tears while he used his wand to watch Anne slowly, yet surely make her way towards him.
Then there was Sebastian. Gone was the school boy that MC had dreamt about, and in his place was a handsome, young man. His shoulders had broadened, and it was quite obvious that he had grown taller from the way that he towered over Anne as he walked her down the aisle. He wore handsome dress robes, with a green vest that suited him so well. Even then, there were some things that never seemed to change about him. From the way that his soft, brown hair seemed like he had just drawn his hand through it to the familiar freckles that MC had sworn she had memorized. When she saw him, MC felt her heart leap. As much as she tried to deny it, Sebastian still captivated her heart and had a hold over her that MC swore no one ever had before.
As the festivities went on, everyone was ushered into the Great Hall where a table was placed at the front for the wedding party. Seated with her school mates, MC happily listened to the toasts and her friends chatter as they all exchanged stories of what they had been up to. It was lovely seeing them all in one place again, and from the sounds of it, she wasnât the only one who had been busy with their career as she listened to Garreth and Leander compete to share exciting stories. Most of all, MC was happy to greet the newly wed couple as they slowly made their way around the hall to greet all the guests and receive further congratulations.
With the sun setting over the beautiful scene, the Great Hall was then romantically lit with floating candles. As the evening progressed, the jovial conversations were interrupted as the guests were invited to join the married couple on the ball room floor. Declining to participate in dancing, MC sat at the softly lit table and watched as her friends paired up to dance. While watching the lovely scene, MC couldnât help but catch bits of the conversation from her former class mates who stood far away enough that they couldnât see MC in the dim lighting
âHave you seen Sebastian?â Came the voice of Violet McDowell, as she gossiped away with others from MCâs year. âJust when I thought he couldnât get any handsomer.â
âAnd the way that he wears his dress robes,â responded Priscilla Wakefield with a sigh. âIf I wasnât already engaged, Iâd be all over him. Iâm surprised he hasnât been snatched up already.â
âI always thought he would end up with MC, I wonder what ever happened to that,â said Nerida Roberts thoughtfully. Since MC had helped her with her mermaid liaison, the two had always been on good terms. âI thought they looked quite lovely together.â
With a derisive laugh, Violet continued, âIâm not surprised. Itâs obvious that Sebastian didnât want to be with her. It was almost pathetic the way that she followed him around. I could never understand why he would spend so much time with her.â
MC furrowed her eyebrows, it felt so silly to be worked up by petty gossip. She had never cared much for it in school. She was too content with her own life to worry about the minor drama that spread throughout the hallways. Which lead to her to wonder why was she so concerned with what they were saying about her and Sebastian. Because itâs true, he didnât like her. Once more, MC felt all the doubts that she had carefully tucked away making their way into her mind to consume her thoughts. She was so engrossed in her thoughts that she failed to notice the very man they had been talking about approach her.
âPenny for your thoughts,â came a deep voice that was once so familiar to MC. With a soft smile, Sebastian continued âYou have that look on your face that you always had when you were deep in thought.â
âSebastian!â Exclaimed MC, and without thinking, she quickly stood and embraced him. Underneath his dress robes, MC could feel the strong muscle he had developed from his days hunting dark wizards. âI didnât even see you approach, how are you doing?â
âIâm doing well,â responded Sebastian, laughing as he regained his balance from the sudden hug. Pulling away slightly, but still holding onto MC, he looked at her and asked âHow are you doing? I feel as though I havenât seen you in ages.â
Up so close, MC had a better view of Sebastian, and she felt her smile broaden even more. All thoughts of what she had just heard evaporated as she looked into Sebastianâs beautiful brown eyes. Too shocked and elated at his appearance to respond, Sebastian took it upon himself to continue, âPerhaps, youâd like to step outside with me for a breath of fresh air?â
With a soft smile, MC nodded; with one hand on the small of her back and the other in hand, Sebastian guided MC out of the Great Hall out onto one of the balconies. In the privacy of the balcony, he continued talking as he looked her up and down, âI was hoping you would come, MC. You look even more beautiful than I remember.â
âI see you are still as charming as everâ quipped MC as she finally regained her senses. For a moment, neither of them said anything, as they studied each otherâs faces, looking for the ways in which each other changed. Remembering the conversation she had overheard the Slytherin girls saying, MC felt her cheeks redden with embarrassment as she realized she was still clasping onto Sebastianâs forearms. She tried to pull away, but Sebastian held firmly onto her.
âYouâre not thinking about running away already are you?â Sebastian said with a coy smile, but MC saw the way his eyes flickered slightly, revealing a slightly sad expression. Realizing that something seemed off, Sebastian cleared his throat. âI was pleasantly surprised to see you came, where have you been?â
MC averted her eyes, too shy to look at him as she blatantly lied. Hadnât it been that sheâd been avoiding him all this time, too ashamed of her feelings. Looking down she breathed out with what she hoped sounded like a casual tone, âOh⌠Iâve just been busy with research, you know how it is at the Ministry. The work never endsâ
He nodded his head solemnly, but MC could tell he didnât believe her. Sebastian had never pressed her hard for the truth. He had always respected her space, and that was another aspect of his character that MC admired. He never forced her to do something she wasnât comfortable with, which is why she was surprised but what he said next. âMC, did I do something? I know youâve been avoiding me, and I⌠Iâm trying to understand why.â
A little too quickly MC responded, âOf course not!â
She pulled away from his arms, and this time he let her. For the first time since arriving she felt the chill of the evening. Wrapping her arms around herself, MC moved closer to the edge of the balcony, but she couldnât stop how heavy her heart felt.
From the corner of her eye she watched as Sebastian ran a hand through his soft hair, his face contorted with pain as he approached her once more, âYou known, you donât have to lie to me. You never did before, but now it feels like Iâm being held at arms length. What happened? I use to feel like we could do anything, but nowâŚâ
Merlinâs beard, what was she doing.
âSebastian⌠I,â she felt her voice choke as she became painfully aware of what sheâd done. All this time MC had wanted to protect her feelings, and in the same process she was breaking the heart of the man she had loved for longer than sheâd known. As much as she tried to move on over the years, everything seemed to turn back to him. And then she felt the tears pour down her face as she gripped the balconyâs railing. âI canât do this anymore.â
Shocked at MCâs outburst, Sebastian moved closer. âIâm sorry, MC. I didnât mean to press you like that.â
As he approached he slowly wrapped his arms around her from behind, embracing her shaking figure, he continued. âPlease, I never meant to hurt, Iâve only ever wanted the best for you.â
But MC shook her head, didnât he understand? All she wanted was him, but sheâd lost him, and there was no one to blame but herself. Sheâd been so afraid of ruining their friendship that in her attempts to protect both of them sheâd destroyed everything they had spent building up. But MC had nothing to lose now, what would it hurt to tell him? She paused to try and catch her breath. MC could hear the happy music coming from the hall, but all she could feel with the searing embarrassment of her feelings.
As she turned her head to face him, she was startled by how close he was, their foreheads practically touching. With eyes wide open, she spoke so softly that had he not been so close Sebastian might have missed what she said.
âSebastian⌠I love you. Iâve loved you since weâve met, and Iâve been so scared that if I ever told you youâd leaveâŚâ MC rambled on, saying all the things that she wished she had said all those years ago. Then without warning he pressed his lips against hers.
Turning her to hold her closer, Sebastian pulled MC to his chest as he softly kissed her. Without a second thought MC wrapped her arms around his neck, as he tugged her that much closer.
Sebastian pulled away slightly, to look MC in the eyes, to see her reaction. Slightly dazed, MC smiled up at him. How many nights had she dreamt about what that would feel like, and now it was happening. Seeing the soft smile on her lips, Sebastian lifted his head slightly as he listened to the song now playing from the hall. Heâd recognize it anywhere. It was the very song that played when they danced around the streets after graduation. The very song that played when he lost his nerve and decided not to confess his love to MC, too consumed with the thought that she would not reciprocate his feelings. He still remembered the sad look on her face as the song ended and they entered the pub, but here it was playing again.
âDo you recognize this song?â Said Sebastian softly. With a small nod, MC looked up at him with shining eyes. Of course she remembered the song, it continually played in her head over the years, tormenting her with thoughts of what could have been. But it was different now, rather than leaving her feeling heartbroken and hollow, her heart felt full. With his hands resting on her waist he looked down at her, âI love you, too.â
And with a soft smile on her face, MC clung onto Sebastian as they slowly rocked along to the music.
stormborns
andulkaphoto
blakekathryn
gummygunk
pixelskylines