Chapter Text
Your parents always knew you were different. There were things they just couldn’t explain that would always happen around you, your broken toys suddenly being fixed the next day, a loud alarm that was hurting your ears suddenly stopping or -and their favorite- the tea pot lid flying off because you got angry. When they got a letter addressed to you, they were quite frankly surprised but when they read where it was from, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, their shock turned into understanding. You on the other hand, you were both surprised and excited to be joining the wizarding world; you know with being muggle born and everything. A month before you were sitting at home with your parents reading a book that they had recently bought you when a knock at the front door pulled everyone’s attention to the stranger outside.
“Hello.” Your mother said opening the door her tone was apprehensive but polite.
“Good evening.” A gentle voice came from outside. “May I come in?” She says and you father moves to the side allowing the red-haired woman to come into your home as she looked around before her eyes landed on you.
“You must be Reader.” She said, smiling brightly, as her long braids swaying lightly as she stood on the outside of the room, her hands clasped as she looked between the three of you.
“I’m sorry but who are you?” Your mother said her eyebrows scrunched as she held out her hand shielding you from the stranger.
“Oh yes, forgive me! I am going to be one of Reader’s new professors at Hogwarts. My name is Mirabel Garlick, and I will help you all get to Diagon Alley.” She smiled brightly as you stood up moving around your mother.
“Diagon Alley?” You speak softly.
“Yes, that is where you can find everything you will need to attend the upcoming school year.” She kneels to your eye level. “Since you come from Muggle parents you all would have no way to get to Diagon alley by yourselves, so the Deputy Headmistress has assigned some of us professors to help the Muggle born student get their supplies.” She looks back up at your parents. “So, when is the best time for us to go?” She asked and your parents looked at each other before your father shrugged.
“I need to head to the bakery soon.” Your father signs.
“Well, what about the parlor?” Your mother said sounding annoyed and you sighed lightly.
“I can go by myself if it would make it easier.” You said and your parents looked sadly at you.
“You shouldn’t have to do that.” Your mother said and you shrugged.
“We need to be able to pay for everything and if you miss a day of work, it won’t be good. Plus, that Baroness is going to be picking up her new dress today. If you aren’t there to give it to her, she may say something bad about your parlor and that won’t be good for business.” You said and your mother sighs.
“You are right.” She walks over to you holding your face gently in her hands. “How did we get so lucky to get a daughter such as yourself.” She said before kissing your forehead and going to her original height. “Please take good care of our daughter. She is our only child.” Your mother said looking at Professor Garlick and she nods.
“I will keep her safe like she is one of my own.” She said as your father walks up to you making you look at him.
“Be good.” Your father signs making you smile.
“I will.” You said before you hugged.
“Should this be enough?” Your mother asked handing some money to Professor Garlick.
“We don’t use this type of money, but it can be converted at Gringotts.” She said putting it in her pocket. “I do want you to understand that any money that is converted will be brought back to you, but you will not be able to use it outside of the wizarding world.” She said and your mother nodded.
“I understand. I just want her to get everything she may need.”
“Even a pet?” Professor Garlick asked, and your mother looked skeptically at you, but you smiled brightly.
“Even a pet.” She said and you hugged her tightly excited to be getting a pet finally. You walked with Professor Garlick out of your home and on your way. When you got to Diagon Alley you smiled brightly at all the things that were moving without mechanics or paper flying in the air or even little brooms zooming around making you laugh lightly.
“Now, we need to get your schoolbooks, school uniforms, a wand and your pet.” She said as she handed you around 15 Galleons. “While I get your books and uniform why don’t you go get your wand.” She said standing outside of a dingy shop as she smiles and encourages you to go in. When you walked in you see and elderly man who was smiling.
“Welcome!” He walked from behind the desk. “You must be a first year here to get their wand!” He said and you smiled shyly nodding lightly.
“Yes sir, my name is Reader.” You said and he smiled lightly.
“It is good to meet you Reader my name is Gideon Ollivander. Now let’s see what fits you.” The older man turns to the bookshelves that were filled to the ceiling with packages and starts to move around tapping his chin as he scans them. While he was looking you couldn’t help this pull as you looked at this small purple package that was tucked near the bottom of the shelves. “How about this one.” He said making you turn your head to him as he held out a package. You gingerly took the wand that was nestled in the box out, when you grabbed it sparks flew from the tip lighting some paper behind him and he quickly took his wand out and doused it with some water. “That’s a no.” He said taking the wand and putting it away before moving to another one but you couldn’t help but look back at the purple case on the ground when he comes back with another but just looking at it you felt as if it wasn’t right but you still picked it up and let out a breath when nothing initially happened but when you swished it rows and rows of wands came flying off making you jump harshly before putting it back in the box. “Nope, that won’t do.” He said his tone terse and sharp as he turned away from you. With his back turned you bent down grabbing the purple box and flicked it open seeing a small wand that looked to have moss at the base of it. The wand looked to have vines that twisted coming to a point at the top but was holding a round opal at the base making you smile lightly. “Hmm, Willow wood with a unicorn hair core at 8 inches long.” Gideon said making you look up at him as he looked at you mischievously. “You know the wand chooses the wizard.” He said and you picked up the wand and immediately you felt a crackle of energy around you, and you smiled as the air swirled around you. “And it seems it has chosen you.” You smiled brightly at the older man when the door opened and professor Garlick smiling.
“Did you get your wand?”
“Yes, I did!” You said excitedly.
“Then let’s go get your pet.” She spoke. By the time you got home you hopped around the room showing your parents your Tawny Owl and new wand.
The day you were set to go to Hogwarts you almost missed the train until a kind red-headed boy showed you how to go through the wall, when you stepped through you noticed the boy was preoccupied with his mother who was fussing over his attire. When you got on the train you found an empty compartment and settled in, you waited anxiously for others to join you in your cart but as the train started moving you realized no one was going to join you. Instead, you watched the landscape change as you got closer and closer to your destination, your heart in your throat with excitement. When you finally got to the giant castle, the grounds keeper escorted you down to the lake as your luggage was floated off to God knows where. While you made your way across the lake in the boats you found yourself looking around at the other first-year students’ curiosity gnawing inside of you like a hungry animal.
‘I wonder if all of these kids will be in class with me.’ Your eyes just quickly scan the boats. One particular student that caught your eye was a blind boy who was sitting a couple of boats away from you. His hand was gripping the edge of the boat so tightly his knuckles were white, his eyebrows were knotted together as he grimaced as if he was getting his teeth pulled; he looked like he was in pain. Your eyes drifted to the boy next to him his eyes were a deep mahogany looking straight up at the castle, his brown hair was fluffy and mess, there was some splatters of freckles dusting his nose and cheeks.
‘He’s quite cute.’ You feel your face warms as you stare at the boy. Then in a flash those dark eyes flick over to you making your entire body tenses in embarrassment at getting caught as you admired the boy. When you tear your eyes away quickly, not catching how he raised his hand to wave. Once you got to the Boathouse you all made your way up all those stairs, and you slowly realized that Hogwarts was going to have a lot of stairs. When you finally got to the Great Hall you all looked up at the professor who was barring you from entering. Her red hair reminded you of the boy at the train station as she smiled warmly at the group of first years.
“Hello students! You are about to start your journey here at Hogwarts and on behalf of the professors here, we are excited to aid you in your growth and learning.” Your heart thumped as you felt a body push up against yours but not close enough to where you had to move. “When the doors open, we will walk to the front of the Great Hall, and you will wait for your name to be called. When your name is called you will sit on the stool to be sorted into one of the four Hogwarts houses. The Houses are Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Slytherin. Now chins up!” Suddenly the doors flew open, and you all walked up to the front of the room, but you were too star-struck by the ceiling and the floating candles to notice the boy from the boat was staring at your reaction. When the hat was placed on the stool it started to burst out in song, gaining the attention of everyone. The song consisted of welcoming the first years and information on the different houses like how Ravenclaw’s are wise, witty, and knowledgeable. Gryffindor’s are brave, confident, and pugnacious. Hufflepuff’s are loyal, fair, and hardworking. Slytherin’s are ambitious, cunning, and adept. When the song was done you noticed that the body that came up next to you was the kid from the boat looking at you, his small smile made your heart flutter lightly. When the professor started talking and calling out names you turned back to the front trying to listen for your name.
“You know it’s rude to not pay attention when being talked to.” The boy said making you furrow your eyebrows looking at the frustrated kid.
“What?” You ask confusion stirring in your mind.
“Chase Porter.” The professor said, pulling your attention back to the front.
“I said it’s rude to not pay attention when being talked to.” The boy reiterated, sounding far more irritated.
“Reader!” The professor said forcing you to move to the front leaving the boy fuming in the crowd. Your breath shuttered as you turned to see all eyes staring at you as you sat on the stool. You closed your eyes to calm your nerves, and you couldn’t help but hope that you will have good friends and easy classes.
“Hufflepuff.” The sorting hat yelled and a few at the far-right table erupted in laughter as the others on the far left cheered and called you over.
“Go on.” The professor said after transfiguring your clothes and taking the hat off. You took a hesitant step towards the cheering table then ran to the table as the teacher said the next name. When you sat down some of the other people introduced themselves as names kept getting called.
“Anne Sallow!” You look back at the front to see the boy from earlier glare at you before he stomped to the far-right table but soon the girl that was called went to sit at the stool.
“Slytherin!” The hat announced and the girl smiled brightly before rushing off to join the boy. When the girl sat next to him, he smiled brightly at her but when she started talking to the blind boy the brunette boys face changed into something of anger and malice as he looks towards you making you tense. You broke the contact scared of the anger in his eyes, but you soon realized you were the only person he looked at that way.
You woke up early on your first day of class excited to see the first of the new world that you have been invited to. You walked into the Charms class holding your book tightly to your chest looking around and seeing only empty tables. Taking a seat at one of the empty tables you see random spurts of people entering the classroom until a familiar mop of brown hair and dark eyes enters finding you quickly. He looks back at the girl he’s always with and you look down at your notebook trying to make yourself look small. You hear the bench move as he and the girl take their seats behind you making you gulp lightly.
“Ominis!” The girl behind you said making you look up to see the blind boy holding out his wand the tip blinking red. “Ominis, over here.” She said making the boy move towards her with his wand out. “Um excuse me.” You hear as a hand lightly touches your shoulder making you turn around to the girl that looked like the boy sitting next to her. “Can our friend sit next to you?” she asked, smiling lightly making you nod.
“Sure.” You said before turning forward looking at the teacher as the boy sits. When the teacher cleared his voice all of the class stopped talking to listen to the lesson.
“All right everyone!” A voice from the front of the room spoke, making you look up to see the Charms professor who was smiling brightly at the new students. “I am Professor Ronen, your Charms Professor and today I have constructed an activity for you all to accomplish! First, we need to practice the Levitation charm, does everyone have a feather?” He looked around the class, but no one answered. “Alright, then you will need to levitate the feather and once that is done then you will wait for the next activity which will be done in pairs.” He said and a few kids whispered in excitement to their friends. “But first! You must make the feather float! Now you need to keep your movement light and flowy.” He says moving his hand from side to side letting his wrist stay loose. “Then you want to swish then flick your wand. Try the movements.” He says motioning to the class who all took their wands and moved their wands. “Now stop. We will only be saying the incantation now repeat after me.” He said pausing for a moment. “Wingardium Leviosa.” He says before motioning to the class who echoes what he said. “Good. Now using both the incantations and the wand movements that we practiced try levitating the feather.” Professor Ronen said as the students pick up their wands and the room fills with chants as a few of the feathers start to float most notably the boys next to you, making you look in awe. The professor calls the kids who levitated the feather down to him before pairing the kids together and then they all walked out of the room. Smiling down at the feather you tightened your grip around your wand, your heart beating heavily scared that all this could be a horribly wonderful dream.
“Wingardium Leviosa.” You say and watch as the feather flutters lightly then falls and your heart soars it’s not a trick. “Wingardium Leviosa.” You speak more confidently, and the feather raises off the table and you smile lightly.
“Well done, Mr. Sallow and Ms. Reader. Come join me down here!” He said and you and the boy behind you stand together and walk to the professor. “Since you finished at the same time you two will go out into the school with the goal of finding balls high up in the rafters and allowing your partner to hoist you up using the levitation charm. Does that make sense?” He asks and you nod. “There are four distinct types of objects each worth a different amount. But! There is one that is worth one hundred points which is an automatic A. You have all of this class to get these different balls plus until the end of week. Now off you go!” You started out of the class with the boy not far behind you.
“So where do you want to get started?” You asked looking at him as he rolls his eyes and walks away, forcing you to jog to stay with him. “My name is reader, what’s yours?” You ask hoping to get to know your partner.
“Just shut up and follow me.” He spoke with a terse tone. So, you did as he said and followed him silently through the castle. When you make it to the transfiguration courtyard you turn left walking past the fountain and tree and straight into the North Hall. Walking up all the stairs you eventually find your way into the music room only for him to walk up the stair at the back of the room and up to where the bells of the school were.
“How many more stairs do we have to go up? I’m tired!” You say starting to drag your feet slightly as you go up each step. “Where are we even going?” You ask huffing lightly as irritation floated through your tone.
“Don’t worry this will be the only one we do.” The boy said as his robes flurried after him as he ascended the stairs.
“What do you mean?” You ask your brows scrunching together.
“I watched him put all of them up.” He says annoyance premating through the air.
‘Does that mean?’ you stall slightly before rushing forward to catch up to him. “Wait so is this the 100 one?” You asked as you stepped up a particularly creaky step.
“Duh.” He turned around watching as you stepped up next to him your eyes level. “Ready?” he asked eyebrow quirking up as he smirks lightly.
‘Ready for what?’ Your mind screams you immediately start shaking your head and backing up. “What do you mean?” You ask warily as his smirk falters slightly seemingly annoyed at your resistance.
“You’re going up there.” He speaks and your face reflects your fear and confusion.
“What?!” you say taking another step back. “I-I don’t know about that.”
“Oh, come on, Reader! Quit being a baby.” He said rolling his eyes as he pulls his wand out.
‘God I really don’t want to do this.’ Your mind echoes as you look down the tall pillar before gulping lightly before looking at Sebastian with apprehension and fear plain on your face. “F-Fine.” You say voice cracking lightly as you look around trying to see where the ball is. Sebastian backs up a bit and casts the spell on you slowly raising you in the air your eye immediately finding the ball. While you focused on getting the small golden ball from inside the large bell, Sebastian was staring up at your skirt suddenly entranced by the cute little patterns on your underwear. He had never really seen anyone like that but seeing you so unsuspecting, focusing on the task at hand not even aware of his perverted gaze made something slowly ignite inside his belly. After a few minutes of fiddling, you got the golden ball out. “I got it!” You yell excitedly as you examine the ball. When you looked down at the boy, a bright smile stretched across your face. You suddenly realized how exposed you were. “QUIT LOOKING UP MY SKIRT!!” You shriek while rapidly bringing your legs up blocking his view. His laughter echoes through the rafters, making you look down at him glaring lightly at his disregard for your feelings.
“You’ve got some nerve, being this bold with me when you’re hundreds of meters in the air.” He says, his voice laced with amusement. A shiver ran up your spine as you looked down and saw just how far the drop was. Your breath hitched, heart pounding, and a dry swallow only made it worse. Panic was beginning to creep in.
“P-please.” You begged, and for a moment, you saw his body go rigid, as if something in your voice had made him pause. You barely noticed the change, but it was there. “Please…let me down.” your voice quivered in fear. You start to slowly lower to the ground same level as the boy. You fall back against the railing as you hit the ground looking at the boy who only looked at you down the bridge of his nose. “Thank you.” You said gripping the railing as you try too emotionally steady yourself. Your eyes shifted between his eyes for a couple seconds before he walked away leaving you behind. Once you realized he wasn’t stopping you moved after him slowly catching up, but you didn’t say anything; your throat felt tight like you couldn’t say anything. ‘Would he have really dropped me?’ Your mind raced with thoughts as you wrung your hands in front of you. When you got back to the teacher, he looked slightly shocked to see that you had found the one hundred points ball.
“This is remarkable!” your teacher seeing the little gold ball in your hand. “Congratulations Mr. Sallow and Ms. Reader. You two make quite the pair!”
“Sir, please, it was all because of Readers keen eyesight.” The boy said lightly placing his hand on your shoulder, but ice washed over you as his hand made contact and an involuntary flinch made you move ever so slightly away from him.
“Well, whatever it was you two have passed your first homework assignment.” His quill came to life next to his desk and wrote something before laying back down. “You are dismissed.” The professor said making you flash a quick smile at the boy before looking away as you leave.
Throughout the next weeks you would often catch the boy’s eye as he glared at you from across the room. The only thing that you could think to satiate his anger towards you was to keep your distance. But then in Transfiguration you were assigned to work together and since he wouldn’t show up to the library to help you, so when it was time to turn it in only you handed in the homework.
“Ms. Reader and Mr. Sallow please stay after class.” Professor Weasley said, making you look up at her worried. When everyone but you two left you walked up to the woman who looked at you both with a stern look as you nervously picking at your nails.
“Yes, professor.” You speak softly.
“Here is the Homework.” She said handing you your parchment before looking at the boy. “Where is yours?” She said looking at the boy’s face in her own nonsense kind of way.
“Didn’t she turn it in?” The boy asked his eyebrows scrunching slightly in confusion.
“She did turn both parts in that’s why she doesn’t have homework this week. So, I will repeat; Where is yours?” She said face stern as you shift uncomfortably.
“I don’t understand.” He said smile faltering slightly.
“Sebastian, I told the class that you needed to work together, did you think that didn’t apply to you? The whole point of this lesson was for you to work together with your partner, you didn’t even need to give me accurate work just something that you worked on together. And yet you did nothing while she did all the work.” Professor Weasley said looking at the scowling boy. “I am willing to give you another chance if she is too.” She said making you tense lightly as you look between the two, Professor Weasley’s gentle smile a stark contrast to Sebatian’s menacing glare. “If she is willing then she will help you draft a comprehensive essay about a magical creature of her choice, if you want to pass my class then I expect the parchment on my desk tomorrow morning, Sebastian.” Professor Weasley said looking back down at her parchment as you looked at the now-known boy who was struggling to keep his breathing even as he stared at the ground.
“We can go to the library after dinner, and we can work on yours.” You said as you both moved towards the door. When you exited you followed him down the stone hallway. “I didn’t know your name was Sebastian.” You said, smiling lightly hoping to make a friend. When you entered the small door next to the one that took you to the history of magic classroom you didn’t question a thing and even when he stopped and turned around at the top of the stairs you only smiled at him. It was only when the harsh sting of a slap across your cheek did you finally notice how he was clenching his fist in anger.
‘W-what did I do?’ Your mind swirls as you lightly touch your cheek looking back up at him your once innocent expression turned into a one that held only fear.
“What’s your fucking problem?!” He screamed at you causing you to take a step back, but he grabs your arm and pulls you harshly forward. Suddenly you fall forward on the stairs, forcing you to brace your fall with your hands, he then takes the opportunity to step on one of your hands. You wince at the pressure he was slowly putting on the appendages as he kept you from moving. “You will have that sheet of paper ready for me to copy after dinner. Got it?” He says while he applies more pressure.
“O-okay.” You said as your eyes start to tear up. He lifts his foot off your hand, and you see the imprint of his shoe in your skin. You hold your hand gently looking up at him your teary eyes only pushing him further into depravity.
“Now go get it done.” He said before walking away from you.
‘What the hell was that?’ You sit on the stairs trying to keep your breathing even as it sputtered and stammered. That night you walked into the library with the paper in your hand and when you spotted Sebastian’s familiar mop of hair you sat the paper down before walking off quickly, not allowing him time to stop you. Luckily, he never tried to run after you, and you never heard from him about it, so you assumed everything was fine.
Then a month later while in potions you were partnered with Sebastian again and you couldn’t help the twinge of anxiety that flickered in the back of your mind. You were tired of the angry glares he aimed at you and the fake smiles he had around the professors so the next time you were paired with him you decided to ask for a different partner.
“Professor Sharp?” You ask as you poke your head into the classroom.
“Yes Ms. Reader?” he said looking at you over his paper.
“Can I talk to you about my partner?” You say looking back into the hallway hoping he wasn’t near, when you turned back you saw that Professor Sharp had sat his paper down and gestured you to come closer.
“Sir, I have nothing against Sebastian we just don’t work well together.” you say honestly picking at your nails and cuticles.
“What do you mean.” Professor Sharp asked, leaning back into his chair.
“When I talk to him, he just ignores me and even if I complete my part, he won’t do his.” you say shrugging lightly.
“Fine, you will be partnered with someone else.” He says as a wave of relief washes over you.
“Thank you.” You say as you let out a breath.
“Only if you truly can’t get him to work with you.” He says making your shoulders sag.
“But sir!” You protest.
“No buts!” He snaps back as you huff at his words. “You need to be able to work with others even if you don’t get along. And plus, he can stand to learn that just because you don’t like someone doesn’t mean that you can’t work with them.” He says making you want to roll your eyes.
“This Friday you and Mr. Sallow will work together on brewing a potion. Now if you could please inform your classmate of the new assignment.” You stood there silently seething as Professor sharp gave you a once over before dismissing you. You stomped out of the class realizing it was time for dinner. When you turned towards the Great Hall you stopped right as your eyes landed on an angry Sebastian. He was breathing heavily, nostrils flaring, with his fists clenched to his sides.
‘Oh god how much did he hear?’ Your mind screams as you gulp lightly seeing his furious glare. “S-Sebastian.” You say an obvious quiver in your voice, and he stomps forward grabbing your upper arm and starts dragging you towards the stairs.
“You want me to be more engaged with you?!” he says angrily as soon as he got out of ear shot.
“Sebastian please.” You whimper, pulling away from him, but he tightens his grip and pulls you harder. He grumbles slightly as he treks through the hallways until he pushes you inside the ingredients closet and throws you to the ground. You fall to your hands and knees before whipping around and sit on the ground wrapping your robes around your body.
“Why do you hate me so much?” Sebastian seethes, glaring at your shaking form.
“What?” You ask eyebrows furrowing deeply in confusion.
“You heard me.” he sneered hate and disgust laced in his voice.
“I don’t hate you.” you say confused and scared of the angry kid towering over you.
“Then why are you trying to change partners?” he says as his nostrils flare.
“Because the last two times we’ve been partnered you didn’t do your work and completely ignored me, so we almost failed!” You say staring at him as he shook his head and grabbed your head gripping your hair and angling your head in an awkward position.
“Ow! Sebastian, please! I’m sorry! I’ll tell him that we can stay partners.” You say looking up at him and his face suddenly starts to get blurry, and you prayed the tears wouldn’t fall. “I’m sorry.” You said your voice was weak, when the tears fell the image of Sebastian looking down at you cleared. ‘Please stop hurting me.’ You mentally beg. His eyes were hazy as he looked at your begging and tearful face then suddenly a glob of spit lands on your face and you flinch harshly pulling your hair, the pain aching all through your scalp.
“You’re pathetic.” He says pushing your head as he lets your head go and you rush to clean the spit off. “Let’s go.” He says staring at you.
“Where?” you say voice quivering.
“To go tell Professor Sharp that you don’t need a partner change.” He says while your heartaches as a pit form in your stomach, but you stand and follow him back to the potions classroom.
“You’re both here.” He says slightly surprised. “Any news?” Professor Sharp asked.
“Y-yes sir, S-Sebastian agreed to help me in the assignment. There won’t need to be a partner change.” You say as your throat gets tighter the more you speak.
“Is this true?” he asks, looking at Sebastian.
“Yes sir, we had a misunderstanding, but we talked it out.” He says smiling lightly.
‘How was he able to switch his emotions like that?’ You looked at the boy in awe.
“Is that true?” Professor Sharp asked making you jump lightly before looking at the older man who was looking at you expectantly.
“Y-yes sir.” You whisper as you nod lightly.
“See! All you needed to do was talk it out. Thank you for being such a reasonable young man Mr. Sallow. And don’t worry since you managed yourselves you won’t need to make the potion.” Professor Sharp said making you cringe internally.
“You’re welcome, sir.” Sebastian says pulling the back of your robes harshly before stalking away, with you quickly following suit. After that you started to notice Sebastian and his friends everywhere, it seemed like you couldn’t find a place where he wasn’t observing you, so you started avoiding him. You tried everything to avoid Sebastian; going to classes early, going to classes late, never taking the same path twice, going to the kitchen to get your food directly from the house elves, etc. but no matter what you did he was always there glaring at you.
You walked through the barrel of your homeroom planning on going to the astronomy tower to do the homework while everyone was in the Great Hall. Little did you know, you caught the attention of said boy as he exited the Great Hall; he followed behind you diligently making sure to be as quiet as possible. When you got to the top of the tower you smiled looking across the landscape smiling at the color of the changing trees it had already been a couple months, and it was already starting to feel like home. After some time, you finally moved to get to work on your homework, not noticing the boy who was watching you intently.
“HEY!” Sebastian yells right behind you, making you jump and mess up the sentence on which you were working.
“SEBASTIAN!” You chastise while looking down at your now ruined sheet of paper.
“Perfect! You can do mine now.” he states as he looms over you as you scoff at the audacity of the statement.
“What no! You do your own work!” You yell angrily glaring at him.
“Accio wand.” Sebastian yelled, forcing your wand from your robe.
‘I can’t protect myself from him without my wand.’ You slowly look at Sebastian seeing him smirking triumphantly at you. “S-Sebastian.” You say timidly suddenly feel far more vulnerable.
“Shut up.” He sneers and your mind flashes to the ingredients closet remembering how humiliated you felt. “Accio paper.” He says and a piece of paper shot from the dark confusing you until it flittered down in front of you. “Get started on my homework.” He says pointing at the paper with his wand making you furrow your eyebrows.
‘Is he dense or something?’ Your mind quips. “Didn’t you hear me the first time.” You start.
“I don’t recall giving you a choice.” He says slowly gripping his wand tightly making your eyes flicker from his hand to his eyes as you suddenly realize he wasn’t going to go away without you finishing his work. “Do it.” He yells making you jump and grab your ink well and quill.
“A-alright.” You dip the quill in the ink. “What was your planet?”
“Mars.” He says crossing his arms and moving to the wall leaning against it watching your movements closely.
“O-okay.” You say as you get started with the title. “I need to move the telescope to Mars.” You say getting up, you continue through the night completing both his and your homework. “How’s this?” You ask, handing him the paper and he just looks it over silently. ‘What would he have I done if I refused? Would he have hurt me again?’ You couldn’t help but wonder.
“This will do.” He said as he turned away.
“S-Sebastian wait.” You said and the kid halted in his tracks before turning back to you. “If I had continued to say no, would you have hurt me until I did.”
“Yes.” He said flatly, shocking you at how fast he said it. “But don’t worry I’m sure there’s more of that to come.” He said smiling before stalking off; while walking away he threw your wand back making you scramble to keep it from falling off the edge. You look back at where Sebastian just was, your mind analyzing everything that was said, his words didn’t sound like a threat they sounded like a promise. After that Sebastian would often follow you through school before forcing you to do his homework, but that wouldn’t have been so bad if he also weren’t staring at you during classes.
You walked into Potions prepared to see the usual grumpy brunette boy only to see that no one was in their assigned seats but were now sitting in their new seats. When you finally found your seat, you smiled at the red head that was bouncing with excitement.
“It’s you!” He happily said the smile on his face was just about as wide as his whole face.
“Thank you for your help at King’s cross.” You say smiling lightly back as you sit down in your chair.
“Happy to help!” He spoke but before the conversation could really begin Professor Sharp strode in ending all conversations. He explained what potion you would be working on and how to make the potion before giving you the ingredients and allowing you and your desk mate to start making the potion.
“So, what Ingredients do you wanna work on?” You ask grabbing each ingredient and lined them up in a row.
“Well, I would like to know who I’m talking to first.” He said in a lighthearted tone, making you giggle lightly.
“Oh, that’s right, I’m Reader. It’s nice to formally meet you.” You said picking up one of the vials and looked at the puss looking substance.
“I’m Garreth Weasley and it’s lovely to formally meet you too, Reader.” He said grabbing an ingredient. “If you would like, I have a particular interest in potions, I could take care of all this.” He said while you continued to pick your ingredients.
“Now how would I be able to learn like that?” You said, making him chuckle.
“I suppose you wouldn’t.” He said picking his ingredients. The rest of the time in class you and Garreth worked wordlessly just focusing on the Potion at hand, little did you know there was a brunette glaring at you from across the room. He didn’t understand why seeing you smiling and happy with someone else made his chest burn and his head fuzzy, making it hard to think.
“What is it?” Ominis’s soothing voice came from his side.
“Nothing.” Sebastian dismisses focusing on the potion in front of him.
“No, your breathing is starting to speed up what’s wrong?” Ominis said making the boy tsk.
“You know you are extremely perspective for a someone who’s blind.” He said gripping while he stirred the liquid in the cauldron.
“You’re still not answering.” Ominis said after a period of silence.
“There’s just a person here that’s been getting on my nerves.” He admitted.
“Who?” He asked concerned that his friend disliked someone while Sebastian eyes were trained on your face as you concentrated on what you were doing.
“Garreth Weasley.” Sebastian said making Ominis snort lightly.
“I don’t blame you.” The blind boy said making the strange tenseness in his chest lighten up.
“Yea they really are annoying.” He said, glaring at how you high-fived Garreth for a job well done making the tightness in his chest start up and he looked down so he could finish this stupid lesson. After class he followed you down the halls making sure to be a bit away so as not to raise the suspicions of the other students or teachers. When he noticed the student count starts to dwindle, he slowly made his way closer and closer behind you until he saw the perfect opportunity to push you into a broom closet. Before you have time to think he pushes you down and starts kicking you in the stomach repeatedly while you coiled up in a ball letting him take his anger out on you. When he was done, he was panting while he looked down at your shaking body as you cried. “Don’t forget to do my homework.” He said wiping his bottom lips and chin with the back of his hand before leaving the room leaving you to sort yourself out.
The next month you had a big assignment in History of Magic but unfortunately you ended up falling asleep in class and couldn’t even finish your own so when Sebastian asked for his assignment you panicked and wrote something and gave it to him knowing that he wasn’t going to be happy about the result. Walking out of the Herbology wing you scan around seeing no one else around. You didn’t know when it had gotten so late while you were tending to your plants, but you needed to get to bed. Going up the stairs you smile at the statue of the unicorn and werewolf before walking up the stairs to your left. When you get to the top, in front of the door you then turn to the right heading for the Ravenclaw tower. As you climb the stairs you get to the green room that connects to the grand staircase but as you pass the linen closet you feel a hand tug on the back of your robes and pulls you into the closet. When you look up you see the door slowly shut, leaving you alone with none other than Sebastian making you let out a sigh.
“S-Sebastian, please.” You say bringing your knees to your chest covering your legs with your skirt, trying to appear as small as possible.
“What the hell was the assignment that you gave me!” He said loving how your face contorts as you got more uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry.” You said, shaking your head. “I fell asleep in History of Magic! I didn’t remember the lesson and I panicked!” You said, as you shake your head your hands holding your head.
“You’re fucking useless.” He said stepping forward making you flinch as you shuffle back.
“Please I will re-do it!” You say holding one of your hands out trying to get him to stop but he kept his pursuit.
“There are no re-dos!” Sebastian smacks your hand away. “I failed do you not get that?!” He says grabbing the top of your hair and yanking your head back forcing you to look at his snarling face as he yelled at you inches away from your face.
“You can watch me work on it next time just please don’t hurt me!” You say tears streaking down your face.
“You should have thought of that before making me fail.” He said as the first sting of his slap hit your face making you let out a pained cry.
‘How is this happening again?’ another stinging hit.
‘I hate this, how could I let this keep happening?’ another.
‘I wish I had never become a witch.’ and another, soon he was just slapping your face making it slowly go numb from the beating. By the time he was done you couldn’t feel your face and you didn’t notice the dripping of your own blood out from your nose.
“Will you do my homework right next time?” He asks and you open your eyes to see him excitedly scanning your face as you whimper in pain before you nod. “I can’t hear you.” He spoke.
“Yes.” You barely get out.
“Yes, what?” Sebastian’s voice comes out low as he scans your reddened cheeks.
“I will do your homework right next time.” You spoke; your face hurt with each movement.
“Good.” He said letting your hair go and your head falls as he leaves the room leaving you to get back to your Common Room alone. After that Sebastian demanded he watches you do his homework making sure everything was right before taking it from you.
When the first snowfall happened, you found yourself outside watching the little flurries out in the garden. You sniffed loudly nose hurting from the bitter cold as you moved your scarf up your face.
“The lake should freeze soon.” You jump slightly as you look over at Garreth who smiled lightly at you.
“Oh yea?” you ask looking back at the lake with a small smile.
“Yup. My Aunt says that students and even some Professor’s go ice skating, in the thick of winter.” He said walking closer to you making you move over so he could join you in observing the snow fall.
“Really?” You ask sounding excited.
“Yea, I would love to take you some time.” Garreth asked, making you tense lightly suddenly not feeling safe anymore.
“I-”
“Garreth.” Sebastian’s voice rang above yours, making you tense going unnoticed by the red head next to you. “Professor Sharp wants a word with you.” His voice was flat and Garreth got up hesitantly, but you stayed put looking at Sebastian with terror.
“Please give it a thought, Reader. You can seek me out with your answer.” Garreth said looking down at you with a slight smile.
“I will think about it.” You say smiling tensely and watch the boy walk away from you two.
“What were you talking about?” Sebastian asked walking forward slowly making you start to get up wanting space from the kid.
“H-he was just telling me about the skating event they have here if the ice is thick enough.” You say slightly scared. “It seems pretty cool so I’m excited to join if they do it this year.” You say gulping harshly.
“So, you want to go to the ice rink with Garreth Weasley huh?” he says disgust evident in his tone.
“N-no.” You say quietly blushing lightly, but Sebastian ignores what you said.
“You think anyone actually wants to spend time with you? Pathetic. He probably only sees you as a charity case.” He sneered, making you falter in your step.
“What?” You say hurt obviously in your tone as Sebastian continues to get closer. “Stop being mean to me. What did I ever do to you!” You say looking up and seeing the boy a lot closer, making you step back.
“You exist.” The boy sneers before he grabs your shoulder and pulls you into his fist that was aiming at your stomach. You crumble to the floor holding your stomach as you glared at Sebastian, whose dark eyes were playfully peering down at you. “Don’t act surprised. You’ve always been good at ruining things just by being around.” He said before spitting at you and walking away. When you finally ran into Garreth again you regretfully told him that you planned on going alone but not to be a stranger if he saw you there one day. A month into wintertime everyone was gathered in the Great Hall for dinner when the Deputy Headmistress stood at the front gaining everyone’s attention.
“Good evening children!” She says making all the kids stop their chatter and look at the woman who was smiling at them. “I am happy to announce that the Ice Rink will be open starting next week.” When she finished the crowd chatted about themselves.
On Monday after finishing your schoolwork along with Sebastian’s schoolwork you sent it to him using your owl and got dressed and headed down to the Ice Rink waiting in line for your turn.
“Reader.” Sebastian’s voice sounded a little ways away from you and you tense seeing him jogging towards you. “Thanks for saving our spot.” He said moving in next to you, and you eye him warily before moving slightly away from him. You tried to ignore him as you just stood there in line getting closer to the front. “Are you staying here for Christmas?” Sebastian asked, making you side eye him. ‘Why does he care?’
“Uh, no. I’m going back home this year.” You say nodding lightly as you move along the line.
“Hmm.” Sebastian looks uninterested.
“Sebastian!” A girl’s voice says, and you look over to see a female version of Sebastian.
“Anne!” He says waving at her while she pulled at the robes of the blind boy who looked all but happy to be there. You couldn’t help but blush seeing the boy from Charms there was something about him that made your heart race, but you look away as they join Sebastian, who was standing in line behind you.
“Alright, just you?” the groundkeeper asked looking down at you.
“Yes sir.” You say smiling lightly up at him.
“Alright come on in.” He said handing you ice skates, and you move to the benches to put them on. When you got out on to the ice you happily skated around until a voice calling your name piqued your interest.
“I’m glad to see you out on the ice, reader.” Garreth said leaning against the outside wall smirking at you his hair looking like flames in the sunlight.
“Yea, ice skating is really fun.” You say smiling lightly before skating off knowing that Sebastian was watching; his stare was something you had learned quickly to pinpoint. As you skate in circles you notice Anne and Sebastian skating next to the blind boy who had an annoyed look on his face, one hand gripping the edge of the rink and the other holding his wand. Giggling lightly, you then went back to minding your own business that was until you felt someone skating next to you. You turn your head smiling lightly at Garreth, but the growing comfort didn’t last long, while talking to Garreth someone had managed to skate in front of you causing you to trip over them.
“Oh! I am so sorry!” You said scrambling off the girl who held her pinky tightly as blood started to flow over her fingers and down her wrist.
“It’s all good. I lost control it was my fault.” She said as you help her up by her arm so she could keep pressure on her finger.
“We need to get you to the Nurse, now.” You said moving her towards the exit, but you were blocked.
“Anne are you okay?” The blind boy asked riding up to the group holding Sebastian’s arm.
“Yea, her skate just nicked my finger so I’m bleeding.” She spoke her face scrunching in pain.
“You need to watch where you are going.” Sebastian said making shrink into yourself.
“Sebastian leave her alone.”
“It was an accident man.” Anne and Garreth said at the same time.
“You can take me to the nurse as your apology.” Anne asked suddenly looking at you and you nodded.
“It’s the lease I could do.” You said as you both start skating off to the side of the rink and you change your shoes before changing hers and you both start walking to the Nurses. For a while you walk silently side by side until Anne breaks the silence.
“I’m Anne by the way.” She said as she held her finger.
“I’m Reader.” You speak, apprehension apparent in your tone. “And I am so sorry about running your finger over.” You say wringing your hands as you both start the ascend the steps to the hospital wing.
“Don’t, I should have stopped before crashing into you.” She said as you both enter the hospital wing and let Anne be taken from the nurses.
“Thank you for bringing her dearie, you can go now.” The nurse said as she led Anne away, so you left to head down the Great Hall for dinner. When you got there you saw Sebastian shoot up and wave you over to him and the blind boy and you walk towards them anxious to interact with them.
“Is she okay?” Sebastian asked a scowl lightly covering his face.
“I’m sorry I don’t know the nurse told me to leave.” You said picking at your nails.
“That’s okay.” The blind boy said smiling at you. “Thank you for taking her to the nurse.” he said.
“I’m sorry for hurting her.” You said looking directly at Sebastian. “I will see you later.” You said goodbye to Sebastian before leaving for the Hufflepuff table, luckily Anne’s finger was left unharmed after help.
When it was time to go to your parents for Christmas you had made the long trek to the train station and to your surprise you saw Sebastian waiting by the tracks holding something in his hand.
“Hey.” He said looking irritated at you as you apprehensively walked up to him wrapping your robe around your body trying to keep yourself warm.
“Hey.” You said meekly stopping in front of him.
“Anne wanted me to give you the Christmas present she got for you.” He said handing you a small box. “She also told me to tell you to keep it up right.” He said face flat.
“Thank you.” you said holding the present in your hand smiling lightly down at it before he groaned and rolled his eyes.
“She also said that she wishes this will show you that there’s ‘no hard feelings’.” He said air quoting the words no hard feelings making you giggle lightly.
“I accept but tell her to expect a present in return.” You spoke as you smiled down at the gift.
“We all pitched in to get that.” Sebastian said annoyed.
“Oh, then I shall get you all one.” You said moving to the tracks as Sebastian stands next to you while you wait for the train. “Do you have any suggestions?” You ask.
“I’m not sure you would be able to get anything they would like.” he said leaning onto his leg looking irritated.
“You know you don’t have to stay.” You said looking annoyed right back.
“Don’t tell me what to do.” He said glaring at you making you put up a hand.
“Sorry.” You say quietly before you two just stand there silently until the train arrives. “Have a good Christmas, Sebastian.” You say as you leave him behind. Luckily your mom and dad helped you find presents for them a nice pair of mittens for Anne, a brail book for Ominis, the only one you had issues with was Sebastian, you had no idea what he would want, so as a safe bet you got him a dark green scarf that had little black detailing on the hem of the scarf. When you got back to school you put your plant next to your bed, but more importantly you walked to the table where Sebastian was sitting alone. “Hey.” You said as the boy looked annoyed up at you as you smiled lightly. “I got something for all of you for the plant so I was hoping I could give it to you so you can give it to Anne and Ominis.” You said piquing the male interest as he stood.
“Let’s go get them and I’ll take them to their rooms.” He said and you nodded so you both walk to the Hufflepuff Common Room Sebastian waiting for you to return with the three presents.
“I hope you guys like them.” You said as you handed him the things you got for them.
“Don’t think this changes things.” He said sounding annoyed. “I still expect you to get those assignments done.” He said and you nod silently before he walked off. One day you had just crested the stairs to the Hufflepuff Common Room when your eyes caught the movement. Seeing Anne and Ominis standing there she smiled instantly seeing you.
“She’s coming!” She said interrupting Ominis as he was speaking making him make an annoyed face.
“Yeah no I wasn’t saying anything.” Ominis snarked.
“Reader!” Anne said smiling, her eyes shone brightly.
“Hey, Anne!” You say smiling brightly at her.
“Can Ominis and I walk with you to class?” she asked as your heart warmed.
“I would love that.” You said as you three started walking towards Charms. “How was your train ride to home?” You asked trying to make small talk.
“We didn’t have to take the train. Our uncle lives in Feldcroft which isn’t far from here.” Anne said.
“And my mother almost killed someone last time she was at King’s Cross Station, so I don’t think I will ever be going that way.” Ominis said making Anne roll her eyes.
“Oh. Well, did you like your presents?” You ask as Anne smiles and pulls the mittens out of her pocket.
“That’s actually what I wanted to talk about with you.” Ominis said making you tilt your head lightly.
“Do you not like it?” You asked.
“No, I actually love the book it’s just, my mother, she doesn’t like anything that isn’t from the wizarding world so she will burn it if she sees it so I was hoping one of you two would hold it for me.”
“Om, you don’t even need to ask. I can hold it for you until you come visit then you can finish it.” Anne said making the boy visibly relax.
“Thank you, Anne.” Ominis said.
“I’m really happy you two like your presents.” You said smiling before a thought flitters through your mind like an icy chill. “Did Sebastian like his?” You ask suddenly feeling shy and stupid for even caring what Sebastian thought.
“He wears that damn scarf all the time!” Anne said chuckling.
“When he first got it he slept with it on.” Ominis said making you smile lightly.
“I’m happy to hear that he likes it.” You said as you get to the stairs that took you straight up to the Charms classroom. “I really like talking to you two.” You said honestly smiling at them.
“We like talking to you!” Anne said while Ominis agrees. “How about this.” Anne says grabbing your hand. “You are now our fourth member to our friendship.” Anne said squeezing your hand lightly.
“Are you sure?”
“Why wouldn’t we want to be your friend.”
“Well, no I wanted to make sure that Sebastian is also okay with it. I wouldn’t want to step on his toes.” You spoke looking away sheepishly.
“Sebastian can suck it up.” Anne said but that didn’t quell the anxiety that was sitting in your chest.
“Well, I would love to be your friend I just want to make sure Sebastian is also okay with it.” You said squeezing her hand as you get to the top of the stairs. Later that night when you were walking through the halls you heard those familiar footfalls, and you turned to see Sebastian who was smiling evilly at you making you huff out a sigh.
“There you are, I need to tell you about my next assignment.” He said and you nod.
“Let’s find an empty room.” You said peaking your head into a random room seeing no one in there, so you fully enter the room and sit at one of the desks and pull out your quill and ink well as he sets the parchment in front of you. After he explains the assignment you get started writing smiling lightly.
“What are you smiling about?” He said and you stop suddenly looking up at him.
“Oh, I was just thinking about how Ominis and Anne liked their presents.” You said and he rolled his eyes. “I also heard you liked yours.” A small blush encased your face as you looked shyly at him.
“Don’t get too pleased with yourself. It was just a scarf.” He said looking disinterested. “An ugly, itchy and uncomfortable scarf.” He said and you suddenly feel a pit form in your chest as you look back down at the paper. “I mean Ominis could have picked something better.” He said laughing lightly and you bit your lip not wanting to cry over something as trivial as this. “But what was I expecting from you.” He said and you sniff lightly before just focusing on the paper.
“Here.” you said sliding the paper across the table when you were done. The paper slides off before floating to the ground as you quickly pack up.
“Hey!” Sebastian said grabbing your arm as you turned to leave.
“Let me go.” You said pulling at your arm as you glared at the boy who only tightened his grip.
“Look I know Anne invited you into our friend group.” He pulled you closer looming over you. “The only reason I’m okay with it is cause now I can keep a closer eye on you, and you can’t run from me.” he said with a small smile plaguing his lips.
“Okay.” You said blankly before ripping your arm from his grip and walking out of the room and back to your Common Room finally allowing yourself to feel hurt; you had been confident that he would like that scarf. Why did his words hurt so much?
The year quickly moved on and soon the end of the school year approached and yet there you stood over a pot making some of the fertilizer that you will need to make sure you will be able to take care of your new plant. You hummed happily as you poured some of the fertilizer for the Fanged Geranium as it moved happily.
“Where’s my last homework assignment?” Sebastian said as you turned around quickly almost falling into the flowerpot you were working on.
“S-Sebastian.”
“Congrats you know who I am.” He said his tone was laced with sarcasm. “Now where is my homework?” He said and you turned to your bookbag and grabbed the folder that you had tucked into the back. You pulled the parchment from the confinement and handed it in his direction, your hand bumping into his chest not realizing he was closer.
“S-sorry, I didn’t realize you moved.” You said retracting your hand slightly making the boy grimace deepen Suddenly you feel your arm being yanked as you jolt forward suddenly. “S-Sebastian, where are you taking me?” The panic in your tone increased as well as the boy’s grip on your arm. Suddenly he bursts through one of the attached doors and you realize that you’ve now entered the restricted area of the greenhouse, and you subconsciously move closer to the male looking at all the venomous tentacula. He pulled you to where you were facing him and with your back to the dangerous plants.
“It’s the end of the year.” Sebastian said as you kept trying to look back at the plants, but Sebastian squeezed your forearm “Pay attention to me!” he says angrily, so you turned back to him.
“I’m sorry.” You say meekly looking back at him scared of where you were; between the two dangers.
“It’s the end of the year.” He states again and you nod along showing you’re listening. “I want your address.” He says and you stiffen looking up at his excited expression.
“Why?”
“Stop asking questions and just answer me.”
“I-I live in the muggle world.” You say quietly and he lets go of your arm as he just stares at you.
“You’re muggle born?” He says his eyebrows scrunching slightly and you nod lightly scared to say anything that could upset him. “And an owl flying from your house would raise suspicions.”
“Y-You want to write to me over the summer?” You ask smiling lightly as he looked down at you sneering slightly.
“I have potions that I need to practice, and you were going to help me.” he said poking your forehead pushing you back slightly. “Since you’re so good at potions.” He says as his eyes darken. “At least that’s what Garreth Weasley has been saying.” He clenches his jaw harshly.
“Well, that’s nice of him.” you say, smiling lightly remembering how nice he has been to you.
“Do you like him?” he asked voice cool face calm, but his eyes were swimming with rage.
“No, he’s cool but I don’t like him like that.” You say shaking your head making the boy scoff at your words.
“Is there anyone you do like?” He asks voice taking a more curious tone, making you furrow your brows before a familiar blind boy popped into your head.
“N-No.” you say biting the inside of your cheek, looking away suddenly.
“You’re lying to me.” He says walking forward pushing you back further into the plants and your heart skips a beat as you watch the plants snap in anticipation.
“I don’t even know who he is.” You lie, your voice in a hushed whisper and the boy suddenly pushes you into the plants forcing a yelp from you. When your body hit the ground four venomous tentacula bit down on your arms and legs making you scream out. Then he leaves the room as the plants continue to rip and tear at your flesh then minutes later, he enters again with Professor Garlick.
“Here she is!” Sebastian says.
“Oh dear!” Professor Garlick says when she finally sees your shredded arms.
“I was working on some last-minute gardening for some potions when I heard a crash and her screaming!” Then the plants stop their attack and Professor Garlick helps you up.
“Oh honey! Let’s get you to the medical wing!” she says, and you were rushed off to get healed while Sebastian was seen as your hero. When you got home your parents were worried seeing all the bandages but walked past them to your room; you let your Owl stay in a tree nearby telling her to stay out of sight as you set the little fanged germanium on the windowsill.