Sebastian Sallow hadn’t expected to arrive at MC’s house. He really hadn’t. His original plan was to pass through the town, fulfil the tasks of his superiors and move on to the next. But when he saw her walking around the stalls of the market, he knew his priorities had shifted.
Sebastian had held his breath, knowing he mustn’t be seen by her. She hated him, she’d said so herself the last time they saw each other. But seeing her now, he almost forgot to care. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, tell her how much he’s missed her. How he spent his nights wondering how she was, if she was safe. What he didn’t want, however, was for her to think that he was stalking her again, she wouldn’t understand that it was pure coincidence this time.
For years after completing their seventh year at Hogwarts, Sebastian had been doing the bidding of several dark wizards - he thought it to be the natural path he was to take. It had caused quite the argument between he and MC; she’d yelled in his face and begged for him to change his mind. But he didn’t. Instead, he had mentally agreed to keep tabs on her, to protect her from the dark wizards he worked for. This meant dropping by the hamlet she chose to live in, lurking in the shadows as not to be seen. He just wanted her safe. But when he grew tired, he grew sloppy, and MC saw him lazily leaning against a tree one day.
“Stalking me, Sallow?” She’d scoffed, earning a grimace from the tired man. He nodded sheepishly though, defending himself, trying to make her see his perspective. And yet she chose to ignore him, yelling at him as she had on their last day at Hogwarts. He’d swore to her that he’d stop, and he had. He hated that she hated him. Again, he just wanted her safe, and maybe staying unaware of where she lived would do that.
Back to the matter at hand, MC was in the hamlet, she was so close that if he tried – he could touch her. He craved it, he craved her, he always had. From the moments they’d met in their fifth year – Sebastian was addicted to her gaze. Back then, he was blinded with the need to find a cure for his late twin sister. Anne had been cursed, and Sebastian would do anything to find the cure so that he wouldn’t lose her. He’d gone as far as using MC for the magic she could wield; he’d not realised how much he adored her until he’d pushed her away during their sixth year. He’d spent his time after Anne’s death, making up for the hurt he’d inflicted on MC, begging for her to let him back into her life. And eventually she had. It was short lived though, the end of their seventh year rolled in so much faster than they’d been prepared for, and their relationship had died within mere sentences.
He watched as she crossed the markets, a basket full of trinket on her arm, a wide smile on her face as she greeted those around her. He felt himself smile; he couldn’t help it. She was just so pretty, and the smile on her face was contagious. He’d stepped forwards a little, he wanted to greet her – tell her he was on business but held back. Maybe he could speak to her later, maybe when he was finished, he could stop by to catch up before he left. Maybe he was insane. He’d blinked, and she had moved from the middle of the markets to a dirt path that led away from it. Without hesitating, he followed her, keeping his distance. The smile never left his face, only widening when he heard her soft humming. He recognised the song, hell, they’d made that song theirs, dancing in the Undercroft together for hours, their laughter filling the secret space.
The path seemed to keep going, it becomes more overgrown as it stretched through countless fields. He admired her as she paused every so often, adding a flower to her basket. His heart ached, he scanned the path, finding his own flower, placing it in his pocket, preparing to greet her. Though in the time he’d taken to find just the right one, MC had disappeared into what he could only assume to be her cottage. It was small, homely, and everything about it screamed MC. From the masses of flowers in the gardens, to the swing that hung from a tree, it was everything MC had dreamed of when they’d discussed their future. He smiled, a pang of sadness hitting his heart. MC’s original dream contained a place big enough for herself, Sebastian and Ominis to live in peace away from the weight of their youth. And yet, she now lived alone.
Carefully, he approached the door, holding his hand above it. He wanted to knock. But something told him to stop, to leave. He walked to the window, peering in, finding MC sitting at a table, her back to him. He took the chance to properly admire her. MC’s hair was much longer now, it must each her waist when she let it flow freely. He closed his eyes for a moment, the image of his hands in her hair when they laid in bed together during their seventh year. The image disappeared faster than he’d liked, he sighed, noticing the way she’d toss the high ponytail as she stood. He stepped back, not wanting to be caught, but she didn’t turn – she just continued to empty the basket and putting away the groceries she’d likely bought from the markets.
“Why are you looking at my mummy?” Came a voice from beside Sebastian. He turned quickly, his heart racing. Stood before him was a small girl, her raven hair down to her shoulders. She peered at him curiously with her enormous hazel eyes.
“That’s your mum?” He motioned his head towards MC, his eyes lingering on her before returning to the girl before him. She nodded sweetly.
“Yeah! Do you know her?” She asked, the curiosity in her eyes only growing further. Sebastian laughed a little, smiling down at the girl.
“She’s an old friend of mine.” He watched as the girl nodded, looking towards MC through the window, he thought for a moment, a crazy idea appearing in the back of his mind. “How old are you?”
“I’m five.” She giggled. Her words sliced him like a knife. He glanced to MC again, his eyes softening. When his eyes returned to the small girl, he noticed the freckles that lined her cheeks. He squatted, becoming level with her.
“What’s your name, sweet girl?”
“It’s Anne!” He inhaled deeply, his eyes glossing over a little. He shook the pending tears away, not wanting to scare the girl with his cries. He chose this moment to sit down fully, deep in thought. He should’ve stayed, if he’d have stayed, he wouldn’t have missed the chance to be a Father. If he’d have never chosen the dark path – MC wouldn’t have had to have this child alone. All he wanted was for her to be safe, but his choices at the end of seventh year were the ones that caused the most trouble. He cleared his throat, smiling glumly at the girl.
“It was nice to meet you, Anne.” He managed to force out. He got to his feet, rummaging through his pocket and reaching for the flower he had picked. He offered it to the girl who took it with a giggle.
“It was nice to meet you too!” She continued to giggle before retreating into the house. Sebastian stood in silence, staring at the door that was now open. He stepped forwards, going to walk inside, or at least make his presence known to MC. But at the last moment, he pulled his hands down to his sides, clenching his fists. He couldn’t do it. No matter how much he wanted to.
He turned, shaking his head and beginning down the path that he’d followed MC down. He almost didn’t hear the voice behind him, but when he realised what he had heard, he spun on his heels.
“Sebastian?”