Reflections of Erised

“Sebastian honestly!” You slammed your breakfast plate a little too hard onto the table, causing your tomatoes to roll off onto the polished wood. Several fourth years glanced over at your outburst as you swung your leg over the bench and began viciously cutting into a sausage. “If you would just trust me for half a second I might be able to actually help you.”

“I do trust you.” Sebastian was just as annoyed, taking his place beside you and turning his back to the inquisitive glances being sent your way. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “But if something happens and Anne suffers for it, I will blame myself.”

“I have to do this alone Seb.” You stared a moment into his earnest brown eyes before shoving a forkful of eggs into your mouth and chewing thoughtfully. “The Keepers barely listen to me as it is.”

“They don’t sound very clever then.”

You made a noncommittal noise and continued eating, taking note how Sebastian hadn’t touched his own food but continued to look at your face.

“Trouble in paradise?” Ominis Gaunt joined the two of you, sliding easily to sit beside Sebastian. “You two sound about as dour as the Bloody Baron.”

You grunted but Sebastian sighed, turning to his friend. “We’re talking about helping Anne.”

“Ah.” Was Ominis’ response, not sounding overly thrilled.

“Speaking of Anne.” Sebastian soldiered on. “Over the long weekend I’m heading home and was hoping the two of you might join me. Even out the antagonism from my uncle a bit.”

“Can’t, I’m afraid.” Ominis frowned, his cloudy eyes narrowing with distaste. “My family have summoned me home for reasons yet to be disclosed.”

“That sounds…” You hesitated a moment. “Ominous.”

Ominis groaned and Sebastian chortled, giving your shoulder an affectionate slap.

“They’re getting as bad as you, Sebastian.” Ominis spoke around a mouthful of porridge. “You really are terrible influences on each other.”

“That’s why we have you, Ominis.” You spoke cheerfully, catching Sebastian’s eye. “You help even us out.”

Ominis smiled faintly, giving his head a shake and digging wordlessly into his eggs.

“Well.” Sebastian looked hopefully over at you. “Can you come with me? You’ve already met them and Anne still talks about how much she likes you.”

“Wouldn’t miss it! I’d love to see her again and spend time with you.” Your face warmed at Sebastian’s surprised expression. “Both. You both.” You corrected, a little too quickly.

Sebastian looked pleased with himself through the rest of breakfast and was more attentive to you then normal, which was saying a lot because the two of you did most everything together. Even Ominis remarked on how nice he was being later that afternoon when Sebastian went out of his way to lend you a scroll of parchment for notes in potions class. “Laying it on a little thick don’t you think, Sallow?”

“Shut it, Gaunt.” Sebastian scowled at Ominis, retrieving the parchment for you, your hands brushing as you took it.

“I may be blind but I’m not an idiot.”

“I expect you three to have your Wiggenweld potions handed in at the end of class.” Professor Sharp materialized over your shoulder, his voice stern and promptly silencing your conversation.

“Yes Professor.” You and Ominis spoke in unison, Sebastian just rolling his eyes and returning to putting ingredients into his cauldron.

After a few minutes you nudged him with an elbow. “Sebastian.” He seemed lost in thought, not heeding your fierce whisper. “Sebastian. Oh for Merlin’s sake.” You reached over and quickly saved his Wiggentree bark from burning to a crisp.

Sebastian looked around at you, his eyes unfocused. “What? Oh. Sorry.” He took the bark back with a small smile. “I was miles away.”

“Are you alright?” You knew the answer.

“Fine.”

You saw Ominis frown, shaking his head slightly while stirring the green contents of his own cauldron.

Potions was the last class of the week, the students of Hogwarts looking forward to a long weekend holiday.

“Have fun in Feldcroft you two.” Ominis gave you and Sebastian a unenthusiastic farewell in the bell tower courtyard, the winter air swirling chilly around you all. “I’ll send you an owl if I survive my family.”

“Poor Ominis.” You intoned to Sebastian as you prepared to use the floo powder network. “I can’t imagine having a family like that.”

Sebastian grimaced. “Agreed. I’m glad he has us though.”

You stepped into the brick fireplace, spoke the word, and felt the familiar rather unpleasant warm rushing around you before Feldcroft came into view with a jolt.

The sun shone warmth upon your face as you squinted around at the familiar setting. A quaint village where Sebastian had took you to meet Anne and confide in you how she had been cursed and all he had done so far to try and cure her. Your heart went out to them both. You understood all too well how desperate Sebastian was to not lose the last of the family he cared for, and his twin at that.

“It’s so good to see you Sebastian!” Anne was waiting outside the front door of their little cottage when you came striding up with Sebastian at your side. She hugged him tight, she beamed at him as he grinned at her and then pulled you into a hug as well. “And you! I’m thrilled you came along. We have a whole guest room made up for you.”

“We?” Sebastian sounded dubious as Anne led the way indoors.

“Well, I made it up for you.” Anne’s smile faltered. “Good news is Solomon won’t be here much. He was summoned by the ministry.”

“Best news I’ve heard all year.” Sebastian kicked off his boots and moved to the crackling fire, holding up his hands to warm them by the flames. “How are you feeling lately, Anne?”

“Unchanged.” Anne sank back into the rocking chair by the hearth. “For the most part, that is. My hands are colder than usual, and my chest hurts, but it is winter. Could be the flu…” She trailed off a moment before clapping her hands together, avoiding her brother’s worried gaze. “But enough of that! I have planned some fun activities for us to get up to while you’re both here! I’m so excited to have some actual time to be with you, we will have fun and I won’t tolerate you worrying yourself sick about me.”

She shot Sebastian a severe look. He breathed sharply through his nose, his gaze lifting to meet yours. You gave him an encouraging nod, smiling as Anne looked to you as well.

“Alright.” Sebastian agreed. “For you, Anne.”

You could tell by the way his fingers closed into soft fists at his sides Sebastian was already having trouble, his brow furrowed as he tried to maintain an airy smile.

“What can we help you with?” You broke the awkward silence, stepping closer to where Sebastian stood by the fire. “Surely you want us to help make some supper.”

Anne’s face brightened and Sebastian let out a short laugh. “Careful. She’ll have us working harder than the house elves at Hogwarts.”

“Oh hush you.” Anne rose and led the way into the cramped kitchen, showing you both where the cutlery and plates were. “Now, Sebastian can peel potatoes. Would you mind cutting up some carrots?”

“Not at all!” You were happy to help, especially as the tense atmosphere gradually gave way to warm and cozy domesticity as the evening wore on and the three of you made stew together, laughing as you bantered.

The love the Sallow siblings had for one another was palpable, you hoped fervently you would be able to help save Anne escape the clutches of the curse that had been so cruelly placed upon her. As you talked and the hour grew late, you caught Sebastian’s eye many times. Each time he would smile and duck his head, uncharacteristically not giving you teasing remarks every other breath. You wanted to talk to him about this odd behavior but not tonight, your eyelids were growing heavy and the warm bed in the next room beckoned. Perhaps you would remember tomorrow while the three of you degnomed the garden.