Rookwood Part 1
“Are you alright?” A flash of green robes announced Sebastian’s arrival, his hand touching your shoulder lightly as he sat beside you on the stone steps. “You’ve barely spoken all day.”
“Stomach ache.” You volunteered bleakly, half wishing he wouldn’t pry anymore while simultaneously wishing he would.
“Too much pumpkin juice?” Sebastian leaned forward, pressing his knees against his chest, trying to catch your eye. “I could go to the hospital wing for a remedy.”
You hummed despondently, raising your eyes to avoid his concerned look. A traitorous tear slipped down your cheek, you were quick to brush it away, sniffing quietly.
Sebastian said your name softly. “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me an upset stomach is causing this. I won’t buy it.”
“I just-it’s-I feel overwhelmed is all.” You finally met his eyes which were soft amber pools lit by the setting sun. A cool breeze rustled your robes, pushing your hair in front of your vision. “There’s so much expected of me and I feel alone.”
Sebastian reached forward, helping you brush the strands of hair off your face. “Alone? You have so many people who care about you trying to help, including me I might add.” He gestured to himself indignantly.
“It’s not the same. Even the Keepers tell me I have to complete their trials alone. Besides, you have Anne to worry about.”
“Doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you.” Sebastian muttered.
“Seb…”
“And I don’t only care about you because of how you can help Anne.” Sebastian’s voice grew a little louder. “Tell me how I can help.”
There was a silence while you collected your thoughts, you hadn’t expected him to offer his help like this.
“It’s dangerous.” You were backpedaling now. “I’m not going to ask you to put yourself in unnecessary peril for me.”
“When will you understand.” Sebastian took your hands in his. “We’re in this together.”
Your eyes widened as you stared at your interlocked fingers. “That’s quite honestly very nice to hear.” Fresh tears began pooling in your eyes as you looked back at Sebastian’s freckled face.
“Good.” He stood, helping you stand as well. “Now that’s settled, let’s go to the Three Broomsticks. I’ve been craving a butterbeer all day.”
You took your time walking up to Hogsmeade. It was a warm evening, even as the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving you and Sebastian in the dusky twilight. The many windows of Hogwarts glowed golden, illuminating the emerald grounds and unused quidditch pitch. Sebastian’s hand still grasping your own, the lights of Hogsmeade up ahead, you found a content smile curving your lips for the first time in a long while.
Sirona welcomed the two of you into the Three Broomsticks with her usual warmth, her eyes flicking down momentarily to your entwined hands and she gave you a knowing grin and wink, pouring two generous mugs of butterbeer.
“Thanks Sirona.” You returned her smile, feeling heat spread to your cheeks and hiding your blush in your own pewter mug.
“On the house.” She continued polishing the dishware and wooden bar. “Scourgify!” Sirona raised her wand and instantly the stained plates before her were magically scoured clean.
“Now that’s a useful spell.” Sebastian remarked admiring Sirona’s handiwork. “Anne would get a kick out of it.”
“That she would.” You agreed, taking another sip of your butterbeer.
“Especially with the way Solomon stinks up the place.”
Sirona raised an eyebrow, swishing her wand towards the sink where a soapy scrub brush levitated and began working away at the rest of the dishware. “Solomon Sallow. Now there’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.” She clapped her hands together and leaned on the counter. “I’ll have to teach you the spell, terribly useful it is. Though perhaps later, when you’re not on a date.”
You and Sebastian looked at each other, you were pleased to see he was now blushing as well as he scratched the back of his head. “Yes, I suppose later will have to do.”
“Excellent!” Sirona straightened. “Well, if you lovelies will excuse me I must make my rounds.”
She bustled off with more mugs of butterbeer in her grip. You watched her go, then turned back to your date.
“Perceptive that one.” Sebastian powered down the last of his drink.
“I mean, we were holding hands Sebastian.” You reminded him gently.
“We were at that.”
You chatted, your mugs slowly growing empty. About an hour later Sebastian rose from his stool, offering you his arm, and led the way back outside into the much chillier night.
You heard Sebastian’s intake of breath as he nudged his elbow hard into your ribs.
“Ouch, what?” You looked around at him, his eyes fixed on a familiar figure standing down the cobbled street.
Rookwood.
Both you and Sebastian drew your wands.
Rookwood held up his hands slightly as he spoke to you. “I’m afraid you’re on your own. I’ve ensured we have a moment to ourselves.”
“They’re not on their own.” Sebastian took a step forward, his wand aimed directly between Rookwood’s eyes.
“Oh come come.” Rookwood didn’t break his gaze from you, though an annoyed sneer curled his lip. “No need for such theatrics. In light of what Ranrok now knows you must agree that our interests are…aligned.”
“Our interests will never be aligned.” You also stepped forward, your shoulder brushing against Sebastian’s.
“You would let goblins take what’s rightfully ours.” Rookwood’s sneer became more pronounced as he continued moving casually closer. “The final repository belongs to wizardkind. We would be fools to not work together.”
Sebastian glanced to you, his defensive stance shifting with uncertainty as he waited for your move.
Rookwood became angry, his fists clenching at his sides. “That repository is my birthright!”
“Charles Rookwood wouldn’t have wanted you near it.” You shot back, the venom evident in your voice.
Rookwood shook his head as he chuckled darkly. “The arrogance. Should’ve known better than to try and reason with a child.” He began to pace, still watching you with malice. “I’ve always said, children should be seen and not heard.”
“What did you just say?” Sebastian’s words cut through the chill night air.
You only had moments for the shock to register before, with a soft pop, a man apparated, grabbed you and Sebastian by the napes of your necks and dragged you into the void.