The Call of the Void (Sebastian Sallow x F!MC)

XIII: S e v e n t e e n

Content warnings: Canon-typical violence related to spell fighting, some minor injuries, and a gross man making a lewd comment about Sloane.

■-■-■-■-■-■-■-■-■-■

The first week of November brings with it a sharp chill.

Siobhan can scarcely believe it's been only two months since her arrival at Hogwarts. Considering all that's transpired, every day feels like a fever dream. Ancient magic and the Keepers, Ranrok and Rookwood, classes and schoolwork—there's only so much one person can endure.

And then there's Sebastian.

Of everything she's experienced in her short sixteen years, boys are the most difficult challenge yet. It isn't something she ever worried about in Nottingham. Even if Papa wasn't so protective of her, the village boys never paid her much attention. With Sebastian, however, her frustration over the opposite sex has increased tenfold.

There's always been a strange sort of connection between them, a natural gravitation that's intensified with time. He still frazzles her, even if she's gotten used to his enthusiasm. More than that, she's grown fond of him. She's kept the lingering feeling in her periphery, ignoring what is obvious to others (as Poppy and Natty have repeatedly mentioned), if only to safeguard her heart.

But after Hallow's Eve and what didn't happen in the Forbidden Forest, she's buried the emotions away...or at least she's tried to. It would be easier to ignore it all if Sebastian weren't such a constant in her life. In class, in the halls, it doesn't matter—he's always there, waiting for her to make the next move.

She won't.

It's foolish to form any sort of attachment to the first boy who gives her any sort of positive attention. This isn't a Jane Austen novel, she isn't one of the Bennet sisters, or Emma Woodhouse—no, she's just Siobhan—a naive and stupid girl.

There are plenty more important matters to worry about than teenage romance.

While Professor Fig researches the Keepers and her friends keep tabs on Rookwood, she makes uncovering Ranrok's plans her priority. Little is known about the Goblin Rebellion's leader, except for his dangerous fixation on her magic. The pensives and their memories of Isidora Morganach have provided some context to what ancient magic is capable of, but there is still so much left to unravel. If she's going to be hunted, she'd like to know why.

Thankfully, there is Sirona, who offers a lead in the form of a friend named Lodgok. Siobhan remembers seeing him during her first visit to Hogsmeade and is now hopeful that he might shed some light on Ranrok's motivations. She adjusts the scarf around her neck as she exits the Three Broomsticks, contemplating her next move. It's already late, and despite it being the weekend, she is wary about being out after dark, even in the safety of the wizarding village.

Still, she heads south, distracted by the never-ending thoughts that swirl in her mind. Has Professor Fig found more information on the Rookwood Estate? Has Natty learned what Harlow's next move will be? Did she finish her Charms assignment?

And then there's Sebastian.

Siobhan is just past Olivander's when she spots him a few shops down, exiting Tomes and Scrolls. He notices her immediately, slumped shoulders straightening as soon as their eyes meet. He lifts a free hand to offer a small wave, a gesture she mirrors just as awkwardly. Her heart rate spikes when he starts walking her way. Swallowing down as much of her nerves as possible, she reminds herself to breathe, counting the seconds it takes for him to close the distance.