#hl angst

Summary: You died. Sebastian secretly had a portrait of you commissioned.

I profusely apologize for the pain.

by @anomalyaly

Inspired by @sychenb for the prompt idea. Also crediting @sloanesallow for her headcanon about Sebastian keeping track of numbers.

(also sort of inspired by Unus Annus - iykyk - and Taylor Swift, if you couldn't guess by the title)

[PART 2]

Tags: Angst, F!Reader POV (you), unreliable narrator, vague ship (Sebastian x reader/Ominis x reader), Sebastian was in love with you but never confessed, death, grief, ambiguous ending, overall the sads in general, I cried while writing this

[AO3] [Wattpad]

Summary: Two years after the turmoil of her fifth year at Hogwarts, MC returns for her seventh year, haunted by past trauma and the ghosts of broken friendships. Reconnecting with Ominis and Sebastian, her once closest friends, is no easy feat. As she drowns her pain in reckless parties, endless boys and destructive behavior, both boys watch helplessly, knowing she’s spiraling. When a night takes a dark turn, they intervene, and MC is forced to face the pain she’s been hiding. But Sebastian, with his own regrets, is determined to help her heal—and to prove that he’s not letting her go.

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x F!reader (fluff at the end/protective Seb)

Warnings: mentions of alcohol abuse and slutshaming. Characters aged up to 7th year!

a/n: is this fandom still alive? Maybe I'm to late to the party ;) But I'm really enjoying myself haha. Plan to do more in the future: preparing some prompts and headcanons en requests are open. Give me a follow for more.

It had been two years since their fateful fifth year, and though the dust had settled, the wounds had not. Life at Hogwarts carried on, but for MC, every hallway, every classroom, and every face served as a reminder of what she had endured. She returned to Hogwarts for her seventh year, her path winding her back to the two people who had once been her closest friends: Ominis Gaunt and Sebastian Sallow.

It wasn’t immediate, this reconnection. Time had a way of healing and, at the same time, pushing people apart. Their sixth year had been quiet—MC had needed space to deal with everything, to step back from the chaos that had consumed her life. But now, in their final year, they had found each other again, tentatively rebuilding their friendship.

And yet, something was different.

Sebastian had never stopped loving her. That much was obvious to Ominis, even if Sebastian refused to admit it outright. The way his eyes softened when she entered the room, the protective edge in his tone whenever someone so much as teased her—it was clear to anyone paying attention. But MC, though she cared deeply for him, was terrified of letting herself feel the same.

She couldn’t.

If she allowed herself to feel for Sebastian, she risked everything. What if he didn’t feel the same? What if it ruined their fragile friendship? She couldn’t afford to lose anyone else. Not again. And so, she buried her feelings and found other ways to cope.

At first, it had been small things. A few late nights at parties, a glass of Firewhisky here and there. But as the year wore on, her coping mechanisms became destructive. She was at every party, taking shot after shot until the world blurred around her. She laughed too loudly, danced too wildly, and left with boys who didn’t know her name and didn’t care to.

It wasn’t long before Ominis and Sebastian noticed.

“She’s not herself,” Ominis said one night, pacing the floor of their shared dormitory. “She’s drinking too much. She is searching for validation in other people arms. She’s… reckless.”

Sebastian sat on his bed, his jaw tight, his hands clenched into fists. He didn’t need Ominis to tell him what he already knew.

“I’ve seen her,” he muttered. “I’ve seen her, throw herself to others, going way behond her own limits, Ominis. She doesn’t even look like herself anymore.”

Ominis stopped pacing, his expression grim. “She’s hurting, Sebastian. She’s been hurting for years, and we didn’t help. She needed us, and we weren’t there. After everything she has done for us”

Sebastian flinched at the words. He couldn’t deny it. In their fifth year, he had hurt her—his obsession with saving Anne, the lies, the dark magic. He had driven a wedge between them, and the guilt of it still weighed heavily on him.

“But what do we do now?” Sebastian asked, his voice low. “She won’t listen to us. She doesn’t even look at me anymore.”

Ominis sighed. “We keep an eye on her. We make sure she’s safe, even if she doesn’t want us to. And when the time is right, we talk to her. Really talk to her.”

The Slytherin common room was packed, the air thick with the smell of Firewhisky and the sound of laughter. It was one of the biggest parties of the year, and MC was right in the center of it.

She looked radiant, her cheeks flushed, her laughter ringing out above the noise. But to Sebastian and Ominis, who watched from the corner of the room, there was a sadness in her eyes that no one else seemed to notice.

“She’s already drunk,” Ominis said quietly, his gaze fixed on her as she stumbled slightly, leaning on a nearby table for support.

Sebastian’s fists clenched. “I’m not letting her leave with anyone tonight.”

They continued to watch as she floated from group to group, her laughter louder, her movements more erratic. And then Weasley approached her.

It started innocently enough. Garreth poured her another drink, cracking jokes that made her laugh. But as the night wore on, his intentions became clearer. He moved closer to her, his hand brushing against her arm, then her waist. MC, too drunk to notice—or too drunk to care—didn’t push him away.

Sebastian’s blood boiled.

“She’s too far gone for this,” he growled, stepping forward, but Ominis grabbed his arm.

“Not yet. Let’s see if she pushes him off.”

But she didn’t. Garreth led her to a quieter corner of the room, away from the crowd. She swayed on her feet, barely able to keep her balance, but Garreth steadied her.

And then he kissed her.

It wasn’t soft or gentle. It was rough, his hands gripping her waist, pulling her against him. MC stiffened, her hands pressing weakly against his chest, but she was too drunk to fight back. His hands began to wander, slipping down to her thighs, and that was when Sebastian snapped.

“Get your hands off her!”

He was across the room in seconds, shoving Garreth away with a force that sent him stumbling. Garreth glared, his face red with anger and embarrassment.

“She wanted it” Garreth spat, but Sebastian didn’t let him finish.

“She’s drunk,” Sebastian snarled, his voice low and dangerous. “She couldn’t consent even if she did want it. You’re pathetic.”

Ominis stepped in, his hand on Sebastian’s arm. “Enough. Let’s get her out of here.”

MC was barely coherent, her head lolling against Sebastian’s chest as he scooped her into his arms.

The Room of Requirement was quiet, the chaos of the party far behind them. Sebastian laid MC gently on a plush sofa, pulling a blanket over her as Ominis conjured a glass of water.

“She’s going to hate us for this,” Ominis said softly.

“I don’t care,” Sebastian replied, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m not letting her destroy herself.”

They stayed by her side through the night, refusing to leave her alone. When she finally stirred, the early morning light filtering through the room, she groaned softly, her head pounding.

“Where… where am I?” she mumbled.

“The Room of Requirement,” Sebastian said, his voice gentle. “You drank too much. We brought you here.”

She sat up slowly, her eyes darting between the two boys. “Did I… did something happen?”

Sebastian hesitated, his jaw tightening. “Garreth crossed a line. We stopped him.”

Her face crumpled, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Stop,” Ominis said firmly. “You don’t need to apologize to us. But you do need to stop doing this to yourself.”

Sebastian knelt in front of her, taking her hands in his. “Why, MC? Why are you doing this? Drinking, partying… pushing us away?”

She shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. “I don’t know how to feel anymore. I can’t… I can’t risk losing you. Either of you. If I let myself feel anything, it’ll destroy me.”

“You’re not going to lose us,” he said again, his voice steadier this time. “But you have to stop hurting yourself. You have to let someone in, MC.”

Her lips quivered, and she shook her head. “I can’t. What if I mess it up? What if I ruin everything? You don’t understand, Sebastian. You… you mean everything to me. You both do. If I lose you, I don’t know how to keep going.”

Sebastian felt his heart crack open. Every word she spoke was another piece of armor he hadn’t realized he’d been wearing, falling away. “And you think I don’t feel the same?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

She blinked at him, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “You… what?”

“I love you,” he said, firmer now. “I’ve been in love with you since Fifth Year. And seeing you like this—seeing you with Garreth, seeing you destroy yourself—it’s killing me. I can’t stand it anymore, MC. I can’t.”

Her breath hitched, her hands tightening around his as though he might disappear if she let go. “But why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t think I deserved you,” he admitted, his voice breaking. “Not after everything I did. Not after how much I hurt you back then.”

“You didn’t hurt me, Sebastian,” she said, her voice trembling. “You were trying to save Anne. You were trying to save your family. I could never hate you for that.”

Sebastian let out a shaky laugh, his forehead falling to hers. “And I could never hate you for what you’ve done this year. But you have to stop punishing yourself. You’re not alone. You never were.”

The words hit her like a tidal wave. For years, she had carried the weight of her guilt, her grief, her fear—alone. And now, here was Sebastian, promising to share it with her. To stay by her side no matter what.

She let out a choked sob and pulled him into a fierce hug. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered, over and over again.

“You don’t have to apologize,” he murmured, his arms wrapping tightly around her. “Just let me be here for you. Please.”

For the first time in years, she let herself believe that she wasn’t alone.

When the three of them returned to the Great Hall the next morning, the whispers began almost immediately.

“Look at her. The hero of Hogwarts, brought home by her two protectors again.”

“Bet she’s gone through half the boys in Slytherin by now.”

“She’ll probably ditch Sebastian and take Ominis next. What’s another name on the list?”

MC’s face burned as the whispers reached her ears. She felt every judgmental gaze, every smirk. It was suffocating. She tried to retreat into herself, but Sebastian caught her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers.

“Don’t listen to them,” he said quietly. “They don’t know you.”

But the words lingered.

Over the next week, the rumors only grew worse. Despite the clear shift in MC’s behavior—she avoided parties, stopped behaving recklessly, and spent most of her time with Sebastian and Ominis—the whispers followed her wherever she went. And it didn’t take long for people to start turning their attention to Sebastian.

“She’s just using him. He’s the next notch on her wand.”

“Poor Sebastian. He’s in over his head with her.”

It boiled under his skin, every cruel word igniting his frustration. But he knew MC was the one who was truly suffering.

“You don’t believe them, do you?” he asked her one night as they sat by the fire in the Room of Requirement.

“No,” she said quietly, but her voice betrayed her doubt. “But it’s hard not to. After everything I’ve done… maybe they’re right.”

Sebastian cupped her face, forcing her to look at him. “They are not right. You’re more than their stupid gossip, MC. You’re more than your mistakes.” He leaned closer, his voice softening. “You’re mine.”

Her eyes widened, her lips parting as his words settled over her.

“I mean it,” he continued. “I don’t care what they say. I don’t care what they think. You’re mine, and I’m not letting anyone take you away from me.”

The breaking point came a week later during a Potions class. Garreth Weasley had taken to making sly comments under his breath whenever MC or Sebastian walked by. Most of the time, Sebastian ignored him, but today, something snapped.

“Well, well,” Garreth said, loud enough for the whole class to hear. “Looks like Sallow finally got his turn. Tell me, MC, how does he compare to the others?”

The room fell silent.

Sebastian shot out of his seat, his wand already drawn. “Take that back,” he snarled, his voice deadly calm.

Garreth smirked. “What? I’m just saying what everyone’s thinking.”

“Take. It. Back.”

“Sebastian!” MC’s voice cut through the tension, pulling him back. He turned to her, his face twisted in anger and pain.

“Let them say what they want,” she said softly, her hand brushing against his. “They don’t matter. You do.”

For a moment, the room was frozen. And then, without hesitation, Sebastian cupped her face and kissed her.

It wasn’t a soft, tentative kiss. It was fierce and full of fire, a declaration for everyone in the room to see. When he pulled away, he turned back to Garreth, his hand still on MC’s cheek.

“She’s not some name on a list,” he said coldly. “She’s mine. And if I hear you—or anyone else—talk about her like that again, you’ll regret it.”

The class erupted into murmurs as the professor returned, breaking the moment. But the damage was done. The rumors didn’t stop entirely, but they shifted.

In the days that followed, MC felt something she hadn’t felt in years: peace. Sebastian was by her side at every turn, his presence a constant reminder that she wasn’t alone anymore.

They spent their days together in quiet moments—reading by the fire, sneaking out to the Forbidden Forest for walks, or simply sitting in the Great Hall, their fingers brushing under the table.

And when the whispers started up again, Sebastian was quick to silence them with a sharp glare or a cutting remark. Ominis, ever loyal, had even taken to redirecting conversations when he overheard anything cruel.

For the first time in years, MC felt like she could breathe again.

One evening, as they sat together in the Room of Requirement, Sebastian turned to her, his expression serious.

“Promise me something,” he said.

“Anything,” she replied.

“Promise me you won’t shut me out again. No matter how bad things get, no matter how scared you are, you come to me. Always.”

She smiled, her eyes shining with tears. “I promise.”

And when she kissed him this time, it wasn’t about proving anything to anyone. It was just for them.

The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars (rewritten!)

Hi! After working on this story for about a year and a half, I've decided to take a break from creating new chapters for now to focus on rewriting from the beginning. I hope you'll give the new and improved version a chance. Constructive feedback is always welcome and much appreciated!

Previous Chapter Recap/Context: Sebastian Sallow and Kate Mayflower spent their first date walking around Hogsmeade until the early hours of the morning. Both of them felt an instant and deep connection to each other. Though she had never moved that quickly in any other relationship, Kate invited him to her cottage. After Sebastian promised her it wouldn’t just be a one-night stand, they passionately made love and found that they were even more in tune with each other than originally thought. Both of them wondered, deep down, if the other was their soulmate. As Kate fell asleep in his arms, Sebastian worried about the way Kate might react when she eventually learns about his past; he didn’t share the full truth with her out of both hope and fear. He knew that she would ask about his terrible scarring sooner rather than later but prays that she is kind enough to not let it spell disaster for their budding relationship.

Tags: Romance, New Relationship, Hope and Dreams, Honesty, Lies, Confessions, Betrayal, Morals and Values, Angst, Sorrow, Emotional Turmoil, Dark Magic, Hurt/No Comfort

Content Warnings: The morning after, feelings of betrayal, emotional turmoil, sad ending

NSFW Illustration by @giselsann below the cut

Chapter Music: “A Red, Red Rose” - Bear McCreary (Outlander soundtrack), “The Sun is in Your Eyes” - Jacob Collier, “Tribute” - J. Scott Rakozy (Hogwarts Legacy soundtrack), "The Crypt, Pt. 2" - Abel Korzeniowski (Romeo and Juliet soundtrack), “Farewell” - Dario Marianelli (Atonement soundtrack)

Word Count: ~4,700

Link to Wattpad Link to AO3

<- Previous Chapter

Chapter 9: Ruin

She giggles, rushing over the top of a vibrant green hill dotted with bleating sheep. One tiny hand holds up her skirt and smock so that she doesn’t trip, and the other tugs along a young boy with a mop of black hair and clothing from long, long ago. Smiling, he shouts something in a language she doesn’t recognize, but it’s clear from his body language that he’s begging her to slow down. She shakes her head, continuing to dash towards a forest with a grin. 

She’s a young child. Ten, perhaps, judging from her size? She doesn’t recognize the setting or her clothing - it’s that of a… medieval peasant? Perhaps the girl isn’t her… 

A few buildings with thatched roofs grow further and further away as the two run off on an adventure. The woods ahead grow closer and closer. The sun is setting in the distance.

They hurry into the forest, jumping over fallen branches and startling some wild animals. A squirrel skitters through the brush and leaps to safety on the bark of a tree, climbing higher and higher until it is out of sight. 

A creek comes into view, and the two slow as they approach it. Kate walks to the shore’s edge and peers into the water. A girl she doesn’t recognize is reflected back. A handkerchief-like piece of fabric covers the top of her head. Her long hair is curly and so lightly blonde it practically looks white. Green eyes look back at her freckled cheeks, her smile missing a baby tooth. She glances at the boy, puzzled.

And then she wakes. 

What a strange dream… Kate muses. 

She realizes she is not alone. Almost instantly, memories from the previous night flood her mind. Good conversation, laughter, kisses, skin on skin, passion… She feels Sebastian’s body, warm and strong, completely engulfing her own as they lay, spooning. His hand is curled between her breasts. She is tempted to close her eyes once more, to simply listen to him breathing steadily and softly. But the day has broken.

She lightly grazes his arm in a featherlight touch - up and down. He inhales sharply, waking up. After a minute, he realizes where he is and who he is with. He kisses her shoulder, his lips lingering when his hold over her tightens, as if she will disappear at any moment if he lets go. 

“Good morning, sunshine,” Sebastian murmurs in a sleepy yet content voice.

Kate smiles. “Good morning, moon prince.” She chuckles.

They lay quietly for a moment. Sebastian’s fingers begin to roam her body. He languidly presses his lips to her shoulder over and over again, his morning wood proud against her bottom. She relaxes into him.

“Mmmm,” Kate hums in approval. She slowly turns over to face him and giggles at his hair sticking up in odd places.

Sebastian’s chocolate eyes examine her face and every inch of her body that isn’t covered by the quilt, as though he is thoroughly memorizing each detail. He’ll be replaying this moment in his mind for the foreseeable future. Her golden hair, tangled from their very early morning activities, her eyes, blue like a summer sky, the pink blush upon her cheeks, her soft skin, rosy nipples on her large, round breasts. His fingers dance along her cheekbone affectionately. 

“So… this was not a dream,” Sebastian finally says. “I’m very pleased.”

Kate leans in to briefly kiss him. “No, it’s not a dream. We’re really here together. I’m so glad you stayed.”

He grins dreamily. “I could get used to this...”

She lets out a little laugh, then kisses him and wraps her arms around him. Suddenly, she feels his scars again. It rips her out of the haze of romance. She pulls away slightly, trying to hide her reaction.

“Since you let me sleep here, may I contribute in some way?” Sebastian asks. “Shall I make us something for breakfast?”

Kate’s eyebrows raise in shock. “You want to cook… for me?”

“Well, yes…? Is that a problem?”

She quickly shakes her head. “No, n- not at all… I’m just… surprised.”

“Kate, allow me. I want to please you.”

She smiles. “I certainly won’t say no. You may have free range in my kitchen. Use anything you like. Ingredients, pots, pans - anything.”

He captures her lips in a long kiss before scooting to the edge of the bed. “I’m happy to do it for you.” He stands, facing her once more, and stretches as she ogles his naked form. Bending down, he finds his underpants, tugging them back on.

“Shall I come with you?” she asks.

“No, I’d like for you to relax. I’ll serve breakfast in bed. Let me take care of you.”

She’s dumbfounded. A man willing to cook? Wanting to please her? It’s nothing she’s ever experienced, only imagined in her wildest fantasies. “Thank you, Sebastian…”

He grins widely. Kate stares as he strides out of the bedroom, but then, her eyes bulge when, finally, she can clearly see the scars covering his back. She attempts to hold in a gasp of horror. She has never seen anyone with so many scars. Brutal ones. It appears as though Sebastian had been whipped repeatedly. But it isn’t just lashes - some marks suggest other injuries. Even overlapping those are some that look like lightning - like he had been electrocuted. 

How…? How could he have so many scars? What could possibly explain them? Kate cannot come up with any reasonable answer, no matter how much her mind spins. Then she remembers his deflection. “Kate, we can talk about that later…” His words echo in her head.

Cupboards noisily open and close in the kitchen while utensils clink. Eventually, the scent of bacon fills the air. Kate waits anxiously. If she is to be with him, there is so much she needs to ask, so much she needs to know. 

Sebastian returns several minutes later, carrying a plate of food and a cup of water. Still clad only in his undershorts, Kate studies his upper body in closer detail. He has freckles everywhere, which she finds charming. His torso is lean - chiseled and athletic; it is clear that he takes care of his body. His back, however, is a complete contradiction. 

Kate accepts the bacon and buttered toast as Sebastian places the glass on the nightstand next to her. He kisses the top of her head, then strolls out of the room to retrieve his own plate. Her eyes follow his marred back as he steps back into the hallway. She debates how to address what she wants to ask as he disappears from view. Where to even start?

“Your kitchen is lovely, Kate,” Sebastian compliments as he walks back into the room, clambering into bed while balancing his plate. “I hope you like the food. I know it’s simple, but I just wanted to make something quickly. I don’t know when you last ate, but for me, it was quite some time ago.” He chuckles quietly. “I’m starving.”

“It’s such a treat to have breakfast in bed. No one ever serves me. I do everything on my own here,” Kate replies, biting into the toast. “So, thank you. Thank you for the breakfast… and for the reminder that I don’t have to be on my own.”

Sebastian eats a slice of bacon, contemplating her words. When he speaks, his tone is genuine and kind. “No, you don’t have to be alone. Not anymore. I want to be with you... I mean it.” He brings her hand to his lips. “I know I haven’t been all that transparent with you about my own background yet, but I want to know everything about you.” 

“And I you,” Kate replies, sipping some water.

While they eat, there are several moments in which neither of them talks. 

Sebastian eventually breaks the ice again. “I know your family doesn’t live near here. Do you… feel lonely on your own?”

Kate exhales. “I have a lot of friends and a large extended family, so I know I’m not truly alone, but… No one I’m close to lives near me.” She hesitates. Her eyes are cast down when she admits, “Yes. I’m lonely. I’m lonely all the time. It’s hard to live on my own. Really, really hard.”

Sebastian nods. “I can relate. I’ve been alone for a long time.”

Kate takes a breath, knowing this conversation might be difficult. He had mentioned that his parents had passed, as well as his sister. She then asks, “Why don’t you tell me about your family, Sebastian?”

He sighs, and there is a pause. He can’t keep stalling or hiding. Kate is already asking questions. It was inevitable, after all. “My family…” he begins, avoiding looking at her. “...it’s complicated.” He white-knuckles the plate, his face growing a little red. Slowly taking a breath, he meets her eyes. His voice breaks when he admits, “The truth is, Kate, that I don’t have a family.”

Kate didn’t realize that he truly didn’t have any family left. “Sebastian, I’m so sorry.” She pauses, taking his hand again. “Would you be willing to… to tell me more?”

Sebastian is slightly trembling as he shakes his head. “I… I can’t,” he whispers, tearing up. “Kate, you seem so loving… and kind… and caring… and if I tell you more, it’s going to ruin something as wonderful as we have, even in this short amount of time…”

“Why would telling me about your family ruin everything?” Confused, her hand tightens over his.

“I…” He sighs. “If I speak the truth to you, Kate, it will change how you think of me.” His next words come out very softly. “I don’t want to lose you. I mean it when I say I want to be with you, for us to have a future together. This isn’t the right time…”

“But I want to know. I should know,” Kate gently insists. “Sebastian, we can’t build any kind of relationship without honesty or not really knowing each other. Please.” She looks at him with so much concern, kindness, and compassion. 

“Kate…” He hesitates, his eyes drawn down to the bed. He wants to keep her safe from the truth about his past, but she deserves to know - and to be able to make a decision for herself once she does. Sebastian takes a deep breath. “My family is dead. Every single person. And it’s all because of me.” A tear falls, impossible to hold back. “I was too young to save my parents - only ten years old. But still, I can’t help but believe I could have done something.” He sighs. “It happened so suddenly. It was like any other day. My da and mum - they were in the cellar, reading and studying… No one knew there was a gas leak. It was impossible to detect.” He pauses. “Even today, I still can’t understand how something so mundane could have ended them. They were so intelligent and brave. If I hadn’t been outside playing with Anne… If I had checked in with them sooner instead of getting distracted… Maybe they wouldn’t have died.”

The dam has broken, and Sebastian begins to sob. She pulls him close, holding him tight against her chest and allowing him to cry on her shoulder. She traces a finger along his spine soothingly. 

“You can’t possibly blame yourself,” she murmurs. “You couldn’t have helped it…”

“But there’s more. Far more,” he argues. 

A few moments later, he pulls away, wiping his face. Everything within him is screaming that he should lie, to keep this sweet, good woman in his life, but he knows he cannot keep the truth to himself any longer. Sebastian’s eyes roam over her face, savoring what might be the final few moments she accepts him. 

He holds his fist to his mouth. “I’m not the person you think I am, Kate.” His expression is filled with guilt and grief. “I’m… I’m a criminal.”

Kate shrinks back. With an edge of fear, she whispers, “What?”

Sebastian’s eyes grow watery again. He can already tell - just from the tone of her one word response - that it’s all over. He hangs his head, dejected. “It’s true. When I was in my fifth year at Hogwarts, I used an Unforgivable on my uncle - the killing curse. I… I was arrested and taken to Azkaban.” His throat tightens, and even breathing feels painful. 

Kate’s eyes grow wide. Her mind is racing - absolutely racing. “You… you were in Azkaban?!” she asks, pulling the covers tighter to her body. She begins to wonder if she needs to be careful around him, though he never seemed dangerous - not until this moment.

Sebastian nods slowly, a tear slipping out as he sees how frightened Kate becomes. “I understand what you are thinking right now.” He lets out a sigh. “But… I want you to know that I didn’t want to k- kill my uncle. I didn’t mean it. Please, you have to trust me.”

Her jaw drops as she considers a response. Trust him? How can I? What do I even know about curses? She is quickly transported back to Hogwarts, taking notes during one of Professor Hecat’s lectures regarding the Unforgivables. As someone who hates conflict and was always reluctant to participate in duels, Kate was never considered a strong student in Defense Against the Dark Arts, but despite the many years that have now passed, she still remembers her teacher’s words. Kate echoes them: “In order to cast any of the Unforgivables, you have to really mean it…” She trails off. The logical part of her brain warns her that he is a killer and that saying more could potentially jeopardize her safety. At the same time, her heart weeps for the romance lost, the ghost of what could have been already haunting her.

“My uncle tried to kill me, Kate. I didn’t want to use that curse. I didn’t want to bury him. But what else could I have done? I had no choice. Please, you have to understand…”

“Why would your uncle want to kill you?” 

Sebastian’s face contorts as he shakes his head miserably, already giving up. He mutters, “It’s a long story, and I don’t imagine you will even care to listen to all of it. I won’t force you; it’s a lost cause, anyway. I know you will never want to see me again after this.” He pauses to see if she will disagree with what he said, but she remains silent. It’s over. It’s already fucking over. “My Uncle Solomon became our guardian when our parents died. Some years later, like I already told you, my sister, Anne, was cursed… and I was trying to find a cure for her because my uncle had completely given up. I was her only hope. So… I… dabbled in Dark magic, trying to fight fire with fire.” His jaw clenches. “My uncle found out I was practicing illegal spells and studying the Dark arts. He accused me of wanting to actually become a Dark wizard. He always hated me, Kate. He… attacked me.” He sniffles. “I swear to you, I was just trying to save my sister, but… I failed. I couldn’t save her or my parents. Not only that, I’m a- a murderer.” His voice breaks, and he averts his wet eyes.

“Honestly, I’m nothing but a monster,” he mutters, grimacing. “You won’t want to associate with me anymore, but… I need you to know that it felt so good to be with you, even for just one night. It really did, Kate. You’re one of a kind. You’re an angel. Caring and good-hearted and witty and funny… and beautiful. So beautiful. You deserve better than to be stuck with me. I’m… not worthy of you. Not at all.”

Kate’s heart feels as though it is crumbling into a million tiny pieces. Her eyes fill with tears. “I really don’t know what to say, Sebastian. You… you didn’t portray yourself accurately when we met. I just thought you were like… anybody else, really. I mean, I don’t usually begin getting to know someone by asking if they’ve murdered someone… I had no reason to believe that about you. I never would have thought you had killed someone and went to Azkaban for it...” Defeated, she stares off into space for a while before continuing. “I don’t know you that well. Maybe not at all. You charmed me into believing that we are… like a destined pair of lovers. Are you… trying to manipulate me somehow? Take advantage of me? Am I a fool?” She closes her eyes, cringing. Sebastian watches a tear smoothly glide down her cheek. “Bloody hell, I never do this. I never take men home! Merlin, I am a fool!” She shamefully buries her face in her hands. 

Sebastian fixes his eyes on the floor, the weight of her words looming over him. “You’re not a fool. You were just… kind, not judging me so quickly like everyone else. And it meant everything to me, Kate. Truly.” He carefully places his hand on her shoulder. She flinches, and he draws back, wounded.

 “Why… why didn’t you just tell me about your background upfront?”

“Kate, come on. You wouldn’t have given me a chance at all if you knew right away about how terrible my past is. Don’t deny it,” he replies.

Kate nods, acknowledging the truth. She would have immediately dismissed him, had she known. 

 “I just… wanted a chance to try to build something good for once,” he explains desperately. “I’m lonely. I’m so lonely. I have no one...” 

Her vision blurs, and she can taste her own salty tears on her lips. I’m lonely, too…

“Kate… please… is there any way I can earn your trust?” 

She wipes her eyes, shaking her head. Almost inaudibly, she murmurs, “I don’t know, Sebastian… I don’t know.” 

He lets out a shaky breath.

After a minute of sitting quietly and listening to the birds outside, she finally asks in a neutral tone, “Do you still practice Dark magic?”

“I will not lie to you. Yes. Yes, Kate, I do. I can’t explain it fully to you, but… I need it. I know you may not understand... I try to avoid it, but I need that magic.” I can’t tell her about my job… it’s too classified to share with someone who isn’t committed or close to me. It would endanger her, and me, and the mission. She’s not going to be around much longer anyway. This is a lost cause… just a fucking one-night stand after all… but Merlin help me, I want more… I need her…

“Then I can’t. I can’t be with someone that practices Dark magic. I just can’t. It goes against everything I believe,” she replies. Her throat is burning, more tears threatening to overwhelm her. “I… I don’t want a life like that. I always thought finding love would… feel warm. A- and it did… until… S- Sebastian, I…” her voice breaks as she now starts to weep. “I thought you wanted the same things I do, but… I guess I am wrong.”

Sebastian’s face is twisted with guilt. Softly, he replies, “No, you aren’t wrong, Kate. I want to have a loving family and find genuine happiness, just like you. I do want the same future.” He considers for a moment how he might yet convince her, but he is starting to feel like it’s pointless. 

“I am so confused,” Kate admits, wiping at her face and trying to get a grip on the situation. “You had me completely convinced that we were meant to be together. We… had an instant connection. Great conversation. Your sense of humor is like mine, and I’m… I’m so attracted to you. The sex - it was mind-blowing.” She sighs heavily, her gaze pleading. “Is there… is there really nothing I can say to convince you to stop using Dark magic, Sebastian?”

He answers quickly. “Kate, I want to be with you. I swear I wasn’t trying to manipulate you. I share the same feelings. We are meant to be together - I cannot explain it, but I know it’s true. And you know it, too,” Sebastian whispers desperately. “I just… I can’t stop practicing Dark magic. I’m so sorry.” He sighs, his expression already filled with regret. He bows his head, running his hand through his hair. “There’s… nothing you can do. Not unless you’re willing to give this a chance, even knowing what you do.”

Kate nods, looking away. She bites her lip unwittingly until she tastes blood.

Several moments pass, and it is very quiet.

“You a- aren’t really an Auror, are you?” she asks in a shaky voice, needing to know what is true and what is not.

“No, not exactly, but from a certain point of view, perhaps,” he whispered, and then his expression became more serious. “I made a deal with the Ministry - well, I was forced to - in order to stay out of Azkaban. I… can’t tell you much more. I work with Aurors in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but I am not really one of them. I… never even graduated from Hogwarts. I don’t have the credentials to be an Auror.” 

“And you don’t live in Feldcroft either, do you?”

Sebastian shakes his head. “No, I don’t live there. That’s where my uncle lived. It was the last permanent home I had.” His voice trembles as he continues on. “I don’t really even have a home, Kate.” 

Her heart aches at the betrayal, yet she still feels pity towards him. “Did you lie about everything?” 

“No. I never lied about having a connection with you, Kate.” His tone is genuine. “Merlin, you are the most caring person I’ve ever met, and I hate that you feel like I’ve taken advantage of that - like you can’t trust me. Please believe me: I never lied about my feelings for you, Kate. I just… didn’t have the courage to tell you about my past. I knew it would ruin everything. I think I wanted… maybe I wanted… to just pretend for a while that someone like you might actually care about someone like me.” 

Defeatedly, he whispers, “I guess I will never stop paying for what I did when I was a kid. Never. Nothing I do will ever make it better. I’m destined to be punished for the rest of my life. And now I will lose you, the only person who has shown me kindness and given me a chance in many years. I got my hopes up, thinking you could be the-” he stops himself mid-sentence, debating his choice of words and deciding he might as well say it, since he probably will never see Kate again anyway. “I… really believed you might be the one. But now I understand that meeting you was yet another punishment from the gods. I don’t deserve love.”

Kate exhales slowly, weeping because of her own broken heart but also his. “But I really, truly believe we have a connection, Sebastian. I don’t know what it is about you, but there is something there.” A tear falls from her eye. “I respect myself too much, though, to be with someone who lies to me, and I can’t get past the Dark arts. It goes completely against my beliefs and my family’s beliefs.” She sighs in defeat. “I feel sorry for what you have been through, Sebastian, but… I can’t compromise my own moral code.” She gazes at him through puffy eyes. “If… If you were ever to change your mind about Dark magic, maybe we would have a chance...”

Accepting defeat, he murmurs, “I understand.” He moves to stand up from the bed, glancing at Kate once more. “I… I want to thank you. For giving me a chance. No one ever does that. You gave me an opportunity to find some happiness.” He pauses, choking back a sob. “It meant a great deal to me.”

Kate’s expression is full of despair. She blinks back more tears as he puts on his clothing. She knows she should look away, but she can’t bear to do so. Soon, he’ll leave, and she’ll never see him again. “Sebastian, last night was the best date I’ve had in quite some time. It’s hard to admit sometimes, but I’m so lonely. I’m really so lonely here. I wish it didn’t have to be this way. We could have been something. I believe that.”

Kate’s words are yet another harsh blow. Sebastian freezes momentarily. “I’m sorry you feel lonely like that, Kate. I promise I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He sniffles, then pulls his trousers up around his hips. “You have no idea how much I wanted us to be something more. I truly hoped that this would have been the beginning of something wonderful.” Sebastian wandlessly summons the rest of his clothing from the living room. His shirt, vest, socks, and shoes float through the doorway, hovering in the air before him.

It feels strange to have this conversation naked, so Kate awkwardly rises and scurries to the closet to find a robe. It’s quiet as they dress, both of them contemplating the utter misery of the situation and what they should say to each other.

She slowly approaches him as he buttons his vest. “Sebastian, we were supposed to meet. I don’t know why, but I feel it in my bones. If only we had met when we were younger, when life was… less complicated…”

Sebastian musters a sorrowful smile. “Maybe fate will lead our paths to cross again.” He doesn’t really believe it. Heartbreak is the only constant in his life.

Very gently, Kate takes his hands in hers and feels that sensation all over again - the electric one - when his calloused fingers brush against her soft skin. “Maybe.” She sighs, staring at their joined hands. “Sebastian… Your past does not designate all there will ever be for you in your future. And… if someday you willingly let go of the darkness, maybe I would…” she swallows painfully, “...still be here on my own. I… I could be your light, if you ever want to choose me instead. I m- mean… I am the sun princess after all.” She smiles weakly, trying to ease the tension, as she squeezes his hands, her voice breaking.

Sebastian’s eyes grow watery yet again, touched by her words and attempt at humor. “You have such a pure soul, sunshine,” he tells her softly, meeting her smile with a sad one of his own. “I want you to know that you already did me good. In just one night, you gave me a little break from the world I live in. Now I have a reason - a push to get better.”

He lets go of her hands, and Kate reaches out, attempting to take them once more. “Please don’t go, Sebastian… I… I could h-” When he looks at her in disbelief and pity, she stops herself, realizing she sounds desperate. She is embarrassing herself. Her eyes travel to the floor. “I’m sorry,” she whispers regretfully, shaking her head. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“I… I really don’t want to leave you. Not in this way…” Sebastian sighs, still standing in front of her. “I hate this so much.”

They spend a moment quietly gazing upon each other, memorizing the moment, knowing they may never see each other again.

“I wish you w- well,” she chokes out as she walks him out of the bedroom, down the hallway, and then into the living room. Soon, they hover at the front door. “I… I suppose this is goodbye.”

Sebastian’s hand rises to caress her cheek as he looks upon her one last time. “I am so sorry, Kate. I will never forget you and your kindness. My sunshine.” He leans down to kiss her forehead as a sob escapes her. “Please, take care of yourself. You deserve the entire world, love.” He knows that word makes Kate uncomfortable, but it may be his last opportunity to tell her how he feels. Then, he whispers, “Goodbye.” 

Sebastian opens the door and gazes at her one final time, his eyes filled with tears of misery, shame, and regret. He steps outside and, just like that, disappears from Kate’s life.

(but to stay here forever)

Summary: Sebastian Sallow refuses to accept your death.

by @anomalyaly

I know a year ago I said I'd never write a part 2 to right where you left me. But Sebastian.

In celebration of the one year anniversary of the Portrait Fic.

Tags: Angst, Sebastian Sallow POV, Sebastian was in love with you but never confessed, death, grief, open ending, suicide ideation, the part 2 I said I'd never write but did anyway, main character death

[AO3] [Wattpad]

2.6k words

Hey everyone! 🌟 I’ve just posted the first chapter of my story A Crown of Thorns, and I’d love for you to check it out if you enjoy a mix of tension, emotions, and a complicated romance between Ominis and MC! ❤️✨

The journey’s just beginning, and there’s so much more to come — heartbreak, secrets, and, of course, some swoon-worthy moments. If you like what you read, please feel free to follow along, and if you're craving more, I upload new chapters multiple times a week on my Wattpad! 😍

✨ If you’re into:

Ominis Gaunt 💫 and characters as Sebastian Sallow, Poppy Sweeting, Garreth Weasly, Natsai Onai.

Complex relationships 💔

Magic, mystery, and deep emotions🔮

A bad bitch MC (this will come later, hang on!)

TW's: Violence, Sexual Content, Blood, Alcohol

Then you’ll definitely want to be a part of this journey. Please check it out and let me know your thoughts! I’d love to hear from you. 💬

Find me here on Wattpad: Slytherinzz101 - Wattpad

Chapter 2

I couldn't believe it. After everything that happened last year—Ranrok's rebellion, the unrelenting menace of the Ashwinders, and Sebastian's tragic downfall to the Dark Arts—it was supposed to be over. At least, that's what I told myself every morning when I woke up.

But was it really over?

There are shadows I can't seem to outrun, demons that cling to me like an unwelcome second skin. I carry scars into this so-called fresh start, though some are etched deeper than others. The most visible reminder—a thin, jagged line—runs from my left eyebrow to the middle of my cheek. A well-placed Diffindo during the chaos of the repository battle gave me that little souvenir. It's ugly, but at least it's honest.

Physical wounds are simple; they scab over, heal, or scar, their stories etched plainly for all to see. But the ones no one else can see? The ones that throb in the quiet hours of the night? I'm not sure those will ever heal.

Those wounds have two names: Sebastian and Ominis.

I don't know which memory cuts deeper—Sebastian's fall or Ominis' silence.

Sebastian was my ride or die. He always had been. We'd forged something unshakable through fire and defiance—or so I thought. But the boy I knew was swallowed by the same darkness we all fought to resist. His obsession with curing Anne devoured him. It left me with nothing but ashes where our friendship used to be.

"You're nothing more than a means to an end," he'd spat at me in the end.

The words hit me like a Blasting Curse, and they still echo in my head, a festering wound that reopens every time I think about him. But as much as it hurt, I can't hate him. I've seen the boy beneath the monster. I know the good that's still there—the Sebastian who laughed with me under the stars after a reckless raid, who stayed by my side when the weight of the world crushed me. That boy is still there, buried under all that darkness.

That's why I fought for him. Begged for him. Pleaded with Ominis not to let him rot in Azkaban.

Ominis.

Even thinking his name feels like pressing on a bruise. If Sebastian's betrayal burned me, Ominis' silence froze me. I begged him to help me see reason, to understand that Azkaban would destroy Sebastian—body, mind, and soul. But all I got was cold, impassive judgment.

"After everything he's done, Cassandra? He deserves to be there."

And then he walked away. Not just from the argument. From me.

The memory is a noose around my heart, tightening with every passing day. Ominis was supposed to be the one to temper the chaos, to steady me when the world spun out of control. He used to tell me the world wasn't entirely cruel. I clung to those reassurances, to the safe haven he represented.

"I'll always be here for you, Cassandra."

Broken promises. I should've known better.

This summer, I had no one. Alone in a creaky, nondescript cottage on the edge of Hogsmeade, I spent my days doing odd jobs for the townsfolk—fixing enchanted cauldrons, brewing potions, chasing away mischievous magical creatures. The money's not much, but it keeps me afloat. The cottage is functional, I guess, though it groans with every gust of wind. It wouldn't matter if I were surrounded by luxury; nothing could fill the hollow ache in my chest.

The occasional owl reminds me that the world is still turning without me.

Imelda brags about smashing broom-racing records, her cocky tone practically jumping off the parchment. "Bet you can't beat me when term starts," she wrote in her last letter.

Natty sends vibrant accounts of her travels abroad, her words glowing with an enthusiasm I can barely muster.

And Poppy—sweet, stubborn Poppy—sometimes asks me to help raid poacher camps. I always say yes, if only for a brief sense of purpose.

But from them? Nothing.

No owls. No notes. Not even a whisper of their whereabouts.

Some days, I tell myself it's better this way. That their silence is its own kind of closure. But at night, when the cottage is still and my thoughts grow too loud, I wonder.

Are they okay? Is Sebastian holding on to the good in himself, or has the darkness devoured him whole? And Ominis... is he still furious with me, or has he simply erased me from his life entirely?

I don't know. And that not knowing—that's the worst part. More than the scars, more than the loneliness.

The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars (rewritten!)

Previous Chapter Recap/Context: After a beautiful, romantic, perfect night in which they formed an unusually strong connection, Kate was devastated to learn that Sebastian practices Dark magic and that he has a complicated, traumatic past. Heartbroken, they went their separate ways. In the week that followed, both of them were constantly reminded of each other. Trying to find ways to cope, they feel incredibly lonely and long for the other’s company.

Tags: Angst, Sorrow, Emotional Turmoil, Longing, Hurt/No Comfort, Alcohol, Anxiety, Dreams, Therapy/Counseling, Hospital Visit, Painful Memories, Apologies, Desperation

Content Warnings: Post-break-up feelings, no happy ending, drinking to cope with pain, panic attack, illness of a family member

Chapter Music: “Miriam’s Memory” - Chuck E. Myers “Sea” (Hogwarts Legacy soundtrack), “Merida’s Home” - Patrick Doyle (Brave soundtrack), “Hog’s Head Jig” - Chuck E. Myers “Sea” (Hogwarts Legacy soundtrack), “A Beautiful Mess” - Jason Mraz

Word Count: ~2,170

Link to Wattpad Link to AO3

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The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars (rewritten!)

Hi! After working on this story for about a year and a half, I've decided to take a break from creating new chapters for now to focus on rewriting from the beginning. I hope you'll give the new and improved version a chance. Constructive feedback is always welcome and much appreciated!

Previous Chapter Recap/Context:

When Kate Mayflower and Sebastian Sallow met, neither could have predicted how quickly and strong their feelings would grow, causing them to wonder if finding each other was the work of fate. By the end of their first date, Kate couldn’t resist inviting Sebastian to her cottage, where they explored their physical attraction and made love for the first time - something she normally wouldn’t have done so early on in a relationship. Sebastian knew that Kate would eventually ask him questions about his past and that he couldn’t just tell her half-truths forever. She asked about his scars, which forced him to share that he had been a prisoner of Azkaban who didn’t actually work for the Ministry of Magic by choice. Kate was stunned, feeling as though she had been manipulated, and concluded that she couldn’t be with someone who practices Dark magic. Sebastian accepted yet another defeat, as was the norm for him. Though both of them are heartbroken, they go their separate ways.

Tags: Angst, Sorrow, Emotional Turmoil, Longing, Hurt/No Comfort, Alcohol

Content Warnings: Post-break-up feelings, no happy ending, drinking to cope with pain, prostitution, sexual dysfunction

Chapter Music: “Do I Wanna Know?” - Hozier

Art Credit: @giselsann

Word Count: ~1,730

Link to Wattpad Link to AO3

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