Allurement | Sebastian Sallow

"If you're worried about Rookwood, don't be. You have two guard dogs flanked at your side."

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As the green flames swallowed them whole, Sebastian and Liya arrived back at the solace of their common room even before she could even blink.

"I would still take floo powder over the broom any day," Liya whispered, hoping to ease some tension.

Much to her relief, Sebastian chuckled. "Hey, at least I tried." He stepped out of the fireplace, surveying the rather crowded space.

"Seems like we're not the only ones taking advantage of our free day," Liya remarked, flopping on a nearby couch.

"I can see that." Sebastian's attention was quickly drawn to the lively common room around them.

Students were scattered across the space—some engaged in quiet study, others deep in animated conversation, and a few first-years huddled by the fireplace, giggling over a deck of exploding snap cards.

"I can't." A familiar teasing voice.

Liya looked up. "Ominis! We were just about to look for you."

The pale haired boy joined the pair and sat on the arm of the couch.

"And where have the two of you been?" Ominis looked at Sebastian with a trace of amusement.

"Visiting Anne."

Upon hearing her name, his breathing stilled. Ominis tilted his head. "How is she?"

Liya recounted the whole incident, and by the time she was finished, Ominis was horrified.

Rightfully so.

"Solomon said that about Anne? About you two?"

Liya nodded sadly. Looking down at the knitted bunny Anne had given her, she sighed. She hadn't expected Solomon to have been that angry, when Sebastian was only trying to save Anne.

It seemed that Solomon had given up on her, but Sebastian and Liya certainly had not. Liya vowed that she would do all she could to aid Sebastian in helping Anne, that was the least she could do.

Anne had shown her and everyone so much kindness, and she deserved a support system - now more than ever.

Sebastian clenched his jaw, his fingers curling into fists at the memory. "The nerve of him." He reached out for the vase at the side table and for a second, it looked like he was about to throw it. Instead, he stopped midair and placed it down again with a loud thud.

Ominis shook his head. "He crossed the line, with Anne, disregarding Sebastian and bringing up your parents..." his voice trailed off, aware that it was a sore subject for Liya.

She raised her hand tiredly. "I'm fine, this isn't about me anyway." Liya said gruffly which made the boys wonder if she was really fine at all.

The trio was silent for several moments before Ominis spoke up.

"Alright, our spirits are down, which means that our defenses are down," He nodded to Liya. "Especially with Ranrok and Rookwood after you. We could use some fun."

Sebastian leaned in, looking more enthusiastic than before. "What are you proposing ?"

"Butterbeer. Loads of it. The first round's on me."

Sebastian leapt out from the couch. "Now that's an idea I can get behind." He extended his hand out to Liya and pulled her up from her lying position.

"Onward to Hogsmeade!" Sebastian proclaimed loudly, a little too loudly. Multiple pairs of eyes looked at them curiously and Sebastian swatted his hands sheepishly.