Fragile Shadows // Sebastian Sallow x Y/N

Chapter Three - "Agnosco"

Y/N

The day has finally come to an end, classes seeming to pile homework on faster than I had anticipated. It may have been the first day but that didn't seem to matter too much to the professors.

As I sat in my room, holding onto a book Fig gave me, I contemplated to go out and try to work on myself. On my magic. But what if someone saw me? What if Sebastian tried to follow me? I can't imagine bringing more people down with me than I already have.

I leaned back on my bed, groaning as I heard a knock at the door. My head turned to face the door, by body refusing to sit itself up."It's open." I called out as the girl wasted no time coming in. It was Imelda. She seemed to be in a state of anger and sadness all in unison.

She looked at me and I could tell she was trying to hold back tears. She shook her head, biting her lower lip to hold back any cries, "You better stay away from him, you hear? All he'll do is use you and throw you out when he's done."

My body finally sat up, my face showing I was confused and before I could say anything she was gone.

I felt a bit odd, considering I'm not close to Imelda. And it has only been one day since classes started.

I sat there on my bed, thinking of the interaction that I just had with my first friend on the castle grounds and tried to make sense of it. Who was she talking about?I don't know many people yet. Sure I've made more male friends today, but I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary with them.

I moved on from what just happened, opening my book with the different ways I can try more advanced magic spells. This finally gave me the courage to get up and make my way out of the common room. I needed to find a place in the forest to train.

I made sure no one was in the lounge, checking every corner before I made my way up the stairs. But there it was again, that heat behind my head. I shook my head, ignoring the feeling. I know I'm going to have to get used to that feeling. He can't follow me forever.

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Sebastian

The first day of classes seemed the same as every other year; first years getting lost, others missing classes to be with their friends, nothing has changed. And nothing has changed for me.

I still need to find the right book to create a potion, or a spell for Anne. I can't give up. Not when I'm so close.

Charms class was going the same as always, the professor going on as I just made myself comfortable. I already knew all there was to these charms, so there truly was no point in paying attention. But something else seemed to catch my eye. That new fifth year.

There's something different about her, she's not ordinary. I can tell by her eyes. They tell a story that I thought many could read but maybe that's just me.

Her name has been muttered in the halls a few times, but never when she's around. Y/N. What a peculiar name. Seems like something out of a story book I would read with Anne when we were little.

But Y/N seems to avoid me. I know I stare at her a lot, Ominis tells me others talk about it. But I can't help it, she just looks so....favorable. Maybe I need to try and establish a firm ground with her, know that I can be trusted.

But before I could even think of another thing, students were leaving and Y/N had already made her way out of the door. I stayed in my seat, watching as she walked.

She has a fierce way of walking. Like she knows what she wants.

I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I stood, heading out of the classroom when Imelda ran up to me. My body felt itself cave in as I lost my smile. She really needed to let go of these things.

"Imelda, I have nothing more to say to you. I'm sorry, but there's nothing there anymore. Move on."

The dark haired girl gripped her fist to her side, ready to throw a punch but she held back. She knew her time flying was not worth being taken over this boy. She shook her head and looked to the side and then back up at Sebastian. "Some nerve you have saying that to me Sallow. All summer and then one day of school just to be left? Is it someone else? I deserve an answer!"

Imelda had small tears forming in her eyes, but it only caused me to want to move away more. This was so trivial, I don't see what she was so worked up about. I don't have feelings for her anymore, why would I want to stay? So I can be miserable? I have better things to worry about.

"Listen, sweetheart-"

SLAP

My eyes went wide, feeling a sting on my cheek as I looked to the side. I noticed some people staring, a few whispering as Imelda ran off, seeming to make her way to the library.

I straighten myself up, moving my fingers through my hair as I clear my throat. I glare at a group of first years who were looking at me, walking off and making my way to the Undercroft to give myself time to think.

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Night just loomed over the Highlands as I made my way back to the common room, having tired myself out working on my spell casting. It was rather late, but I didn't think anyone would be out of their rooms. I made my way down the boys quarters as I heard footsteps coming from the large lounge area.

That seemed a bit odd, even for me. I turned my head, thankful the shadows kept me hidden from being seen. And when my eyes rested on the person making the noise, I felt myself become surprised.

Y/N. Why would she be out at this time?

I stayed where I was, watching her as she went up the stairs to leave. I looked at my door then back to the lounge and I decided I was going to let her do whatever it is she's doing. I'll find out.

But today has been a long day, and I really need the rest.