Shadow of the Key | Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 14: Crossed Wands

Amelia's POV

The past few weeks went by in a blur.

Since Sebastian showed Valencia the Undercroft, she had been a lot more involved in their activities, much to Amelia's delight. She won't forget the fullness she felt in her heart watching Valencia and Anne sitting side by side reading the same book together, sharing laughs and theories. She won't forget Ominis teaching her how to play Gobstones while she made occasional jokes and got a few chuckles out of him. And she definitely won't forget Sebastian and her practicing their duelling together and having her learn some new spells like Confringo, even helping her develop a corporeal Patronus.

Who knew that her Patronus would end up being a cat?

She wasn't one to practice spellcasting much, she was always about the books and magical theories.

But since Sebastian had been teaching her almost every night with the group after Quidditch practice, she had gotten significantly better with her spellcasting.

Even at times when they bickered like a brother and sister would, Amelia's heart felt so full.

In that time, she also realized how differently her and Valencia were.

How can identical twins be so alike yet so different?

Amelia had always been the more ambitious type. Guess that's why she's a Slytherin.

Valencia is more logical. Immersed in books and always eager to solve the next puzzle. She had even begun reading some of Amelia's old ancient magic textbooks to understand it more and figure out a way to safely extract the repository's magic out of her. It's like she got all of the brains and Amelia got all of the vigor. Valencia was never one to throw herself into combat, yet Amelia itches for the next opportunity to.

Two sides of the same coin.

Even though her and Sebastian hadn't said much to each other since their argument that one day, he still would give her occasional side glances and a smile as if nothing had happened. She knew he cared about her and just wanted her safe.

Valencia hadn't told her boyfriend about the Undercroft, thank Merlin. Clive Caine is a bloody wanker and a half. She thinks even Valencia knew that he wasn't one to be trusted with a place so secretive and sacred.

She had always wanted her sister to be a part of her found family. She was so quick to build such strong bonds with everyone.

The way she interacts with them in the Undercroft made it seem like something new, something bigger than herself sparked inside of her.

And it was thanks to Sebastian.

He knew she wanted Valencia to be involved with them more. He knew how much Valencia needed friends like them.

And that gave Amelia a newfound appreciation for him that she didn't even think was possible.

As she headed down to the clock tower to the Crossed Wands tournament, she couldn't help but feel excited to compete next to Sebastian again.

They were going to crush it.

She wasn't as excited for the singles tournaments, mainly because Clive Caine had already begun working up the ranks. She never got to watch him in action, but today she would be.

And she'd be studying his every move.

Once she reaches the clock tower, she already notices Sebastian leaning on the gate with his arms crossed and head down, appearing to be lost in thought.