In the Shadow of Love // Sebastian Sallow and Ominis Gaunt

Chapter 38 - Birthday Surprises

While sat in the common room doing my homework, Sebastian had sat beside me. I glanced towards him and gave him a small smile but he was frowning.
"Why did you never tell me when your birthday was?" He asked, a slight edge to his tone.

I sighed, placing my quill down and giving him my full attention.

"Because I don't celebrate my birthday. Fifth year, there was much more important things going on anyway."

"I'm sorry, I would have dropped everything to celebrate your birthday." He said in a sad voice, head low.

"Like I said, I don't celebrate so it doesn't matter. Sixth yeah was the first time in years and that was only because of Imelda and Ominis." I explained.

"Why don't you celebrate?" He asked.

I hesitated, did I trust Sebastian enough to tell him?

"I... my..." I took a deep breath before continuing, "my father, he died on my ninth birthday, ever since then, there was no reason to celebrate."

"Lily, I am so sorry," Sebastian said with pity, sadness etched in his face as he reached for my hand, "but your birthday is a day to celebrate!"

"No, you don't understand, Sebastian."

I wasn't about to explain the details surrounding my fathers death, nor that it was my fault. I couldn't.

"No listen to me, we are going to celebrate, we are going to make it one to remember!" He smiled softly at me, his thumb stroking the back of my hand. It was soothing and was giving me butterflies.

"Seb, thank you."

I was touched, I leant forward in my seat and wrapped my arms around him. I could tell at first, he was taken aback as he sat froze but soon wrapped his arms around me.

I felt comfort and safety but knew I had to pull away, I gave him a big grin as I did so.

Soon enough a week had passed by and it was the day before my birthday. No one had given any hints as to what I had in store the next day but I think I preferred not to know.

Going to bed was hard that night. What if the recurring nightmare emerged again? Every single year, without fail, it haunted me.

I wrapped myself in bed, praying to Merlin, for a peaceful sleep.

"I know you can do it, Lily! Let's see it!" My fathers voice roared.

"Please father, I can't, I don't know how!" I pleaded.

"I have seen it, your power, you CAN do it!"

"I can't."

"As you wish, you forced me to this!" He shouted before turning on his heels and storming off.

I raced after him, afraid of what he would do or what punishment he would give me. I chased him from the lounge and out into the gardens, pleading him to listen.

As I raced after him, I noticed a figure stood in the courtyard, still as a statue. When my father reached them, he pointed his wand at them.

With a gasp, I realised he was the son of our muggle neighbours. Edward was his name and there was a time we used to play together until my parents found out and banned me from ever fraternising with the likes of him. But little did they know, we still met, he was the only friend I had.

Edward had an odd, green glow in his eyes. He was under the imperius curse, he seemed to have no emotion, taking no notice of our presence.

"Father, what are you doing?!" I yelled.