The Legacy of Our Love

Chapter 16

*A/N* Inspiration for this chapter comes from the song Starvation by Aurora.

ASRA

 The following day after returning to the castle I received a letter from Natti, asking me to meet her near the ruins of Falbarton Castle after dark, and to not inform anyone of what I was doing.

I was on my way to meet her, making my way down the path that would lead me right to the castle in a matter of minutes when I heard a sharp cracking of a twig behind me. Whirling around and drawing my wand, I was confused for a moment to see nothing behind me, for the sound had been so close.

"Homenum Revelio." I barely had time to whisper before the air in front of me rippled, and the disillusionment charm before me melted away. "Sebastian Sallow!" I hissed at the boy as he held his hands in a surrender.

"Devorak, what a surprise to see you here." He attempted, to which I raised a brow in suspicion before he relented. "I saw you sneaking out, and wondered what you were getting up to without telling us, that's all." He offered as if that were everything I needed to know.

"Did it perhaps cross your mind that the fact I didn't tell you I was coming out here meant that I didn't want to be followed?" I questioned, folding my arms over my chest.

"Why? Meeting someone for a moonlit stroll?" He countered, making me laugh.

"Would that bother you?" I challenged, taking a step towards him. That couldn't possibly be the reason he was out here could it?

He shook his head with a smirk. "Not as long as I can tag along."

"Gods you're so—" I trailed off with a sigh, "I'm meeting Natti to look into something to do with the Ashwinders, and no you cannot come." I answered, turning to continue down the path.

As I predicted, he followed right after me, falling into step beside me. "Why not? Wouldn't it be better to have an extra wand?"

"You'll have to ask Natti, she's the lead on this." I shook my head, flabbergasted by his determination.

"Excellent." He replied with a grin, and I could help but laugh as we continued forward towards the castle.

I spotted Natti standing beside what appeared to be an abandoned cart just off the path, keeping out of sight. I gestured for Sebastian to follow close as we approached, and I flagged down Natti's attention with a wave of my hand so as not to startle her.

"I'm glad you received my owl. We need to stay low, and remain quiet." Natti whispered to me as Sebastian gave a small wave.

"I'm sorry Natti, he followed me out here and I didn't catch him until it was too late." I whispered, relieved when a smirk played across her face.

"Think you can keep up with us Sallow?" She asked him with a look of mischief in her gaze.

"I'll follow your lead, all the way." Sebastian nodded, and Natti seemed to be content with that.

"What's going on Natti? What are we doing all the way out here?" I asked urgently, relieved that all was well with Sebastian's little stowaway mission.

"As promised, I did some investigating into what Rookwood and Harlow were up to. I followed him to the Hogshead, and noticed him reading a letter. All I could see was that it was signed by, and bore the seal of Victor Rookwood." Natti explained, and I nodded. So there was definitely a connection between them. "That letter is the proof that Officer Singer needs to confirm Harlow's involvement. That is why I followed Harlow here and why I wrote to you. I need your help to retrieve it."