❝ 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇 ❞ 𝘚𝘦𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘐𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴 - Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Becoming a Keeper was one of the most pressuring things I've ever had to do. Since Professor Fig's passing, it had become difficult to keep everything a secret, and keeping it from Professor Weasley hadn't been any easier. Although, she may be the only person I can entrust with such knowledge, along with some of my other professors.
They all knew how hard I took it the week after he died. When I finally defeated Ranrok and Rookwood. Even though they tried their best to support me, my friendships were something I needed more than anything. Poppy and Natty have been very kind, knowing how close I was with Professor Fig.
But I missed Sebastian and Ominis. Since Anne left, and Ominis and I had that one conversation, things with the three of us had been odd. I know it isn't without reason, but I wished it all never happened in the first place.
And I don't think I would ever get the Sebastian I first knew back ever again.
He was different. He was cold. Avoidant. Quiet.
I grew closer to Ominis with his absence. My heart ached for him. I knew how close he and Sebastian were, and now, with what Sebastian has become, Ominis feels like he's lost the only home he'd ever knew.
One day, I accidentally left my Keepers' wand in the Undercroft after I was in a rush. I had only remembered it the day after, after I noticed it wasn't in my robes.
I returned to the Undercroft, finding Sebastian with it in his hand.
"Sebastian," I said, not expecting him to be there. Sebastian looked at me with sorrow in his eyes, almost as if he lacked sleep. "I need that back," I told him as I ran up to him and tried to take the wand. I couldn't afford to lose it.
"All this time... I was searching for answers. And you had it all along?" he said, sounding betrayed. I shook my head, fear settling into my body. "You know I couldn't..." I mumbled.
I scanned the wand, paying attention to every detail of it. "Of course. I understand," he said, calmly. Something about his tone was off putting to me. I knew I wasn't speaking to Sebastian.
"Sebastian, I need that back!" I raised my voice. My throat closed in on itself, restricting me of forming proper words. "Well, I need Anne back!" he bellowed, making me jump. "Professor Fig did everything in his power to guide you with such magic. Not only that but he was... a great father figure."
I shut my eyes, a tear trickling down my cheek. I grieved Professor Fig, and Sebastian was right— he was a great father figure. But I knew what Sebastian was trying to do. And at that moment, I grieved him, too.
"Didn't it ache you? To watch him die? Right... in front of you?"
I hoped that everything that was happening right now was all just a very bad dream.
"And here you are, standing here, living in guilt. Like you could have done something to save him," he continued. He stepped closer and closer to me with every word.
"You have to understand, Y/n. I could still save Anne. With your power, and my knowledge of the Dark Arts? Think about what we could do," he whispered into my ear.
I gulped, trying to suppress my sobs. "Ominis wouldn't like this. He misses you. Come back to us. Move on," I tell him, as calmly as I could. He scoffed. "I would trade Ominis for Anne, any day. If he doesn't want to get involved, then fine. That's his choice. But should he interfere..." he trailed off as he walked in a circle around me. I knew exactly what he meant by that.
My head echoed with the shattering sounds of my own heart. Sebastian was truly gone.
The more I looked at the demented look in his eyes, my heavier my heart felt. I felt a mix of sadness, heartache, and anger towards him. And the worst part was I understood him. I'd rather have the Sebastian that snuck me out to the Restricted Section, than whoever I was looking at now.