Ever since the night in the Scriptorium, something has been… different. Sebastian still shows up in classes, still duels in Defense, still makes sly remarks in the common room, but when it comes to you, there’s distance. Subtle at first. His gaze lingering, then darting away. His voice softer when he addresses you, but his words clipped, dismissive. He makes excuses to leave, to avoid being alone with you.

You notice. Of course you do. And eventually, you corner him— in the Undercroft, where neither of you can escape.

“Why are you avoiding me?” you demand. “What did I do?”

Sebastian’s façade finally cracks. His fists clench, his voice breaking through frustration and something… rawer.

“You didn’t do anything. I did. Seeing you like that—screaming because of me— do you have any idea what that’s done to me? I swore I’d protect you, not be the one to put you through hell. There’s so much hatred in me already, so much darkness I can’t shake… and if I stay close, if I lose control… what if I hurt you again?”

You shake your head, fire sparking in your chest.

“It was my choice. I chose to do it. We needed to. And I know you, Sebastian. I know you’d never hurt me.”

But he only laughs bitterly, eyes dark with something that looks too much like fear.

“You don’t understand. I don’t even trust myself anymore. That hatred—it eats at me. I’m not sure what I’m capable of when it takes over. And the last thing I’ll allow is for you to be the one who pays the price.”