After everything that happened with his uncle, you and Sebastian had grown closer. He appreciated—more than he could ever put into words—that you hadn’t turned him over to the Aurors. You chose to keep his secret, sharing the burden with him and Ominis.

But more than that, Sebastian couldn’t deny the feelings he had developed for you. He wasn’t clueless anymore; he knew he was in love. Every interaction with you only deepened those feelings. How could he not love you? Beyond being one of the most beautiful witches he’d ever seen, your inner light shone even brighter. You were brilliant, courageous, loyal—so many things that made you utterly captivating.

He wanted to tell you how he felt. Every fiber of his being longed to declare his love. But fear held him back. What if it ruined everything? What if he lost you too? Sebastian had already lost so much—his uncle, his sister. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing you as well.

Yet suppressing his feelings was becoming unbearable. His hands grew clammy whenever you were near, his eyes seemed magnetically drawn to you, and his resolve crumbled entirely when he caught your scent while brewing Amortentia.

So, forgive him when he stammered and faltered as you caught him off guard.

"Do you like someone, Sebastian?" you asked, your voice gentle but curious.

His mind froze, and his tongue felt like lead.

“Wha-what?”