You hadn't been on speaking terms with Sebastian ever since winter break. Ever since the night he lost control. Ever since his uncle’s murder.

You wanted to confront him, but deep down, you knew—Sebastian had always been the type to run from his problems.

You weren’t just friends. Not really. Friends didn’t kiss under the cover of darkness, whispering each other’s names like a prayer. Friends didn’t sneak into each other’s beds on cold nights, pretending it was just for warmth.

Turns out, Sebastian wasn’t the only one who had taken an interest in you.

Somehow, as 6th year rolled around, you found yourself at the center of unwanted attention. The stolen glances, the lingering touches, the incessant flirting—most of it harmless, but some of it toeing the line.

"C’mon, sweetheart, one date won’t kill you."

"You’re wasting your time with Slytherins, you know."

"What do you say, love? Fancy a real man for once?"

It was always the same. A group of Gryffindor boys crowding you in the corridors, their grins wide, their words laced with amusement—but there was always an edge to it. A challenge.

"Not interested," you muttered, trying to push past, but one of them stepped in your path, smirking.

"Aw, don’t be like that—"

"Stop bugging her, will you?"

Sebastian's voice cut through the air, sharp and irritated. He stood behind you, arms crossed, gaze burning into the group of Gryffindors who had surrounded you.

The Gryffindors exchanged glances before one of them scoffed. "What’s it to you, Sallow?"

"It’s to me when a bunch of jerks can’t take no for an answer." Sebastian’s voice was low, threatening. He stepped closer, his presence enough to make them shift uncomfortably.

"Relax, mate, we were just having a bit of fun—"

"And now you’re done."

There was no room for argument in his tone. After a beat, the Gryffindors backed off, throwing you a lingering glance before finally disappearing down the hall.

Sebastian let out a breath, glancing back at you. "You alright?"