Title: Trouble Has a Name and His Name is Sebastian

Summary: It's only her first week at Hogwarts and new fifth-year Slytherin, Melisandre already finds herself in trouble with the king of mischief – Sebastian Sallow.

A/N: Thanks to everyone who has supported this story!

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Hogsmeade was beautiful. Now that she didn't have to worry about any trolls running the party, she could enjoy the ambience of the lively town. There wasn't a single cloud spoiling the sky. She walked along the cobblestone pathway towards The Three Broomsticks. Sebastian had promised to meet her there. But she hadn't come alone. Natsai had accompanied her along the way.

"Wait. You're serious? Please tell me this is your idea of a joke," Natsai said, looking at Melisandre as if she carried the plague.

Melisandre shook her head. "No, not at all. I'm dead serious. We got caught in the restricted section of the library but it's okay because it turned into an actual date."

Natsai looked concerned. "Are you feeling okay?"

"I feel fine. A bit shocked but I'm fine physically."

"A date with Sebastian Sallow."

Melisandre nodded. "Yes, at Hogsmeade. I mean, it's not like we can go anywhere else." She then frowned, pushing away a strand of loose brown hair away from her right eye. "I think everyone has judged him poorly. He's really not what he appears to be." He had held true to his word - he hadn't gotten her into trouble. He had defended her. He wasn't some dastardly rogue intentionally trying to set her up to take the fall.

"Looks can be deceiving."

"Don't worry so much, Natsai. He's not a murderer." She laughed at the thought. "He's just really concerned about helping his twin sister and I find that admirable."

The Gryffindor girl wasn't convinced. "I'll be around in the town if you need me, okay? I'll be near joke shop. If Sebastian causes you any grief, you know where to find me and I'll set him straight."

Melisandre rolled her eyes but smiled. "You really do worry a lot."

Natsai raised her hands. "No offense, but Slytherins just tend to have a bad feel about them, and we've all heard much about Sebastian's time in detention." She lowered her hands, dropping them to her sides. "I'm sure he's spent more time doing that than he has on actual classes. I just don't want him to hurt you."

"What's the worse he could do? I've taken down a troll now."

Natsai bit her lip. "What if he… You know… Tries anything."

"Boys can't come into the girls' dorm room."

"Yeah, but… When you're alone. With him."

Her eyes widened. Oh. Natsai was thinking far ahead. Perhaps too far. Warmth flooded her cheeks. "We're definitely not at that stage," she blurted. Recovering her outburst, she added, "Besides, I don't know if this is just a short-term fling or a long term one. I'm just taking it as it is – he needs a friend, and that's what I'm going to be."

"Your face is red." Natsai tried hard not to giggle.

"Because your suggestion is just… too much!" Melisandre exclaimed, her feel burning now. Why did she have to be the sort of person who was embarrassed easily? "I'm not warming his bed."

"You might not be able to stop if you kiss him."

Melisandre pouted. "Now you sound like my grandmother."

Natsai started laughing unable to help herself. "Oh, the look on your face! You are so red. Maybe you have been thinking about getting intimate with him."

"I totally have not." She folded her arms and glared.

Natsai's smile widened. "You are attracted to him. In both ways."

"You're a wicked person," Melisandre murmured though she couldn't stop herself from sparing a smile. "Okay, so he's not bad on the eyes and he's sincere. What's not to like? But it's early days. Like I said earlier whatever we have could be over as soon as tomorrow. Anyway – I should probably go inside. I don't want to be the late one." She turned to the door and drew in a deep breath, running a hand through her brown curls making sure not a hair was out of place.

"You look fine."

"I'm wearing more fancy-dress robes." Her robes had golden trimmings on all the edges. From a distance, she could be mistaken for a Hufflepuff, but up close you could see them shimmer.
Her brown curls fell down her back almost reaching down to the base of her spine. "I'll see you later just outside the castle. I'm supposed to have a game of Summoner's Court against Leander Prewitt."

"Tell me all the juicy details later."

"I will. Bye."

The girls parted. Natsai ventured further into the city as Melisandre entered through the door.

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The Three Broomsticks was livelier than their previous visit – much busier. Most tables were occupied by at least two people. Some people were having a full lunch whilst others had some for the butterbeer. Melisandre approached the counter and drew in a deep breath again. She recognized some students from school – Samantha and Amit. Fortunately, they didn't seem to notice her.

"Hi, I'm just waiting for a table," Melisandre said.

The owner looked at her and smiled. "I remember you. Rookwood hasn't harassed you again?"

She shook her head. "Fortunately, no." She paused then, "I'm waiting for a table. A friend of mine booked one."

"Name?"

"Sebastian Sallow."

She frowned. "Sallow…. Sallow… Ah, that boy that was here with you. Yes, he did. He comes here often and sits over there in the corner, reading his books." She gestured to the table near the fireplace then looked Melisandre up and down. "Those are not the robes students normally wear. Special occasion?"

"Oh, you're on a date." Sirona said, the corners of her mouth curving upwards into a grin. She winked. "I've seen many students come and go and it's the first time I've seen Sebastian return here with a girl. He must be enthralled by you."

Melisandre's blush deepened. "We're just friends, really."

"If you say so. I won't question it." She gestured towards the table near the fireplace. "That table is for you. Make yourself comfortable." She walked away.

Melisandre sat down at the table. At least they had a window seat. She peered out the window, spotting a white griffon flying high in the sky. "I can't wait to learn how to fly," she murmured. To be free even if it were only a temporary sensation. What a joy it would be to fly high and above and around Hogwarts.

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything."

She jumped, startled, whipping her head around. "Sebastian!"

He was peering down at her with a rueful grin. The boy was wearing black robes like their school ones, only this one had green trimmings around all the edges. The biggest difference was his hair. It no longer looked like he had crawled out of bed. Instead, it seemed like he had used some form of hair gel to keep each strand flat.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to frighten you." He sat down across from her.

She sniffed the air. Was that - some fancy cologne? She raised a brow. "I was not frightened. You caught me by surprise, that's all."

He chuckled. "Whatever you say. I'm glad you came. I was kinda worried you might stand me up." He frowned. "Wouldn't be the first time."

"What? Someone stood you up? The great Sebastian Sallow and finest duelling student at Hogwarts?" She mocked.

"Yeah, unbelievable right? I don't know why they would do that. Anyway - the point is. I'm glad you showed up."

Her smile faded. "Why would I stand you up?"

"You might've heard that I have a bit of a reputation."

"And I'll be earning myself a reputation too soon. You might have some competition." She leaned forward. "I was attacked down in that chamber. Stone guardians. That book was protected."

He arched both eyebrows. "Attacked? Dear Merlin, at least you're okay. I wish I could've been down there with you, but I know you can handle yourself. Do you have the book?"

"I gave it to Professor Fig."

"Damn."

"He'll let me know if he's found anything. He hasn't kept anything from me yet." She glanced down at her hands. "Whatever magic I have is connected to that book somehow. Anyway. You know my secrets but what are yours? You've mentioned your sister a few times."

Sebastian looked around the room, checking to make sure no one was trying to eavesdrop. Most people were too busy eating or talking with their social circles to pay them any heed. In a low voice barely above a whisper he said, "She's been cursed and I'm trying to find something that will undo it."

"Cursed?"

He nodded. "She used to go to Hogwarts but she's too ill now. She'll get random pains and I can't… I can't help her. We tried St Mungos. Nothing. Uncle gave up. It's like he's just trying to keep her as comfortable as possible until…" A flash of pain appeared on his face. "But I'm searching for answers. I won't give up on her. She's my twin."

"That's terrible. I'm sorry about your sister."

He looked down. "That's why I've been in the restricted library so much - been reading the books trying to find something that will help. But I haven't found anything." He looked up meeting her eyes. "But I know there has to be a cure."

"If I can help, I will."

Sebastian nodded, giving her a brief smile. "I'm grateful for it. I was thinking we could search the scriptorium. We'll need Ominis to lend a hand though. Hope you don't mind him tagging along."

She frowned. The boy rarely spoke; he hadn't even spared her a grin. "Can't say I can cast a fair judgement. He hasn't talked to me."

"He can be a bit like that. Well, I want to show you something cool when we return to Hogwarts - it's a place Ominis, Anne and myself found. The Undercroft. A private place."

"Sounds interesting."

Before Sebastian could open his mouth to speak, Sirona approached the table. In her right hand, she was carrying some roses. She placed them down on the table and pushed them to the side. "Some flowers for you."

Now it was her turn to be surprised. Red roses. "Oh, they're beautiful, Sirona."

"Mr Sallow asked for these ones specifically."

Melisandre looked at him. He rubbed the back of his neck and averted his gaze.

The woman smiled. "Enjoy your stay." She walked away.

Sebastian was still averting his gaze. "Uh, I thought you deserved something nice after the whole troll thing… and library…" he muttered. "Girls like roses, right? Anne likes roses. I thought you'd like them too…"

"You didn't have to get me anything. Sebastian." He was still looking away. She frowned. "Look at me."

He did. "I'm not very good at this, am I?" He rubbed his neck again. All that swagger he had earlier was gone now. Now he looked somewhat vulnerable. "I just… wanted to do something nice for you. You've been through a lot, and I almost made it worse for you."

"I don't think any less of you." She leaned forward and gave him a coy grin. "It was exciting."

That seemed to encourage him. "A bit hard to match up to troll fighting and battling stone guardians through. I hope the scriptorium is equally as thrilling."

"Just as long as it doesn't involve ghosts." She reached for her glass. "That's too much for me."

He grinned. "No ghosts. Would you like some water?"

She nodded. He grabbed the jar of water and poured her a glass, fingers gently brushing up against her own. "Red roses are my favourite," Melisandre said. She brought the glass to her lips and took a sip then placed it back down on the table.

"Glad I guessed correctly." He also took a sip of his water. "You really have to try some butter beer. Sirona makes the best."

"I've never been much of a drinker."

"Try it. You won't regret it. We can share mine." A pause then, "I am curious. Why did you choose me over Natsai when it came to escorting you to Hogsmeade?"

She twirled a lock of hair around a finger. "Don't get a big head over this, but I wanted your company. I'm not going to lie - you do intrigue me. There's an aura of mystery about you."

"Funny that because I was going to say the same about you. You survived a dragon attack. You have strange magic. You're a natural fighter. You could make a great auror one of these days," he drawled. He leaned forward, elbows resting on the edge of the table. "You are the most fascinating witch I've ever met, and I want to see where this journey leads. I'll be there at your side if you want me."

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't."

Sirona returned. "Some butterbeer?"

Sebastian nodded. "Just the one, but can we have two glasses?"

"Of course." She walked away.

Sebastian rubbed his neck again. "So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?"

"I have a match of Summoner's Court against Leander."

"Oh." He frowned. "That Gryffindor fellow."

She nodded. Was that a hint of jealousy in his tone? "Yep. He seems all right. He's quite friendly." The corners of her mouth curved upwards. "You're not jealous, are you? You're welcome to come along and cheer me on."

"I'd love to, but I can't. Lucas has asked me to help him out with some duelling stuff and I stupidly agreed to it. He's made me the face of this club, so people expect me to represent it well."

Right. Lucas the guy who ran the duelling club. He had to be Sebastian's biggest fan. The boy probably had a shrine dedicated to him. "Understood. You do what you have to do." Though she couldn't ignore the pang of disappointment welling up inside her.

As if sensing her disappointment, he said, "I'll make it up to you, I promise. You'll love the Undercroft."

"All right."

Sirona returned with the butterbeer. She placed it on the table alongside an extra glass. "There's no alcohol in this, but it will give you a bit of a buzz. You won't find a better mug of butterbeer than at the Three Broomsticks." She retreated to the counter to serve another customer.

She peered down at the drink. It looked like creaming soda with a lot of thick whipped cream. A heart attack on a plate. "Looks good. But what did she mean by buzz?"

"Warm fuzzy feelings," he replied. "It's different for everyone. It is very sweet." He poured her a quarter of glass – just enough to sample it without feeling too sick. He took a swig of his own then waited for her to try it.

The drink tasted like it looked – creaming soda with butterscotch flavoured whipped cream. It melted in her mouth. "Oh wow," she murmured, savouring the taste. Sebastian and Sirona hadn't been exaggerating – it was like having a taste of paradise. "That is good."

'Told you. Now you wait for the buzz to kick in."

At first, there was nothing. "I feel nothing," she said, peering up from the glass. When she looked at Sebastian again, she found herself staring at his lips. She ran a finger across her own, wondering what it would be like to feel his lips against hers… Whoa, where did that thought come from? She thought. That must've been the buzz Sirona was talking about.

"You do look stunning," he said, brown eyes fixated on her face. They hadn't shifted elsewhere. "I'm glad we did this – it was kinda nice getting away from all the chaos for a bit. We should do this again sometime – I mean if you want too." Again, he rubbed his neck. A sure sign he was nervous about something.

Her answer was immediate. Maybe Natsai was right - maybe she was deeply infatuated with him. Either that or the butterbeer had really affected her mind. "I'd love too," she blurted. "That butterbeer was pretty good."

He grinned. "Great. I'll let you know." Before she could react, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

Bewildered, she drew back, her face alight.

He recoiled as if he had been slapped. "Oh, sorry. That was too soon."

Her face was burning – from shame at her own reaction. "No, no, not at all! I just wasn't expecting that." Oh Merlin, I hope I haven't given him the wrong idea, she berated herself. "I was surprised. Not repulsed." Wow, you really messed this one up, she scolded.

It wasn't as if she hadn't been kissed or kissed one boy before, but that had been because of a dumb dare. But this was different. She genuinely liked Sebastian. "I freaked out," she said sheepishly.

Withholding a chuckle, he said, "Yeah, you kinda did. I thought I had done something wrong. So, I can try again? Wouldn't want to leave a bad impression."

She nodded. He grabbed her arm and pulled her in close. Her lips parted in anticipation.

"Oh, the rumours are true!" Imelda exclaimed. She gave them both a triumphant smirk. "Rumour has it you two were pashing in the library in secrecy… But here in public at the tavern? You really are bold, Sebastian.

Melisandre pulled away, a surge of irritation welling up inside her. Bloody Imelda. Ruining what could have been a perfect moment. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm allowed here to you know. Sorry to spoil your moment but I came to relax. If you weren't a Slytherin, I'd tell Professor Weasley you were both acting indecently but I don't want to harm our chances of winning the house cup. So, find a place a little more discreet. I need my eyes."

Imelda walked away flanked by her groupies. "I hate that girl," Melisandre murmured.

"She's not too bad when she warms up to you. But we should probably head back."

"Yeah, good idea.

Sebastian finished his butterbeer and stood up. "I'll pay."

"Are you sure?"

"I invited you so I should. You deserve it." He helped her to feet. "I'll see you outside."

She nodded and headed towards the exit. Stepping outside, she was greeted by a cool breeze. Sebastian met her outside a few moments later. "You owe me a kiss later," she said, glancing up at him.

"That I do."

"And no more interruptions."

"Another trip to the library?" He gave her a rueful grin.

"What about this Undercroft you keep mentioning?"

His grin widened. "Then I will show you the way. But I need Ominis off my back."

She nodded. "Tense friendship?"

"You could say that. He just doesn't agree with my methods." He paused then, "I'll send you an owl. I'll think of something to distract him with. Some of these plants at the store will do the trick. Don't worry about it. He won't find out. We'll be fine. He's blind anyway – not like he can actually really see anything."

"I'll wait for your owl."

"You'll hear from me again soon. I know you'll crush Leander."

"Wish you could be there. I hope Lucas doesn't bother you too much."

Sebastian shrugged. "I'll see you back at the common room as soon as possible. Feels odd not being around you."

"You'll survive." He smirked but didn't speak further.

She watched him leave, a smile spreading across her face.

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Sebastian lay down on his bed, satisfied. Most days were gruelling - it was hard finding information to help Anne - but Melisandre had made the day more bearable. Merlin's breathe, she was beautiful.

"What are you so pleased about?" Ominis said glancing over from his bed.

One of the other Slytherin boys sniggered. "Our boy has a crush on the new girl. Imelda said so."

Of course, Imelda would've informed the entire common room. He rolled his eyes. "I'm not denying nor am I confirming anything."

"But she caught you at the Three Broomsticks."

"Never thought I'd see the day."

"You think she'll dump him in a week?"

"Nah, I give it a day."

Both boys looked at him with identical smirks.

"Just don't have any dreams about her, will you?"

"Yeah. We're not cleaning up your mess."

They laughed again.

"Assholes," Sebastian muttered. "I think I'll sleep on the couch tonight." He swung his legs over the side of the bed, grabbed a pillow and a single sheet, and headed to the common room. He could hear his roommates still sniggering. Yet despite the slight disruption to his usual sleeping routine, he wasn't annoyed.

Melisandre did like him. That was unfamiliar territory. Most of them wrote him off as some dastardly rogue who was only interested in causing havoc and breaking hearts, but those people couldn't be further off from the truth. Melisandre saw him for what he was – someone who had a heart. He made himself comfortable on the couch and shut his eyes, a grin spreading across his face. Ominis was wrong. There was light at the end of this tunnel.

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And this brings this little story to a close! I'll be doing a few more one shots that delve more into the angst and game's storyline a bit more closely. This little story was focused around turning that friendship into something a bit more.