The Letter

Sebastian,

If you are reading this letter, it means I was not able to survive the night and I am dead. It also means that the Imperius curse has lifted from you. I can only imagine what you are feeling reading this. You have every right to hate me but know that my decision to leave was one made from love. There would always be those that would stop at nothing to obtain the power within me, it was my responsibility to ensure it never fell into the wrong hands. I've lost so many people I've cared about along the way, and I couldn't stand the thought of something happening to Anne, Ominis or you. I know we promised we would always stay together, but I could not stand the thought of you living a life on the run because of me. This burden is mine to bear, and mine alone. You deserve so much more.

I left because my intention was to find a way to destroy this formidable ancient magic once and for all. No one person should be able to wield this sort of power, its temptation is too dangerous. Even though the witch's spell managed to extract the corruption into that necklace, the unchecked power remained within me. I'd seen firsthand what this power could do, the death that follows it. A few months ago, I was standing upon a cliff overlooking the sea, the rocks below welcoming me into their forever tranquillity. I cannot lie and say that I wasn't afraid, I didn't want to die, there was still so much of the world I wanted to see, but I wanted to see it with you by my side. I needed to protect the world, to protect you. It was the only thing motivating me to continue the task that laid before me, this would be my final trial.

As I prepared to take my last breath, it was as if fate intervened at the last possible moment, and I felt a movement within me. I had never felt anything like it before. I was with child. After everything, after all the pain and trauma, there was life growing inside of me. I could not willingly sacrifice the life of this unborn child for my own resolution. But as time passed, I began to bond with the child inside of me, a new kind of love developed for my little one. I did wonder if this child would be able to wield ancient magic like me. Victor and Ulric were descendants of Charles Rookwood and yet they did not possess the ability. From what Niamh Fitzgerald told me, the origins of our ancient magic were still a mystery, and although it passes down through lineage, it seemed to skipped generations.

The birth was a strenuous one and the pain was new to me. When I first laid eyes upon him, I knew right then and there that he was your son. He had so much of you in him, the brown hair and hazel eyes were uncanny. My love for him can only be described as unconditional and I knew I would do anything to protect him.

No doubt you have met the Grangers by now, they are wonderfully kind, and they helped me without a moment's hesitation. They helped me with the birth, and I don't think our son would've survived the process if it weren't for Doctor Granger. Mrs. Granger was in fact the muggle woman I had rescued from The Blackhand during sixth year, it was almost kismet that she would be the one to find me. I have contracted childbed fever. I thought it almost bittersweet that this is how I am to die. Knowing that our son is alive and well gives me peace, I am finally ready to complete my purpose, I am no longer afraid.

Which brings me to the purpose of this letter, I owe it to you to tell you of our son. I could not return to you after learning I was with child. It would only have made leaving again impossible. I imagined us raising a family together and travelling the world, living in our own little paradise. The temptation would've been too great, and it was not my destiny to have such a life. If the Ministry was to ever learn that I had a child, I fear that they would seek him out to experiment on him, to see if he would eventually possess the ancient magic as I do. That's why he must stay with the Grangers. I know they will look after him well, I have never met such kind-hearted people. But he is your son, and you deserve to know him.

I have so much to say Sebastian, but not enough time or ink to write all that I want. Please tell Ominis and Anne that I care for them both, I know you will look after them. Please also tell my parents that I love them, they gave me a wonderful childhood and I was lucky to have such wonderful parents to call me their own. But they can never know of Henry, his lineage must remain secret, so that he can be safe. Please keep our son safe.

I know our time together was too short, but what we had was true and passionate love Sebastian, of this, I am sure. I will never forget the first time I saw you, muttering to yourself with your nose buried in a book. Our adventures in fifth year made me feel so alive, you were there with me every step of the way, either challenging me or supporting me. You accepted me for who I was, never tried to change me, only encouraging me to be best version of myself. I meant my promise in Feldcroft that day, that you would always hold a special place in my heart. I love you, Sebastian. I know that it is love because no other word feels remotely adequate. I've been falling in love with you since the very first day I met you. You are my only paradise I've ever needed. The day you said you'd be mine was the day I stopped requiring anything from existence. You are my heart and soul and if there is such a thing as soul mates, there's no doubt that I am yours and you are mine. It's always been you, Sebastian. My heart is, and always will be, yours.

Until we meet in the next life my love, where I will forever be yours.

I love you.

Riley