Me and the Devil: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter FOUR - Crossed Wands

I left class feeling lighter than I had upon entering. Perhaps it was the ultimate success of my first in school duel or maybe it was the shameless flirting from the Slytherin 7th year.

Following the path the book had drawn out for me I wound around the castle until I came to professor Weasley's office, rapping twice on the door.

"Come in!" Her raspy sing song voice shimmered out. "Ah! Miss Barlowe! How was Defense Against the Dark Arts? Professor Hecat says you particularly excelled in today's lesson."

"How-"

She shrugged. "Word travels fast around here, especially for the professors. We know a lot more than you may think, just as I know we may have a new top dueler on our hands."

I blushed and kicked bashfully at the floor.

"About time someone bested that Sallow boy if you ask me." She winked "Keep up the good work Miss Barlowe." She turned to one of the tables against the walls and lifted a rolled parchment, placing it delicately into my hands.

"Here is the list of things you'll need to pick up from Hogsmede. I've taken the liberty of sending owls to these shop owners to let them know you'll be on your way. Now, please take someone with you as you go - Perhaps the Sallow boy - he gets into far too much trouble when he's left on his own."

I smiled and thanked her before making my way out of her office. Tucking the parchment roll into my robe pocket.

I took a quick stop by my room to change, there was no reason to leave the extra layer of uniform on. Tossing my robe onto my bed I scrambled around in the large trunk at the foot of my bed for my book bag - the one thing to have survived the dragon attack my first day. Florence had gawked at it excessively the first time I had set it out before class - wondering aloud how old it might be. Marlene tisked her and gave me an apologetic glance but I shrugged it off. The bag had belonged to my grandfather and was the last item I possessed from my family. I wouldn't soon be tossing it out.

Now to find Sebastian.

Figuring the first place to look better be the last place he mentioned, I opened my large enchanted book and let it guide me out through the common room and through the portrait hole. A few of my fellow housemates smiled and waved as I passed - I guess the news of my duel had reached more than just the professors.

I traced my steps slowly across the wooden floors and stone stair cases, stopping to pet each cat in my path, admire the musicians in the paintings down one hall and stumble quickly out of the way of two fighting suits of armor. I was incredibly excited for my first trip to Hogsmede but that wonder of the castle was all too quick to steal my attention.

When I finally reached the stairs down into the clock tower entrance I spotted a number of students lulling about near the corners of the room. I few of them smashing charms into a few wooden dummies. This must be the unsanctioned club Sebastian had mentioned.

Stepping down another two steps I spotted a familiar dark haired Gryffindor girl - another of my roommates - chatting with a Slytherin boy whose back was to me. His unruly brown hair tousled carelessly.

Found him.

On my way towards the two, I picked up a bit of their conversation.

"We will have to see who shows up."

"I'm not afraid to duel anyone in this school." I couldn't see it but I imagined him puffing out his chest.

"I know Sebastian. I know." Her warm smile and tone had me giggling silently. She noticed me then. "Well hello Atley!"

"Hello Natty. Hello Sebastian."

His head whipped around and there was that damned smile again.

"Ah! I knew you'd miss me! Although I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting to see you so soon."