A Tale of Sallow

Chapter Two: Puzzle

Spotify: Cross my mind by ARIZONA

My summer break was fun. Well, as fun as it could have been, aside from some sleepless nights filled with nightmares of the day I lost Professor Fig. And occasionally ended up thinking about a certain Slytherin boy until the sun comes up. Some days, I would go down to lower Hogsfield to visit Natty and Professor Onai. Both were so welcoming asking me to join them almost every meals. Poppy did not go back home due to her relationship with her estranged family so I always had a friend around in Hogwarts. Well, as long as she is not out and about chasing after one beast or another. Sometimes I do accompany her but Poppy can be a tad bit too enthusiastic at times. And waking up early to chase some beast after only falling asleep at dawn did not sound appealing to spend my summer. I did owl Ominis one or two times to ask about his summer and hopefully get a whiff of how Sebastian was doing. But of course, Ominis could not have read my mind and hence, no mention of Sebastian. He is rather a man of few words, I noted. At least in parchment.

"Dear Lilian

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying your summer. Thank you for asking about mine. If you do know me, and you should by now, I'm not exactly happy to be here spending my summer with my family. Just the other day, they used Crucio on the house elf Kat for missing a spot shining their shoes. But I'm certain you are having a better summer than I am.

Ominis."

Nevertheless, today is the first day of our sixth year at Hogwarts. I'm excited to start the lessons and see all our friends back at school. There was no start-of-term feast this year because well, Professor Black hates fun. But at least he brought back Quidditch and there will be a Triwizard Tournament this year! Everyone is looking forward to it. Of course, the one thing I'm looking forward most is to reconnect with the boy that stole a piece of my heart last year. I was ready to forgive him. It could have been a variety of reasons that he couldn't reply to my owl. Maybe his foster home parents did not allow him. Perhaps his owl was injured or worse, lost. Or he really could not have cared less about me... Hhmm. No, no, Lilian. Don't do this to yourself. I'm sure there is an explanation. You just have to ask him yourself later.

I jogged down the spiral staircases in high spirits to attend charms class. I saw Natty first in the classroom, taking a seat next to her. You have to admire how early she can get up. Maybe having your mother as a professor can do that to a person. Then enters Poppy and Garreth. Hmm ... what a strange pair but I brushed off my thoughts. They then took their seats in front of us. A few other students came along. I even spotted Imelda at the back talking to some other Slytherin students. Then came the boy with his wand in the air flashing spots of red each time he took a step. He took a seat opposite us next to the table of Slytherin students. But no Sebastian.

Natty leaned over and whispered into my ears.

"Hhmmm, I don't see Sebastian. I can totally see your disappointment. Maybe he is just late," Natty chuckled.

I blushed faintly and gave her a side eye, wondering how was Natty reading my mind. But she is right. Sebastian should be taking this class. It is a basic requirement for sixth years. Before I can continue my train of thoughts, Professor Ronen enters the classroom roaring with excitement to quiz us on what we were supposedly be practicing during the summer.

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The class was over and no sight of Sebastian. That's really odd.

"Hey, do you want to go enjoy the sun at the courtyard? It should still be relatively warm outside and we have a two hours break before our divination class," Natty suggested.

"Sure, Natty. But you go ahead first. I will make my way there after talking to Ominis," I replied.

"Oh! Sebastian. Got it," she winked as she made her way out of the classroom.

Okay. Are my feelings written all over my face? I did talk to Natty about Sebastian once or twice during the summer on how I was frustrated with receiving no news from him. Maybe it might have been more than one or two times.

I gently grabbed Ominis's shoulder to let him know that I was behind him before he walks off.

"Hey Ominis, can I have a word with you?"

"Lilian, sure. What's the matter?," his said sweetly.

"I was just wondering why Sebastian didn't attend the charms class," I questioned.

Ominis looks hesitant to reply me but he eventually let out a sigh.

"Lilian, things are a bit complicated right now. I was exchanging owls with Sebastian during the summer but about two weeks ago, I stopped receiving his owls. I have been trying to find the answers myself but the professors are pretty tight-lipped about it. I'm not entirely sure what happened to him but I'm worried," said Ominis with his eyebrows scrunched up.

"What? Maybe something happened to him at the foster care. Have you try contacting them?," I asked, suddenly teeming with worried thoughts clouding my mind.

"Yes, but they also did not send back any owls. As you know, I can't possibly be tracking down Sebastian on my own. Especially if he doesn't want to be found," Ominis grumbled.

"I understand, Ominis. If you don't mind sharing, could you tell me the address of his foster home? Maybe I could make a quick trip down there," I replied.

"Sure, Lilian. But it is quite a distance. I think you may only be able to go there during the weekends if you do not want to alert the professors," Ominis said.

Hhhmm... I guess the countdown to this particular weekend will be a long and painful one, indeed.