In The Shadow Of His Love (Reader vs Sebastian Sallow)

Chapter 17 - Scriptorium, part I

When the classes start next week, Riley can see Sebastian acting a bit more distant. He seems to be in deep thought every time she looks at him. Focusing on classes and studying, Riley tries to give him as much space as possible. He is probably still processing their visit to Feldcroft.

Not speaking with Sebastian for two days, Riley is a bit worried it is going back to what it used to be. Hanging out only at scheduled times. To her surprise, during one of Tuesday's classes that they have with Slytherins, a small paper swan lands in front of her. Eager to pick it up, Riley reaches her hand but before she can grab it, the swan flies a few inches away. Riley grins and slowly moves her hand closer and tries to catch it, but the swan moves again.

When she looks Sebastian's way, she can see him grinning and grins back at him. Every time Professor turns their back to them, Riley tries to catch the swan, but with no success. Before the class ends, she quickly snatches the swan and smiles broadly at Sebastian. Maybe he is not ignoring her, after all.

When the class finishes, Riley makes sure to take her time. After a quick chat with Professor, she heads out and bumps into Sebastian, waiting outside.

"Oh, hello," Riley says, cheerfully, and smiles at Sebastian.

"Glad to see that my little antics brought a glimmer of happiness to your day. You looked rather concerned," Sebastian says and places his hand on Riley's shoulder, squeezing lightly.

"Just a bit tired," Riley decides not to voice her worries. After Feldcroft he surely has a lot on his mind, no need to add more.

"It seems more of a concern rather than fatigue. But I will not press," He says and they start heading down the stairs together.

"How come you're not with Ominis?" Riley asks, not recalling a single moment in the past two days when she saw Sebastian and Ominis together.

"He is being a bit difficult and stubborn lately. But then again, what's new" Sebastian shrugs and Riley chuckles.

As they are walking side by side, their chatter turns to everything and nothing. It feels so good to hang out, and as the conversation is flowing effortlessly, Riley is glad for this friendship, which hopefully grows into something more.

Parting ways near the Ravenclaw Tower, Riley is heading to the Common Room, a subtle smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Joining Erin, Amit and Everett, Riley sits down in one of the comfy armchairs and starts elaborating on charms homework. Professor Ronen asked them to find as many uses for summoning spells as possible, and the four of them are enjoying creating different scenarios, one wilder than another. She cannot imagine any other house having this much fun with homework.

Heading for dinner, Riley is feeling relaxed and not bothered at all.

"Riley, listen, I've got access to some old school brooms, wanna go for a little round trip during the weekend when it gets dark?" Everett drops his voice so Erin and Amit cannot hear them, as they both made themselves very clear about sneaking out of the castle or class to fly around.

"That would be great. When would be the best?" Riley asks and slows down a bit, letting Erin and Amit walk in front of them.

"Probably Saturday evening, as many classmates are heading to Hogsmeade, so it's gonna be easy to blend in in the evening and not to attract attention" Everett suggests and Riley nods in agreement. Before they rejoin Erin and Amit, they bump their fists to seal the deal.

The moment they walk into the Great Hall, Riley's eyes travel through the room, and she spots both of them, but they are not at the table. Sebastian and Ominis are standing on the side, where no one can hear them, and they seem to be either having a very lively discussion or arguing. Not being able to hear anything and not wanting to be suspicious, she joins her friends at the Ravenclaw table, making sure she is facing the way where Sebastian and Ominis are.