Consuming Darkness: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter 4

      -Ronnie-

   Class dragged by but I was happy to be back. There was at least much more to occupy my mind here than there had been over the summer. I planned to go to Hogsmeade to grab supplies for classes after potions, which was my last class. Also, I needed to go to the library to see if there was a sleep potion I could brew, and maybe look for more about ancient magic.

   Sebastian had been trying to catch my eye all day. At first, he tried to make a dumb face to make me laugh or a smirk which made my brain go fuzzy. I smirked back mockingly and rolled my eyes.

   After our last class, Sebastian walked up to me, blocking the door so that I could not avoid him no matter how hard I tried. He leaned up against the door frame letting the other students pass him. His cocky grin always returned to me and the freckles spattered across his nose were so cute, it was hard to be too annoyed at him. Truly I just felt guilty about enabling him as he went further and further into the dark arts. Maybe his uncle would still be alive if I had chosen differently... maybe Sebastian wouldn't have to carry the guilt I know he does...

   "Hello darling," he mused as I finally approached him and I couldn't help but smile at the nickname, and his charming demeanor. He moved away from the door frame and walked with me out into the hallway.

   "Well you seem chipper today," I teased.

   "Well I'm just happy to be back," he nudged me. I nudged him back. "Want to come with me to the Undercroft?"

   "Sounds fun, but I need to do a few things."

   "Like what?"

   I laughed. "I need to go to Hogsmeade for a few things and I'm hoping that if I have time I can go to the library," I responded.

   "You know what... I also need to go to Hogsmeade so we can just go together. I also love the library," he eyed me with a cheeky grin on his face. "Thank you for inviting me!"

   I chuckled and rolled my eyes. I had wanted some time alone after being around everyone all day, I felt drained, but how could I resist Sebastian and all his charm? "Alright you can come, but we're flying to Hogsmeade."

   "Sounds like a date!" He remarked as he began to walk towards the front door of the castle and I followed.

   "Not a date, Sallow." Though a large part of me wished it was. I wished things were different... but they weren't. I was playing a dangerous game in spending time with him, with letting myself fall into the comfort that was Sebastian Sallow. 

   He just shrugged with a chuckle.

   We raced to Hogsmeade, my heart beat pounding as we landed. I had beaten him, and Sebastian tended to be a poor loser, but all in good fun. He was a really good flyer and now that Quidditch was back this year he was planning on trying out for the team. Imelda had practically begged me to be on the team but I refused. It was one more thing on my plate this year that I didn't need and one more thing that forced me to be around Sebastian. 

   He followed me around Hogsmeade, not buying anything for himself. I could feel him watching me. I didn't want to let him know that I wasn't doing okay. I didn't want him to know I was hurting. He had his own trials to deal with, and Sebastian was good at keeping things light. It was so easy to be with him. Almost as if the end of 6th year hadn't been as traumatic for the both of us as it was. We got back later than I expected and I was tired. I also didn't want Sebastian to know why I needed to go to the library.

   "I'm tired, I think I'll just go to the library tomorrow."

   He face softened with concern.

   "The library is open as late as you want it to be, and I'm willing to go at any hour."