Me and the Devil: Sebastian Sallow

Chapter TWENTY SIX - Tintype

When Sebastian finally rose to his feet, he squeezed his friend's hand in return, tapped it twice and then took a step backwards. Ominis seemed hesitant to leave his friend's side, shuffling his feet and clutching the edge of his own sleeve.

"I'm fine. Thank you. Sorry- Just- needed a moment." Sebastian shook his head and chuckled distantly.

I could have sworn there was a rock tumbling from my throat to my gut.

Professor Hecat suggested that the three of us take a walk to get some fresh air. "It would do you some good." She squeezed Sebastian's shoulder and he smiled thankfully but there was nothing behind his eyes. A chill ran down my spine and thrust through my arms. I squeezed my fingers into my palm to stop the sensation.

I collected our things, handing Ominis his wand and placing his books into my bag. I slung Sebastian's bag over my shoulder too but his hand caught mine and pulled it off gently.

"How about I carry yours as well?"

"I'm really more than capable to carry my own." I teased gently.

"Oh I know." He winked.

I wanted to enjoy the jest but it felt off. I smiled anyway.

As soon as we stepped out of the classroom Sebastian whirled on both of us.

"I could do for a nice Butterbeer?" He elbowed Ominis, raised an eyebrow to me. "Anyone else?"

"Of course." Ominis spoke quietly.

"That sounds lovely." I nodded.

Sebastian's grin widened and I saw a flicker or the real Sebastian beneath this facade.

----

The warm sun and cool breeze really did do some good as Professor Hecat had promised. The wind brushed against our skin and calmed our hearts. Sebastian and Ominis chatted excitedly (or as "excited" as I had ever heard Ominis' tone) over some first year drama and something about mermaids in the Slytherin common room.

I gave them their space, not wanting to intrude. Instead, I let my mind wander to the promise Sebastian had made to take me to Feldcroft this weekend. The idea of him getting to spend some time with his sister crumbled a few of the rocks in my gut, but they were immediately replaced with the realization that my first interaction with Anne wouldn't be in her home. Instead, it would forever be the skeletal girl in the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.

"Barlowe! Get up here!" Sebastian kicked some rocks back at me. "Ominis has something he wants to tell you."

Ominis fluttered. "Wha- I- Sebastian-."

For such a well spoken wizard, it was amusing how easily Sebastian made him stutter.

Jogging out of my thoughts, I fell in line with the boys and we continued walking. Sebastian on my left and Ominis on my right.

"Go ahead and tell the young lady what you just said to me." Sebastian bumped by arm playfully and watched Ominis' cheeks blush.

"I'd really rather not."

"Ominis thinks you're a sweetheart." 

My insides did a little turn at the way he said the word.

Ominis rubbed his face with his free hand, the other held steadily out front - red light of his wand glimmering in the sun.

"Merlin Sebastian. Why must you make everything sound so inappropriate. I was only telling Sebastian that I think you are a sweet girl. I meant nothing of the romantic sort by it."