Storms ⌲ Sebastian Sallow

4. ✭this is only another test✭

☼Modern Soundtrack: Show Me What I'm Looking For by Carolina Liar☼

~

"So, what's the reason for this adventure into the Restricted Section?" Sebastian asked as we walked side by side down the spiraling stairs.

Here is where I began to catch him up on everything about Viktor Rookwood, and why there was a certain confrontation at the Three Broomsticks. I am sure glad that Sirona was there.

At this point, we both cast our disillusionment spells and began entering the library. But before we knew it, Peeves appeared out of thin air and threatened to get us caught. Sebastian took the blame for me. However, what mattered is I found the book, although the pages were missing.

____

The next morning, I woke up to an owl from Sebastian, asking me to meet him down near a place called the "Undercroft."

He led me to the secret passage as I began to trudge my way down the stairs into this dark, eerie underground of the castle.

"Am I going to get in trouble, Sebastian?" I asked in a low mutter. He chuckled - meeting his gaze with mine.

"Have I mentioned how cute it is when you don't trust me?" My cheeks started to redden.

"It is not about being cute, it is the fact that Professor Fig told me not to abandon my studies, I'm here for a reason," I retorted, but he simply laughed. He then gave me a sweet smile.

"Well, it is sure difficult to focus on your studies when Garreth is drooling over you in Potions class."

I shot him a sudden glance. Was he getting jealous?

"You wouldn't suppose he is merely being respectful, would you?" I asked as he made a sudden stop in front of me - almost to the point where my body collided with his - but I had regained my balance.

"Nobody in Merlin's name is going to be respectful to you unless they want something from you," he spoke with a sad tone. He then placed his arm on my shoulder.

"But you are quite respectful?"

"It is because I need you just as much as you need me." I narrowed my eyes at him. The charming demeanor of this boy was something else.

"I think maybe you are jealous I am getting attention from someone other than you for once," I spoke quickly. His expression remained aloof. "Other peers can help me around the castle - it may take a load off your shoulders... Don't you think?"

"Perhaps you're onto something. But is it the truth? Who knows," he shrugged coyly and I bit my lip in suppressed anger. This loves me, loves me not game was quite the mess.

"If you don't know, then you must be just fine with me pursuing a friendship with Garreth." He averted his Auburn eyes that sparkled under the dimness of the Undercroft. His immense freckles became more and more apparent when he turned his face in humiliation.

"If that is what you desire, Cel." You are what I desire. "Now promise to me you won't tell Ominis that I showed you down here."

"Why, is it a secret?"

"It's not just for Ominis and me, but for my sister, Anne..." He trailed off as we halted at the foot of the stairs.

"Your sister?"

"She was cursed by a goblin. This is the exact reason as to why I dabble in the dark arts." He looked at me with raised eyebrows. "In the hopes to save her."

I nodded at that but had a million thoughts racing through my mind. I couldn't believe he had opened up to be like that, especially in this eerie chamber.

"I hope you the best, Sebastian." He smiled to himself. A quite cheeky smile - that etched lines around his freckled cheeks.

"We must get to Herbology class. Professor Garlick won't appreciate it if we are late," he suddenly suggested. I nodded as we began running back up the stairs.

____

Once we arrived, Professor Garlick introduced herself to me and asked me to stand next to Sebastian and watch him while I didn't have all my botanic materials together.

As his mandrake's stood in front of us, he turned to look at me - his face practically in the crook of my neck.

"I can't quite focus on my studies when you're drooling on me," he whispered and I felt a shiver go down my spine.

"Oh, I'm not Garreth, don't paint me like that," I chuckled.

"Speaking of, we do have Potions later today. You mustn't adhere to his Weasley tactics."

"And those are?" I asked as he pulled the mandrake out and it began to scream. Then he placed it in a new pot.

"Well, you'll just have to find out, won't you? It won't be long."

____

As Potions class started, I walked over and sat next to Garreth.

"I apologize for the other day, Garreth. You were being friendly to me and I wasn't paying attention," I spoke as I opened up my textbook.

"Oh, it's nothing. I know you are in cahoots with Sallow."

"It's not that, he just decided to be my castle tour guide, if you will."

"Well, if I may be honest, I can be a much better guide. My family ancestors know this castle much better than the Sallow family," he boasted and I looked into the corner of the classroom - seeing Sebastian's leer in my peripheral vision.

"I will have to take you up on that. I'm sure you could show me things Sebastian couldn't." After I said that, he looked pleased with himself.

"Look out for my owl tomorrow. Then we can." I nodded and we began to focus on our activity.