Like Moths to a Flame // Sebastian Sallow x Male MC [Book One]

Chapter Three: We All Flock to It

It was just Sebastian's luck that he would run into Madam Scribner on his way to meet the new boy.

"Mr. Sallow!" she yelled down the hallway as Sebastian tried in vain to hide himself by running into a gaggle of older girls talking amongst themselves.

"Excuse me, ladies. Do me a favor?" His eyes drifted to their yellow robes. Alas, Hufflepuffs. They wouldn't be much help.

They goggled at him, eyes wide as a Mooncalf's. Perhaps if he ducked... but no, he was unceremoniously grabbed by the sleeve and yanked out of the circle. The elderly librarian was apparently stronger than she looked.

"A book is missing from the Restricted Section and I know it was you!"

"Ah, Madam Scribner. Now what would ever make you think that?" Sebastian graced her with the most innocent smile he could muster.

"Don't you try that with me, Sebastian. I overheard Everett tell a friend that he saw you sneaking around last night. You know those books are restricted for a reason."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

She adjusted her glasses and glared with conviction. "If you don't hand over the book right this instant I foresee detention in your immediate future."

Sebastian was about to retort again, only for Professor Weasley to walk directly into their tête-à-tête.

"Professor Weasley!" he exclaimed.

"Mr. Sallow. Madam Scribner, my apologies for the intrusion." She curtsied politely at the librarian. "On your way, I see?" she directed at Sebastian.

"Yes, ma'am."

"In fact, it seems you are about to be late."

He adjusted his knapsack on his shoulder. "Oh, is that so?"

"You don't want to keep the new student waiting."

"No, that would be quite rude of me."

She waved her hand. "Now hurry along."

"Yes, ma'am!" Sebastian bolted. Merlin, that was a close one. Sebastian wiped a bead of sweat from his brow.

As Sebastian rounded the corner, it appeared Professor Weasley needn't have worried about him being late. Damien wasn't even here yet. Probably too busy getting lost in the labyrinthine corridors of Hogwarts. To be fair, in his first year Sebastian once got lost for three hours trying to find his way to the Astronomy Tower. Anne had laughed about it for weeks.

His reverie was quickly interrupted.

"Hello, Sebastian," Damien grinned down at him. The new boy was surprisingly tall, almost as tall as Ominis.

"Ah! My new charge," he said, deciding that his next few words should be as congenial as possible. You know, to make certain Damien knew that he wasn't fazed by anything. Certainly not losing a duel. No, never. "I'm told you're in dire need of supplies and I'm to accompany you into Hogsmeade for them. Is this your first foray into the village?"

"It is. I haven't left the castle since I arrived." He looked down at his feet bashfully. Hm, was Damien embarrassed to admit he hadn't explored much? Or, was Damien keeping something from him? Intriguing.

"Well, I shall endeavor to be the very best of guides then," he said. "Hogsmeade's a charming little place. Self-contained, too. We should be able to find you everything that you need. Shall we?"

Sebastian opened the grand doors for Damien and led the way outside. It was a beautiful day for a jaunt to Hogsmeade.

Never one to enjoy silence, Sebastian picked the conversation back up. "I was glad Professor Weasley asked me to join you today," he said.