The Serpent and The Bird

Heart to Heart

Sebastian grabbed her before she reached the floor, lifting her up in his arms. Her chest was raising slowly, she was breathing. Thanks Merlin.

But she was so badly hurt.

He hastened his pace through the forest, back to the castle and halfway there the figures of multiple professors appeared in front of him.

- Mister Sallow! - Professor Weasley was in front of the rest and she quickly approached Sebastian while looking at Everleigh laying on his arms, with a concerned look. - Goodness gracious, what happened to her?

- The trolls... they got her. - He didn't want to give out too much information. Everleigh hadn't shared anything about her abilities with the teaching staff at Hogwarts, except professor Fig. Speaking of which, he was right behind professor Weasley and exchanged a meaningful look with Sebastian.

Sebastian could see on Fig's face he was blaming himself for what had happened.

- Let's take her to the infirmary immediately. - Professor Weasley looked at Sebastian. - We can carry her, Mister Sal...

- I'll carry her. - His tone was cutting. Professor Weasley stared at him and then at Everleigh. She nodded.

- Very well. Let's hurry.

                                 *************

Sebastian carefully set her body on one of the beds by the back of the infirmary. Her blonde hair was covered in blood, dirt and twigs and her face was more pale than usual. He felt a knot on his stomach as he looked down at her.

- Noreen, is she going to be alright? - Professor Weasley asked nurse Blainey, that had a horrified expression on her face.

- Oh, dear Merlin. Poor girl. What happened to her, Matilda?

- She faced the trolls that attacked the school tonight.

- And she defeated them? Oh, Heavens.

Sebastian took a step back while the nurse was examining Everleigh and looked around to the multiple students that were laying in the infirmary. There was some blood and groans of pain, but as far as he could tell, everyone was alive and had escaped major damages.

- Mister Sallow. - Professor Weasley finally turned to Sebastian. - I would like the nurse to check on you before you leave the infirmary.

- I'm fine, professor. I'd prefer to stay by her, if that's alright with you. - He pointed at Everleigh with his head.

- I understand your concern, but nurse Blainey has the situation under control. Miss Greyson is in good hands now. Besides, your sister and Mister Gaunt were beside themselves when they informed us where you two were headed. Perhaps it's best you go meet them and placate their nerves.

Sebastian nodded, glancing at Everleigh one more time. She looked terrible but her face was so peaceful, like she was sleeping. He could only hope her pain wasn't too unbearable when she gained consciousness again.

When he was turning to leave, professor Weasley spoke one more time.

- Oh, Mister Sallow. Please, wait for me in the Headmaster's office after you've reached your sister and Mister Gaunt. We need to speak about what happened tonight.

Sebastian simply nodded again and left the hospital wing, heading down to the Slytherin common room. The wrath of the trolls had been terrible. Professors and prefects were using a Reparo spell to piece the school back together, but it still looked pretty bad.