Passionate Professors || Sebastian Sallow

Part 1 | Ch. 7 - Almost

The library was the best place I could think of to concentrate on my work. It was one of the places in Hogwarts I felt most at ease and at the moment where my thoughts were taking me to a dark part of my mind, I needed it.

The bookshelves surpassed higher and farther than I could see. They stretched the entire perimeter, waiting for someone to peruse. The first floor, lined with rows of dark shelves, some short and some tall, created little alcoves with comfy chairs. Each nook was themed to a different previous Hogwarts' librarian. My favorite was Betsy Grottle, hers had a velvet armchair in a faded yellow and dull pink flower pattern, a cherrywood end table holding a green and gold candle lamp, and her preferred books, all about obscure herbal remedies. One time, I'd read a page about an antidote to cure a twitchy eye.

The librarian's desk sat near the entryway, typically covered in damaged books that were in need of repair or unsent notices of late fees. I giggled to myself thinking of all the times Sebastian and I snuck by that very desk and into the Restricted Section.

The second floor, where I preferred to study, was more open, bright paned windows inviting the warm sun in. More towering rows of bookshelves were perpendicular to the wall creating smaller rows. But the best time to be studying upstairs was at night when the moon and stars were out, casting a soothing glow.

For now, I settled into a desk near the spiral stairs but hidden away from prying eyes, not that there were many of those lately without students around. I felt the heat of the sun on my neck, a similar sensation to someone's eyes boring into me, watching me. I placed my hand on the skin where the rays kissed my neck.

I spent a lot of time in the library, especially during seventh year, studying for my N.E.W.T.s. Sebastian used to accompany me during those late nights as he studied for his in Potions. Ominis preferred studying in the quiet of his dorm, leaving the two of us alone most evenings.

"Want to head to the Undercroft?" Sebastian nudged me, yawning audibly. It was at least midnight and the only reason we were allowed outside our dorms at this hour was because we were studying. We had been there since right after dinner, always closing the place down.

"No, I still have two more chapters to go through, then I need to get some sleep," I replied, returning his yawn. I was annoyed with him asking for the third time in the last hour.

"We've been at it for hours! My brain can't absorb any more information tonight." He whined, grabbing my free hand and squeezing it. He always did this, distracted me just enough to where I'd give in to his advances. I rolled my eyes, putting my quill down for a moment.

"I know what it is," his voice lowered and he leaned in close. I could practically taste the peppermint gum in his mouth. "You know we're not going to get much studying done if we head to the Undercroft alone." He insinuated playfully, moving his hand to my thigh. My body ignited as a heat wave went through my body at his touch, his thumb drawing circles on my leg.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I answered, pretending to look away in disgust before returning with a smirk, pushing his hand away gently. "I'm too tired anyway, Sebastian."

We had been dating for a month and were inseparable. It was a miracle we weren't attached at the mouth during all hours of the day. We couldn't fight the urge to keep our hands off each other when we were alone either. Most of our late night studying sessions ended with us sneaking off to explore our steamy desires, giving into temptation. My Slytherin roommates caught on quickly when I didn't return to bed for a few days in a row.

"Okay fine, I really just want to snuggle up next to you and listen to your snores, I won't do anything more," he made a motion crossing his heart, taking my hands again as he pleaded in a whisper-yell, "I just want to get out of this godforsaken library."

"Yeah you're right, let's get out of here," I agreed, packing up my stuff, "but we're going to bed, I'm exhausted."

"That's my girl," he whispered into the curve of my ear.

Sebastian led us to the Undercroft where we could fall asleep in each other's arms. Not that we did much sleeping that night.

As I sunk back into my work, I saw out of the corner of my eye a movement on the first floor. I assumed some other professors may come through, looking for a book or needing a quiet spot to work but I really didn't want to run into anyone. I couldn't make out who it was but found my curiosity getting the best of me. I quietly leaned closer to the railing, peeking over the side.

A figure stood with his back to me, his fingertips running over the spines on the shelf. He was wearing black pants and a tucked in white button up shirt. The sleeves were rolled up neatly and the thin fabric tugged at his biceps. His hair was dark brown with hints of deep red undertones that only shone in the sunlight, coiffed deliberately atop his head. He rubbed the side of his face, where a slight prickly stubble had grown. I recognized the boy instantly, only he wasn't a boy anymore, he was a man. A man I hadn't seen or heard from in ten years.

Only now, he exuded a seriousness about him, radiated an aura of leave-me-the-hell-alone. A side of him I was unfamiliar with and wasn't looking to interact with anytime soon.

Panicking, I retreated further into my corner upstairs, not ready to meet Sebastian Sallow face to face yet. My heart raced in anticipation, dizzying my vision.

Of course I knew I'd inevitably run into him, we were both Professors at the same school. But I needed to do a few things to make myself feel more ready to come face to face with him. One of which was to visit Gladrags and tidy up my wardrobe. I had to make a good impression after all this time, right?

After a few minutes had passed, I looked in the same spot where he had been standing. He must've left without realizing I was there watching him hopelessly and pathetically over the balcony. Part of me wondered if it was just a figment of my imagination before seeing an empty rectangular slot on the shelf below.

Sinking back into my chair, I breathed deeply. Sweat had formed on my hairline and my heart was still beating fast. I ran my fingers through my damp hair and wiped my palms on my skirt, breathing out another slow breath with a whoosh.

——

Once again the Great Hall was practically empty with the exception of a few Professors peppered throughout minding their own business. The enchanted ceiling shone colors of cotton candy blues and pinks above the lit candles.

Making my way to the closest table, I began to sit down before noticing Sebastian standing near the podium. His back was turned and he was deep in conversation with Professor Ronen, the book he just picked out tucked under his arm. He shifted on his feet and nodded along to whatever they were talking about. I watched briefly before looking down at myself. My wrinkled shirt and skirt not doing me any favors compared to how handsome he looked, at least from the back. I'd never been the type to fuss over my wardrobe but when it came to Sebastian, it didn't surprise me he was already driving me crazy.

I shoveled food quickly on a plate. Pillowy mashed potatoes, baked chicken, steamed carrots, and a heavily buttered roll. I swiftly turned on my heel, taking my meal to eat in my room, not in the mood to make small talk with Garreth either.

Upon returning to my room, I wrote a letter to Poppy, pleading for her to come with me to Hogsmeade tomorrow. I opened my window and a brown owl flew over to me, perching itself on the sill.

"Hoo hoot," she greeted me as I rolled the parchment up, remembering I hadn't sent my dad's letter out either. I placed each in her clawed foot, giving the owl a small carrot before sending her off.

I bit into the bread roll looking around the room. I still hadn't unpacked my trunk in all the busy chaos of my first two days. With a flick of my wand, shirts, skirts, and dresses swirled around the room, tucking themselves into the wooden armoire. Shoes lined themselves up on the rack near the door. Socks, tights, and panties neatly folded themselves into drawers. The trunk slid under the bed. A clean room equaled a clean mind and I'd do whatever it took to ensure it stayed that way.

I returned to my dinner, spearing the chicken with my fork and eating it, savoring the flavor. Prickles of anxiety flitted across my skin after almost running into Sebastian twice today.

How is it after all this time, the thought of him still turned me into a frantic, pathetic puddle?