Passionate Professors || Sebastian Sallow

Part 1 | Ch. 26 - Sorting Ceremony

With my new revelation about Ominis, I needed to talk to Sebastian, but that would be no easy feat. Accusing his best friend, the closest thing he had to family left, of being the reason for our pain and hurt over the last ten years would surely rip him apart. I had to be calculating on where, when, and how I brought it up, making sure that when I do, I have my story straight. If not, the confession could be the beginning of our undoing.

There was no denying Ominis' involvement in pulling the wool over Sebastian's eyes. As much as he thought he was protecting him, he took away our chance at a life together. Yes, there was still time to reconcile but all that time we lost, we'd never get back.

It couldn't be tonight. With the buzz of the student's arrival, the staff party afterwards, there wouldn't be a good moment. Maybe Wednesday, when we met again for the partner program to talk about joining our classes and our idea for a dueling club. Only when the time was right.

I cleaned myself up, not wanting to wait any longer to wear my new dress, wondering what Sebastian would think of it. I powdered my cheeks with a pink blush, swiped the mascara wand over my lashes, and pouted my lips for my mauve lipstick. The mirror showed me a different woman than when I arrived at Hogwarts the month before.

A spark ignited in my eyes. I was more confident with myself, albeit still hurt and confused by the past, I was healing.

I threaded the enchanted curling rollers through my hair, letting them work their magic before they released perfectly bouncy curls. I fluffed them out, adding volume to the look. I hoped that Sebastian would lose his mind over me tonight, especially after what he said earlier.

"You don't want to know what I'm going to do to you later."

The thought sent shivers down my spine and my whole body shuddered in anticipation.

I had totally forgotten about the staff party following the feast tonight. The purpose was to celebrate the kickoff of a new school year. We were allowed to invite friends and family, another thing I neglected to consider. I hurriedly wrote a letter to Poppy and Leander Prewett, hoping the late notice wouldn't hold them back from coming. Knowing this, I had to assume Sebastian would invite Ominis and perhaps even Willow Flavia, which worried me. Maybe he would see how tense and awkward Ominis acted around me and I wouldn't have to reveal what he had done. Maybe he would pick up on it for himself.

The brown owl happened to be at my window with a letter. I traded the pieces of parchment, the owl "hoo hooting" as she looked for a treat in return. Once again, having nothing, she pecked at my fingers and flew off to deliver my rushed letter to Poppy.

Unrolling the parchment, I read the note, which was from my dad.

"Professor Eversley (it sounds so great doesn't it?),

I hope this letter reaches you. It took me a while for me to find an owl that knew what to do, I got quite a few bites on my hands in the process. This feisty one seemed to understand what I was talking about.

Everything is great over here, Biscuit and I are enjoying the last days of summer, thankful the house isn't as hot now. I'm so proud of you, mum would be too. If I have one piece of advice it's have fun and don't put too much pressure on yourself. You're going to do great things there.

I love you, G.
Dad"

I held the letter close to my heart, smiling at the contents before rereading it again. It made me so happy to hear from him, a weight lifting off my shoulders that I hadn't realized was even there.

——

The Hogwarts Express would be arriving within the hour and the professors were expected either assisting the students or waiting to greet them in the Great Hall. With no formal duties assigned, I set out for where the Sorting Ceremony would soon take place.